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Hello friend!
It’s Lovely to Meet You
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.
My work has appeared in publications including Mainland Living, the Orlando Sentinel, the Miami Herald, and AAA Going Places. I’m especially drawn to romantic escapes, solo adventures, historic inns, hidden gems, and European bookshops and cafés—the kinds of places that invite you to slow down and stay a little longer.
When I’m not traveling or writing about my latest discovery, I’m working on my young adult fantasy novel. Learn More…
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5 Romantic Destinations for a Kiss
On Valentine’s Day, what could be more fitting than recalling the magic of the most romantic places you’ve ever been? We all have a different list, but here are my top five.
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A Walking Tour of Brooklyn with Context Travel
Although I’ve lived in New Jersey for most of my life, I’d never visited Brooklyn before as a tourist. Then I found Context Travel, a travel company known for its “Scholar-led Walking Tours of the World’s Cultural Capitals,” and signed up for a walking tour of Brooklyn.
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A Love Affair with the Highland Cows in Scotland
A lot has been written about Highlanders. There are Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels, romantic and rich with history. And there are Karen Marie Moning’s absorbing time-travel romances…
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Blog · Castles · Czech Republic · Europe
Karlštejn Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Czech Republic
Just 45 minutes from Prague, the Bohemian village of Karlštejn can be found at the foot of its Gothic castle, which sits atop a limestone rock amidst wooded hills overlooking the Berounka River.
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Blog · Autumn · Honeymoons · Places to Stay · USA & Canada
8 Unforgettable boutique hotels for a romantic fall getaway
Autumn – it’s a magical time. Temperatures drop, the leaves turn riotous shades of crimson, saffron and orange, and the crisp air makes you want to take a brisk walk and then cozy up with your loved one. Here are eight unforgettable boutique hotels in the USA that can make this season special.






![Tulum, Mexico by Carlos Delgado [CC BY-SA 3.0]](https://journeysnearandfar.com/staging/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Tulum_-_01-Carlos-Delgado-CC-BY-SA-3.0-w.jpg)





