Author: Alex&Bell

Alex and Bell originally met while solo traveling after finishing university in 2002, in Brugge, Belgium. Alex grew up in the USA and Bell hails from Australia. During our nearly 20 year marriage we've lived around the world, including spending six years living in the Netherlands and Ireland. We have traveled to nearly 70 countries and enjoy giving readers authentic and quality travel tips. Alex is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner, who also freelances for other outlets. Bell is an award winning PhD scientist who currently works for a non-profit lung cancer advocacy research organization called Lungevity. Happy travels and if you have any questions leave a comment or drop an email!

Salento, Colombia: Guide to Visiting

Posted 8th April, 2018
By Alex&Bell
10 Comments

Salento, Colombia is a charming town of around 9,000 people nestled in the Andes Mountains. The “zona cafeteria” or coffee zone of the country, is also home to the world’s tallest palm trees in the Cocora Valler. Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers of quality coffee and Salento is a perfect base to explore this stunning region. Last month we spent 10 days in Colombia to celebrate our 13 year wedding anniversary and it was a memorable trip. Here’s tips for visiting Salento, Colombia!

Posted in Colombia, South America. Tagged Bandeja Paisa, Cocora Valley, coffee, Colombia, Hotel, Pereira Airport, Romance, Salento, South America, tejo, trout, trucha

Prospect Hill: A Virginia B&B Packed with Charm & History

Posted 24th February, 2018
By Alex&Bell
No comments

Historic Charlottesville is two and a half hours south of Washington, DC. Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia there. The beautiful college town is lined with great restaurants and hip bars. Visitors can tour Jefferson’s former estate at Monticello. Nearby is historic Prospect Hill Inn, where guests can stay in a Virginia manor house dating to 1732.

Posted in North America. Tagged Louisa VA, Monticello, Prospect Hill Plantation Inn, Select Registry, Virginia, Whisky Jar

Couples Travel Stories for Valentine’s Day

Posted 11th February, 2018
By Alex&Bell
2 Comments

Last updated on February 12th, 2024 at 07:03 pmTravel is important to many relationships. It offers inspiration, time to connect or also, time to miss each other when apart. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked couples around the world three questions on how travel impacts their relationship. This is our second annual Valentine’s Day…

Posted in Europe. Tagged Bruges, couples travel, Czech Republic, gay travel, lesbian travel, Valentine's Day, Wanderlust Marriage

Family Run Hotels You Should Support

Posted 7th February, 2018
By Alex&Bell
No comments

Last updated on April 21st, 2019 at 04:03 pmChain hotels and large resorts dominate a huge chunk of the travel market. They lure us with loyalty points and promises of consistency but often rob us of personal touches and a deeper cultural experience. They also have the financial backing and power to shut the doors…

Posted in Greece, North America. Tagged Chania, family, hotels, Naxos, New Hampshire

Tips for Visiting Charleston, South Carolina

Posted 2nd February, 2018
By Alex&Bell
No comments

Charleston consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the US by major travel publications. Its history dates to 1670 and the town is especially famous for its beautifully preserved French Quarter, a lovely harbor and one of the largest collections of antebellum houses in the US (pre US civil war architecture). On our recent visit to Charleston in January, 2018, we enjoyed touring this historic city and eating some fantastic southern food. Here are some recommendations on where to stay, eat, drink and what to see!