We are hooked on Game of Thrones, and last year I had the opportunity to visit several of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. I wrote about the whole Northern Ireland GoT Tour as soon as I got back, but here’s a condensed list of our favorite locations. Game Of Thrones: 7…
Spending a week in the Bordeaux region over the summer was a dream trip come true for me — exploring history, driving through vineyards, and (of course) tasting wine. Since then, one of the questions I’m most often asked is, “what recommendations do you have on where to stay in Bordeaux?” I’ve got quite a…
I love Twitter. Last week, I tweeted that I’d be visiting Europe this fall and wanted to know if anyone had any tips and must-visit places for Prague. To my surprise, I found the most heartfelt and genuine email from a Twitter friend that spent a year living in “the golden city.” It was so…
To fulfill a bucket list wish and celebrate my birthday at the end of the year, I floated over my hometown and watched the sunrise from a hot air balloon. It was breathtaking! But it took not one, not two, but three tries to get up in the air! Here’s my story and some helpful…
You’ve made your New Year’s resolution, you’ve gotten your bathing suit ready for your cruise. It’s time to relax, enjoy, and par-tay! But with the endless days of lounging by the pool and unlimited 24 hour buffets, they say the average cruiser puts on 10 pounds in a week. Yowza! That’s not cool. When I…
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and it’s also the busiest! Whether you’re planning to visit family, or headed out for a holiday getaway, you’re bound to run into bigger crowds at airports and along the highway. Take the stress out of holiday travel with these five tips. 5 Holiday Travel Tips To Help…
As a frequent traveler, I’ve got quite a few packing tips up my sleeve. From how to get through TSA in a breeze, to keeping your clothes organized and clean, and even packing for a whole week in just a carry-on, Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent flyer, here are a few helpful packing tips to get…
The answer is a resounding, YES! And here’s why … Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Review 1 – You feel like a guest, not a passenger. You know what it feels like schlepping into economy — like you’re in grade school, being shuffled into a que one-by-one to board an overcrowded bus with zero personal space…
Wales might be shadowed by the more frequently visited England and Scotland, but for travelers with an appreciation for food, culture, and epic landscapes, Wales is a must-visit. It’s the land of dragons and castles, rolling green hills dotted with sheep, and a fun celtic language of double L’s and tongue-twisting W’s as vowels. The people of…
Catching a red eye flight a for business trip? Flying overnight across the Atlantic or Pacific to a fun new destination for vacation? If so, these tips on how to survive a red eye flight are for you. Red eye flights sometimes get a bad rap, but with a little planning, you can arrive at…
Does the fear of being on a long flight hold you back from booking the trip of your dreams? They shouldn’t. I actually prefer longer flights to cross-country since you actually have time to rest and reset your internal clock to a new time zone. But if you’re not traveling first class, there are still a few…
I’ve been spoiled. I didn’t realize how much so until my recent trip to Europe when I flew coach. I should have taken the hint when trying to find my place in line at the gate amid a mass of cranky travelers. Once we boarded and I found my seat, I thought of asking for…
Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park, Volcano Bay, is the ultimate water theme park! I had the opportunity to visit as part of Universal Orlando’s Blog Squad, and there are so many things about the park that truly blew me away. I’ve got the full scoop here including tips for planning your visit, what to…
I fly Delta Comfort Plus quite a bit, and I gotta say, the upgrade is worth it for international flights. From the extra legroom, to the gourmet snacks, and the power outlet under the seat, it’s a lot like having a cozy little office in the sky. Below I have photos of Delta Comfort Plus taken…
One of the questions I’m most often asked is how we manage to travel around the world with only carry on luggage. I do admit, it takes some planning. But being organized and packing light takes so much stress out of travel. Some of the benefits of traveling with a carry on only include: saving…
Planning what you can take for carry on liquids that meet TSA’s 3-1-1 rule requirements can seem like an impossible task. If you’re not familiar with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, for air travel, you can only carry liquids and gels in bottles that are 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) and it must all fit in 1…
Do you like to scroll and find delicious food and travel Instagram pics? Whenever we travel, I always use social media to discover a great place to eat — from throwing out a question on Twitter with a hashtag of the city, to scrolling through Instagram. Both methods have produced some amazing finds, but Instagram is usually…
One of the questions we’re most often asked via social media and email is for packing tips and carry-on travel essentials. While our advice might change depending on the destination, there are a few items we never leave home without. This packing list includes items we recommend always having in your bag — especially your carry-on…
Whether you’re visiting for business or for pleasure, there are are ton of delicious Zurich restaurants to try. From lakefront dining with a view, to traditional Swiss comfort foods, and even a restaurant that holds the world record for being the first vegetarian restaurant. I was quite impressed with the variety available, the gourmet coffee…
As a food and travel blogger, I’m always on the search for the most epic dining experiences. One of the questions I’m most often asked is “what is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?” Or, “what’s the best dining experience you remember?” Truth is, there is no single experience to recount as each of…
