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Arrival & First Impressions in Alicante After wrapping up Nordic Marketplace in Copenhagen and a brief overnight stop in Barcelona—no time to explore this time, though I’ve visited before—I arrived in sunny Alicante, the vibrant heart of Spain’s Costa Blanca. This coastal destination may be lesser-known compared to the Costa del Sol or the Costa Brava, but that’s exactly why it’s a hidden gem worth discovering. Have you ever found a travel destination that pleasantly surprised you with authentic culture and charm? Where was it, and what made it special? Alicante’s Rich History & Cultural Treasures Alicante boasts more than 7,000 years of history as a Mediterranean crossroads shaped by Iberian, Roman, and Moorish influences. The iconic Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched atop Mount Benacantil, provides panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s fascinating Moorish past. Wander Alicante’s walkable streets and you’ll find the bustling Explanada de España promenade lined with palm trees, vibrant markets, and the tempting aromas of Valencian cuisine—offering a true taste of Spanish cultural travel. When you explore, do you prefer visiting historic castles, lively markets, or indulging in local culinary delights? Exploring Beyond: The Costa Blanca Region The Costa Blanca region itself offers much more than Alicante. Just a short trip away are Elche’s UNESCO-listed palm groves, the medieval Atalaya Castle in Villena, lively Benidorm with its famous beaches and nightlife, and Dénia’s historic port with renowned gastronomy. Although my trip was short, meeting local partners from these destinations means I can help you discover the best of Spain’s coastal destinations off the beaten path. How do you feel about exploring smaller towns and lesser-known sites versus major city highlights? Celebrating Life & Travel My visit was packed with meetings to create authentic experiences—from wine tasting to chocolate making—ensuring tailored trips in Costa Blanca, a destination I now proudly call a “hidden gem” of Spain. On a personal note, amidst the busy schedule, I celebrated my 2nd wedding anniversary with Rosa. Back home in Rome, we enjoyed roses and a visit to Bull Steak, an American steakhouse with Italian flavors—a fitting blend for a travel and food lover like me. Do you have any special travel traditions or ways you celebrate milestones on the road? Why Costa Blanca Should Be on Your Travel Radar Spain’s diverse regions—from the green north and Basque Country to historic Andalusia—offer many treasures. Yet Costa Blanca stands out for its rich history, authentic culture, stunning coastline, and less crowded charm. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Spanish getaway that combines coastal beauty with cultural depth, what hidden gem are you most eager to explore next? Let’s Explore Your Next Adventure
If Alicante, Costa Blanca, or any part of Spain calls to you, I’m here to help plan a personalized journey filled with the experiences you love. Whether you crave history, vibrant food scenes, relaxing beaches, or cultural festivals, let’s work together to bring your travel dreams to life. Feel free to reach out anytime—I look forward to helping you uncover Spain’s hidden gems and beyond.
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As the owner of Wandering Puffin LLC, I find Valentine’s Day a perfect reminder that travel is an act of love: love for new cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the memories created with those we treasure. Whether it’s a surprise romantic getaway, a family trip brimming with meaningful moments, or a solo quest for growth, every adventure carries that same spark of courage and joy St. Valentine embodied. If you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway or exploring lesser-known European travel destinations, let me help craft the perfect story—from secluded beach resorts ideal for whispering sweet nothings to vibrant cities where love lights up every street corner. Explore our custom travel planning services to start your next unforgettable journey. Speaking of adventures, last week I returned to Copenhagen for Nordic Marketplace, where I met with inspiring business partners from across the Nordic countries—and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—from Greenland to the Baltic Sea region. For the record, I’ve traveled to every country represented at Nordic Marketplace at least twice, except Greenland, where I've been once but plan to visit again later this year.  I know some of these destinations might feel off the beaten path and may raise questions about safety for travelers from the US or elsewhere. While no place in the world is perfectly risk-free—and I would never suggest traveling anywhere without thoughtful preparation—I can say from personal experience that these countries are among the safest and warmest places you can explore. Whether you visit them individually or combine them into a unique itinerary, these lesser-known European destinations offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and authentic cultures that you won’t soon forget. Your safety is my priority. I carefully plan every trip with trusted local partners and up-to-date knowledge to ensure your journey is as comfortable and secure as it is inspiring. Are there any ‘hidden gem’ places you’ve discovered in your travels that you’d recommend or want to explore?
