The first time a friend called our camper “glampy,” I laughed because it still had exposed cabinet hinges and a lightbulb that buzzed. It took another year of small changes before the space actually earned that word, less about individual…
The first time I tried to pack our family of four for 10 days in Europe with nothing but carry-ons, I stood in the middle of our living room surrounded by kid shoes, a stroller rain cover, and enough “just…
I used to pack for Italy the way I’d pack for a photo shoot, one outfit per planned activity, color coordinated down to the accessories. Then I’d get there, get overwhelmed by choice every morning, and end up wearing the…
I can usually tell how well someone planned their Italy wardrobe by lunchtime. The outfit that looked perfect while leaving the hotel often feels completely different after several hours of walking through cobblestone streets, climbing church steps, and exploring busy…
San Francisco is one of those cities where I quickly realized that planning every meal was almost as important as planning the attractions. Before my first visit, I had a list of places I wanted to see, but it was…
I got hopelessly lost in the Athens Central Market on my first morning in Greece, and it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Between the shouting fishmongers and the stalls piled high with olives I…
The first time I visited New York City, I thought I had a solid plan—walk around, try random restaurants, and somehow discover the “best” food spots on my own. It didn’t take long to realize how overwhelming that was. Every…
I have planned plenty of trips around famous landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and historic attractions, but Italy is one of the few places where I find myself planning my meals just as carefully. Before I even book a hotel, I usually…
I once drove forty minutes out of my way in County Clare because a bartender in Ennis wouldn’t stop talking about a small restaurant in Lisdoonvarna. I almost didn’t bother, figuring a detour that long for dinner was more effort…
I once canceled a hotel reservation in Killarney the night before check in because a friend sent me a listing for a stone cottage outside Sneem instead. I’ve never regretted a last minute decision more in the right direction. There’s…