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As a travel enthusiast, one of the most rewarding aspects of my adventures is the opportunity to experience culture, locations, and events firsthand rather than relying on reputations alone.  This weekend, I had the incredible chance to attend the Indianapolis 500, and it truly epitomized why firsthand experiences are so essential. Traveling allows us to dive deep into the culture of a place.  The Indy 500, with its rich history and traditions, is a cultural phenomenon in its own right. From the pre-race festivities to the post-race celebrations, the event is steeped in rituals that reflect the spirit and passion of its fans.   Attending the race, I witnessed the camaraderie, the pride, and the unique customs that make the Indy 500 such a beloved event.    There's no substitute for being part of an event as legendary as the Indy 500.  Many people have heard about the race's reputation, and let's be honest, most of it isn't positive.  Standing on pit row before the race, looking around, I realized this is precisely why I travel.  This is the reason to confirm or refute reputations firsthand. I had preconceived notions about what I would experience and observe at the race going into it.   Instead of listening to the commentary of others, visit places for yourself.  The roar of the engines, the precision of the pit crews, and the fans' excitement create an atmosphere that's simply electric.  Watching the race live and feeling the vibrations of the cars is truly an unforgettable experience. Had I only listened to the opinions of others and not had an open mind, I would have missed one of the most unique sporting events imaginable. An empowering aspect of travel is forming your own opinions based on personal experiences.  Attending the Indy 500 allowed me to see beyond its reputation and understand why it is called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." If you are hesitant about visiting a place or attending an event because of what you've heard, I urge you to take a leap.  Travel with curiosity and an open heart.  The world is full of surprises, and there's no better way to appreciate that than by experiencing it firsthand.  Indy 500 surprised me with every lap, and I am thrilled to have experienced it. .

Pura Vida is far more than a tagline created by the tourism authority. In Costa Rica, Pura Vida embodies how Costa Ricans live a peaceful life inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them. This small country abolished its military and, as a result, is the most peaceful democracy in the region. Considering Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, having more than a quarter of its land protected as designated national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves, it is only natural that this Central American country is a pioneer in eco-tourism. The commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind power and hydroelectric power, and wind turbines are seen dotting the coast on approach from the air. Despite its small size, Costa Rica harbors 5% of the world's biodiversity while occupying just 0.03% of the Earth's surface. Having visited the Guanacaste province in 2017, I had the opportunity to return for four nights recently. Guanacaste is an area in northwest Costa Rica and frustratingly close to the Nicaraguan border. I tried every way imaginable to cross the border and get a glimpse of Nicaragua; however, it wasn't meant to be. Traveling a small segment of the Pan-American highway, a transportation route that extends from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, I explored what felt like every inch of the province. Driving through the small town of La Cruz towards Liberia, the province's capital, I floated down the Rio Cañas and deep in a mangrove on a simple pontoon boat. The dry forest and mangrove are teamed from each body of water with various species of monkeys, alligators, and birds. Sloths nestle in the high canopy as these nocturnal mammals slumber during the day. Temperatures soaring to 100 degrees, coupled with the end of the dry season, equated to a burnt landscape so dry and brittle it seemed it would ignite into an inferno at any moment. The smell of burning Earth was present, and as we looked across the horizon, it was possible to see various plumes of smoke from fires. The vision of the green, lush landscape that Costa Rica is known for is not present in Guanacaste during the dry season. The plethora of volcanoes that snake through the country's center means the beaches have darker sand due to the volcanic activity. With that said, watching the sunset over the Pacific was the trip's highlight, and I find it fascinating that the same vantage point each night can yield such different and dramatic results. On the quest to 100, I don't anticipate returning to Costa Rica for quite some time or at all. However, as my travels continue, I will take Pura Vida with me. The beautiful spirit of Costa Ricans will be a part of me.

