Adventures of a Carry-on

I am a freelance writer and copywriter with a focus on travel, tourism, food, hospitality, wine, lifestyle, and wellness. As a certified wine communicator through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), I have a deep love for travel, especially in Europe and its famous wine regions. While I often travel alone, I never feel lonely. For me, travel is a powerful way to discover myself, and it's all part of the exciting journey of life. What stays with me after each trip are the special moments—like the kindness of a stranger, a conversation in another language, or wandering down a charming cobblestone street. It's often these encounters with new people that leave the biggest impression on me. While some might find this daunting, I see it as a vibrant addition to the rich tapestry of life.

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A Local Guide to Braunton, North Devon, UK

1 month ago | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

North Devon is one of the most memorable places I’ve been. Despite all the enticing photos, nothing could convey the wild, rural landscape, or the inherent oddities and things that make it unique but aren’t apparent until you visit in real life. It’s a vast area…or feels so, perhaps due to the Atlantic’s endless horizon. One of the best aspects of making friends around the world is the opportunity to discover new cities, landscapes, history, and culture.
The Perfect Itinerary For Discovering Essential England

Feb 19, 2025 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Let’s be honest, if you really want to discover essential England, you’ve got to get outside of London. Ask any Brit, and they will tell you the same. That’s precisely how I ended up spending about four weeks in the English countryside. Blame it on a Brit. If you’re a curious traveller ready to discover real England, the England of quaint villages, ancient abbeys, and unexpected diversions, I recommend the A4 great west road also known as the great west way.
How To Make The Most Of Two Days In Provence

Oct 27, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Make the most of two days in Provence by hiring a local guide to drive you to the hilltop villages, wineries and other sites. If you’re looking for a vacation destination that has it all, and I don’t say that lightly, consider Provence. 300 days per year of sunshine, coastal cities, and hilltop villages make Provence one of the world’s desirable locations. Located in southeastern France, Marseille is the capital and the second largest city in France.
English Tea and The Beatles, Pairing Two British Favorites

Sep 5, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Afternoon tea is one of my favorite aspects of British culture. And let’s be honest, afternoon tea is a way of life—full stop. Just as I can’t imagine life without tea, I can’t imagine life without the music of four British chaps: John, Paul, George, and Ringo, aka The Beatles. I love them as much today as I did when I first heard them decades ago. Imagine sitting down for a cup of tea with the Fab Four. There’s nothing like a cup of tea to break the ice and get the conversation flowing.
7 Delicious Wine & Food Experiences in Sonoma County

Aug 30, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Sonoma Valley is one of the prettiest and most diverse wine country regions in the United States. From rolling hills to the scenic Pacific Coast to redwood forests, and quaint towns surrounded by vineyards, Wine Enthusiast rated Sonoma a top USA wine region in 2019. A paradise for foodies, Sonoma is not only a wine-growing region; it’s also known for organic farms and dairies, and fresh catch from the coast. Fine dining options range from farm-to-table to Michelin guide restaurants.
10 Most Popular British Chocolate Bars and Candy

Aug 25, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Hershey’s vs. Nestle’s. Godiva vs. Cadbury. Which is better? These famous candy makers are popular around the world along with many others, but the various chocolate bars and sweet treats they produce differ from place to place. I found this out the hard way when a friend recently back from London offered me a dark chocolate Kit Kat, my first. I don’t eat a lot of candy but I like the crunchy texture of Kit Kats plus the dark chocolate isn’t as sweet as milk chocolate.
First Time In London-Essential Tips for a Memorable Trip

Aug 22, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

Who doesn’t love the UK and its capital city, London? The country that gave us the Beatles; perhaps the greatest band of the 20th century, the Royals, Shakespeare, afternoon tea, British humor, fish and chips, cheddar cheese, Downton Abbey, and Love Actually, has something memorable to offer every type of traveler, especially first-time visitors. However, if you’re visiting London for the first time, as cool as it is, it can be overwhelming. It’s a big city and very spread out.
12 Day Trips And Things To Do Near Los Angeles

Aug 10, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

I love LA, but I didn’t always…it just didn’t feel like a city that was easy to know. I like walkable cities, cities that feel approachable. Then, almost by accident, I discovered the best way to explore and get to know Los Angeles and suddenly, I was having fun in this amazing city. The trick to exploring LA is to approach it as a city of neighborhoods.
Franciacorta Italy's Star Sparkling Wine

Jul 28, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

In the verdant hills of Lombardy just an hour east of Milan in Northern Italy, lies a premier sparkling wine region, Franciacorta. It was the first traditional method Italian Sparkling Wine to gain DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). This is as good as it gets. Franciacorta is an elegant and sophisticated wine often compared to champagne because the second fermentation occurs after bottling.
9 Favorite Piazzas in Rome, Italy

Jul 20, 2024 | adventuresofacarryon.com | Penny Sadler

When I look back on some of my more memorable experiences in Rome, the backdrop is always a piazza. Since I almost always stayed in Trastevere, some of my favorite piazzas are in that neighborhood. Social invitations don’t even need street addresses in ancient Rome, you only need the name of the cafe or bar, and which of Rome’s piazzas it is located on or near. Indeed, piazzas have always been a hub of social life and culture in Italy. Cathedrals and fountains distinguish one piazza from the next.