Travel Blog

TRAVEL NEAR, TRAVEL FAR

Travel stories and practical advice from two architects exploring design, culture, hiking, and authentic experiences

Thoughtful Travel for Curious Travelers

Whether we're exploring a neighborhood trail close to home or traveling halfway around the world, we're always seeking authentic experiences, beautiful places, and new perspectives. Travel has shaped who we are, fueled our curiosity, and enriched our lives.

Travel Near Travel Far shares our adventures, detailed itineraries, travel tips, and lessons learned along the way—helping fellow travelers discover meaningful experiences, avoid the crowds, and make the most of every journey.

We do the research, so you don't have to.

Milan: Catching Up with my Old Friend

Returning to Milan after more than 30 years felt both like coming home and returning to a half-remembered dream. The city lingered in my memory through its sights, sounds, and smells, yet somehow no longer matched the place I thought I knew. Familiar, but no longer known. I recognized streets and corners but often couldn't remember where they led. I (Kevin) lived in Milan from 1989-90. It was a challenging, hand-to-mouth existence with money always tight in a somewhat expens

Kevin and Roxanne

5 days ago7 min read

WWOOFing in Europe: A Gap Year Travel Experience

The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a wonderful way to travel and connect with people, place and culture during travel. Our son, Cormac, spent 4 months traveling through Europe WOOFing.

Kevin and Roxanne

7 days ago6 min read

10-Day Alaska Itinerary: A Perfect Blend of Wildlife, Mountain & Sled Dog Adventures

This 10-day Alaska driving itinerary offers the best of wildlife, mountain and sled dog adventures.

Kevin and Roxanne

Jun 22, 20255 min read

11-Days in Southern Italy: Puglia, Basilicata, Campania

Perfect 11-day itinerary, featuring highlights of the Puglia region, Materia and Salerno.

Kevin and Roxanne

May 26, 20257 min read

Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast? There is One CLEAR Winner!

When people dream of traveling to Italy, they often picture pastel-colored villages perched on cliffs above the sparkling Mediterranean. For some, this bucket-list vision points to Cinque Terre in northern Italy; for others, it’s the Amalfi Coast in the south. In choosing between the two, we have a clear winner!

Kevin and Roxanne

May 3, 20253 min read

Two Weeks in Beautiful Slovenia

With its breathtaking alpine landscapes, scenic vineyards, and charming capital city, Slovenia has so much to offer.

Kevin and Roxanne

Nov 6, 202410 min read

17 Days in Norway: Fjords, Hikes and Family Travel

With dramatic mountains, endless fjords, and waterfalls at every turn, Norway is an enchanting place for outdoor adventures and hiking.

Kevin and Roxanne

Aug 2, 202412 min read

Discovering Memphis: A trip through its Music, Museums, and Menus

Top 5 Reasons to Go to Memphis 1. MUSIC HISTORY: Memphis has amazing musical legacy stories- from the iconic Beale Street known as the...

Kevin and Roxanne

Nov 1, 20239 min read

Baton Rouge Road Trip

A story in which my brother and I drive to Baton Rouge, eat catfish po-boys, gumbo, and 5 pounds of crawdads, only to drive back again...

Kevin and Roxanne

Mar 16, 20234 min read

Why Lucca Was Our Favorite Town in Tuscany

Lucca is a perfectly sized small city in Tuscany - perched close to but not quite on the Ligurian sea, a short drive or train ride from both Pisa and Florence, its well-preserved historic walls circle the historic city center, piazzas, and cobblestone streets. Puccini, the great opera composer was born here - as were pesto, focaccia, and panzanella. Nowhere near as touristy as other parts of Italy, Lucca is definitely worth a day trip from Florence, Pisa, or the Cinque Terre

Kevin and Roxanne

Jan 10, 20235 min read

Grand Canyon Weekend Trip in December

A long weekend in early December is a perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Kevin and Roxanne

Dec 30, 202211 min read

Product Review: Kuhl Valiant SS Krew and Trekr 11" Short.

Somehow, someone from Kuhl stumbled across this humble blog site and asked us if we'd test and review a product or two of our choice. Why, of course, we can help out! We typically love Kuhl-wear.

Kevin and Roxanne

Nov 12, 20226 min read