Our next exploration is the Chobe River, which borders Namibia and Botswana. We booked a houseboat for our stay here on the Chobe Princess I . The passport and papers check is a slightly disorganized process. So, plan for a little extra time. The Houseboat was relaxing and a definite highlight of our time on… Continue reading Cruising Along The Chobe
We took a private tours of the gorgeous Victoria Falls using Viator. Our guide Locks was excellent as well as our driver Yandi. You will get wet! So, dress accordingly. There are a total of 16 viewing points. The cost of visiting the National Park is $30USD. You can use a credit card without difficulty,… Continue reading Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
A colony of 1000 breeding pairs of African penguins nests on the beaches and in the gardens of Simon's Town. This is definitely a must see for anyone visiting Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch is an exceptional botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The garden is one of 10 National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Table Mountain in Cape Town. This gorgeous garden is worth a visit or picnic… Continue reading Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
We explore the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. Ba-Kaap was known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former racially segregated area.
Château Margaux is a wine estate located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. The estate is one of the five first-growth estates in France's prized Medoc region. We had the pleasure of exploring the estate during a stop. Unfortunately, tastings are only offered for professionals and by appointment only. Still, it was worth a walk… Continue reading Château Margaux
Christmas Markets in Paris Christmas markets began in Germany and spread across Europe, these markets are open from Mid-November through early January in Paris. You can find them at several locations throughout Paris including Les Halles, Notre-Dame to Les Tuileries, as well as the impressive Christmas Village at La Défense. Don't forget to visit the Jardin… Continue reading Christmas Markets
After visiting beautiful Paris at least 9 times, we have never taken one of the Seine River Cruise. So, we decided to do so as a last minute activity. Found this one hour river cruise on Viator. The activity is worth your time. Here are some of the photos from the river cruise. Enjoy! Gorgeous… Continue reading Paris in November
The Medina Dating back to the 11th Century, the Medina is the oldest part of Marrakech. The Medina is a UNESCO World heritage site. Exploring the Medina is not for the faint of heart. Your senses come alive walking through the maze that is the Median. Simple, but spectacular baked-mud walls surround it. The famous… Continue reading Exploring The Medina of Marrakech
A twelve-acre oasis awaits you in Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is botanical and artist's landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s, during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. We visited this during our first day in this lively city.… Continue reading The Jardin Majorelle
A recent extended weekend gave us time to explore a part of North Carolina we miss. The OuterBanks of NC offers a variety of things to do such as exploring the coastline, eating delicious seafood, fishing, and learning about the history of this beautiful coast of NC. We were wanting to finally see the Spanish… Continue reading Spanish Mustangs of Corolla
Noto is an interesting town with its share of beautiful palazzos, excellent restaurants, gorgeous cathedrals, and municipal buildings. The city appeared rather quiet during our time visiting. According to our tour guide, the city is a contrast between wealth and poor. Tourist revenue is major for the city and it's definitely hurting with this pandemic.… Continue reading Exploring Noto Sicily
During a recent to Sicily, our tour guide took a slight detour from our journey to the baroque style city of Noto. It was to see the tiny and ancient fishing village of Marzamemi. It was definitely worth it if just for the beautiful views and photo opportunities. The village is small and easily walkable.… Continue reading Marzamemi Sicily
On a whim, we decided to take the short 45 minute or so drive to Southport, NC. We had lunch at Fishy Fishy Cafe and grabbed the 3:00 pm water tour leaving next to the restaurant. The 50 minute water tour offered by Southport Water Tours is definitely worth your time and the cost of… Continue reading Southport Water Tours
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, the Villa Romana del Casale is worth the short trip from the town of Piazza Armerina, Sicily (~ 3km). This ancient Roman villa or palace is known for its 40 beautiful mosaic floors. One could spend hours here exploring these decorative mosaics. This open-air museum differently should be part… Continue reading A Roman Villa in Sicily
Garden of Caltagirone -Ceramic Image Sitting on the east slopes of Mount Etna, you will find Caltagirone, a picturesque city that is known for his ceramics. Located about 68 kilometers (about 42 miles) from Catania, Caltagirone is about 600 meters (~1900 feet) about sea level. Santa Maria del Monte Stair The Santa Maria del Monte… Continue reading Caltagirone, Sicily
We are planning our next visit to Africa. This would be our 4th time. Great pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Checking out the Big 5 Five by 100 Country Trek.
In Africa, the Big Five game animals are, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros and Cape Buffalo. We saw many of these in countries where we have travelled including, Zambia,Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Some excellent photos, great ideas, and hints from a fellow blogger. Check them out!
