By Dirk Ebener - September 12, 2026 The Italian Job: A Memoir of an American Reporter in Rome is not simply an inside look at international journalism. It bursts with vibrancy and life, expressing the adventure of living and working abroad, the difficulty of adapting to a new culture, the joys and trials of raising a family far from home, and the pleasure of witnessing history unfold. "The Italian Job: A Memoir of an American Reporter in Rome" - by Jason Horowitz What stayed

By Dirk Ebener - August 15, 2026 Travel Technology for Solo Travelers Five Questions to Ask Before Packing Your Technology Can an iPhone and iPad replace the laptop for this particular trip? How will I connect to the internet when hotel Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable? What happens to my photographs and files if a device is lost, damaged, or stolen? How will I protect passwords, financial information, and personal data while traveling? Am I carrying technology because I ne

By Dirk Ebener - August 7, 2026 Coffee, Books, and the perfect day to write stories in the travel journal Picture your favorite movie or book. The story almost never unfolds as expected. The hero sets out with a plan, only to face a washed-out bridge, a missing friend, or a sudden storm. These surprises pull us in. Without them, the story would fade into the background, losing its spark. Yet when we travel, we hope for smooth sailing. We pore over reviews, snap up non-refun

By Dirk Ebener - July 10, 2026 After thirty years of travel, I’ve learned that the best journeys start when you let go of certainty and your planned itinerary. The Map vs. The Mirror: Choosing Between Asia and Europe After thirty years exploring Asia’s winding alleys and sharing many meals, you reach a crossroads. Will your next adventure be Europe’s polished elegance or Asia’s raw, immersive experience? This isn’t a list copied from a travel brochure. These are lessons I l

By Dirk Ebener - June 12, 2026 How Planning My First RV Adventure Across America Is Becoming Part of the Journey Itself Before you keep reading: With over 3,000 miles stretching before me, I find the journey weaving itself into my everyday routine long before the first mile is traveled. Between Georgia and New Mexico, new faces, untold stories, and conversations waiting to unfold are scattered along the road ahead. Route 66 offers more than a destination; it invites me to slo

By Dirk Ebener - December 15, 2025 Christmas is just around the corner! Fill stockings and place books under the Christmas tree. There is something deeply comforting about the quieter moments of the holiday season—the soft glow of lights on the mantle, the hum of familiar music in the background, and the way the world seems to exhale after a long year. Enjoy reading " Twelve Travel Books to Inspire Your Holidays and the Year Ahead." These are the days when time stretches ge

By Dirk Ebener - November 18, 2025 I felt my heart skip a beat when the midday sun glinted off the cobblestones of Rome's Piazza Navona, and my phone slipped for a second in the click of my camera shutter. Just a moment of distraction—and suddenly, the lens didn't feel secure anymore. Walking through unfamiliar streets, there's a certain thrill in pulling out your phone for that perfect shot… but also a vulnerability you don't always see until it's too late. Enjoy reading " T

By Dirk Ebener - November 11, 2025 Travel Book Review: Stories on the Road - Books That Blend Food and Travel Books and travel have...

By Dirk Ebener - October 18, 2025 Travel is about discovery, like finding a back-street café, a street food vendor, or a hidden ramen bar. Now, our most useful travel companions are the apps on our phones, ready to guide and inspire us. I’ve learned that a few good tools can turn confusion into confidence and help reveal the stories behind every meal. Here are my favorite travel and food apps, making each journey more flavorful and smooth, one bite and step at a time. 1. Ci