Perfect Portugal: Pristine Beaches, Powerful Pints, and Picturesque Perfection in the Algarve Seven years. That’s how long it’s been since we returned from the Algarve region of Portugal, and I still catch myself daydreaming about cliff-top cafés, golden limestone beaches, and that moment when my partner discovered Super Bock for the first time. You know…
One would think that two marriages are enough for anyone. One would think. I certainly thought so. That is, until about ten years ago when I suddenly found myself on bended knee with a ring in my hand. At my age, the knees don’t bend as easily as they used to. The whole thing felt…
It seemed we’d just landed back at Pearson in December when we found ourselves standing at the same gate again in February. This wasn’t some last-minute Travelocity Roaming Gnome situation though. No, this had been planned with military precision since the previous spring – because I married a woman who treats vacation planning like NASA…
2018 brought so much travel. I loved every damn minute. My better half racked up even more trips than I did that year. She attended a couple of FAMs without me. Work kept me home. October saw her jetting off to St. Lucia. In November she returned to the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata this time….
There was a lot of travel happening in 2018. We visited the Dominican for our anniversary in February, returned to Mexico in September, and the missus had traveled in October on a company FAM trip with the host agency we worked with at that time. When she returned, she suggested that I take a solo…
I feel that mixture of anger and frustration combined with sadness and loss as I begin this story. Years ago, I began writing this travelogue, then somehow left it in a draft and forgot about it. A few weeks back, I miraculously rediscovered it. I finished it off, published it, only to get locked out…
I married the smartest woman alive. Tina’s genius move? Getting hitched in February during the dead of a Canadian winter, which means every anniversary gives us an excuse to flee south. Cuba in 2016 for the wedding itself, Ecuador with good friends in 2017, and now 2018 was bringing us to Punta Cana in the…
The terminal at Pearson looked different that February morning in 2014. Not the building itself, it was the same chaotic lineup at security, same overpriced coffee, same departure boards clicking through destinations. What changed was me. I was actually boarding a plane for something other than work, heading somewhere that required sunscreen instead of a…
I need to tell you something, and it’s not easy. If you’ve been following The Beery Traveler for any length of time, you might have noticed things look different. New website. Fresh design. Clean slate. That last part? Not by choice. In April of this year, the developer who built and hosted our original website—along…
When people plan to visit Galicia Spain, they’re usually escaping Barcelona crowds or Madrid’s tourist circuits. Smart move. This northwestern Spanish region delivers authentic experiences without the selfie-stick armies—dramatic Atlantic coastline, exceptional seafood, and a craft beer scene that deserves more recognition. After years of exploring overlooked European destinations, Galicia represents exactly what thoughtful travelers…
Travel on a budget doesn’t mean settling for less—it means spending smarter. After years of exploring destinations from China to Ecuador without trust fund backing, we’ve learned that thoughtful choices matter more than unlimited budgets. Here’s how to stretch your travel dollars without sacrificing experiences worth having. Time Your Trips Strategically Off-peak and shoulder season…
The ocean cruise vs river cruise decision confuses many travelers. Both deliver memorable experiences, yet they differ fundamentally in how they approach cruising. After experiencing ocean cruising ourselves and researching river options for clients, we’ve identified key distinctions that help determine which style suits your travel preferences. Ocean Cruising: The Floating Resort Experience Ocean cruise…