Travel Guides

Here are the best places to eat, drink, stay, see and experience in all the destinations that I’ve visited.

Fall in Vermont: A Trip Guide

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Though Vermont glitters under a white blanket in the winter and blooms shocking green in the spring and summer, the most famous season of all is definitely FALL. September and October bring in a fiery transformation that streaks across this state’s…

Weekend Guide to Geneva, Switzerland

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Geneva, Switzerland is often associated with international affairs or luxury goods-- which is not a bad reputation at all. But there’s a lot more to this city. Despite its long history which goes back several thousands of years, Geneva is surprisingly…

The Catalina Island Guide For Everyone

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My second time visiting Catalina made me fall even more in love with this island just off the Southern California coast. This time around, I was not pregnant and it was one of my first trips away from my infant daughter--meaning MOM WAS OFF DUTY!…

The Best things To Do in Santa Barbara

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My Tips on How to Explore this California Beach Town Santa Barbara is a captivating beach town that to me, feels like nowhere else on along the pacific coast. It has a distinct, down-to-earth yet kinda quirky personality that is nestled in the…

torii gate

Top 5 Adventures in Setouchi, Japan

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Japan might be synonymous with gardens, temples, sushi and cherry blossoms, but did you also realize that it is home to a wild variety of adventures? I spent 2 weeks exploring the Setouchi Region in Southwest Japan, which is famous for its breathtaking…

Kauai Sheraton Aulii Luau

Top 5 Things to do on Kauai, Hawaii

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Hawaii and I are in a serious relationship. We just met last spring, when I first landed in Maui with my husband. We spent 10 days roaming her grassy hills, sand swept beaches and lush jungles. Eager to return and explore more of Hawaii’s shores, I…

Sunset Beach, Oahu

Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide

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I was positively giddy as I caught sight of those volcanic islands erupting from the expanse of blue out my airplane window. It was only my second time to Hawaii, my first trip being to Maui a few months earlier, and now I was going to be making Honolulu…

Local Life in Cuba

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https://youtu.be/Y6sq3a0ESM0 I’ve been intrigued by Cuba ever since I could remember, mostly because my dad was always playing Cuban records around the house. And as I grew up to be a travel journalist, my fascination with this musical, vibrant island…

Get Lost in Munich

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https://youtu.be/v_rlQHG8D6E?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI Get Lost in Germany with Kelley Ferro web series sponsored by Germany Tourism From the highest peaks, to the rowdiest beer halls to the loveliest outdoor gardens, Kelley takes…

basel travel guide

24 Hours in Basel, Switzerland

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfkka11ZiOQ Art. Culture. History. Food. Luxury. The Rhine River. Basel has a lot going on and I had limited time to see it so I took in the highlights as fast as I could. My homebase was the Hotel Nomad, a trendy boutique…

Luxury Guide Basel

Luxury Guide to Basel, Switzerland

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28CxYZyCQqk It seems that life in Basel is in general luxurious, with the city's access to some of the best museums, cultural events, a thriving food culture, cafes & nightlife, fashion and historical neighborhoods…

food of basel switzerland

Food Guide: Basel, Switzerland

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FCwBWE5mc Fondue, pretzels, flammkuchen, leckerli, beer... there is no shortage of deliciousness in Basel! Along with Swiss specialties like fondue, there's also great international food in this diverse culinary hotspot.…

Valais Travel Guide

24 Hours in the Valais, Switzerland

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsTh4FDmAlE&t Glaciers, ziplines, mountain peaks and stunning views--Valais is one of Switzerland's most gorgeous regions. I explore the best things to do in one full day from the Matterhorn to Gornergrat, fat biking…

travel guide to switzerland

My Travel Guide to Switzerland

This is my ultimate guide to an incredible country: Switzerland! I spend two weeks on a road trip, and I take you with me--showing you where to eat, stay, what to drink and see and how to experience the best of the best! Starting in the posh Geneva where I visited markets, ate amazing Michelin cuisine, took a steamship cruise and river ferry and saw the UN. Next we cruised along the coast of Lake Geneva, stopping at adorable villages like Saint Saphorin, sampling wines of Lavaux, staying over in fun cities of Vevey and Lausanne and heading into the hills on a vintage train to make cheese and roam the alps in Chateaux D'Oex.

