Blog

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

  • London Edition Hotel Review 4.8/5

    The Edition London is one of Marriott Bonvoy’s most premier properties in London. Truthfully Marriott’s footprint in London is rather weak particularly in the luxury…

  • Escaping Thailand: Our 10th Anniversary

    Okay let’s get back to happy talk. Matt and I have finally figured out how we are going to get home from Thailand for our…

  • Personal Reflection: How I am Staying Sane During a Rough Patch

    I am sorry I haven’t posted lately. I drafted several travel related posts, but I just have not had the energy to complete them over…

  • A Wellness and Family Trip to Palm Beach

    Let’s just say 2024 and I have not started off on the right foot. It has been a January. Matt and my therapist suggested I…

  • Why I Love Winter in Maine

    We are at the time of year where we are subjected to endless posts from friends living or traveling to Florida (certainly not to get…

  • Top 5 2023 Meals While Abroad

    Let us take a look at my top 5 favorite meals we had at restaurants we had while Out and Abroad in 2023. I thought…

  • Hope for 2024

    2023 was not a very good year, but useful as one learns through experiences. As a lover and former student of history I do enjoy…

  • 2023 Travel Review

    2023 was a year Matt and I would mostly like to forget. While we are aware that we are quite fortunate in many aspects of…

  • Why I Hate Christmas Vacations

    Children, Everywhere Bon Voyage, Andrew Okay just kidding, well no not really as the kids are off from school, and is it just me or…

  • Change of Plan: A Note on the Conflict in Gaza

    Well unfortunately it looks like we will have to change our anniversary trip plans. Originally, we were flying to Thailand and then making our way…

  • How Does it Looks So Easy When You Do It, Part 2: Let’s Book One Together

    In part 2 of my sister-in law’s sponsored series of posts that she aggressively demanded; I would like to walk you through how I would…

  • Les Suites at the Cliff Bay Review

    Review Context Matt and I stayed at the Les Suites at the Cliff Bay for 7 nights on our recent vacation in Madeira. The Les…