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Can Travel Fix Your Life? The Honest Answer
November 25, 2025
Let’s start with the hard truth: travel is not a magic cure for your problems. If you’re lonely, depressed, angry, or frustrated, those feelings don’t vanish when you board a plane. They come with you.
Your First Solo Trip to China After 50: What You Need to Know
October 20, 2025
(by a 63-year-old solo traveler who’s been there, learned, and loved it) Traveling to China solo for the first time was one of the most exciting journeys I have ever
A Month Trip Plan for the Balkans
October 20, 2025
Driving Through the Balkans Many people have heard of Croatia, especially Dubrovnik and Split, but all the Balkan countries have a lot to offer. I encourage you to think about
Mature Travelers: Planning Your First Solo Trip
October 18, 2025
Basic solo travel guides, especially for those over 50
Why I Chose Brisbane Over Sydney or Melbourne (And You Should Too)
April 5, 2025
The ubiquitous kangaroo Choosing Brisbane When planning a trip to Australia, most people instinctively aim for Sydney or Melbourne. And hey, I get it — they’re iconic. Sydney has the
First-Time in Medellín, Colombia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
April 4, 2025
First-Time in Medellín, Colombia? If you’ve never been to Medellín before, get ready to be surprised. Firstly with its name, the locals say “Med-Eh-Jeen” not “Med-Eh-Yeen”. Use the local pronunciation.
Adventure in South Africa: Exploring Cape Town and Beyond
April 2, 2025
A week in Cape Town South Africa, making the most out of it!
Chasing the Lavender: A Guide to the Blooms in Provence, France
March 21, 2025
Nothing quite compares to the endless fields of lavender in Provence, France as well as crossing an item off your Bucket List. The sight of rolling purple hills, their intoxicating
Amsterdam in Bloom: Tiptoe Through the Tulips
March 17, 2025
(My apologies to Tiny Tim – and if that doesn’t mean anything to you, you’re probably too young to appreciate my humor). One of my bucket list items was to
Essential Safety Apps/Websites for Travelers Over 50
March 15, 2025
Traveling solo? If you do a quick search online for “How to travel safely,” many of these same ideas listed below will come up, as hopefully so did this article.
How to Pack Light: A Guide for Week/Month-Long Adventures
March 14, 2025
Once you have mastered traveling with only carry-on items, your travel massively improves. So focus on essentials and try some of these smart packing strategies.
Travel Insurance Plans for 40+ Travelers
March 9, 2025
For travelers 40+ (mature, like me, with an extra decade or two), especially those traveling solo (again, like me), having travel insurance is essential. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost
Michael’s Journeys 2024 In Review
January 13, 2025
Just click on the video below to see my travels in 2024. I was very fortunate to have the time to travel this year and check off a few of
Four Days in Warsaw
September 19, 2024
Getting to Warsaw For my first trip to the former Eastern Europe, I chose Poland for many reasons, but mostly because I had been researching it for a larger trip
Finland in March for the Northern Lights
April 7, 2024
Original Plan So, I detest winter and cold. I grew up in Michigan and lived in Philadelphia and Washington, DC for many years and hated it when we shifted time
Ten Days in Saint Barths
February 27, 2024
(Our how to spend your life savings in a week) It is February and my first winter in the south of Spain and I am barely getting by. My friend
Photo Journal: 72 Hours in London
December 24, 2023
Adding London to an existing trip (Added this description, if you want to see only the photos, scroll down) The opportunity arose to add a few days onto my trip
Delayed in Europe? You May be Owed Compensation
December 24, 2023
In August of 2023 I was delayed 7+ hours for my flight from Dublin to Malaga, Spain. I was of course upset by the inconvenience but more by the lack of support I felt from the airline.
Emerald Isle: Ireland’s Best Places to Visit
November 6, 2023
May the road rise up to meet you; May the wind be always at your back; And may the sun shine warm upon your face. Go to Ireland Ireland, the
Top Travel Apps and Websites I Use to Make Travel Easier
October 15, 2023
Travel can be a source of immense joy, discovery, and adventure — or it can be hell on Earth. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big getaway,
Unexpected Escape to Gran Canary Island
October 15, 2023
Arriving in Gran Canary Why did I go to Gran Canary Island in the first place, well you have to blame Ryan Airlines and their notices of great fairs. From Malaga,
Being Safe In Travel!
October 15, 2023
Travel that might feel unsafe makes for bad travel. Learn ways to increase your safety. Note: this post will be updated from time to time as needed. Update March 2025,
Carrières de Lumières: Unexpected Find in Saint Remy, Provence
October 15, 2023
Too Much of a Great Thing So, you might not believe it, but one can get tired of seeing a beautiful thing, and Provence is not an exception. Call me jaded,
Hello World!
September 27, 2023
Hello world! Welcome to my website. My name is Michael, and I am learning O.T.J., so please be patient with me and each other. I started this website thinking it
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