A blog for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.
Read our most recent posts about journeys…
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...
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...
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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...
Why it pays to be loyal to a hotel chain
The hotel in Bangkok gave me a luxurious suite. In the morning I feasted on their sumptuous buffet breakfast. They granted me a 7:00pm checkout, since I was taking a late-night flight. All for free. It pays to be loyal to a hotel chain, in this case the former...
How to save on business class flights
I didn’t want to spend US$18,000 for two Swiss business class tickets, L.A. to Zurich roundtrip. Later, the airline let me bid on those same lie-flat bed seats. Voila! … There is an airline flying business from the U.S. to Asia – wonderful Korean service for half the...
Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Am I really 14 1/2 hours ahead of Los Angeles? Why am I now craving pizza in a land of delectable Thai food? Do I even care about the U.S. news anymore? These are just some of the reflections from a month on the road in Asia. And I spend a lot of months away from...
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