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How to do the Spanish New Year Grape Tradition Properly
Let’s explore the Spanish New Year grape tradition everyone keep getting wrong! Learn the common mistakes New Year’s Eve revellers make with las doce uvas de la suerte to bring genuine luck for the year ahead. Doing it the Spanish way makes the tradition far more fun and meaningful. When you understand the cultural significance behind las doce uvas, it turns from a novelty into something genuinely special. In recent years, Brits and Americans alike celebrating New Year’s Eve have started joining in with Spain’s beloved grape tradition, but many are unknowingly missing the mark entirely. The ritual, known as “las doce uvas de la suerte” (the 12 grapes of…
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Where Locals Go Instead of the Most Overrated Spanish Landmarks
Skip the tourist traps and discover the authentic Spain locals actually love! Spain welcomes over 85 million visitors annually, making it one of the world’s most popular destinations. But not every famous landmark lives up to its reputation. A lot of the most iconic spots from Barcelona to Madrid leave travelers feeling overwhelmed, squeezed between crowds, and paying inflated prices for experiences that have lost their authenticity. “After years of living in Spain and guiding students through the country’s culture, I’ve seen countless visitors return from ‘must-see’ attractions feeling disappointed,” says James Smith, founder of Learn Spanish with James, an online platform offering Spanish courses and cultural insights led by…
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Seven Unusual Travel Superstitions from Around the World
My lucky number is seven. I was born on September 7, my phone number has 7 in it and my house has 7s in the land square footage. So I guess I am also superstitious after all! I don’t know what it is exactly but it gives me peace when I see it and know things are flowing in the right way. Travel stress is certainly a real feeling due to concerns around potential airport delays, disruptions or mishaps abroad. Some say air travel causes more anxiety than filing taxes or visiting the dentist! I would agree with the taxes but am the weirdo that likes the dentist – so…
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How to Move to Greece as an American
Want to get the funk out of the fascist regime that is currently life in the USA? You’re not the only one who may be realizing that the United States of America is not the best country in the world as we were conditioned to believe since childhood classrooms, reciting our undying oath to the American flag and God… which I never did by the way, even as a kid it felt like I was being indoctrinated and I would just stand there and mumble some shit. Just like those disgusting force fed daily fluoride pills “to strengthen your teeth” that made my stomach hurt and I would stash them…
- Day Trips, Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Easy Hikes for Beginners in Bryce Canyon, Utah
Easy Hikes in Bryce Canyon Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Celebrate the summer solstice by hiking Bryce Canyon, Utah! What better way to celebrate the seasons than immersing yourself in nature? We ended up with one of the hottest weeks in June so far and had to make due with the weather we were given. Also we were both healing from various injuries still and had to take it easy. If this was before the summer of hell 2025, I would have been shredding up all those trails in style and thirsty for more minus the heat. But alas, this is part of my story now and part…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Explore Bryce Canyon Country from Stone Canyon Inn Cabins in Tropic, Utah
Cabins in Bryce Canyon, Utah Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler We were so excited to explore Bryce Canyon Country, Utah finally! This was a rescheduled press trip from last summer with Bryce Canyon Country that is now a gals road tripping adventure, low key style. Originally last July, we were supposed to join a group press trip that included horseback riding, ATVs through the canyons and group hikes which all are still not quite attainable to this day. Fortunately the tourism board was very understanding about the summer from hell 2025 and were more than happy to reschedule and arrange a private visit for me and a guest.…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Unique Things to Do in Ocho Rios and Kingston, Jamaica
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler The last time I explored Jamaica was in 2010 with Carnival Destiny! This was before Carnival became problematic by the way, it was on par with Celebrity and other elevated cruise lines back then but meant for a younger, more professional crowd. Some of my favorite excursions included riding horseback on One Drop (because his one ear was floppy) who ended up running my leg into a tree but no damage done, the colorful market, enjoying squishy kayaks at White River Valley where eventually I popped out of mine after some rapids and just swam around in the crystal clear blue waters the…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Flip the Script about Kingston, Jamaica with Locally Owned S Hotel Kingston
Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Get into the Jamaican groove at S Hotel Kingston! Situated in the bustling capital of Kingston, Jamaica, the former Spanish Court Hotel is now under the S Hotels Jamaica umbrella which is ideal for everyone who wants to be close to business centers, tourist attractions and local restaurants within a gated community. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, S Hotels offer hospitality in the heart of Jamaica’s cultural capital. A 50-foot infinity rooftop pool with breathtaking views awaits along with Rocksteady Restaurant and the multiple pool bars serving up Jamaican delicacies and international cuisine. The Blue Mountains and infamous pirate…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Refresh your Soul in the Turquoise Caribbean Sea at S Hotel Montego Bay, Jamaica
Photos, videos and story by Cassie Hepler Doctor’s Cave beach is said to have healing powers which is why it’s the Jamaican gem! S Hotel Montego Bay is an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica set right on this beach with lounge chairs, trees and drinks to enjoy while you swim your heart out or live your best life relaxing in the shade or soaking up the sunshine. Half of the beach is meant for guests only as well with plenty of lifeguards nearby so you can swim without worry. Located only 5 minutes from the Sangster International Airport, you can be getting your feet wet, sandy and your palate…
- Destinations, Education, Entertainment, Explore with Cassie, Food & Beverage, Latest News, Lifestyle
Go Truffle Hunting, Foraging for Flowers & Shopping in Force with Italy Charme
Truffle Hunting in Italy Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler Go truffle hunting in Italy! No pigs here at Agriturismo Ramusè but sweet dogs sniffing out the golden mushrooms, Cocker Spaniel mixes of the tan colored Electra and fuzzy Briciola. These pricey pups either come pre-trained at $3,000 to $7,000 Euro per dog or you can hire a Northern Italy truffle dog trainer for about $1,000 Euro a month. Paolo Ciccioli, owner of Agriturismo Ramusè and former truffle exporter to London, led us on a mountainside adventure in the drizzling rain where the black mushrooms were almost popping out of the ground because of the downpour. I thoroughly enjoyed…
