The Traveling Professor's Blog

No Goodbyes on Isla Amantani

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Last April I took a trip to Peru, Machu Picchu, and Bolivia. On the way I stopped on Isla Amantani on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca where I was "adopted" by a local family for the day. The following blog post describes my exceptionally unique experience of staying with a family without electricity, internet, phones, or indooor plumbing. Whether you are traveling alone to Peru or with a small group tour to Peru, I heartily recommend this experience. Read the blog post to find out more about my experience on Isla Amantani.

Day Trip from Paris: The Champagne Houses of Reims

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I always like to take a day trip outside of Paris when I am there for a week or so. One of my favorite spots to go to is Reims, the capital of the Champagne region of France. It's easy to get to - about a 45 minute fast TGV train ride outside of Paris. Some of the most famous Champagne producers are located here: Taittinger, Mumm, and Pommery to name a few. Reims is a great small town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and historic sites. Read the blog post to see how to do a day trip to Reims from Paris.

France Guest Blog: A Tour of Toulouse, France

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Believe it or not, Paris is not the only fascinating place in Paris. Often after I have guided a small group tour to Paris I take off for a little bit of R&R to another region of France. For anyone, I would recommend a trip to Toulouse, France a short plane or train ride from Paris. My Traveling Professor colleague, Elyse, is a professional tour guide there and is an expert on the charming city. Read the blog post to get Elyse’s take on touring Toulouse and the surrounding area.

The Gardens and Waterfalls at Mandor

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Whenever I take a small group tour to Peru or Machu Picchu, I try to include something in the itinerary that no other tour does. Last November we took a half day hike to the Gardens and Falls at Mandor. It’s a relatively flat hour-long hike, along the railroad tracks from Aguas Calientes. It goes behind Machu Picchu into the Peruvian jungle. The views and sights are spectacular in the Peruvian jungle! Read my blog post to find out more.

Arthur Frommer and The Professor Agree

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I exhibited and gave a talk on "Above the Clouds in Peru and Machu Picchu" at the Philadelphia Inquirer Trade Show last weekend. I met hundreds of travelers and was one of the most popular speakers at the show. I was most intrigued by Mr. Frommer's comments who said, ""To travel on a bus with 45 other Americans is fatal," and "find companies that offer tours with groups of about 12 people" which is exactly the kind of tours we offer here at TravelingProfessor.Com. To hear my impressions of the travel show, read my blog post.

Meeting People and Making Friends in Paris

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Whenever we take a small group tour to Paris, Italy, or Peru, we have a welcome dinner where all travelers have an opportunity to sit down and meet each other. I always make a toast that goes something like this, "During this trip we will visit great sites and see amazing things. But the best part of the trip will be the friends that we make". But what if you are not traveling with a small group? Read the blog post to see how to meet people and make friends in Paris.

A Whirlwind Tour of Paris

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Sometimes travelers only get to spend a day or two in Paris. With over 130 museums and quality attractions, the question not might be what to see in Paris, but what to leave out when you only have a short stay. In this blog post, The Traveling Professor has custom-designed an itinerary for one day in Paris and another itinerary for 2 days in Paris. Take a look and see what to do on a short stay in Paris.

Peru, Machu Picchu and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I was watching the Travel Channel program 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, based on the book by Patricia Schultz. I was impressed by the show. It seems to be a cut above most of the other travel shows on TV these days. Peru and Machu Picchu was featured. I thought the program hit the nail on the head on what to expect and see in Peru and Machu Picchu and why it has become one of the top 5 most desirable places to go out of the 1,000 places to visit in this world before you die.

Brussels for a Day or Two from Paris

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite side trips from Paris is the one I make every now and then up to Brussels. It's only a short and inexpensive train ride away. Because Brussels is a business center, there are usually plenty of Brussels hotels offering discounts on the weekends. I'm often surprised about how different Brussels is from Paris in terms of food and culture. Take a look at the blog post and maybe it will help you in planning a trip to Brussels.

An Itinerary for Your First Day in Paris

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Whenever travelers arrive in Paris, especially for the first time, they want to get out and experience the city as much as they can, despite how much jet lag they might be suffering from. This itinerary gives a great overview of the city and puts the traveler in the mood for a delightful Parisian experience. Read this blog post by The Traveling Professor and get started on an adventure to Paris the right way.