The U.S. National Parks have begun a phased approach to reopening, following the extended closure of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains NP. This means some locations and areas will open sooner than others, and with modifications to park hours and operations. In this post, we’ll list which of the 62 U.S. National […]
Fall Colors in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
/11 Comments/in Reports National Parks /by Tom BrickerCuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland and Akron, Ohio is not one of the “big name” US National Parks, but it features beautiful fall colors. This post shares the best spots for autumn foliage, leaf peeping, a fabulous fall hike to a waterfall, and the current operating status of CVNP. (Updated September 23, 2020.) Let’s […]
Things to Do in Acadia National Park
/9 Comments/in Tips & Tricks National Parks /by Tom BrickerLooking for the best things to do in Acadia National Park or tips & tricks for visiting Bar Harbor, Maine? Here are our top 10 recommendations including scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking views. We also share photos & thoughts from our experiences in Acadia National Park. (Updated September 16, 2020.) Before we get going, […]
Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park
/14 Comments/in Tips & Tricks National Parks /by Tom BrickerRocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to visit in Colorado, with excellent hiking, beautiful views, and stunning wildlife. Here are our top 5 picks for things to do in the park, along with tips for visiting, important info, and more to prepare you for a visit to RMNP. Located within driving […]
Our Cuba Trip Report & Photos
/11 Comments/in Reports Caribbean /by Tom BrickerCuba has been on our travel bucket list for years. Since first seeing post card-perfect photos of Old Havana’s vibrant Spanish colonial architecture and classic American cars from the 1950s, we yearned to visit. After extensive planning and postponing, we finally had the chance on a recent cruise, and thought we’d share thoughts from the […]
Kiyomizudera Temple Info: Kyoto, Japan Tips
/21 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerKiyomizudera is one of the most popular temples in Japan. Also known as the “Pure Water Temple,” it’s a Kyoto highlight, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unequivocal must-do. This post features my photos from the temple, plus tips for avoiding crowds, and other assorted info about it. (Updated June 15, 2020.) Let’s start with some […]
Louvre Museum Review, Info & Tips
/11 Comments/in Things to Do France, Paris /by Tom BrickerThe Musée du Louvre in Paris, France is the world’s most famous museum. This review offers tips & tricks for visiting, essential “know before you go” planning info, and photos from our experiences at the Louvre. First, we’ll begin with the latest reopening news. (Updated June 4, 2020.) Musée du Louvre has officially announced that the museum […]
When Will National Parks Reopen?
/5 Comments/in News National Parks /by Tom BrickerThe U.S. National Parks have begun a phased approach to reopening, following the extended closure of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains NP. This means some locations and areas will open sooner than others, and with modifications to park hours and operations. In this post, we’ll list which of the 62 U.S. National […]
Why This Year Is Perfect for a National Parks Trip
/16 Comments/in Tips & Tricks National Parks /by Tom BrickerWith states relaxing stay at home orders and the United States beginning the slow process of reopening, many people are dreaming of a much-needed vacationing. This post will offer our “sales pitch” for the U.S. National Parks, which we view as one of the best road trip travel destinations for summer and beyond. While it […]
1-Day Monaco Itinerary
/0 Comments/in Itineraries France, French Riviera /by Tom BrickerIf you’re visiting the French Riviera, we highly recommend spending one day in Monaco. This itinerary covers our step-by-step plan of attack for seeing Monte Carlo Casino and other top spots in the world’s second-smallest country–as well as the most expensive and the wealthiest. For starters, some quick background for those who are only familiar […]
Kawadoko River Dining in Kibune, Japan: A Fun Escape from Kyoto’s Crowds
/4 Comments/in Dining, Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerKibune is a mountain town located a short train ride north of Kyoto, and is a great place for escaping the city’s summer heat, humidity, and peak season crowds. In this post, we’ll offer dining recommendations for kawadoko, which are patios built over the river by restaurants in this rural village. This is something of […]