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Journeys Near and Far
Journeys Near and Far
Journeys Near and Far

Hello! I'm Melody

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History

  • Karlstejn Castle sits upon a craggy hill beneath blue skies

    Karlštejn Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Czech Republic

  • Washington Irving's Sunnyside cottage with snow on a sunny day.

    Enchanting holidays in the Hudson Valley

  • Kilmartin Church and graveyard in Scotland by Cornfield

    Discovering Kilmartin: A tantalizing journey through Scotland’s prehistoric past

  • Side view of Inveraray Castle and it's gardens

    Captivating Inveraray Castle – Downton Abbey’s real Duneagle

  • View of boats from Maine Maritime Museum

    Experience Maine’s Seafaring Past on the Kennebec River

  • A street in historic Occoquan, Virginia

    Uncovering the Gems of Occoquan’s Past

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Hey there!

Hi, I’m Melody, a New Jersey–based freelance travel writer with a passion for discovering the history, culture, and human stories that make a destination unforgettable. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  • Mediterranean
  • North America
  • Caribbean

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Recent Europe Stories

  • Orkney, Scotland
  • Óbidos, Portugal
  • The Scottish Highlands
  • The Czech Republic

I had a lovely stroll in Manhattan the other day, I had a lovely stroll in Manhattan the other day, and Bryant Park felt like the perfect little break between skyscrapers. Do you have a favorite place to pause in the city? #bryantpark #newyorkcity #NYC
# TravelLif#quads slife #travelquoteoftheday #tra # TravelLif#quads slife #travelquoteoftheday #travel #wanderlust
Barrels stacked to the ceiling. Stained glass stil Barrels stacked to the ceiling. Stained glass still filtering light in the archives room. A tasting table set with charcuterie and three glasses: Fleur de Blanc, Blueberry Champagne, and a Meritage with notes of black cherry and allspice. I visited Renault Winery Resort recently, and as a South Jersey local, I'm embarrassed it took me this long. Absolutely worth the detour. What’s one South Jersey place you kept meaning to visit and finally did? Full story at the link in bio. #RenaultWinery #NJTravel #NJwinery #travelwritersuniversity @agritourism_travel
The Ring of Brodgar rises from a thin strip of lan The Ring of Brodgar rises from a thin strip of land between two lochs, a near-perfect circle of stones that has been standing since 2,500 BC. Of the original 60, 36 survive — 27 still upright. No one knows for certain what it was for. Archaeologists have suggested ceremonies, even lunar observations, but there is little evidence. What remains is a near-perfect circle of stones, set in one of the most extraordinary prehistoric landscapes in the world. What do you think it was for? I'd love to know. Full story of my trip there — link in bio. ✈️ #RingOfBrodgar #Orkney #Scotland #TravelWritersUniversity
You know those pretty London garden squares, the o You know those pretty London garden squares, the ones tucked behind iron gates, where only the lucky residents have keys? This one was across from the London House Hotel at Kensington Gardens Square, where I stayed for a few peaceful nights. Every time I passed it, I couldn’t help but think of Notting Hill, when Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant climbed over the fence☺ What fun! It was a relaxing view after a week's stay in central London. Have you ever stumbled across a secret garden while traveling? #visitlondon #LondonMakesItPossible #LondonCalling #LoveLondon #ExploreLondon #LondonVibes #ThisIsLondon #secretgarden #lockedgarden #Londongarden #gardensoflondon @londonhousehotel 4h
Sometimes travel magic is just a comfy bed, great Sometimes travel magic is just a comfy bed, great breakfast… and a bag of ice. ✈️🧊 After my flight was canceled—and with a fractured foot slowing me down—I was so grateful to find the Hilton London Heathrow Airport just a short walk from Terminal 4. My room was stylish and well-appointed, and the cheerful, light-filled lobby made the next morning brighter—especially over their fabulous breakfast buffet. Ever had travel plans fall apart—only to be rescued by good food? #foodiefriday #visitlondon @hiltonheathrowairport @visitlondon #hilton #travelwritersuniversity
This iconic British red telephone booth has found This iconic British red telephone booth has found a new life in Bath—as a pretty vertical garden. Proof that even the most ordinary objects can surprise you with a little creativity. It was a cheerful splash of color on a drizzly day. Where’s the most unexpected place you’ve seen flowers? 🌺 #VisitBath #bathUK #summerinbath #UKTravel #HistoricCities #bathengland #traveltuesday #travelwritersuniversity #cityofbath #redphonebooths
Tucked beside Kensington Palace, the Princess Dian Tucked beside Kensington Palace, the Princess Diana Memorial Garden is a peaceful, flower-filled tribute to the “People’s Princess.” I visited on a quiet afternoon, and the soft white blooms and gentle fountains created such a sense of calm—it felt like a space meant for quiet reflection. 🌸 Have you ever been to a place that felt both deeply personal and universally loved? #princessdiana #princessdianamemorialgarden #kensingtonpalace #london

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