Unexpected Delights of the Dominican Republic

by Noreen Kompanik

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Russian novelist and poet Boris Pasternak once said, “Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.” That’s exactly what I found on a trip to the Dominican Republic in late 2019. It was full of surprises and unexpected delights, and that’s what made it so special. Occupying half of the large Caribbean island
The Island of Kauai

Fair Winds and Following Seas: Spectacular U.S. Destinations to Be on the Water

by Noreen Kompanik

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American educator, philosopher, and natural science writer Loren Eiseley once said, “If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water.” There’s just something about being on the water. It’s an absolute feast for the senses. The tourmaline waters of the Caribbean, azure crystalline lakes, the salty scent of the ocean, the cool
Views over England

The Future of Travel

by Noreen Kompanik

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  American writer Henry Miller once said, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Every one of us who are travel lovers are asking the same questions: When can we travel again? Where do we want to go next for new and rewarding experiences? What exactly can we expect

Four Dreamy U.S. Island Getaways

by Noreen Kompanik

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Travel is social media’s most talked about topic right now, according to a new analysis conducted by Kantar, a leading data, insights and consulting company. This should come as no surprise to those who are sheltered in place because of COVID-19. Nonetheless, those of us who love to travel can’t wait to pack our suitcases

Savoring Norway: 3 Unforgettable Ports of Call

by Noreen Kompanik

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Norway had always been on my travel bucket list; my husband’s too! So, when our daughter and son-in-law proposed a Disney family cruise with our grandchildren that would include three Norway ports of call, we jumped on it. Cruises are great for a number of reasons, including the opportunity to get snapshots of a region

Coast to Vine: Getting to Know Spectacular San Luis Obispo County

by Noreen Kompanik

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Wheels up, and we were off on Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, California. As we approached our destination, we could see the lush verdant rolling hills of SLO (its local nickname). But its moniker is a perfect fit, for this magnificently picturesque region represents a slower, more relaxed pace;
Oak Farm Vineyards Tasting Room

Lodi’s Oak Farm Vineyards: Nature and Nurture in Perfect Harmony

by Noreen Kompanik

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It’s an area often missed by visitors to Northern California’s magnificent wine regions. But Lodi, California, located 85 miles east of San Francisco Bay and only 35 miles from Sacramento is regarded as the Zinfandel capital of the world producing more than 40 percent of California’s premium red grape. Additionally, the picturesque region produces more
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