Bursting the South African Stereotype

Those who have never been to any part of Africa, probably have some fairly stereotypical ideas of what it’s like. I know I did. Shaped by media, I foolishly expected that the entire continent was a vast savanna sprinkled with exotic wildlife. Where there was civilization, it was in the...

Park Smarter When You Travel

If you’re like most people, when you drive to the airport you simply follow the signs to the parking area that is most appropriate for the length of time you plan to be parked. Going on a trip for several days? Head to long-term parking. Just meeting someone and only...

Preparing to Expatriate

I’ve long since accepted that most of my friends and family think I’m insane. My friends and family have long since accepted that I might very well be slightly off my rocker. The first time I ventured more than 50 miles beyond US borders was in January 2014. I didn’t...

How to Rent the Right Camera Lens for your Trip

  If you’re going on a trip that’s special enough to make you think about renting camera gear (our incredible African Safari comes to mind), chances are that you’re thinking of getting one of those monster telephoto lenses like the ones you see on the sidelines at professional sports games....

Belize: Tropical, English-speaking Paradise

Here’s another trip I’ve actually been on so I know I can give you all the tips and insider knowledge that will make your trip to Belize smooth and unforgettable. This itinerary can be customized to your preferences and activity level but here is a sample: Itinerary length: 1 week Best dates:...

Dream trip to Machu Picchu

Having actually been to Machu Picchu before, I won’t simply help you book your trip. I’ll give you all the tips and insider knowledge that will make the trip smooth and unforgettable! This itinerary can be customized to your preferences and activity level but here is a sample that would...

Mayan sites that are accessible to all

Touring the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of those things that seems to make it onto everyone’s bucket list. Roaming the grounds at one of these sites, you may notice a lot of ramps next to or in place of steps. Or you may not notice...

The Two Activities Rule

“It has too many notes.” -Amadeus (1984) I tend to plan fairly active vacations. Reading my itineraries, some people have commented that they’ll need a vacation after doing all that! Take my planned upcoming Africa trip as an example. Sightseeing tour of Istanbul, Turkey including the famous Blue Mosque Mingling...

Turning Junk Mail on its Head

Just like you, I get junk mail all the time. Perhaps unlike you, I sometimes open and look at mine. 99% of the time  still end up throwing it away but every once in a great while I find something golden. Such is what happened to me the other day....

On Time, Every Time

The airport bombing in Belgium took place on the very morning me and a couple of others were flying back from Mexico. If you read my article on planning layovers, you know that I’m generally a fan of them. (Unlike most travelers.) Despite the fact that it was on the other...