Reasons to visit the Eiffel Tower are many. Most obvious is that it is the iconic symbol of Paris. You’ve likely heard about and seen images of the Eiffel Tower all your life. It is more than 130 years old. And defying the critics and naysayers, it still stands tall in spite of starting life…
Heidelberg Castle stands watch above Old Heidelberg, as it has since the 13th century. Today it is a ruin distinctive in its red sandstone set against the green forest that covers the hills. Views of the Neckar River and valley will include this ancient castle sitting serenely above the town. And you can tour it,…
A visit to San Diego, California is not complete without a tour of the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier now docked in the bay. With 10 acres of exhibits and displays, this “City at Sea” is open for you to explore – and it’s massive. From the time you enter on the Hangar Deck,…
Planning your first trip to Paris is SO exciting! You may feel a bit like you are a kid in a candy shop. Paris offers so much in the way of iconic landmarks, distinctive architecture, castles, a winding river, historic sights, and sidewalk cafes lining the streets. These 12 tips will help you sort through…
You will you want to visit Heidelberg when your travels take you anywhere nearby. I planned a two-week European trip land decided not to include Heidelberg, though I researched a lot about it. But when weather (snow in summer!) caused us to change plans in the middle of the trip, I added in a visit…
A trip to San Francisco is most enjoyable when you include both city highlights and hidden gems. Of course, if it’s your first time in the city, you will want to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Golden Gate Park. But you can enrich any visit to the City by the…
The Castle of the Counts is in the city center of Ghent, Belgium. This medieval fortress hasn’t been lived in for centuries, but the charm of its layers of walls and rooms, narrow stairways, and real battlements lives on. Just behind the moat, the castle also known as Gravensteen waits to welcome visitors to explore….
From my arrival in vibrant Ghent until I reluctantly left, I loved exploring this historic Belgian city. More people talk about neighboring Bruges, but I discovered that Ghent has the same charms with far less of a touristy vibe. The centuries-old architecture fills the old town, and a lazy canal winds through the main area….
Christmas in New York far surpassed even my high expectations. This vibrant city knows how to celebrate, adding lights and colorful displays to heighten the charm and give tourists and locals alike a heaping daily dose of holiday spirit. Christmas markets pop up, along with ice rinks and tall trees. Iconic shows like the Rockettes…
Touring the lobbies of historic and iconic hotels in San Francisco may not be on a visitor’s itinerary, but I accidentally discovered this is fun and free and makes for a memorable morning. On a recent trip to San Francisco, we stayed at the Hilton on Union Square and enjoyed this sunrise view of the…