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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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The St. Regis Venice Review
Venice Context/Disclaimer This is one of the more difficult reviews I have had to write up until this point as Venice is a difficult city…
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Europe Summer Vacay 2025 Trip Diary Part 2: Venice
We landed in Paris and then Venice after two excellent Air France Flights. Everything was great, the food was tasty, the doors in our pods…
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Air France 2025 Business Class Review
For our two long-haul flights across the pond, we flew Air France’s new business class product on their newish A330. Many, including Ben from Onemileatatime.com…
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The Langham Review and June 2025 Trip Diary Part 1-Boston
Since we only spent a day in Boston and a vast majority of our time at the Langham hotel, I figured I would combine blog…
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Trip Introduction: Venice, Dolomites and Vienna
We are off on our first of many trip the next six months. This one consists of Northern Italy and Austria. We planned this trip…
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Our 2025 Q3 and 4 Travels
I have been getting some negative feedback that there has not bee a lot of travel porn on here lately. Well fear not as Matt…
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Our French Son is Leaving Us
Well, the time has almost come for Marius to return home to his family. While we are sad to say goodbye, our year with him…
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My Favorite Photos of 38
Our 10th Wedding Anniversary Private Dinner at the Vana Belle Hotel. The dinner was wonderful. This handsome young man from France decided to come live…
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Warning! 5-Star Does Not Always Mean Luxury
I am going to give you two real examples of hotel experiences Matt and I faced. Please read the two experiences and answer the following…
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Eat Like a Champion, Eat at the Hotel!
I know I know, every tourism book tells you to skip the hotel restaurant and dine somewhere the locals eat. While I am sympathetic towards…
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Capital One Lounge Dulles Review
I have wanted to visit the Capital One Lounge since I became a Venture X card carrier. I finally had the opportunity to visit one…
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Changes To My Business
This week I made the decision to start charging a small retainer fee for my travel services as outlined below in my weekly newsletter. I…
Out And Abroad Luxury Travel 