lake geneva luxury travel guide

Lake Geneva Luxury Guide

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  From the most fabulous hotels to homemade menus at gourmet restaurants, hand crafted wines to Belle Epoque vintage trains, the Lake Geneva region offers so much in the way of luxury. Featured: The Royal Savoy Hotel, The Grand…

24 hour travel guide to geneva switzerland

24 Hours in Geneva, Switzerland

    A mix of culture, history, luxury, great food, iconic sites and lakeside views--it's not too hard to have a perfect day ins Geneva. I toured through this charming city, which feels more like a village, in order to share my favorite…

The 5 Best Experiences at Barceló Bávaro Beach

Give me a beach, a sunset, a pool, some palm trees or any combination of those things, and I’m all set. With that being said, clearly the Caribbean is one of my favorite destinations of all time. Each island has it’s own personality and culture, with…

Papua New Guinea Profile

Papua New Guinea: A Country Profile

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Explore this remote part of the world with me as I go from Papua New Guinea's mountainous Highlands to the Karawari River and Sepik in the Lowlands. With few roads, we took a charter plane between locations on the most remote experience of my life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=legFoOaWbIU&t   Sponsors:…

Hotel Snob: Club Med Punta Cana's GO Program two girl at the pool

Hotel Snob: My Escape to Club Med Punta Cana

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Behind the Scenes: On set with CNN in Tohoku, Japan

Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Japan, a country that has been on my bucket list ever since I could remember. I worked with CNN crew in Japan where we filmed a 60 second travel feature on an incredible region of Japan: Tohoku.…

Tohoku Japan Ginzan Onsen

The Five Places You Need to See in Tohoku

Before coming to Japan I hadn’t heard of the Tohoku Region and now I’ve been completely charmed by this pastoral, natural part of northern Japan. This is the antithesis of the bright lights and hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and that’s what makes…

Millennials Share the Modern Side of China

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https://youtu.be/oonIrSiUI3Q?list=PLbSElzn52NPOzAKO5oFrzjU5YgCmpS5cO Just as China is so ancient, it is also so futuristic and advanced. In Shanghai, Xi'an & Beijing, the three cities that I visited on my experience with Wendy Wu Tours, I met up…

My Bucket List for China

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https://youtu.be/SFW5Hr6F7wA?list=PLbSElzn52NPOzAKO5oFrzjU5YgCmpS5cO China has certainly always been on my bucket list and I was thrilled to get to experience the country with Wendy Wu Tours. I toured 3 cities and found each to be filled with world…

The Food of China

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https://youtu.be/387WmAbdwrw?list=PLbSElzn52NPOzAKO5oFrzjU5YgCmpS5cO On our journey with Wendy Wu Tours, we ate some of the best of the best of China's exciting foods. From a variety of types of noodles (my favorite being "biang biang") to soups, dumplings,…

China Travel Guide: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

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https://youtu.be/Qmv4KUThfQg?list=PLbSElzn52NPOzAKO5oFrzjU5YgCmpS5cO What to do, see, eat and experience in these vibrant Chinese cities. I had a whirlwind week in China with Wendy Wu Tours and I experienced so much in this exciting, ancient and…

Culture of Bahia, Brazil

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https://youtu.be/HESIQnyUjL8?list=PLbSElzn52NPOqj7xSekToMc0a6F9Wo3mV Bahia is a Brazilian state with an identity all it's own. Salvador, it's capital, has been the central port and thus a melting pot of this fusion culture. We explore the dance, the…

Adventure in Bahia, Brazil

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https://youtu.be/Yicmt4XMlLs?list=PLbSElzn52NPOqj7xSekToMc0a6F9Wo3mV I strapped on my sneakers and dove headfirst into all the adventurous activities of Bahia in the Chapada Diamantina National Park--from snorkeling in underground caves, ziplining…

The Food of Brazil: Bahia & Rio de Janeiro

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https://youtu.be/JINHelXvZkI?list=PLbSElzn52NPOqj7xSekToMc0a6F9Wo3mV The culture of Brazil translates directly its food—each dish has a history, story, and purpose. I loved the rich feijoada, the crispy acaraje, decadent churrascarias and of course,…

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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https://youtu.be/TMh8zXMHFVs?list=PLbSElzn52NPOqj7xSekToMc0a6F9Wo3mV Rio de Janeiro is as beautiful as it is cultural, and on our tour, we explored its peaks, beaches, historic neighborhoods, favelas and everything in between.

