Rachel's Ruminations - taking the road less traveled by

A view down Reduit Beach on St Lucia, with a mountain in the background.

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!

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A 3-storey building of stone that looks quite dirty with black soot. Two arches on the ground floor straight through the building. The 2nd and 3rd storeys are lined with arched windows with simple half-plllars between them. On the left side of the building there is an additional 4th storey, making that end a short square tower.

Trier Roman ruins: Germany’s Roman capital

The Trier Roman ruins in Germany make up a single UNESCO World Heritage site. Check out the Porta Nigra, which is remarkably well-preserved.

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a market vendor in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Anita Breland of Anita's Feast.

25 Practical Tips for Women Traveling Alone

Truly practical advice for women traveling alone. Tips for sleeping, eating, socializing and lots more travel advice for solo female travel!

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In the foreground a rocky bit of shoreline and the blue water lapping at it. In the background, the island, rising straight out of the water, cliffs on the sides, flat on top with a scattering of trees.

Cameo Island, Zakynthos

Cameo Island, Zakynthos, Greece: a beautiful rocky island with crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling and seeing the native turtles.

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A view from a hill looks across a valley. In the valley a lot of houses, quite close together, in bright colors. They extend up the valley and also down right to the sea on the right. The sea is deep blue. A forest-covered hill rises on the other side of the valley and, beyond that, two taller pointed hills, one partly behind the other: the Pitons in Pitons Management Area.

Pitons Management Area UNESCO site: So much to see!

Pitons Management Area UNESCO site in Saint Lucia contains the famous sulphur springs, a drive-in volcano, assorted waterfalls, the beautiful Pitons peaks and lots more things to see!

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Two red backpacks, one smaller than the other.

Minimalist packing tips: How to travel light!

These minimalist packing tips give you a step-by-step guide: everything you need to know and do to travel with carry-on luggage only!

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An orange glowing sun in a dark sky sits just above the horizon, sending a line of orange across the water toward the camera. To its left is the silhouette of two palm trees and some other shorter tree.

East Winds Resort St Lucia: A review

What’s special about East Winds Resort Saint Lucia is its size: it’s small and peaceful, perfect for a peaceful, laid-back Caribbean holiday.

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Things to do in Baden-Baden, Germany

Plenty of pleasant things to do in Baden-Baden, Germany. Stroll the historic thermal town, soak in a spa, visit a museum, or see breathtaking views over the Black Forest.

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A large hall with a checkerboard floor of marble, pillars along the walls, a large glass dome in the center of the ceiling.

23 fun facts about Wiesbaden, Germany

Here are some fun facts about Wiesbaden, Germany, a historic thermal town. Not as as famous as Baden-Baden, but it’s got plenty to offer.

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