Category: Travel
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Exploring Western Ireland: From Galway to the Wild Atlantic Way
Our recent 10-week journey through Ireland’s western coast offered a glimpse into both well-traveled tourist destinations and hidden local gems. After establishing our base in Oranmore, just outside Galway, we set out to experience Ireland’s famous landscapes and small towns that define its rugged western edge. Galway itself presented a mixed experience. As Ireland’s fourth…
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The Unexpected Connection Between Travel and Stage Fright
There’s something uniquely terrifying about standing in front of a crowd, all eyes on you, waiting for you to speak. As it turns out, this fear isn’t just common—it’s practically universal. Public speaking consistently ranks higher than death in surveys about people’s greatest fears. As Jerry Seinfeld famously joked, most people at a funeral would…
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Discovering County Roscommon: Ireland’s Hidden Heartland of History, Legend, and Pastoral Beauty
Escape the crowded tourist trails and discover County Roscommon, a hidden gem in Ireland’s heartland. This beautiful and bucolic county offers a peaceful retreat steeped in history and legend, a place where pastoral landscapes meet ancient stories. While Ireland’s overall visitor numbers have seen fluctuations, with overseas visitors down 15% in March 2025 compared to…
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Tips for Visiting The Cliffs of Moher: Costs, Crowds, and the Best Viewing Angles
The Cliffs of Moher. Just the name conjures images of dramatic coastlines, crashing waves, and windswept beauty. This iconic Irish landmark attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors every year, and for good reason. But planning a trip to this natural wonder requires a little know-how to make the most of your experience. From understanding the costs…
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Ditching the 9-to-5 for Wide Open Roads: Is Full-Time RV Living for You?
Ever dreamed of saying “see ya!” to the daily grind and hitting the open road? The idea of living full-time in an RV or camper has definitely captured the hearts of many, promising a life filled with freedom, adventure, and a whole lot less stuff. But is it all sunshine and scenic overlooks? Let’s dive…
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From Belfast to Roscommon: Castles, Coastlines, and Cultural Discoveries
Ireland presents a captivating tableau of contrasting experiences, where stunning natural beauty mingles with stark reminders of a troubled past. Our recent 10-week overseas journey brought us to this enchanting island, where we embarked on a 29-day counterclockwise exploration that revealed both expected treasures and unexpected delights. Our Irish adventure began with an unpleasant surprise…
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Is Affordable Healthcare Worth Leaving Home For?
Medical tourism is a growing trend among Americans seeking respite from the astronomical costs of healthcare in the United States. As someone who has experienced both systems firsthand, I want to share my journey of receiving medical care abroad and how it compares to healthcare in America. This perspective might help those considering similar options…
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Beyond Vision: The Sensory Art of Travel Writing
When we think about travel writing and photography, we often imagine it as an inherently visual experience. After all, isn’t travel about seeing new sights, capturing stunning vistas, and experiencing visual wonders? But what if I told you one of the most inspiring travel writers I’ve recently encountered navigates the world without being able to…
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Portugal and Spain: The First Leg of Our European Adventure
Our European adventure began with an ambitious itinerary through Portugal and Spain, marking the second season of our retirement travel plans. After rethinking our original three-year international living strategy due to health challenges, we’ve established a home base in eastern Tennessee with a modified approach: spending 6-9 months abroad annually while maintaining a U.S. connection…
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Health Care Overseas
You often hear politicians touting “the US has the best health care system in the world”, usually as a preface to explaining why there is no need to improve, or even worse, why they want to cut funding for social programs. You also hear disparaging comments about health care in “socialist hell-holes”, again arguing against…