Discovering Northern Europe With My Baltic Cruise Excursions

A Baltic cruise was an easy way to see this part of Northern Europe. I am sharing my Baltic cruise excursions as I independently explored each port stop.

I cruise for many reasons: to get some me time, to get pampered, and to enjoy unending views of the ocean are just a few of them. I also cruise to experience new destinations, which was why I chose this particular Baltic cruise  itinerary. I have long wanted to visit the Scandinavian countries and the Balkans, and this cruise made that wish come true.

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Touring the Real Downton Abbey – Channeling My Inner Countess With a Visit to Highclere Castle

Sharing my visit to Highclere Castle. This is all about my real Downton Abbey tour.

“What IS a week-end?”

The Dowager Countess of Grantham as played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Downton Abbey series delivered many pointed one liners that defined her indomitable character. This is one of my favorites.

Downton Abbey would not be the same without Maggie Smith, nor without the backdrop of the imposing structure of Highclere Castle, the real life estate that stands in for the fictional Crowley home.

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Have Only One Day in London? I Made It a Perfectly English Day!

With only one day in London, this is how I made it a perfectly English Day!

I enjoy visiting London, and try to schedule a long stopover in between flights to other points in Europe if I can. On a recent visit, I had a perfectly English day in London!

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Discovering Photogenic London – Some of My Favorite London Photos

London is one of my favorite cities to visit and these are some of my favorite London photos and London photo spots that show off the city’s unique personality.

London is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s busy and vibrant and easy to get around in. The city also offers great opportunities for fun photography. These are some of my favorite London photos that showcase those experiences that make this great city so special for me. Continue reading “Discovering Photogenic London – Some of My Favorite London Photos”

Loved These 25 Festive Things To Do in London in December – No Bah Humbugs Here

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 the festive things I did in London in December.

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Cruising Like a Princess – A Complete Regal Princess Cruise Review With Photos

In this Regal Princess cruise review I share my detailed expereinces on this beautiful Royal Class ship, including lots of photos.

I was lounging in a deck chair with an Irish coffee in hand, tucked under a cozy blanket and watching a movie on the big screen as the sun set behind me.

I do not think of myself as a princess – quite the contrary. But occasionally, I do like being treated like one. For a little while, it’s nice to have someone else make my bed, cook my meals, and bring me a specialty drink when I am in the mood for one.

A cruise gives me all this and more. I love being on the water. I love the feeling of the gentle rocking of the ship under my feet. I love staring at the ocean and watching the sunshine play on the waves. And I love feeling and smelling the salty breeze when I am on deck. Being on a ship gives me a sense of serenity that I don’t normally feel when I am on land.

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Reflections from 2023

My annual recap after an incredible year of travel all over the globe.

“….changes in latitude, changes in attitude….”

This was certainly a year for the record books for me as I travelled across latitudes from the Antarctic all the way up to the Arctic. I can’t believe how many bucket list trips I was fortunate to indulge in. I have become very spoiled by all my travels this year, and I am very appreciative of the many opportunities I’ve had to see so many special places around the world.

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Finding the Magic – My Harry Potter Studio Tour Review and Tips for a Perfect Vsit

As a huge Harry Potter fan, visiting Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Brothers Studios in London was magical. This is my Harry Potter Studio Tour review with lots and lots of photos and tips for experiencing this magical place.

Some days I wish I had a magic wand. Or that I also had received a letter on my eleventh birthday saying I was accepted into the Hogwarts School of Wizarding and Witchcraft. Of course the Sorting Hat would put me in the Gryffindor house and I also would have a beautiful white owl as my companion. For one day, I was able to be part of this magical world during my Wizarding World of Harry Potter London experience.

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Reflections from 2019 – An Epic Year of Travel

This was an epic year of travel for me – the best ever. I was very fortunate to be able to go somewhere special each month.

I visited National Parks in the US  as well as a few new places in my home country. I had a completely unique experience as a volunteer citizen scientist in Kenya. And my feet touched the soil of South America for the first time. To top it all off, I was totally spoiled on a one of a kind barge cruise on the Burgundy Canal in France. I don’t think any year in travel can get much better.

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