stories to feed your wonderlust

Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Greece vs. Turkey

Few places bear the weight of mythology and antiquity like Turkey and Greece, making it nearly impossible to choose a favorite. Two Aegean gems, both steeped in history, fringed by stunning coastlines, and alive with rich traditions and unforgettable flavors. Whether you crave ancient ruins, sun-drenched beaches, or a deep cultural dive, each offers a journey worth taking. So, how do you decide?

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Delphi Decoded

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, Delphi stands as one of the ancient world’s most enigmatic sites. Revered as the navel of the world, this sanctuary dedicated to Apollo housed the Oracle, whose cryptic prophecies shaped the course of Greek history. While the mystical aura surrounding the Pythia—the priestess who served as the Oracle—has inspired myths for centuries, modern science has shed fascinating light on the phenomenon.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Persephone’s Island

The story of Persephone captures the heart of Sicily, a place where ancient ruins stand in symphony with modern mayhem, snow capped volcanoes paint the skyline, and the spice of life is present in everything from its cuisine to its language.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Who Was Romania’s Real Count Dracula?

Who was Romania’s real Count Dracula? The truth may be more macabre than the legend! Dracula is a character woven into Romania’s history as both hero and shadow, embodying the mystery and allure of this land.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Solar Maximum 2025

Why Finland could boast the best seats in the house for Northern Lights viewing in 2025.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Cloud Forests to Coral Reefs

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that calls out to those who crave the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and ecological exploration. With its lush rain forests, misty cloud forests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches, Costa Rica offers a bit of everything, but it’s the pura vida, or pure lifestyle, that animates the heart of this country.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Celebrating 100 Years in French Polynesia

This month we collectively turned 100, celebrating our 50th birthdays the first week of August. We chose to observe this auspicious event in French Polynesia. This remote French territory in the South Pacific is reputed for its luxury overwater bungalows and paradise-perfect beaches, but we had a hunch there’s more to it than that.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Conquering Carry-On Only Packing

As former tour guides, we were accustomed to living out of carry-on suitcases for long stretches. We understand how daunting it can be to compile the perfect carry-on composition for international travel.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

Delphi’s timeless call

When you visit Delphi for the first time—or the twentieth—the site’s natural beauty steals your breath, and you appreciate just how much of an aesthete Apollo was to select that particular hillside as the location of his most significant oracle.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

sicily’s aeolian islands

Dotting the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily lay the Aeolian archipelago, a strand of seven volcanic islands cast amid expansive blue waters, white sands, and volcanic pumice.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

aeolian islands in myth

Aeolus was the god and keeper of the winds who resided on the floating island of Aeolia. He helped Odysseus on his journey home from the Trojan War, warmly welcoming him and his crew and offering them hospitality for a month.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

The cyclops & nobody

Polyphemus was one of the Cyclopes, a race of one-eyed giants, sons of Poseidon, the god of the sea and earthquakes. He lived in a cave at the base of Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily where he tended to his sheep.

Read More
Taunya Dressler Taunya Dressler

high on prophecy

"Know thyself" (gnothi seauton) and "Nothing in excess" (meden agan) are two famous inscriptions that adorned the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.

Read More