Welcome to Note to Traveler
Hello there! I’m Donna, an amateur photographer and travel writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Here you will find plenty of travel photos along with a dash of short notes & stories.
My current travel is focused on New England – where I grew up, Northern California – where I live now, and Greece – where I vacation every summer with my husband. Now and then I post about travel to other places or share my thoughts about photography or travel in general.
I have a thing for places by the sea, street photography, architecture, abandoned buildings and all kinds of interesting doors. As a source of inspiration, I may use Photo Challenge prompts when creating content for this blog. Whether you like to travel near or far or prefer to explore places from your armchair, I hope to inspire you to look more closely at the amazing world around you every day.
I Believe…
- in taking the road less traveled.
- a good traveler can go with the flow.
- heavy baggage will weigh you down.
- a positive attitude is your best travel accessory.
- beauty lies in the simplest of things.
- life is too short to wear tight shoes.
- you should always have a backup plan for food when you travel.
I’m free-spirited, insanely curious, an explorer at heart, and love hanging out with family and friends. This photo of me as a toddler pretty much sums up my personality.
Be brave, try new things, explore!
Yours truly, Donna
Note to Traveler was created on May 12, 2016. All images contained within this blog were taken by me unless otherwise noted and cannot be used without my permission.
Capturing Moments 
This is the best photo possible. When I saw it before reading, I was hoping that it was really you and not some offspring. 😀 Great to be following you around!
Thanks, Manja. No offspring for us, just our sweet dog, Buddy. I love that photo of me as a toddler, it reminds me that children get it right when it comes to curiosity, nonconformity, and having fun. It’s great to be following you around as well. 🙂
Oh, you’re not even blogging for 2 years – it took me double the time to even feel like a blogger! We probably live about 3 1/2 hrs. away from each other! Do you know where Jackson is? Half an hour East of there. If either one of us comes in the area of where the other one lives, maybe we can get together for coffee or lunch – something like that (including our husbands, because I don’t make long trips anymore without him). For sure we could talk about Greece:)
Yes – two years of blogging. Thanks for your words of encouragement! I hadn’t heard of Jackson so googled it. I see you are between Sacramento and Sonora both of which places I’ve been. Jackson must be a lovely, quiet area. My favorite kind of place. It’s too crowded and busy in Silicon Valley! Luckily we live in the foothills out of the bustle of the valley. I’ll ping you if we find ourselves out your way and hope you do the same. Donna
I agree with your travel tips – especially the backup plan for food. I always travel with snacks – dried fruit and nuts – which drives my husband crazy! But you never know.
Better to be safe than sorry! 🙂
Hi Donna,
I really love the photos you took in the Peloponnesus. I will be visiting Napflio and Monemvasia in late August. Your photo journey only enhanced my excitement for the upcoming trip.
I’m wondering if you have any particular recommendations, be it fabulous restaurants, off the beaten path towns, etc. We are adventurous and open-minded travelers seeking to explore history, anthropology and culinary experiences.
Thanks much,
Jake
Hi Jake,
Thanks for stopping by! I”m glad you enjoyed the photos of Peloponnese. Some places to consider for your August trip:
1. The ancient site of Mycenae and Agamemnon’s Tomb (outside of Nafplio)
2. Mystras in Sparta (On your way from Nafplio to Monemvasia)
3. Port of Gerakas (about an hour north of Monemvasia)
4. Neapolis (south of Monemvasia)
5. Plitra, Archangelos (small coastal villages north of Neapolis)
6. The island of Elafonisos (10-minute ferry ride from the Port of Punta). Punta is about 30 minutes north of Neapolis.
As far as restaurants go, we’ve had good luck with random picks. The food in village tavernas is authentic and usually very good. Each taverna owner uses unique family recipes for cooked foods, salads, and cheeses. They also offer locally produced house wines.
If you haven’t already, check out my blog posts for the places mentioned above. Also, one of my posts from July 29. 2016 links to a Lonely Planet’s Guide to Peloponnese.
If you need more info, I’m happy to help. Enjoy your trip! I’m sure you will have a wonderful and memorable time.
Donna
Aegean Sea blues, New England Reds and daring Donna in innocent whites – what a combination!!
Hahaha! Donna was more daring when she was younger but still leans in that direction. 🙂