Tracking Gorillas Down the Mountain in Uganda

The light filters through the mosquito nets draping over my bed at Bwindi Lodge.  As I begin to wake, my mind goes to the day's itinerary.  Nerves kick in--it's really today!!  We are going to...

Ciao Bellas Cruise the Canals of Burgundy

In March, our intrepid Ciao Bella travelers embarked on an adventure to the vineyard-covered hills of Burgundy, France.  We chartered a small canal boat to float along the still waters of the canals...

Bella Travel’s Favorite Reads for Summer

Here at Bella, we take your adventures seriously, including the kind that whisk your imagination away. Whether it's a romance-and-rose-all-day or a tuck-me-in thriller, you'll love this curated...

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Last year, Susan and I (Becky) launched Ciao Bella, a Travel Club for Women.  Over the years, she and I had ongoing conversations about women we knew who had these amazing Wander Lists, but no one...

Mayakoba, Playa Mujeres, Maroma, and Cancun

Early in January, I (Becky) conducted site inspections with a few Travel Experts colleagues from the Southeastern region.  I just love hanging with these smart, savvy ladies who are...

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

Last year I my mother and I went on an adventure down the Mosel, Rhine, and Main rivers on a ten-day Uniworld river cruise. What fun we had gazing at castles, tasting the lovely Mosel wines, and...

Have you traded Efficiency for Adventure?

Efficiency for Adventure. How often do we make this trade?Do I trade the chance to grow and stretch myself for the need to just get stuff done? Do I quash the creative for the efficient? Am I too task-oriented in this season of life?

Your Own Personal Board of Directors

Accountability matters. Connections matter. Having someone to listen and give feedback on your crazy ideas is just....well...priceless. As a small business owner, you need good connections to keep...

Versailles, The Sun King, and All Things Golden

Last fall, my mom and I spent a glorious day exploring all things Louis. It was Mama's first time in France (really the first time anywhere in Europe) and I was looking forward to delighting in the...

Punt or Pivot – A Business Strategy for Post COVID Recovery

We have to allow ourselves space to breathe and think and to act with purpose not out of straight fear.Then it may be time to pivot. If you take some time to evaluate first, then you can pivot with purpose.

A Girl’s Gotta Eat: Chi-Town

A Girl’s Gotta Eat: Chi-Town

Whenever I get the chance to go to Chi-town, I take out my list of Must-Try food experiences. This trip gave me the opportunity to try a few more and to revisit a favorite spot, which makes me a happy girl. The Park Hyatt Hotel is one of my favorite hotels in Chicago...

read more
La Morra

La Morra

My Fiat Cinquecento buzzes down the hills of Barolo to my first appointment and I try not to stall the engine…again.   We dubbed the Fiat St. Benito, patron saint of lost tourists and tight roundabouts.   St. Benito speeds through a maze of dirt roads past...

read more
Pintxos and Txakoli – Basque Delights

Pintxos and Txakoli – Basque Delights

San Sebastian, Spain has more Michelin Stars per square meter than any place on the planet.  The Parte Vieja (Old Town) also has more bars per square meter than any place on Earth--add surfers, a carousel, an urban beach and you have perhaps the perfect place to...

read more
Afternoon in the Park with Gaudi

Afternoon in the Park with Gaudi

Our second day in Barcelona was a day of exploration through the historical and artistic aspects of this modern city.  The grand finale of our exploration was Park Guell.  Construction began for Park Guell in 1900.  At this time, Barcelona was a modern, cosmopolitan...

read more
The Importance of Time

The Importance of Time

There we were—in the Madrid Airport running to our gate—me in my Sparkly Italian Wedges and The Man in his not-so-fashionable black flip-flops—running. The Man looked at me and asked, “didn’t your travel agent know that an hour is not enough time to connect in...

read more
Barca Beginnings

Barca Beginnings

Welcome to Barcelona--Capital of Catalonia! We wandered through the insane maze of travelers looking for our driver...a bit worried because we were a bit late....and immigration offered an endless labyrinth of people...and my bags were taking their sweet time. We...

read more
Savor Savannah

Savor Savannah

I first encountered Savannah with my book club. We read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and were pining away for a girls’ adventure.  Savannah seemed just the ticket. A few years later, my Chicadee and her little family moved to Savannah and my sister moved to...

read more