Eager to visit the next country on the quest to 100, I walked from the cruise port to meet Luis, my driver. I wanted to see as much as possible in the 8 hours I had and decided that hiring a local driver would be the best way to economize my time. Roatan is an island off Honduras's coast with a large US and Canadian expat community. Beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters align the coast and are home to the world's second-largest barrier reef. Mainland Honduras is one of the most violent and dangerous countries in the world, as gang violence and drug trafficking run rampant throughout. The United States Department of State lists it as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping, with the area Gracias a Dios listed as a Level 4: Do Not Travel. (What a misnomer of a name, Gracias a Dios means Thank God!) It's not a ringing endorsement for visiting Honduras. Roatan seems to be immune to this violence. Luis shared that the island is very safe, the population has grown from 30,000 to 300,000 in the last ten years, and the community relies on tourism for its local economy. I could not verify the population growth Luis shared, and I noted the prominent signs indicating, "You are leaving a secure area. Proceed at your own risk," when walking away from the crowds of cruise passengers at the port to meet my private guide. Yet, I loved my day in Roatan. Luis was eager to show off his home and took us to an animal sanctuary, a coffee factory, a rum factory, and West End Beach, considered to be the nicest beach on the island. Throughout the morning, Luis kept stating, "Let me show you where the Americans live. You will love it." I couldn't help but think, I want to see where the Hondurans live. Taking a cruise has so many incredible components, and one aspect I love is that it really aligns with the philosophy of making every day count. If you have one day in a new country, you need to get after it. However, I find that the ports are devoid of local culture and tend to cater to what they think the tourists want to see. American music plays everywhere, and you don't need to go very far to find souvenirs from your favorite NFL team. This is the last thing I want when exploring a new country, and although I am interested, seeing where the Americans live wasn't high on my list. After several stops, Luis was eager to take us to West Bay Beach. As we drove across the island, we needed to travel to West End, a roughly mile-long strip with a public beach, shops, bars, and restaurants. Looking out the window, I said, "This looks great! Wow, I love this!" Luis countered, "No, no, this isn't the nice part." Oh, but Luis, this looks real! I asked if he could stop the car so I could get out and explore. Reluctantly, he stopped, and I agreed not to spend too much time since we had to "See where the Americans live." West End, which can easily be confused with West Bay, is a bit grittier and a tad touristy but certainly feels like a bit of real Roatan under the surface. The public beach has the same spectacular coastline as the upscale West Bay. Although West End is devoid of the resorts and vacation villas that West Bay is known for, it is closer to being a more authentic Roatan. The bottom line is that of the three ports of call, Roatan was my favorite, and I would come back for a week-long trip as I am anxious to peel back the layers and see more! (I will undoubtedly reach back out to Luis, as well! And yes, where the Americans live is quite lovely!)

London is one of the world's most iconic cities, one that any well-traveled person will visit again and again. However, its expansive nature is overwhelming, and I dare share an unpopular opinion: it doesn't capture my heart. On the other hand, Edinburgh has all the British charm yet is a highly walkable and easily navigatable city. While London dazzles with its cosmopolitan energy and iconic landmarks, Edinburgh enchants with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Edinburgh's ancient cobblestone streets lead to majestic castles and centuries old landmarks. While London boasts a skyline dotted with towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks, Edinburgh captivates with its harmonious blend of medieval Georgian, and Victorian architecture. From pubs that date back hundreds of years to incredible architecture, strolling along the Royal Mile is an absolute delight. The gray skies and damp air add to the character of this charming capital city.   Edinburgh Exploration: Six Ways to Immerse Yourself in the Magic of Scotland's Beloved City Create your own pub crawl. From the Royal Mile's end adjacent to the Palace of Holyrood, visit charming pubs for a pint—notable pubs to consider: Tolbooth Tavern, The Mitre, and The World's End Pub. 2. To work off the copious amounts of beer consumed, hike to the top of Arthur's Seat for sweeping views of the city and the Firth of Forth. 3. Enjoy a sunrise at Calton Hill. Even if early morning moments are off your itinerary, the vista is enjoyable anytime. 4. Enjoy dinner at Tipo in New Town. Think tapas for Italian food.   5. Walk to Dean's Village, a neighborhood that looks like time has stopped—the perfect place to stroll with loved ones.   6. Walk to the Vennel Steps, a narrow staircase that offers a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle—the perfect place to take a selfie.

