A Journey Through Our Destinations
Traveling full-time has taken us to incredible places, each offering its own unique charm, history, and unforgettable experiences. Below, you'll find a glimpse into some of our favorite destinations, with highlights of what made each place special.
Where are we traveling now?
January 1 - March 14 Santa Ana, Costa Rica with visits from Sarah & Ricardo, Alyson, Kristin, Karen, Donna, Cody & David
March 14 - March 21 Austin, TX
March 21 Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 22 - April 12 Transatlantic Cruise (Holland America Cruise) 21 days
April 1 Falmouth, England, United Kingdom
April 2 Portland (Weymouth), England, United Kingdom
April 3 Southampton (London), England
April 4 Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium
April 5 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
April 7 Skjolden, Norway
April 7 Scenic cruising Sognefjord
April 8 Stavanger, Norway
April 9 Kristiansand, Norway
April 10 Oslo, Norway
April 10 Scenic cruising Oslofjord
April 12 Rotterdam, Netherlands
April 12 - April 16 Oegstgeest, Netherlands - to see the tulips with Kirsty & Kev
April 16-April 22 Lyon, France
April 22 -April 26 Barcelona, Spain
April 26 - May 1 Madrid, Spain
May 1 - May 15 Algoz, Portugal
May 15 - May 28 Secret detour ~ Stay tuned for this exciting adventure!
May 28 Fly from Mystery Location to Washington, DC
May 28 - June 1 Great Falls, Virginia
June - July Return to Costa Rica
Places We Have Been
We traveled on the Oceania Cruise ship Regatta, South Seas Mosaic itinerary, for 22 days, visiting Hawaii and the French Polynesian Islands. At the end of the cruise, we stayed in Tahiti for a few days, then San Francisco, then traveled to Rochester for the holidays to visit with family & friends.
Click on the blue link in the description to see our photo albums!
Hawaii
Hawaii is a stunning archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, offering diverse landscapes and experiences across its islands. Honolulu, the state capital on Oahu, combines urban energy with iconic beaches like Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor, and the dramatic Diamond Head crater hike. Kauai, known as the "Garden Isle," showcases nature at its most dramatic with the breathtaking Na Pali Coast's emerald cliffs and countless waterfalls hidden in lush rainforests. On the Big Island's east side, Hilo charms visitors with its laid-back vibe, black sand beaches, and easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can witness active lava flows. Kailua-Kona on the west coast offers sunny weather and nearby Kona coffee farms perched on volcanic slopes. Each destination provides a unique slice of Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian islands delivered an unforgettable experience.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a dreamy South Pacific paradise comprising 118 islands scattered across five archipelagos, offering crystalline turquoise lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and authentic Polynesian culture. Bora Bora, often called the most beautiful island in the world, is famous for its iconic overwater bungalows, Mount Otemanu's striking silhouette, and lagoon waters in impossible shades of blue. Raiatea, considered the sacred heart of Polynesia, is home to the ancient Taputapuatea marae—a UNESCO World Heritage site where Polynesian navigators once gathered. Huahine, known as the "Garden of Eden," remains refreshingly unspoiled with archaeological sites, vanilla plantations, and secluded beaches where you might have the sand entirely to yourself. Moorea, just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, enchants visitors with its jagged green peaks, Belvedere Lookout offering panoramic views of Cook's and Opunohu Bays. Here we spent an incredible day snorkeling - check out the video! Tahiti, the largest island and gateway to French Polynesia, combines the energy of capital city Papeete's bustling markets with black sand beaches, powerful surf breaks at Teahupo'o, and waterfalls hidden in the lush interior. Each island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and the laid-back "Tahiti time" lifestyle that makes French Polynesia an ultimate bucket-list destination.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a captivating city perched on hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and vibrant cultural diversity. Haight-Ashbury, the legendary birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, still exudes bohemian charm with its colorful Victorian homes, vintage shops, and eclectic street art celebrating its hippie heritage. The Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning Roman-inspired rotunda and colonnade originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, offers a serene lagoon setting perfect for leisurely walks. Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf bustles with energy, featuring playful sea lions lounging on the docks, waterfront restaurants serving fresh clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, and spectacular views of Alcatraz Island. The city's steep streets, world-class cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic dim sum in Chinatown, and famously unpredictable microclimates—where you might need a jacket even in summer—all contribute to San Francisco's unforgettable character.
