Today I have a guest post from a recent friend, Sue Henly.  Sue and I met at a travel event, and charmed me with her Australian accent.  I think she’ll charm you with her writing as well.
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In the soft grey light of early morning, we sit quietly on a bamboo mat, wicker baskets of sticky rice beside us, across from a shuttered colonial mansion heavy with bougainvillea.  Birds chatter in the flame trees until a gong sounds, momentarily startling them into silence.
Around a corner, dozens of barefoot monks and novices appear in a swish of saffron, golden bowls hanging …read more

When people visit Seattle and ask me for recommendations about what to see, the Pacific Science Center is always on my list.  In addition to its location on the grounds of the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the graceful arches and fountains, make it an architecturally pleasant and appealing place to visit.  Everyone seems to enjoy the Science Center.
During the World’s Fair, this was home to the US Science Pavilion.  Today it is an independent, not for profit science museum, with eight buildings housing hundreds of science exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a large Laser Dome …read more

World in Focus – Travel photography contest open to professionals and amateurs.  Maybe you could win that grand prize – a 10 day safari in Tanzania.
AAA Travel Views – I found myself nodding in agreement as the author explained that he wasn’t a typical Branson visitor, but he made an exception for Paul Revere & the Raiders.  Since they were a band from my teen years, I can relate.
Intelligent Travel – It’s winter down under, and Vivid Sydney is a cultural extravaganza designed to turn the city into a canvas of light and sound.
The Amsterdam Guide – When’s the …read more

My past trips to Miami and have been of the in and out type.  I’m here, spend an afternoon, sleep, and I’m gone again.  Now I find myself here for an extend period of time, and get to take a little sample of everything that the city has to offer.
There’s sun!  And coming from Seattle, there’s a lot to like about the sun!
I spent much of today out on the water of Key Biscayne, enjoying a little sun and getting into a little different state of mind.
I spent time aboard one of the boats from Island Queen Cruises, enjoying a …read more

AAA has released a new FREE iPhone app, allowing members to easily locate establishments that offer a AAA discounts.
No more toting around your guide book, all you have to do is download via iTunes are from the App Store on your phone or iTouch, and 160,000 discount locations are literally at your fingertips.
So let’s give it a test drive!
I downloaded the App to my iPhone, and figured I’d check out to see what discounts were available in my home area.  Oh dear – first pass shows no discounts close to home.  But – I’m given the option to expand …read more

When I visit Hawaii, I love the sunny beaches (of course), but Hawaii is also rich in history and culture, and I always work a couple of these destination into my vacation plans.
Honolulu is rich in military sites and history, and although at time it can be painful to think about, these sites should be on every visitors list of things to see and do.  The islands and the country were shaped by the events of Pearl Harbor, and whether you choose to go on your own or as part of a tour, I think any trip to the islands …read more

I was excited to line up a trip to Washington DC during what was shaping up to be prime cherry blossom viewing.  It had been a few years since I’d seen them, and I was excited to make the trip. The weather was nice, I had interested companions, and the timing (early evening) seemed perfect.
Off we went to on the Metro, opting to get off near the US Capitol Building, with the plan to walk along the National Mall ending up at the opposite end and the Washington Monument.  We didn’t figure that we’d have quite enough time (or …read more

Today I join with some of my fellow travel bloggers in Photo Friday, a day to celebrate the photographic side of traveling.
Whether our photos are professional quality, or merely serve as a memory of a wonderful adventure, photos have become an increasingly important part of travel.  And in the era of so many digital options, from cameras to online storage to editing software and more, there’s no reason for it to be a complicated process. (I’ve been trying out some new products so look for some reviews coming up soon!)
My photo today is a wonderful memory of a trip …read more

Yes, Europe can be expensive.  It’s a big price airline ticket to get there, and although the dollar/euro valuation is improving, you’re still going to find yourself spending some money.  Planning ahead means you can save a little here and there, adding up to a whole lot of savings.
Consider these Top 10 FREE things to do in Europe this summer (as listed by the European Travel Commission):

Austria:  Innsbruck is offering a free hiking bus program for all guests living in Innsbruck or staying at one of the holiday villages (with a Club Innsbruck Card).  May 30th – October 26th.
Belgium:  …read more

The Coliseum in Rome is the largest remaining monument of Imperial Rome, and is the top landmark in a city full of landmarks.
Built between AD 72-80, the Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and was the center of the city of Rome.  It was the first and the largest (it covers about six acres) permanent amphitheater built in the Roman Empire.
The exterior of the building consisted of four floors – three tiers of arches and an attic. On top of the attic were a series of brackets and sockets that allowed a shade to be pulled over the …read more