As I write this while on the go, I just left Copenhagen—the first time I’ve been since before the pandemic. The Nordic Marketplace conference was cancelled for one year during the pandemic, and I personally hadn’t been able to attend these past few years due to personal reasons. This trip felt like a fresh start. After Copenhagen, I overnighted in Barcelona—though with the travel schedule, I didn’t have time to visit the city itself. For the record, I’ve been to both Copenhagen and Barcelona multiple times over the years, and I have trusted partners in both cities who I work with regularly to arrange your future travel adventures there and beyond. Today, I am flying to Alicante, Spain, a city I’ve never visited, for another conference. While I’d prefer to be with Rosa on our anniversary, we’ll celebrate together when I return. Finding the balance between business and personal life is always a work in progress, and this week perfectly reflects that. How do you find balance between work and personal time when you travel? Any tips or stories to share? Though I’ll be on the road regularly, travel is in my blood—and luckily, I’m now just a few hours from home, rather than a long transatlantic flight. I’d love to hear your stories, questions, or travel dreams—drop a comment or send me a note anytime! Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Visit the Wandering Puffin LLC contact page and let’s start planning your next adventure together. Here’s to love, adventure, and all the journeys yet to come!
Warmly, Jamie Owner, Wandering Puffin LLC  The Winter Olympics have a special way of bringing the world together, creating moments that mix competition, culture, and connection. With the 25th Milano-Cortina Games in full swing, I find myself caught between excitement as a travel advisor, an expat, and a fan. If you missed last week’s post where I shared my adventures from Munich to London—blending work and play—you can catch up here: From Munich to London: Work and Play Combined. The Wandering Puffin welcomes the world to Milano – Cortina. Well, maybe not officially, but today I have clients arriving from Missouri—two sisters coming to Milan to enjoy the 25th Winter Olympics. So in a way, yes, I am part of the excitement, and given how international this past week has felt, it’s fitting. Interestingly, while living here, I had chances to find tickets to an event or two (Milan is less than 4 hours by train from Rome), but it never really crossed my mind to go. The games are in full swing, and Rosa and I watched a streamed version of the opening ceremony from the comfort of our home last week. I’ve streamed events here and there between working on travel plans for clients, teaching English, and simply living life. I’ve found myself caught up in the Olympic drama—perhaps as an escape from the chaos happening across the pond. I even teared up a bit when the US skating team received their gold medal and the national anthem played. Have you ever found yourself cheering for two teams at once—whether in sports or in life? What was that like for you? It’s a strange place to be as an expat—still rooting for the home team but now having a new home team, too. I wished my wife luck for the Italian women’s hockey team as they moved into the quarterfinals against the US. I wonder if she and I will develop some fun rivalries moving forward. Yes, Italy is home now, and that’s not changing anytime soon, but friendly sports rivalries add some spice—and make each of us better. Last week truly had an international flavor throughout. Usually, as the new blog has evolved, the focus is business-oriented, and yes, I do have clients coming here over the next few months, including the sisters attending the Olympics. But I guess it’s okay to add personal touches here and there.  This past weekend, Rosa and I went out to an Indian restaurant and then attended a comedy show at Teatro Trastevere here in Rome. The comedian, Nya, is an African-American with Liberian roots from Brooklyn, New York, now an expat in Berlin for about two years. The audience was a mix of expats from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Denmark—and even Italians. The show, called American-ish, was in English and was very funny and interactive. As the name suggests, it touched on being the new kid in a new land and trying to find your place. After more than a year and a half in this new life, I guess I’m pretty much American-ish myself. Yet as I mentioned, I’m still rooting for the “home” team on many fronts—not just sports, but life. That perspective, at this moment in time, definitely impacts my business, so I’m mindful to protect it. How do you blend different cultures in your life or travels? Are you ‘American-ish’ or something else?  