Our Travel adventures 2025:
January - Mid-March Costa Rica √
Mid March Texas √
End of March - Beginning of April Repositioning Cruise Ft. Lauderdale to Rome √
April Montenegro √
May Croatia and Switzerland √
End of May - Beginning of June Rhine River Cruise √
June Netherlands √
July Edinburgh, Scotland & a stop in Iceland & New York √
August Costa Rica √
End of August Medellin, Colombia √
September Costa Rica √
End of September -Beginning of October Bruce: California, Barbara: New York/Massachusetts √
End of November - Mid-December Cruise- LA to Tahiti via Bora Bora! √
End of December San Francisco, California √
European Spring: Repositioning Cruise, Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland, Viking River Cruise, Netherlands and Scotland
Repositioning Cruise
Montenegro– A month in a special country
A repositioning cruise is a unique sailing experience where a ship relocates from one region to another, typically for seasonal changes. We were on the Princess Cruise Lines Emerald ship for 15 days. On board, guests can engage in activities such as pickleball, enriching talks on diverse topics, and lively evening shows. This particular cruise includes enjoyable stops in beautiful destinations like Madeira, Gibraltar, Malaga, and Corsica, culminating in a spectacular finale in Rome. (where we promptly jumped on a plane). It’s a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and exploration. Read more about the cruise in our blog!
The breathtaking mountains and stunning bay views we encountered on our journey. Click on each place we visited to explore our photos. Each link invites you to experience these remarkable landscapes alongside us.
Dobrota (seaside town where we stayed), Perast, Tivat, Budva and Durmitor National Park were our day trips once we had rented a car.
Kotor, Montenegro, (the closest area to our home base for the month)is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site at the end of a fjord-like bay, where dramatic mountains meet the Adriatic Sea. Its Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and Venetian-era architecture, reflecting a rich past. Above it all, the formidable Kotor Fortress (Fortress of St. John) snakes up the mountainside, offering breathtaking panoramic views after a climb of approximately 1,350 steps. Exploring the Old Town's charming alleys and vibrant atmosphere is a must, and for me personally, it even holds the memory of getting a tattoo from a local parlor tucked within its ancient walls.
Croatia & Switzerland - New places to see!
We stayed 8 days in Mlini, a charming coastal village near Dubrovnik. It offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful beaches.
From there we visited:
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Cavtat: This picturesque town southeast of Dubrovnik.
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Dubrovnik: Often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a historic city famous for its stunning Old Town, surrounded by impressive medieval walls.
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Lokrum (Island): Located a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is a nature reserve featuring a saltwater lake, historical ruins like a Benedictine monastery and Napoleonic fort, and peacocks roaming freely. (and many scenes in The Game of Thrones series)
Split was our second destination. Croatia's second-largest city, Split is a major transport and tourist hub, best known for the incredible ancient Roman structure, Diocletian's Palace. From Split, we took a quick day trip to Hvar (Island). This Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea is known for being a sunny destination with beautiful beaches, vineyards, and lavender fields.
Check out our day trip to Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina!
St. Gallen is a city in eastern Switzerland known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Abbey District, featuring a Baroque cathedral and the opulent Abbey Library. Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is a cosmopolitan financial hub located on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, offering a blend of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and access to the Swiss Alps. Basel, situated on the Rhine River near the borders of France and Germany, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, housing museums like the Kunstmuseum Basel and hosting events like Art Basel.
Viking River Cruise
A Viking Rhine River cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, where guests can explore the charming old town and its medieval landmarks. The ship then sails to Breisach, gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, known for its picturesque villages and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, travelers enjoy a blend of French and German cultures, with visits to the Gothic cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. The journey continues to Speyer and then Heidelberg, home to an impressive hilltop castle and Germany’s oldest university. In Rüdesheim, guests may take a cable car over vineyards or stroll the famous Drosselgasse lane. The ship cruises through the scenic Middle Rhine, past fairytale castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Koblenz and Cologne follow, offering Roman ruins, a towering Gothic cathedral, and lively beer halls. The voyage ends in Amsterdam, where travelers can explore canals, museums, and historic neighborhoods by foot or bicycle.
