A blog for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.
Read our most recent posts about journeys…
Dana Point is SoCal’s hidden gem
Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego is a beach town so special you should use it as your base for exploring Southern California. In fact, you may not want to leave, because Dana Point is SoCal’s hidden gem. Beautiful, uncrowded beaches, luxury resorts and golf...
Road trip to Orsa wines in Mendocino County
Nearly 8 million people live in the California’s Bay Area, and when they think of a trip to wine country it usually means Napa Valley. A road trip to Orsa wines in Mendocino County may just change that thinking. Amazing, affordable wines, strawberry fields, apple...
Road trip to Lake Arrowhead in autumn
More than 20 million people live within a couple-hour drive of the San Bernardino mountains. That’s why a road trip to Lake Arrowhead in autumn is a wonderful idea. California’s “Rim of the World” is most visited for boating activities in summer and snow ski...
You can pilot a plane on Maui
Have you ever dreamed of seeing Maui from the air? Have you ever dreamed of flying a plane yourself? Now, you can pilot a plane on Maui! Get a private aircraft lesson and fly from Maui to Molokai and back. We will explain how to easily make this an unforgettable part...
8 ways to see Venice like a local
Each year millions of tourists descend upon Venice, Italy, a city not much larger than New York’s Central Park. Cruise ships spend a half day. Others stay one night. They jam the main sights. We will show you 8 ways to see Venice like a local, escape the crowds, and...
Easy hikes around Zermatt, Switzerland
When you mention hiking the Swiss Alps, it can make some people nervous. No fear. There are easy hikes around Zermatt, Switzerland that anyone in good walking condition can handle. As a bonus, they offer breath-taking views of the Matterhorn all the way. I will detail...
Check out our latest travel tips and advice…
Ways to deal with airport stress
I have taken more than a thousand flights, but I still admit to having airport anxiety. As a result, I have learned ways to deal with airport stress. After all, travel is supposed to reduce stress, not cause it! From leaving early to security tips to airport lounges,...
Stephen’s travel tips for 2018
Having traveled to 53 countries and more than 600 cities, I have learned some lessons about what to take, how to take it, and what to leave behind. Now I share these little secrets, from gadgets to apps to packing tips, in what I call Stephen’s travel tips for 2018....
25 useful Chinese phrases for travelers
No matter what country you travel to, it is helpful to learn a few key phrases. For China this is important, because most people don’t speak English, and Mandarin is very different. Fear not. Try to learn a few words, and locals may point you in the right direction!...
8 reasons to cruise upscale
I have never been in love with cruises. I like to figure out itineraries, ride trains, explore on my own. Besides, aren’t cruises just for old people and honeymooners? I finally take the plunge on a Baltic cruise and provide 8 reasons to cruise upscale on a budget. I...
8 ways to save on rental cars
I know Chicago can be an expensive city, but the rental car quotes seemed really high, even though I had used Costco’s Low Price Finder to compare four brands. Then I decided to add an extra day to my rental period. Voila! The total price actually went down by $100....
Why go to a travel show?
Have you ever considered a trip to India? What about a cruise through the Mediterranean? Do you dream of going on a safari in Africa or maybe hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? How would you decide? Who would you ask? Where do you even start? The answer is to...
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