Here’s a collection of snapshots from my global adventures, each paired with quick tips, personal stories, and a few “wish you were here” moments. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just in it for the armchair escape, welcome to my travel snippets!
Tower Bridge is London at its most iconic—instantly recognizable, totally majestic, and a must-see for any England itinerary. Just steps from the Tower Hill stop on the Circle Line, it’s easy to get to and impossible to miss. While there is a tour that takes you across the upper platform, I’ll be honest—it’s more “cool view” than “mind-blowing history lesson.” But if sweeping cityscapes are your thing? Worth the ticket. Snap the pic, soak in the skyline, and keep that wanderlust rolling.
Cancún is a study in contrasts—lush resort life meets everyday local hustle. We’ve stayed at the Dreams Riviera Maya multiple times, and let me tell you: it never disappoints. This all-inclusive gem delivers serious luxury, ocean views for days, and that “I could get used to this” feeling the moment you walk in. There’s just nothing quite like sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand, overlooking the sparkling Mexican Riviera. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Venice is easily one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever explored. And despite what you’ve seen on social media (or in this very photo), no—it’s not entirely underwater. There are plenty of winding streets and hidden alleys just waiting to be wandered on foot. The buildings are ancient in the best way, steeped in history and charm. Around every corner, you’ll feel the whisper of centuries past. Venice isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood, a mystery, and a masterpiece.
Perched high on Calton Hill with sweeping views of Edinburgh, the National Monument was meant to honor the fallen heroes of the Napoleonic Wars. Noble intentions? Absolutely. Execution? Well… not so much. Construction began in 1826, but a lack of funds left it famously unfinished. Nearly 200 years later, it still stands proudly incomplete—earning its nickname “Scotland’s Folly.” A powerful reminder that even great ideas sometimes run out of steam (and budget).
To know me is to know that I LOVE British history. This is Conwy Castle in North Wales. Built by King Edward I in the late 1200s, amazingly, this is still standing. There is no guided tour here and admission is just a couple of quid. There are fantastic views and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore at your own pace.
It seems strange to vacation in a place where I lived for over twenty years, but while raising our kids in Colorado we decided to take them back to our old stomping ground. Every trip to LA requires dipping a toe or two into the Hollywood atmosphere. What better place than Paramount Studios? Great fun!
This building caught my eye when visiting Bridgetown Barbados. While still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the government of Barbados no longer recognizes the King as head of state. The island of Barbados is a wonderful stop on a tour of the Caribbean. Amazing weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly faces all around.
I snapped this pic from one of the tallest towers in San Gimignano (pronounced Jim-in-Yanno, FYI), Tuscany. This wasn’t even on our itinerary—until a chat with a couple on the train to Venice led us to this gem. And let me tell you, they were so right. San Gimignano is quintessential Italy at its finest. The views? Absolutely unreal—seriously, I couldn’t have even imagined it. This place is everything you dream about when you think of Tuscany!
The absolute scale of this structure is fantastic. Designed and constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair, it was meant to honor the progress of science and the exploration of the atom. It’s simply a museum now. The bubbles each house some interesting vignettes. The Atomium is a great stop if you are in town!
Manhattan is the most amazing city. While we were there, we took the time to head up to the viewing platform at the top of the Empire State Building. Art Deco at its finest! If you decide to go, do yourself a favor and get the City Pass. The lines were astronomical, but we just showed our tickets and were escorted straight to the elevators!
Oxford is a fantastic little city that has grown over time. A college town, it has a very laid-back feeling of old academia. Everything is old and creeky. If you go, do try to stop in the Sheldonian Theatre and the Radcliffe Camera. Both are great buildings – but then again, who am I to pick from this amazing scenery? It’s all wonderful.
We have traveled all over the Caribbean, and although Martinique wasn’t my favorite island, this fort was stellar. Resting high enough to oversee the Fort-de-France Bay, this place holds a quintessential “Pirates of the Caribbean” feeling. I wish that I had done more study on this prior to my visit as the locals spoke mostly “French” and were not eager to assist any English-speaking tourists. I do wonder what the welcoming and friendly European French would think of their Caribbean counterparts.
