The Open Suitcase

Everyone else is having fun on the road, right? Millennials are taking gap years to see the world and seniors are booking river cruises and safaris. But what about us? If you're feeling restless and growing worried that the clock may run out before you tick off those bucket list trips, join me. We'll pass through life's second half with a wheelie bag and a sense of adventure.

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6 Reasons Why Orlando Theme Parks Aren’t Just for Kids

Haven't visited Orlando since the kids left the nest? Here are some reasons to consider visiting again. http://wp.me/p2eASH-P6

girlfriend getawayThe team at “Love Orlando Tickets” recently contacted me and asked if I would publish their guest post. For those of you who haven’t thought of Orlando as a destination since the kids left the nest, here are a few reasons why you may want to consider a trip.

Theme parks are always associated with kids but when you talk about Orlando theme parks, it’s a whole different story.…

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Create a Spa Bathroom at Home: What to Put on the Wall

Want the feel of a spa bathroom in your home? One of the challenges is choosing wall art for your master bath. Instead of a kitschy beach scene or the clutter of a bunch of photos, go for an oversized piece, handcrafted of natural elements. (more…)

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5 Tips for Slackers Visiting Pandora at Disney World

5 Tips for Slackers Visiting Pandora at Disney World

“Did you book your FastPass+ yet?” My sister-in-law asked this question every time we talked about our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. “Nope. I’ll get to it,” was my standard reply. When I finally opened the My Disney Experience app (while riding on the Magical Express from the airport to the Animal Kingdom Lodge), there was no availability for any of the popular rides, including Flight of…

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Can you guess what this is?.......no? It's a hot water bottle snuggled up in "pajamas". A sweet touch offered to guests at @spa_eastman • • • • #TMOM #wellness #spa #girlfriendgetaway #quebec #comfortzone

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I drove a wee bit out of my way on the return trip from #spaEastman. Why? I missed seeing a Highland cow while in Scotland and, when I heard there was a farm in Quebec with a herd, I had to go! Thank you, to Farmer Denis and William for letting me fawn over the cattle. • • • #quebec #farmlife #magog #spaeastman #cowselfie #hellohandsome #TMOM (at Ferme Au Pied Levé)

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Good Morning, Canada! Sunrise over Mt. Orford at the serene Spa Eastman. #sunrise #TMOM #wellness #beautifulmorning #quebec (at Spa Eastman)

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Respite from a March squall. French toast. Pure maple syrup. Hot coffee. #newhampshire #cafe #breakfastlover #saturdaymornings #tmom (at The Sumner House)

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When in Edinburgh: Scotch Tasting at The Balmoral Hotel

I subscribe to the “When in Rome…” approach to travel. Why go to Memphis if you’re not going to eat BBQ and sample late night blues, right? So, when planning a trip to Scotland, I included an Edinburgh scotch tasting in my itinerary. Guided by an expert whisky ambassador, I learned about Scotland’s national drink at The Balmoral Hotel.

Ready for action at The Balmoral Hotel. Photo: The Open…

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Did he or didn't he? Local Edinburgh lore is that Bobby, a Skye terrier, spent 14 years sitting on his owner's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard.theopensuitcase.com • • • • •#TMOM #visitscotland #edinburgh #mansbestfriend #petsmart #puppylove #loyaltyiseverything #faithful #standbyme (at Greyfriars Bobby's Bar - Official)

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Recognize those glasses? The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh hosted a special guest...author J.K. Rowling. Guests can find other Harry Potter special touches...hint: check out the 5th floor!theopensuitcase.com • • • • • #tmom #edinburgh #visitscotland #thebalmoral #roccofortehotels #harrypotter #uk #familytravel (at The Balmoral)

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That's what he said. Enjoying the Hudson River lights and delicious plates at Catch, Haverstraw's latest fine dining venue. Make your reservations now, people. #hudsonrivervalley #eatlocal #rockland #ontheriver #saturdaynight #tmom #staycation #weekend (at Catch On The Hudson)

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Have friends who are never on time? Take a tip from @thebalmoral in Edinburgh. This historic hotel sits atop Waverly Station. Since 1902 their massive clock is set 3 minutes ahead, to help travelers make their trains! It's an update the iPhone should consider, based on the number of times I'm kept waiting! Tick. Tock. theopensuitcase.com • • • • • #luxurybrand #roccofortehotels #edinburghlife #thebalmoral #waverlystation #citystreets #lookup #clocks #tmom (at Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

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International man of mystery. I wanted to follow this peach-coated gent...he looked like he was on an adventure!theopensuitcase.com • • • #edinburghlife #visitscotland #castle #mysteryman #imagination #whereintheworld (at Edinburgh Castle)

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I ❤️ penny tiles. theopensuitcase.com • • • • • #thebeekmanpub #downtown #nyc #AzaLocal #travelmassive #tmom #vintagefloor

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How do you discover a new place? For me, there's only one way-eat like the locals. Just returned from a tiny fishing village in England. The beach is lined with these fish huts where the catch of the day is hauled in and smoked. Later in the evening I sampled a plate of devastatingly delicious smoked prawns. Simply perfect. • • • • #AzaLocal #travelmassive #tmom #aldeburgh #visit_suffolk #coastalliving #simplepleasures #livelikealocal #genuine #lovetravel #immersion #nofilter (at Aldeburgh)

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A composed, elegant toiletry tray. And the bathroom artwork? Black and white photos of Sean Connery at his peak. I'm in heaven or @thebalmoral ! • • • • •#VisitScotland #edinburgh #midweekgetaway #familytravel #tmom @roccofortehotels (at The Balmoral)

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Waiting for the train to Edinburgh in London's Kings Cross station. Can you tell who operates the first class lounge? That's Virgin's signature red. theopensuitcase.com • • • • •#TMOM #VirginTrains #VisitScotland #UK #wintertravel #holiday