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?
Our Travel plans for 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.
Places We Have Been
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.