Author Profile: Diana Wilson

Split is a city on the Dalmatian coast known for an overabundance of sunshine and as the home of Diocletian’s Palace, the crumbling palace of a long-dead Roman emperor. Tourists shuffle through its ruins, snapping photographs and pretending to be interested in history, when what they truly crave is air conditioning and a moderately priced...   view more

If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being drawn to the coastal Spanish city of San Sebastián, I must warn you that it is a place of exquisite beauty and unparalleled culinary delights. This city, nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, is a trap for the unwary traveler. Its picturesque beaches, charming old town, and world-renowned cuisine are impossible to...   view more

Ah, Barcelona. A city of vibrant colors, ancient architecture, and a seemingly endless supply of delicious food. It’s a place where the sun shines brightly, the sea breezes are refreshing, and the tapas are simply divine. Join me on a gastronomic journey through Barcelona’s restaurants and bars, where every bite is a delectable...   view more

Salvador de Bahía, Brazil is a place where the very air hums with the promise of unexpected flavors, where a seemingly innocuous dish might contain a secret ingredient known only to the most seasoned of palates, and where a simple stroll could lead one into a restaurant of such bewildering charm that one might forget, for a moment, the pressing matters of one’s own existence. Thus, we embark on a journey through the gastronomic peculiarities of Salvador, a journey exploring restaurants that...   view more

If you’ve never heard of Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, it’s a place where the sun shines bright, the people are warm, and the rhythm of life is infectious. It is a city of vibrant colors, where the buildings are painted in hues that would make a rainbow jealous. It is a place where the old and the new intertwine, where the echoes of a complex history resonate through its cobblestone streets and bustling markets. Salvador is a city that deserves its very own travel...   view more

If you have found yourself in Rio de Janeiro, you may find yourself in need of sustenance, for even the most stoic and determined individual cannot subsist on sunshine alone. And so, one must eat. But what, you may ask, does one eat in a city where the very air seems to shimmer with a peculiar, almost edible, quality? That, dear reader, is the question that this Rio food and restaurants guide tries to...   view more

Ah, Rio de Janeiro. A name that dances on the tongue like a mischievous samba beat, a city where the sun shines with an almost indecent enthusiasm. But do not let the miles of postcard perfect beaches deceive you, dear reader. For within this vibrant locale, nestled between verdant mountains and the vast, indifferent ocean, lie experiences both dazzling and, dare I say, occasionally...   view more

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city of considerable size and, one might argue, considerable flamboyance, is a place where mountains rise dramatically from the sea. It’s a city of contrasts. One might find oneself strolling along a beach, the sand warm beneath one’s feet, only to turn a corner and encounter a bustling marketplace overflowing with sights, sounds, and smells that would make even a seasoned traveler’s head spin. Prepare yourself for such an eventuality with this Rio de Janeiro...   view more

If you find yourself adrift in the vast, bewildering metropolis of São Paulo, a city of ceaseless motion and innumerable possibilities, prepare for a certain degree of overwhelm. For while many travel guides might promise to share the best things to do in São Paulo, this particular account must, with a heavy sigh and a slight shudder, inform you that the true nature of such a grand urban expanse is often less about simple pleasure and more about a dizzying array of choices, each fraught with...   view more

Salvador was once deemed important enough to be the very first capital of Brazil. Imagine that: the first. And for centuries, Salvador was a bustling hub, a place where ships arrived laden with goods and, regrettably, with people snatched from distant lands. This history has left an indelible mark, shaping its culture, its music, and even the very flavours that waft from its...   view more

Edmonton offers a wealth of activities, from festivals and museums to parks and unique attractions, ensuring visitors can enjoy a vibrant and entertaining experience...   view more

Madrid’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, featuring traditional dishes like Cocido Madrileño and Bocadillo de Calamares, along with various tapas and...   view more

