Featured Articles

Meeting the Karen Long Neck Tribe

You may have seen them on the Discovery channel or perhaps even some pictures in a National Geographic Magazine, but meeting the Karen Long Neck Tribe in person is definitely an exotic experience that most travelers will love. This group historically lived in the hills of Myanmar (formerly Burma). After decades of political unrest, they began fleeing to neighboring Thailand. Best recognized for their elongated necks, the Karen women wear heavy brass rings around their necks, … [Read More...]

My Love for a Kawasaki

When I was 10 years old, I had a green Kawasaki dirt bike. It was a small 80cc with short knobby tires, but I rode that bike for miles. We lived on a dirt road, so it was perfect for the dirt and the many surrounding trails through the woods. I even had a track around our house and would often pretend that I was racing with a microphone in my ear getting instructions from my team. It was a mean, green machine! Or at least I thought so at the time. Thirty years later, when I was … [Read More...]

Christmas Markets in Germany

The month of December is a very festive time in Germany. People are preparing their shops and homes with decorations and everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. It’s also when countless Christmas markets in Germany take place in many of the larger cities throughout the country. There you can buy all kinds of gifts, especially traditional items such as crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, and candles. A very popular drink to try is Glühwein. This is usually prepared from red wine, … [Read More...]

Raft Off – Michigan’s Premier Boat Party

Raft Off is an annual Michigan boating event held at Muscamoot Bay on Lake St. Clair. Boaters from all over come try to break the world record for number of boats tied up together. Taking place on the 2nd Saturday in August, it's also a time when Michigan weather is at its best. This was my third year in a row attending Raft Off and it's always a BLAST! The first two years, we took jet skis out to the Bay, which was fun, but the waves getting out there and back made for a really … [Read More...]

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

It's that time of year again to “Prost” your favorite German brew at the annual celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. This year the event takes place from September 16th thru October 3rd. Germans and foreigners alike will celebrate all out in what is known as the world’s largest fair and beer festival. Oktoberfest began in October of 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig wed Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen. Afterward, they held a huge party near Munich which was so … [Read More...]

Remembering 9/11 – Twenty Years Later

September 11, 2001 was one of the worst tragedies in our nation’s history. The attacks that day were so devastating and took the lives of nearly 3,000 people. It’s a day that will never be forgotten and all of the lost lives will forever remain in our hearts. Remembering 9/11 will always be in the minds of Americans that lived that day. I was working on September 11th as a new hire flight attendant. I was flying from Baltimore, MD to Denver, CO when the attacks took place. My … [Read More...]

Cara Cara Shark Dive – Roatan, Honduras

The Cara Cara Shark Dive is a must for anyone who has an interest in swimming with sharks. I have always had a fascination with these fish, in particular great whites. Their size and power make them one of the most dominate predators in the ocean. When I was a kid, I would always look forward to watching shark week every year on the Discovery Channel and who can forget the Steven Spielberg classic, Jaws!  When it comes to sharks, there are three things on my bucket list that … [Read More...]

Breaking Bad Film Locations – A Self Guided Tour

Breaking Bad is one of my all time favorite shows. The concept of a struggling high school chemistry teacher who gets terminal cancer and decides to use his knowledge to make crystal meth to financially provide for his family before he dies was such an amazing plot. I have watched the entire series three times all the way through and will still play an episode or two if I can't find anything else on Netflix. Almost all of the show was filmed in or around Albuquerque, New Mexico. So last year, … [Read More...]

Where to see the Texas Bluebonnets

You've seen pictures online of this beautiful flower, now the question is, where can I see the Texas Bluebonnets? It is a must for any Texan or those who just happen to be visiting the Lone Star State in the Springtime. The bluebonnet was named the state flower of Texas in 1901. Given its name because the shape of the petals on the flower resemble that of a bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun, they make a beautiful backdrop for any photograph. Bluebonnets … [Read More...]

My Top 20 Travel Movies

Set around Thanksgiving, Planes Trains, and Automobiles uses the travel rush in the days leading up to the holiday as a more-than-worthy comedic masterpiece. Steve Martin plays Neal Page, who faces a series of travel nightmares on his trip from New York City to Chicago. After his flight is canceled due to bad weather, Page ends up sharing his trip home with salesman Del Griffith, played by the late, great John Candy. The actors' chemistry is hard to deny… especially when they’re … [Read More...]

A Day in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful National Parks on the eastern side of the United States. Just 50 miles south of Bangor, Maine, this park preserves half of Mount Desert Island. Acadia is beautiful year round, but I would highly recommend visiting during the fall season when the leaves are at their most colorful. Driving through the park during this time is truly magical. The Porcupine Islands are one of the key sights. They have a long history as a hiding place. … [Read More...]

Terror Dactyl Swing – Cave of the Winds

The Terror Dactyl Adventure Swing is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The town alone is worth a visit. But just outside, you'll find the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. This park has many beautiful views, two cave tours, rock climbing, zip lines, and of course the ultimate thrill swing: Terror Dactyl. The first of its kind anywhere in the world, this ride sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff overlooking Williams Canyon. Those brave enough to ride will be launched over 150 feet into the … [Read More...]

SAW Escape Room – Las Vegas

An escape room is a game in which a team of players work together to discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in order to free themselves from the room in a limited amount of time, usually one hour. These rooms first became popular in the 2010s and I have tried a few of them and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. After the first one I did, I thought, "Wow, this reminds me so much of the movie Saw." "They should totally make one based on the film." Well, IT IS HERE!!!! The official Saw … [Read More...]

Spending the Day with Elephants – Patara Elephant Farm

One of the best days I've ever had on my travels was when I got to spend the day with elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Being able to interact with these beautiful creatures in their natural environment, while learning about their daily habits seemed like a bucket list item not to be left unchecked. So when the meeting presented itself in Chiang Mai, I had to jump at the opportunity. I had heard to be careful when choosing an elephant farm in Thailand because some of them … [Read More...]

Predator Film Locations – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

One of my favorite movies of all time is the original Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Get to da Choppa!" You know the line! As a kid, I loved hiking and being out in the woods and the whole concept of this film was fascinating to me. Pretending that there was an actual Predator out there looking for us, kept me and my friends busy for hours. As I got older, I started researching where exactly this movie was filmed. As it turns out, much of it was shot just 30 minutes … [Read More...]

Wild West Horseback Adventures – Sunset Dinner Ride

Watching the sunset over the mountains is always a beautiful sight, but riding off into it, while on top of a horse is truly majestic! Horseback riding gives you such a close feeling of being connected to nature and all of its creatures. I hadn't been on the back of a horse since I was 10 years old, so I was way overdue to get back in the saddle. I chose Wild West Horseback Adventures because of their positive reviews and professional staff. You can pick from three different trail … [Read More...]