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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo offers culture and comfort, fine dining, location and a library
Blending modern comfort with traditional Japanese culture, Shiba Park Hotel offers travelers an immersive stay in the heart of Tokyo. From curated library collections and local artwork to kintsugi demonstrations and refined dining, this historic hotel places guests steps away from Tokyo Tower, temples, and the cultural neighborhoods that define the city.

Cookie & Keller
Jun 114 min read


Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium showcase Hawaii's wildlife wonders
If you’re planning time in Honolulu, two stops that consistently surprise visitors are the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo—both compact, easy to explore, and rich in island character. Tucked along the shoreline near Kapiʻolani Park, the Waikiki Aquarium offers an intimate look at the Pacific’s vibrant marine life. Instead of overwhelming you with massive halls, it invites a slower pace colorful coral exhibits, hypnotic jellyfish, and endangered Hawaiian monk seal

Cookie & Keller
May 215 min read


Puglia Road Trip, Part 3: Trulli Houses Charm
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, Italy, is famous for its fairytale-like trulli—whitewashed limestone huts with conical, dry-stone roofs. Key highlights include wandering the, Rione Monti district with over 1,000 trulli shops, visiting the, Trullo Sovrano and exploring the, quiet Aia Piccola residential area.

Cookie & Keller
May 144 min read


Southern Puglia Road Trip, Part 1 of 3: Small Towns, Coastal Gems, Senic Drives from Lecce
Travel Tips for Southern Puglia Road Trip: Small Towns and Coastal Gems from Lecce

Cookie & Keller
Apr 306 min read


Best Circle Island Tour of Oahu by E Noa: Culture, Coastlines & Pure Aloha Spirit
Best comprehensive Oahu tour blends scenery, history, cultural landmarks, island food, personal in an unforgettable day

Cookie & Keller
Apr 167 min read


Kualoa Ranch Oahu's Premier Adventure Destination
Kualoa Ranch Hawaii's Premier Adventure Destination. Take a horseback ride or try a zipline tour, enjoy a boat ride, shop for homegrown produce and prowl famous movie locations.

Cookie & Keller
Apr 95 min read


Exploring the Guggenheim Museum, Its Spiral Design and Its Impact on the Art Experience
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City is an absolute must-see for buffs of both art and architecture. It stands out for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. But its groundbreaking architectural design is an artwork in itself.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 266 min read


Route 66 Museum, Kingman, Arizona, is a Must-See Stop For Travelers
Route 66 Museum in Kingman Arizona has strong interest decades after the famous roadway was established. Known as the "Main Street of America," this historic highway has inspired countless travelers to explore its unique blend of Americana, nostalgia, and adventure.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 195 min read


Botanical Garden showcases Scottsdale's unique desert plants
A Desert Dreamscape: Exploring the Botanical Garden in Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. This isn’t just a garden—it’s a living, breathing love letter to the Sonoran Desert, where towering cacti, winding trails, and bursts of unexpected color invite you to slow down, look closer, drink it all in.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 124 min read


Las Vegas Sphere Guide: What It’s Like Inside, Tips & Is It Worth It?
Step inside the future of entertainment at the Las Vegas Sphere—where massive visuals, immersive sound, and mind-blowing design redefine what a live experience can be. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 264 min read


Whale watching wonders in Dana Point and Oceanside: Top Southern California Tours
Set out along the Southern California coast for an unforgettable whale watching adventure from Dana Point and Oceanside. Known for year-round sightings, these coastal harbors offer front-row views of migrating gray whales, blue whales, dolphins, and more. From winter migrations to summer giants, each trip brings a new ocean story making this stretch of the Pacific one of the best whale watching destinations in the world.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 126 min read


The Art of Banksy Without Limits: Exploring the Impact of the Iconic Artist in Del Mar
Banksy has reshaped how people think about art and its role in society. His work blurs the lines between public space and gallery, protest and performance, anonymity and fame.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 54 min read


Exploring the Passion - Flamenco comes alive in Barcelona
Exploring flamenco's roots in Barcelona's most lively venues is a dance of fire and emotion, born in Andalusia and influenced by the region’s rich and diverse cultures. One hears gypsy rhythms and both Jewish and Moorish influences along with Andalusian syncopation. The result is a lively and haunting sound - a musical

Cookie & Keller
Jan 154 min read


Barcelona Aquarium: Take A Deep Dive into the wonders of Marine Life
Exploring Barcelona Aquarium: A must see Attraction in Port Vell

Cookie & Keller
Jan 84 min read


Discovering Paradise Point a Hidden Gem in Mission Bay Park San Diego
Nestled within the expansive Mission Bay Park in San Diego, Paradise Point offers a unique escape blending natural beauty, recreational activities, with a touch of luxury. This hidden gem is a destination beloved by locals for years. It offers a wealth of experiences for all tastes -- both for those seeking a peaceful, inexpensive retreat and those in search of an active day by the water with all the resort amenities

Cookie & Keller
Jan 65 min read


Big Bus pleasures shed new light on San Francisco as 3 generations hop aboard to experience and learn about the city
Big Bus a great way for 3 generations to explore and bond together

Cookie & Keller
Jan 15 min read


Take a kid along to enrich your travel pleasures: Tips for Traveling with Children
Introducing our family to the pleasures of our much loved Hawaii added pleasure to the trip in many ways. Here we are -- Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, at left, with our Bay Area family, the Ganners: Steve, James, Amarylla and Peny, on the shores of Hilton's Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE LOVE to travel with our niece, nephew-in-law and their kids. Seeing a new place with a youngster g

Cookie & Keller
Dec 18, 20253 min read


C.M. Russell Museum: Cowboy artist was lousy student with a vision. Savvy wife ran the business as he became a famous western artist
FAMED WESTERN artist Charlie Russell was a lousy student with a talent for drawing. Born in St. Louis, he didn't like school much. He would become one of the world's best known western artists.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 11, 20253 min read


Barcelona Card (Official Tourist Card) saves time and money touring Gaudi's architectural masterpieces and more
The Barcelona Card is one of the easiest ways for visitors to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona while saving both time and money. Designed for travelers who want to see more and stress less, this official tourist card bundles free public transportation with discounted or free entry to many of the city’s top museums and attractions. Instead of juggling tickets and waiting in lines, the Barcelona Card lets you focus on what matters most—wandering historic neighborhoods, adm

Cookie & Keller
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Lisboa Card the Official Tourist Card is key to saving money while discovering Lisbon's delights: Ancient seaport's music, monuments, tuk-tuk tours, museums & more
The Lisboa Card includes free admission to many of the buildings reflecting the city's rich history -- the Jerónimos Monastery, Saint Jorge Castle, and many more. The Lisboa Card includes transport to and from Lisbon Airport via metro

Cookie & Keller
Nov 13, 20253 min read
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