Hello! My name is Lauren Salisbury and I am the founder of Something In Her Ramblings, a travel blog dedicated to inspiring women and solo travelers to follow their dream of "seeing the world." Six months ago, on a windy and

Three years ago I lived in Melbourne, Australia. I spent 3 weeks backpacking up the East Coast, and in my travels encountered a graffitied wall that read: for those who can, live the dream.   These words have stuck with me these years

“Where do you live,” a gray haired woman asks me as we dip our toes in a hot tub at Four Seasons Hotel Houston and stare out at the Houston skyline as nighttime slowly engulfs the buildings and palm trees

You know what they say: Everything is bigger in Texas. And with a population of more than 2.1 million, Houston is not only the largest city in the Lone Star state, but the fourth largest city in America as well. While

Five years ago this week I moved to Florida to realize my dream of being a Disney Cast Member on the Disney College Program. As my final night in Orlando approached, where better place to spend the evening than the

  When people ask me where I am from my usual answer is California. I was born in the San Francisco Bay Area in the suburbs of San Jose. Though I moved to Maryland just before middle school, I’ve been fortunate

Lake Tahoe, California is a place that has been a vacation destination for my family for generations. My grandparents took my mother there on their yearly trips back East to visit family in Nebraska. My mother and father, as they

My family and I love road trips, and one of our absolute favorites is the road trip from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles! The drive from Lake Tahoe, though long, clocking in at eight hours plus, is quite scenic if

What better way to celebrate my sister Emma’s upcoming 22 birthday on August 22 than to belt “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22” with Taylor and 15,000 other fans? That's right. To celebrate in style we headed

It’s hard to believe that after all my preparations, in just one week I will begin my European adventures in Paris. I am moving to Madrid to teach English at an Elementary school, but first will spend a few days

Welcome to Los Angeles – land of movie stars, sunshine, miles of traffic and… tar pits? A Farmer's Market? Yes, that’s right, amidst the urban downtown setting is Hancock Park, home to La Brea Tar Pits. Nearby, is the city's

I am moving to Madrid to teach English and pursue my dream of living in Europe. Before I start my new job, I traveled around France and Italy for a few weeks. The first stop on my itinerary was Paris. I

Anyone who has ever been to Paris will tell you the same thing: there is so much to do in Paris you will be overwhelmed. After thumbing through the visitors guides and map I picked up at the airport I quickly

Just a 40-minute and 8,40 Euro train ride away from the center of Paris is the Chateau de Versailles, one of the most famous royal palaces in the world. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge by King Louis XIII in 1624,

Biking along the Seine through the French countryside to the town of Giverny, it feels surreal to be in the landscape made famous by so many artists of the 1800’s. Pedaling through the hills, past quaint shops selling flower seeds

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” Some quotes just stick with you, and

Dear 24, It’s our last few hours together and I wanted to write you this letter to tell you how much you mean to me. Even before I met you, I knew you would be a powerful, important year in my life. 

It’s no secret that I’m what my family likes to call a “Disney freak.” I grew up on Disneyland, read every Disney history book I could get my hands on in college, and worked at Walt Disney World in Florida

Though my time here was filled with moving sites of incredible beauty and importance, it was also interlaced with moments of frustration. From accidentally ordering duck pate (ewww) to the lack of public restrooms (an inalienable American right I will never

Welcome to Vatican City, headquarters of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope. A soverign city-state landlocked in western Rome, Vatican City is home to 840 residents, and at 110-acres, this is the smallest country in the world. It

Though the Roman Empire fell in the late 400’s, its spirit of innovative power is still alive and well in the modern city center thanks to well-preserved ruins and historical sites. Discovering the mysteries of this ancient culture warrants at least

Walking up to the Colosseum in Rome is not much unlike walking up to a modern day football stadium. Entering under through cooled arches of stone, the open corridors echo the excitement of queued tourists. Wear and tear of the ruins aside,

Whereas the streets of Paris are laced with an open-air elegance, the streets of Rome are quaint and narrow, capped with shadows that shroud each street with its own charming secrets. Rome is made to be discovered on foot, on

In almost every country I’ve been to I have found the locals are connected by a favorite vacation spot in their country they love so much that they do their best to convince international tourists to visit. In Australia it

I knew better than to listen to them. The claims of Ischia’s beauty coming from the fast talking New York couple on my Capri boat tour were just too grand to be true, and obviously inflated by their access to a

Rough rocks massaged my feet as I waded through the steaming waters of the Biagno Giapponese pool at the Poseidon Gardens Thermal Park on the island of Ischia. As I climbed a small set of stairs and down another to

Every historical landmark I’ve ever visited has, without fail, contained two staples: overpriced bottles of water and a few tourists who visit for the sole purpose of taking a few photographs that will increase their perception of sophistication upon returning

Of all the cities I visited in Italy, Florence was by far my favorite. The birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is busting with creativity, art and beauty, and its compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot.

Milan is Italy’s second largest city and home to one of my best friends in the whole world, Alessandra. With a population of 5.2 million, the city is the economic center of the city. Milan will be home to the

When researching what to do with my last free day in Italy, I was quite torn. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and get a photo in front of one of the most famous icons of Italy or Cinque Terre,

“You’re too pretty for Halloween.” This is what student after student and teacher after teacher told me as I graced the halls of the Spanish Elementary School where I work, clad in my Snow White costume to celebrate Halloween in Spain,

I’d heard many a wild story about Napoli. Of the gypsy women who feed their babies a substance that turns them blue to solicit sympathy from tourists. Of the swift pickpockets who manage to steal from even the most savvy

The bill for my pizza came and I was faced with a dilemma: all my money was in my money belt, buried underneath my shirt and shorts

It seemed like a grand idea—spend three weeks travelling around France and Italy before beginning a year long teaching assignment in Spain. And for the most part it was, with one exception: luggage. Schlepping a year’s supply of belongings up and

I finally have finished telling the story of my three week trek through France and Italy and can now share some stories from Madrid, the city I have been living in for the past two months, teaching English at an

  El Parque del Buen Retiro is one of the largest, and certainly the most famous, public parks in Madrid. The Spanish capital’s equivalent of New York’s Central Park, provides city dwellers a chance to connect with nature on a smaller

Living in the vibrant shopping district of Calle Fuencarral means walks past chic boutiques, designer stores and quaint Spanish balconies. For nearly the past two weeks, my daily walks have also included dodging thigh-high piles of trash, kicking broken beer bottles and

After twelve days of wading through rubbish and planning walks to avoid being upwind of the smelliest trash piles, there’s filthy good news for the residents of Madrid. Madrid has appointed government workers to clean the streets while regular street cleaners

  While Spain still has a monarchy, it is a constitutional monarchy, and, much like Queen Elizabeth, King Juan Carlos I, who has ruled since 1975, holds very little real power. The Spanish royal family lacks much of the celebrity of the

On a visit to Madrid you can expect tapas, sangria, maybe even some flamenco dancing, and…  a stroll through an ancient Egyptian temple? Yes, that’s right, There's an Ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid, located in the heart of the city. The

Much of Madrid’s charm lies in its many plazas, or large squares that offer monuments, cafes and respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, each with its hidden treasures of its owns. With plazas in most of Madrid’s

The dancer makes her way on stage. Clad in a brown and blue patterned dress, she looks nothing like the stereotype as she glides silently to the center of the floor and stops. One arm raised in the air she

Perhaps no drink is more synonymous with Spain than sangria. While this drink is far more popular with tourists than locals, still at the top of my bucket list of things to do while living in Spain was to find the

I live on Calle Fuencarral, a street in the center of Madrid, in a shared flat located between Michael Kors and a shoe shop, in room with a balcony that overlooks the street. When I first came to the city,

I've moved around the world, but I haven’t changed a bit. Well, at least not in regard to my love for Disney. Almost four months ago, I left my life in Orlando, Florida, to come to Europe for a teaching job in

In the dim light of Restaurant Botín, owner Carlos González hands me a copy of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. I turn to the final page and read. “We lunched upstairs at Botín’s," he wrote. "It is one of the

Leaving my 24th year behind and turning 25 was a big deal for me, for reasons I previously wrote about. To ring in turning a quarter of a century in style, distract myself from being away from family and friends,

Growing up in California I spent many a beach day laying in the sand and dreaming some suave surfer dude with an extra board would approach me and offer to teach me how to ride the waves. As this fantasy never

In less than a week, Something in Her Ramblings is hitting the road to share stories about some of Europe’s best winter destinations. I will be using a four-country Eurail pass to explore Switzerland, Austria and Germany, and celebrate Christmas in Milan. After

On my first visit to Paris I tried to visit the Catacombs twice. The first time, I made the unfortunate discovery post metro ride that they are closed Mondays. The second I waited in line for 45 minutes, only to

It’s the spirit of the season. You can feel it in the air! Oh wait. Those are the lyrics to Christmas Wishes, a fireworks show at Walt Disney World Resort that is not found at Disneyland Paris. I have them memorized

I suppose it should come as no surprise that a place called the “city of lights” goes all out with holiday lights, but when it comes to Christmas, wow, Paris really knows how to party! Christmas Decorations in Paris The center of

