Just about 14 months ago, I committed myself to embarking on what many would describe as an unconventional. I booked a flight to San José, Costa Rica, with intentions of crossing the border into Nicaragua — two weeks of beaches, colonial towns, and volcano hikes. My Spanish, however, consisted mostly of “hola,” “gracias,” and the…
Tips and tricks
Don’t go overboard: A common sense approach to packing for your first cruise
In preparation for my first cruise in 2023, I went waaay overboard — no pun intended. I watched all the videos, read dozens of article and got all the gear they told me I needed. It was extreme overkill. If you’re traveling with a family, you may find it helpful to have magnet hooks or…


