After an enchanting trip to Ireland 6 years ago and one successful book (A Smidgen of Irish Luck) authored, good fortune is sending me back to the Emerald Isle. #Smidgenofirishluck check out on my #BOOKSTORE page. Follow along LIVE as I begin in Dublin and wander into the southern countryside with a small Irish tour company, #InroadsIreland, that specializes in utilizing local accommodations and supporting restaurants/pubs in rural areas away from the beaten down tourist path

I was in Northern Ireland touring the Belleek Pottery Factory and the photo of the outside was not very inspiring, although the inside was a different story. Artistic craftspeople demonstrated their talents down to the finest detail. I remembered a photography technique from the professionals and turned around outside. That was my memorable shot from the morning. Love those lupins. #travelphotography #internationaltravel

Here are thoughts on the subject as they came to me: Know about a country's currency. Certain countries like Zimbabwe and El Salvador accept only US dollars as they do not have a monetary system. If that's the case, bring crisp new bills in small denominations. Your bank will help you before your trip. Plan ahead. **Remind me to tell you the story of my backpack full of money envelopes getting a total search by a diligent employee at TSA in Rochester on my way to Africa. Ta

Perhaps it is the April snowfall this morning outside my office window - 10 inches is the average for April in Western New York - that sent me immediately to my collection of photos from a December visit to Iceland a couple years ago. Hallgrimskirkja, a Luthern Church, in Reykjavik stands at 244 feet high - you can see it from any direction in the city - and is the largest church in the country of Iceland. Its distinctive architectural style - Expressionist - came about in E

Yesterday being Earth Day I consciously thought about how I remain careful to recycle, reuse and not pollute the environment. Small steps. One person. Bending over to pick up one or two beer cans on the edge of our property wasn't too much to ask of myself on my walkabout. One of the best surprises in my travel life was observing Japan with its huge population in a small goegraphical space and its intentionally clean environment. Everywhere I went in public spaces it was spot

Once upon a time - give it a date in the mid 70s if you must - I visited a wine cellar in Burgandy, France simply because it was the proper thing to do on a trip. Good wine ages along with people. A fine memory. #Burgandy #France #wine #internationaltravel #memory

Japan is one country that professes its traditions in a most spiritual way. Its cleanliness, quietness and orderliness captivate visitors and pulls from deep within them a depth of feelings. The lines, shapes and orderly designs of gardens and temples are purposely arranged for a person to be "in" the space and not to be passing through on the way somewhere else. Well, you can walk right on and miss the whole intent. Like anywhere in the world, you take away what you put into

There are no words, #NotreDame. The world stands with heads bowed and hearts aching. Between the Eiffel Tower and this magnificent cathedral, a trip to Paris is not complete without a visit here. It is a "must see" sort of landmark, and one to be returned to over and over. Now we are looking at photos of ruins and all the history that has gone up in flames. Remember #NotreDame. #NotreDame #Paris #France #Internationaltravel

When I look at this picture of an indigenous couple at the farmer's wholesale market, I see strength and determination in their eyes. Like others that crossed my path in Central America, this couple navigate complicated political, social and economic conditions on a daily basis with a quiet dignity and contentment for their simple blessings quite unheard of in the lifestyles of their neighbors to the North where more is never enough. #Centralamerica #internationaltravel #peop

I am always being asked, "What's your favorite trip?" In the past I would try to narrow it down to one or two adventures that really stuck out in my mind. Besides, it is a good conversation starter with other people, too. I've noticed that the more someone probes me, the more the stories start flowing out like they have been waiting to be told. No doubt that's where I get my inspiration for travel writing. Still, I would feel a little guilty that I didn't give other places th

It was hot as blazes and not a breeze to be caught when my feet started walking nimbly on the cobblestones of the plaza in colonial Antigua, Guatemala so that I could eye this magnificent church up close. Sometimes being in the moment like when I was there, is all that it takes to lift my spirit. #Antigua #Guatemala #Centralamerica #routeofthemaya #internationaltravel

There is no right or wrong to this post. There are tourists. There are travelers. You might mix and match your definition at any given moment from one vacation to the next. It all depends upon how you approach your time away from home. There are other factors, too, like the purpose of your travel or vacation - rest and total relaxation in a carefree environment; connecting with locals for authentic experiences and learning opportunities about another culture. It's all good.

Traveling can become grueling if you don't take care of yourself. Here's some advice that might help: 1. Snacking properly in the middle of the day helps stave off hunger and gives an extra bit of energy. 2. Keeping hydrated in warmer climates is essential day and yes, at night, too. Hibiscus iced tea could very well do the trick in place of water at a midday meal. 3. Replenishing with electrolytes in tablet and in drink form can make all the difference when hiking. 4. Using

Children often tag along with their parents at the outdoor market in El Slavador, and in order to keep occupied they will sit down in a quiet spot and play a game with tokens together. It has a name and a tradition behind it, which I somehow missed while there. #Sansalvador #Centralamerica #internationaltravel #childhoodgames

Today I was fortunate to polish my sketchy knowledge of the resistance forces during El Salvador’s civil war in the 1980s, and what those brave people accomplished in the hills is a testimony to their tenacity. It’s complicated. There were many years of struggle In the previous decades. With the help of one of the guerilla leaders, Rafael, I learned of his role starting when he was only 16 years old. He met our group in the village of Cinquera, the stronghold, and shared t

This is how I spent the afternoon relaxing after a full travel day. Not Too shabby. I have fabulous views so I am soaking the atmosphere all in right from my front patio. There’s no sign of snow in the forecast... Now if I can just slow down and absorb the vibes. The rest of my tour group is arriving and tomorrow we will leave here fully rested and ready to explore the country. #internationaltravel #Sansalvador #travelphotography

I'm off on a tour of the ancient Maya civilization for three weeks with Overseas Adventure Travel. Countries that I will visit include El Salvador, Guatamala, Hondurus and Belize. The Nicaragua part of my trip was cancelled earlier due to security risks. Follow along. I will post as I am able with the co-operation of the Internet. If you are interested in small group travel for active adults, check out OAT. It's my preferred way if I am going to certain areas of the world

The streets of Meknes, #Morocco are a stark example of commerce in today's world. Some aspects don't change. Hanging away from the crowd and looking from a different angle will often provide a shot that tells a story. #internationaltravel #travelphotography #Morocco #traveladvice

Travel Tip: No matter how long or short your trip might be, one of the best things that you can do for your body upon arrival at your destination is to take a brisk walk around the block (immediate area) from where you are staying, not only get the lay of the land, but to shake off travel cobwebs. Don't expect too much from yourself the first day. Jeg lag affects people differently. Fight the desire to take more than a quick snooze. Eat a lighter meal in the evening and go

It's not so bad to have people in a shot, and often it gives dimension to a location. I had only one chance to take this picture, and even though the day was hazy, I did what I could to make something out of it. #Portoportugal #internationaltravel #travelphotography