• A view of Kotor Montenegro from one of it's upper walls
    Balkans,  Travel Tips

    Getting From Kotor to Dubrovnik & Other Kotor Transportation Tips

    While Kotor Montenegro has rapidly become a top European travel destination in the last 10 years, it’s a small place, there aren’t big roads, and the only form of public transportation is bus. We recently spent 9 days in Kotor, and since we travel on a budget, we prioritize public transportation wherever we go. But, I found the bus system in and around Kotor very confusing, often chaotic, and usually…

  • Greece,  Travel Tips

    Riding the Blue Star Ferry to a Greek Island

    Island hopping in Greece. Doesn’t every traveler share that dream? I’ve never really had the time to do a Greek vacation the justice I thought it deserved. But now I do. And after a summer laying low at home, waiting out the more expensive and hectic summer travel season, we headed straight out on an early Fall trip to Greece. Undoubtedly, the most common way to island hop in Greece…

  • Travel Tips,  USA

    Uber vs Car Rental in LA – Which Costs Less?

    As I prepared for a recent trip to Los Angeles, I reflexively looked to reserve a rental car.  I’ve never not rented a car when flying into the LA area.  All the various attractions and activities that take me there are usually spread out. Having my own rental car always seemed necessary.  But car rental prices have been going through the roof lately – and sure enough, I found it…

  • Japan,  Travel Tips

    Tips for Using Public Transportation in Kyoto Japan

    Japan’s system of public transportation is glorious and complicated.  Prior to our trip to Kyoto Japan, I spent hours studying how to get around, and continued learning while there. I personally love using local public transportation when I travel. I will always choose a subway or a train if available.  To me, it’s one of the great ways to truly experience a place. By using public transportation, you can really…

  • Travel Tips

    Finding Great Local Tours

    Wherever I travel, I always try to find great local tours to enhance my experience. My style of experiential travel involves trying to get to the soul of place, whether that be through its food, it’s cultural heritage, it’s history, or it’s social dynamic. I don’t generally look for guided tours of the popular tourist attractions in each place. I prefer to read ahead and wander through those myself. Instead,…

  • Travel Tips

    Tips for A Safe Pandemic Road Trip

    The COVID-19 pandemic has turned daily life upside down. It’s been extra frustrating for a travel-lover like myself.  We cancelled a trip to Portugal last month, and it’s hard to foresee any international travel in the near future.   But, we just really needed to get away last weekend.  A local but safe pandemic road trip seemed our best and only realistic option. I’ve mentioned on this blog before that…