Nya had never been to Italy and had heard about the “rules” I often share with clients about eating habits and regional cuisines. The Italians and other expats were happy to share the unspoken rules, but his monologue about the almighty bidet really stood out. Did you know the bidet was actually a French invention? But chances are if you stay in a hotel in France, you won’t find one—while Italians are truly in love with it. Rosa and I have one in our bagno as well. (And yes, I’d love to hear if you’ve ever encountered a bidet moment while traveling!) Keeping with the international theme, I’ve heard the Japanese have improved the original bidet design, and during and after the pandemic, Americans, facing toilet paper shortages, started installing them too—probably only those who could afford it or who wanted to show off their modern tendencies. Whether the bidet fascination faded after shelves at Walmart, Target, or Costco refilled, I don’t know. What’s the quirkiest or most surprising cultural tip you’ve learned while traveling? The show was excellent, and if Nya comes around again, I’d happily see his performance once more. At the end of the night, during the meet-and-greet, I thought about this identity of mine: I’m an expat, yes, but also an immigrant because moving back to America isn’t in the cards anytime soon. An expat is someone who might consider returning home; an immigrant is someone who plans to stay. As a permanent resident, I emigrated from the US to Italy. No positive or negative connotation—just a fact. So, that was last week—normal as usual except for the small event of trying to watch the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots game after we got home, despite a 9-hour time difference. I caught the first half before falling asleep, and Rosa just said, “Buona notte.” Where have your travels or life experiences made you feel most at home—and why? I’d love to hear your stories!
Navigating new cultures and experiences—whether at an international event like the Olympics or through everyday moments like a comedy show—is what makes travel, and life as an expat, so rich and rewarding. If you’re dreaming of your own adventure abroad, whether it’s exploring Italy during a world-class event or uncovering hidden gems off the beaten path, Wandering Puffin is here to help you plan every step with expert care and a personal touch. Because with us, travel isn’t just a trip — it’s an adventure, and we want you to truly experience it! Upon returning from Munich with Rosa, I had a quick turnaround. While Munich was a “real” holiday, there were informal business connections—as always, being in the travel industry means I’m on the lookout for future client options, even during vacation. So, off I went again, this time solo to London, where yes, there was definitely a business element. One thing that helps me better understand my clients and arrange their travels as a true travel professional is attending travel trade shows throughout the year. This trip brought me to BIM (Britain, Ireland Marketplace), where I met potential business partners and reconnected with existing ones to strengthen those relationships. It was also my first return to the UK since last fall, when I had to cancel a trip due to vertigo—I was really happy to enjoy a bit of London again. 🍽️ London Bites: The Golden Chippy & More My appetite for British classics was well satisfied. Fish & chips featured prominently, especially at a place called the Golden Chippy—a humble hole-in-the-wall tucked away in Greenwich, just a quick walk from my hotel. I also savored a classic Turkish kebab and other tasty treats, but the real highlight was yet to come. 🎭 Time Travel in the West End: Back to the Future, The Musical Thursday night took me back in time—literally—with a show in London’s West End: “Back to the Future, The Musical.” Originally planned for my canceled trip last November, I was thrilled to finally see it. The special effects were amazing, and while some plot elements differed from the movie, it stayed true to the original's spirit. As a bit of a purist, I was blown away by the whole production. The actor playing Marty McFly sang beautifully and even looked uncannily like Michael J. Fox. But the standout for me was Donald Fullilove, who reprised his role as Goldie Wilson—the busboy who later becomes mayor. His singing, dancing, and acting were simply outstanding.  Note that the show runs only until April 12th this year, so if you’re in London and a “Back to the Future” fan like me, don’t miss securing tickets. I can help you with that! The emotional highs and lows even brought a tear to my eye. It was my first West End musical, but I know it won’t be my last. Since I visit London several times a year for conferences and conventions, watch for future blog posts on these fascinating destinations. 