Being on-the-go traveling all the time can take it’s toll on your body and staying healthy while traveling is always at the top of my mind. I certainly feel completely wiped out after a trip. You know how the saying goes, “you need a vacation after your vacation.” Changing time zones, not getting enough rest,…
Between packing and last-minute travel planning, it is sometimes easy to forget that you should prep your home for vacation too. But just a little work ahead of time will help bring you peace of mind while away. Here’s a great checklist to go through the week before your travel. From filling your freezer with…
Whether you’re flying internationally for the first time, or are a seasoned traveler looking for a bit of relief, we’ve got 7 helpful tips below on how to beat jet lag. JET LAG – WHAT TO EXPECT So, what is jet lag? Merriam-Webster defines it as “a condition characterized by various psychological and physiological effects…
Kindle or iPad — which is the best tablet for travel? I find myself asking this question every time I pack. And to be honest, I feel a little indulgent and guilty sometimes for having two tablet e-readers, but they’re both great for different reasons. My decision over the best tablet to bring is usually…
Why do I need a visa if I have a passport? What is the difference between the two? Does a visa requirement mean I can’t travel? I’ve been receiving these questions frequently via email and private message based on the recent news of E.U. lawmakers ending visa-free travel for U.S. travelers. I know this sounds scary, but it…
This post is sponsored by Chase Ultimate Rewards. The content and opinions expressed below are that of The Travel Bite. What was your favorite summer travel experience? For me, it was finally visiting Willamette Valley in Oregon! It’s been on my bucket list for a while since Oregon wine is one my favorites, especially their pinot…
Have you been hearing a lot about mirrorless cameras lately? If not, you’re in for a treat. They’re very similar to a DSLR, with an interchangeable lens and great image quality, only they’re a lot more light weight without the mirror and optical viewfinder. After lugging around my three pound DSLR on a trip earlier this year,…
With the stress of being constantly connected, whether we’re working, reading the news, or catching up with friends, more and more people are looking for a digital detox and scheduling a vacation has become vital to our well being. Only, vacations can’t give us the kind of rest and relaxation we need if we stay…
Airport food tends to be grossly overpriced and not very delicious, so I always make a pack of healthy snacks for us when we travel that’s full of gourmet grab-and-go foods that happen to be TSA-friendly too. It’s well balanced with some fresh fruit, protein, and a little chocolate treat (since chocolate is it’s own food group). I…
Toward the end of last year, Pete and I both signed up for Global Entry. As frequently as we travel, I can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner! Having used it for our last three trips, I can tell you, it’s worth every penny. It’s like buying a first class ticket through the security line, it…
I thought I traveled a lot, jet-setting to some new delicious destination once a month. But most business travelers have me beat as they’re on-the-go three or four weeks a month. I recently had the opportunity to interview Lauren Doucette, a member of National Car Rental’s Emerald Club, with a quite a few tips and travel…
This post is in partnership with the Cherry Marketing Institute. You may remember back in November that I had a few tips for you to deal with daylight saving time since it feels a bit like jet lag, but now what do we do that it’s reversed? Evenings don’t seem so bad until you look…
As a food and travel writer, I’m often asked for tips on how I discover local markets or find the best restaurant recommendations when we travel. It’s actually quite fun to hunt for these hidden gems in new cities and I have seven tips for you to get the most delicious experience during your next trip….
While visiting Asia, Pete and I flew from Bangkok to Seoul, and then Seoul back to the United States on Korean Airlines. And I’ve gotta say, they have some unexpected luxurious touches available in coach. I’ve got photos of both of our flights below highlighting the amenities, entertainment, food, and extras that you’ll experience with…
When I took my mom to France for the first time, which was also her first Transatlantic flight, I upgraded us to Air France Premium Economy so she’d have a comfortable experience. Plus, it was her birthday so I didn’t mind the splurge. Overall, the slight increase in the fare (around $200) was well worth the…
Whenever I hear someone say they don’t like Twitter, I gently let them know they’re probably using it wrong. If you’re not familiar with how to use Twitter, I’m sure reading it can feel a bit like drinking water out of a fire hydrant. But by using hashtags to narrow down the topics, and getting organized on platforms…
Running has always been my sport of choice as I love the freedom of throwing on a pair of sneakers and exploring the outdoors by foot. And ever since running the New York City Marathon in 2010, I’ve been hooked on long distance races and have signed up for one or two half marathons a year ever…
Whenever we travel, we’re always on the hunt to find some of the best coffee shops around the world. Perhaps it’s just being perpetually jet-lagged, or perhaps it’s just the lure of a steamy comforting cup of something that tastes dreamy like chocolate without the calories — I’m hooked. Where ever I travel, I’m always hunting down…
If you’ve ever flown to a drastically different time zone, chances are you’ve experienced jet lag. You know the feeling. There’s places to see and things to do, but your body just wants you to curl up in a fetal position for 8 hours straight. Sleep is more precious than anything. And for business travelers…