A clever traveler arriving in Dubrovnik would be wise to commence their explorations with a leisurely stroll. A well-conducted walking tour provides an invaluable opportunity to decipher the city’s intricate layout and identify those locales that most tantalizingly beckon further investigation. Choose from any number of private or group tours or embark on a self-guided Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour, utilizing this modest itinerary as a...   view more

The Walls of Dubrovnik offer a unique walking tour combining history and beauty, highlighting notable forts and enchanting views. Enjoy this self-guided...   view more

San Sebastian is a culinary paradise, renowned for its delectable cuisine, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline. Explore pintxos, seafood, and fine dining experiences that showcase the Basque Country’s rich culinary...   view more

If you find yourself in Catania, you might as well see the sights. Here’s my self-guided walking tour of the sights you should not...   view more

If you want to get to know Taormina, you need to walk around. Here’s my self-guided walking tour of the sights you should not miss. Taormina is a charming Sicilian town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Its narrow streets wind around ancient buildings and charming cafes, perfumed by the scent of sweet citrus and the salty ocean...   view more

If you want to get to know Antigua, Guatemala, you need to walk around. Here’s my self-guided walking tour of the sights you should not miss. Once you’ve made it to Antigua, dropped off your luggage, and maybe had a good sleep and/or something to eat, make your way to Iglesia de la Merced to officially start your Antigua Guatemala walking...   view more

How to get around, what to see, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink on your first trip to Savannah, Georgia. I’ve had the opportunity to spend a few weekends in Savannah over the past eight years. I’ve also gone with a few different people so I’ve “had” to do some of the same activities over again, and trust me when I say, this city does not get...   view more

Providence was one of the places we stopped on our mega-vacay this past summer. To be honest, the main reason we added this stop is because we didn’t want to spend an entire day driving to our next destination. But we were pleasantly surprised at how interesting Providence is. It feels like a quaint small town and a bustling urban city at the same...   view more

Burlington was a stop on our mega-vacay this past summer which meant that we also had the opportunity to spend a few hours in nearby Stowe. As a result, I’ve been doing a little research so that I’ll be ready whenever I get the opportunity to go go back. I’m sharing things we did as well as things I’ll definitely plan on doing on my next...   view more

We’ve had the opportunity to do a few weekend trips to Philadelphia and seem to find great stuff to do every time. If winters there weren’t so darn cold, Philly is definitely a city I could see myself living in as well. I’m sharing things we’ve done as well as a couple things we will definitely squeeze in next...   view more

Andrew and I have been celebrating my birthday with some sort of trip every year. Sometimes we go with with friends; sometimes it’s just the two of us. Sometimes we go for two weeks, sometimes we go for a day. Sometimes we fly to another country; sometimes we bike to another county. This year we drove down to Greenville, South Carolina for the weekend. I’m sharing things we did as well as things we would have loved to squeeze in if we had more...   view more

When trying to make a rough plan for our mega vacay this summer, I asked a number of friends for tips and recommendations for the areas we were hoping to visit and didn’t get as much guidance as I had hoped. So I thought it might be helpful to share what we learned here. The first major stop on our trip was Baltimore, Maryland, so let’s start there. I’m sharing things we did as well as things that sounded fun when I was doing my trip...   view more

Wilson is currently known for it’s whirligigs so it was pretty easy to lure friends with kids as well as another couple along with us. We had a fantastic trip, but having done it, there are a couple things I’d do slightly differently so I’m going to share what I would do and what you should do rather than what we actually...   view more

Imagine a city where the Adriatic Sea laps gently against ancient stone walls, and the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the salty air. This is Dubrovnik, a place of breathtaking beauty and a culinary paradise. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll be tempted by a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty seafood dishes to sweet pastries, Dubrovnik offers a feast for the...   view more

If you find yourself in the enchanting city of Split, Croatia, you’ll soon discover that the local cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Beyond the ancient ruins and crystal-clear waters, Split offers a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional seafood dishes to hearty stews, the city’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors and local...   view more

