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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Cartier Exhibition in Melbourne: Australian Show Has Sparkle, Style from Master Jewelers
The Cartier exhibit offers a rare chance to experience the artistry and history behind one of the world’s most celebrated luxury brands. Known for its exquisite jewelry and timeless designs, Cartier has shaped the world of luxury for over a century. This exhibit brings together a stunning collection of pieces that reveal the craftsmanship, innovation and cultural impact of the brand. For anyone interested in fine jewelry, design, or history, it's a must-see.

Cookie & Keller
5 days ago5 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


Dalí Museums Spain Itinerary: A Surreal Road Trip Through Figueres, Portlligat, and Púbol
Step into a dreamlike journey through Catalonia with this Dalí museums Spain itinerary, tracing the surreal legacy of Salvador Dalí. From the theatrical wonder of the Dalí Theatre-Museum to the seaside sanctuary of the Salvador Dalí House-Museum and the storybook romance of the Gala Dalí Castle, this unforgettable route blends art, landscape, and eccentric genius into one extraordinary road trip through Spain.

Christene Meyers
Mar 27, 20255 min read


Bathroom tips: pointers on how to find one abroad, plus unique ones!
A men's bathroom in Singapore offers greenery along with sparkling clean urinals. Not all bathrooms abroad are as clean or nicely...

Christene Meyers
Mar 20, 20256 min read


Fort Lauderdale Segway for fun, frolic and adventure
Glide along sun-soaked streets and oceanfront paths on a Fort Lauderdale Segway tour, one of the most fun ways to explore this laid-back Florida city. Cruise past beaches, marinas, and scenic waterways while learning local history on easy, breezy adventure perfect for first-time visitors

Cookie & Keller
Mar 13, 20254 min read


Travel bucket list ideas: Trains, boats and planes! Do something you've dreamed of doing
Dream big and start checking off that travel bucket list idea. From gliding across continents on sleek trains to drifting along storied rivers by boat or soaring over oceans by plane, the world is waiting. Promise yourself one unforgettable journey this year—ride a legendary rail line, cruise a hidden waterway, or fly somewhere you’ve always dreamed of. Adventure begins the moment you decide to go.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 26, 20244 min read


Dolphin Watch in Gibraltar - Monkeys, yes, but Gibraltar offers spectacular sea life & more
Dolphins aplenty in Gibraltar Bay. It's exciting,, but Gibraltar offers Gardens, wildlife, cable car adventure, dining and friendly folk.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 5, 20244 min read


Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour - Book a terrific time on a fun, educational
Discover Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, colorful streets, and iconic viewpoints on a guided tuk-tuk tour. It's a fun and comfortable way to experience the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems without climbing Lisbon's famous hills.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 7, 20245 min read


Tourist card enhances Europe's charms seen through brother's eyes
Unlock Europe for less with tourist cards that bundle transport, museum entry, and skip-the-line perks. From Paris to Rome, these passes can save money, time, and stress while helping you see more in fewer days. Discover how to pick the right card for your trip, stretch your budget, and avoid common pitfalls so your itinerary flows smoothly across iconic cities and hidden gems.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 29, 20245 min read


Bernina Express Train takes adventurers to the top of the world with striking mountain views
Riding the Bernina Express to St. Moritz is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. This scenic rail adventure climbs through the Swiss Alps, crossing soaring viaducts, gliding past glaciers, and winding through postcard-perfect villages. From dramatic mountain views to engineering marvels, the Bernina Express delivers an unforgettable travel experience on the way to glamorous St. Moritz.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 8, 20244 min read


Make it a carpe diem summer: go camping, take the cruise, plan a trip
Veteran cruisers, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller have made travel and cruising the world a priority. They offer enthusiastic...

Christene Meyers
Jun 13, 20245 min read


Music in Rome 2026
Rome is more than ancient ruins and famous piazzas—it's a city where music, art, and history come alive around every corner. During the summer of 2026, we discovered the magic of an intimate Vivaldi concert inside a centuries-old church, proving that some of Rome's greatest experiences aren't planned at all. From candlelit performances and world-class festivals to spontaneous street musicians, discover why Rome remains one of Europe's most inspiring cultural destinations and

Cookie & Keller
Aug 31, 20236 min read


Terrific trains: best bet to explore Europe, UK, Bay Area and beyond
A Travel story about bloggers Cookie and Keller train adventures with friends and family around the globe

Cookie & Keller
Jul 6, 20234 min read


Valenca offers charms of Portuguese village near Spanish border
Valenca, in the far north of Portugal, offers a relaxing, artistic place to visit for a few days. Sturdy, stunning buildings date back to...

Christene Meyers
Feb 2, 20233 min read


Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: The Smart Way to Explore a New City
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are one of the easiest ways to discover a new destination. Learn how they work, when they're worth the money, and simple tips to help you see more attractions while saving time and energy

Cookie & Keller
Jan 12, 20235 min read


Sydney's Harbour Bridge Happy New Year! Resolve to travel, make new friends, learn, grow
High atop Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge, with the iconic Sydney Opera House at the far right, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce...

Christene Meyers
Jan 5, 20234 min read


Free walking tours offer value and a terrific way to know a city quickly
Luiz, our fine Brazilian born guide in Porto, Portugal, took us around the city to its hidden corners as well as exploring its famous...

Christene Meyers
Dec 15, 20226 min read


Gaudi architecture: a Barcelona highlight
Antoni Gaudi viewed the natural world as perfect, a creation from which he drew his inspiration. This connection is visible in all his work but critics believe it is most present in his masterpiece, Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 8, 20225 min read


Emotional flamenco, fado speak to the soul in Spain and Portugal
Flamenco -- that showy, colorful dance of southern Spain -- is performed with rhythmic clapping and instruments. Swirling scarves and lacy skirts and ruffles are part of this Barcelona performance. Southern Spain, Portugal present emotional flamenco, fado, with flair, feeling, for deeply stirring shows STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Fado in Porto is a revered tradition, here at the Ideal Club de Fado, which is a formal setting, more concert hall. than bar.

Christene Meyers
Nov 3, 20225 min read
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