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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Park Hotel Tokyo: Art Above the Skyline in Artful Rooms Designed and Painted by Artists
Tokyo is a city of contrasts and art, and nowhere did we feel that more than during our stay at Park Hotel Tokyo. Rising above the skyline in Shiodome, this artistic luxury hotel offered a completely different perspective of Japan: modern, elevated, creative, and endlessly inspiring. From artist-designed rooms and sweeping city views to unforgettable evenings exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, Park Hotel Tokyo became our gateway into the contemporary soul of the city.

Cookie & Keller
4 days ago8 min read


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


Best Food Tours in Japan: Exploring Kyoto's Cuisine and Culture with Ninja Food Tours
Kyoto is known around the world for ancient temples, quiet gardens, and centuries of tradition — but after sunset, the city reveals another side entirely. Narrow lantern-lit alleys fill with the aroma of sizzling yakitori, steaming ramen, handcrafted sweets, and dishes that most visitors would never discover on their own. That’s where Ninja Food Tours transformed our evening from a simple dinner outing into one of the most memorable travel experiences of our Japan journey.

Cookie & Keller
Jun 45 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


Cave Houses of Puglia Road Trip, Part 2: Matera and the fascinating UNESCO site
Explore the Cave Houses of Matera, Italy. Discover the Sassi region, UNESCO history, cave hotels, and the best things to do in Matera.

Cookie & Keller
May 76 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


CityPASS: tourist card is a key to Unlocking Fun, Culture, with Zero Stress in 17 North American Cities
CityPASS saves money. It saves time. And most importantly? It unlocks the doors to the very best experiences without the stress.

Cookie & Keller
Apr 237 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


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


Las Vegas shows - Ticket Tips, Highlights, Discount Ideas for Sin City's Greatest
Las Vegas shows - Ticket Tips, Highlights, Discount Ideas for Sin City's Greatest

Cookie & Keller
Feb 196 min read


Body Glove Hawaii fits like a charm for Kona Coast ocean activity and sightseeing pleasures
Body Glove Hawaii offers Kona Coast ocean activities, sightseeing pleasures

Cookie & Keller
Jan 264 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


Traveling around the world with Holiday spirit! Hold it in your heart every day of the year -- enjoy our differences, appreciate friends and family and celebrate the joy of life
The season carries many meanings whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or simply the turning of the year.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 25, 20253 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


No place like London for mixing new and old: history, food, theater, architecture, excitement
London is a striking commentary on architectural evolution. This street scene illustrates the blend of history and innovation. With dozens of medieval landmarks like the Tower of London, there are beautiful modern buildings such as The Shard, with 26 stories, dozens of restaurants, residential living and a five-star hotel.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 4, 20253 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


Guy Fawkes Day
Guy Fawkes Day in Yorkshire celebrates a plot's failure with bonfires, fireworks, plot toffee and fun.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 5, 20253 min read


Halloween, sacred days abroad blend religious traditions, pagan fun, new and old customs
A pumpkin carving contest on Queen Mary 2, offered a mix of spooky and amusing results, some irreverent, some ghoulish. Travelers find Halloween displays along with Day of the Dead and All Saints Day decor in hotels in Europe, Mexico, and other countries around the world as autumn holidays and celebrations merge and overlap. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ALL THE WORLD seems to enjoy a celebration, be it pagan inspired or religious bas
Keller Keller
Oct 30, 20253 min read
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