Author Archives: katemahar

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About katemahar

Freelance writer and event planner by trade . . . mother/daughter/sister/friend . . . passionate traveler . . . compulsive reader

Bill Bryson makes me laugh wherever he goes . . .

Posted on September 13, 2013 by katemahar

Since I will be traveling over the next five days (work, not adventures), I’m going to pop in a little book recommendation before I head to Nashville. Maybe I’ll write about Nashville when I return but to be honest, when … Continue reading →

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A city I’ve added to my bucket list: Maastricht, the Netherlands

Posted on September 3, 2013 by katemahar

Several days ago I promised I’d tell you about a city I saw on HGTV’s House Hunters International. This post is about falling in love with a city based on glimpses in a 30 minute reality TV show. How can … Continue reading →

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My favorite travel magazine

Posted on August 30, 2013 by katemahar

What makes you decide, I want to travel THERE? Lots of random things can get me interested in a place and wishing I could visit. Watching House Hunters International on HGTV is one of my inspirations. My son thinks I’m … Continue reading →

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A few tips on tipping: #3 Doling out cash at the airport

Posted on August 27, 2013 by katemahar

Practically everyone I know carries their bag onto the plane these days to avoid having to pay a checked baggage fee. (As an aside – if you are one of those people dragging on a gigantic bag plus a laptop … Continue reading →

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I went to Spain but it was closed

Posted on August 21, 2013 by katemahar

That actually happened to me last year. When you’re traveling according to a set schedule – whether you planned it yourself, or following the itinerary of a group tour or cruise – you don’t want to make the mistake of … Continue reading →

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Reasons to return to Rome, Part Five: Splish, splash, I want to see a Roman Bath

Posted on August 18, 2013 by katemahar

Normally, my television viewing isn’t especially high brow or educational. I don’t watch “Honey Boo Boo” or “The Bachelor,” but I am a big fan of “Project Runway” and “Masterchef,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Downton Abbey.” In short – I don’t … Continue reading →

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A few tips on tipping: #2 – Need help with your bags, ma’am?

Posted on August 12, 2013 by katemahar

Now, I admit, when I arrive at a hotel in the United States, I do find it a little aggravating that you’d better have a wad of cash in your hand before the airport cab pulls up to the hotel’s … Continue reading →

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Hail Franconia and a surprise in Wurzburg

Posted on August 7, 2013 by katemahar

Don’t you love it when you’re surprised by a place? The city of Wurzburg, Germany, was a stop on our Viking river cruise and our destination there, the Wurzburg Residenz. Wurzburg? I’d never heard of it. And when I learned … Continue reading →

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A few tips on tipping: #1 – Do you want frites with that?

Posted on August 2, 2013 by katemahar

I don’t know how, when or where the custom of tipping others for their services came about. I picture it starting with a clever, yet scruffy Cockney boy holding the carriage door open for a duke or earl as he … Continue reading →

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How Italy’s art was saved during World War II

Posted on July 27, 2013 by katemahar

I am an inveterate reader. I just looked that up to be certain I’m using “inveterate” correctly and the dictionary said something like a “habit of longstanding.” I was one of those kids who hid under the covers with a … Continue reading →

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