It’s beginning to look a lot like the Christmas in Madrid. Well, actually, it began to look a lot like Christmas Dec.1 when the annual Christmas lights in Madrid were illuminated. Ornate lights depicting holiday packages, snow globes, winter scenes and city

For someone who spends all her time day dreaming about travel, 2013 turned out to be quite the year of travel. In 2013 I visited 11 countries, two in North America and nine in Europe, and more than 40 cities. As

  As I’ve made my way around Europe these past few months, it’s been fun to ask locals how they pass the holidays, in particular the New Year. While people celebrate the New Year in many different ways, every culture seems to

  Frohes neues Jahr from Munich, Germany! (In other words, Happy New Year from Munich). I spent last night ringing in 2014 from Olympic Park in downtown Munich. I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have subscribed to and

Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland’s second most populous city and world-renowned as the Capital of Peace. With a lake front setting, mountainous views and French inspired charm, Geneva proved to be a picturesque first stop on my three-week #EuroWinterEscape tour of

  On my recent visit to Geneva a cold, constant rain fell from my evening of arrival long through my first morning in Switzerland’s second-largest city. Boots and belongings soaked, no sign of clear skies in sight, I made my way to

When it comes to travel, let me be honest and tell you that I am not the best about planning itineraries ahead of time. In some ways, I think it is almost better to discover cities without a pre-set agenda

After a beautiful day in Geneva, Switzerland, I used my Eurail pass to head to Interlaken, a charming town three hours to the east by train. Ever since I first heard about this place when it was featured as a stop

“The snow glows white on the mountain tonight, not a footprint to be seen. A Kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the Queen.” The lyrics from Disney’s Frozen soundtrack blast through my headphones, songs I purposefully downloaded in preparation for

I arrived in Interlaken under the cover of darkness some hours before midnight. Weary from a long day of sight-seeing in Geneva and the train journey, I mustered only enough energy to wheel my belongings to City Hotel Oberland and

As the Jungfrau Railway rolled to a stop at the Kleine Scheidegg station in the Alps of Switzerland, I stood by the ski storage rack lost in fascination at taking a train instead of a ski lift to the top

So you're wondering how to ski the Swiss Alps. Oh goodness. Perhaps the title of this blog post misled you. I hope you aren’t here to learn the necessary skills to ski the Alps. If you’ve read my recent account

Today I am excited to take a break from posting stories about my winter travels in Europe to share an exciting contest from my last home base in the United States, Kissimmee, Florida. The Rock Your Vacation contest will offer one

Zermatt, Switzerland has got to be one of the absolute worst places for a single, female budget traveler to go alone. Prices are high. There’s not much to do in town apart from hiking (unless you can afford to ski in

They do things differently in Switzerland. Maybe it’s the thin mountain air or all the international bankers, but for some reason backpacking in this country feels different from the others I have travelled through in Europe. After trekking through so

  Salzburg, Austria. Home to Mozart and The Sound of Music, Austria’s fourth largest city is perhaps its most famous.  With a population around 150,000, this small city more than doubles in numbers during summer months when popular music festival come

While I am always thrilled to be hitting the road no matter what the destination, not all locations are created equal. Some fill my heart with such excitement that for weeks beforehand, my brain will be pumped with adrenaline as

A convergence of houses hug the icy lake shore, their wooden roofs rising up to greet the green mountains that tower behind.  Steady raindrops fall, shimmering the deep blue waters with movement and casting a dim glow over the church

There are a few things I’ve been obsessed with pretty much my whole life. Travel. Disney. The Olympics. For as long as I can remember, no matter whether its winter or summer, the Olympics have meant two weeks of sitting in

The hills are alive with the sound of music! Well, while some may have their doubts about that, there’s no denying that Salzburg is at least alive with The Sound of Music fans. Each year roughly 300,000 visitors come to explore

If you go to Munich please do yourself a favor and stay at the Hotel Laimer Hof. I had the opportunity to stay at this wonderful hotel while visiting Munich for New Year’s. The location is unique, the staff is extremely friendly,

A deliciously unique hotel is opening in Barcelona next month that is sure to leave guests’ mouths watering with satisfaction. Praktik Bakery Hotel, the newest addition to the Praktik family of hotels, will not only offer guests beautiful accommodations in Barcelona,

No, you cannot see Munich, Germany in a day. In fact, I did not even see the Bavarian capital in a day – I was there for 3. But since many of my readers are like me, furiously running through Europe trying

In a city known for beer and beer halls, a visit to Munich really isn’t complete without at least a step inside Hofbräuhaus, one of the oldest and certainly most famous. A Step Inside Munich’s Hofbräuhaus Founded in 1589 by the Duke

Before I begin my account of the Germany fairytale castles, I’m going to get this photo out of the way. Yes, I wore a Cinderella Castle dress, conveniently found in a Madrid thrift shop for five Euros, to this Bavarian castle

It was eerie for me being in Munich, knowing I was so close to a concentration camp. Dachau, the first concentration camp in Germany, has its own metro station, and, as I navigated my way around the Bavarian capital, the name

Every budget traveler can attest to the fact that not all hostels are created equal. I’m pleased to share that Generator Hostel Berlin Mitte, the newest hostel in Germany’s capital city is at the head of the pack when it comes

Where is the Berlin Wall? Yes I know its in Berlin. And yes, I also know the wall fell in 1989 and most of it has been torn down. But where to visit the Berlin Wall? For most Americans the wall

A visit to Berlin can be dark. Most of the German capital city’s original buildings were destroyed in bombings during World War I and World War II, and with its central role in World War II and the Cold War,

  The second largest city in the European Union, Berlin buzzes with history, art and a vibrant air of liberal acceptance. With its central role in World War II and the Cold War, the German capital city has been home to some

Soft sounds of Spanish guitar drift through the city streets of Barcelona, wafting through iron railings and coming to rest at my feet as I soak up the spring sunshine from my balcony at Hotel Praktik Rambla. Ahhhh. So this is

  The spirit of Barcelona is distinctive.  Perhaps it comes from all the warm sunshine, but the air of this city is just doused with excitement, beauty, and limitless possibilities for a future driven by unbridled imagination. A central pioneering force in

One of my favorite parts of the day is sunset, and when travelling I find it really fun to experience a destination’s unique sunset views. On my recent visit to Barcelona with my mom, we inadvertently stumbled across a great walking

I have a few frustrations with living in Spain.  My shower is only two-inches bigger than I am. There’s no good Mexican food and what they do have is expensive. Madrid really is the city that never sleeps and it

If you’re visiting Granada, Spain you’re there to see the Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress that dates back to the 9th century. At the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked in a quiet alleyway, is Hotel Casa 1800.

Granada, a medium city in the south of Spain, is a sparkling jewel that is a must on any traveler’s itinerary who seeks to truly see and understand Spain. Atop Granada’s Sabika Hill lies the city’s main gem – the Alhambra. Known

  Hola my faithful readers! Tomorrow marks the beginning of Semana Santa, or Holy Week in Spain, and with that Something In Her Ramblings is off on a 10-day adventure to Eastern Europe. Here’s a look at the destinations I’ll be visiting: Something In

  My family loves road trips. From California to Nebraska to Maine, summer vacations while I was growing up always meant hitting the road to explore the United States with my mom, dad, sister and brother. I’m grateful to my parents

  You can’t sleep much closer to Africa than at La Residencia Tarifa. On the edge of the Spanish coastline, a stone’s throw from the southernmost point of Europe and Tarifa’s port with ferries bound to Africa, the upscale vacation apartments of

  Fatiha’s strong hands press into mine as we knead the dough for Khobz, a white bread, to go with the chicken tangine and salads we are preparing for our meal. Her touch is firm and soft. It’s a mother’s touch,

The modest door of Riad Joya pushes open and my feet glide across the cool marble floor to the open-air courtyard. Smooth tan walls are flanked by travertine columns that beckon up to a clear night sky flooded by the brilliance

Mohamed leads us through the winding streets of the Marrakech medina. We pass under a red archway and wander down a side street, stopping at a small wooden opening in one of the buildings. “This is Jack of All Trades,” Mohammed

With two soft knocks, the aged wooden door of Riad AnaYela creaks open. On this plain, dusty street in the heart of the Marrakech medina, it certainly doesn’t feel as if I’m about to enter one of the most luxurious Riads

When planning my recent trip to Marrakech, Morocco, I knew I wanted to get out of the city and take a day trip to the nearby Atlas Mountains. To safely and efficiently explore this region a guided tour seemed to be

Mohamad reaches for my hand and pulls me up over the large rock that blocks the path to the second waterfall on our grueling hike through the Atlas Mountains. This young man has guided us from the small town of Setti

I just got back to Madrid last night from a whirlwind weekend in Norway, and between the stunning beauty of the Fjords, Oslo’s seaside charm and the warmth of the people I really fell in love. Oh and also – I

  If you’ve been following along on my blog lately, you’ll note one thing is obvious – I love Marrakech, Morocco! Known as the “red” city, the former Imperial City is swimming with a myriad of rich colors, warm people and culture. Here

In just one week I will be reuniting with my good friend from Italy, Alessandra, who showed me around Milan and Rome, in Valencia, Spain. I’ve been doing so much power travel lately (think short weekend trips that involve a lot