The time I spent in Rome afforded me some of my most cherished travel memories. The sites were something I couldn’t have imagined! The Trevi Fountain is smack in the middle of this bustling city, and just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. It is immense and although the story goes that it has been here since “ancient times”, a fountain was located here back then but not this one. The fountain as we know it today was constructed sometime around the mid 1600’s. Still old, but not quite as ancient as many think.
Belize is one of those places that’s so fascinating, with everything from areas of rough poverty and colorful, rickety wooden houses to the lush, jaw-dropping rainforests. It’s a country that’s truly worth experiencing. We spent a day exploring the ancient Mayan ruins at Altun Ha—and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! The humidity was real on that sweltering summer day, and those unexpected hills? Let’s just say, they kept us on our toes. The best part? We could roam freely and even climb to the top of these ancient wonders! I honestly thought everything would be roped off, but nope—we were able to take in some stunning views from the peaks. It was a fabulous day to remember!
So, Washington D.C. It’s a must see for every American, yes? I’ve been a couple of times to this amazing part of the country and there is just never enough time to explore the history nestled in this tiny area. We made it to the top of the Washington Monument this time to catch an amazing view of the White House just outside. My measly photos do nothing for the senses. What is there to post that hasn’t been found on the internet at nauseum? Something about this photo though, the amazing White House and all its history just sitting quietly in the background. Nice.
Honestly, Stockholm is hands down the loveliest place I’ve ever been. It’s got it all—an immaculate downtown with fabulous shopping, the breathtaking archipelago, and the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere. Add in a European charm that’s traditional but with a totally unique twist, and you’ve got a city that’s impossible not to fall in love with. I’m talking full-on heart eyes here. Love, love, love Stockholm!
Who knew Pompeii (or Pompei, as the Italians say) would be this fantastic? Honestly, I thought it’d be one of those “you’re here, you might as well…” stops, but it completely blew me away. The city is huge—I had no idea of the scale! Some areas are still in pristine condition, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Then, there are parts of it that are just obliterated—the contrast is wild. The whole place is like a living history lesson, and let me tell you, it’s unforgettable.
“Let them eat cake,” right? But first, make sure you don’t miss the Petit Trianon! It’s a bit of a hike from the main Palace at Versailles, and if you’re in a rush, you might just skip it. But trust me, don’t. We got caught in a sudden downpour while exploring the gardens, so we made a mad dash for anything covered—and ended up here. What a happy accident! The Petit Trianon may look small compared to the grandeur of the Palace and the Grand Trianon, but once you step inside, it’s surprisingly spacious. Originally designed for Madame Du Barry by Louis XV, it’s Marie Antoinette who really makes this lovely chateau famous. A little off the beaten path, but well worth the detour!
I gotta tell ya, this place is fantastic. No, that adjective isn’t powerful enough. The building itself isn’t tour worthy, but this museum is the most interactive, fun, curious, hilarious, informative, wild experience you can imagine. Located just down the road from Edinburgh (say Ed-in-bruh) Castle, if you go to the capital, plan a day here. Yes, a full day. You will be glad you did!
Image by Wolfgang Claussen
Well, what can I say about this? No matter what your religion, this is a must-see. This structure is the most enormous building I have ever seen. Over 160,000 SF on the interior! Amazing! We took the time to wait and tour the Sistine Chapel as well. No photography allowed,…but what an amazing experience!
The Stanley Hotel is a total must-see, especially if you’re a fan of Stephen King’s The Shining. Located in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Estes Park, in the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Forest, this place oozes history—and a little bit of spooky charm. While it wasn’t the hotel used in the film, you’ll definitely see where King got his inspiration. Spend a night or two here—it’s a fantastic experience! It’s a bit commercialized, but honestly, that just adds to the fun. Ghosts? Probably. Good vibes? Absolutely!
The sun doesn’t always shine in California! I worked for quite a few years in Orange County when starting my design career. Newport is a great stop in an otherwise bustling area of Southern California. Although it is quite upscale, I like Newport for its beachy, laid-back feeling. Unpretentious, casual, and fun!
Another iconic London site is the crescent of Regent Street. Named for King George IV, as Prince Regent, the architecture is classic Georgian. This is one of my favorite shopping destinations when I am in London. While it is full of luxury retailers, there is nothing that’s unobtainable here. And it is perfect at night for just a nice stroll.
Honestly, this was so cool to see and it is much smaller than imagined. When I was just a kid, I recall my mother having a vinyl LP recording of the last time the Liberty Bell was rung. She would listen to it from time to time and it did absolutely nothing for me. Now as an adult, I get it.
