Journal

TitleDateExcerpt
When to Visit Magens Bay Beach for Quieter Shores and Better PhotosMagens Bay Beach is one of the most recognisable places on St Thomas, and the images are easy to understand: a long curve of pale sand, green hills enclosing…
A Quiet Morning at Orlando Wetlands ParkMy morning at Orlando Wetlands Park began before the Florida heat had settled over the cypress trees. I arrived with binoculars, a camera, water and the…
A handmade soap shop stop in Charlotte AmalieCharlotte Amalie is the sort of place where a short walk can turn into an unexpected shopping story. I had planned to browse the waterfront, admire the…
What I Learned Booking Disney Dining at the Last MinuteI used to think a Disney dining reservation had to be secured weeks ahead, especially for popular restaurants and character meals. During a recent trip, I…
My Night Kayak Adventure On Florida’s Bioluminescent WaterwaysI had seen photographs of glowing paddles and bright blue trails in the water, but they gave me very little sense of what a bioluminescent kayak tour near…
Why I now pack a reusable straw for every Virgin Islands tripA reusable straw has become one of the smallest, most useful things in my travel bag. I began carrying one after a few trips around the Virgin Islands, where…
Three Disney Springs churro carts comparedDisney Springs is an easy place to underestimate. It looks like a shopping and dining district, yet a simple snack stop can become part of the day’s…
Getting to St. Thomas’s quieter beaches by public busSt. Thomas is often presented through cruise terminals, resort shuttles and rental cars, yet some of my best beach days began beside a busy roadside bus stop.…
Shaded Retreats at Universal’s Islands of AdventureUniversal’s Islands of Adventure is packed with thrilling rides, colourful lands and plenty of reasons to keep moving. By late morning, though, the Florida…
My one-day EPCOT Food booth crawl during Flower and Garden FestivalWhen I set out to sample every single food booth during EPCOT's annual Flower and Garden Festival, I knew it was going to be ambitious. The festival runs for…