I see it all the time. People plan incredible journeys and then come home not having had a good time. The problem? They don’t travel smart. If you’d like to get more out of your travels, follow these tested (by me) guidelines. You’ll thank me later.

In my family, Snow Pudding is a must. It’s a tradition… and a very good one, in my opinion! What can go wrong with lemony, custardy, sugary goodness? This year, I actually joined in on making it (instead of watching my nana from the sidelines, impatiently waiting for it to be done).

NYC is called many things: the city of lights, dreams, the cultural capital of the world. However, I’ve never heard it being called the city of gardens, nature, or greenery.

New York is a huge and wonderful city, with great people (even if at rush hour people can get a little pushy), famous tall buildings, and city parks that have endless paths to walk on, along with amazing history. I have lived in the city that never sleeps for 11 years, and can proudly say that I’m a city girl.

I lived in Williamsburg, in Brooklyn, for 9 years of my life, and the hardest part about moving out of the neighborhood was missing the food. Each of these restaurants hold a special place in my heart, as I grew up in each one in some capacity.

Travelers are like Sherlock Holmes? Say what! Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective: smart, remarkable, determined...and jerky. Like most travelers. We travelers have these characteristics without realizing it! Like Sherlock Holmes, we solve problems, and when we travel, be aware of surroundings.

Peru is one of the best places on Earth for enjoying the outside - mountains, fresh air, beautiful scenery, blue skies, and more.  There are so many things to do! My mom and I spent a lot of time in Cusco sitting on a bench in the Plaza de Armas concentrating on our Spanish homework, enjoying the people watching and colorful flowers, instead of sitting inside.

New York City is the city of dreams, lights, and busyness. People who live in the city aren’t known to be particularly nice to tourists – it’s just a fact. Here are some ways tips to surviving NYC - and making your trip enjoyable.

Peru is an amazing place, with so many food choices, culture, and things to do! Here are just 9 of the endless things to do in Peru, with links to great resources so you can explore more.

NYC… home to so many people.

NYC… my home, and to others, the place of skyscrapers, Broadway shows, and lights. Don’t get me wrong, NYC has lots of lights and tall buildings, but it’s more than that for me. It’s home, always has been… if you don’t count the first year or two of my life in Wisconsin. In NYC (well, really, everywhere), history is all around you - you just have to be interested enough to learn about it.