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 2023

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.

Armchair Traveler: Floating in Glacier Bay, Alaska

I was seriously unprepared for the beauty of Alaska.  Oh yeah, I heard about the glaciers calving—dramatically splashing in the water.  I saw the photos of the wilderness, and...
Halfway Around the Globe and Back, 2017

Halfway Around the Globe and Back, 2017

We had a busy (and fun!) year traveling halfway around the globe in 2017.   We like to travel independently, and our first trip was to Mexico.  In the Spring, we flew to Japan where we spent five days in Tokyo before boarding a ship for a transpacific voyage to...

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Updated Cuba Travel Regulations

Cuba is hot Hot HOT!  With the appearance of cruise ships this past year, travel to Cuba has been easier than ever.  However, travel to Cuba is a fluid thing with requirements changing year to year.  As of November 9th, the rules have changed a bit again.  This time,...

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Athens – City of Athena

Athens – City of Athena

Way way back in they day--like waaay back in the day, Athens needed a patron God or Goddess.  Poseidon and Athena both thought they were up to the task. They played a match of skill and wisdom atop the Acropolis in front of the first king of Athens, Cecrops (half...

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