In June 2022, we returned to one of our favorite European destinations: Switzerland. We selected a home base for this particular holiday and thoroughly explored an area rather than checking off as many countries and cities as possible. Therefore, perhaps this isn’t your idea of a European vacation. However, if you are also interested in this, here are a few thoughts. Lauterbrunnen was a phenomenal home base to explore the Jungfrau region of Bernese Oberland. It is exquisitely stunning, and the rail access allows you to explore the entire area. We opted for a multi-day Jungfrau Travel Pass to hyper-focus on this area. We definitely got our money’s worth with the pass. A word of caution: pay attention to when the last train or gondola is for the day. Even with the sun setting after 9 PM, some trains and gondolas stop as early as 5:00 PM. A week in Lauterbrunnen wasn't enough time, and we barely scratched the surface. In hindsight, I wish we stayed longer. The trains, gondolas, and other mountain transit are easy to navigate and make for a great day. Take the time to get off at stops and walk to another one. For example, get off at Allmend and walk to Wengen. If you do this, stop and enjoy a drink or bite to eat in Allmend at the Bergrestaurant Allmend. Don’t worry about being unable to find it —- it is the only structure in Allmend and immediately adjacent to the rail stop. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the views overlooking Wengen. It was a bit chilly when we were there, and the owner graciously brought us sheepskin covers for the metal chairs so we could enjoy sitting outside for lunch. The views will not disappoint, and everyone will love the food. We all voted that this was a must-do experience. Take the time to go to Gimmelwald. It isn’t on the Jungfrau Travel Pass, so we walked from Mürren to Gimmelwald. The views are the most spectacular you will ever see. Gimmelwald is sometimes called Switzerland’s best-kept secret as there is nothing touristy about it, and many visitors don’t go. When you get to town, follow the signs to the Mountain Hostel and ask for a table outside. The pizza is scrumptious and one of the most epic panoramic views you can see. The walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald is downhill and can be easily accomplished in about half an hour by everyone in your party. We opted to buy the gondola pass to return to Mürren as my 75-year-old father-in-law didn’t want to walk back uphill. Reasonable. Walk from Mürren to Winteregg to Grutschalp. At Winteregg, there is a restaurant called Bergrestaurant Winteregg, which has another panoramic outside venue. I wouldn’t recommend eating a meal here, but perhaps enjoying a beer. Once you leave Winteregg and start walking to Grutschalp, you will see a self-serve refrigerator on the right-hand side. Standard in the area, farmers will stock it with fresh cheese, yogurt, and milk, and you pay for it through the honor system. My teenage daughters and I purchased fresh yogurt and found a bench overlooking the Alps to sit and enjoy. It was to die for —- sitting in silence with the only sounds of the cowbells from the cows grazing on the high meadow. If you choose to experience this, make sure you have Swiss francs for the farmer’s jar. If you are interested in paragliding, my family went with Airtime Paragliding https://airtime-paragliding.com/ . Although the company is based out of Lauterbrunnen, where we stayed, my husband and daughters opted to meet the guides in Mürren using their Jungfrau Travel Pass instead of riding in a van. Several years later, they are still raving about the experience, and the photos from the company’s GoPro are incredible. Keep in mind that the return to Mürren from Stechelberg, where the paragliders land, is not on the Jungfrau Travel Pass and is an additional cost. After our rendezvous with the adventure seekers, we ate lunch outside at Hotel Alpenruh. I highly recommend ordering the Berner Rosti. After walking through Mürren, find the Hotel Bellevue and sit on their deck for happy hour. Grindelwald First has many exciting adventure activities; you could spend an entire day here. We learned the hard way about the last gondola times and closing activities when we arrived late in the afternoon. Don’t make the same mistake we did—go early! It looked phenomenal. Favorite town? This was debated over many beers on many panoramic decks. It is like asking who is a better player: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James — they are all great athletes and towns. My family voted for Wengen. They loved the town, and it was here we stumbled upon a music festival and found ourselves dancing on the tables with locals to the Nostalgic Brass Band https://www.nostalgicbrass.ch/willkommen.html. If you find yourself in Wengen, eat at Ristorante Da Sina - Wengen BE, and of course, ask for a table outside.

