For most Americans, Brussels is not a top-tier European destination. Heck, Belgium as a whole often gets completely skipped over. But while Brussels does not have the volume of sights as a city like London, Rome, or Paris, or the allure of Barcelona or Amsterdam, it is a truly incredible city. Consider, for instance, that…
My trip to Belgium has been in the works for years. My sister-in-law is a big fan of craft beers (don’t confuse that with a big drinker; I had to offer the disclaimer since my statement read funny to me) and has long said that Belgium has the best beer in the world. (You can…
Normally, I am a planner when it comes to my travel. Whether I spend a month in a place, or a day, or just a few hours, I am fairly meticulous with my research. I have a list of things I might want to see - the list is always more than I’ll get to,…
A journey to Istanbul (or beyond in Turkey) is most known for its history, culture, or natural beauty. After all, this is where so many empires have held their seats. But the food here in Istanbul is also worth an exploration. Turkish cuisine may not be the broadest in the world, but over five days…
Another morning in Italy. I roll out of bed, dress quickly, and head down the street to my favorite cafe. Here in Florence, it is Castorino, just down the street from my apartment. Walking in, the owners greet me by name (I am here at least four days a week thanks to wifi not working…
“You’re spending a full week in Milan? But there’s nothing to see there.” That was the common refrain from friends and family when I finalized my Italian itinerary, finishing with a week in Milan, Italy’s second largest city and its economic powerhouse. Sure, people conceded that the Duomo was worth visiting, and maybe even Sforza…
Editor’s note: Japan is one of my favorite places, and an onsen experience is one of my favorite parts of visiting Japan. I’ve never had this one, though. For more of Sam’s great writing, click here to visit his index page. Something to know about my wife Jill is that she loves baths. When we…
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s a small city, and unimportant in modern Italy, but a hub for tourism. Along with Rome and Venice, Florence is one of the places on nearly every Italian trip itinerary. And rightfully so. The city is beautiful, and has a lot to do. It also makes a great…
Editor’s note: I love Central America and have visited five of its seven nations. El Salvador is one of the two I have not yet seen, mainly due to its reputation as being unsafe. (Honduras is the other.) I am glad to read through Sam Spector’s experiences that this is changing, and the time may…
Way back in 2002, when this writer was just a college student, one of my closest friends spent a semester studying abroad in a small town in Italy I’d never heard of. The experience changed her life, and for more than twenty years, I’ve heard her wax poetically about Siena. So when I realized that…