Taking the road less traveled by.
“Ruminations” means thinking something over carefully. It’s also what cows do: chewing their cud. I’m the cow, chewing over my thoughts about what I see and experience before I sit down and write about them. Rachel’s Ruminations is a travel blog focused on independent travel with an emphasis on cultural and historical sites. I also occasionally write about my life in the Netherlands, as well as reviews of hotels, resorts, cruises, tours, etc. Thank you for visiting!
A behind-the-scenes look
Keep in touch with Rachel’s Ruminations!
Latest from the Blog

Havelis in Jaisalmer
Havelis are a form of architecture common in Rajasthan, but the havelis in Jaisalmer are particularly beautiful. Read about what makes them special and which to visit on your trip to Jaisalmer.

The beauty of the Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland
The Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO site in southern Switzerland, is a marvel of engineering, taking passengers past absolutely stunning scenery through the Alps to Italy.

4 Barcelona bike routes + biking tips
Barcelona is a great place to explore by bike. Here are the unmissable highlights of 4 Barcelona bike routes, plus some useful bicycling tips!

Visiting Lascaux Cave and its magnificent prehistoric artworks
Lascaux Cave is known the world over for its astonishing prehistoric artworks. Here is what you need to know before visiting.

Which wine museum in Bordeaux should you visit?
The Musee du Vin et du Negoce or the Cite du Vin: which wine museum in Bordeaux should you visit? I visited both, so you don’t have to!

Château de Chambord: A royal hunting lodge
Chateau de Chambord: a spectacular 16th-century castle in the Loire Valley, worth seeing for its architecture and the art it contains.