I recently packed for my first trip since COVID and realized how many different things I chose. I used to travel so much that I kept a “go bag” of my essentials that never changed. I just threw it in my suitcase each time – you know, all those sample-sized bottles of everything. I had a minimal first aid kit. But boy have things changed. I now have a COVID-19 travel packing list. My recommended…

If you’re looking for the best all-inclusive resort in Mexico for families, head south of Cancun to the Riviera Maya. The Barcelo Maya Grand Resort, on the Yucatán Peninsula’s pristine stretch of Caribbean coastline known as Riviera Maya, is the destination for those families looking for the perfect mix of fun and tranquility. And the best news of all: it’s all-inclusive.  The resort is actually six resorts in one sitting on a mile-long stretch of white…

True confession: I didn’t even know where Patagonia South America was when I first agreed to go on the trip. Then the shellshock of the 26-hour journey to get there set in – flights to Patagonia are not that flexible. Then, the fact that I was embarking on a solo travel trip to Patagonia Chile kicked in so be sure to read my article at on the Lonely Planet Chile page. But all that quickly…

If wine tasting was an Olympic sport, I’d win gold. Seriously. I have this sport down to a science. I’ve done a number of wine tasting trips from Napa to Italy and I’ve learned a few things along the way. The key is having a plan and pacing yourself. Whether you’re new to wine tasting or an experienced oenophile, here are 10 tips to get the most out of your trip and really learn how…

My husband likes to golf; I like to drink wine. But the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I originally wrote about some of the best golf and wine resorts for Orbitz, but I’m on the hunt to discover more. I’m happy to head off to the tasting room while he’s on the first tee, sprinkle in a few spa treatments, and then meet back up at the tasting room at the end of…

My husband and I recently moved into a new house, primarily selected because of the amazing bar in the mancave. Life goals, right? We plan to entertain a lot so I really wanted to have a bar setup that looked more Hollywood than fraternity house. So I Googled, and pinned, and vision boarded, and envied all kinds of stories on how to set up a home bar. For me it’s as much about decorating as…