I’ve said it once. I’ve said it twice. I’ll say it again – I love Marrakech! Before I went on my trip a lot of friends and acquaintances expressed concern for me traveling to this developing nation with just one other

From the shores of Tarifa the lights of Africa shine bright in the distance, growing brighter as night takes hold over the small, southern Spanish town. If it feels as if Morocco is right at Tarifa’s doorstep that’s because it is;

I have one complaint about my stay at Oslo Hostel Central; the mattress in my 4-bed dormitory was so comfortable, it made it near impossible to get out of bed for my early morning trip to the fjords. Seriously, since when

  As I walk through the welcoming doors of Hostel Ruthensteiner in Vienna, Austria, I am immediately swept by the feeling that I’m in a wood carver’s cottage from some fairytale. The sign out front depicts a friendly image of a wooden cottage

  How quickly time passes. I can’t believe that in a month from today I’ll be leaving Madrid. That's right, I only have one more month in Madrid! I’ve been in Spain a little more than nine months now teaching English.  Some

Known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford, England has been home to some of the greatest minds of the past few centuries.  It was the birthplace of The Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland, and The Chronicles of

As I walk through the wooden doors of the Vikingskiphuset, the roof unfolds into a  sweeping  oval dome, framing perfectly the restored remains of the Oseberg Ship.  I’m taken aback by its power, steming  from both its magnitude of size

  Last weekend I had the opportunity to visit Valencia and stay with Valenciaflats, a holiday apartment rental company that offers accommodations all over Spain’s third-largest city. I’ve been travelling so much lately I was in need of a relaxing weekend to

  The star attraction of Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is without a doubt the enormous and impressive City of Arts and Sciences. The five main elements of this futuristic series of complexes stretch for nearly a mile along a former riverbed, infusing

Norway Fjord Tours The rail journey has taken me from the deep blue harbors of Oslo past lakes and streams huddled by lush greenery and red bursts from Norwegian cottages so charming they could be home to storybook characters. We trek upwards

As an American, the world has seemingly pointed West my entire life. At home, news from the East is contextualized to its impact on the United States. The majority of my studies in history growing up were inward focused, and

I went to Kraków, Poland, for one reason and one reason only: it has the closest airport to Auschwitz. With this being my only motivation to visit Kraków, I only planned to spend one night in the city, take a day

There’s no way to prepare emotionally for a visit to Auschwitz. This is what Pawel Sawicki from the press team tells me on a crisp morning in Poland as we walk the grounds of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp and unearth

The only thing I knew about Budapest before I went there is that it is the capital of Hungary and my family’s doctor is from there. That’s it. But what I discovered after spending a few days in the city is

Buapest. Capital of Hungary. Capital of relaxation. Nicknamed the “City of Spas,” Budapest is home to more thermal baths than any other capital city in the world. The city’s 15 public baths and handful of private spas are feed by 80

A sea of red and yellow stretches as far as my eyes can see as throngs of Spaniards and aficiondos alike line the long sidewalks of Gran Vía, Madrid’s main thoroughfare. We quietly stand under the hot sun waving our

  On Friday I leave Madrid for a month of travel around Europe. To say I’m excited is an understatement, so instead I’ll say I’m stoked! And one of the experiences I am most stoked about is surfing in San Sebastian, Spain

The Danube, Europe’s second-largest river, cuts through Budapest on its winding journey from Germany through Austria, Hungary, Croatia and more to its eventual terminus in the Black Sea. The river has long played a defining role in the Hungarian capital’s history

Life was terrifying for the majority of Hungarians for the majority of the 20th century. This is the main message of the House of Terror, a museum dedicated to the victims of both the fascist and Communist regimes that occupied the

  When I booked my trip to Vienna many images came to mind – waltzing, opera, schnitzel, Mozart. But I have to admit, world-class art museums was not on the list. And yet, the museum scene in Vienna blew me away. I

Kraków, Budapest and Bratislava all have one thing in common; they are living, open-air history museums dedicated to sharing the horrors of World War II and the 20th Century. This is not so in Vienna, though the city was equally affected

There’s no better way to see Europe than by rail. I'm currently making my way through Spain, France and Italy, and train travel is an exciting way to explore the continent. I've found train stations to be located centrally, making arriving in

To visit the Schönbrunn Palace, one of the top attractions in Vienna, Austria, is to learn of the great influence of Maria Theresia, the last ruler of the House of Habsburg and one of the most powerful women the world

  The Czechs drink more beer than any other nationality in the world. Do I have your attention yet? Ok, but seriously, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a special place and the reasons why have nothing to do with alcohol. Prague

  During my last month in Madrid I discovered what would become one of my favorite places in the city – Parque Europa. I learned about this park, which contains replicas of 18 of Europe’s most iconic monuments, from my first and

  Out of all the day trips I took while living in Madrid, Campo de Criptana easily stood out as my favorite. This small pueblo, two-hours from Madrid by train in the region of La Mancha, would be largely unremarkable if it

Located on the Danube River, reachable within a day from Vienna and Budapest, I found Bratislava to be the biggest hidden gem on my trip to the former Eastern Bloc. Packed full of history and less frequented by tourists, the capital

For four decades, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, lay behind the Iron Curtain, closed off from the West and ruled by the Soviets under a strict and oppressive Communist government. What is today known as Slovakia had yet to stand

A few months ago, as my travel opportunities while living in Spain bounded beyond my wildest dreams, I proposed to myself a challenge: visit 25 countries while 25 years old. A week ago I arrived back in the United States and

  I run into the sea and the thick pounding waves break on my body, filling my wetsuit with a layer of summer-warmed salt water. I hop on my board and paddle past the break at Zurriola Beach, distancing myself from

We talk about rivalries all the time in sports. Yankees-Red Sox. Lakers-Celtics. Cowboys-Redskins. But every once in a while, in a rare scenario that’s becoming even less common over time, there’s a rivalry that crosses social boundaries. In such rivalries

  Bura Surfhouse in Lagos, Portugal is a great hostel. And it seems I’m not the only one who thinks so. The family-run hostel has a 95 percent thumbs up rating on TripAdvisor. But what is it that pushes a hostel beyond the

Van doors slam and six bodies dart over sand dunes and bushes, racing wildly to catch the last rays of the sinking sun before they disappear beneath rolling ocean waves. It is time to explore the cliffs of Lagos, Portugal. We

Quiet, meandering streets wind up the hillside past bakeries where sweet smells and the soft sounds of guitar spill out the windows. The gentle slopes converge at the foot of the remains of a castle, its fortress towers looking out

The dining room of Home Hostel Lisbon is packed with backpackers, each seat at the long, wooden tables occupied by a hungry body, eagerly anticipating “Mamma’s Dinner.” Six nights a week, Mamma, the actual mother of the hostel’s owner, prepares

  A sea of trees chases a gaggle of hills before culminating at the base of a majestic castle, yellow, red and white towers breaking up the unending blue of the sky. Beyond lies the Portugal plain, stretching on for miles,

Planning a trip to Europe? Montpellier, France is a worthy addition to any itinerary. Located in the south of France, Montpellier is the eighth largest city in the country and the third largest on the French Mediterranean coast. Montpellier is booming

  What could possibly be more charming than wine tasting in France? How about wine tasting at a château in France? Wine Tasting in France at Château de Flaugergues Montpellier, a Mediterranean city in the South of France, is known for its rich

Some hostels are so loved by travelers they have a reputation that precedes them on the road. Such is the case with the Villa Saint Exupéry Hostels in Nice, France. As I made my way by rail through Southern France,

From the smart streets of downtown, up winding hills lined with palm trees and the finest examples of French architecture, the yellow L’Open Tour bus rolls through the city.  The warm sun beams bright, filling my mom and I with

It’s been a month since I returned to the United States from Europe and my feet are itching, begging, imploring to hit the road again. I’m happy to share that I’m now at the airport, bound to my home-state of

  Amidst a sea of rolling countryside in northern Italy, the rocky slopes of Mount Titano jut skyward, interrupting the reiteration of grassland, a ship on an ocean of plains. Three medieval towers top the mountain’s summit, exuding formidable strength, even

How to Get to San Marino From Italy San Marino is an independent country surrounded by Italy. In order to get to San Marino from Italy, you must either drive or take a bus one hour from the Rimini train station.

The more I travel, the more I realize how little I know about the world and its history. My admitted ignorance comes with a silver lining, however, as I often have been able to find myself in a city I’ve

“We need to move to Ljubljana,” I say to my mom as we sit at a cozy round table in the corner of JB Restavracija. The restaurant, situated in the downtown of Slovenia’s capital city, is located in a historic building

After a six-plus hour bus ride from Bologna, Italy to Ljubljana, Slovenia, walking through the double doors of City Hotel felt like stepping into a palace. Clean marble floors glistened, sharp orange and yellow walls filled the lobby with cheer and

  I am excited to share that Something In Her Ramblings has a new partnership with Triprovider.com. Planning for a trip can be a time-consuming and confusing process, especially if you are heading to a new country or city you have never

Whereas Europe is best explored by navigating the affordable and scenic high-speed railways, there’s no better way to explore America than by car. The United States was built for road trips, for flying down wide highways to chase one city after

Los Angeles has redefined many aspects of our lives over the years – the film industry, fashion trends, fad diets –so it should come as no surprise L.A. also redefines city travel. Many of the famous sights associated with this iconic Southern

  This blog post is taking me a ridiculously long time to write. That’s because I’m attempting to multitask and write it while watching The Fosters, a new drama on ABC about a multi-ethnic family made up of biological and foster kids,

As I drive up to Banana Bungalow Hostel the white metal gates gently open and I drive my Mitsubishi Outlander Sport through to the spacious courtyard. The cobalt blue walls of the two-story u-shaped building surround me, cheerfully adorned with

  "Like" Something in Her Ramblings Travel Blog on Facebook Happy Saturday my fabulous readers! Just a quick post to share that Something In Her Ramblings is now on Facebook. "Like" me today at www.facebook.com/SomethingInHerRamblings. Thanks for reading and following along on my adventures!

