The Irish Say – “Visit Dublin!” With such a large international European City …. what are the top 10 things to do in Dublin? First tip …. Don’t try driving a car. I asked ten Irish natives (who live in Ireland) to name the top three “must see” sites in […]
Recent Posts
7 Things to Do When You Only Have One Day in DC
Washington, DC visitors often have just one day to visit the city. They may be in town for a conference, or visiting friends locally, and the Capital city sites must be crammed into one single free day. Sadly, most choose one site, maybe two and the time is gone. Washington, […]
Inis Oírr – Aran Islands Little Sister
There are three Aran Islands and the smallest – the little sister of Aran – is Inis Oírr (pronounced Inish Sheer). The name means “island of the east” and it is the most easterly of the three. It is not as popular as the largest island, Inis Mor – but […]
Travel Cheap by Rail – Amtrak’s Rail Pass
Amtrak has a U.S. Rail pass for as little as $439. That will get an adult 8 segments (stops) in 15 days. It’s an affordable way to see the country with enjoy riding a train as part of the travel experience. My husband and I traveled from Baltimore to Truckee, […]
Get the Lowest Hotel Room Rate – It’s HOW you ask
Who knew that language mattered when negotiating a hotel room price? When quoted a rate for a hotel room, ask if that is the lowest rate for that time frame. Language matters. According to three hotel reservation clerks I interviewed, reservation desks are only required to give you the lowest […]
5 Tips for Planning Your First Trip to Ireland
Once a month I get an email or blog comment requesting tips for planning a first visit to Ireland. The most common question I get is “I’m going to Ireland. What should I see?” There are few travel destinations that I like to talk about more than Ireland, so I […]
I Got My New Logo From 99 Designs
Finding the right logo or brand graphic is daunting when your budge is limited and you don’t personally know graphic design. I just obtained a logo I love at an affordable price through 99 designs, an online service that pairs thousands of graphic artists with businesses and organizations that need […]
What is a Buyboat Anyway?
The Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat Reunion was held this year (August 3-4, 2012) at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Maryland. What’s a Buy Boat or Buyboat? It’s a boat whose captain would buy a waterman’s catch directly off that waterman’s boat, and then take the catch to one of […]
Estes Park, Colorado – A Great Intro to the Rocky Mountains
Coming from Denver, Estes Park is about 65 miles. The hour and a half drive starts out on straight flat highway with the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains rising up out of the western landscape. It’s stunning really. I’ve done this drive once before and have also approached Denver […]
Grand Lake Colorado by Train – California Zephyr hits Granby Station
Cross Country Trip by Rail – Chicago to Granby on the California Zephyr Take the train to visit Colorado and the Rockies. Amtrak’s California Zephyr leaves from Chicago at 2 pm and arrives at Granby station the next morning. Noted as one of the most scenic train rides in […]
Outer Banks – I’m in Love and Worried in the Wake of Irene
As I write this post, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are being pummeled by Hurricane Irene. All those beautiful places we visited as a family just a few short weeks ago are in danger of being damaged or swept away. It is likely that the landscape will shift and […]
Amtrak US Rail Pass – Vacation Alternative to Flying or Driving
Amtrak has a US Rail Pass starting at $459 per adult that allows 8 segments (boarding or disembarking) over 15 days. That’s enough to get you across the USA and back. I’ve been wanting to get the feel of traveling by train, but for years I’ve heard it’s as expensive […]