A blog for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.
Read our most recent posts about journeys…
Historic châteaux near Paris
Ask someone to name some historic châteaux near Paris, and Versailles is usually the first one mentioned. Don’t just stop there. We will introduce you to lesser visited, but equally interesting châteaux where you can stay overnight or visit on a day’s journey out of...
Best things to see at the Academy Museum
Hollywood began handing out Oscars nearly a century ago, but not until 2021 was there a museum to celebrate all facets of the movie industry, including famous props and costumes. From technical wizardry to the Wizard of Oz, take a trip with us to Los Angeles for the...
8 unique things to do on Kauai
We love Kauai, with fewer tourists and a more lush and remote feeling. Now get ready to explore 8 unique things to do on Kauai, aimed at the upscale on a budget traveler. Learn about 4 luxury adventures and 4 that are essentially free. Either way, the Garden Isle will...
Kauai: upscale on a budget
My articles are aimed at independent travelers who can afford luxury, but still want to get a good deal. Experiencing Kauai: upscale on a budget speaks that group. You want a spacious vacation rental for the price of a hotel room. You want practical advice on when to...
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...
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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