  One of my favorite places in Los Angeles is the Griffith Observatory. It’s iconic. It’s nerdy. It’s free. (Yes, can you believe it there is something to do for free in Los Angeles). Built in 1935 in the Hollywood Hills, the

  If you are a diligent reader of my blog then you already know that I am a massive fan of the San Francisco Giants. I’m talking a Posey-cheering, jersey-wearing, not-ashamed-to-admit I sat solo on the couch the entire month of October

  Today is my birthday! It’s time to say goodbye to 25 and welcome 26. Last year on my birthday I wrote an impassioned love letter to 24, which, until 25 came along, had been the best year of my life. But then

In the nearly 26 summers I’ve visited San Francisco, I’ve never seen a day quite as sunny as the recent one in September when my grandma and I drove to the city to do some sightseeing. It’s even more distinguishable

  “San Francisco is known for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine,” said Laurie Armstrong, Director of Media Relations for the San Francisco Travel Association. “Measuring 49 square miles, this walk-able city includes landmarks like the Golden Gate

  Buenos días my faithful readers! As I shared last week, I have moved to Costa Rica where I am living and working on a rainforest base in the Cartago Province, about 45 minutes southeast of San Jose. As I begin this

“There are moments in your life when the universe speaks to you directly and there is no ignoring it.” These words, spoken by Gail Zappa, wife of ‘60’s rocker Frank Zappa, jump out of the screen and sink into my bones

As a NorCal native I’ve always been prone to thinking the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the best in the world, but now there’s evidence to prove it. This year the aquarium, which opened in 1984, was voted the best aquarium

  Get out of San José as fast as you can. This unfortunate piece of advice was given to me time and time again when I told acquaintances I was moving to Costa Rica and would be living near the capital city. For

  I’ve been living on a rainforest base in Costa Rica for just more than a week, and so far I must admit that my time here has been filled with less adventure than I had anticipated and more learning. From what

  The wind kicks up over Lake Bled, tossing the water in sprays and small waves that slap against the side of a wooden rowboat, rocking it gently back and forth. I am rowing toward an island in the middle of this

  If you read my last post, hopefully you felt a bit charmed by the glacial waters of Lake Bled, even from afar. The Alpine lake is a favorite travel destination for Slovenians, Italians and Germans, bringing 8,000visitors to the region

I feel them at night as I lay in bed in my damp, dark room. I try to drift off to sleep but there they are –crawling under my covers and prickling my skin. I turn on the light and

Ljubljana. Don’t be shy, it’s pronounced lyoo-BLYAH-nah. And, it’s the capital of Slovenia, a green and mountainous nation of two million people located just East of Italy and South of Austria. Humans have lived on the land that now forms the capital city

It’s a rainy day in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and there’s seemingly no end in sight to the raindrops as my mom and I cross the Dragon Bridge, huddled together under the protection of our single umbrella. We make our way through the

  Dear faithful subscribers, Today is a very happy day for Something In Her Ramblings -- my travel blog has reached 10,000 subscribers! I am humbled and honored that so many of you have chosen to follow me on my journey as I've

Tomorrow I'm going on a hike! And not just any hike -- a ten-day, carry-everything-with-you-on-your-back, cook-your-meals-outdoors, technology-free hike. I'm Going Hiking in Costa Rica! As part of my job as Social Media and Marketing Manager for Outward Bound Costa Rica, I have the

My life is a mad, crazy swirl these days. And I love it! I made it successfully through my 10-day trek through Costa Rica! My spirit and bones remain unbroken, but my arms and legs are covered in bug bites. I

Two weeks ago something really cool happened. The San Francisco Giants won the World Series for the third year in the past five! On a travel related note, I also had the opportunity to be interviewed for The Daily Travel Podcast by Nathaniel

While hiking around Costa Rica, I've developed a slight obsession for waterfalls. Seriously -- encountering a waterfall at the end of a long, sweaty hike makes all the pain worth it, especially if its safe enough to take a swim. All the

*Note: The following series is an account of my experiences during a ten-day hike with Outward Bound Costa Rica, leading through varied landscapes and small pueblos in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. During the trek we camped under tarps and stayed

At the top of my personal travel bucket list is Egypt. Having been home to civilization for 5,000 years, the historical sights to be seen in Egypt are endless as are the dramatic landscapes of the deserts, rivers and sea. The

  As we drive down Hollywood Boulevard, Highland Avenue comes into view and soon we are passing the El Capitan, Grauman’s Chinese and Dolby Theatres, and the streets seemingly swim with the famed sites of Hollywood lore. It’s a fall day

  A Hike Through the Costa Rican Rainforest, Day Two The day begins at 6:30 a.m. and though I have spent a considerable number of hours sleeping in this bed at a farmhouse in the village of Naranjo, I do not want

  My brother Sean is a sophomore at the University of Southern California studying Engineering and I am super proud of him! Trojan Family Weekend at USC I was quite fortunate to get to spend a long weekend in Los Angeles celebrating his

If before my muscles were sore, this morning when I awake at 6 a.m. every muscle of my body is yelping in agony, especially some muscles in my calves and glutes that I don’t recall ever feeling before hiking for

It’s day four and when I wake up this morning my thoughts are flooded with happiness and pride in knowing this – I have survived three full days on the trail! I did not sleep much the night before in the

  This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, home to white sand beaches, tropical forests, hiking trails and panoramic sea views. Located on the Pacific coast, some 80-miles from the capital San José, Manuel Antonio National

  If you follow along on my adventures, it's no secret that I harbor an obsession for all things Disney. My childhood was kick started by yearly trips to Disneyland, and my career in communications was kick started by a role

After a traditional “tico” breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans), huevos and tortillas, it is time to leave Magda’s house and hike to our next homestay. I do not want to leave Magda’s. Her home has been so warm

  I’m counting down the days, minutes, hours… Until the hike is over. Until I check my email. Until I’m wearing clean clothes again. Until my bug bites heal. Until I’m in California. Until I see my mother. A Hike Through the Costa Rican Rainforest, Days 8 and

From mummified remains on display at museums around the globe to popular movies produced by Hollywood, the world has long been fascinated with the world of Ancient Egypt. The civilization commonly referred to today as Ancient Egypt began more than 5,000

  In the morning we arise before the sun and I pull on my wet, dirt-stained shorts for the final time. As this was our last day I could have worn my sleep shorts for the final day of the hike,

Last week I had the opportunity to celebrate the start of the holiday season in one of my favorite ways –with a performance of The Nutcracker.   The Nutcracker at the National Theatre of Costa Rica I attended the ballet at the

With warm temperatures, palm trees and plenty of beachy scenery, Costa Rica may not appear at first glance to be a place that gets wrapped up in winter holidays. But just because there’s no snow, Santa Clause or winter jackets

2014 was a beautiful and moving year for me, filled with an unprecedented number of travel experiences that made the year pass like a travel aficionado's dream sequence. Since January, I visited a whopping 22 countries, fulfilling my goal of

"New Year's Eve is over-hyped anyway," I tell myself throughout the day on December 31 as the work day passes and no grand plans emerge from the patched-together woodwork of my relatively new and solitary life in Costa Rica. I've been living

Flying to Iceland from Paris is a highly disorienting experience, especially if done at night. I left Paris at 11 p.m. only to arrive in Reykjavik at 12 a.m., 2 a.m. Paris time, 7 p.m. New York time if you judge

  Costa Rica is famous for its wide offering of daring adventure activities. When it comes to rafting, Costa Rica is a world-class destination, ranking on the top ten whitewater rafting destinations lists for both Frommer’s and O.A.R.S. The rivers in the

Since moving to Costa Rica, I've had many opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and try some fun new activities in the outdoors. I've been ziplining, surfing and even took a ten day hike through the rainforest of Costa

  The bright sun of the Costa Rican morning peeps through the curtains of my room at Hotel DoceLunas, spreading warm rays across the floor and beckoning me to leave bed and head outside, where the jungle awaits. The dense foliage overhead

  The rainforest can be a lonely place. In the wake of a lonely spell yesterday I hiked down to the river near the base where I live and work to dip my feet in the water, read a book and soak

From the outskirts of Tres Rios, a city at roughly 4,400 feet in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, we drive to the west, winding up, up, up enroute to the summit of Irazú Volcano. We wind past small pueblos. Restaurants, bus stops

In my day to day life living and working in the Costa Rican rainforest, I get a lot of interesting visitors. Some have eight legs, most crawl, and nearly all creep me out. Last week in our office we had one

