If you’ve ever taken a trip beyond the end of your block, you know some degree of planning is required. The magnitude of planning is exponentially increased when four different languages, four different currencies, and multiple weeks are involved. When planning a trip like this, there are two primary strategies. Identify a tour that meets your interests and needs. Pay once, pack, show up. (Despite internet deals, I still maintain travel agents are the best resource for this.) Plan it Continue Reading

While enjoying the pool today and then drying in the warm Arizona sun, I took one look at my hands and said “yep, it’s time to go home.” After too much sun, I get a reaction that brings out the most unattractive wart-like bumps, thankfully, just on my hands. Not blisters, but every bit as ugly. And I’ve always said, when you start to look like the native species, it’s time to pack it up. So tomorrow, my lizard-looking hands will grab the steering wheel and begin the trek back to Michigan. In Continue Reading