Spending a long weekend in Amsterdam wasn't nearly enough time. This charming city was just the respite needed after a 34-hour travel "day" from the Ngorongoro Crater. Amsterdam has a well-known reputation for "anything goes," judging by the number of American college students spending the weekend there, they are well-versed in this. However, the city captivates you. Easily walkable and navigatable, exploring the alleys and canals is quite lovely. The weekend's highlights were a canal cruise, delicious meals, and a sobering visit to The Anne Frank House. Tips for a weekend in Amsterdam: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the canal. Sip your favorite beverage as you cruise the narrow canals with the setting sun. Canal cruises aren't marketed per se as sunset cruises -- use an app like Photo Pills to research the sunset times to determine what time of day to book the cruise based upon the time of year for your visit. Visit the Anne Frank House:  Tickets go on sale six weeks ahead and sell out quickly. Preplanning is essential, and the experience is one to stay with you. Anne was an aspiring journalist and, among many things, a typical teenager. She had posters of celebrities in her room, found her parents rather annoying most days, and dreamed of when she could leave The Secret Annex. After visiting, enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat at  Café Wester , directly across the street. It is the perfect way to debrief with your travel squad about the history and sobering experience.   Incanto  -  Incanto  is an Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian food. It is on the second floor of an old building overlooking the Amstel River. Walking upstairs immediately reminds you of a small restaurant in Boston's North End—incredible food and service. De Belhame l:  This French restaurant in an off-the-beaten-track part of Amsterdam is the perfect spot for date night. With very few tables, reservations are required in advance. The restaurant is full of locals, and the absence of tourists was refreshing. What to skip  Zaanse Schans  is a town located a short 17-minute train ride from Amsterdam and is home to windmills. Considering windmills are ubiquitous in Holland, it seemed like a great idea. The town is very touristy and kitschy, with shop owners wearing traditional clothing and selling magnets and t-shirts. With so many great towns accessible from Amsterdam, seeing the windmills here isn't the best use of time. Underwhelmed best describes a visit to Zaanse Schans.

I first learned about Stolpersteine in Rome in 2018. These ten-centimeter square brass plaques are markers located on the ground. They are incredibly easy-to-miss, and are memorials indicating the location where a Jew was forcibly removed from their home during the Holocaust. Since 2018, I have seen Stolpersteine in France, Belgium, and now the Netherlands. I always pause and read each one to honor the men, women, and children recognized on the plaque.

The terms once-in-a-lifetime and epic are overused, but it is undoubtedly the only way to describe an African safari. I had the incredible opportunity to embark on an eight-day African safari in Tanzania.  I used Lion World Travel and the local Tanzanian outfit Leopard Tours for the experience.  Choosing a company for such an adventure is quite honestly daunting.  How do you select a company that is honest, professional, and safe?  How do you do that from 10,000 miles away?  Eight days in the African bush means selecting the right company is the most crucial decision.  When beginning to research the logistics of how to go on a safari in Africa, I discovered that Lion World Travel has a partnership with Costco Travel of all places.  Costco vetting Lion World Travel was the assurance I needed to book the experience. Even with that said, I was pretty nervous.  As soon as my plane touched down in Arusha, Tanzania, the representatives from Leopard Tours were there to greet me.  From the initial evening in Arusha, throughout all three national parks, the quality of service, accommodation, and food was perfect.  What really made the experience was my guide, John.  He was incredibly knowledgeable not just about the entire animal kingdom but the local culture and tribal communities as well.  In addition, he is a highly patient man as he graciously waited while I took hundreds of photos of one scene in hopes of getting one good shot.  I think for every 75 photos I took, only one was acceptable.  Maybe. Tarangire National Park - We spent two nights in Tarangire, the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania.  It encompasses 2,600 square kilometers and is known for its large elephant herds.  I quite possibly have more than 2,000 photos of just elephants. My accommodation was within the national park.  Wifi was available only in the hotel reception, and an escort was required to leave my room after dark as the buffalo, lions, and hyenas don't distinguish between the boundary of the hotel and the one of the park. The Serengeti National Park -  Three nights in the Serengeti provided an opportunity to be wholly immersed in the African bush.   In the Masai language, Serengeti means endless.  It is the perfect way to describe the vast savannah.  It is home to four of the big five, and the harmony between so many different species was exceptional.  Undoubtedly, being at the Serengeti during The Great Migration was incredible.  The zebras lead the migration as they eat the soft grass at the top of the plains.  Later, the wildebeest follow behind, eating the stalks.  It is the perfect combination of partners in nature.  Again, escorts were required as the wild animals were everywhere after dark. Ngorongoro Conservation Area- The crater was the highlight of the entire safari, and I enjoyed two nights there.  The crater formed when a giant volcano erupted and collapsed on itself several million years ago.  The result is fertile soil that is perfect for animals to truly thrive.  Ngorongoro Crater is known to have the highest concentration of mammals on Earth.  It is home to the "big five," including the endangered black rhino.  From lions hunting their prey to many animal species living in complete harmony, it is a stunning masterpiece of nature at work.  Although an escort to dinner wasn't necessary, keeping the balcony door closed at all times certainly was to ensure the baboons didn't come into my room! I knew I would enjoy a safari; however, I was surprised at how much I loved it. There is a peacefulness in watching animals live in their natural surrounding and listening to them communicate with one another.  If you have been considering a safari or enjoy the great outdoors, go ahead and do it.  It will indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime and epic experience.

