And why you should too… — I am passionate about thematic travel. It is one of the best ways to meet and engage with locals. I look for people around the world who share my passion for food and the fiber arts, and I use these common interests to break the ice. As a result, I…

While I plan a two-month train journey — I love to plan trips almost as much as I love to take them. During my lifetime, I have created several detailed itineraries that were never used. But I love the puzzle and investigation process the planning entails. Like a dedicated sudoku player, I never feel my time is wasted. …

And a possible solution? — Why I Wrote this Rant I have been preparing a series of articles showing my method of planning a complex and lengthy trip by train across Europe to Central Asia. …

Lessons from a winter in Ireland and Scotland — I am currently planning a six-week train trip from London to Tbilisi for this winter (fingers crossed!) I decided to share my experiences and suggestions for low-season journeys and encourage you to consider the benefits of timing your travels outside the busy high-season months around the world. …

Paths Off-the-Beaten-Path. — Wherever I travel, I like to walk and walk — not just in the wilderness, but in and between villages. Not only does it give you time to absorb your surroundings, but you have the opportunity to encounter and get to know locals. …

From Pisac to Ollantaytambo. — I have spent a total of eight months in Peru and have not yet visited Machu Picchu. Usually, when I tell someone that I have spent a lot of time in Peru, the first thing out of their mouth is “Machu Picchu.” And I cannot figure out why. Because…outside of…

Especially when you have no intention to hire a taxi — I arrived at the airport in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan mid-morning. I hate overnight flights. I can no longer sleep on an airplane, no matter how much I pretend. This flight was no different, except that it did not help that “dinner” was served at 2 a.m. with all the accompanying chatter…

Sketchpads on the Beach — (All photos by the author) It was a typical April day on the isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides. I had to wear a warm coat, but at least it was not raining or really windy. I had embarked on a hike that was feeling kind of average —…

Here’s how I did it — (All images by the author.) I am, by nature, a person who watches where their money is spent. Some friends and family members have gone so far as to label me “cheap” and “penny-pinching.” …