Earth has myriad stunning places. You can explore many of them right here.
Gail's Photo of the Month: An ancient townhome in Cochem, Germany, on the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine.
HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM EVERY TRIP
Once I choose a trip, whether I am creating my own itinerary, joining a tour, or booking a small ship cruise, I start doing my homework. To me, it's a big part of the fun.
I research the places I'll be visiting, including sights to see and events to attend. If it's my own trip, I book tickets online well in advance so I don't miss something I want to see or do, or waste time waiting in line. And I try to find a good book to read in advance about the area's history, culture, and cuisine.
As I travel, I take photos. I've taken some incredible shots through car and bus windows. Around corners most people don't bother with. I love to get up close to my subjects to capture the beautiful details. Frequently, I hang back and let the crowd pass in order to capture the place without people. And I always look up, too, because amazing sights are everywhere!
Later, I organize 25 of the most interesting shots into a photo album and add comments, often researching a sight to verify facts or learn more. Each of my albums is carefully curated to honor the beauty and history of earth's myriad stunning places, and every photo on this site was taken by me. I hope you'll enjoy them all!
Photo: A wildly imaginative shingle outside a bistro in Cologne, Germany, probably inspired by the old fish market a block away on the Rhine. Watch for my new Rhine photo album coming soon!