Propelled initially by jet lag as the eleven-hour time difference is hard, I spent my first morning in Africa on the beach.  I was searching for the iconic sunrise over the Indian Ocean and hoped to enjoy the start of a new day. I didn't find a majestic sunrise, but what I did see was even more fascinating—the fishermen of Nungwi. Each morning before dawn, the fishermen would begin their daily routine. Calisthenics and running were the first order of business while the captains would get the dhows ready. It was a fascinating rhythm and glimpse into their daily life, and I enjoyed it so much that I went to the beach each morning to watch their ritual unfold. The dhows are lateen-rigged ships used in the Indian Ocean.  They are traditional sailing vessels, and I found a ship-building yard on the beach.  I watched a man make a dhow with a single blade.  Thinking about all the modern advances in technology, it is hard to believe that the boats are carved by hand.  From my vantage point, it seemed to be one-man operation. Although the men I saw lacked most if not all modern conveinences that are prevalent throughout North America, they certainly didn't lack work ethic.

Presently, I am deep in the African bush in Tanzania. Wifi is available only in the reception and is mediocre at best. An escort is required after dark to leave my room to attend dinner, as the wild animals roam the property after sunset. My intention to blog and record as I went on this incredible journey isn’t possible. Yet, being in such a remote part of Earth, marveling at nature at its absolute finest is everything. Without a doubt, Tanzania is the most culturally rewarding and authentic experience to date in the quest to 100 countries.

I am writing this from the Doha Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.  This is arguably the nicest airport I have ever been to.  Between the very traditional clothes, thwab and abaya, to the Arabic naturally printed everywhere, this is fascinating. As I look longingly out the windows to see what Doha, Qatar looks and feels like, I can't help but regret that I was utterly unaware of Qatar Airways' Stopover Program when I made my reservation. I had just learned what a stopover program was after I booked my flights. In fact, once I learned about stopovers, I called the airline to see if I could amend my reservation. I made the reservation through a third party and not directly with the airline. Mistake, mistake, mistake! 🤦‍♀️ A stopover is a stop between City A and City B for more than 24 hours. A stopover differs from a layover, which is less than 24 hours. Stopover programs are airline-specific or award-specific. In this case, Qatar Airlines offers stopover rates as low as $14 a night for a four-star hotel, which is a great way to take advantage of the airline's excellent route network. Incorporating a stopover with Qatar Airlines can be booked online. Depending on your country of origin, you can either book your flights and hotel packages together or book your flight and then book your hotel and experiences. You can access more information, including visa information specific to your nationality, at https://www.qatarairways.com/en-us/offers/qatar-stopover.html Please don't make the same mistake I made. Spending a few days in Doha would have been an incredible way to experience a new country and culture and break up a long excursion. After spending two consecutive nights on an airplane, exploring, sightseeing, and perhaps getting horizontal for a good nap sounds divine right now. Think about geography and consider taking advantage of a stopover on your next international holiday. 🗺️ Other notable stopover programs include the following: Iceland Air, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air as well as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Avios award programs. Keep in mind you do need to pay taxes and surcharges at the stopover destination. A 23-hour layover can avoid taxes. Finally, if your itinerary doesn’t have the time to add a few days at a destination, several airports have layover tours.  I am anxious to try this at some point, as leaving the airport to explore with a representative that will ensure I return on time sounds incredible!

Any time you travel more than two time zones, disruption of natural circadian rhythms can occur. Not only does it mean that you aren't feeling well, but it can result in not having the opportunity to enjoy your destination at the beginning of a trip! While heading east may pose a more significant challenge, the disruption can impact you in either direction. So, how can you combat jet lag? We have three tried-and-true tips for success. As soon as you board the plane, adjust your time to the destination. Once you say to yourself, "Well, it feels like it is this time at home..." you are creating a scenario to welcome jet lag. 2. If you are taking a long-haul flight east, try and sleep on the way. Once you arrive at your destination, resist the urge to take a nap in the hotel or apartment. Go out to eat, go for a run, take a walk. Force yourself to stay awake until it is time to go to bed at your new destination. If you can do this, you should have a good night's sleep and be well on your way to acclimating to the new time. 3. Take melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces as a response to darkness. It helps with your circadian rhythm. Taking a small amount of melatonin can help with jet lag. Make sure to follow the label and take only as directed. Hopefully, these easy tips will help reduce or prevent jet lag on your next trip!