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Travel Reviews, Rants, Advice & Other Dispatches from the Champagne Aisle
Welcome to my corner of the internet where travel isn’t always filtered, the opinions are very much my own, and yes—sometimes the Wi-Fi still doesn’t work, even at the $1,200-a-night resort.
This blog is part postcard, part journal, part gentle (and not-so-gentle) rant space.
And because I’m a former history teacher with opinions (and zero chill when it comes to disinformation), don’t be surprised if a post about Tuscan villas is followed by something on political hypocrisy, historical context, or why it’s time to start reading beyond the headlines.
This is where travel meets the rest of life—with humor, honesty, and the occasional eye-roll.
If you’re into luxury with a wink—and a few strong opinions—you’re in the right place.
Honest reviews of hotels, destinations, and experiences—because not everything that looks good on Instagram is worth your PTO
Practical travel advice that balances smart strategy with a love for the good life
Personal reflections on travel as a way of living, connecting, and sometimes just escaping
Occasional spicy takes on travel trends, tourist behavior, and why some people should not be allowed in business class
The Latest
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EDITION Kanai: A Travel Advisor’s Analysis
I want to be upfront: this isn’t a traditional review. I didn’t stay overnight at EDITION Kanai. During our recent stay at the neighboring St.…
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St Regis Kanai Review 5/5
Overview Opened in 2023, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is one of Marriott’s newest luxury resorts, featuring 124 guestrooms and suites, all with…
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10 Reasons Boutique Hotels Are Better Than Luxury Factories
10 Reasons Boutique Hotels Are Better Than Luxury Factories Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a Four Seasons. I appreciate a St. Regis. And there…
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Ranking the Business Class Airlines I’ve Actually Flown
Ranking My Business Class Airlines Not all business class is created equal. Some airlines nail the full experience—seat, food, service, lounges—while others get a few…
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Rome Edition Hotel Review
For our one night in Rome, we booked The Rome EDITION using our Amex Brilliant free night. The property is just a few years old…
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Adler Thermae-With the Boy
The Adler Thermae is a luxury spa hotel located in the Val d’Orcia in Tuscany. I reviewed it two years ago, and I’m happy to…
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The St. Regis Florence Review
The St. Regis Florence delivers a refined, old-world luxury experience set inside a Renaissance palace, where historic grandeur and attentive service feel deeply intertwined. It’s…
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Operation: The Boy
The day had arrived. In the span of twelve hours, we would leave our hotel in Paris, fly to Florence, check into the St. Regis,…
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Croque Monsieur Before the Main Event (Paris 2026 Journal)
Before Matt’s Florence surprise, we had to get through Paris first. Matt thought the purpose of Paris was to eat and shop. For me, Paris…
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Renaissance République Review
Since Paris was a last-minute add-on—we wanted to get to Europe a few days before Matt’s surprise—our budget was already stretched. A week and a…
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How to Secretly Transport a French Teenager Across Europe
I really wanted to do something special for Matt’s 40th. I was so proud of everything Matt had accomplished in his young adult years that…
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Why This Trip Felt Different
I haven’t been blogging much lately. My social media posts have also become less frequent. If you miss me and want more regular travel musings…
Out And Abroad Luxury Travel 