10 of the Most Unusual (Dare I Say Weirdest) Events in America

A portait of a man and woman dressed up as Shrek and Fiona from the movie

“It’s a festival where people compete to see who can toss a mullet the farthest.” “Is it alive?” I inquired a tiny bit horrified.  “No. No. No, She laughs. “It’s a dead mullet.” I was speaking to Nicole Stacey, a tourism rep from Pensacola. I’d asked if there were any unusual events in the city. […]

A Tale of a Crossing During the Great Wildebeest Migration

Large heard of wildebeest walking crossing the Mara River Kenya

If you haven’t seen a river crossing during the Wildebeest Migration in person, no documentary will ever do it justice. Trust me. It’s akin to trying to capture the enormity of the Himalayas in a photograph or the feeling of flight from a video. Crossings are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Each is unique and […]

Why Gura Gear’s Kiboko Backpack is the Best DSLR Camera Bag

Susan Portnoy the Insatiable Traveler wearing a Gura Gear Camera backpack

I typically don’t write entire posts about a single product but when I find something I really love and use I like to share it. Hence, my wet kiss below for the Gura Gear Kiboko 2.0 DSLR backpack. Finding the Gura Gear Kiboko DSLR Backpack Years ago, I needed a decent camera bag for a […]

Central Park in Fall – Best Places to See and Photograph Autumn Foliage

Central Park’s Gapstow bridge in autumn

If I could only visit New York’s famous urban respite once a year to make photos, I’d choose Central Park in Fall. In winter, New York is a snow-capped wonderland. In spring and summer, a flower lover’s delight. But Central Park in Fall is utterly magical. There’s nothing like wandering the park’s winding paths and […]

Perfect 1, 2, and 3-Day Vancouver Itineraries

Boats and the vancouver City Skyline from the marina

Whether you’re laying over or enjoying a well-deserved holiday, Vancouver never disappoints. A Day-by-Day Guide to Exploring Vancouver Story and Photos by Carolyn B. Heller If you like urban explorations mixed with time outdoors, Vancouver is your place. Western Canada’s largest city hugs the Pacific Ocean, with sandy beaches right downtown. The forested North Shore […]

Visit the Great Bear Rainforest Home of the “Spirit” Bear

A breathtaking view of a small tender cruising on a rainy day on a lake surrounded by mountains and fog in the BC Rainforest

Wisdom from the First Nations “Ask the Grandfathers to help you,” said Old Hands with a crooked smile. I struggle with his suggestion. “Won’t it seem kind of selfish?”  The elder Shoshone Medicine Man thinks a moment. “Tell them you want to take pictures of our animals so others will be inspired to protect them,” he […]

38 of the Best Podcasts For Home or Travel

A cup of cappuccino on a table with a smartphone and earplugs

I’m a huge fan of podcasts. I listen to them all the time — in the shower, on the subway, when I’m walking around New York City, and, of course, when traveling. What’s great is there are so many great podcasts to listen to across multiple genres nowadays. I’ve compiled my favorites, and I will […]

The Best Road Trip Packing List For A Grand Adventure

Getting ready for a road trip. A teal car with luggage on top

Thinking about a road trip now or in the future? I asked road trip veteran Carolyn B. Heller to compile the perfect road trip packing list. (If you’re new to road tripping, Carolyn’s Beginner’s Guide to Planning an Extraordinary Road Trip is a fantastic resource.) Stay Safe! What Kind of Road Trip Are You Planning? […]

A Beginner’s Guide to Planning an Extraordinary Road Trip

woman in black aviator sunglasses sitting on car s passenger seat

The pandemic brought new energy to the traditional road trip, and it’s hardly dissipated. If you’re planning an asphalt getaway but far from a pro, you’ll want to read this post from veteran road tripper, Carolyn Heller. Carolyn has been on countless road trips in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and her guide for […]

17 Awesome Things To Do In Churchill Manitoba

A group of visitors sitting in kayaks in Churchill, Manitoba Canada

Situated on the remote southwestern shore of Hudson Bay in Canada’s subarctic, is Churchill, Manitoba, population 900, give or take (50% indigenous). Surrounded by hundreds of miles of rugged wilderness, the only way to get to Churchill is through the capital of Winnipeg by plane, or endure a 40-hour train ride. Why should you care about this remote hole-in-the-wall […]