Melissa Adams
Since 2007, when a trip to Amsterdam inspired my decision to rent out my home in Newport Beach, California and spend nearly half of every year abroad, I have split my time between Southern California and the Netherlands’ freewheeling capital. As a freelance journalist, I find ongoing inspiration in A’dam’s shimmering canals, laissez-faire vibe, cosmopolitan traditions and Old World charm.
After starting my career as a staff writer for the Automobile of Southern California’s “Travel Research and Publications” Dept., I’ve spent more than three decades as a travel writer and marketing communications professional. My work has appeared in such publications as OC Metro, Body Beautiful, Southern California Home & Outdoor, OC Flair and Here Comes the Guide. Over the years, I’ve covered topics ranging from destination weddings in pastoral Tuscany to cycling and bike-barge tours in Italy and the Southern Aegean.
Most recently, I’ve traveled independently through Belgium, England, France, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Beyond extended stays in Amsterdam, my experiences have included a week at VaughanTown in Gredos, Spain, where I helped Spaniards learn English in a week of conversations, fictional scenarios, skits and fun.
I’m a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, Southern California Writers Association, Bicycle Club of Irvine and the Sierra Club’s bike touring section. I invite you to share my thoughts about travel, cycling and the writer’s life at http://wordgeisha.blogspot.com/ and http://wordgeisha.com/WGblog2008.html.
Latest Articles
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Eagle Island: A Private Retreat for Birds of a Feather
On secluded Eagle Island off the coast of Georgia, lovers, friends, family and co-workers can find themselves, eco-adventure and total relaxation.
Jun 21, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Cheap Travel: Six Money-Saving Tips for Europe
The deflated dollar may have many Americans thinking a European vacation is out of reach. Yet even without backpacking, budget travel is possible with good planning.
Jan 30, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Villa Rentals Offer Romantic Luxury
A holiday villa can provide lavish accommodations for destination weddings, honeymoons and other luxury vacations in Italy, France, Spain, Costa Rica and the Caribbean.
Jan 26, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Amsterdam Budget Sightseeing
With the deflated dollar, Amsterdam sightseeing can be expensive. Yet budget travelers will find many free things to do. Here are 10 picks for cheap Amsterdam vacations:
Jan 22, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Koninginnedag, Wildest of Dutch Holidays
At no time of year is Dutch culture and patriotism, sometimes revealed as Orange madness or oranjegekt in the Netherlands, more apparent than on Koninginnedag in Holland.
Jan 19, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Riccione Bike Hotels Offer Cycling Adventure
With its intense colors, castle-dotted hills, pastoral landscapes and fine, Romagna cuisine, Italy's
Adriatic Coast is a paradise for bike touring.
Jan 16, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Six Romantic Things to Do in Amsterdam
Whether visiting on a chilly Valentine's Day or in summer's long days, couples will find many options that will sweep them off their own feet, into each other's arms.
Jan 14, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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A Free Vacation in Spain at VaughanTown
American Richard Vaughan apparently had never heard the adage, "There's no free lunch" when he founded VaughanTown, an English language immersion program, in 2001.
Jan 10, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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Free Walking Tours in Europe
Among Europe's best bargains are dozens of tours immune to the perils of currency exchange rates and strained budgets: excursions offered by SANDEMANs NEW Europe.
Jan 9, 2010
- Melissa Adams
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How to Book a European Bike Tour
Compared to American bike tours, those presented by European operators offer cost savings, insights of local experts and international camaraderie.
Dec 24, 2009
- Melissa Adams
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