I've suffered through flights delayed due to weather, missed connections, and mechanical issues, but had never before completely missed a flight. Until now. And what the experience taught me: what you pack in your carry on bag can pretty much make or break a travel experience. … [Read more...] about What To Pack In Your Carry On Bag
An Unexpected Night in Newark Airport
I was supposed to spend the first night of my trip to Scotland in a window seat on an airplane hovering somewhere thousands of feet over the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, I was huddled in a corner somewhere near gate C90 in Newark Airport. How the hell did this happen? … [Read more...] about An Unexpected Night in Newark Airport
Life Is What Happens When You’re Making Travel Plans
Sometimes, I don't know what to write. And that's how I feel right now (as you can probably tell from the dearth of posts during the month of August). I'm overwhelmed with finishing a major project at work, my mom was visiting for the past month and--oh, did I mention--I leave for Scotland...soon. Planning the trip ahead is one of the most difficult things I've ever done, … [Read more...] about Life Is What Happens When You’re Making Travel Plans
In Praise of Travel Planning
No matter how often I travel, I still get it. The nervous indecision. The clammy palms. The tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath. Feeling overwhelmed. And yes, as I prepare to leave for Scotland in a few weeks it's here in full force: the pre-travel jitters. I only know of one cure for the pre-travel jitters: information, and lots of it. There are many voices in the … [Read more...] about In Praise of Travel Planning
Memories of Antwerp
Although I’m not a blonde, I felt every bit like Goldilocks sampling Belgian cities like the porridge of the three bears. Brugge was too hot. Too much activity and too many people in the city center. I enjoyed my trip off the beaten path but I’m not sure I’d go back again. Brussels was too cold. As the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, Brussels felt a bit too, … [Read more...] about Memories of Antwerp