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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


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


Grand Hotel in Big Timber, Montana has reclaimed its Grandeur
Step into Montana history at the Grand Hotel in Big Timber. This beautifully restored landmark blends Old West charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal stop for travelers exploring the Yellowstone River Valley, the Crazy Mountains, and nearby outdoor adventures. Enjoy historic architecture, welcoming hospitality, and a true taste of small-town Montana.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 24, 20255 min read


Brisbane food tour - Take a tasty bite on a fun, enlightening & history tour
Brisbane’s food scene is a vibrant blend of fresh local ingredients, global influences, and relaxed riverside charm—making it one of Australia’s most underrated culinary destinations. On a Brisbane food tour, every stop feels like a discovery, from bustling markets filled with tropical produce to tucked-away eateries serving everything from modern Australian cuisine to authentic Asian flavors. What makes this experience special is the food and stories behind it, shared by pas

Cookie & Keller
Jul 10, 20255 min read


Jambalaya - Give thanks, share and kick your meal up a notch with something new
Jambalaya is a tradition for Thanksgiving in many southern homes. Cajun appetizers also make Thanksgiving special. We'll share an easy...

Christene Meyers
Nov 28, 20244 min read


CityPASS (Official Tourist Card) offers an economical fun way to enjoy a city's attractions
SAVE MONEY, TIME, WHILE SEEING THE BEST ATTRACTIONS A CITY OFFERS with CityPass

Cookie & Keller
Jan 11, 20244 min read


Good grub includes barbecue, gator bites on Cocoa Beach foodie trek
Cocoa Village boasts a super food tasting experience with entrepreneur Halim Urban, who runs his popular tour with wife Jessica. With 20...

Christene Meyers
Oct 26, 20233 min read


NCL's Viva inaugural offers classic ports, artful design, dining delights
IF YOU'RE a fan of cruising and follow "cruise news," you know about the newest Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, Viva.
She's making quite a splash, at 142,500 gross tons and a length of 965 feet, about a fifth of a mile. She's a luxurious floating resort, the latest NCL "Prima Class" vessel.

Cookie & Keller
Jun 29, 20234 min read


“Brisbane Australia travel guide” bustling, booming, fun, and a nighttime wonderland
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.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 23, 20235 min read


Vegas food tasting tours offer a royal flush of fun, history, yummy bites
A Taste Buzz Food Tour of the Arts District in Las Vegas offered a fun outing for Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. Consider...

Christene Meyers
Jan 19, 20234 min read


Porto Food Tour - Eating a scrumptious trail with history lesson on the side
Our lively "Taste Porto food tour" guide, Ines, walks us through a colorful market, pointing out a bounty of fruits grown near the city, and offering bits of history, architecture and favorite dishes. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers explore the streets of Porto in a pleasant food and walking tour with top-ranked "Taste Porto." Porto Food Tour - GLORIOUS FOOD! TOUR INCLUDES TASTINGS, HISTORY, WA

Cookie & Keller
Oct 20, 20224 min read


Victoria food tour takes the cake for fun, history and variety
Taste your way through Victoria, BC on a guided food tour featuring local favorites, fresh seafood, and hidden gems. This walkable culinary experience blends history, culture, and unforgettable flavors—perfect for first-time visitors and food lovers alike

Cookie & Keller
May 19, 20225 min read


Hilo's Tsunami Museum packs a powerful punch with frightening exhibits, films, commentary
The dreaded tsunami was the focus of an interesting afternoon for Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, who visited the engaging...

Christene Meyers
May 12, 20224 min read


Celebrate each day, take the trip, book the train, take the cruise
Cruises to her ancestral homes -- Norway and Ireland -- were gifts to Ellen Cosgriffe from her daughters, Robbie, standing, and Christene...

Christene Meyers
Mar 17, 20223 min read


Magnificent mariachi band tours, delights, breaks ground for LGBTQ
Founder and band leader of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, Carlos Samaniego, is a talented, classically trained musician who formed the...

Christene Meyers
Nov 18, 20214 min read


Dinner Cruise in Newport Harbor: A City Cruises Experience on John Wayne's Wild Goose
Sail into a memorable evening aboard a dinner cruise with City Cruises in scenic Newport Harbor. Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine, coastal views, and a relaxing ambiance as you glide past multimillion-dollar homes and яхts. Conveniently located near John Wayne Airport, this Newport Beach experience offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and classic Southern California charm.

Cookie & Keller
May 17, 20194 min read
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