Here are my entries for Patti’s of the Lens-Artists Photo A Week Challenge.
SHADOW Tunnel in Cartagena, Colombia.
She is happy holding with a tray of Fruit and loves being in the SHADOWS!
She is so happy enjoying her lunch with sun is so BRIGHT !
The Taj Mahal is so BRIGHT with ivory-white marble in the Indian city of Agra.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com One could argue that Sicily is the main wine region of Italy. The island leads Tuscany and Piemonte in wine manufacturing and avoids stereotypes about southern wine. This microcosm of Italy is real. The weather of Sicilian combined with its regional differences from sea level to the elevations seen with… Continue reading A Winery In Marsala, Sicily
Entrance to the Town of Marsala As the fifth largest town in Sicily, Marsala is often attributed to its wonderful wines. Few realize that the town of Marsala is worthy of a visit. The gleaming marble covered streets of this charming town along with its stately baroque style buildings makes a friendly passeggiati (evening stroll)… Continue reading Marsala Sicily
During our time in Palermo, we decided to take a day trip to the Salt Pans in the Stagnone Reserve and the Mozia Island. We booked this tour via Viator. Our guide Michael was both a great driver and an informal guide. Salt Pans in the Stagnone Reserve Salt Pans of Stagnone Lagoon The Salt… Continue reading Salt Pans of Stagnone Reserve and Mozia Island
We are back again at visiting Europe. This time it is Sicily beginning in Palermo where we stayed in the city centre. Our first tour was of the famous opera house. We booked via GetYourGuide and then, added the backstage tour that includes going up to the rooftop. I highly recommend doing this additional tour… Continue reading A Visit to Palermo, Sicily
Our adventures in France had a stop in the small town of Vienne, France. Vienne is just about 20 minutes by train from the city center of Lyon. It is definitely worth visiting. The town sits along the Rhône river. Vienne is known for its importance during Roman times because of its location for river… Continue reading Exploring Vienne
Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com "Travel not for the destination, but for the joy of the journey" (Sir J. Fresco) Hello Fellow Travel Enthusiasts! I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Cheers to a healthy start to a better 2022! Bon Voyage! Dr. Nick
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) Our viking river cruises ended in Lyon, France. One of my favorite parts of this city was the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), which is located at the foot of Fourvière Hill. This part of the city has colorful cascades, pedestrian streets, and the Les Traboules. The les Traboules are secret passageways… Continue reading A Visit to Lyon, France
Avignon, France a city conveniently situated along the Rhône river is another must see city during a trip to Provence. The city center is located within the ancient medieval stone ramparts. Once inside these medieval walls, you will find narrow passageways, and charming town squares. The famous Palais des Papes, and Pont d’Avignon, along with many other interesting… Continue reading A Visit to Medieval Avignon
A 2,000-year-old limestone quarry in the rugged Alpilles hills near Les Bau-de-Provence might not seem like a destination for artist, but think again. The original quarry closed in 1935 and has been used for such films as the 1960's “Testament of Orpheus”. In 1975 a man named Albert Plécy had the clever idea to use… Continue reading Quarries of Light
Les Baux de Provence was an added half-day excursion on our Lyon to Provence Viking River Cruise. This village is perched high on a hill in the Alpilles between Avignon and Arles. Les Baux de Provence is in a beautiful location and offers some gorgeous views from the top of this village. We wanted to… Continue reading A Visit to Les Baux-de-Provence
Photo by Ty on Pexels.com The Principality of Monaco (Principauté de Monaco) is located about 9 miles (15 km) west of Nice, France. The Italian border is just 5 miles (8km) to the east of Monaco. Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, but you will be surprised of all the sites… Continue reading A Day Trip To Monaco
Train De L'Ardeche This was a chilly day, but we decided to join the planned excursion offered on our Viking River cruise along the Rhône River during our stop in Tournon. The Train de l’Ardèche is a steam train that travels along the Doux tributary and the scenery is beautiful, especially during the Autumn. The… Continue reading Train De l’Ardeche
As part of the Côte d’Azur, (French: “Coast of Azure”), Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for European elite during the 19th-century, Nice is the third largest city in France. The city has also long attracted many artists and is a true… Continue reading Nice, France
Photo by OVAN on Pexels.com As you begin coming out of your COVID-19 hibernation, consider these tips to maximum space and order. You might even get an idea to decrease wrinkles... Roll your clothes Rolling clothes appears to have the benefit of less creasing and somehow tend to take up less space in times that… Continue reading Packing Hints & Tricks
Image: Courtesy of TSA's Facebook Page In deciding on the best face masks for travel, you should generally consider that the mask should keep you safe, secure, and comfortable. You should consider a face mask that is able to support your health during every leg of your journey; from check-in to baggage claim. The mask… Continue reading Best Face Masks for Travel
