International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world,  and a big part of any culture is the cuisine. The food of a region is a reflection of their history and geographical location and the resources they have available to them.

Spain, a top food and wine destination, has six distinct culinary districts - the North, Pyrenees, Valencia, Andalucia, Central and Catalonia. 

Catalonia's largest and most well known city, Barcelona, is a popular port city on Spain's northeastern coast.    Because of its location on the Balearic Sea and a stone's throw from the Mediterranean, Barcelona's gastronomy scene is characterized by amazing  seafood.  One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get either fried or grilled. 

​Travelers, however, will find all types of culinary delights,  reflective of the colorful history and centralized location in relation to northern Africa and all of the Mediterranean.  

A number of years ago I was on a Mediterranean cruise, starting and ending in Rome.  I remember talking with an Australian couple that first evening about how they had lost all their valuables - money, passport, personal items - in the  main Rome train station, on their way to the ship.  A very professionally dressed man had swiftly cut the bag that she was carrying over her shoulder, and disappeared before she or her husband could even react.  

Another couple I met on board ship had heard about how good pickpockets were in Europe, and were absolutely convinced they would know if and when someone tried to take a wallet out of their back pocket.  They decided to put this thought to test in Barcelona by placing a "sticky" wallet (made of rubber or some type of material that supposedly sticks to fabric and is difficult to remove) in a very tight back pocket.  Well, the wallet was never seen again.  They admitted that they had NO clue where or when it disappeared.  

I've been to 8 out of the 10 top cities known to have the best pickpockets in the world.  While no one is exempt from being targeted, I can say that I've never lost anything by following a few simple rules.                   

Whenever I take a cruise that includes a significant investment in airfare (i.e. Europe), I try to add a few a extra days pre/post cruise.  Why not?  I'm already there, so I take advantage of the opportunity whenever my schedule allows it.  

I did just that last month both before and after my Rhine River cruise.  Prior to, I spent a few days in Zurich and explored the beautiful surrounding region.  I'll share more about my time after in Amsterdam in another post. 

Freezing temperatures and snow that even surprised the locals greeted my arrival into Zurich.  I learned years ago I can't do anything about Mother Nature, so when she hands you some lemons, adjust and make some lemonade!  

​Even though I knew ahead of time the first few days would be iffy weather-wise, I have to admit it was really cold walking around Zurich's Old Town, which  limited exploration time in the city.  The hot chocolate and coffee  sure were good though, and that stop in the chocolate shop - well, let's just say the cold weather kept us in there longer than advisable!

But the cold and dampness spurred us into action.  We adjusted our plans, and for that we were justly rewarded.   

An  island nation with a population over 5 million people, this Southeast Asian capital has grown into a hot destination, with its melting pot of cultures, great food,  modern and iconic architecture, museums, gardens and more.  

Singapore has a rich history, dating as far back as the third century, but modern Singapore was born in the early 1800's when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty to establish Singapore as a British trading station.   Today, Singapore is a city of sharp contrasts -  old and modern,  green and concrete, colonial and skyscrapers.  Read on to check out the top things to see and experience in Singapore, a vibrant and young city state that became independent in 1965.

I had the privilege of visiting Amsterdam a number of years back.   It was only a one day visit - a port stop on a memorable cruise to Norway - but I had such a good time on that day I've been wanting to come back ever since.   My upcoming river cruise on the Rhine River next year will give me that chance.  There is so much to look forward to.    

Quebec City, with its fortified walls, stunning Chateau Frontenac and picturesque views of the Saint Lawrence River, has become an increasingly popular cruise destination, for large and small ships alike.  The attraction?  Inviting European charm, fascinating history dating back over 400 years, wonderful culinary delights and the surrounding natural beauty.  

Did you know that Quebec City was established before the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock?  French explorer Samuel de Champlain had previously explored the area in 1603, including Niagara Falls and the Saint Lawrence River.  He returned from France in 1608 to establish a fur trading post in what is now Quebec City.  He continued to explore the region and write about his discoveries until 1620 when Louis XIII ordered him back to Quebec to oversee the administration and growth of New France, which he did until his death in 1635.  Many places, streets and monuments in Canada and the US memorialize him, one of the most notable being Lake Champlain.

Quebec City today has a distinctly European, old world charm, with its stone buildings,

Whenever I think of Venice, I see gondolas, the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square and of course the Grand Canal.  Venice is on many a bucket list, and for good reason.  It is a lovely city, vibrant, romantic and full of history.  Venice is just plain fun - to explore, get lost in (" Hmmm, didn't we just cross that bridge?  What vaporetto stop were we supposed to get off at? "), delicious cuisine.  Yes, what a great city and experience! 

It's been a few years since my last visit, but I still remember sailing out of Venice on my Mediterranean cruise.  A beautiful, clear day, I was up on the top deck, taking in all of the stunning sites.  As we passed by some of the islands, it reminded me that while there is so much to see and experience in Venice, we oftentimes don't leave the city itself. 

I always suggest setting aside a day, weather permitting, to get out and visit the Venetian Islands.  If time is limited, a half day tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello will give you a good flavor, but if you have the time, spending a full day exploring these islands plus San Michele and possibly Lido di Venizia won't be disappointing.  Find the right vaporetto stop, hop on and be on your way. 

A question I get quite often from my cruise clients is whether or not to take a cruise excursion while in port or go at it independently.  My answer depends on the port of call, if my clients have been to the port before and how comfortable they are exploring on their own. 

As an avid independent traveler, I tend to steer away from the cruise excursions as I find them overpriced, touristy, crowded and too structured.   I'm not a fan of crowds and much prefer a small group tour for the better experience and value.  If I am going to take a tour, I usually go with a trusted and vetted supplier.  That said, I will take an excursion offered by the ship if I'm in a city I'm not comfortable exploring on my own (e.g. Tunis), the 3rd party excursion company doesn't offer what I am looking for and/or if the ship's excursion is just plain better.   However,  I find exploring a city independently the most enjoyable.  I can structure the day to my liking, linger at a spot longer, experience the sites most important to me, and enjoy the local food and beverages.  In Europe especially I find the transportation systems ideal for this type of exploration as long as you are comfortable with it and don't have trouble walking.   

This is exactly what I did while in Barcelona for a day.  The cruise docked close to city center, making this port perfect for seeing the city on my own. 

"Welcome to the Year of the Red Fire Monkey! 

In Chinese astrology, each year is symbolized by one of twelve animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) and one of five elements (metal, water, fire, wood or earth).  The animal - element combination occurs every 60 years, and this year is the "Year of the Red Fire Monkey" (red for the color of fire).     

Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a celebration that lasts over a period of 16 days.  The first day of the Chinese calendar in 2016 is Monday, February 8, and in 2017, New Year's will be celebrated on January 28, 2017.  It's never too soon to start planning a trip to take in the Spring Festival experience next year!