Topics

Oct

Travel Tip: Savvy Travelers Hire Tour Guides

by Joyce McGreevy on October 23, 2018

A tour guide with travelers in Athens, Greece provides the cultural context that elevates travel into a life-changing experience. Image © Joyce McGreevy

In Athens, tour guide Constantin Kalafakakos decodes an array
of native herbs and their traditional uses.
© Joyce McGreevy

It’s All About Cultural Context

Who needs a tour guide? Today 48-59% of U.S., European, and Asian smartphone users research and plan their entire trip to a new destination using only a mobile device. “I get all the travel tips I need online for free” is standard operating procedure.

Trouble is, the top research sites comprise brief impressions by first-time, short-term visitors—folks who arrived a few weeks before you. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 4 Comments

Art of Travel/Cultural Encounters/Worldwide Sites

Sep

Whose Trip Are You Taking?

by Joyce McGreevy on September 17, 2018

People at a food stand in London remind a writer that travel tips and travel advice don’t outrank personal travel discoveries. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Go to that “great little place” or discover your own great little place–it’s your trip. (London)
© Joyce McGreevy

When Travel Tips Hit the Tipping Point

It begins innocently. The planning, the packing, a travel tip or two. “Roll, don’t fold, your clothes.” “If you’re heading to A, you might enjoy B and C.”

Now Sam and Kate are at the airport. They’re excited, eager to make personal travel discoveries on their very first trip overseas. New place, new people, new language, new food, new everything. They post a brief announcement on social media and get numerous “Likes.” Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 3 Comments

Art of Travel/Discoveries/Worldwide Sites

Jul

Finding the Spirit of Monet’s Giverny Gardens

by Meredith Mullins on July 9, 2018

Travel Inspiration for the Senses

Finding a moment of solitude in Monet’s Giverny gardens may not be easy, with the constant parade of visitors. But the colors, smells, sounds, and spirit offer travel inspiration of the best kind.

A visit is worth the investment of time, and the search for quiet and connection is rewarding in a world that inspired Monet’s painting for more than 40 years.

Once the selfies are done and most of the visitors have left in the late afternoon (or when you’re visiting in the early mist of morning), there is a magic moment when the subtleties and power of nature emerge. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 12 Comments

Art of Travel/France

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