This past weekend we had time to spare and decided to explore the Reynolda House, which is the Museum of America Art located in Winston-Salem, NC. The Reynolda House was part of 27 land acquisition that the wife of Richard Joshua (R.J.) Reynolds, Katharine Reynolda began purchasing in 1906. This made up what was known… Continue reading Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Since 1895, the Jefferson Hotel has hosted at least 13 U.S. presidents, many international dignities, and a multitude of celebrities. This historic AAA Five Diamond award winning hotel is definitely worth visiting and if you wish, staying a night or more. The Lobby Thomas Jefferson Statue The lobby of the Jefferson Hotel known as the… Continue reading The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, Va
Hillwood Museum and Gardens The Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens as they are seen today were the vision of Marjorie Merriweather Post. One of the richest women of the 20th Century whose father founded the Postum Cereal Company (a.k.a., Post Cereal) and the company was passed down to her. The intent Marjorie was to leave… Continue reading Hillwood Museum and Gardens, Washington, DC
If you are interested in U.S. presidential history, a visit to Warm Springs, Georgia is a good choice. This small town is located about an hour from Atlanta. We visited this town spending one night here during a most recent long weekend drive. Warm Springs is nestled among the rolling hills and the naturally heated… Continue reading F. D. R. State Park – Warm Springs
Today marks the start of National Parks Week. Can you identify the national park in the image below?
Time to Refresh The WordPress gremlins have been busy. I recently found out that they were recking havoc on my blog site. I took this as an opportunity to do a yearly refresh of my blog: drnicktravels.com A perfect time to rethink logo, design, and links. More to coming as I continue to 'wash' the… Continue reading Blog Refreshed
Hello Fellow Travelers: Welcome 2021! The new administration of the United States has implemented new rules for traveling to the U.S. Please read below, which go into effect on January 26, 2021 travelers arriving in the U.S. must: Get tested for COVID-19 no more than 3 days before departing to the United States and show a negative… Continue reading New Year; New Travel Rules
I hope all of you had wonderful and safe holidays. We can now say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021. I would like to wish you and yours a healthy, happy, and successful 2021. Happy New Year everyone!
Future of Travel November might just be the perfect time to consider booking travel for 2021 and beyond. Many companies are offering less strict cancelation policies or change in travel policies such as Intrepid Travel and Gate1. It just might be the best time to consider booking your future travel? In fact, many travel deals can be found… Continue reading Should I Book Future Travel Now?
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com The Hotel Housekeeper I was watching the ebb and flow of foot traffic during a recent trip when there was a knock at my hotel room door. It was the housekeeper wishing to do her morning ritual. I was not quite ready to head out for the day and kindly… Continue reading Please ‘Do Not Disturb’
The seemly never ending pandemic has allowed us to explore our own state and the beauty offered in the North Carolina mountains. You might be surprised that North Carolina boost some amazing waterfalls and opportunities to hike in the majestic Smokey Mount regions of the Tar Heel state. Some of these waterfalls offer the ability… Continue reading Waterfalls In North Carolina
It has been almost six months since our last travel experience that required our passports. The passport were renewed this year and now, I feel it will be a long time before we get to use them. The virus has not stopped my whole life, but eliminated the usual trips for holiday breaks and most… Continue reading I Long for Travel Again
A change in pace for the post this week. Can you identify the above photo including name of these falls and location. A hint is that these are located in the U.S. Please add your guesses into the comments area and thank you for participating.
We will travel again soon, but not too soon... Are you planning future trips or waiting for the tide to turn in a positive direction with this crazy pandemic? I too am one of those people who are apprehensive to travel. It is possible to explore the possibilities of future exploration of our wonderful planet.… Continue reading We Will Travel Again…soon
Courtesy of © 2020 BabyQuip Inc A New Rental Option: As you begin preparing for your next trip, you might consider a new rental service that is gaining ground in the rental equipment market. BabyQuip offers a way to rent baby equipment throughout U.S. and Canada and aims to improve the way families travel. The… Continue reading A New Rental Opportunity
The question of whether or not it is a good idea to fly in this time of a pandemic is a complicated one. Personally, I am not planning to fly now, but the process of what one considers in when to start traveling again should includes steps that minimize your and others risk. Fearing to… Continue reading Is Flying A Good Idea?
After the wonderful walk through Victoria Falls, we dedicate the rest of the afternoon to joining a game drive through the National Park of Zimbabwe. We used Viator again for this adventure. We definitely recommend this tour. A Black Rino Monkeys in the trees
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