Explore the World!
|
Top Iowa Wine ToursOne of the greatest ways to spend an afternoon is by sampling new wine pairings at your favorite winery. There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, but finding a vineyard to talk about what your senses are taking in really does top the cake. Here is a list of wineries in and around the Des Moines area that offer wine tours, tastings, and other events. (more)
Chaitea Foodhaus: the First Gluten Free Restaurant in Barcelona SpainEating healthy is the new in! Two life-long friends open the first gluten-free restaurant in beautiful Barcelona, Spain,
It’s after 8:00 pm with temperatures in the low 40s. Exhaustion settles in from the past ten days traveling around Spain. Finally, a gluten-free restaurant. And it’s only a 10-minute walk away from the Airbnb I’m staying at. Voices compete as they raise over the music. Lots of friends and family eating, drinking and sharing laughs. A full house. (more) Top 10 Things to do in SeattleWhether you are new to the city or are intimately familiar with it, many adventures await. People are one of the best things about Seattle. Activities abound, including volunteer efforts, workshops, book readings, yoga classes and fitness camps, so you can find at least one thing that interests you. With that in mind, here are 10 must-do activities. (more)
Bannerman's Island, Hudson River, New YorkApproximately 50 miles north of New York City, there is a locale called the Hudson Valley. Some of us are lucky enough to live here. Others come for a visit. A day trip, a weekend, some stay for a week. There is long list of things to do and see up here... (more)
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and SpaThe Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa offers a dynamic experience with world class amenities and lovely ocean views.
Your visit will be an experience you won't soon forget. Sensory illumination is in full effect as the world class amenities at this luxurious hotel offer you a full palate during your stay. (read more) Viral Videos: Moose on the LooseTheresa & CJ's "Moose Encounter" in Banff, Canada has been viewed over 3 million times, as of this date.
This moose was probably about 3-5 years old so he was big…..but not the biggest. (click for more) Don't be an "Ugly American" or a Viral VideoTo avoid being an asshat, the rules we follow at home should also serve double duty while traveling. Number #1 on the hit parade, in polite society, is the “Golden Rule” … do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
This is a great rule and covers a variety of situations. For instance… (more) Autumn in TuscanyThere are various good reasons to choose Tuscany in autumn, even if only for a short break or a romantic escape. Together with the spring, the fall is probably the best period to visit this land loved for its relaxing atmosphere, peaceful places, culture and history.
Here are 6 great reasons to start planning your trip to Tuscany right now... (more) Orlando's "Sweet Mama's" CafeGot a sweet tooth or a craving for comfort food? Sweet Mama’s lives up to it’s name.
If you’re flying into Orlando, chances are you’re hungry by the time your flight lands. If it is earlier in the day you’re in luck. Lake Nona is a community ("Medical City" is located here) just a short drive from the airport and, if you’re looking for something beyond the fast food, or chain restaurant airport fare, “Sweet Mama’s” is a great choice. (more) Alaska: Politics and the EnvironmentAmidst controversy, political turmoil and a great deal of confusion, we are all clamoring to get the facts straight when it comes to the candidate we think will handle the position with the sharpest skills, the most diplomatic touch and of course, continue to enhance the United States’ image in the eyes of a global society. (more)
Jake's on a PlaneRecently, I attended a volunteer orientation at Spokane Humane Society, where I learned that more than 75% of their adoptable pets are surrendered by humans from the local community. A leading reason for these pet surrenders involve the humans moving out of state. While I was surprised to learn these facts, it occurred to me, do humans not know that pets can fly out of state too? Do you want to travel with your pet, or do you want to be the most knowledgeable person at cocktail parties about pet air travel? (more)
Dominica: with Naturalist Elvis StedmanHere is a quick introduction to our newest Travel Reporter for Travel Writing Adventures: Elvis Stedman from Dominca. Elvis conducts adventure tours, as well as documenting them in videos and photos. A highly sought after guide, Elvis's education and knowledge of natural flora and fauna of the region has twice earned him the title of "Princess Cruise Line Tour Guide of the Year for Dominica." (more)
Historic August Seven Inn, Daytona BeachTo be honest, I wasn't expecting much when we booked our room at the August 7 Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sure, we looked at all the pictures on the website and even commented on the beautiful decor, but I was still skeptical all the same.
There had been too many B&B's that we have visited in the past where their website looked top notch and elegant, taken before the place was opened and was fresh and new. But upon arriving we found them to be run down, smelly, even unkempt. Truly as if we were visiting an elderly relative. Not so at the August 7 Inn... (more) Lunigiana: Valley of the Moon
The name Lunigiana probably comes from the devotion to the myth of the Moon (Lunae in Latin) of the ancient inhabitants of Luni, an important city at the time of Roman Empire, founded in 177 BC. That’s why Lunigiana is also considered the valley of the Moon. (more)
Central Florida:
|
Family Friendly Fun in IowaAlthough the state of Iowa is not a traditional family vacation hot spot, it is a great place to gather with family. Located in the heart of the Midwest, most of the state is just a day’s drive from the major population centers of the region, think Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and more.
