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. Thank you for visiting!
Latest from the Blog

Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand
Sukhothai Historical Park was the capital of Siam centuries ago. Read all about what to see in this UNESCO site in central Thailand.

Fortified Churches of Transylvania
Seven of the 150 castle-like fortified churches of Transylvania make up a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by Saxon settlers in the Middle Ages.

St Lucia travel tips: Things to know before you go
These travel tips are all things to know before going to St Lucia: about driving, choosing beaches, choosing where to stay, and more!

Things to do in Pass-a-Grille, Florida
Beaching, shopping, eating, sightseeing, drinking: the best things to do in Pass-a-Grille, Florida, a charming alternative to St Petersburg.

Chinese Temples in Bangkok
Chinese Temples in Bangkok, Thailand, are different from traditional Thai temples. With plenty of photos to help you choose which to visit.

Deshaies, Guadeloupe: The Paradise in “Death in Paradise”
Visiting Deshaies, Guadeloupe, the setting for the BBC series “Death in Paradise,” was a bit surreal for me: so beautiful and so strangely familiar.