🇬🇧 Discovering Coventry: A Journey into History While the musical was a highlight, I always aim to include exploration in every business trip—finding places I haven’t yet visited in a country I love. The UK has many spots on my list, from major cities like Manchester and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and even northern coasts where I watch puffins in season. This trip added another: Coventry. For those who didn’t see it last week, here’s a link to my previous blog post about my reflective weekend in Munich and Nuremberg, which includes some rich WWII history If you’re unfamiliar, Coventry has deep WWII connections—especially due to the Blitz—and was a hub of wartime industry. Less than an hour from London, it’s an easy day trip, which I enjoyed solo with no tours scheduled. I walked the streets, mindful of a looming rain that eventually ended my day early. But I gained a solid sense of the city’s resilience. Here’s a snapshot of my experience. 🏰 Walking Through Coventry’s Past: Cathedrals, Museums, and Legends Legend holds that Coventry was the birthplace of St. George, England’s dragon-slaying patron saint. Britain’s car industry kicked off here in 1896, founded by Daimler in a repurposed cotton mill. And William Shakespeare supposedly jilted a Coventry woman on the eve of their wedding for Anne Hathaway. I was there to soak it all in. A crisp Saturday morning in late January saw me leaving London’s bustle by train, entering a story of endurance and renewal. My first stop: the haunting ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, quietly standing beside its dazzling modern replacement. The striking contrast of destruction and rebirth never fails to move me—a poignant reminder of cities and people rebuilding after devastation. Just downstairs from the destroyed cathedral is the small, volunteer-run Blitz Museum. Although it was off season and the museum was officially closed, I knocked and was kindly let in by Adam, the manager, who was preparing for reopening. It’s a small but extraordinary collection, lovingly maintained by volunteers. I left a donation and purchased a book to support their work. If you visit, please stop in and mention my name—I recommended you check it out—and be sure to give a shout-out to Adam for his generosity in welcoming me during the off season. It’s a truly worthwhile stop when you’re at the cathedral. Nearby, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum offers fascinating glimpses into wartime life through personal stories and artifacts. I didn’t get in this time, having to balance my schedule and budget, but it’s well worth a visit. The Coventry Transport Museum highlights the city’s industrial wartime role with interactive displays featuring vehicles and innovations. Walking through their exhibits, I traveled from horses and bicycles to high-speed land vehicles—an engaging history brought alive even for casual visitors. 🍲 Cozy Comfort: Lunch at The Cosy Club After the museums, lunch at The Cosy Club was the perfect winter retreat. Classic British fare warmed me up and fortified me for the afternoon ahead. It’s a great spot, but Coventry offers plenty of other dining options too. 🔄 Reflective City Stroll & Return to Routine In the afternoon, I took a gentle self-guided walking tour through Coventry’s city center, tracing WWII memorial plaques, bomb sites, and viewing the iconic Lady Godiva statue. Walking these streets, I felt a deep connection to the city’s layered past—a blend of legend and modern resilience. As day turned to dusk, I headed back to London, carrying a renewed appreciation for Coventry—a city that rose from the ashes and proudly shares its story with all willing to listen. The very next day, I was back in Rome with Rosa, settling into agency routines and planning new adventures for both my clients and myself. As always, thank you for your support—I look forward to helping you arrange your next unforgettable journeys across Europe and beyond. 💬 Join the Conversation!
Have you ever mixed business and pleasure on a trip? What’s your best story of discovering a new place unexpectedly? What’s your all-time favorite West End or Broadway musical? Have you seen any shows that moved you emotionally like Back to the Future did for me? If you’ve visited Coventry or other lesser-known UK cities, what hidden gems or memories stand out for you? Fish & chips or kebabs—what’s your go-to comfort food when traveling? Any favorite spots you’d recommend? For those who love history, which WWII sites have left a lasting impact on you? What made the experience unforgettable? What upcoming trips are you dreaming about? Are there destinations you’d like me to cover in future blog posts? |
Wandering PuffinWeathering the Storm with the Wandering Puffin Archives
August 2026
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