Con Dao is a perfect couple's retreat for those who love a quiet beach, an eye-opening dip in the salty bay after a hot morning run, and long stretches of simply staring in amazement at nature's glorious beauty.
Caves! Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam
The main attraction in Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam, is CAVES! Each cave offers a unique and completely different experience, but the highlight was...
Gratitude for "No Time"
These days, I rarely acknowledge time and am grateful for its absence.
Hue, Vietnam: Beautiful City With a Turbulent Past
Hue is a beautiful, modern city with a sordid past. From unifying the country to eventually selling-out to the French, the political events in Hue nearly 200 years ago altered the trajectory of the country.
Vietnam's Garden of Eden: Viet Hai
Most tourists to northern Vietnam book a fast-paced, one-day excursion to Halong Bay only to post disappointed reviews later. Ditch the crowds and enjoy a little slice of Eden in Viet Hai on the island of Cat Ba...
Making Friends on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Nothing attracts kids like a flying camera! Caffrey making friends in Viet Hai, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam while flying the DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Danang and a Hai Van Pass Roadtrip to Lan Co
Danang has more to offer than just soft sandy beaches. When you’ve had enough sand between your toes, try exploring some of the nearby attractions, including: Marble Mountains, the Danang Fine Arts Museum, or a road trip over the Hai Van Pass to Lan Co for an all-you-can-possibly-eat seafood feast. Read on for more…
Impressions of Hanoi, Vietnam
We were in Hanoi Vietnam for a week and it took about that long to get used to the noise, dirt, and chaos. There is an order, but don’t expect to articulate or quantify it. You just have to surrender to it.
Attitude Is Everything
I offer two versions of our first traveling day to share the lesson I learned about attitude. We will encounter many unexpected hurdles this year. I am choosing RIGHT NOW to approach each challenge with a positive outlook.
The Noise of Clutter and Choice
It's getting quieter in this apartment, as we approach our move-out date. With less stuff, there is less choice. With less choice, there is less noise in my head.
Zen in a Glass of Wine: Rioja Valley, Spain
In Rioja Valley, wine is a religion and I had come to be baptized…
Brief History of Oktoberfest in Munich, 1810
Did you know that Oktoberfest actually starts in September? Don your dirndl or lederhosen and join the locals for the kickoff parade! This post puts Oktoberfest in its historical context and points out a few traditions and foods you don’t want to miss…
Top 10 Fears as We Embark on our RTW
Our plan is starting to materialize and I find us wavering between moments of absolute certainty and times of doubt. Preparing for my future look-back, here are the top fears I have at T minus 100 days from initial departure...
Destination Everywhere
We are now "vagabonding", I believe is the term. It's a big change for us, with lots of unknowns. I don't know the arc of this story, yet, and I do not know how our characters will struggle, adapt, change. But I do know one thing: this chapter will be different from the previous 20 years...
Travel is ZEN
When I travel, I attain a sudden wellspring of patience and tolerance and humility that escapes me on the gerbil wheel of the daily grind. This short story explains the title of Travel Is Zen.
Travel is ZEN.
Guernica: Never Forget
In Guernica, we confronted the atrocities of war, civic violence, and the fragility of democracy. We, the people, must never forget…
Serendipity in Getxo
What was meant to be a short stroll in Getxo became, instead, a 13 mile surrender to serendipity.
Wine as Meditation: Rioja Valley, Spain
Through the patient teaching of our local wine expert, Inma (from Rioja Wine Trips), we learn that sipping wine is a meditation…
San Sebastian and Hondarribia
Rise and shine in San Sebastian and Hondarribia, on the northern tip of Spain. In the off-season, these party towns are calm and quiet…
Photo Inspiration: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Photo Inspiration: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe