Places I've gone…People I've met…Lessons I've learned
I’ve dealt with countless tribulations as a traveler and as a tour guide, but travel disasters often make the best stories once enough time has passed to soften the blow. At least that’s how I comfort myself when I’m in the throes of one. I hope you’ll be inspired by the fact that all these misadventures were successfully overcome, survived, or dealt with, and haven’t dampened my wanderlust one iota! Continue reading “Mishaps & Mayhem on the Road”
Even for a born optimist like me, it’s been very hard to stay positive this year. Just as I surface from the latest bout of bad news, a new wave of sadness or fear washes over me, threatening to push me back under. It’s all too much. And many of the things that might normally buoy my spirits—our weekly neighborhood potluck, praying and singing at church, or just hugging a friend—have not been possible. Continue reading “Hope in Hard Times”
After every tour I lead, I share with my group a list of my favorite books and websites about the countries we’ve visited. On a 10-day or two-week tour we can only scratch the surface of a country’s history and culture; I always hope that our visit has whetted my travelers’ desire to learn and see even more, and that my resources will help them do that. Continue reading “Italy: My Favorite Books & Blogs”
On my very first trip to Europe I could barely lift my backpack, whose content 
included enough soap, shampoo, and tampons to get me through three months. But it eventually dawned on me: Just like us, people all over the world take care of their sore throats, their periods, their cuts and scrapes—and have the products and medicines to do so. So now, when it comes to toiletries, my trick for packing light is to take just enough to get me started. Then I replenish my supplies at a pharmacy (which Brits refer to as a “chemist”), grocery, or department store on the road. Continue reading “My Packing List & Tips: Part 2”
My Rick Steves’ Europe tour members are often amazed at how small my suitcase is, and that I manage to fit in everything I need for a trip that’s ten days, three weeks, or even longer.
“Oh my gosh, are you okay?!” The first-aid instructor dropped my wrist in surprise after demonstrating to the class how to check a pulse. Continue reading “Time Travel With a Rick Steves Guide: 1991”
[Note from Margaret: Something to keep in mind for that much-anticipated future date when we can safely begin traveling again…] Continue reading “Inspiration for a Lifetime: Travel Abroad With Your Kids”