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BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK

Home » BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK » Page 6
Pasadena Rose Parade

The Ultimate Guide to the Pasadena Rose Parade

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  3 Comments

The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is an annual tradition in Pasadena, California. The event takes place every year on New Year’s day, rain or shine. If New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the parade will take place on Monday, January 2nd. The Rose Parade in Pasadena is one …

The Ultimate Guide to the Pasadena Rose ParadeRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK, California, DESTINATIONS, United StatesTag: CITY BREAKS

life in communist romania

Life in Communist Romania: the Bad, the Good, and the Absurd

Last Modified: July 29, 2026 //  by Anda //  29 Comments

I was born and raised in Communist Romania, but life under communism wasn’t all bad. Yes, I know Romania officially called itself a “socialist” country, but we actually lived in the purest form of communism. So calling it “Communist Romania” best fits my former country’s description, though you’ll see me use both terms throughout. Of …

Life in Communist Romania: the Bad, the Good, and the AbsurdRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK

view of the menu at Pharmarium restaurant

Pharmarium – Stockholm’s Most Bizarre Cocktail Bar/Restaurant

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  27 Comments

The historic part of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is not short of fancy restaurants to match its picturesque streets. Pop into any of them and you’ll have a great gastronomical experience. But if you are looking for something totally unique in Stockholm, you should go the the quirky Pharmarium bar and restaurant.

Pharmarium – Stockholm’s Most Bizarre Cocktail Bar/RestaurantRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK, SwedenTag: CITY BREAKS

Things to do in Riga

Dark Secrets of the Corner House – Riga’s Museum of Occupation

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  48 Comments

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”George Santayana Some wounds should remain open forever so that people can never forget. This was my first thought as I opened the small wooden door of the Corner House in Riga – the former headquarters of the KGB secret police, also known as Cheka. The imposing structure on the corner of Brivibas and …

Dark Secrets of the Corner House – Riga’s Museum of OccupationRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK, DESTINATIONS, Europe, LatviaTag: CITY BREAKS, HISTORIC PLACES

JetComfy – Is the Travel Pillow Challenge Over?

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  27 Comments

I love going to Europe, or Hawaii, or South America, but when I think of facing 10-12 hours of red-eye agony, I feel like giving up. My greatest problem when I fly is that I can’t sleep on the plane. Let’s face it, not many of us actually can. How would you doze off in a hard, narrow seat with the armrests digging into …

JetComfy – Is the Travel Pillow Challenge Over?Read More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK

Bacara Resort & Suites – Is It Worth the Steep Price?

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  20 Comments

The Bacara Resort & Spa in Goleta, California, has all the essentials of a luxury seaside resort — tennis courts, a full-service spa, several infinity pools, fine dining venues and, of course, dramatic Pacific Ocean views. There is even a 1,000-acre ranch that borders the Los Padres National Forest where guests can take scenic hikes through …

Bacara Resort & Suites – Is It Worth the Steep Price?Read More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK, California, North America, United States

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites – Luxury Accommodations in Paso Robles

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  15 Comments

I was kind of worn out as we pulled in front of the four-story building of La Bellasera Hotel that afternoon. Traffic had been a nightmare on Highway 101, coming from Los Angeles. I could hardly wait to kick off my shoes and hop on a clean bed. The lustrous marble floors of the lobby gleamed like polished bronze …

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites – Luxury Accommodations in Paso RoblesRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK, California, United States

8 Tips for Surviving a Long Haul Flight

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  27 Comments

Those of you who travel across the world know how brutal a long-haul flight can be. From bloating and swelling, to migraines and fatigue, you are likely to experience a wide range of unpleasant sensations when you are on a plane. Unless you are one of the few lucky ones who can afford First or Business Class, a long flight may be …

8 Tips for Surviving a Long Haul FlightRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK

Affordable Luxury at Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort

Last Modified: July 30, 2026 //  by Anda //  19 Comments

If you are a beach lover nothing will satisfy your need to be close to the water like the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort. Positioned on some of the best real estate in the Oxnard area, this all-suite resort is everything you may want for your beach vacation: waterfront playground, lots of amenities …

Affordable Luxury at Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & ResortRead More

Category: BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK

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