AXW Travels

We commissioned a shark cake topper because we thought it was funny. What we didn't plan - and what nobody mentioned, including the photographer - was the shark who showed up in our wedding photos and apparently decided to attend in person.

My husband reads faster than I do. I've known this for years, and it's never mattered less than the moment it almost ruined the best surprise of our wedding - the one that's been sending us around the world ever since.

Packing for a cruise that spans multiple climates — think 90-degree penguin reserves and 40-degree Cape Horn winds in the same trip — requires a completely different mindset than a typical vacation. After 17 days on a Viking Ocean cruise through Chile, the Falkland Islands, Uruguay, and Argentina, I've got the layering strategy, laundry logistics, electronics tips, and hard-won lessons that will help you pack smart, pack light, and actually enjoy your trip.

After decades of travel across the world, my relationship with travel has changed. A reflection on confidence, curiosity, standout moments, and what makes travel meaningful now.

People often ask me how I plan my trips. Planning, for me, is just as exciting as the trip itself! Here are eight easy steps anyone can follow to plan a fantastic trip abroad.

If you’re going to go on a cruise during the Covid pandemic, pick Viking ocean cruises. They have numerous controls in place from start to finish to ensure that everyone remains as safe as possible on the confines of a cruise ship.

In September 2020, my husband and I decided to visit three national parks in the western United States – Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Each park was amazing and gorgeous, but a few areas raised some concerns about our health and safety related to COVID-19.

You’re planning a trip and find an incredible tour on a big-name travel agency website but then click into the details and see the price is well outside your budget. Don’t give up!