ABOUT US
Get To Know Us!
The Faces Behind The Blog
Hello! We’re Lewis and Sharon. Welcome to our travel blog! We’ve spent the last 30+ years traveling the world. That’s a lot of flights and hotel stays!
As you can imagine, we’ve learned quite a few travel tips over the years and we want to share these with you. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next vacation or recommendations for things to do once you get there, we’re going to provide all the details.
Follow Us:
If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help with that too. We’re also going to share packing lists and hacks, travel resources that we use to book our trips and some of our favorite itineraries that you can customize to your interests. Enjoy!
Where We’ve Been
Travel Destinations
South Africa
South Africa is the kind of place that surprises you – in all the best ways. It offers a travel experience that’s adventurous but with an effortless luxury. Whether you’re sipping wine as you float down the Zambezi River or spotting wildlife from a private game reserve, every moment feels like something out of a movie.
England
England has so much more to discover beyond the iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Wander through charming countryside villages, explore medieval castles, grab a pint in a cozy pub, or catch a live show in London’s West End. The possibilities are endless!
China has a lot of everything—breathtaking scenery, ancient landmarks, buzzing cities, and seriously good food. One day you’re hiking the Great Wall, the next you’re slurping noodles in a tiny backstreet spot. Whether you’re into big adventures, cultural deep dives, or just want to try dumplings in every city, China has what you need.
Belgium might be small, but it’s packed with charm. Think medieval towns, waffles, cobblestone streets, waffles, storybook canals, waffles and some of the best chocolate and beer you’ll ever taste. Belgium is a perfect mix of culture, comfort, and delicious bites. It’s size allows you to see quite a bit in a short amount of time. Did we happen to mention the waffles?
Japan somehow manages to be energized and peaceful at the same time. If you tire of the hustle and bustle of the city streets, step into one of the gardens, tea houses or temples and you’ll immediately feel a sense of calm wash over you. It’s a destination unlike any other and will have you hooked from day one.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a land of bold contrasts. You’ll find historic neighborhoods with winding alleys and spice markets just minutes from shiny skyscrapers and beach resorts. It’s a city that goes big on everything—luxury hotels, record-breaking buildings, and unforgettable experiences and it delivers it all in style.
Thailand
What’s not to love about Thailand? It has exotic islands, lush jungles, luxury hotels and amazing food. That pretty much checks all of our boxes for a perfect vacation. Thailand is a place that allows you to mix adventure, relaxation and culture all in one amazing trip.
Turkey
East meets West in this country that has so much to offer. Whether you’re wandering through the colorful bazaars, exploring ancient ruins or hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey delivers in a big way. If you’re looking for a unique destination, consider Turkey.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic is on our list of countries to return to because we were so captivated by the capital. Often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” it’s difficult to fully capture the essence of Prague in a few short sentences. From Prague Castle perched high above the city to the Astronomical Clock standing guard over Old Town Square, it’s truly mesmerizing.
Denmark
When you think of traveling to Europe, you may not automatically think of Denmark. However, this gem of a Scandinavian country is definitely worth a visit. With its laid back vibe, scenic landscapes and delectable pastries, what’s not to love? It’s proximity to other countries makes it an appealing destination as well. Once you visit, you’ll wonder why it took you so long.
Greece
Greece is where the past and present collide. You can wander among ancient ruins one day and then catch a ferry to a sun-soaked island the next. Spectacular sunsets, turquoise waters and incredible food are the norm regardless of where you go. In short, if you’re looking for a well-rounded vacation destination, Greece is it.
France
France is usually at the top of any traveler’s destination bucket list and rightfully so. From its extensive list of iconic landmarks in Paris, to world class wine regions and glamorous coastal cities, it’s a country that has inspired many itineraries. The trick is fitting it all into one visit. Might just have to go back. That’s not a bad thing!
Germany
History, castles and beer are some of the first things you think about when you think of Germany. It’s so much more than that though. It’s the type of place that encourages you to venture off the beaten track to discover all the hidden gems that await you around every corner. It’s definitely a destination that you’ll want to return to over and over.
Netherlands
We absolutely love the Netherlands and encourage anyone to visit. In addition to Amsterdam, we highly recommend exploring some of the lesser known towns that are just a short train ride away. They offer the quaint cobblestone streets, fantastic restaurants and overall charm of Amsterdam but without the crowds.
Montenegro
Montenegro is the country you never knew you needed to visit. This tiny Balkan country packs a huge punch with its dramatic mountains, crystal-clear Adriatic coastline, and medieval towns that look like they’re straight out of a storybook. It certainly left an impression on us and it’ll do the same for you. It’s laid-back, full of charm, and still wonderfully uncrowded.
Portugal
If you’re looking for one reason to visit Portugal, we can give it to you in one word, authenticity. It’s a country where its residents still honor age-old traditions and hospitality is a way of life, not an obligation. If you need more reasons, the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, the lively cities of Lisbon and Porto and the natural beauty of the Azores are not to be missed.
Norway
Norway needs to be seen to be believed. The sheer beauty of the country is something every traveler needs to see at least once in their lifetime. Its capital, Oslo, is a perfect mix of Scandinavian design and laid-back vibes. It’s also a culinary paradise offering anything from cozy coffee spots to cutting-edge Nordic cuisine. It’s a treasure to behold.
Belize
Belize is all about slowing down and living in the moment. That doesn’t mean you can’t throw a bit of adventure into the mix though. You can spend your days lounging in a hammock by the turquoise waters or you can venture inland to the lush jungles to explore some of the ancient Mayan ruins. Whatever your preference, it’s all about no-worries.