Kelley becomes a Local in Brazil

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https://youtu.be/Z6oiORvxgEU?list=PLbSElzn52NPOqj7xSekToMc0a6F9Wo3mV I get local all over this country, from Salvador to Lencois to Rio de Janeiro. Whether I am spelunking caves, snorkeling in grottos, learning capoeira, drinking caipirinhas or climbing…

Bucket List China The Great Wall

Living my Bucket List for China

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFW5Hr6F7wA&t China has certainly always been on my bucket list and I was thrilled to get to experience the country with Wendy Wu Tours. I toured 3 cities and found each to be filled with world wonders and bucket list…

ancient china

Exploring the Ancient Side of China

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I recently explored China and I was blown away by how China's rich history is still very much alive and in full focus today. Beijing & Xi'an both had neighborhoods where I felt like I was stepping back in time. Take a trip through history with me…

china travel guide

China Travel Guide: Xi'an, Shanghai & Beijing

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What to do, see, eat and experience in these vibrant Chinese cities. I had a whirlwind week in China with Wendy Wu Tours and I experienced so much in this exciting, ancient and modern country. From the skyscrapers of Shanghai, to biking the old wall…

24 Hours in Rio de Janeiro [GoPro]

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This video was shot all on my GoPro Hero 4 and it profiles my LONG day, from dawn till...dawn, in Rio De Janeiro. We go to Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, the Selaron Steps, Santa Theresa, Copacabana, Santa Marta Favela and then we go out for a night…

local brazil

Kelley Goes Local in Brazil

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I get local all over this country, from Salvador to Lencois to Rio de Janeiro. Whether I am spelunking caves, snorkeling in grottos, learning capoeira, drinking caipirinhas or climbing Corcovado, I experience only what the locals love in their country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6oiORvxgEU Shows:…

brazil rio de janeiro

Exploring Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro is as beautiful as it is cultural, and on our tour, we explored its peaks, beaches, historic neighborhoods, favelas and everything in between.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMh8zXMHFVs Show: Live Like a Local in Brazil…

Culture of Bahia

The Culture of Bahia, Brazil

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Bahia is a Brazilian state with an identity all it's own. Salvador, it's capital, has been the central port and thus a melting pot of this fusion culture. We explore the dance, the food, the art, the culture, and the charming towns through the people…

Overview of Saxony

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https://youtu.be/SlXZD_o4-wg This artistic, historic and stunningly beautiful Free State of Germany offers so much to see, do & eat in such a small area. From the Porsche factory to the Bastei Rocks, to the home of the nutcracker, Saxony surprised me…

Expedia: Find Your Magic in Morocco

Find your magic in Morocco! Expedia believes that travel can transform people in unexpected ways. So we teamed up with the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) and travel blogger Kelley Ferro to find her magic in one of the most movie-like…

Fodor's Guides: New York City in the Summer

Fodor's Top Things to Do this Summer in New York City Travel Expert Kelley Ferro highlights the best things to see and do in New York City during the summer. From MoMa to Central Park, the Highline to the Standard Biergarten, I have you covered. Viva…

Foodie in Vegas: The Walking Gourmet

Kelley is USA Today's Foodie and she heads over to Las Vegas to try out this town's top eats. In this episode, Kelley goes on the Walking Gourmet Food tour and eats her way around The Palazzo & The Venetian's best spots.

Local Side of Cartagena

USTOA Live Like a Local A Colonial coastal city with history, culture and personality in spades, it's easy to fall in love with Cartagena. What really makes it stand apart is it's amazing local culture & tradition so come dive right in with me!

