The United Kingdom is a treasure trove of breathtaking palaces, magnificent castles, and sprawling estates that boast centuries of royal heritage. Each iconic landmark tells a completely different story, reflecting the distinct legacies, personal tastes, and political dramas of the British monarchs who once lived there. Stepping into these grand estates allows you to walk … [Read more...]
Five Things Every First-time Toronto Visitor Should Experience
Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the most genuinely diverse urban environments in the world, with over 200 languages spoken and neighborhoods that reflect decades of immigration from South Asia, East Asia, the Caribbean, West Africa, Eastern Europe, and beyond. For a first-time visitor, that breadth is both the city's greatest asset and its most common planning … [Read more...]
What I Packed for Paris at 72: The Travel Essentials That Worked—and the Ones I’d Leave Home Next Time
A while back, I wrote a post about essential travel gear for women over 50 that I planned to take on my next trip. Then I took a 7-day solo trip to Paris, France. Some of the items I brought with me worked very well, and some did not. In this post, I share my honest opinion on the travel essentials I would take next time I travel and what I would leave behind. As an … [Read more...]
How I Planned My 7-Day Paris Itinerary As a 70+ Solo Female Traveler
It had been nearly a decade since my last trip to Europe. Life had gotten in the way, including the loss of my longtime travel companion. When I had the opportunity to spend a week in Paris, I immersed myself in researching the city for almost a year, reading articles, watching YouTube videos, and anything else I could get my hands on. I apologize in advance for this long … [Read more...]
How I Learned to Enjoy Dining Alone in Paris
As most of you know, I’m a woman over 70, and I recently returned from a 7-day solo trip to Paris. One of the fears women have when traveling alone is eating by themselves. It can be awkward. I have dined alone many times in Los Angeles and don’t have a problem with it, especially at this age, but sometimes, it can be intimidating. Many restaurants discourage solo … [Read more...]