I could have spent all day here. This was unimaginable. I have seen ancient Mayan ruins, but this site was just something so incredible. Perhaps it’s that Rome has such a European feeling or maybe it is stories that I have heard since I was a child, I don’t really know. The structures, although robust, seemed like they were made of chalk and would crumble at the slightest touch. Looking at this photo with people milling about like extras in a modern-day movie, it’s a juxtaposition of reality and history that I don’t often feel when I’m exploring historic places. I was absolutely lost in another world. Where am I, where is this, who made this? It was fantastic.
Phoenix, Arizona is a very underrated and overlooked city when it comes to vacations. I grew up here and know the layout very well. We took family vacations here every year while our kids were growing up and honestly, I never tire of the amazing sunsets in the Valley of the Sun.
Aren’t you glad I captioned this? If you go to Paris, please take a moment to go up to the top of the tower and look around. The views are amazing, and it is quite an experience. Paris is absolutely magical!
The Caribbean is such a cool area of the world, I just love it. Maybe it is the history of the pirates, maybe it’s the exploration of “new” worlds, maybe it is just that the water is something so blue I can’t even describe it. I don’t know. We’ve explored quite a few islands; Antigua, Barbados, Martinique, St. John, Hispaniola, St. Thomas… They’re all amazing. If you get to St. Thomas (which is a tourist hot-spot) grab a cab, escape the crowds, & head to Megan’s Bay on the north side. Spectacular! You’ll be glad you did!
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”- Dr. Samuel Johnson, 1777. Great quote and I agree. I, for one, am never tired of London. Westminster is the hub of the city hosting the Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), & Westminster Abbey. Although this part of the city gets very touristy, it is a must-see for any visitor.
My husband was born in this lovely little village in the Southwest of England. Known for this exceptionally scenic hill, Shaftesbury retains all of its quaint charm even now in the 21st century. It is very hilly and there are loads of pleasant parks and paths to walk. There is a tremendous sense of history here – a town untouched by time. Notice the authentic thatch roof on the cottage below!
This photo is one of my favorites – taken long before the fire in recent years. Notre Dame is beyond stunning. Each time I’m in Paris, I’m solidly certain that I’ll get hit by a car because I can’t take my eyes off it! Sure, it’s covered in soot, but honestly, that just adds to the mystique of its centuries of history. While it might feel imposing from a distance, the cathedral itself is surprisingly small compared to other European cathedrals. But that’s the magic of Notre Dame—it pulls you in, no matter what.
I’m not the “plant me in a beach chair” type—when I land somewhere new, I explore. So in the lush backlands of Honduras, we grabbed a canoe and headed down a canal like we were on a mission. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much more than signs of poverty, but the Caribbean side of this little country surprised me in the best way—it was vibrant, green, and absolutely stunning. This little adventure turned out to be one of those “wow, we really did that” moments. Nature always knows how to show off, doesn’t it?
This is the crown jewel of the beautiful state of Arizona. I’ve seen this bad boy a few times but it is still fantastic to just look at in wonder. No matter how big you may imagine it to be – quadruple it. It’s just immense. I often wonder what the first explorers thought when coming to find this enormous, colorful canyon. Viewing from the rim is amazing, but for added adventure, treat yourself to a helicopter ride into the canyon for some amazing vantage points!
Even though I live in Florida now, popping over to Miami from the Gulf Coast still feels like entering an entirely different world—one with neon lights, thumping beats, and an energy that does not quit. My son snapped this photo and totally nailed the vibe—Miami is electric. The food? Phenomenal. The beaches? Absolutely vibey. The city itself? A full-on sensory experience. It’s where Latin flavor meets art deco glam, and every corner feels like a postcard. Great city, great fun… and just the right amount of chaos. Fabulous and fun. If you’re looking for a nice, quiet vacation, don’t go here.
On the western coast of Mexico is colorful Mazatlán and the crown jewel of this city is the beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. There is so much to do in Mazatlán, and its party atmosphere is so fun that it’s easy to bypass seeing this beautiful cathedral. I love taking in the local ambiance of the heritage when I visit foreign cities, so stopping here was an easy decision. The interior is amazing, but no photos were allowed.