Food of Cartagena

USTOA Live Like a Local Food plays an integral role in the local life of Cartagena and I got a crash course in local cuisine from a chef. We explored the gritty and fascinating Bazurto Market, had a cooking lesson and then I hit up the old city to sample…

Dance Partying in Cartagena

USTOA Live Like a Local When in Cartagena, we dance! Come check out the local party atmosphere of this incredible city--from salsa lessons to party buses to dance halls--Cartagena knows how to heat up the night.

A Chocolate Guide to Saint Lucia

Get Lost in Saint Lucia with Kelley Ferro Chocolate Trail Saint Lucian chocolate is known far & wide as some of the world's best, and on the island you can find chocolate has a variety of uses. Kelley experiences chocolate not only as a sweet food,…

A Travel Guide to Saint Lucia

Get Lost in Saint Lucia with Kelley Ferro Saint Lucia Overview One of the most lush islands, Saint Lucia is as exciting as it is beautiful. With adventure, nightlife, romance, beaches, high end food & stunning hotels; this island will convince you…

The Birthplace of Perfume: Cologne

Get Lost in Germany with Kelley Ferro It might seem obvious that perfume was invented in Cologne, but the history behind this 'eau de parfum' is fascinating. This entertaining tour/performance brings you back to the Middle Ages and takes you through…

Art & Architecture of CUBA

Live like a Local: Cuba USTOA's Travel Together Series hosted by Kelley Ferro It felt like Havana was a city of artists and around every cobbled street corner was an artistic delight. From modern sculpture, to historic refurbished cars to an up &…

Loving Lima: Travel Guide to Peru's Capital City

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https://youtu.be/qIpV0X_IszA Lima has the beach, the cliffs, the history, the energy and the passion. I loved our stay in the neighborhoods of Miraflores & Barranco. The city is definitely an exciting place and it's only getting better and better.

The Countryside of Taiwan

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https://youtu.be/2YyACKUqwNg USTOA's Live Like a Local Series Though the cities are exciting, nothing beats the vivid green and bright blue of Taiwan's rolling countryside. From Jiofen to Hualian—each small town in the Northern Taiwan countryside…

Taiwan's Vibrant Culture

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https://youtu.be/DKYKZuPNl7w USTOA's Live Like a Local Series I'd never been to Asia and stepping into the Taiwanese culture was thrilling, disorienting, embracing and shocking—I loved every minute of it. The Taiwanese Culture amazes—in custom,…

Ritual & Ceremony in Taiwan

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https://youtu.be/MnhNCb5felw  USTOA's Live Like a Local Series The Taiwanese culture is based on ritual and ceremony on my tour, I was able to dive right into the local customs—from meeting a local calligrapher to praying at Longshan Temple…

Food of Taiwan Guide

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https://youtu.be/RvJm8HAe99E USTOA's Live Like a Local Series This lush island nation has so much variety in fresh local products, it's no surprise that the food is outstanding! From street food to gourmet, famous food chains to home cooked meals,…

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

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https://youtu.be/WSNT6Wzj4EU USTOA's Live Like a Local Series My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets.…

Night Markets of Taiwan Guide

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https://youtu.be/WSNT6Wzj4EU USTOA's Live Like a Local Series My first Night Market in Taipei was overwhelming, sensational and addictive. I was enthralled by stall after stall of the exotic foods, wild clothing and the buzzing energy of the streets.…

Taiwan Overview

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https://youtu.be/XPfWUGh7tZ4 USTOA's Live Like a Local Series For such a small island nation, Taiwan has so much to see, do, eat and experience. From Taipei to Hualien, city to the country, hyper-crowded to hyper-local—we explored it all, with the…

Croatia's Local, Natural Products

Croatia is fertile--it's countryside is ripe with fruits, vegetables, grapes and olives, it's forest filled with wild game and truffles and its seas teeming with the freshest fish. The islands boast stone used to build the palaces of the royals. Enjoy…

Exploring Croatia By Bike, Boat & Foot

By bike, by foot, by boat or by car, there's so much to explore in Croatia. Join me in our Croatia adventure

Santa Monica: Best Things to do on the Beach

Get Local in California I'm a new Cali local and I'm bringing you my tips for top things to do in my 'hood--Santa Monica. Of course, I had to show you all the things you can do on my favorite part of this town, the BEACH!