The Netherlands - What is beyond Amsterdam?
Amersfoort, Brunssum, and Maastricht are three distinctive cities in the Netherlands, each showcasing unique aspects of Dutch history, culture, and landscape.
Amersfoort has a beautifully preserved medieval center filled with iconic landmarks like the Koppelpoort. Here we were introduced to Dutch pancakes, known as poffertjes, a small, fluffy mini pancakes traditionally made with a yeasted batter and cooked in a special cast-iron pan, resulting in a soft, airy texture. They are typically served hot, topped with a pat of butter and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. YUMMY!
Maastricht stands out for its Roman origins, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque setting along the Meuse River. Our favorite place was Boekhandel Dominicanen in Maastricht is a breathtaking bookstore housed within a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, where soaring arches and stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere for book lovers. Often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it blends history and literature, offering visitors an inspiring setting to browse its extensive collection.
Brunssum, formerly shaped by coal mining, is now known for its green spaces, community spirit, and role as a NATO headquarters.
We also had quick trips to Aachen, Germany, and Amsterdam.
Edinburgh - Returning to the scene of the crime!
Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, is famous for its medieval Old Town and iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore notable sites like St Giles’ Cathedral and the vibrant festivals that animate the city, especially during August. Loch Ness, located in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned worldwide for its deep, mysterious waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster, set against a backdrop of beautiful rugged scenery. Glen Coe is a dramatic and hauntingly picturesque valley, celebrated for its volcanic origins, steep cliffs, and history tied to the 1692 Massacre of the MacDonalds, making it a favorite spot for hiking and photography. The Kelpies, near Falkirk, are massive 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures symbolizing Scotland’s industrial heritage and connection to horses, brilliantly combining art and history by the waterway. Together, these places capture the essence of Scotland’s natural beauty, rich past, and vibrant cultural identity.
Travel to Spain, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy
Spain – Slow Travel at Its Best
Savoring Life, One Tapas at a Time
Spain quickly became one of our favorite places to travel slowly. From the vibrant streets of Malaga to the charming white village of Setenil de las Bodegas, we embraced the art of taking things at a relaxed pace. Click on each place we visited to explore our photos- La Cala del Moral (our "home base" for travel), Malaga (20 minutes from our home base), Cordoba and Sevilla (an overnight trip), and day trips to Marbella, Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, Caminito Del Rey hike, and Gibraltar.
Christmas Markets from Malaga, Spain to Switzerland and France
Lights, Decor, and Foods
Traveling from Spain, to the UK, to the Netherlands, to Switzerland, to France...we saw fantastic displays of the holiday season on every street. Beginning November 29th, the Malaga Christmas lights are one of the highlights of the festive period, particularly those in Calle Larios, and are world famous for their spectacular light and sound show. After Spain, we moved on to the UK, staying both in and out of London. Then it was on to Amsterdam (Netherlands), Basel and Lucerne (Switzerland), Strasbourg and Colmar (France), Click on the links to enjoy the photos and videos!
Italy – A Whirlwind Adventure
History, Culture, and Pasta
Italy stole our hearts, but unlike Spain, we traveled here at a much faster pace—there was just too much to see! One day in Milan, a few more in Florence, and lastly, Rome before leaving Europe (for a few months anyway).
Milan, a sophisticated hub in northern Italy, is a global capital of fashion and design, elegant shopping districts and a vibrant contemporary culture. Its iconic Duomo, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, is a must-see architectural treasure.
Florence, the heart of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, exudes grandeur with masterpieces like Michelangelo's "David" housed in its world-class museums. The city's charming cobblestone streets and the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge offer a romantic glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
Rome, the Eternal City, is a metropolis brimming with ancient wonders such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, testaments to its powerful imperial past. Rome pulses with life, offering delicious cuisine, vibrant neighborhoods, and a captivating blend of history and contemporary energy.