top of page
The Donnarama Dishes Blog
Dishing on Travel
Blog posts related to Destinations and Travel Information


Travel Insights On Packing & Products
Want to know my favorite and most-useful travel packing products right now? (The holidays are coming up!) Want to know my tricks for packing lightly? Want to know whether to roll or fold your clothing? If yes, read on!
Oct 4


Dispatch: Antarctica
A visit to Antarctica will change you and become your coolest (and perhaps favorite) trip of all. I answer your questions and hopefully offer some inspiration.
Sep 5


You Need To Try AI For Travel Planning!
Even for technology phobes like me, the time has come to try using AI for travel planning. It will save you so much time and stress that you will never look back. Trust me. And, yes, I include the AI websites to try.
Aug 26


Dispatch: Montreal
If you like art/ museums, great food, shopping, spas, and want to feel like you've REALLY gotten a break, visit Montreal. It has so much to offer and is relatively close (if you are starting in North America).
Aug 6


A Prevalence of Sculpture in Vermont -- Who Knew?
For those who enjoy experiencing outdoor sculpture, there's more than you might expect to see in Vermont. Read on to learn where to find them and how to make a day (or 2 or 3) of visiting them.
Jul 17


Dispatch: A Gastronomic Exploration of Lyon, France
Lyon, France lives up to its reputation as the gastronomic center of France. Located close to great wineries and where the Saone and Rhone rivers converge, it is an epic place to visit if you love food (and wine).
May 30


Dispatch: Lyon, France (Beyond The Gastronomy)
While Lyon, France lives up to its reputation as the gastronomic center of France, there is so much more to experience there, and in the vicinity. Check out the ancient ruins, nearby medieval towns, and the cobblestoned streets in Lyon (with their hidden passageways).
May 30


Some Considerations While Traveling Abroad During Fraught Times
Many people are nervous about traveling these days (especially about coming into the USA). Here are some considerations to allay those fears, which I am really sad I feel compelled to write.
Apr 28


A Celebration of Vermont's Maple
Visit the maple sugar houses of Vermont during the early spring; and make a day of it!
Mar 26


Last Chance Travel: U.S. National Monuments
National Park Conservation Association has identified 13 national monuments it considers at risk after a recent Interior Department order.
Feb 14


They Go Together: January & Your Calendar
January is the perfect time to plot out the year. So get out your calendar now and set yourself up for a most-fulfilling year.
Jan 22


VT 251: By The CT River in the Northeast Kingdom
Tiny rural towns with more dirt roads than not personify these VT 251 towns in Vermont's North East Kingdom. Take a drive in the country!
Jan 10


VT 251: The Heart of the NEK
Lose yourself in these North East Kingdom towns. They are typically small and quiet and beautiful.
Jan 3


Last Chance Travel
Don't put off visiting these Last Chance travel destinations. They won't be around forever, and may well be gone if you wait too long.
Oct 29, 2024


VT 251: Just South Of Rutland
Bucolic mountain farms, dirt roads, covered bridges, and marble describe this VT 251 foray. Check out these towns just south of Rutland.
Aug 16, 2024


VT 251: The Islands
The Islands of Vermont are located in Lake Champlain the NW corner of the state. They offer beach fun, prehistoric fossils, and log cabins!
Aug 7, 2024


VT 251: The Upper Valley, Part 2
Finishing off the Upper Valley towns of Vermont, this VT 251 post brings you beauty, charm, and farmland galore.
Jul 31, 2024


VT 251: Just North Of Rutland
Bucolic VT near Rutland -- covered bridges, marble, outdoor recreation and serenity, and maple, of course!
Jul 23, 2024


VT 251: From Grafton to Weston, And A Little Beyond
This Vt 251 foray centered around the route from Grafton to Weston, but includes some outliers as well. Much cheese and much to see here!
Jun 28, 2024


VT 251: The Upper Valley, Part I
Come along to the seven towns and their eight covered bridges in this VT 251 exploration into The Upper Valley (of the CT River).
Jun 18, 2024


Immersive Travel Through Markets
If you can fit it in to your itinerary, plan to visit a farmer's market when you next go exploring -- near home or far away. Trust me.
Jun 13, 2024


Pancetta, Sage, and Tomato Sauce
A simple and delicious tomato sauce. It requires no skill and few ingredients and I strongly urge you to give it a try.
May 22, 2024


