The LaBelleValise blog is now one year old. This blog started as a travel log on all the places work, life, and wanderlust takes me and over the past year the adventure has been better than I hoped. Here are a few of the highlights Istanbul, Turkey Chester, UK Chicago, Illinois New York, New YorkContinue reading “One Year in Review”
Category Archives: Travel Guides
Cruising? A Supposedly Fun Thing I Thought I’d Never Do Again
When I read the late David Foster Wallace’s essay on cruising in Harper’s, Shipping Out, On the Nearly Lethal Comforts of a Luxury Cruise, I laughed with the deep understanding that comes from having been there, and felt all of that. Yet, two months ago, there I was, planning a cruise with my family forContinue reading “Cruising? A Supposedly Fun Thing I Thought I’d Never Do Again”
Christmas in Berlin
Planes, trains, and automobiles – I am in the midst of a 30 day journey that will take me from the red rock deserts of Southern Utah to the domed spires of the Milan cathedral, from the salty shores of the Adriatic sea to the warm Caribbean waters of Jamaica. I’ll pause and post whenContinue reading “Christmas in Berlin”
Zen and the Art of Sightseeing
I am one of the fortunate souls who doesn’t get jet lagged. Perhaps that’s just my biology, but I think it’s probably my approach to International travel. My Routine for Avoiding Jet Lag: 1. Sleep En Route: While people will encourage you to avoid alcohol when travelling I am a strong advocate for a glassContinue reading “Zen and the Art of Sightseeing”
Nationalism with a Slice of Lemon
Here in the UK, sitting at the Pub, having a very proper American tea time. I prefer mine over ice, with a bendy straw, and a slice of lime, but when in Rome … I suppose a lemon will have to do. We’re forecast to have sun today, but I’ll be sporting my red ‘brollyContinue reading “Nationalism with a Slice of Lemon”
My Gear List
Prepping for my next big voyage: Toronto, Amsterdam, and London. Is it in bad taste if I thank the tragic Ebola outbreak for saving my Labor Day weekend and cancelling my leg in Pretoria? Figured I’d share my packing lists: After a luggage-check mishap in the UK earlier this year I am now firmly committed toContinue reading “My Gear List”
Airport Zen
Park and Ride drop offs; shoes-off-tech-out security screenings; gate change; screaming kids; and octogenarians who have never flown before all collide into one frenetic, frustrating, infuriating pulse during the experience that is airplane travel. But, when you travel as frequently as I do (just got my Platinum Medallion welcome kit, WooHoo!) if you let the airportContinue reading “Airport Zen”
Not a Victim
When I tell people about places I’ve been, or where I’m going, I occasionally get “The Look”. The Look is that face of disapproval that screams, “Do you want to be raped, murdered, sold into sexual slavery, and then dumped into a septic tank?” It’s a rhetorical and silent question, but if I had theContinue reading “Not a Victim”
The Ten Types of Travel Everyone Should Experience
“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,To gain all while you give,To roam the roads of lands remote,To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen As we move through our lives, if we’re lucky, we’ll experience a variety of different adventures that take us away from home. Some of them will break your heartContinue reading “The Ten Types of Travel Everyone Should Experience”
Airport Etiquette
Having flown extensively, all over the world, for business and pleasure, as a professional flight attendant, an eager spring breaker, and a harried mother traveling alone with two young children, I have developed a very definite opinion as to the most efficient way to navigate the bizarre social interaction that is The Airport. But, someContinue reading “Airport Etiquette”
La Belle Valise 