Today, January 26, is Australia Day, the official national day of Australia which commemorates the 1788 anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships in what is now the state of New South Wales. While my personal travel

70 years ago today, on January 27, 1945, Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. It is estimated 200,000 survivors were freed, a dismal number in comparison to the 1.1. million people who were murdered here.  Of all the places I've visited, none has

  Jeff Pickett and I sit in blue and green beanbag chairs on the wooden patio at Coral Reef Surf Hostel. The sun burns hot today in Tamarindo, a surf town on the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, but the

“Listo?” the guide at Canopy la Carpintera asks as he completes his safety check of my harness and carabiners. I nod my head and then one-two-three - I am ziplining in Costa Rica, wooshing at speeds of 25-miles an hour from high

  My exploration of Costa Rica has been off to a slow start. Well, at least that’s how I feel when I think back to how jam-packed my travel schedule was in Europe when my work week included three day weekends. It’s

  It seems that San José, Costa Rica gets painted in the same negative light in every guidebook I read. “San José is congested, bustling and noisy,” says the Moon Handbook on Costa Rica. “San José is not a pretty city. It’s studded with unremarkable

  England has Stonehenge, Egypt has the Pyramids and Costa Rica has

Welcome to Ratatouille Land, Disneyland Paris! This past summer a new rodent came to Disneyland Paris, giving Mickey Mouse some rat-sized companionship. Ratatouille Land, Disneyland Paris' latest addition, is chocked full of fun for the whole family. Rémy, the rat protagonist

This Valentine’s Day there was a lot more than love flowing at Side Street Bistro near the shores of Playa Jacó, Costa Rica. By night, the trendy sandwich shop and bar was transformed into a puertas cerradas-style dining event where more than

Some of my readers may be curious about how I spend my weekends here in the Costa Rican rainforest. Well, said readers, today is your lucky day. I’m here to let you in on a steamy secret – my Friday nights

  I walk through the doors of the Museo de Arte Costarricense, the national art museum in San José, and enter the first exhibit to the left. Before I even have a chance to read what the exhibit is about, a

In the five months I’ve been working in the rainforest of Costa Rica, I’ve had some interesting visitors to my office. Our base is home to several dogs and a cat who wander in from time to time. We get plenty

  A red-dirt path stretches into the distance, terminating, along with the cliff it covers, under the cloudless blue sky. The path’s fall is interrupted by rows of shrubs, lining the cliff’s edge with a wreath of green. Below miles of

  There’s no doubt that Costa Rica is a haven for animal lovers. With 210 species of mammals, 878 species of birds, 218 species of reptiles and more than 35,000 species of insects, this small Central American nation is one of

  With year-round breaks perfect for surfing, a hopping nightlife scene and gorgeous sunset views, Jacó is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations. True, it is not known for being Costa Rica’s most beautiful beach, but during sunset in Jacó,

  Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top visited destinations. The small city is located less than 20 kilometers from the entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park and provides picturesque views of this

  Costa Rica is the most bio diverse country in the world, being home to 5 percent of the world's species. This is a fact that Costa Rica boldly, and proudly shouts at the top of its lungs in all of its

  The jungle of Costa Rica is a beautiful place to live. But, as far as seasons go, we get half the amount of fun. Costa Rica only has two distinct seasons – dry, which lasts roughly from December to *fingers crossed*

  It's hard to believe, but today I am celebrating 6 months in Costa Rica! I moved to a rainforest  base (relatively) near San José, the country's capital, for a job with Outward Bound Costa Rica, an educational organization that helps students learn

  "Don’t touch anything in the forest,” a guide says to an eager-listening group of visitors on a sunny day in the rainforest of Caribbean Costa Rica. “The forest is like a museum,” he adds. “You don’t touch anything.” This is the main

  I started my blog Something In Her Ramblings about a year and a half ago, not only to document my travels around Europe while teaching English in Madrid, but also with the hope of inspiring other women to take a bold

Last month I had the opportunity to go to Panama with the company I work for, Outward Bound Costa Rica, and take a scuba certification course. The course ended about two days before I was expecting, giving me the opportunity

  Between the infamous Red Light District and the legality of a certain illicit substance, Amsterdam has a slanted reputation that didn’t make it land at the top of my travel list while I was exploring Europe. But going beyond the Red Light

How did you get started traveling? I’ve always been inspired by travel and it has continually been something of interest to me. I grew up only visiting family in Florida and never saw much of the world as a kid. When

  Note: The following is a guest post from my mom, Lea Ann Christenson, who graciously -- and safely-- drove us around Costa Rica during her recent visit. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting my daughter Lauren in Costa Rica.  To

Fear It’s December 2006. I've just turned 21, I'm by myself in Paris, and I'm absolutely terrified. I spent the past three days touring the City of Lights with a friend I met studying abroad in England.  She served as our guide,

If you’ve been following along on my adventures on Something In Her Ramblings, it will come as no surprise to read that I am a huge fan of solo travel. Traveling alone has made me more confident and independent, and

When Diana Edelman hit her 30-Life-Crisis (also known as turning 30), she started a blog, quit her job, and headed across the Atlantic Ocean to chase her dream of sharing travel stories with readers.

  Tropical fish and bright coral reefs abound while scuba diving in Bocas del Toro, Panama! Some of the most pristine nature in Central America is found offshore, and with this in mind, scuba diving is one of the most popular

Travel enthusiasts, this is a book for you! Chasing 193: The Quest to Visit Every Country in the World shares stories from travelers who have out traveled us all. Warning: wanderlust ahead!

As my life has taken me away from the bustling streets of Madrid to the remote rainforest of Costa Rica, I’ve come to realize just what an amazing continent Europe is and how easy it is to explore by rail.

Solo traveler Jeannette Winter has been to 50 countries. She currently lives in Madrid where she enjoys collecting passport stamps and memories on weekends.

Artist Alexa Caskey is currently living in a 1988 RV with her dog and traveling around the country doing art shows and raising money for the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the largest Sea turtle education and protection organization in the country.

Located on Calle 33 in East San Jose, Restaurante Sofía Mediterráneo is in the heart of the upscale Barrio Escalante, an oasis of culinary delights in Costa Rica’s otherwise mostly bland capital dining scene. The brightly lit promenade, known as

Chelsey Perron is the founder of Taproot Travel, an eco-friendly travel guide for Central America, and lives in Costa Rica. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, Chelsey talks solo travel in Chile, Argentina and more.

  Church bells clang, railroad tracks rattle and laughter leaps down the street. On a Sunday morning, the sounds of San Jose, Costa Rica waft through the gated window in my room at Hotel Colonial, landing on my bed along with

Jessica Lippe is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed "adventurist" who currently resides in the United States. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, Jessica shares her tips and insight for a solo trip to Niagara Falls.

I recently took a short break from my life in the jungle and experienced a (much needed) girlfriend getaway to New York City. Read on for a sneak peak of what's to come on Something In Her Ramblings.

“Year after year,” Carrie Bradshaw quips at the beginning of Sex and the City the movie, “20-something women come to New York City in search of the two L’s – labels and love." My friends and I discovered a lot

Solo traveler Veronica Beaver, an English teacher in Madrid, talks solo travel in Turkey and working on an organic farm with WWOOF in France, while sharing her solo travel tips and advice.

'Gigi,’ a Broadway Musical with Vanessa Hudgens, brings to life a fun and whimsical Paris of the past that we all wish we knew.

Jasmine Watson is a sassy San Diego native who is currently teaching English in South Korea. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, Jasmine dishes on everything you need to know about a solo trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

Guest writer Michelle Philippon masters the art of feeling like a writer in New York City while staying at a HomeAway apartment rental in Manhattan.

How did you get your start traveling? I started traveling when  I was 16. I participated in a volunteer trip to Guatemala and have had the travel bug ever since. Since then, I have traveled to many parts of the world, including doing

Discovery Horseback Tours near Jaco, Costa Rica, is home to happy and healthy horses that are trained following the principals of natural horsemanship.

Originally a skeptic of solo travel, Emily Colman learned to overcome her hesitation to travel alone while living and working in Madrid. In this week’s Women Who Travel Solo, Emily shares her journey of overcoming solo travel fears.

You can see a lot in New York City in just 48 hours. Make the most of your time in the Big Apple with the New York CityPASS.

The birthplace and heart of the Mayan world, Guatemala is home to unique cultures, natural wonders and fascinating history. Read on for tips on how to experience the best of Guatemala in three days.

Lake Atitlan has been called the most beautiful lake in the world, and after seeing these pictures you might begin to understand why!

No matter how many directions our lives have taken us, for me and my family summer still always means one thing –it’s time for a family road trip! With first-class seating, safety systems and dual sunroofs, the features of the

From drinking tea in Marrakech to camel riding through the Sahara Desert to motorcycling down the coastline, Jessie Beck's stories of a solo trip in Morocco will make you want to book a trip immediately. (Take us with you, please).

The crater of Pacaya volcano emerges from the craggy landscape of what once was a burning sea of lava, now hardened into rippling waves of metamorphic rocks. Is this the moon? No, it's one of Central America's most active volcanoes

Discover the real California through the windows of the 2015 Kia Sedona on a scenic drive from the San Francisco Bay Area to Yosemite National Park.

