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Author Archives: Suzanne
Secrets of Authentic Paella from Valencia, Spain
Authentic paella originated in Valencia, Spain. It is so popular that the whole world considers paella to be a quintessential Spanish national dish. The Valencians can become quite incensed when people call any old rice dishes “paella” – there’s only one original Valencian paella. The black paella, seafood paella, etc. are not true paellas in …
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Valencia, Spain – so Excited that Les Falles is Happening Now!
When I decided to go on a beach vacation in Valencia, Spain, I had no idea that their big local festival, Les Falles, was happening. I’d never heard of it, but as I walked around town and saw the giant statues, fireworks, and smoke, I knew something extraordinary was going on… Normally held March 15-19, …
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Madrid, Spain: What to See in this Great City!
Madrid, Spain is a lively, elegant, sizzling, livable city, and after a couple of weeks here as a first-timer, I’m in love with it. If you search for what to see and do in Madrid, you’ll see the same suggestions over and over again. Let’s start with some unusual behind-the-scenes ideas that I found, and …
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3 Great Day Trips from Wiesbaden in Summer
Info on 3 great day trips from Wiesbaden, Germany: the Tree Face Forest, the Rock Ocean Forest (both easy walks), and Burg Rheinstein, a castle from the 1300’s. Lots of photographs to enjoy!
Schwarzer Bock Hotel in Wiesbaden, Germany – a Review
The Schwarzer Bock Radisson Blu Hotel in Wiesbaden, Germany is a wonderful place to stay, in the midst of a vibrant part of town, with many restaurants nearby.
Delta One Review – My Big Trip to Europe in a Pandemic
Are we in a pandemic? Or is it “post-pandemic” (will it ever be?) – whatever it is, travel is opening up for US citizens. I flew Delta One PHL to FRA on June 18; here’s my Delta One Review in a pandemic. Why was I anxious to go? My grandson was turning 5! I hadn’t …
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Look at these Unique Beach Towns in Colombia!
Palomino & Taganga – a guest post by Alex Barrera Alex says, “I was born and raised in Miami, but my roots are Colombian. As a kid, I went often, and I grew up learning much about my culture.” Check out her gorgeous photos, with lots of information about these 2 beach towns and their …
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Southwest Credit Cards now have Increased Bonuses – wow!
Update August, 2021 – sadly, the increased bonuses have ended – but read on; these are great cards! The offers for Chase Southwest credit cards are getting a major upgrade! Southwest Rapid Rewards is easily one of my favorite rewards programs for free travel. If you’re interested in signing up for a Southwest card, now …
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What are the Best Free Travel Apps for 2021?
Travelers have smartphones and we need travel apps! After years of solo travel, I’ve researched and used a bunch of different ones – here are Suz’s 30 Best Free Travel Apps, with some websites thrown in. Using these before and during a trip can help save you time, money, and a lot of stress. You can find local …
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Covid Vaccine Passport: What in the World is it?
An explanation and discussion of Covid Vaccination Passports.
Rabat, Morocco – Solo Travel – What to See and Do
5th stop in my month of solo travel, adventure, and discovery in Morocco! Morocco – this exotic, magical North African country has fascinated me since I was a kid, hearing Crosby, Stills, and Nash sing of “…striped djellabas we can wear at home,” from their song “Marrakech Express.” Fifty years later 😮 in 2019, I …
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Half Dome – First Solo Ascent to the Summit
Eric Beck was the First Solo Climber to Summit Half Dome Peak, a Grade VI Climb in Yosemite National Park Read this description of the first solo ascent to the summit of Half Dome, in Yosemite National Park, and alternate ways of reaching the top for hikers rather than mountain climbers Photo Credit: Breese76 I …
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Tangier, Morocco – an Ancient and a Modern City
During my year of overseas travel in 2018-19, I spent an exciting month in Morocco, North Africa, exploring much of the country. After Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Tetouan, it was time to move on to the famous port town of Tangier. Tag along! Join me here on a tour of the picturesque Medina of Tangier (a …
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Tetouan, Morocco – a fun Road Trip and Arts School Visit
In February 2019, I spent an amazing month traveling solo and exploring most of the country of Morocco, in North Africa. I took so many photos that I’ve divided this trip into several articles; this is 5th in the series. After starting in Casablanca, I first headed to Chefchaouen in the interior of the northern …
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Ultimate Guide to Credit Scores and Credit Cards
Fixes for No Credit & Poor Credit; Ideas for Excellent Credit -researched and written by Suzanne McConaghy If you want more flexibility and money in life, then you must pay attention to your credit scores and credit cards. Check out this ultimate guide for people with all credit scores – perfect, excellent, good, fair, poor, …
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5 Easy Ways to Travel for Free!
Earn credit card points, airline miles, and hotel points with these 5 expert tips; save or go free on flights, hotels, & vacations for international or domestic travel. Here’s where I’ve traveled – over 19 countries in the last couple of years, mainly due to travel hacking. Use my tips for free or reduced costs …
Practical, Useful Gifts for Travelers They’ll Love
Gifts for Father’s Day, Birthdays, any day! 💖💘💝 -updated July, 2024 Giving practical, useful gifts is important – first off, I get so much joy when I can gift someone a great present – don’t you?! 🥰 And, as a person who ditched most of my material things in order to travel the world, I …
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Well Told Design and Good Green Cleaner – 2 great finds
I recently came across a couple of items I wanted to share – they’re really cool!
The Souk & Tajine Lunch with new Local Friends – Solo Travel
Solo Travel Has Advantages! I loved exploring the small town of Chefchaouen, but wanted to see some of the surrounding areas as well. My guesthouse host suggested going to the nearby souk that was open that day, and arranged a driver for me. I’ve found that traveling solo opens up many unique opportunities. Here’s how …
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