I love cruising. Like, truly, madly, deeply. It honestly doesn’t matter where the ship’s headed—Mexico, the Caribbean, Timbuktu (ok maybe not that far)—because the real joy is just being on the ship. There’s something magical about being out at sea, where your biggest stress is deciding between a nap or a mimosa (spoiler: do both). We’ve cruised with a bunch of different lines and every trip is its own kind of fabulous. The best part? Everyone’s on vacation. No traffic, no road rage, no grocery store drama—just sunshine, salt air, and endless soft-serve. Next up: the Mediterranean. Bring on the bubbles and the pasta, baby!
Total bucket list moment! Pisa might be a little off the beaten path in Italy, but it is so worth the detour. The Leaning Tower? Honestly, it’s leaning so far over I was afraid a strong breeze—or a loud tour group—might tip it right over. My words can’t express just how “leaning” this baby was. It was LEANING. You know when you look at something that you think can’t be real? Yeah, that kind of leaning. But that’s part of the magic! Seeing it in person feels surreal, like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Italy as a whole? Chef’s kiss. But Pisa? Absolutely spectacular and so worth the tilt-induced neck strain.
Just a hop from London and a scenic scoot through Oxford, Blenheim Palace is the definition of immense. Like, jaw-on-the-cobblestones massive. I dove into the history tour (because “Dukes of Marlborough” wasn’t exactly on my radar), and wow—what a fascinating peek into aristocratic drama! I always thought Winston Churchill had a big family tie here, but turns out, he was just born at Blenheim. The staff made it pretty clear he’s more of a footnote than a family mascot. Honestly, the whole palace had “quiet scandal” energy. Give me powdered wigs, passive-aggressive tea service, and a duel at dawn, please. Still, the palace? Beyond stunning. A must for history lovers and fans of the “palaces that make you feel tiny” aesthetic.
The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles isn’t just a jaw-dropping corridor of chandeliers and shine—it’s a stage where actual history happened. The Treaty of Versailles, the one that ended World War I? Yep, signed right here. As a history buff, standing in that space gave me actual chills. Yes, the ceilings are masterpieces in their own right—Louis XIV made sure every victory was immortalized in paint—but it’s the layers of emotion and power echoing through that hall that left me completely awestruck. I’ve seen the Sistine Chapel, but this? This hit different.
We’ve visited Stonehenge a few times and, honestly, I’m not sure why… It’s still a big ol’ circle of rocks that no one can really explain. But every time we head out to the West Country, I feel compelled to swing by—like I’m checking in on an old, mysterious friend. It’s definitely smaller than you’d think (though not quite This is Spinal Tap tiny), but there’s something oddly comforting about knowing those stones are still just… standing there. Doing their ancient rock thing. Solid. Literally.
I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings about walking through the Colosseum—how do you even prepare for something this iconic? But, well… when in Rome, right? Having spent so many years in LA surrounded by movie sets and theme parks, stepping into the Colosseum felt like entering a real-life film set. It was surreal, knowing the battles, the history, and the centuries of stories beneath my feet. It’s one of those places that leaves you in awe, like you’re standing at the intersection of history and legend. Definitely a sight to see!
Also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, this fabulous church is set high on the hills of Montmartre on the north side of Paris. If you can stop and tour inside, it is well worth the time. The interior is stunning and the massive pipe organ is unreal. Take a moment to stop and enjoy the views from the hilltop overlooking the city of lights. Fantastic!
Puerto Rico’s history is rich, vibrant, and absolutely overflowing with culture—but on this trip, we tossed the guidebooks aside and went straight for the heart of nature: El Yunque National Forest. This was my first-ever rainforest, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. The air, the sounds, the green as far as the eye can see—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing world. If you’ve never experienced a rainforest, do it while you can. With global warming and deforestation on the rise, places like this are more precious than ever. It’s an adventure and a reminder all in one.
Hawaii had been on my bucket list forever, but somehow it always got pushed to the back burner. When we finally made it to Maui, I couldn’t believe we waited so long! The island was stunning—though not as green as I imagined, it was still a paradise. We rented a car and explored every inch of it, including the legendary Road to Hana. This winding drive is straight-up magic, with waterfalls, tropical landscapes, and views that stop you in your tracks. From breathtaking beaches and luxury resorts to a traditional Luau, every vantage point was like a new postcard. This photo was taken from our hotel, with Lanai peeking out in the distance. I can’t wait to go back!
