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.

Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe Debbie O'Boyle Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe Debbie O'Boyle

Visiting Glamis Castle in 2026: Our Complete Guide

A firsthand guide to visiting Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland.

We cover why the castle is worth the detour, its 650-year history and its royal connection as the childhood home of the Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret.

We walk you through the guided castle tour room by room, the Italian and Walled gardens, lunch at the Castle Kitchen Restaurant, and full info on 2026 tickets, hours, and driving directions.

We also talk about nearby stops in Stonehaven and Dundee, including the RRS Discovery.

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Visiting Top of the Rock in 2026: A Photographer's Guide to NYC's Classic Observation Deck

Top of the Rock is the deck most people will tell you to visit first, and after finally making it up there ourselves, we understand why.

Here is everything we learned about tickets, timing, and the open-air view you cannot get anywhere else in the city.

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France, Europe Debbie O'Boyle France, Europe Debbie O'Boyle

Palais Garnier Paris: Complete Visitor Guide 2026

Planning a Palais Garnier visit? Our first-hand guide covers tickets, hours, whether it's worth it, and the best time to see the Opera House.

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. 

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London, Europe, England John O'Boyle London, Europe, England John O'Boyle

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.

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John O'Boyle John O'Boyle

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.

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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."

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Best spots to photograph NYC

Some of our favorite photos

Timelapse of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC