All Travel Blog Posts
Blog posts include travels throughout the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and England. We give you our advice and tips on how to make your travels more enjoyable.
We also have tips on how to improve your travel photography.
Review of the Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK Terminal 4
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK Airport is an upscale lounge with many refined features.
The lounge serves top-notch food and drinks.
Little Britain NYC: A Guide to the West Village's Most British Block
Greenwich Avenue in the West Village is home to one of New York City's most unexpected neighborhoods: a cluster of British restaurants, shops, and a grocery store locals call Little Britain.
This is our honest guide to all four spots.
Visiting the Intrepid Museum in 2026
The USS Intrepid is one of New York City's most unique attractions.
An actual aircraft carrier, a Space Shuttle, the only British Airways Concorde in the Northeast, and a Cold War nuclear submarine, all in one place on the Hudson River.
Here's everything you need to know before you visit.
Palais Garnier Paris: Complete Visitor Guide 2026
For pure grandeur, nothing is quite like a visit to the Palais Garnier - the Opera House of Paris, located at Place de l'Opera in the 9th Arrondissement.
Even if taking in a ballet or opera performance is not on your agenda, you can still experience this magnificent building that is a homage to French decorative architecture of the late 19th‐century. All you need to do is buy an admission ticket for a self-guided tour of the interior of the Opera House.
Visiting Longwood Gardens: What You Need to Know in 2026
Longwood Gardens is a worthwhile visit when you are in the Philadelphia area. Visitors enjoy it year-round with acres and acres of unique gardens and wonderful light shows in the fall and winter.
How to Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Tips, Tickets, and What to See (2026)
We spent a beautiful afternoon at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and came away with a lot of tips.
Here's everything you need to know before you go, from tickets and hours to the best gardens to visit.
Our Bellevue Hotel Philadelphia Review: The Gym Alone Is Worth the Trip
A first-hand review of the Bellevue Hotel Philadelphia. Historic rooms, excellent dining at Pergola, and a 100,000 sq ft athletic club that blew us away.
Day Trips from London by Train: Our Favorites
London is one of the best cities in the world for day trips by train. Within an hour or two, you can be at Windsor Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, the Roman Baths in Bath, and more.
We've done all of these ourselves and share exactly how to get there, what we loved, and a few things we'd do differently.
Visiting the Roman Colosseum: tips and advice for 2026
The Colosseum lives up to the hype, but getting tickets is more complicated than it should be.
John and I walk you through everything, how to buy tickets, which tour is worth it, what to bring, and what to see nearby.
How to Use London’s Public Transportation: A Guide for Visitors
London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city. The Elizabeth Line is a great way to get from Heathrow to central London.
London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.
Washington D.C. Cherry Blossoms 2026: Peak Bloom Dates, Tidal Basin Tips & Festival Guide
The National Park Service predicts peak bloom March 29–April 1, 2026.
Our firsthand guide covers the Tidal Basin walk, best viewing spots, festival events, and how to beat the crowds.
Travel Insurance for Mexico: Gang Violence, Hurricanes, and What Is Actually Covered
I used to think travel insurance was about lost luggage and delayed flights. The pandemic and recent violence at popular destinations have changed that.
In the past few years, Debbie and I have purchased standalone travel insurance, mostly for medical coverage, for trips to very safe countries like England and France.
If you’re traveling to Mexico, especially during periods of cartel violence or hurricane season, here’s what actually matters.
The Ultimate Guide to the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is one of the few attractions where you can truly take a deep dive into the city’s history. You walk down the steps of what appears to be a modern subway station, but you’re actually stepping back in time.
The museum is a "living" archive housed inside the decommissioned 1936 Court Street station in Brooklyn. With admission at just $10 and an investment of about two hours, you’ll leave feeling like a "lifelong New Yorker."
Visiting Chihuly Garden and the Space Needle in Seattle
Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and the Space Needle are a great combination for a fun day Seattle.
See the stunning glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly and terrific views of Seattle from the iconic Space Needle.
Visiting Churchill's War Rooms, a must see in London
Churchill’s War Rooms is an intriguing and immersive experience that takes you right into the heart of history at Winston Churchill’s secret underground bunker from where he directed the Second World War.
Is visiting One World Observatory worth it? Our Experience at the WTC Observation Deck
One World Observatory is the observation deck located at the top of the World Trade Center in New York City.
It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a symbol of resilience in the New York skyline.
The observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York City, and visitors can see up to 45 miles on a clear day.
How to visit Westminster Abbey in London
Westminster Abbey is a uniquely historic site in London and a fascinating place to visit.
A royal church with over a thousand years of history, the Abbey is probably the most famous place of worship in the world, and the center of many national events and celebrations.
Complete guide to visiting the Tower of London in 2026
When visiting the Tower of London, you’ll see much of what you came to London for: soldiers marching in red uniforms, 1,000-year-old buildings rich in history, and royal jewels.
Plus, the Tower of London is located right on the banks of the River Thames, close to other iconic sites such as Tower Bridge.
A Trip to The Met Cloisters: everything you need to know
If you are looking to get away from the hustle of New York City without ever leaving the city, then a quick subway trip to the Met Cloisters is the place to go.
The building incorporates real medieval architectural elements imported from Europe and showcases tapestries, sculpture, stained glass, metalwork, and medieval gardens.
Travel photography: I took my new “toy camera” to London. Here’s my hot take on this retro photo trend
I had fun trying out a trendy “toy camera” on a recent trip to London.
Its tiny size and retro design are charming - but does it take good photos?
Best spots to photograph NYC