Slovenia
We fell in love with Slovenia and we never saw it coming. All we can say is “Wow”. From the lively streets of Ljubljana to the picture-perfect shores of Lake Bled, we loved it all. We’d be remiss if we didn’t give a shout out to the famous Bled Cream Cake. Absolute perfection!
Mexico
Mexico is a great destination if you’re looking for a tropical getaway without traveling too far. Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach with a book, explore some of the nearby Mayan ruins or play a round of golf at some of the most beautiful courses in the world, Mexico has it all.
Bermuda
Bermuda is a slice of heaven close to home. If you’re looking for an island escape that doesn’t require a long flight, this is a great option for you. Once there, you’ll have your pick of beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and fantastic restaurants. Let’s not forget the stunning turquoise waters that surround this tropical paradise. It’s pure bliss!
Panama
Panama is one of those places that will surprise you, in a good way. You don’t hear much about it but once you get there, you’ll wonder why that is. Known mainly for the canal that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, it’s also a highly underrated beach destination. Travel further inland and you’ll find the lush Gamboa Rainforest.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of our happy places. It’s a country that wears many hats so it appeals to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re a couple looking for an adventurous honeymoon, a family looking to spend quality time together at a beautiful beach resort or a solo traveler looking to immerse yourself in the culture, Costa Rica has a place for you. It’s just begging to be explored and you’ll find that one visit may not be enough.
Croatia
Lovely Croatia. Where to begin? This is a country we’d go back to again and again. There’s so much to do no matter what interests you. In one trip, we were able to hike through a national park, relax on a tropical island, visit a winery, explore a medieval city and visit neighboring countries. Not too shabby.
Canada
Canada is definitely a country we’d like to spend more time exploring. From the Old World feel of Montreal and Quebec to the breathtaking landscapes of British Colombia, there’s so much to discover about this country. Though we’ve visited several times, it feels like we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. I feel another trip coming on!
Iceland
Where do we begin with Iceland? We had wanted to visit Iceland for quite a while. When we finally got there, it did not disappoint. The landscape is stunning with its mix of lava fields, waterfalls and mountains. The capital city of Reykjavik is small but packed with charm. You’ll find colorful buildings, quirky street art, and a surprisingly hip food and music scene which gives it a cozy vibe. It was definitely one of our favorite trips.
United States
The United States is a treasure trove of destinations for all kinds of interests. Whether you’re looking to visit beautiful beaches, hike through some of the national parks or visit some of the bustling cities, you can find it all here.
Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean is pure paradise. We love that each island has its own personality. However, what they all share is the perfect combination of turquoise waters and white-sand beaches which create an easy, laid-back vibe. It makes you instantly relax. Whether you’re snorkeling over coral reefs, sipping a rum punch under a palm tree, or dancing to reggae as the sun sets, it’s all about enjoying the moment.
Italy
If it’s not obvious from the number of places we’ve visited, Italy is one of our favorite countries. It totally lives up to the hype. Picture yourself wandering ancient ruins in Rome, sipping wine in a Tuscan vineyard, or cruising through Venice by gondola. The food? Always incredible—fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, creamy gelato. Aside from the food, Italy is full of history, art, coastlines, mountains, and charming villages that make you want to slow down and soak it all in.
Our Story
Blogging & Traveling Abroad
How It Began
I can’t really pinpoint when my obsession with traveling started, mainly because it was so long ago but what I do know is that I wanted to see the world. I decided what better way to do that than to get a job in an industry that basically requires it?
So I decided to major in travel management in college. It was during this time that I met Lewis and we’ve been traveling together ever since. That was over 30 years ago!
I eventually went on to earn an associate’s degree in travel management and a bachelor’s degree in travel marketing.
Over the years, I’ve worked both in and out of the travel industry, earning my Certified Travel Associate’s certificate along the way.
One of my favorite travel positions was as a custom travel specialist. I designed unique itineraries for clients to destinations around the world. This included anything from a 6 month around-the-world itinerary to a luxury honeymoon in Dubai and the Maldives. I loved it because, for me, it’s like solving a puzzle, trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together.
Traveling Europe Solo In 2019
How We Got Started Blogging
So many people have said to us over the years that they wouldn’t know where to begin if they tried to plan an itinerary. We feel as though a lot of people feel the same way and it holds them back from traveling. If you’re one of those people, we want to show you that it doesn’t have to be so scary.
Why We Blog
Our Experience With Luxury & Affordable Luxury Travel
We love luxury travel. Some of our favorite hotels we’ve stayed at include the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai and the Four Seasons Chaing Mai to name just a couple.
That being said, we absolutely love finding luxury boutique hotels that are centrally located. Quite often, we’re able to find hotels that have the same level of service as some of the luxury chain hotels for a fraction of the cost. Part of what we’re hoping to do with this blog is to introduce you to affordable luxury and show you that you don’t need to mortgage your house to indulge a little bit.
Where Are We Traveling Next?
Nothing is solidified just yet but our plan is to take several long weekend trips over the summer, some locally, some not so local. Locally, we’re planning to visit Burlington, Vermont with our dogs. We’ve visited before but never during the summer and we’re looking forward to spending time with the boys. We also want to visit Nashville which has been on our to-do list for quite a while.
Internationally, our plan is to travel to Switzerland to ride the trains through the Alps. We’re going to combine this with a stay in Lake Como before heading home.
Beyond that, here’s our bucket list:
- Australia
- Galapagos
- Jordan
- Vietnam
- Malta
- Eygpt
- Morocco
- Eygpt
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Banff
What to Expect
What will you find here?
Travel
Inspiration
Discover unique vacation destinations and itineraries.
Affordable Luxury Travel
Experience luxury travel without the price tag with these tips.
Transportation Guides
Travel like a pro with our transportation tips and helpful guides.