The following day, we reached Linz, known for the Linzer torte, which we didn't try as we didn't stay there. Instead, we embarked on a scenic 2-hour bus ride to Salzburg, a city renowned for being the birthplace of the illustrious composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The journey itself was quite picturesque, offering us glimpses of the beautiful Austrian countryside, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and charming villages dotting the landscape. As we approached Salzburg, th

This is our second river cruise, and it's also our second with AMAWATERWAYS. Our initial trip with them was on the Rhine in September 2022, traveling from Basel to Amsterdam. Now, we're spending a week on their newest and largest ship, the AMAMagna, cruising down the Danube from Vilshofen, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary, with stops in Austria and Slovakia.   The AMAMagna is significantly wider than the previous ship, and we booked one of their “junior suites,” which was just

On the first day, we took a brief hike up a hill to visit the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg Monastery. Burning calories is a bit more challenging when you're on a boat and focused on the next meal.

We stayed at The Charles Hotel , which is part of the Rocco Forte hotel chain. I believe it is one of our favorite reliable hotel groups, consistently offering elegance, great style, and excellent service. In the past, we have stayed at their hotels in Edinburgh, The Balmoral , and in Sicily, Verdura . They truly embody the 5-star experience and do it exceptionally well, earning my highest recommendation.

Our hotel, SO/ Berlin Das Stue, was a boutique establishment adjacent to the zoo and a large park known as the Tiergarten . We enjoy boutique hotels for their smaller size and interesting design elements, and this one certainly met our expectations. Notably, it was originally the Royal Copenhagen Danish Embassy, constructed in the 1930s but left vacant during WWII. It was converted into a hotel around 2008. The hotel is stylish and the staff were attentive. Berlin is a larg

We stayed at the Relais Chateau Hotel Bulow , which didn't meet our expectations compared to the Andaz Prague. It was somewhat disappointing, as we've previously enjoyed other Relais Chateau hotels, but this one could use a bit of refreshing. We discovered a fantastic bakery just half a block from the hotel called Elias . The bread and pastries were excellent. Starting the day with a sourdough baguette, serrano ham, arugula, and a double shot cappuccino was perfect! Scotty, h

We flew direct from San Diego to Munich and then on to Prague on Lufthansa. Our flight was as expected, on time!! Luggage arrived first on the belt which is always a good way to start a trip. We love those “Priority” tags when they work!!!  I think the business class on British Airways, which is our other alternative to getting to Europe out of San Diego is a bit more comfortable as Lufthansa does not have discrete pods. Food on BA is a bit better also. On the flip side, Muni

When I booked the hotel, I had a few parameters including a place that was small, stylish and had twin beds for myself and Lauren. I was challenged in trying to find a decent hotel that had twin beds which surprised me, but it is also not a parameter that I am usually looking for when looking for a place to stay. ln retrospect, Next time, I probably will stay at the Four Seasons in the center of the City because the Six Senses is located 90 minutes by ferry from the center of

The next destination is Nanyuki, where my friends Lauren and David have a home in Africa. Nanyuki is a market town in Laikipia County within central Kenya, located about a 3 to 4-hour drive from Nairobi. It features a small airstrip, making access to the bush more convenient. Lauren has been traveling to Africa for over 15 years, having experienced numerous safaris across the continent. She and David chose Kenya due to its relative political stability, abundant wildlife, and

Suyian Soul is a very special small camp about 30 miles northwest of Nanyuki and 3-4 hours by car. The windy, bumpy dirt roads keep you from pushing it too fast, plus the need to take the occasional pic. Lauren has been to this lodge twice before for a birding class (would be fun) and a snake one (no thanks!) The retreat is run by Anne Powys , who is a fourth generation Kenyan. Her grandfather purchased the ranch in 1963 and raised Boran cattle on it; there are currently abou