Living it Up at Sofitel St. James

Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Sofitel St. James. For more, please read my disclosure policy. We arrive into the grand entry at Sofitel St. James. It’s been a long day, and it has only just begun. Around us, business people and families are spread throughout the posh lobby, readying themselves to take in theContinue reading “Living it Up at Sofitel St. James”

Where mod meets pop culture: Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco

Editor’s Note: I was a guest of Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, England. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy. Tucked into the posh Regent Square in the famous seashore of Brighton, England, is Hotel Pelirocco. This pink-halled 19-room hotel, dubbed “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel” isn’t just a place to sleep. The edgyContinue reading “Where mod meets pop culture: Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco”

History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina

We stand outside the cafe, a gorgeous stone terrace with little tables, overlooking the tranquil blue water of the Ligurian Sea (a far cry from the tumultuous experience the day before when attempting to take Cinque Terre’s water ferry). Mom and I stand waiting, our suitcases at our sides, when the owner of Alla MarinaContinue reading “History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina”

The world of vacation rentals

My mom and I arrive to Cinque Terre hours after we were supposed to, thanks to the Italian train strikes taking place on the day we hike it from photogenic Venice to Milan to La Spezia to Vernazza (whew). Exhausted, moderately grumpy and ready to take in the beauty of the Ligurian region, we exitContinue reading “The world of vacation rentals”

Gifts that give back: The feel good gift guide for travelers

‘Tis the season! This year, I did some research and dug up some of my favorite picks for the traveler in your life (or you!) with this handy gift guide. What makes this one different? This is a travel guide featuring sustainable gifts and ones that give back to local communities and foundations, perfect forContinue reading “Gifts that give back: The feel good gift guide for travelers”

Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour

The thick doors of St. Mark’s Basilica close behind us, shutting us off to the whir and clamor of the throngs of people in Venice and we step into the entryway of the historical and iconic St. Mark’s. Located in Piazzo San Marco and connected to the Doge’s Palace, in the most recognizable city in the worldContinue reading “Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour”

Group tours: are they worth it?

I’ve been on a few group tours in my day. During this most recent little jaunt from Thailand to Europe I went on three of these outings. The first was with Abraham Tours in Israel where we experienced Hebron and learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The second and third were with Roundabout Tours in SloveniaContinue reading “Group tours: are they worth it?”

In Earth’s belly: the Škocjan Cave

The droplets of water plunk down from the damp ceiling, ploink. Ploink. It sounds like a dripping faucet in a vacuum of silence as we all stand, meters below the surface of the earth, eyes adjusting to the nearly black surroundings. Ploink. Ploink. Ploink. It’s cold down here. Far colder than the day I envisionedContinue reading “In Earth’s belly: the Škocjan Cave”

Behind bars in Ljubljana: Hostel Celica review

You’d think sleeping inside a former military prison would be creepy. I even ask the manager of the property as she guides me down the dark, damp stairs to where solitary confinement used to be, a stone cave-like basement, if it is haunted. She chuckles and responds with a simple “no.” In fact, other thanContinue reading “Behind bars in Ljubljana: Hostel Celica review”