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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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How Does it Looks so Easy When You Do It? An Introduction to Miles and Points
Why Does it Looks so Easy When You Do It? An Introduction to Miles and Points My lovely sister-in law violently lashed out at me…
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TAP Portugal is My New Favorite Airline…. Said No One Ever
Matt and I flew the Portuguese national carrier, TAP Portugal for our trip to Madeira. One of my good friends who is also a travel…
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Madeira 2023 Love Letter and Trip Diary
Matt and I traveled to the island of Madeira for Thanksgiving 2023. We previously traveled to Madeira over 9 years ago and absolutely loved it.…
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Thanksgiving Travel: A Case Study in Maderia
Last year I wrote a post titled, Tips For Making Holiday Travel More Bearable. It is common knowledge that Thanksgiving is the most stressful time…
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We Are Returning to Madeira!
For our Thanksgiving break, we are honoring this traditional American celebration by traveling to Madeira, Portugal. Fun fact, Christopher Columbus did stop in Madeira on…
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Why We Are Happy Doing Very Little on Vacation
Matt and I are traveling overseas (more on that soon) for Thanksgiving and friends and family are naturally asking the question, ‘what will you guys…
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Margaritaville Paradise Voyage Cruise Review!
I have not made it a secret that cruises are not my favorite kinds of vacation for a myriad of reasons such as; The Margaritaville…
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Destination Love: Mexico City
I have got to be honest with y’all. Mexico City was never on my list. I’ve heard good things in various travel circles, but there…
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St. Regis Mexico City Review
St. Regis Mexico City Review ****.9999/***** Matt and I stayed at the St. Regis Mexico City for 3 nights. Overall it was a wonderful experience…
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Next Trip: Mexico City and Cancun
I guess it would make sense to occasionally travel internationally if one is writing a blog called Out and Abroad. We are off to Mexico…
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Welp, I Injured myself and Will Not Be Running a Full Marathon: Personal Reflection
Every May I would get excited when I saw the white signs on the Wantagh Parkway. The white signs meant summer was looming, the school…
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How Will We Get Home from Paris…and How are we Getting to Paris? Let the Redemption Guide You and Reposition!
Yesterday we casually booked a flight home from Paris. Yes, you read that right, ‘from Paris.’ Why did we book a flight from Paris without…