16 Reasons to Visit Monaco

Monte Carlo

I can probably think of a thousand reasons to visit Monaco but then this would be a book instead of a blog post. So for now, here are 16 reasons why Monaco should be on your list of must-visit destinations: 1. Location Monaco is located on the French Riviera in western Europe. It’s bordered by [...]

Paris to Toronto in Air France’s Business Class

Air-France-Flyer-Talk-CDG-Paris-Airport-Do-April-2012-112

Bonjour! Natalie and I spent three romantic nights each in Monaco and Paris. On the way over, we flew Air France from Toronto (YYZ) to Paris (CDG) to Nice (NCE) in economy. Here’s my review. On the way back, I was able to pull some strings and get upgraded thanks to a connection I met [...]

8 Reasons to Stay at Hotel Verneuil in Paris

Hotel Verneuil street

Yes, the stairwell and floors seem a little off-kilter so when you walk up or down them, you find yourself wondering if you’ve been drinking or if you’ve just gotten off a cruise ship. But what do you expect of a 17th-century building? That’s right, 17th century! The building in Paris’ 7th arrondissement is older than [...]

Toronto to Paris to Nice on Air France

Seat 20C

Flight AF351 Natalie and I just flew from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Paris’ Charles De Gaulle International Airport (CDG). We took Air France’s flight 351, which is scheduled to depart YYZ at 6:40pm and arrive at CDG at 8am the following day. We flew coach and I found a great economy seat, other [...]

Three Meals, Three Countries, One Day

Ventimiglia, Italy | April 23

Located on the French Riviera and with an area of just 1.25 square miles (2.02 km), the Principality of Monaco is within walking distance of France and biking distance to Italy. One incredible unadvertised fact about staying in Monte Carlo is that you can easily do something truly remarkable without even realizing it. In fact, [...]

The Duchess of Cambridge will name Royal Princess Cruise Ship

The Duchess of Cambridge will name Royal Princess Cruise Ship

Princess Cruises announced today that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will name Royal Princess, the newest addition to the line’s fleet. The ceremony at which The Duchess will name the ship will take place in Southampton on Thursday, June 13, and will be the highlight of week-long inaugural celebrations to welcome the vessel [...]

Switzerland: Europe’s Jewel Box

Not a good day for a snowman

Zurich – Switzerland’s alpine peaks glisten like a magnificent tiara on top of the European continent.On this tour I opened my treasure map to explore some of the gems lying within Europe’s little jewel box: culinary destinations, vineyards, luxury hotels, the pristine lakes, and the urban treasures of preserved medieval neighborhoods, galleries and traditional festivals. [...]

Sechseläuten – A Zurich Festival to Welcome the Summer

Zurich

There are many traditions that herald the end of winter and the warming of the weather. On Groundhog Day, if a hibernating rodent awakens and sees its shadow, there will be six more months of winter. The religious holidays of Passover and Easter coincide with the first full moon of spring. Shipyard workers in Annapolis, [...]