A native of the United Kingdom, Debbie Parton has taken her passion for horses around the world. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, Debbie shares stories from her horseback riding vacations and the power of horses to change her

  From the cobblestone street in Antigua, Guatemala, the canary yellow façade of the San Rafael Hotel does little to stand out, adhering to the historic standards of the UNESCO World Heritage list. I press the button and the dark wood door

Karen La Rosa has turned her passion for Sicily into a profession with La Rosa Works, a boutique tour company servicing the Italian island. In this week’s Women Who Travel Solo, Karen shares advice for a solo trip to Sicily.

Chicken buses, history and a national palace. Avoid the naysayers and check out these 8 reasons to add Guatemala City to your Central American itinerary.

Lori Peterson is an American living in London and the founder of Red Wellie Girl, a blog dedicated to thoughtful travel. Read on for Lori's tips for solo travel in Naples, Italy in this week’s Women Who Travel Solo.

I've been blogging for two years! Celebrate the second anniversary of Something In Her Ramblings with a look at my top 10 favorite travel destinations in the world.

Yellow and blue patterned tiles mark the entrance of Casa Lucía Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat, its deep blue walls setting it apart from the other buildings on a quiet residential street in Granada, Nicaragua. The metal door swings open and

  Street food, unbearable heat and hitchhiking. Mathilda Nassar, a female solo traveler from Palestine, shares her stories and adventures from a solo trip to Sri Lanka in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I first became interested

Located less than an hour from Guatemala's capital Guatemala City, Antigua is the most visited destination for tourists in the country. In fact, 60 percent of visitors in Guatemala pass through Antigua. Follow along on a photo tour of Antigua!

Solo travelers have no excuse to eat at Subway or McDonalds in London. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, City Base Apartments shares the inside scoop on the 10 best places to dine solo in the United Kingdom.

My home state of California recently called me back for the second time this summer and I got to explore in the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage. Check out my review from city cruising in this subcompact vehicle.

  The dense jungle canopy overhead brushes against the roof of our covered motorboat as we gently motor away from the Granada wharf deeper into the waters of Lake Nicaragua. No more Disneyland -- this is a real life jungle cruise! From

Megan Musgrove is an indie author from the United Kingdom who writes travel-related novels. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, travel with Megan to Iceland as she shares her adventures, advice and most scenic shots from her recent solo

Guatemala is a beautiful travel destination for female solo travelers full of natural beauty, history and culture. Some simply safety precautions can help you to have an enjoyable and safe trip. Follow these top tips for women traveling to Guatemala.

Author Jane Bwye, a female solo traveler from Kenya, shares her stories and advice on solo travel in Namibia and talks traveling after raising her family in this week’s Women Who Travel Solo.

  As I’m currently living in Costa Rica you may think I’d dedicate some of my blog space to raving about the beaches I’ve discovered here. While its true Costa Rica is home to some stunning playas, I have to be honest

  From sailing the Greek Isles to sampling the unique dishes in Athens, Greece has a lot to offer for solo travelers. Katelyn Michaud, a healthcare analyst and freelance writer uncovers all the reasons to visit Greece on your own in this week's Women

Congratulations, El Salvador. You win the award for being the only country where I’ve been hit on even before getting my passport officially stamped. Read on about my experiences traveling alone in El Salvador.

Traveling on your own can be a rewarding, life-changing experience. To have the best time possible, be sensible and keep these things in mind.

  Female solo traveler Hannah Smith talks the ins and outs of traveling alone in Vietnam, from avoiding taxi scams in Ho Chi Minh City to the best way to visit the famous My Son ruins in this week's Women Who Travel

Rolling fields of blonde wheat twist past winding vineyards that cascade into a patchwork of yellow sunflowers, ruby poppies and green hills. This is Tuscany, home to natural beauty and history.

This week's Women Who Travel Solo column is particularly special to me! My mom, Lea Ann Christenson, shares her story of traveling abroad solo for the first time during a trip to Italy.  

What Can You See In El Salvador on a Layover? It turns out quite a lot. Read on for the San Salvador highlights that can be visited in just a few hours.

  With diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, American citizens will soon be able to legally visit Cuba for the first time in decades. Jessica Hill discusses her experiences with solo travel in Cuba on her recent visit in this week's Women

Waiting in line is an unfortunate reality of visiting some of the world's most famous sites. Knowing an estimate of how long you can expect to wait in line can help you plan a more efficient itinerary. Read on for

  Anika Mikkelson, a math teacher from Minnesota, traces Buddha's path to the East on a solo trip to Nepal in this week's Women Who Travel Solo.  How did you get started traveling? During a study abroad program in Venezuela, I decided to cancel

Traveling less and living more has allowed me to learn how to experience Costa Rica like a local.

  Sanchia Rodrigues uncovers solo travel tips and stories from Ecuador, which she calls South America's best kept secret in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? My family moved from India to England when I was very young,

The Happiest Place on Earth is celebrating 60 years of magic! Check out the top must-sees on a visit to Disneyland during the Diamond Celebration.

  In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Nicole Smoot, a travel extraordinaire from Alaska, shares her memories form a solo trip to Yemen in 2014. Unfortunately, it is no longer safe for anyone to travel to Yemen due to escalating terrorist

  In my travels I have learned to not buy very many souvenirs. My belongings have an unfortunate habit of somehow expanding mid-journey, leaving me scraping for space on the return home. On more than one occasion while traveling in Europe

The Indian Ocean plays host to some of the most culturally diverse countries on earth. What are the best travel destination's with views of Earth's third-largest ocean?

In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, we chat with Alyssa Ramos, founder of the travel blog My Life's a Movie and travel inspired charity Heart Sleeves. How did you get your start traveling? I did a Eurotrip with EF College Break in

Following my recent post about the Indian Ocean, I've been spending an even greater amount of time than usual daydreaming about locations on my travel bucket list. Today my daydreams are centered around Portugal, a country that remains one of my

Climb into the sleek, four-door sports sedan and discover a combination of practical and luxury that makes driving in Los Angeles a rewarding experience.

Female solo traveler Ericka Mills follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love and shares her memories from a solo trip to Bali in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? My travel bug started from when I was

Step inside one of the most stunning colonial cities in Central America and discover the beauty of Granada, Nicaragua in photos.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Follow these tips for stress-free driving while you take in the sights.

Vesna Veliscek, the founder of Slocally, a website that connects travelers with local experiences in her home country of Slovenia, offers advice for female solo travelers in Slovenia.

Looking for a day trip from Granada, Nicaragua? For a relaxing day filled with breathtaking scenery, head to the tranquil shores of Laguna de Apoyo

  Author Lanette  Kauten took a solo trip to Pécs, Hungary while researching for a novel. Read her tips for solo travel in Hungary  in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? My mom worked as a reservationist for an

Last week I reached a huge personal milestone and visited my 40th country – Cuba! Before my more informational posts roll in, I'm taking some space to reflect on what this means to me.

  In the soft heat of a Havana morning, I trot up the steps at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. As I reach the top stoop, the doors gently breeze open and I enter the lobby. A world of the past awaits. Grand chandeliers

  Don't Stop Believing! In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Charlotte Beeby, a Kiwi living in the United Kingdom, recounts her favorite stories from her solo trip to San Francisco.  How did you get started traveling? I started traveling with my family when

  Note: the following is a guest post by Lea Ann Christenson This past November I made a presentation at the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, held in Orlando. With Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios and SeaWorld right at it's

If there's one defining symbol of Costa Rican culture, it has to be the oxcart (ok, apart from football jerseys, coffee and cerveza Imperial, that is). The importance of the oxcart, or carreta, dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. The elaborate, hand-painted carts were first used as a means to transport coffee beans. While coffee is now Costa Rica's sixth largest export to the tune of $362 million annually, the crop is actually not native to the country; the Arabica coffee plant was introduced in the 1700s. The fertile soil, high altitude and cool climate of Costa Rica's Central Valley, made it the ideal environment for the crop to flourish. In 1829 coffee became one of Costa Rica's top exports, surpassing tobacco, sugar and cacao. The capital city of San Jose boomed as wealthy coffee barons and traders made the city their base in the Central Valley. With no railroad built until 1890, coffee producers were faced with the challenge of transporting beans from the Central Valley over steep and winding mountains to the port of Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast. Ticos solved this challenge with the use of oxcarts.

