About Me

Welcome to TravelTawk℠ where we explore overlooked places in interesting destinations in Europe and North America. We plan to include Japan in 2026.  In these pages we share our culinary and cultural discoveries, exciting art and architecture, and practical advice for less stressful and more meaningful travel in cities around the world and in the great outdoors. Wellness and a bit of luxury are always part of our travel stories.

Whether you are an avid traveler or just getting started, our goal is to inspire you with up- and- coming destinations, off- season suggestions, and help you avoid the crowds when you go to popular locales.

I’m Jeanne Neylon Decker, independent travel journalist and founder and chief content creator @traveltawk.com. I’ve visited two dozen countries and spend nearly half the year traveling to bring our readers insight into destinations worth spending time in.

Italy is a top destination for many and after 20 visits, still one of my favorite countries. The Dolomites have been getting a lot of attention lately. I wrote about this astoundingly beautiful region several years ago and I’m heading back for my sixth hiking trip in October. Thinking of the popular Cinque Terre? Read this first! Heading to Rome? I’ve got plenty of tips for avoiding the crowds.

If you’re looking for travel ideas, consider a driving trip around the Peloponnese Peninsula instead of island hopping in Greece. Are Slovenia and Croatia on your list? You’ll find lots of mini stories and photos of Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Idrija, Zagreb, Zadar, and the Istrian Peninsula @traveltawk on Instagram. Articles coming soon!

If you’re looking ahead to 2026, Springtime in Spain is magical, especially during Semana Santa– Holy Week (the seven days leading to Easter Sunday).  Read all about it here and in Travel World International. Stories on Valencia, Zaragoza and other under the radar Spanish cities are coming.

Central Oregon and New England were some of our recent US destinations. If you’re considering Alaska  you’ll want to read about our adventures, which thanks to Explore Fairbanks, included meeting with scientists at the University of Alaska about climate change, learning about native Athabascan culture and traditions, a river boat ride, and a visit to spectacular Denali National Park plus a trip on the Alaska Railroad with Gold Star service!

Five days in Vienna was not nearly long enough to fully explore this fascinating city so I’m returning this autumn. I’ll also revisit Salzburg, which is just as charming as you’d imagine. Stay tuned for articles about Munich after Octoberfest, (including a day trip to Augsburg- one of Germany’s oldest cities); Graz, Austria’s second largest city and often overlooked by visitors; a visit to the Black Forest, Lake Constance and culinary adventures in Strasbourg.

Look for travel tips and articles on these and other worthwhile destinations in the coming months.

 At TravelTawk℠ it’s all about the places, plates and people.  Please share your thoughts, ask questions, and join the journey– it’s more fun with friends! [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram and X @traveltawk and on FB and TravMedia Jeanne Neylon Decker.

Member North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the International Food, Wine, Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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