Life is a patchwork of experiences
Poppies have become a symbol of remembrance throughout the British Commonwealth
In 1915, Canadian physician John McCrae wrote a poem after a friend died in the Second Battle of Ypres in World War I. He noticed how quickly the poppies grew among the crosses that marked the graves of the fallen and used that as his inspiration for the poem.
Since that time, the poppy has come to represent Remembrance Day throughout the British Commonwealth.
Continue reading “Remembering With Poppies in London – A Photo Essay”
I love to visit London any time of year, but the Christmas holiday season is one of my favorite times to visit because there are so many fun and festive things to do in London in December.
Christmas Markets, decorated trees, sparkling lights, and holiday concerts galore. On my December trip to London, I found the city wrapped up in all things Christmas.
There is always a lot to do in London, and this time of year, even more so. So after spending ten days getting into the holiday spirit, this is my list of all the festive things I did in London in December.
Continue reading “Loved These 25 Festive Things To Do in London in December – No Bah Humbugs Here”
This Month’s podcast is all about my luxury European Waterways barge cruise on the River Thames with the Magna Carta.
Podcast link: Barge Cruising England’s Scenic Thames River
Continue reading “October 9, 2025 Podcast: Barge Cruising England’s Scenic Thames River”
I am sharing my personal Orient Express experience to inspire your next luxury holiday train trip. Let this detailed review inspire your next luxury experience.
Exotic destinations, quirky sleuths, and twisting story lines are all hallmarks of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novels. Her most famous story undoubtedly has to be “Murder on the Orient Express,” which takes place on the luxurious and legendary train traveling from Istanbul to London. That same elegant train experience and legendary service can now be experienced again as you travel on the Orient Express from Venice to London, like I did.
This post was recognized by the North America Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) in 2017 awards competition with a Bronze award in the Luxury and Resort Travel Online Publication category
Continue reading “Luxury Without Murder – My Orient Express Experience”
In this month’s podcast, I share my experience aboard the Canyon Spirit on the 3 day luxury train journey from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. The Canyon Spirit is part of the Armstrong Collective, owners of the Rocky Mountaineer, the famous luxury train journey across Canada.
Podcast link: The Canyon Spirit – A Luxurious Train Journey Through the American Southwest
In this detailed Canyon Spirit review I describe everything about my luxury train journey from Salt Lake City, Utah to Denver, Colorado
Along with cruising, traveling by train is one of my favorite ways to see the world, especially if it is a luxury train experience. I’ve been on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express from Venice to Paris, the British Pullman in the UK, and the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham trains in Peru, and they have all been memorable journeys.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the new luxury US Canyon Spirit train route from Salt Lake City to Denver, where I enjoyed impeccable service along with regionally inspired dining while taking in the varied landscapes of the southwest.
In this month’s podcast, I talk about my three week road trip in Alaska and the Yukon. From Katmai National Park, to exploring Wrangell–St. Elias and Kluane National Park, driving the Alcan Highway, and staying at the remote yet luxurious Tincup Wilderness Lodge, I share my experiences and tips.
Podcast link: Alaska and the Yukon Road Trip – Exploring the Wild
Continue reading “August 14, 2025 Podcast: Alaska and Yukon Road Trip – Exploring the Wild”
The Tincup Wilderness Lodge in Canada’s Yukon was a quiet retreat in the middle of nowhere with all the comforts of home
The first thing I noticed was the quiet – the kind of quiet that is almost impossible to experience in today’s world.
There was none of the background noise that comes from whirring motors, or humming electronics, or airplanes flying at 30000 feet. These are the sounds of modern day life that are always present and have become imperceptible.
Until they are no longer there.
In a landscape where towns and modern amenities are few and far between, Tincup Wilderness Lodge stood out as a luxurious haven of silent solitude that truly was in the middle of nowhere.
Continue reading “Finding the Sounds of Silence at Yukon’s Tincup Wilderness Lodge”
In my latest podcast, I share tips for planning the best alaska cruise.
Podcast Link: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Experience: What to Know Before You Go
After many cruises to Alaska, these are my Alaska cruise planning tips.
There is no doubt that Alaska is a beautiful state. With glacier studded mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, wildlife galore, and ancient native cultural traditions, it’s no surprise that it is a bucket list destination for many. Cruising southeast Alaska is an easy and (relatively) budget friendly way to see one of the most scenic parts of this huge state.
