Driving in Israel

I tentatively press my foot on the gas in the black Mazda. Oh so tentatively. “Oh my god,” I saw to Giselle and Cody, who somehow have agreed to be willing participants in the Great Israeli Driving Experience (which I totally just made up). “I cannot believe we are renting a car. I cannot believeContinue reading “Driving in Israel”

Airport security and Israel

I’ve been to Israel three times now — twice in the span of one year. Other than getting asked if it is safe to travel there (yes, it is and a blog post is coming), I get asked about the interrogation process entering and leaving the country. If you’re planning a trip to Israel, thereContinue reading “Airport security and Israel”

10 things to do in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv. One of my favorite cities in the world (not just because my best friend happens to live there). It is a city I have been to three times in less than two years, and located in a country I have been to four times (which is tied with England for top visits). EveryContinue reading “10 things to do in Tel Aviv”

History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina

We stand outside the cafe, a gorgeous stone terrace with little tables, overlooking the tranquil blue water of the Ligurian Sea (a far cry from the tumultuous experience the day before when attempting to take Cinque Terre’s water ferry). Mom and I stand waiting, our suitcases at our sides, when the owner of Alla MarinaContinue reading “History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina”

Rivers of relaxation – the magic and majesty of our European waterways

We’ve all been there. That agonizing decision. Where to book the next holiday? Nowadays as the working day spills evermore into our precious leisure time, it’s more critical than ever to make sure that we choose the right getaway. A break which will give us maximum relaxation time and a welcome change from the anonymousContinue reading “Rivers of relaxation – the magic and majesty of our European waterways”

Hiking in Cinque Terre

Perhaps the one thing Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — are the paths tying the five Italian villages together. Varying in difficulty and length,  visitors come from the world over, clad in their best gear to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacularContinue reading “Hiking in Cinque Terre”

The world of vacation rentals

My mom and I arrive to Cinque Terre hours after we were supposed to, thanks to the Italian train strikes taking place on the day we hike it from photogenic Venice to Milan to La Spezia to Vernazza (whew). Exhausted, moderately grumpy and ready to take in the beauty of the Ligurian region, we exitContinue reading “The world of vacation rentals”

Exploring the Venice beach

Venice, with it small canals, lagoons and tiny islands, is lacking one major thing: a beach. Or, so I used to think. More than a decade after my first visit to this photogenic city, I have one goal in the quick visit this time around with my momma: Visit the Venice beach I had heardContinue reading “Exploring the Venice beach”

Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour

The thick doors of St. Mark’s Basilica close behind us, shutting us off to the whir and clamor of the throngs of people in Venice and we step into the entryway of the historical and iconic St. Mark’s. Located in Piazzo San Marco and connected to the Doge’s Palace, in the most recognizable city in the worldContinue reading “Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour”

The perk of short-term travel relationships

I curl into the side of my Irish Lad as the Slovenian countryside blurs past me, a gorgeous swirl of emerald-green countryside dotted with villas, against a bright blue sky. He wraps his arm around me, thumb absently rubbing my shoulder and I slink closer to him in our hard bus seats. Irish Lad’s other arm isContinue reading “The perk of short-term travel relationships”