Taiwanese Culture

I'd never been to Asia and stepping into the Taiwanese culture was thrilling, disorienting, embracing and shocking—I loved every minute of it. The Taiwanese Culture amazes—in custom, religious, attitude and lifestyle—and it was beautiful to see…

Taiwan: A Country Profile

For such a small island nation, Taiwan has so much to see, do, eat and experience. From Taipei to Hualian, city to country, hyper crowded to hyper local—we explored it all, with the locals as our guide.

Australia's Northern Territory Overview

The Northern Territory is the "Red Heart" of Australia, located in the center, this landscape is ruggedly beautiful and pre-historic feeling. I take you to UNESCO World Heritage sites, like Uluru, and I camp in Kings Canyon, the most remote place I've…

Choose Your Own Adventure in South Africa

Freedom to have your Experience while on tour with Swain Destinations You might think that being a tour means a strict schedule, group activities all the time and no chance to choose what you do. Well, that's not the case on tours with United States Tour…

Hanging Out with Egypt's Locals

For me the best part of travel is getting to learn about a new place through it's people. I was amazed at how USTOA member Abercrombie & Kent agreed with that sentiment and made sure that we had many opportunities to meet & interact with true…

Kelley's Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent

One of the most storied histories in the world, Egypt has long been a popular destination for it's history, it's culture and of course, it's amazing pyramids & temples. Egypt needs to be on every person's bucket list--see why this country changed…

Stop & GO: Los Angeles

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https://youtu.be/G-lKTIR8JPU?list=PLbSElzn52NPMQ8854x0kTSHyfYw5OT4iF Episode 11: Our final stop! Get Lost on Amtrak Series. Kelley takes the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles. From Chicago, across the snowy midwest, through the red sands…

Get Lost Guide: Top 5 Things to Do in Sonoma

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https://youtu.be/76Dj9hqY4kY?list=PLbSElzn52NPNK_P9diAJQSHPmgGEdEavN Get Lost with Kelley Ferro in Sonoma One of California's top wine destinations, and a perfect weekend getaway, Sonoma offers up so much more than just world famous wine. From hiking…

Garmisch Partenkirchen

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https://youtu.be/__li7ipKjh4?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI Garmisch-Partenkirchen--the postcard perfect Bavarian region with sky-high mountains, deep gorges, and wildflower fields.

Partnach Gorge

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https://youtu.be/BH9ajzZEC9w?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI The Partnach Gorge surprised me. Its history as a logging transport route helped shape the region and just standing next to the rushing waters is awe-inspiring. The lower path puts…

Local Bavarian Cuisine at Restaurant Gasthof Fraundorfer

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https://youtu.be/XD8SvqNDZxE?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI For a local eating experience, the Gasthof Frandorfer is a part show, part dinner. Locals & tourists flock so make sure to make a reservation at one of the big tables for an evening…

Englischer Garden Park & Eisbach Surfing Wave

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https://youtu.be/Tbt0gDxmyE0?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI Munich's most famous park gets its glory for good reason. Sprawling fields, a babbling creek, wildflowers & a giant Chinese Pagoda/Biergarten--what's not to love? The locals certainly…

Get Lost in Munich

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https://youtu.be/v_rlQHG8D6E?list=PLbSElzn52NPPdm_orbFtP7fDMY8eAfZMI Get Lost in Germany with Kelley Ferro web series sponsored by Germany Tourism From the highest peaks, to the rowdiest beer halls to the loveliest outdoor gardens, Kelley takes…

Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch Partenkirchen--the postcard perfect Bavarian region with sky high mountains, deep gorges and wildflower fields.

Top Things to Do in Zurich

There's so much to do in Zurich, but if you are short on time, here's what you must do. Take it from me, the Swiss Miss!