When I go on a trip, I take pictures of food, street scenes, and epic landscapes. Sometimes take pictures of street signs and menus to help me remember where I’ve been and what I’ve had to eat.But I’m horrible at remembering to take pictures of people, of family, or even just of me. Pete’s a bit…
To me, wine is the combination of two of my favorite things — geography and food, so I absolutely gobble up learning new things about it. You can get familiar with a taste of a place. You can inhale the aromas of everything from grapefruit and lychee to ripe cherries and chocolate. And in some…
My trip to Jordan was the first time I had visited the Middle East and I was a little intimidated about what to wear. It’s the first time I’ve ever stressed about what to pack. “Should I cover up? If so, how much? Can I wear jeans or leggings? Are short sleeves okay? What do…
I rarely, if ever (knock on wood), get sick when I travel. I’d like to think that it’s because I’m one of those weird people that wipes down my entire armrest/screen/tray table/window/etc with antibacterial wipes when I’m on a flight. I also wash my hands incessantly during travel days (and I invest in some luxurious…
Today, it’s quite easy to stay connected with wifi while traveling. It used to be that we’d have to take our roll of film in to the pharmacy and wait a couple of days to have our vacation photos developed before we could share them (I’m showing my age a little bit here). Today, we’re…
Previously, I wrote some tips about keeping your home safe while traveling. But, what about your stuff that you take with you on the road? Over the years, I’ve developed a few travel hacks that I use to keep my things safe, especially since I typically bring my laptop and camera equipment with me. You’ll…
Bora Bora is a dream destination for most. The mesmerizing crystal clear depth of cerulean water, a milky way of islands encircling a lush green volcano, and those iconic bungalows hovering over the lagoon on stilts — it’s enough to make one sigh and slip into a daydream. Having been, I can tell you it’s…
It’s needless to say that we travel quite a bit throughout the year. And so some of the things we do to keep our home safe while on vacation have become routine. MetLife Auto & Home offers a list of “dos and don’ts” for preparing to go on vacation or leave the house unattended for…
If you’re like me, then you squee when you hear this song and rush to the couch for a riveting hour of drama and laughter with Downton Abbey. We all have our favorite characters and quotes (personally, I can’t get enough of the Dowager), and any Downton fan headed to England certainly has seeing Downton…
With the recent tragic news of the missing Malaysia Air flight, I find a familiar fear creeping up. Yes, a frequent traveler such as myself struggles with how to overcome a fear of flying. I didn’t always fear flying. When I was a child I thought it was quite a fun joy ride with free…
During my around-the-world trip with the Four Seasons, our tour was coming to an end and I had just a day to explore the city of Budapest. Now, Budapest possesses some of the best coffee houses in Europe and with the gray skies and November chill in the air there is nothing else I wanted…
If you’ve ever seen a motivational wall calendar or artwork with dream-like waterfalls cascading through lush greenery into pools the color of turquoise gems, you’ve seen Plitvice Lakes. Pronounced “plit-veet-se,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is quite captivating and is a must-see for any visit to Croatia. These 16 lakes with mineral-rich water in vibrant…
One of the things I love about tasting new foods when I travel is it seems to be the only thing left on earth that is reserved for experiencing in it’s native county. Sure, in this global economy we can have just about anything shipped from door-to-door, but not everything. I might be able to…
One of the most sensual articles of clothing I’ve ever worn. Here’s a quick video on how to wrap a sari … Check out my story, Touring Mumbai And The City Within, at Four Seasons Magazine. Produced by Rachelle Lucas Edited using Animoto
Living in Florida I’ve been to the Caribbean dozens of times and experienced first hand the pristine white sand, clear blue turquoise waters, and picturesque views that are typically only seen on inspirational wall calendars. And as relaxing as it might be, I can only sit by the pool and stare at the beach for…
Every time I have to give someone a list of my hobbies, cooking is always on there. However, I recently realized that I also enjoy shows that feature restaurants and their dish that makes them unique — and the TV Food Maps makes it easy to find these restaurants when traveling. My dad and I…
By Becky Merola On this day before St. Patrick’s Day I’m sure you’re picking out your green outfits and prepping your corned beef. Or more likely you’re deciding where to grab some beer with food dye and sing vaguely Irish songs with a few of your friends and a lot of strangers. Although I do…
Our first day in Chicago was fantastic. We took the Lright from Chicago Midway Airport to the Silversmith Hotel, right by Millennium Park. The hotel was literally right next to the train stop, and the location was perfect for anyone who wants to explore downtown Chicago. To make it even better, the hotel offers…
Is it possible to do a safari on a budget? I used to think exploring South Africa and traipsing around in a Land Rover to find lions, zebras, and giraffes was a trip-of-a-lifetime that would cost $10,000+. Turns out, one can go on safari for as little as $128 a day, including safari, lodging, and…
By Becky Merola A letter to my old GPS: Listen Google Maps, it’s been a nice ride, but you and I both knew this wouldn’t last forever. Things were good, and you got the job done but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think I was settling. Now something better has come along,…
I got into running because I love to eat, but I don’t love to count calories, especially when I travel. Now, every tasty indulgence can instead be measured by the miles I run. For instance, I know that the calories in one glass of wine is equal to running one mile, so more miles equals…