When the sun sets over Rio de Janeiro and the first drumbeats echo through the Sambadrome, the city transforms into a living, breathing masterpiece of rhythm and color. The Carnival Samba Parade isn’t just a celebration—it’s an explosion of sequins, soaring floats, thunderous percussion, and unstoppable joy. For a few unforgettable nights each year, samba…
Some travelers collect postcards. I collect pours. From swirling bold reds in centuries-old vineyards to clinking glasses of small-batch spirits in tucked-away distilleries, my favorite travel memories are measured in sips, not miles. There’s something magical about discovering a place through what’s in the glass — the history, the craftsmanship, the stories shared across the…
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor, the temple complex that was once the center of the Khmer Empire. The temples are the reason most people come. Angkor Wat gets the fame, but it has serious competition. Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei each hold their own. I went in expecting temples. I had not…
Iguazu Falls sits near the spot where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. The name is spelled Iguaçu in Portuguese and Iguazú in Spanish. Many people describe it as the largest waterfall system in the world. Roughly 275 individual falls make up the system, and that number rises and falls with the water level. The tallest…
My travels have taken me to many wonderful places around the globe. I have visited 51 countries so far, with more on the books for 2026 and 2027. Whether it is a bustling city or a small village, I love to explore new and exciting places. I began most of my travel in the late…
With so many choices of things to see and do in any given city, putting an effective itinerary together can be tricky. Picking the perfect things to do within the time you have there can be a daunting task. Considering a few key things can help make putting a travel itinerary together easy and stress-free….
Hotel choices are endless! Picking the perfect place to stay can be a daunting task. Considering a few key things can help make choosing a hotel easy and stress-free. When planning to travel, the hotel you choose can make or break your trip. I have discovered a few key things in my years of traveling…
I have had the opportunity to sail many times on three of the four Azamara ships and both of the Crystal ships since 2022. There are many similarities between the two ships and cruise lines, but there are also a few differences between the two. During five Azamara Cruises (on Journey, Pursuit, and Quest) and…
Are you considering traveling solo for the first time? Unsure about what it’s like or how to do it? I am a proud and happy solo traveler. Visiting 49 countries (and counting!) has taught me a lot about being a solo traveler. I have definitely learned and evolved along the way. Solo travel is a…
I have actively been traveling, domestically and internationally, for many years now. Over the years I have made a few key travel mistakes. While none of them completely ruined any one trip, they certainly caused a few headaches (and stress!) along the way. Hopefully you can take some of what I have learned and avoid…