Though the “Hawkeye State” is known for its corn production, Iowa’s entertainment scene is nothing to scoff at. The state offers music lovers of all types the chance to see a concert, with country, classic rock, hip hop and pop stars all making stops throughout the state. (more) Miami Beach, The Ritz and Bill Baggs State ParkKey Biscayne is a barrier Island that sits just South of Miami Beach and is the home of Bill Baggs State Park and the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.
The town of Key Biscayne, which is accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway, sits right between two parks... Crandon Park (formerly a zoo and still home to a variety of birds lizards and turtles) and Bill Baggs State Park. (more) Civita Di Bognoregio, Italy
I knew of this town called Civita Di Bognoregio via Rick Steves, the Travel Guru, who filmed one of the episodes from his travel show here. It is a stunningly beautiful example of a medieval city and a "must see" if you are in the area... (more)
Next Vacay - My Next "Go To" Travel Site?Next Vacay was developed to automatically search countless airfare sites, finding the best deals from your home airport (and those surrounding) which are then delivered right to your inbox. (more)
An Edgy View of Chattanooga, TennesseeAn edgy video montage of beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, by Flint & Steel. (click)
Things to do in Key WestWhen it comes to having a great time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination. There's no shortage of local bars and legendary haunts to "drop in on" on any given day. Just don't try to do them all at once! (read more)
Grand Case in French St. Martin ...the Gourmet Capital of the CaribbeanThinking about the Caribbean Island of St Martin, for me, there is only side, the French Side. I had heard about St Martin. I knew half of the island was French. I like all things French. I go regularly to Quebec City, Canada, and I have toured the South of France. Nice, St Tropez, Cannes. But that’s another story. HERE I deal with the Caribbean. (click for more)
Impactful Travel: DAPLThere are those who choose their destinations based on a conscious choice in line with their personal values and ethics.
For some this means traveling with as little negative impact to the environment as possible. Others might avoid areas based on social justice issues, or animal rights issues. Volunteer Travel has gotten so big that there are whole companies devoted to it. You can travel to build schools in poverty areas, to be an intern for an environmental project, or to donate your expertise to an NGO (non governmental organization). Additionally, a big trend in travel today is to make an impact on an issue that one is passionate about. Some are traveling to volunteer for a nonprofit project, or to protest a social justice issue. Kit Karzen is a photojournalist who has traveled to North Dakota to lend support to, and to document, the Water Protectors at Standing Rock. (read more) Saving Democracy, One Bald Eagle at a Time, and other Wildlife RescueRecently the story of two Bald Eagles, the symbol of American freedom, went viral on the internet. It seemed that the two had been fighting over territory and had fallen from the sky into the grate of a sewer drain, where one of them got stuck.
The drama drew a crowd of over 150 of my neighbors (this was just a couple miles from my home), and local TV had streaming coverage that got attention around the world. (more) "Seoul Man" Greg SamborskiGreg Samborski, in Seoul, Korea, has become known the world over for his interesting and unique photographic presentations of personal events, from engagements and weddings, to commercial shoots; each capturing something brilliantly special about the subject matter.
His photography has become so sought after that people often travel to him, in order to have him capture their memories. (more) Historic Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, KentuckyThe Seelbach Hilton is equal parts historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. It began as the dream of two Bavarian brothers – Otto and Louis Seelbach – in 1869 when Louis came to Louisville to learn the hotel business.
In 1903, after several years of running restaurants and gentleman’s clubs, the brothers began construction of a new hotel at the corner of 4th and Walnut Street (now Muhammad Ali), creating a lavish, turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Baroque hotel. (more) Orlando's Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts upcoming Fall and 2017 Line-up.ORLANDO: An exciting fall lineup of events will be presented at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts over the next few months. There’s a fabulous concert line up, the first ever introduction of a popular television game show (The Price is Right) and much more... (more)
Celebrating 75 Years at the Morse Museum in Winter Park, FloridaFounded in 1942, the Morse Museum is probably best known for its collection of Tiffany lamps and artifacts dating back to the early 1900’s. Louis Comfort Tiffany (1948 - 1933) began collecting pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded glass windows and lamps. The industrialist housed much of his art and architectural objects in his Long Island estate, “Laurelton Hall,” which included 20th century American paintings, graphics, decorative art, stained glass windows, art pottery and more.(more)
"Sunsets" ...a Lora Drasner Photo JourneyLora was married on the Grand Canal in Venice aboard a beautiful sailing yacht. Her 3 and a half year honeymoon aboard that yacht became a trip around the world and a book of the most amazing Sunsets captured on camera. (more)
Frankenmuth, Michigan:
|
Specialty Travel Blogs
We're looking for Partners specializing in unique areas of travel.
Coming soon: "Traveling as a Single Parent" and more!
You can be a Travel Writing Partner or Contributor
Join Edoardo and Nicola, two vibrant Tuscan travel lovers as they introduce you to the beauty of their home, and the delights they find in their own travels.
|
Michelle Valentine is an award winning columnist, writer and television producer. Her "Love and Romance" TV show is syndicated on over 100 channels.
Now you can share her world travels with her new show... "Love, Eat, Travel." |
Would you like your travel website or travel blog featured here? There is no cost, we welcome you as a contributor and partner.
We will promote you as a writer or contributor, link back to your blog, promote you on social media and in our newsletter and more... |