Enjoy guest posts from IGE readers describing their best vacations ever while I’m away on mine! Check out my Italy travel page which I’ll be updating with links to videos, pictures & posts throughout my trip!

San Francisco

Name: penny. LA

Who, what, where, when and why: My husband and myself – San Francisco, CA – early July, 2010 – 3rd leg of our lovely honeymoon (1st – Lake Tahoe, 2nd – Napa/Sonoma)

My favorite part of the vacation was: The fabulous meal we had a the Hyde Street Seafood House and Raw Bar – one of the most memorable meals of my life!

my husband at Muir Woods, just outside SF

My best travel tip for this location: If you’re on a budget, use Yelp to plan ahead.

the menu the last day Alcatraz was open

The thing you MUST do at this location: Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace… it’s a very alive place to be on a Saturday morning!

piece chocolates at Teuscher Chocolates in SF

The thing I want to do next time I return: Visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

an old cherry stand between Sonoma and San Francisco

Germany

Blog: Pursuit of Healthfulness

Who, what, where, when and why: Study Abroad/ Bavaria, Germany/ Summer 2010/ Study German.

My favorite part of the vacation was: Living in a small, intimate town and really being able to experience the unique culture.

My best travel tip for this location: Take advantage of both public transportation and your walking shoes. The trains and subways are all extremely safe and there are often cheap bikes to rent.

The thing you MUST do at this location: Go hiking! Technically, the Alps don’t start until Switzerland, but there is still plenty of amazing hiking.

The thing I want to do next time I return: Go paragliding! It seemed to be everywhere!