Dispatch: The Back Roads of Tuscany & Umbria
Read about a recent trip to the Italian hill towns in Tuscany & Umbria where the views, vistas, & food are every bit what you'd want/expect.
May 20, 2024


Best Breweries in Vermont
VT is a beer destination and Travel & Leisure has listed their top 12 breweries in the state. Read the list here and then go to the article
May 13, 2024


VT 251: Incredibly Scenic Farmland In Northern Vermont – Fletcher, Johnson, Hyde Park, Morristown, Elmore, and Wolcott
Signs of spring beckoned the latest VT 251 foray into northern VT farmlands. The scenery was beautiful enough to revisit in Fall.
May 2, 2024


How Not To Stand Out Like A Sore Thumb While Traveling: Some Dos & Don'ts
Heading abroad this spring/ summer? I've amassed some cultural dos and don'ts to make the most of your travel to 12 destinations.
Apr 30, 2024


VT 251: A Dirt Road Kind Of Day & Some More Covered Bridges
The latest installment of my VT 251 explorations. This one features two covered bridges, a maple farm, and a plethora of dirt roads.
Mar 4, 2024


A Road Trip Through Vermont
Thinking of a road trip to Vermont? Not sure where to go? Here's my recommended route -- full of cheese, beer, and beauty!
Feb 27, 2024


Shopping Ideas For You (Your Home) & Your Loved Ones
Some great shopping ideas for you, your home, or your loved ones. There's always some gift-giving holiday coming up, right?
Jan 30, 2024


Dispatch: Skiing at Whistler
A primer for anyone thinking of a ski trip to Whistler with specific info on what to do and where to eat while there.
Jan 26, 2024


Travel Planning 101
A primer on how to get your travel plans into gear for 2024. Knowing WHY, WHEN, & HOW are the keys to making that trip a reality.
Jan 5, 2024


Dispatch: Iceland In Winter
Wanna see the northen lights, experience glaciers and volcanoes, and eat really, REALLY well? Then this dispatch on Iceland is for you!
Nov 13, 2023


VT-251: Whitingham, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Halifax
This episode of VT 251 reveals for you my favorite covered bridge and Vermont's connection to Mormonism.
Oct 24, 2023


VT 251: Pownal, Stamford, & Readsboro
This episode of Vermont's 251 town exploration spans the very small, sleepy towns in southernmost Bennington county.
Oct 10, 2023


Where Are You Off To Next?
If you've got plans to travel, are any UNESCO Heritage Sites on your list? Need inspiration? Check out the 42 UNESCO Sites just inscribed!
Oct 6, 2023


VT 251: Bennington, Sunderland, Searsburg, and Woodford
Continuing my VT 251 town journey into Bennington, Sunderland, Searsburg, and Woodford.
Sep 21, 2023


VT 251: Swanton, Highgate, St. Albans, and Fairfield
Exploring 5 official and 3 unofficial towns in northwest Vermont as part of my VT 251 forays.
Sep 14, 2023


VT 251: Manchester & Shaftsbury
Continuing my exploration of the 251 towns in Vermont ("Vermont 251"), I bring you Manchester and Shaftsbury.
Sep 1, 2023


Splurging in Montreal
Two awesome restaurant splurges in Montreal: Restaurant O Thym & Restaurant Damas.
Aug 18, 2023


VT 251: Benson, West Haven, Fair Haven, Castleton, & Lake Bomoseen
Dipping into Rutand County and its slate heritage.
Aug 14, 2023


New Visa Requirement for travelers to Europe Starting in Spring of 2025
Digital visas are coming in 2024 for travel to 30 EU countries. You'll need to plan ahead to get approval and pay for the 3 year visa.
Jul 25, 2023


Foodies will not go hungry in Manchester, Vermont
So many great places and things to eat in and around Manchester, VT
Jul 17, 2023


The Vermont 251: Exploring The State One Town At A Time
Exploring all the towns in the beautiful state of Vermont.
Jul 7, 2023


Travel As A Great Way To Connect with the Young Adults in Your Life
Sharing memorable experiences with your young adult children (or grandchildren) can be difficult. They have their own lives and want...
Jun 15, 2023


All Hail The Creemee
Looks like soft serve ice cream, but it's not. It's better. Especially the maple. In summer, there are roughly 400 places across the...
May 31, 2023
bottom of page