  Don’t get me wrong – I love theme parks. Afterall, I did sneak in three trips to Disneyland Paris during my year of living in Europe and visiting Disneyland during the 60th anniversary celebration has been one of my travel highlights this

  I love cities and the Danish capital of Copenhagen is definitely one of Scandinavia's city highlights, perfectly mixing fascinating history with its modern, vibrant culture. You can spend the day in Copenhagen walking around its historic, cobblestone streets and renowned museums

Courtney Giardina, a contemporary romance novelist from New York, takes a solo trip to Wilmington, North Carolina and discovers the relaxing benefits of solo travel in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? My best college friend and I

  One of the main reasons why I love traveling so much is because it allows me to learn about the world in a way that is deep, meaningful and personal. From soaking up tradition and culture in the medinas of Marrakech, Morocco to

If spending the year 2015 living in the rainforest of Costa Rica has taught me one thing about myself, it's that I am a city girl at heart. (Though I can assure you the complete list of lessons I've learned

  London, Edinburgh and Bristol, oh my! Megan Okonsy of Beat Broke Backpacking recounts her solo travels through the United Kingdom in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I first started traveling through band and choir in high school. We traveled

Desert Storm Veteran Linda Adams reflects on the benefits of cruising solo while on a reunion cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. Why did you decide to take a solo cruise? I don’t think I

It’s the spirit of the season, you can feel it in the air! Ok, so in Costa Rica it may not actually feel like Christmas is just around the corner. The weather outside is far from frightful – rainy season actually

  The soft sounds of guitar spill out onto hilly medieval streets that wind down to the banks of the Duoro River. Hand-painted rabelo boats dot the deep blue of the water, transporting barrels of wine beneath the tall steel arch

  As a twenty-something traveler, it’s rare that the thought of glamour and luxury crosses my mind in my travel planning. I usually prefer to focus on seeing unique places, historical sights and interacting with locals and spend very little time

Is India a safe destination for female solo travelers? Blogger Anita Hendrieka breaks down the stereotypes and reveals the magic she discovered during a solo trip to India in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I first started

Today I'm headed back to the United States to spend Christmas with my family in Maryland and ring in the New Year with a few of my travel buddies from Madrid in Washington D.C. I can't wait to spend time

  Note: The following is a guest post by Michelle Philippon When I first moved to Michigan from Ohio for college, I didn't really know what to expect besides colder winters and a lack of Buckeye paraphernalia.  I soon learned that Michiganders show

  I know I'm late to the game as we are somehow already a week into 2016, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy New Year from Something In Her Ramblings! I took a break for the holidays and celebrated Christmas

  "When I die Dublin will be in my heart," wrote James Joyce of his beloved Irish capital. In this week's Women Who Travel Solo, we chat with Yvonne Derksen about solo travel in Dublin, Ireland. How did you get started traveling? I have always

  After ringing in the New Year with friends in Washington D.C., I kicked off 2016 with a trip to Florida to attend a beach-side wedding in St. Pete Beach on the Gulf Coast. I flew into Orlando, my former home

  It’s hard to believe that we are some how two weeks into the New Year -- 2016 is already well underway! How are you doing with those New Year's Resolutions? I'm not the biggest fan of New Year's Resolutions -- I prefer

Is it really safe for women to travel alone in Africa? In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Nikki Goodwin of Where is Noodles combats stereotypes and shares stories from her solo trip to Tanzania.  How did you get started traveling? I’ve always been

  When I think back to the years I spent living in Central Florida, one of the things I miss most is Orlando’s accessibility to the ocean. You would think that in Costa Rica I am surrounded by beaches galore, and, while

  How Did You Get Started Traveling? When I was in school, I would see my friends being toured by their parents to different continents. Their traveling experiences caught my fancy, and, I too, decided to travel and create experiences for myself.

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Bright pink hues of the rising sun filter through the verdant treetops and softly land at the base of my bed, before melting into a bright yellow. It is dawn in Montezuma, Costa Rica and from my vantage point in

From stunning natural landscapes to the Great Wall of China to pandas in the wild, China is a magical destination. Part time traveler Anita Sāne shares tips for solo travel in China in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get

With only one day to spend in Santa Teresa and miles of beaches to explore, my Tico travel buddy and I knew we needed a way to cover a lot of ground fast. With a set of wheels in the

There's a lot of stereotypes about the Middle East, but what is it actually like to live there? Liz Stephenson gives the inside scoop on being an expat and moving to Kuwait in today's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get

Standing atop a damp crag of a rock, peaking over the edge of Montezuma Falls as a stream of water swiftly plummets downward, violently kicking off the jagged cliff side and bucketing into the deep pool below, I felt something I

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In today's Women Who Travel Solo, former expat Michelle Philippon returns to Spain for the first time to celebrate her 30th birthday and shares stories from Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. How did you get started traveling? When I was a kid, I traveled

It was the kind of dress I’d always wanted to own– a form fitting red bandage dress with a plunging v-neck. Sleek, vibrant, with ribbed strips of fabric that cling to every curve. And it was the kind of dress I’d

Danish blogger Camilla Riis shares her tips for solo travel in Hong Kong that she picked up while interning in the city in today's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I’ve been traveling with my parents since I was

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In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Inka Piegsa-Quischotte, a born nomad, shares solo travel tips from her time living abroad in Turkey. How did you get started traveling? When I graduated from university, I didn’t feel like staring on the 9 to 5

One week. After one year, five months and four days of living abroad in Costa Rica, one week is all I have left of my life in the rainforest. Beyond that week lies a future filled with unknowns. The pending end

Take a solo trip to paradise and visit Tulum with Shari Bayer in today's Women Who Travel Solo.

How did you get started traveling?

I was in my 30’s and working for myself with the ability, and desire, to travel. Since I was single, and making plans with friends or family wasn’t easy, I started to plan my own solo adventures. I began with weekend getaways, such as Aruba, and soon progressed to longer overseas trips, from Italy to Australia and New Zealand. I found that the more I traveled on my own, the more I loved it. I enjoyed my independence and having my own itinerary, which always revolved around food and restaurants. I could do whatever I wanted at my own pace, and dine solo at the best restaurants in the world. It was a new sense of freedom.

Why did you decide to take a solo trip to Tulum, Mexico?

I wanted to escape to a beautiful and peaceful place that I had not been to before for some R&R.  I had heard about Tulum from industry friends and it seemed like the ideal destination for a long weekend.  It was fairly easy to get to from NYC with a direct flight to Cancun and then about a 1 ½ drive.

Tell us about your experience in Tulum as a solo traveler.

Tulum was paradise! My hotel was located right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. I spent time relaxing on the beach, sipping on green juice and coconut water as I lounged in the sun. I treated myself to outdoor massage listening to the soothing waves, and enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear water, walking on the white sand beach and vegging out in a hammock. One morning, I naturally woke up very early and watched the sunrise on the deck. It was amazing.  I also visited a lovely cenote, explored the Mayan ruins and practiced yoga in a treehouse. I dined al fresco for every meal, often with sand in my toes, feasting on authentic Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. Tulum’s low-key vibe was exactly what I needed to unwind from my busy NYC schedule.

What recommendations do you have for solo travelers in Tulum?

Hotels: Mezzanine Hotel, Be Tulum Activities: Yaan Wellness Center, Cenote Dos Ojos, Mayan Ruins Restaurants: Chamico, Posada Margherita, Unico at Mi Amor Hotel, Mateo’s Mexican Grill, Hartwood, Arca

What was the best part of your solo trip to Tulum?

Breathing in the fresh air and enjoying nature’s beauty.

What was the worst part of the trip?

I missed dining at Hartwood, the most renowned restaurant in Tulum, as it was closed for a break.

Are there any safety concern for women traveling alone to Tulum?

Based on a Londontopia article by Samantha O’Brochta, London is reportedly one of the safest cities in the world for women travelling solo. At first you might wonder whether or not it’s really ideal to watch a musical alone, sip

The walls of the open-air lounge at Rancho Armadillo Estate are adorned with newspaper clippings with headlines that read “The Kindest Hotel Owner in Costa Rica” and "Rancho Armadillo: Like Visiting a Friend With a Really Cool House." There are pictures of local

In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Lisa Philippon talks solo travel in India with humor and poetry. How did you get started traveling? My first opportunity to travel came about when I was 18. My best friend and I were both taking French

As I sit in row 14 of my Southwest flight from San Jose to Baltimore, sipping a complimentary gin & tonic courtesy of Southwest Airline’s celebratory St. Patrick’s Day mood, I wanted to write an update especially for all of

Note: The following is a guest post from Michelle Philippon “Philip—Philip-pee-on?  Philippines? Oh, Philippon, you say?  How do you spell that again? Wow, that’s an interesting name. Where’s it from?” This is a common refrain I’ve heard all my life—something I find

It's hard to believe I lived in Costa Rica for a year and a half. Well, that's not entirely true. Some days it felt as if I' was there for an eternity and never had any life other than the one was

Happy Friday everyone! I'm back from my trip to South America and just wanted to share a quick announcement with you -- I'm moving to Los Angeles! I'll be working for an amazing marketing agency that serves clients in the

On a sunny morning in Santiago, Chile, I walk through the tranquil streets of Providencia. Autumn has just started in South America but it still feels like a summer morning. Soft sunlight pours through the dense green leaves on the

Baby I would climb the Andes solely to count the freckles on your body. Standing atop a narrow, concrete pylon, look out across the El Yeso Reservoir, Shakira’s lyrics blast through my mind, their invisible sound the only interruption to the

I’ve had the opportunity to drive the Mazda CX-5 before and my feelings about the vehicle have always been positive. But moving to Los Angeles and driving it while I began laying the groundwork for an actual normal life took

Note: The following is a guest post from fellow solo traveler Jess Signet. You can read about her adventures at Tripelio.  It takes guts to prepare for your first solo trip. There are so many travel horror stories out there, particularly

In the fading light all the greens at Finca Adalgisa are beginning to glow. It is as if the sun is lingering on the leaves, attempting to ward off its pending departure from this beautiful place. I step into one of

