PassingThru.com

17/09/2023

It’s not every day you can meet up with the sweet dogs you looked after in Ningbo, China seven years ago. These are the luckiest Chinese dogs ever, now living in Ames, Iowa with their human dad, Bruno, who is a professor at the University. The little love bug, Jacky, took to me again right away, and by the end of my visit, George the terrier did, too. 😍

04/09/2023

Fellow travel blogger, Margarita Ibbott, wrote about the Route 66 trip we both were on. Check it out!

To say there is a plethora of must-see museums on Route 66 between Chicago and Pontiac, Illinois is an understatement. From the world-renowned Art Institute

22/08/2023

NEW POST: Are German Christmas markets on your Bucket List? They are on mine! I'm excited to plan a trip in 2024 (it's not too early!) and mark this longtime dream completed, how about you? You'll want to consider these 6 top northern German Christmas market locations to make your own unforgettable memories!

Explore the 6 best German Christmas markets in northern Germany and get into a festive mood with this remarkable European tradition.

21/08/2023

NEW POST! Summer is winding down, and for most of us, it means colder weather is coming. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a fall or winter vacay escape to a warm place. Here are my top 10 ideas for your consideration, complete with things to do and easy to book map interfaces for each great location.

Discover top warm places to visit in USA this winter. From sunny California to tropical Puerto Rico, find your perfect getaway from the cold!

17/08/2023

EPIC NEW POST: You might recall I took a road trip along the Route 66: The First Hundred Miles last month. Here's the rundown on all the fascinating stops we made. Thanks to Heritage Corridor Destinations for the wonderful itinerary and hospitality. This iconic journey is an American classic.
https://passingthru.com/illinois-route-66-the-first-hundred-miles/

31/07/2023

NEW POST: Assembling the ultimate Europe bucket list is no small task. With its storied past, vibrant cultures, and stunning vistas, Europe is home to a wealth of unforgettable experiences just waiting to be discovered. Don't just think of places to go; think of experiences to have. Whether it’s floating across Venetian waters, following musical trails in Salzburg, skiing amidst Swiss peaks, embracing nature’s beauty in the Tuscan countryside and Scottish Highlands or riding vespas along Italian coasts – these experiences are what make traveling through Europe special. Check out the recommendations and build your list!

Crafting a Europe bucket list is no small task. With its storied past, and varied cultures, unforgettable experiences in Europe await discovery!

21/07/2023

Headed home from TBEX North America 2023 - Eau Claire, Wisconsin and a fantastic time in a wonderful city. What a great destination for Minnesota friends for a long weekend. Wonderful things to do, delicious eats and lovely people.

18/07/2023

Can anyone guess what this is? I’m at the largest producer of this item in almost everywhere.

16/07/2023

National Ice Cream Day! Shake, cone or sundae?



TBEX

16/07/2023

Running into interesting people and places in Joliet!

16/07/2023

Ran into Jake and Elwood at the Joliet Prison. Same one in the opening scene of the movie. Cool place but they don’t like to say “h-a-u-n-t-e-d.” 👻👻👻

15/07/2023

The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 trip has begun!

15/07/2023

Retro road trip coming up! Headed out to travel the first 100 miles of iconic Route 66. Stay tuned!





https://www.hcdestinations.com/route-66

17/05/2023

New Post! Now that the humpbacks are on their way back up north for the summer, it's time to plan a getaway for the coming whale watching season in Maui! This annual spectacle provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness these gentle giants up close and personal. The peak season to whale watch in Maui is between November and May, so consult this guide to book a bucket list trip!!

Explore the Maui whale watching season with our guide on peak times, tours, and tips for amazing humpback encounters in their natural habitat.

13/05/2023

New Post! Vienna is beloved by many travelers for its elegant culture, compelling history, and magnificent architecture. I've compiled a post that gives you all the info you need to plan an outstanding trip to the enchanting capital of Austria on the legendary Danube. You'll love the city's old-world patina melded with its contemporary vibe. Use the tips and links in this post to plan and book!

