Germany’s Mosel Valley is dotted with lush greenery, storybook castles, and endless stretches of vineyards and it is also the place where I decided to search for a bit of calm during a whirlwind tour of Europe last summer. I found myself in the little town of Cochem–the epicenter of Mosel’s tourist area; the little jewel sits in the shadow of its castle like most Mosel towns. Strolling along winding cobblestone streets and wandering down alleyways that opened to rows of half-timbered houses was exactly what I needed. Medieval met modern in a perfect blend of old and new and The post The Famous ..read more

There is so much to be admired about a travel company’s commitment to going above and beyond expectations, and unique amenities certainly top the list (especially a Nordic spa bath). As its name implies, Viking prides itself on its Scandinavian roots and goes above and beyond to offer guests educational opportunities through the exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program. Guests can get acquainted with destinations through immersive lectures on music, culture, art, cooking demonstrations, and port talks (complete with stunning photography presentations). The carefully curated program includes ..read more

Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is a Central American country that draws heavily on culinary staples from Latin America yet manages to differentiate itself from the cuisine of its neighbors by incorporating a healthy rainbow-like variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in its traditional dishes. Costa Rica offers countless opportunities to feast on conventional cuisine—from roadside shacks to resort dining, there are truly no misses when it comes to culinary experiences. Of course, I’m an advocate for trying to eat as authentically as possible when traveling and seeking out adv ..read more

When it comes to traveling, maintaining your beauty routine can often feel like a daunting task. Limited space, rushed schedules, and varying lighting conditions can make it challenging to achieve that flawless look you desire. However, fear not, because Beautifect has revolutionized the way you can bring your beauty essentials on your travels with their innovative lighted makeup case. Compact and Convenient Design The Beautifect Box is designed with the traveler in mind. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into your carry-on luggage without taking up precious space. No more struggling to f ..read more

Ah, the City of Light. For centuries, praise for Paris as an epicenter of culture, cuisine, architecture, and art has been well-documented in song, literature, and just about every other medium one can think of. The city’s glorious reputation is no doubt well-deserved. After all, it is home to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and myriad attractions that draw crowds from all over the globe. As with any popular city, Paris garners as much criticism as it does accolades, especially from its own residents. Dreamily mention any of the things that make the region so special and you’re likely ..read more

Sippin’ in Style: The Cup Craze Taking Over Social Media It seems as if every season, a new trend pops up. If you haven’t heard about the Stanley tumbler cup craze yet, you might be living under a rock—or worse, sipping from a subpar cup. The Stanley tumbler has become the ultimate must-have for anyone serious about their drink game. Starting at $45 for the 40-ounce size, it’s not just a cup–it’s increasingly becoming a status symbol. And, of course, the social media girlies have found a way to up the cup´s popularity, which makes many wonder what´s so special The post Video: My Ingenious Stan ..read more

I travel a lot and I admit it. I’m one of those women who relentlessly punishes my feet by wearing heels all the time. If I could, I’d probably wear them to the gym (à la Mariah Carey), but the absolute worst place to wear heels is the airport. I’m always conscious of my travel clothes and I am disgusted at what passes for outfits at most airports–cartoon character pajama pants, tattered sweatshirts, flip-flops and socks. Yes, comfort is key when flying but one doesn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort–they can co-exist, folks. I probably won’t stop wearing heels ..read more

I’ve been invited to sail with Viking Cruises (river and ocean) several times and curious travelers who have never done so always ask my opinion of the Switzerland-based cruise line. Having sailed the Cities of Light: Prague to Paris, Into the Midnight Sun, and Tulips & Windmills itineraries, I think I’ve had enough of a proper Viking experience to be able to share my thoughts with others. For the purposes of this post, I am going to provide an overview of the Tulips & Windmills tour. Sailing with Viking really suits my personality; I am not a fan of huge ..read more

It’s not entirely fair to judge a hotel (or any location in Athens, really) by the ability to see the Acropolis from its roof or rooms because the renowned site is visible from many vantage points in the city. Still, Hotel Grande Bretagne–a 5-star historical landmark and Luxury Collection hotel–offers one of the most breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, verdant Lycabettus Hill, and the original Olympic Stadium. From the lush lobby to the richly-appointed rooms, no luxury is spared and the staff are incomparable. Guests will have to go on top of ..read more

I fly all the time and I’m still a nervous flier, but I refuse to allow my anxiety to control me and prevent me from seeing the world (and furthering my career). Here are some calming techniques I utilize: 1. IDENTIFY YOUR FEAR Is it the fear of crashing? Terrorism? Claustrophobia? I like facts and statistics and I have learned to comfort myself by consuming tons of favorable information. For example, a plane’s wings can bend almost in half without breaking. Take solace in knowing a plane can fly on only one engine should the second one fail; it can ..read more