There's a reason why Los Angeles is featured in so many songs, television shows and movies -- it's because LA is one of the greatest cities on earth! I've had the opportunity to visit some pretty fabulous cosmopolitan settings over

A solo trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country still healing from a violent civil war, invigorates and inspires Lydia Klemensowicz in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I got started traveling, firstly because I grew up in a travel-loving family. My dad

As any of my faithful readers know, or even those of you stopping by just for this post, I love to travel. Visiting places I’ve never been before and seeing different corners of the globe with my own eyes is my

When I reflect back on life in Madrid my memories come back to me in swirls of color – riding the metro to meet friends for tapas and cerveza, exploring the city on foot, working on this blog in cafes

Explore Sweden's stunning capital city on a solo trip to Stockholm with Petite Adventures in this week's Women Who Travel Solo.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Business Innovation Awards during Brit Week here in Los Angeles. The award ceremony, celebrating creativity and innovation between the United Kingdom and United States, honored, among others, Simon Fuller, creator of the

The outback awakened in me a desire to see and that trip fueled a courage and curiosity to travel. That girl who stood near Uluru and stared out at the world has stayed with me all these years, holding me

Straddling Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a picturesque land of mountain ranges and glacial fjords that sweeps across the southernmost portion of South America. Follow along Brittany from Boston on her adventures with solo travel in Patagonia in today's Women Who

Cheerio! Tracy Bailey, a mom and wife from Chattanooga, Tennessee  mixes up her travel style and takes a solo trip to London in this week's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I have always loved to travel. My parents took us

There's no denying the world feels like a really scary place right now. Really scary.  I don't want to use this space to discuss the details of the recent tragic news stories - there's enough people writing about these topics out there

Driven by her love for mountain gorillas, Amalia Celeste Fernand journeys to Uganda and connects with scenery, landscape and culture in today's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I spent much of my childhood moving around the United States, and

Note: The following is a guest post from Lea Ann Christenson As our boat pulls away from the harbor I find myself starting down at the emerald blue water below, the vibrant green hills looming large around and above as as we

I stand in a field at Domaine Saint Diego winery outside of Mendoza, Argentina. It’s a perfect autumn day in the Southern Hemisphere and the sun beams down bright and warm on my shoulders, dousing the neatly lined rows of

From up-close encounters with elephants, to majestic beaches and culture, Leonie of Lo On The Go discovers the best of solo travel in Thailand in today's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I first started traveling in 2014. Myself

I returned to Los Angeles yesterday after a whirlwind business trip to South America (with a few adventures squeezed in of course) and my heart is aflutter with a renewed passion for the magic that is Latin America. Taking a trip to South

When it comes to accommodation options, I've experienced the full spectrum in my travels.  I've slept under the stars in a swag in Central Australia, campevrvaned around New Zealand, and made the rounds to just about every type of hostel there

From Brome to Sydney to Melbourne, Michela of Rocky Travel shares her tips for solo travel in Australia in today's Women Who Travel Solo. How did you get started traveling? I started traveling in the 80's, when I was a student in UK

I was hired for my current job in Los Angeles at 1 p.m. on a Friday the day after I flew back to the states after finishing my 18-month contract in the rainforest of Costa Rica. At 9 p.m. that very

The force of Iguazu Falls is omnipresent. It’s in the air, misty air that drenches my face, my hair, my clothes. It’s in the sound, the thundering drum roll of falling water that blocks out nearly all else. And of

After a week of 3:30 a.m. wake ups and late nights during a whirlwind trip to South America I couldn’t summon the energy to rise again at this hour to do what most people do when they visit San Pedro

Maybe it’s all the years I spent road tripping on summer vacations with my family speaking, but I truly believe there’s no better way to get a sense of place while traveling than to see a country, state or region

I sink back into the driver’s seat of the Mazda3 and speed forward as the light turns green along Wilshire Boulevard. Before starting the engine I adjusted the manual lumbar support and the leather-trimmed sports seat now perfectly matches the

I remember the first time I visited three countries in one day, back when I lived in Europe and spent a long weekend racing through the Benelux countries. I began the day with a brisk walk through the city of

With miles of glimmering coastline, snow peaked mountains and some of (in my opinion at least) the world's best cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, California is a state that begs you to take a road trip. Growing up

The languid ripples of Laguna Cejar tiptoe to shore and gently retreat, leaving in their wake wisps of salty foam that rest on the sand like piles of cotton candy, frothy and white. Caramel waters ebb into turquoise and then a deeper blue, colors

A biting wind sweeps through the desert, kicking up clouds of sand that swarm around me. A single grain of earth may not hold much power, but, flung in unity, the course grains slash against my exposed skin, cutting with a

It seems I have a new favorite place and time to announce my latest travel news – at the Los Angeles International Airport and in the evening, just before I’m about to board a plane. What is it about airplanes that

While living in Florida I discovered first hand what a great destination the state is for vacationing. Indeed it is a very large state with a variety of places and things to do. Of course Walt Disney World may be

When planning a getaway, the airplane flight to your destination will be just the beginning of your transportation requirements abroad. Indeed, every journey is full of countless instances when you'll need to find a way to get from point A to

No matter what adventures the road may bring, every journey begins the same – by packing a bag. For many travelers, myself included, packing is the most dreaded part of travel. Although I’ve become a much more efficient packer through the

Note: The following is a guest post written by Lea Ann Christenson Last week I had the pleasure of driving a 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer while in Los Angeles for business. The compact sedan, in a beautiful mercury gray, had many features that made driving

On a dark, dark night in New Orleans I walk down a dark, dark street in the French Quarter and there’s spooks in the air. Literally – though its mid-November, some of the houses are still decked out for Halloween

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip stretch out before me, their neon orbs breaking up the black of the night sky and casting an ember glow over a strand of buildings – sleek black, twisted silver, and in

Let's be honest - these days we all could use a dreamy escape. When it comes to cities that feel like a dream, you can't get much better than Barcelona, one of the most beloved cities in Spain which often

Of the many things I stress about in life - where to live, how to get better at writing, my purpose in this world, Los Angeles traffic - travel prep rarely makes the list. The road has taught me that (at least when

There's just a few hours left of the year 2016 here on the East Coast of the United States and, before the clock strikes midnight, it's time for a reflection. As I prepare to write this, 2016 doesn't feel like it

It’s been nearly twenty years since I first set foot on the White House lawn. In these days before 9/11 it wasn’t difficult to get tickets to visit and so this was one of the first items my family and

The adult years of my life thus far have – like the title of this blog – been marked by a sense of rambling. Like a scrappy turtle I’ve shuffled around the country and the globe with my belongs on

Right about now I’m wishing I was back in Ireland, in that peaceful land of rolling green hills, twisting towns and rollicking conversations. While living in Spain I had the opportunity to meet my mom and sister in Dublin and

While at times some of my friends and family may think I live on the road simply wandering wherever looks appealing next, this has never been the case. My travel style has always involved me having a home base from

Grey skies threaten overhead as I stand beneath the black wrought-iron balcony of a stately brick home on Royal Street. If New Orleans is a city that unfolds itself in jazz rhythms, today’s melody is slow and somber; lingering piano chords

As our aircraft reached the island I listed back and forth in my seat, brimming with excitement about flying to Cuba, glued to the window, peering out from behind the tempered glass at the land below, so lusciously green and

I couldn’t just sit in my hotel room upon my arrival to Port Moresby. I seemingly had every reason to do so. The 21-hour journey from Los Angeles through Brisbane to POM, as Papua New Guinea’s capital city is affectionately (or

On a brisk wintry day I pedaled through dampness and pending darkness, racing against the clock, or rather the setting sun that hid behind thick clouds, to make it to my final stop of the day. The hours of daylight are

I don’t have too many regrets about the time I spent living in Europe, but as I get further and further away from that magical year when I visited 25 countries, one disappointment stands out – not visiting Greece. As a

Now that I live in Los Angeles, it's been fun to discover what weekend escapes lay within my reach. Whether I've called the vibrant streets of Madrid or the rainforest of Costa Rica home, I've always believed that discovering nearby

When planning a trip to Italy, Milan may not be the first place that comes to mind as a not-to-be-missed destination. Though the city, Italy’s second most populous, serves as the economic heart of the country, when it comes to

This past weekend I went to the Aero Theater in Santa Monica to see 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of those classic films you’re supposed to see but very few movie-goers these days actually have. 2001: A Space Odyssey is so

Spring is here! Though winter in Los Angeles is a far cry from winter elsewhere on the planet, I’m still thrilled about the rising temperatures, longer hours of daylight and sense of promise the season brings. Spring is also a great

  The air is fresh and birds are flying as we drive down the Old Southern Main Road in Trinidad & Tobago. Alongside Derek Donowa, a knowledgeable guide with Gail’s Exclusive Tour Services, I am on a mission to delve into a

From the low-level vantage point of the Great Salt Lake, the Stansbury Mountains jut up in the distance, looming with mystery and awe.  As one drives close to the main trail head, the scenery slowly becomes filled with more life

For the fourth week in a row my lungs are on fire as I walk up the hill that leads to my office on the rainforest base in Costa Rica where I call home. Every morning during wet season has felt