Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

WE'RE Big Bus junkies. We've toured dozens of the world's great cities by bus and for our time and money, there's no better tour operation. It's a reliable, pleasant, economical choice. The worldwide company Big Bus Tours offers sightseeing tours in many cities around the globe. We've hopped on and off Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, London, Paris, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles and recently in Vancouver.

Planning a summer trip to Mount Rushmore? Discover what to expect, the best times to visit, nearby attractions, and tips for exploring South Dakota's beautiful Black Hills.

Venice remains one of the world’s most magical destinations, where centuries of art, history, and culture rise from the water. Our visit revealed both the romance of the floating city and the growing challenges of over tourism, including new visitor taxes designed to protect this unforgettable Italian treasure

Discover why mate is more than a drink in Uruguay. Experience the country's warm hospitality, coastal charm, and one of South America's most treasured traditions

Sunny, creative, and effortlessly relaxed, Brisbane blends riverfront beauty with world-class dining, cultural districts, and outdoor adventure. From rooftop bars and art galleries to koala encounters and scenic ferry rides, Queensland’s capital offers travelers a vibrant Australian experience without the crowds of Sydney or Melbourne.

Oslo is a proud city, which grew from a rustic 9th Century village to a bustling region of nearly a million people.

STOCKHOLM is a city of water, museums, street markets, stately squares, lively arts, buskers, pomp and subway art to knock your socks off. It's a city of contrasts, home to the Nobel Prize ceremonies, a museum celebrating the musical group, ABBA, a famous ship museum and a connection to rock legend Frank Zappa. Inhabited for years by the Danes, it has been Swedish territory since 1523 and underwent a renaissance in the 18th century.

AS MUSICIANS and artists, we made our first tour stop in Helsinki at the memorial to the famed Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. Aptly named the Sibelius Monument, it was erected in 1967 by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen. It is a striking abstract sculpture, as impressive to the eye as the dramatic composer's work is to the ear. It can be seen from a half mile away and resembles clusters of organ pipes.

Guatemala offers access to the Mayan culture's spectacular archeological sites, where one can actually walk through (and surprisingly "on") some beautiful monuments and ruins.

In Naples and this diverse corner of Italy you'll find ancient courtyards and grand staircases, elegant halls and busy streets, buses, busts, scooters, smokers, tourists, locals, dust, wine shops, great museums, majestic cathedrals and irreverent youth. While there, take a drive to Positano up the gorgeous Amalfi coast.

Amsterdam blends centuries of cultural heritage with a vibrant modern lifestyle. From its UNESCO-listed canals to legendary museums and historic neighborhoods, the city offers an unforgettable European travel experience filled with art, history, and atmosphere

More than 135 years after opening its doors, Hotel del Coronado continues to define the Southern California beach vacation. Following a $550 million restoration and as a member of Hilton's Curio Collection, this historic beachfront resort combines Victorian elegance with modern luxury on one of San Diego's most beautiful stretches of coastline

Paris is as intoxicating as a cocktail or a brothel on a Saturday night, as sophisticated as the best-dressed dandy at opera's opening night. It assails the senses like no other city, beckoning one to sip of the elixir, stay a while and let Paris cast its spell.

WE SPENT a few delightful days here, on the northwest edge of Italy's boot," recharging after a week of hectic touring. We jumped ship after a rejuvenating Royal Caribbean sail aboard Brilliance of the Seas, and returned to Monterosso al Mare. Cinque Terre is nestled between the Italian Riviera (Liguria) and the island of Corsica, this quintet of enticing hamlets may be accessed by train or boat from La Spezia.

'Out of Africa' author wrote 'Gothic Tales,' reflected on a life with lions and her lover after returning to her Danish homeland

THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world has a nice rhyming nickname. It also offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. Julian, California, a small, quaint mountain town in southern California, offers history, fun hotels, shopping, scenery and perhaps the best fruit pies in the state.

Rome is a destination that belongs on every traveler's bucket list. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum to unforgettable Italian cuisine and hidden neighborhood treasures, the Eternal City offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Rome invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and discover history around every corner. At WhereIsCookie.com, we'll help you uncover both the iconic

Beyond Crete’s famous beaches and bustling towns lies a quieter, deeply moving side of the island its serene cemeteries. Tucked among olive groves and overlooking the sea, these peaceful spaces offer a glimpse into local life, memory, and timeless tradition.

Discover the charm of Pisa, Italy, beyond its famous Leaning Tower. From riverside strolls along the Arno to quiet piazzas, this Tuscan gem blends history, architecture, and authentic Italian moments perfect for curious travelers and first-time visitors alike.