Welcome to the enchanting city of Vienna! Click through for tips and info on the multitude of memorable things to do in Vienna.

09/05/2023

This display was at the end of a hallway in the small hotel we stayed at outside of Chiang Mai in the peaceful Wiang K*m Kam neighborhood. I loved the different patinas of the wood and plaster, and the softness of the flowers contrasting with the forged iron.

30/04/2023

Have you visited Sedona? After writing a post on the top spots for the best Stargazing in Sedona - https://passingthru.com/best-stargazing-in-sedona/ - I was reminded of visiting this unmistakable landmark, the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Rated the first of Sedona's Top Ten attractions on many lists, the Chapel of the Holy Cross appears to rise skyward from the red rocks upon which it stands.

Marguerite Brunswig Staude was the benefactor who commissioned a student of Frank Lloyd Wright to design a chapel in her hometown after an attempt to build one in Budapest had to be abandoned because of WWII.

Her vision was to construct a "spiritual fortress" as a monument of faith, in the hopes that visitors could find life in Christ through art and atmosphere. After 18 months and $300,000 in construction costs, as well as a special use permit expedited by Sen. Barry Goldwater, the chapel was dedicated in 1956.

Adoration, confession and mass is held on Wednesdays and Fridays. Taizé services occurs on Monday nights at 5pm. (A Taizé service consists of chanting, singing and silent reflection, originating out of a religious community in France.)

One of the most fascinating parts of visiting the Chapel is becoming aware of the many miracles that have resulted from prayers lifted up as part of the visitor experience here. The stories are inspiring and emotionally evocative. The beauty and simplicity of this landmark delivers inspiration and a sense of peace.

You might also be interested in PassingThru's popular guide to Sedona, click here: https://passingthru.com/sedona-first-timers-guide/

28/04/2023

New Post! I love Barcelona! The best time to visit the capital of Catalunya is now! If you think so, too, and you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, you’re in for a remarkable experience. The city is known for its unique culture, exciting nightlife, spectacular beaches, and outstanding examples of architecture dating from different periods and displaying features of many different styles. But with so many neighborhoods and hotels to select from, choosing where to stay in Barcelona can be daunting. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels to help make your time in Barcelona enjoyable and memorable. Olé!

With so many options, choosing where to stay in Barcelona can be daunting. Use this guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in Barcelona now.

17/04/2023

The South Downs National Park is England's newest, and encompasses communities and natural areas in the south of England. Its diverse landscapes range from chalky seaside cliffs to rolling green hills and vales. Charming villages and towns with history galore make this a great area for a weekend visit or extended stay. Arundel Castle (pictured here) which dates from 1067, and is now the home of the Duke of Norfolk. Named the best country town to live in by the Daily Telegraph, Arundel is a charming riverside market town with a 14th-century cathedral and picturesque shopping streets. Having just published a new article on Things to Do in the South Downs (https://passingthru.com/best-things-to-do-in-the-south-downs/), I'll be sharing more from this appealing region in several posts to come.

14/04/2023

New Post! I've long wanted to investigate all the South Downs region has to offer after just scratching the surface during a pre-Covid stay of several weeks a few years ago. Now that I've researched more, I want to return! Check out all the wonderful things to see and do in England's South Downs.
https://passingthru.com/best-things-to-do-in-the-south-downs/

02/04/2023

New Post! I researched the best European luxury train trip options for you this year! A trip aboard the legendary Orient Express has long been on my bucket list, but there are others to consider. Among them, The Royal Scotsman luxury sleeper train which takes you on a journey through the Highlands; the Danube Express, which travels Krakow-Budapest-Istanbul; and the Al Andalus out of Seville. Or maybe you'd prefer to gaze upon the majesty of the Swiss Alps from the Bernina Express? Altogether, I've got nine great options to consider. Which would be the first you'd choose?

As post-COVID travel surges, luxury train travel in Europe is an amazing option to experience the world in the comfort of posh surroundings.

30/03/2023

One of the most arresting things about train travel is the voyeur's glimpse. Is life as uneven, broken and faded on the other side of these windows along the tracks as the building itself? Is there a doorway at the bottom left leading inside? The clean laundry seems hopeful despite the circumstances. How many trains pass by in a day? Have other passengers wondered about this scene?

