The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer

(42 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Ted Blank

Woodbury, MN
Tailor-Made Journeys

You understand that extraordinary vacations aren’t simply a function of dollars and cents, and you know that they certainly aren’t just pulled off the shelf. 

Journeys of a lifetime are carefully designed with imagination, creativity, atten...

Travel enriches!

It struck me during my annual spring cleaning that I had too much stuff. That extra crock pot, a great deal, sits untouched five years later. I’m not sure where I ever thought I’d put that (admittedly very cool) lamp, and I have enough dress socks to last a lifetime or three. It all cost money, but it sure doesn’t add up to wealth.


In contrast to stuff, I can confidently say that there is one purchase we can all make that does indeed make us richer, and that’s travel. Not wealthier in the material sense, of course, but richer in the ways that count. Travel makes us each richer in memories, experiences, personal growth, self-confidence and happiness. In fact, a recent study by Cornell University psychology professor Thomas Gilovich confirmed that investments in experiences – like travel – bring longer lasting happiness than money spent on material objects.


That’s a long lead in to introducing a series of blog posts based on columns in my local newspaper, the Forest Lake Times. The “fasten seat belt” sign is turned on, so please put your tray tables and seat backs up to enjoy a journey with me as I share my travels, experiences and tips to help inspire you to visit interesting places, make memories and, hopefully, learn to be a better traveler.


A little bit about myself to get started. I’ve been traveling my entire life. My first flight was at age 4 months, my first trip to Europe at age 6, my first cruise at age 12 and my first solo trip at age 17. In 44 years, I’ve visited 40 countries, five continents and all 50 states. I caught the travel bug at a young age, and it’s never left me.


That’s what prompted me to start my career in the travel industry!

My Travel Albums

Croatian Coastal Cruise
Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo
Rhine River Cruise
The Canals of Amsterdam
September Cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean
Beautiful Korcula in Croatia
Barging in Burgundy
Hotel barge Luciolle on the Canal du Nivernais
Venice and Milan, Italy
La Scala Theater in Milan
Royal Clipper Mediterranean Cruise
What a great place for a glass of wine!
Exploring Southern France by Luxury Barge
Comfortable accommodations on a French hotel barge
China!
A quiet tropical park in Hong Kong
Rollin' on the River with UnCruise Adventures
Deluxe cabin on UnCruise Adventures' SS Legacy
Unmatched Style and Discovery on Queen Elizabeth
The Queen's Room with Nightly Dancing
Escape from It All in Greece
A lovely beach on the Greek Island of Symi.
Views of Portugal
Alcobaca Monastery in Portugal
In Queen Victoria’s Footsteps
Queen Victoria's desk at Osborne House
You'll Feel Special on a Cunard Luxury Cruise
Onboard Queen Mary 2
By Barge Along the Nivernais Canal in France
Canal barging is an authentic French experience
An Introduction to French Canal Barge Cruising
Dining room on a French Canal Barge
Seeking the Harmony of Terroir
Dining with a view
A Day in Strasbourg, France
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Strasbourg
In Search of the Holy Grail
The Cathedral in Valencia, Spain
On the Trail of Michelangelo in Rome, Italy
The Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy
Beautiful Seville, Spain
Fountain in the Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville
Luxury Ranch Resort in the Texas Hill Country
Views of the Texas Hill Country from the Pool
A Day in Venice
The Grand Canal in Venice
Discover Greece by Luxury Cruise
The Temple of Apollo at Delphi
See more travel stories
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