top of page

TRAVEL BLOG & INFO
Search


First Day on Tour: Seamless Starts and the Power of Great Guides in Athens
There’s something about that first “tour day” that feels different. It’s when everything shifts from independent exploration to a structured
Brad Kaplan
Mar 183 min read


Athens in 24 Hours: A Tour Director’s Greatest Hits + My Dining Experience in Athens
Athens can overwhelm even the most experienced traveler. History is everywhere, the streets are busy, and every turn feels like it could lea
Brad Kaplan
Mar 184 min read


Lazio & Rome (Central Italy)Rome & the Papal States: The Eternal City’s Double Life
Rome doesn’t ease you in. It hits you all at once—overwhelming, chaotic, magnificent. People call it the “Eternal City” because it feels like it’s been here forever, with layers of history literally stacked one on top of another. A modern street might sit above a Renaissance palazzo, which sits above an ancient temple, which sits above something even older. But Rome’s “double life” is what makes it truly unique. For more than a thousand years, Rome wasn’t only a famous city—i
Brad Kaplan
Mar 124 min read


Sicily: The Mediterranean Crossroads (It’s Not Quite Italy)
To say Sicily is “part of Italy” is geographically true—and culturally complicated. Spend even a short time on the island and you’ll hear a version of the same sentiment: Sicilian first, Italian second. That’s not a rejection of Italy so much as a reflection of Sicily’s long, layered identity—one shaped by conquest, trade, and survival at the very center of the Mediterranean world. Look at a map and you’ll understand why Sicily has been fought over for centuries. It sits like
Brad Kaplan
Mar 53 min read


Italy Unveiled: A Journey Through Five Distinct Souls
To many travelers, Italy exists as a single, sun-drenched dream of wine, ancient ruins, and endless pasta. But the truth is, Italy is far from a monolithic culture; it is a vibrant tapestry of regional identities forged by centuries of distinct, and often fractured, histories. To travel from the misty canals of the north to the volcanic shores of the deep south is to experience a dizzying shift in empires, culinary philosophies, and artistic legacies. Here is a look at five d
Brad Kaplan
Mar 13 min read


My Epic 2026 Travel Plans Exploring the Wonders of Greece, Japan, Germany and Egypt
Travel is more than a hobby for me; it’s a way to live the history I teach and to experience the cultures I’ve studied for years. In 2026, I am embarking on a journey that fulfills my lifelong travel dreams. This year is my big travel year, a chance to visit some of the most fascinating places in the world—places I have taught about as a world history teacher. From ancient ruins to modern cities, from serene rivers to bustling ports, my itinerary is packed with unforgettable
Brad Kaplan
Nov 29, 20254 min read


The Courtyard That Became a Cemetery, Budapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue and an Extraordinary Exception
When a Synagogue Became a Sanctuary for the Dead If you’ve toured the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, you know the Great (Dohány Street) Synagogue dazzles with Moorish-style architecture and soaring arches. What most visitors don’t expect is what lies just behind it — a courtyard that doubles as a cemetery. Jewish cemeteries are traditionally and historically located outside of the city center for several reasons. Under normal circumstances, Jewish law forbids burials beside a sy
Brad Kaplan
Oct 14, 20253 min read


Why Don't We Dress Up to Fly Anymore? A Hat-Tipping, Tank-Topped Reflection
As a history and social studies teacher, I spend a fair amount of time wondering why people do the things they do—and just as often, why the
Brad Kaplan
Aug 1, 20253 min read


17 Days in Europe: Random Thoughts from the Road (Italy, France, & Switzerland Edition)
After spending 17 days traveling through Europe—mostly in Italy and France—I’ve come home with a head full of reflections, observations,...
Brad Kaplan
Jun 6, 20253 min read


From Rome to Pompeii: A Journey Through History
After enjoying three private tours during my trip to Italy, I decided to try something different—a group tour. The destination? The...
Brad Kaplan
May 25, 20254 min read


Fully Independent Travel: Is It For You?
Food and history an amazin pair.
Brad Kaplan
May 21, 20253 min read


Exploring the Roots: 10 Must-Visit Places for American History Enthusiasts
Are you ready to step back in time? The United States is a treasure trove of historical destinations that offer a glimpse into the...
Brad Kaplan
May 16, 20254 min read


Exploring World War II History in Europe
Traveling through Europe provides an incredible chance to explore the deep and impactful history of World War II. The sites you visit tell s
Brad Kaplan
Apr 28, 20254 min read
bottom of page