Category: A Day In…

 

Sometimes I only have time to experience one day in a location but I make the most of it. Here I share my stories and photos of these experiences.

One Day in Cartagena, Columbia – A Colorful, Independent Cruise Excursion

I had only one day in Cartagena, Columbia on my Panama Canal cruise and I made the most of it by exploring the city’s UNESCO listed sights on my own.

2022 NATJA awardThis story was recognized by the North American Travel Journalists Association with a Silver award in the Photography – Cover or Feature Photo/Illustration category in the 2022 annual media travel awards competition .

The first stop on my Ruby Princess full transit Panama Canal cruise was Cartagena, Columbia. This was my first visit to Columbia, and I would only have six hours in port so I was going to make the most of it. My focus for my one day in Cartagena was on the UNESCO listed Old Town and the nearby Fort Castillo de San Filipe de Barajas.

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One Day in Jerusalem: Where Three Religions Intersect

Even with just one day in Jerusalem, I was able to see a majority of the historic sights.

On our recent trip to Israel and Jordan, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Old Jerusalem was a high priority. Our schedule allowed for only one day in Jerusalem, but we managed to make the most of our time as we discovered why this city is such a historic location for three of the world’s biggest religions.

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A Walk Down 42nd Street in New York City – Let Me Take You There

Take a walk with me down 42nd street in New York and discover 100 years of history and architecture in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

If Midtown is the heart of Manhattan, then 42nd street in New York City must be its main artery. It’s only a two mile walk from the East River to the Hudson River on this historic lane, but you pass through a handful of defined neighborhoods in the process, each with its own distinctive flavor. You also pass by some of the city’s most iconic and decorative buildings, both old and new.

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25 Photos to Inspire Your Next Grand Teton Itinerary

I am sharing 25 of my favorite Grand Teton pictures to inspire your next Grand Teton itinerary. The scenery is so point-and-shoot gorgeous, that narrowing the list down to only 25 photos was quite a challenge.

I love mountains, so it is no surprise that a Grand Teton vacation is one of my favorite national park trips in the US. With its jagged in-your-face peaks that are reflected in lakes and streams, it’s a scenic candy jar whose beauty is easy to experience.

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My 3 Favorite Nairobi Day Trips – Up Close and Personal With Africa’s Unique Wildlife

There are a number of wildlife options within the city that are good Nairobi day trips. My hotel set up a driver so that I could easily visit them on my own.

Nairobi is the usual landing spot and starting point for safaris in Kenya. If you have the time, you can start off your trip with a day in Nairobi, experiencing Africa’s unique wildlife at the various local animal sanctuaries. Here are my recommendations for Nairobi day trips. Continue reading “My 3 Favorite Nairobi Day Trips – Up Close and Personal With Africa’s Unique Wildlife”

One Day in Marrakesh – A Stroll Through the Majorelle Garden

If you have only one day in Marrakesh, I highly recommend a visit to the Majorelle Garden. This is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city – and for good reason. Amid the calm green oasis, pops of color provide a jolt to the senses. Yet the shades of yellow, teal and royal blue all harmonize with the hundreds of shades of green in such a way that you can’t imagine one without the other.

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A Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech, Morocco

On a recent visit to Marrakesh, I had the opportunity to experience a day trip to Essaoura from Marrakech, Morocco. I was surprised to find that this coastal town was so much more relaxed and laid back than Marrakech. Even with a short day in Essaouira, I discovered that its beach vibe felt more akin to being in the Caribbean than on the African coast.

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A Nikko Day Trip From Tokyo – Taking a Tour Versus Independent Travel

The shrines and temples of Nikko, one of Japan’s 21 UNESCO listed sites, are one of the many easy options for Tokyo day trips. You can do a Nikko day trip either as a tour from Tokyo, or you can go there independently. Either option has its pros and cons. Read my recommendations for a complete Nikko day trip experience.

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Hiking Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania’s Prettiest State Park

If you love waterfalls like I do, then Pennsylvania’s Ricketts Glen State Park should be at the top of your hiking list. With 21 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek, you won’t find a more gratifying hike in the state, especially in the fall when the leaves start changing color. Hiking Ricketts Glen is my choice for the best state park in PA experience.

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