By Carolee Cameron NABBW’s Associate for Independent Travel   Before you travel to France, it is important, even essential, to know at least three things. First, be aware that French culture is different from American, but equally, if not more, genteel. French people are quintessentially polite and considerate. Before you interpret their behaviors, be fully aware of what these behaviors communicate in France. These meanings are not the same as they would be in the United States. For example, a delay in giving you your check at the end of a meal is certainly not indicative of poor service... Read More

By Carolee Cameron NABBW’s Associate for Independent Travel   Are you ready for another “Trip of a Lifetime”? For now, sit back in your favorite chair and imagine yourself on this trip, breathing clean mountain air and taking local ferries back and forth across stunning lakes, with mountains as their backdrop. You will journey southward across the Alps from Switzerland into Italy on the William Tell Express, then northward back across the Alps into Switzerland on the Bernina Express, then westward through the Alps on the Glacier Express. Prepare yourself to gaze upon some of the most... Read More

By Carolee Cameron NABBW’s Associate for Independent Travel The adage holds. “To travel is to visit people.” Think about your trips as a child, traveling to Tarpon Springs to visit your Aunt Sadie and Uncle Bob. Then put yourself back in that frame of mind.As you pull up their driveway, you know what to expect. First everyone will greet each other happily. Then, before you even come inside to sit down, Uncle Bob will eagerly lead you out to his back shed to see and admire his dozens of multicolored parakeets. Next he will invite you out for a ride around the bay in his motor boat.... Read More