We realized early on during our first excursion to Europe that for any and all future visits we would want to stay as close to locals as possible. We had hoped to enjoy that same intimate yet eye-opening experience we had staying with Peter and Traude in Austria. Hotels would be used only as an Continue reading

There is a stark contrast between how people get from point A to point B in America and in Europe; a reflection, I believe, of each country’s age. At roughly two and half centuries old, the US is a relative newcomer. Naturally, the nation leans toward the modern–the automobile. Why use a train or bus Continue reading

I don’t think I lose all credibility (OK, maybe just a notch) for not knowing that arranging a flight into one airport and flying out of a completely different one is called an an “open-jawed” flight. I thought the term referred to some sort of dental procedure. This decision was the critical backbone of trips Continue reading

This may run counter to what we have been taught to believe about credit cards; that they should be used only for emergencies or when there are absolutely no other options available. We charge every conceivable thing on our Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card. Not to sound like those annoying Capital One commercials but for Continue reading