Hello Reader,

🧭 Where in the World?

We’re off to Vail, Colorado, and looking forward to some biking and hiking, eating, and wandering around gardens and art galleries. Elevation: 8,000 feet. Wish us well, and if you have experience in Vail, send us a note on what we should not miss!

🛫 Get Going: Tours We Recommend For You

The last spots on our Ireland tour in October were snatched up quickly. If you missed that chance, you can join the waitlist for this year, or reserve your spot for 2026.

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🧳 Our Latest Posts

Preparing to be away from your home, and advance planning for your personal security sure can ease your mind while traveling. Once you have some good safety and security habits, especially concerning your documents and valuables, you’ll be able to jump on spontaneous travel opportunities, too. We’ve updated our Planning Tips for your Safe and Secure Travel.

🗞️ Travel News From Around the Web

• For lots more on the topic of travel safety and security, check out the upcoming DIY Trip Security Spotlight, a free online event with real-world advice from experienced travelers and security pros. Learn how to protect your phone, data, documents and valuables, and how to spot scams. Tom and I have contributed with a video on protecting your valuables and what to do if your phone is lost or stolen. (Hint: It’s worthwhile to put some protections in place in advance!) The event goes live July 2, and you have 48 hours to watch for free. Sign up now to get the event links and notices.
• U.S. citizens in Spain and Andorra can receive alerts and relevant updates of interest from the American Citizens Services section of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid via WhatsApp. This is in addition to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), where alerts are sent by email. We’re still investigating what other countries might be using WhatsApp. To take advantage of this service, sign up for STEP and install WhatsApp on your smartphone. Then use this link to follow the U.S. Citizens in Spain and Andorra WhatsApp Channel.
• Are you searching for cultural events to inspire your travels? Two artsy ideas recently appeared in our inbox: The fabulous ARTIGIANATO E PALAZZO (Crafts and Palace) event returns to the Corsini Gardens in Florence, September 12-14, 2025. Click here for more information. And consider travel to Germany to participate in the celebration of Thomas Mann’s 150th birthday. Under the umbrella of “Cultureland Germany,” events pay tribute to Mann’s literary life and work. Exhibits, tours, and performances in multiple cities sound like a great framework for planning your Germany travel itinerary. (For inspiration, take a peek at our art tour in Berlin post or our more general Visit Berlin post.

📖 What We're Reading

Kris says, wow, Ron Rash gets right to the point in his short story collection, Burning Bright, writing about poverty, meth, and Confederate flag wavers, for starters.

Tom is enthralled by The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, a lovely tale of a young girl caught up in Nazi Germany in the time leading up to and during World War II.

For our previous book recommendations, check out this list.

❝Travel Quote of the Week❞

I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. – Oscar Wilde

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Happy travels,

Kris and Tom

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​ Tom Bartel and Kristin Henning ​Travel Past 50​ ​ Connect with us: Facebook, Threads, Instagram, ​ Join our Facebook community.

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