If you think holiday travel is stressful, try adding a yowling cat or heavy panting dog to the mix. Whether you are driving over the river and through the woods or leaving on a jet plane with your beloved furry child, these five items can make the trip easier for everyone involved.

November is here and that means the official kickoff of the Antarctic season!  Many excited travelers have made their way or will shortly be en route to the southern tip of South America to board one of the many expedition ships and embark on the trip of a lifetime.  Throughout the season ~ November to March ~ I’ll be answering one burning quest

The lone cry of a single gull. The lush green of the forest. The spray of the ocean, hitting the rocks. The intrepid stance of a surfer, heading out to catch  the waves. Such visualizations bring you to a sense of place.

Rebuilt on the site of a medieval citadel, the opulent and impressive baroque Konopiste Castle is in old Bavaria, now the Czech Republic.  Looking rather like a French Chateau, it’s set in a beautiful park with a large lake, lovely Rose Garden, exotic plants in hothouses and extensive Game preserves in the more remote areas.   Its most famous owner was