If you ever need to just get away and breathe, the charming town of Vail, Colorado is a great destination. Our family would vacation in Vail every year and it was a fantastic time to just escape life and taste the crisp mountain air. It is an upscale village with a comfortable down-home feeling. Perfection! John Denver had it right when he sang about the Rocky Mountain High.
What can I say about this that hasn’t been said before? My take on this is that the only way to get out to see Lady Liberty this close is via a boat, and although sometimes it’s a bit touristy, it is a must-see. If this statue was placed anywhere but in close proximity to Ellis Island and knowing the history of the immigrants coming to America, it probably would lose its meaning.
We have visited the Yucatan Peninsula a half dozen times or so. Although staying in the resort area is fabulous for a total R&R getaway, I do encourage you to venture back to the old city center and take a day trip to Tulum. Staying closer to the locals and experiencing their life for a snippet of time is enlightening. Walking around ancient ruins is even better. It truly is a full-day trip, but it’s worth the visit.
Sometimes it is really fun to go off the beaten path. We have traveled to Puerto Vallarta a few times, but on one venture, we took some time to explore the area by renting a jeep. We headed into the outback and explored the jungle – without a tour guide – and it was amazing! The film Predator was filmed back in the jungle and some of the structures were still there. This one was turned into a super cool restaurant over the water. There were wild pigs and crocs all around us! It was one of the most memorable, fantastic experiences I’ve ever had.
I have always said this is one of my most favorite places in the world and it’s right here in America. The Mission at Santa Barbara is an incredibly special place for me as I visited it a few times in my life when I was at a crossroads. Not necessarily bad times, but my life was turning, and I knew it. I came here and found something so incredibly centering about it. Peaceful beyond words. The mission is high up on the hillside and it overlooks the city and the Pacific Ocean. It is magnificent.
Warwick Castle is such a cool place to visit. Again, history. This place is packed with the story of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, aka the Kingmaker—yep, War of the Roses – that guy. (Don’t worry, I’ll do a blog on it, I promise.) But the castle? This place is a gem. It’s rather commercial now but the really captivating thing is that this castle from the middle ages is still intact. It is fully furnished and you can explore every nook and crevice on a tour for a couple of quid. It’s fun, informative, and well worth the trip to Warwickshire – which BTW is stunning. Love!
We all know the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. A pivotal landmark at the end of the Champs-Élysées, its sheer size is quite impressive. Protected by a bustling roundabout fed continuously by a dozen avenues, this is perhaps an overlooked tourist site. There is a pedestrian underpass for safe foot travel to the arch and for a nominal fee, you can gain access to these fantastic stairs leading to the viewing platform at the top. At almost 300 steps, that equates to approximately 10 stories high! Quite a workout but worth every step!
Mount Rushmore is absolutely breathtaking. We’ve all seen it in photos, movies, and all over the internet, but standing there, in front of it, is something truly special. The monument sits at the end of a short promenade from the park entrance, and you can even get a clear view from the parking lot. I snapped this photo with barely any zoom—these four faces, though not without controversy, were pivotal in shaping this nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. Their faces will probably be carved into this rock long after our civilization is gone. It’s a humbling, awe-inspiring sight.
Whenever you travel, don’t get too upset if plans don’t go as intended. We had a whole plan to stay somewhere—honestly, I can’t even remember where—but after getting hopelessly lost and night closing in, we found ourselves at this stunning villa on a hillside in Florence. We knocked on the door and, with our best “please don’t turn us away” face, asked if we could stay the night. Miraculously, the family understood us—because let’s be real, most Italians who live deep in the countryside don’t speak much English! Long story short, it was one of the best nights ever. The scenery was jaw-dropping, the food was to die for, and the family was so kind to help us poor, lost Americans. Sometimes, getting lost is exactly what you need.
The Old City Center
Many people hate living out of a suitcase, but I love moving around.
Always having a trip on my agenda makes me very happy and content. It’s about exploring a new location, but sometimes I want to go back and see more of some places.
The travel industry as a whole has been hit so severely. I have had a few conversations with hoteliers who lament about the low-capacity rates they are enduring, and it breaks my heart.
Be safe when you travel, respect the restrictions and quarantines, but get out there and see the world!
