Laura Winckler

Think about your favorite vacation. Do your memories linger on the souvenir you bought or the incredible meal that you ate? Eating involves all of our senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing, as well as taste. So it should be no surprise that our brains retain food memories better than any others. With all of our senses engaged, we remember not just the taste of the food, but the environment and conditions under which we ate it. Not only that, but taste is directly connected to the hippocampus,...

The Hotel DeVil in Arles Every year, millions of travelers choose France for their vacations. Some are visiting for the first time, while others are returning for a third, fourth, or even tenth visit. Few countries inspire the same sense of anticipation and affection that France does. But what is it about France that keeps people coming back? The answer isn’t just the Eiffel Tower or the museums of Paris. It’s the feeling that France creates. Whether you’re strolling through a centuries-old...

After helping many travelers prepare for river cruises throughout Europe and beyond, I've found that the biggest challenge isn't forgetting something important. It's bringing too much. If you remember only one thing from this article, remember this: Layers are the key to smart river cruise packing. They allow you to adapt to changing weather, create multiple outfit combinations, and travel with less luggage.