Nara, Japan, is a place of peculiar occurrences. And it is a place of ancient beauty and sorrowful history. If you’re not bored yet, read on for a complete Nara travel...   view more

Kobe, a city of exquisite beauty and enduring spirit, is one of Japan’s 10 largest cities, a bustling metropolis perched between the sea and the Rokko mountains. Its captivating beauty and urban charm has earned it a cherished place among Japan’s most attractive cities. For centuries, Kobe has served as a maritime hub. Indeed, its port was among the first in Japan to open its doors to international...   view more

If you are looking for a city that is both beautiful and haunting, then Kyoto, Japan is the perfect place for you. This ancient city is home to stunning temples, serene gardens, and a culture that is both rich and...   view more

Kyoto, a city cloaked in history and elegance, offers more than mere ancient temples and serene gardens. It is a place where tradition and taste intertwine in a most delightful manner. From the simplest bowl of soba to the most elaborate kaiseki dinner, Kyoto’s food is a testament to centuries of refined taste and meticulous...   view more

If you are looking for a city that is both bustling and bizarre, then Osaka, Japan is the perfect place for you. This sprawling metropolis is known for its delicious food, its lively nightlife, and its unique...   view more

Osaka is a city where the very notion of hunger is a delightful anticipation, rather than a gnawing dread. Here, one finds not merely sustenance, but an entire world of culinary curiosities waiting to be explored. From the bustling, neon-lit streets to the quiet corners of traditional restaurants, Osaka is a culinary playground, and it beckons all who dare to...   view more

Time to spend a weekend in Pittsburgh, a city steeped in industrial history and natural beauty. The unique charm of Pittsburgh captivates with yellow bridges, historical landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods like the Strip District and Schenley Park. Enjoy diverse dining options and a lively bar scene to complete your weekend...   view more

Erice is a town perched precariously atop a mountain in Sicily, its cobbled streets winding like a tipsy donkey path. The streets are filled with tourists and the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked pastries. Here, history hangs as heavy as the laundry strung across balconies, with ancient stone walls whispering forgotten...   view more

Trapani is a Sicilian coastal town whispering promises of sunshine and serenity. It is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, each turn potentially leading you to a picturesque piazza. Many of Trapani’s sights can easily be explored on foot in under an hour so read on for a free self-guided walking tour of Trapani that you can do on your own time, using my...   view more

Palermo is the capital city of the Italian island of Sicily. It is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and delicious...   view more

I recently had the opportunity to visit Cleveland for a few days and hang out with one of my favourite people in the world. I’d never heard anything good about Cleveland but having visited, I can tell you that Cleveland is a city that holds a certain undeniable charm, in the way a moldy basement might hold a dusty treasure...   view more

Columbia is a curious place. The streets are lined with trees that are always green, even in the dead of winter, and the air is filled with the sound of Darude’s Sandstorm. But there is also a darker side to Columbia. It is a place of secrets and shadows. It is a place where it is socially acceptable to yell “Go Cocks” while walking down the...   view more

Syracuse (or Siracusa) a city on the east coast of Sicily, is a place of history and myth. It is a city of ancient ruins, of Baroque churches, and of colorful...   view more

Siracusa is a city draped in seaweed and secrets, where baroque balconies jut out like broken teeth, and every alleyway seems to lead to a forgotten piazza haunted by pigeons and despair. Imagine a place where laundry flaps from windows like tattered flags of surrender. The air is thick with the smell of overripe fruit and fish drying on salty washing lines. But for those who find beauty in decay, Siracusa has a certain undeniable charm. Its crumbling grandeur possesses a strange...   view more

Burlington, Vermont was a stop on our mega-vacay this past summer. I’m a weird completionist so in my mission to check off all of the states, we needed to go to Burlington. But also there were a few places I’d actually been told about that I wanted to check out. Burlington is an impressively cool small town, as is nearby Stowe, which I will also do a quick post about. I’m sharing things we did as well as things that sound fun and would be worth checking out on our next...   view more