Much of the world now celebrates the New Year on January 1st. But it wasn’t, and still isn’t, always the case. For instance, Lunar New Year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice. Lunar New Year 2026 begins on February 17, 2026, and the year ends on February 5, 2027. This Lunar New Year commemorates the Fire Horse sign, its first appearance since 1966. The Fire Horse expresses strength, confidence, and determination; and symbolizes optimism, independence, and momentum....
24 days ago • 1 min read
Two cities in two countries share a Natural Wonder of the World: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and Niagara Falls, New York, USA. These two cities share the thunder and glory of Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls curving between both nations. They also share the same tourism tagline: “Honeymoon Capital of the World.” But do you know why, when, and how Niagara Falls earned this romantic reputation? Well, the romantic history dates to the gilded dawn of the 19th century. When two gorgeous and glamorous...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The Buffalo History Museum National Plan Your Vacation Day was January 27, 2026; and Paul and I shared some North American alternatives to European vacations. But just how far do you have to go in order to be a traveler? The U.S. Travel Association defines a tourist as someone who travels at least 50 miles (80 km) from home. So, that’s how the world’s largest travel advocacy organization literally defines a traveler. Well, Paul and I also believe that travel is more than mileage. Travel is a...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Surveys show roughly 30% of employees’ paid vacation days, or paid time off (PTO), go unused every year, says the U.S. Travel Association. PTO is precious, and you earned it. So, please, please make sure you take it. January 27, 2026, is National Plan Your Vacation Day, an official initiative launched in 2015 to help you do exactly that. Because surveys also show people who plan for their vacations actually use ALL their days. As a result, they report feeling healthier, happier, and less...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
What’s something you always do when traveling? Paul and I always get coffee. And I do mean “always” literally. Because we prioritize getting a good cup of coffee. Everywhere. All. The. Time. Sometimes, it’s a legendary coffee. Like in France, where Café de Flore exudes 19th-century Parisian élan. Sometimes, it’s a random coffee. Like in Greece, where every gas station has an espresso machine. Most of the time, it’s a local coffee shop, the more successful of which may have several locations....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
January brings inevitable stormy weather and unpredictable sunshine. January also brings an inevitable deluge of travel forecasts. Who’s going where this year? What sizzling hot or super cool destinations make the short list? Well, Paul and I’ve been diving into reports from different sources. Two clear patterns link them all: 1) Each 2026 travel trend report reflects its own demographics, such as: Luxurious bucket-list trips for high-end “premium spenders.” One to two-day “international...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
How do you begin the new year? Paul and I begin each year with two long-standing traditions: Our first New Year tradition starts early on January 1st. Wearing our pajamas, we cross the US-Canada border for a family breakfast. Yes, international borders notwithstanding, pajamas are de rigueur for everyone. As if we all just rolled out of bed and ambled into Mamma’s kitchen. Our pajama-clad clan celebrates its Greek and Italian heritage, beginning with traditional Greek carols (κάλαντα)....
2 months ago • 1 min read
Fresh snow covered the ground when Paul and I awoke this morning. Immediately, we debated with delight if the snow would stay long enough for a white Christmas. And inevitably, hummed a few bars of the irresistible, eternally beloved song by Irving Berlin. And we couldn’t help but wonder about the story behind “White Christmas,” the quintessential Christmas song. Perhaps, we posited, it’s because the iconic American lyricist and composer – whose vast contributions include “God Bless America,”...
3 months ago • 2 min read
This festive season, Paul and I chose to explore European-inspired Christmas Markets at home rather than our usual travel abroad. The holiday discoveries continue this week in Saint Paul, the Minnesota state capital. You’ll find the Saint Paul European Christmas Market at the intersection of 19th-century industrialization, 20th-century transportation, and 21st-century restoration. Union Depot is the 1923 landmark railway station, one of the last grand railway stations and part of the...
3 months ago • 1 min read