Close your eyes and think:“Olso.” Quick! What comes to your mind? Henrik Ibsen? Thor Heyerdahl? Vikings? Nobel Peace Prize? Oslo is all of these things and so much more.

One of the first best sellers of the 21st century was Dan Brown’ “The DaVinci Code”, part thriller, part conspiracy and a whole lot of action thinly covered with illusions to religious history, the book has something for almost everyone, including the arm chair traveller and those ready to explore

Less is more! The Less burdened you are the less vulnerable you will feel when travelling, especially when travelling alone. Start by not bringing so much STUFF with you. Mentally rehearse your trip beginning with how are you going to lug your stuff to the airport.

For centuries religou pilgrims have sought accommodation in convents or monasteries. Today's 21st century traveller sill has that option. Low prices, good food, comfortable beds and quiet settings make staying in a religous guest house an excellent and affordale option for the traveller.

Every year, for more than two millennia, religious pilgrims have been flocking to Rome to visit the heart of Christianity, and perhaps, to see the Pope and receive a Papal blessing. Why not experience this for yourself?

Dream of canals and Europe, and most people think of Venice. With more canals than streets, and virtually no street traffic, the canals are Venice. But Amsterdam, Stockholm and St. Petersburg all lay claim to being the "Venice of the North," and all are worth a trip.

How can you make your arrival airport your first destination experience of your trip? A little web searching and you'll know where to find transportation to your hotel, a place to meet friends, if free wi-fi is available and where to find your favorite type of latte.

If you've seen one cathedral have you seen them all? Revel in the complex architecture, stained glass windows, niches, and chapels. But don't forget to look a little deeper, for the secret stories that are an integral part of a cathedral's history, especially Winchester Cathedral in England.

Did you know that the poet laureate Tennyson is the second most quoted writer after Shakespeare according to “The Oxford Book of Quotations.” Can’t think of a single line you would credit to Lord Alfred? How about? “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do or die.”

Just like the city of Istanbul, Turkey has one foot firmly planted in modern Europe and the other in the ancient Asia. Asia? Yes, the city of Istanbul straddles two continents – Europe and Asia. A visit will combine the mysteries of the East with the modern touch of the West.