29/03/2023

Sometimes beautiful is raw and rocky, powerful and primitive. Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe) on the Di**le Peninsula delivers these characteristics throughout its length, backed by the crashing of waves and the calls of sea birds. Part of the aptly-named Wild Atlantic Way, sometimes the road is a single-laned cliffhanger, adding to the challenge one feels when having to drive on the "wrong" side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic. It's a circular loop, so make a day of it out of Di**le.

25/03/2023

New post! 🌇 When you think of Barcelona, chances are that some of the first things to come to mind are places like Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Las Ramblas. 💃 While these locations are definitely worth a visit, they can be quite crowded at times. If you're looking for a different side of Barcelona, I can recommend some lesser-known spots in the city. From unique experiences to hidden gems, you're sure to find something that piques your interest! 🗺 Check out this list! https://passingthru.com/barcelona-off-the-beaten-path/

22/03/2023

New post! If you're planning a visit to Germany, why not visit the fairy-tale Black Forest region? I've packed this post full of information on hotels and great things to do and see in three top locations. Pick your place to stay using the handy interactive maps with up-to-the-minute rates and availability, and check out the main attractions close by. Don't forget to book relaxing spa time in the historic thermal baths!

https://passingthru.com/best-places-to-stay-in-the-black-forest-germany/

19/03/2023

Updated for 2023! If you’re considering a trip to Europe soon, you may have preconceived notions about where you want to visit. Who isn’t interested, at least in theory, in going off the path in Europe? It seems as though most people like to say they would prefer to visit non-touristy destinations in Europe whether they’re visiting for the first time or returning. Do you feel the same way? Check out these ideas of where to go next!

https://passingthru.com/off-the-beaten-path-europe-underrated-destinations/

15/03/2023

New Post! 🌄 Looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination? Bosnia offers an incredible blend of European and Middle Eastern cultures, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the perfect starting point to explore it all. 🏰📚 I am always amazed that misconceptions about travel to Bosnia remain decades after the 1990s war. It is my favorite European country, and I consider it a personal challenge to encourage more travelers to visit. Are you a history buff? A Dubrovnik to Bosnia day trip will take you to Mostar, known for its cultural significance and historic architecture. Explore the stunning Kravica waterfalls, hike the surrounding trails, or relax by the riverside with a picnic lunch. If you plan to stay in southern Croatia, don't miss out on Bosnia! 🌍🌟🇧🇦
https://passingthru.com/dubrovnik-to-bosnia-day-trip/

12/03/2023

New post on Budapest, my favorite big capital city in Europe! Don’t miss these famous landmarks in Budapest in this detailed guide. A magnificent and poignant history is told by Budapest’s prominent landmarks, its topography and layout, and the architectural grandeur of its buildings. Discover the fascinating history and learn why the capital of Hungary is so worth visiting! I hope you love this city as much as I do!

https://passingthru.com/landmarks-in-budapest/

04/03/2023

🎉🎉Happy to announce that next in my series of guidebooks 📖 is published on Amazon!🎉🎉 Thanks to all for your encouragement in this new endeavor! ❤️🙏❤️
🌴🌺🌸🌴Maui is a favorite island 🏝 of mine because it was my first date with Hawaii! This concise little book will whet your appetite for a first time or return visit! 🌴🌺🌸🌴
I would be so grateful for your support if Maui is in your future!
Available in paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2MZ8RS or
Kindle e-book format (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXHHZLQT

23/02/2023

🎉🎉Happy to announce that third in my series of guidebooks 📖 is published on Amazon!🎉🎉 Thanks to all for your encouragement in this new endeavor! ❤️🙏❤️
Munich 🏘 is a favorite city of mine because it delivers a complete Bavarian experience! This concise little book will whet your appetite for a first time or return visit, maybe even during Oktoberfest?
I would be so grateful for your support if Munich is in your future!
Available in paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW31GH74 or
Kindle e-book format (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWKBGDD3