Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – February 24, 2026

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – February 24, 2026

by | Feb 24, 2026 | Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch

1. Your PASSPORT – You Can’t Leave Home Without it

Last fall, I was challenged to share a travel hint a day.  I was on the road for 52 days, and came up with about that many hints, tips, and ideas to share.  Here’s the first I recorded, in Ireland, on the River Shannon.  Click on my picture to link to Instagram.

2. Destination Deep-Dive: Edinburgh, Scotland

I’ve stood on a lot of hills in my nearly fifty years of exploring Europe, but Calton Hill is one of the best. Right in the heart of Edinburgh, this volcanic knoll rises just above the city’s rooftops and delivers a view that will leave you gaping in awe. No charge, no ticket line, just a ten-minute climb, and suddenly the whole city is laid out before you like a painting.
Look one way, and Edinburgh Castle rises dramatically from a volcanic rock. Turn around, and Arthur’s Seat looms like a sleeping giant. The Firth of Forth glitters in the distance. And dotting the hilltop itself? The unfinished National Monument — Scotland’s grand, abandoned attempt at a Parthenon — standing proud and slightly awkward, a monument to ambition if nothing else.
Come up here at sunrise, if you can manage it. The city glows golden, and you’ll have it almost entirely to yourself. I always tell my friend: if you only have one hour to spend in Edinburgh, spend it up here. You’ll leave understanding exactly why people fall head over heels for this magnificent city.
IRELAND-SCOTLAND-WALES are on Sale – Only for you, my TTTD readers.  Save $500 when traveling this June 2026. Sign-up online, pay $400 deposit.  We’ll deduct your TTTD discount on the final invloce.

3. Behind the Scenes: Blooper Reel in Phoenix

I was on the “Travel and Adventure Show” Destination Stage last week talking about my tours and giving travel hints. My moneybelt hint did not come out as planned.
Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.
Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – February 4, 2026

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – February 4, 2026

by | Feb 4, 2026 | Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch

1. What’s David up to?

It’s nice to be home!  Between helping Charlotte get back to normal, visiting with my Mom across town in a nursing center, and catching up with chores around the house, I’ve been busy.  Charlotte is doing well and improving everyday.  With PT and exercise she will slowly return to her normal life.  It’s amazing what 37-days in a hospital bed can do to your body!  I have three travel shows coming up this month in Phoenix, Chicago, and Ft. Lauderdale.  You’ll get notices about them in other email promos, but if you are around, please come visit me!

2. Athens – 49 years visiting this capital city

In May 1977, I boarded a plane with forty or so of my friends and flew off to Europe.  After almost 24-hours of travel, I arrived in Athens and have been wowed by this historic city ever since.  Athens is definitely worth a visit, but if you are into history, it’s a must-visit destination.  I ran across this blog article I wrote in July 2014 about my walk in the old historic Plaka neighborhood.  The information is timeless, because the Greeks have been around well over 2500 years!  I’m leading my Best of Greece tour (April 14-25), and we will visit many of the destinations referenced in my blog article.  If you’ve got some free time, come join me at super discounted prices (see below).

3. Not a Dollar Short –

Since I am a day late getting this TTT DISPATCH out, here are some offers only available to you, my trusted Travel Talk Tuesday subscribers.

This is my discounted tours promotion for the Phoenix Travel and Adventure Show (February 14-15), so ignore the “on sale today only” caption. If any of these tours strike your fancy, text or email me and I’ll tell you how to signup with the $500 discount.  If you know someone that’s interested, ask them to sign up for my TTT Dispatch, and then get in touch with me for the $500 discounts. This offer is valid only until 2/13/2026 and only for TTTD subscribers.

Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – January 20, 2026

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – January 20, 2026

by | Jan 20, 2026 | Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch

1. Update on Charlotte

Hallelujah!  Charlotte was discharged from the Freising Clinic last Tuesday (1/13).  We stayed overnight at the Munich Airport Hilton and flew home on Wednesday.  Charlotte did very well on the flight, and we were home in our own bed by 10:00 pm!  Today, Charlotte visited our primary physician and got her “marching orders.”  Physically, Charlotte is doing great; everything is working as it’s supposed to, but she needs extensive PT to rebuild her stamina and strength.  Six months to a year is the usual/normal recovery time after a sepsis infection like this.  Thank you all for your prayers, cares, thoughts, and concern. 

2. Travel Show Season – Come Find Me!

Jamie and I spent last weekend in Washington, DC, at the Travel & Adventure Show talking to folks about our tours to Europe and Beyond.  We reconnected with many tour alumni and made new friends, too!  In the coming months, you’ll find me, Jamie, Leslie, and others (but not Charlotte) at these Travel and Adventures Shows.

*  February 14/15 – Phoenix
* February 21/22 – Chicago/Rosemont
* February 28/March 1 – Ft Lauderdale
* March 28/29 – Dallas

 Complete information at the Travel & Adventure Show website.

Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – January 6, 2026

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – January 6, 2026

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch

1. Update on Charlotte

 Today is DAY 31 of Charlotte’s hospital stay in Freising, Bavaria, Germany. A few days ago, she was promoted from the ICU to a regular room on the fifth floor. It is an austere room, but it has a wonderful view out the window of Freising DOM Cathedral Hill, the Munich Airport, and the Alps in the distance.

We are hoping to get on a plane and get home soon. Maybe by mid-January? Charlotte is still very weak. She will need to get some more strength to maneuver on a flight home. So, if you are a praying person, we ask that Charlotte get some PT and get up and walk. All her organs and vital signs are doing well, and she is improving every day.

2. I am whittling down my spring travels

Charlotte being sick and my living in Germany for 30+ days has caused me to rethink my spring travel plans.  No, I’m not giving up on Exploring Europe, but I do have to consider my time away from home and away from Charlotte. I also need to consider complying with the EU rules on visa-free travel for Americans.  I can only spend 90-days out of 180-days in the Schengen countries.
 
So, I’m whittling down my spring schedule and only leading a few tours for our alumni friends. I’ll personally lead The Best of Portugal, The Best of Sicily, and The Best of Greece. And with Greece and Sicily, I’m limiting the group to 6 people, and I’ll do the driving!  I’m looking forward to getting off the beaten path and exploring some destinations our mini-bus tour coaches can’t go.  I have a couple of seats available in all three countries, so come on and join me!

3.Off the beaten path in the Greek mountains –

Temple of Apollo Epicurius.  Read my blog and watch this video, and I bet you’ll want to go with me!

Off the beaten path at a Mt Etna Winery- 

I was up on Mount Etna with my Sicilian friend, Paolo, a few months ago.  After winding through the lava fields and trekking down into a crater, we had had all the cold and desolate volcanic slopes we could stand for the day.  So we headed back down the northern slope of Etna to the Gambino family winery. 
(Full account coming 1/10/2026 in my Monthly Newsletter).

Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – January 6, 2026

Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch – December 23, 2025

by | Dec 23, 2025 | Travel Talk Tuesday Dispatch

1. Update on Charlotte’s ICU Condition-

Charlotte continues to improve little by little in the ICU at Kilinicum Freising. Charlotte became very ill a couple of weeks ago while on our first Christmas Markets tour from Budapest to Munich. Initially, we thought it was a cold or the flu. But as time progressed I knew it was much more than that. By the time I got her to the ER clinic at the Munich Airport, she could barely walk. (Photo below of us in Budapest on December 1st).

Charlotte was diagnosed with toxic shock septic infection and progressed to sepsis. Her vital organs rapidly shut down, and she was placed on life support. She was in a coma and unconscious for 6 days. On day 6, the intubator tube was removed, and she was breathing on her own, but with 50% O2. Charlotte was slightly aware that Jamie and I were in the room with her.

Over the last 16 days, Charlotte has done remarkably well. The doctors and staff say she is a miracle coming back from near death. Charlotte’s kidneys continue to improve. She is back on dialysis for a few days with the hope that this will be the final jolt to get them back in action. The “infection” (still unknown) is not eradicated an evident by a low-grade fever.

Many are praying for Charlotte, and believe me, we can feel your prayers. Please continue to pray that Charlotte’s kidneys will return to full function, that the infection will be eradicated, that she will stay healthy, and that she can regain her strength and mobility so we can return home soon. Please pray for me too as I remain here by her side in Freising.

2. Destination Report – Freising, Germany

I ended up in Freising not because I wanted to, but because I had to be here with Charlotte (see above).

Now that I’m here, I can’t believe I’ve missed it for the 48 years I’ve been coming to Europe. This charming Bavarian town, located just north of the Munich Airport, is one of Bavaria’s oldest settlements with a history stretching back over 1,300 years. For most of that time, Freising was a powerful and independent prince-bishopric. The Bishop of Freising was more than just a religious leader. He also held significant secular power as a prince of the Holy Roman Empire. With this, the prince-bishop controlled lots of land and wielded political authority that made Freising a major ecclesiastical center in medieval Bavaria.

Domberg Hill, with the white twin spires of the Freising Cathedral, dominates the skyline for miles.  Climbing or riding the funicular to the Freising Cathedral is a must.  The cathedral (Dom St. Maria und St. Korbinian) is dripping with impressive Baroque art and architecture.  Even if you’ve seen enough churches, this one warrants a look inside.
The town’s picturesque Altstadt (old town) is perfect for wandering, with colorful historic buildings, cozy beer gardens, and plenty of traditional and international restaurants. The city center is pedestrian-only and loaded with boutique shops, department stores, bookshops, banks, and pharmacies.  Everything one needs to set up camp here for a few days.
Freising is also home to the Weihenstephan Brewery, the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery, founded in 1040.  I’m visiting here in December.  So the outdoor biergarten is closed for the season, but the  braüstube cellar and restaurant remain open throughout the year.
The nearby Isar River provides lovely walking and cycling paths, and if you’re interested in hops and brewing culture, the Hallertau region—the world’s largest hop-growing area—is just a short drive away. Since you’re so close to Munich (about 30 minutes by S-Bahn), Freising makes an excellent base for exploring both the tranquil Bavarian countryside and the vibrant city.

3. Airalo E-Sim – A Cheap alternative to USA Cell Phone International Data Plans

Back at the beginning of November, I suggested Airalo might be a reliable and inexpensive alternative to our USA legacy carrier’s international text, data, and call plans.  After using Airalo for a few weeks, I’m sold on it.
Once I set up and funded my Airalo account online, the installation and setup on my iPhone 15 Pro Max were seamless and behind the scenes.  All I had to do was go into my iPhone settings, visit the “Cellular” tab, and select which features I wanted to use with my primary (USA) account and my Airalo account.  I chose to receive calls on my USA number and use Alralo for data roaming and texting.
With Airalo, I paid €13.50 (~$16 USD) for 7 days of 10GB data, text, calling, and roaming in Germany.  Compare that to my ATT International Plan, which costs me $84 for 7-days ($12 per day).  An unlimited data plan was available for $26 for 10 days.  There are similar savings across all countries and regions worldwide.
So far, the only draw back I’ve found is streaming services like Netflix and Parime Video eat up data quickly.  But, that can be prevented by using those service on WiFi and reserving Airalo data for texting, calling, email, maps, and social media.
Next time you leave the USA, give Airalo a try.  I think you’ll like it.  When I signed up, I enrolled in a referral program that will save you and me $3.  Just use the referral code “DAVID60800” when you sign up at https://airalo.com

 

Merry Christmas from the McGuffin’s!  That’s me and Jamie last weekend in Freising. 

Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.