Affiliate Links Policy
Unless you are a brand new Internet user, you know the drill about affiliate links. They do NOT add to the cost of any product you purchase. And I get a few micro-cents from the purchase.
My personal policy on affiliate links I have on my website is this: I only promote a product or book that I use or read myself and personally paid for the item. This is not a review site where every product is great, every book should be the next best seller, and as Garrison Keillor said: “. . . all the children are above average”.
I also don’t hide affiliate links in the text of an article. All affiliate links are in a separate box at the end of an article. In addition to links at the end of articles, there is a page where I give my reason for every link on the site. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, email me. I am a real human, not some chatbot. Email address: adminmark@markstravels.com or use the contact form on this page.
Books on Amazon
This book helped me understand the art and history of Florence. I used it extensively to plan my trip, and while in Florence, I had it on my Kindle.
Another book describing the art I would see when I visited Florence,I had this on my Kindle in Florence also
I have to admit, I am fascinated by the Medici family and own several books, in addition to reading library books.
As I have said, everything that happened in Florence was because of art, politics, and religion. This book looks at Florence through the lives of three who impacted the city.
The fascinating story of the ‘feud’ between Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi that led to Ghiberti creating the doors to the Baptistery and Brunelleschi the dome of the cathedral.
While designed for people moving to Italy, it provided insight into Florence’s culture and norms for my trip.
This is an interesting, if long, and in parts, boring book. It details one county in Kansas. Even for a history nerd like me, I wished the author had been a little less detailed. I have read two other of Least Heat-Moon’s books, and have really liked them. Maybe I need to reread this one. The reason it’s on the list is that Chase County is where the Tallgrass Prairie is located. You can put the site into perspective by reading the book,
While the second half of the book is strictly pseudo-archaeology, the first part, which is an accurate history of Juba II, makes the book worthwhile.
In the article: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
In the article: Historic Roman Site of Volubilis
Other Items
| Item | Reason I use and like it | How to get the item |
|---|---|---|
| Google Fi – Cell Service | Get $60 credit when you use my code. Not many people realize that Google has a cell phone service. It is called Google Fi, and for international travelers it is by far the best plan. The cost does NOT change if you are in a different country. Your phone, SMS, or data all cost exactly the same as in the US. No need to use a fiddly and pricey eSIM or sign up for expensive overseas roaming. Turn off airplane mode when you land, and Google welcomes you to the country. I have used Google Fi in almost a dozen countries without any issues. If anyone could get a signal in a location, I could get a signal. Why does your favorite influencer tout eSIMs? One word: Money. They get paid to advertise the product, whether they use it or not. With me, I only advertise products I use and love. | Email me, and I can send you a referral code. Use it when you check out and receive a credit on your first bill. I’m sure there is fine print; check the website for it. Also, email me with any questions mark@markstravels.com |
| Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) | OAT is not for everyone. First, it is marketed to those over 50. However, on one of my tours, there was a woman in her Forty’s. It is not for someone who loves moving around in a large group of fellow tour members. It’s not for someone who wants to spend their vacation in a chair by the pool or the beach. It is for someone traveling solo. Many tours don’t have single supplement, which for people like me is wonderful and saves money. It is for people who want to do more than look at sites. It is for those that want to meet and interact with locals. I can’t do OAT justice in this little description. Check out the website to learn a lot more and see what tours they have. Here is a tip. They always are having deals and sales. Most of my trips have n=been about 40 to 50% off because I took advantage of the deals. Just to let you know, I have three OAT adventures scheduled for the last four months of 2026 and I am looking at one more, 60% off! | From the web I believe all you need to do is use my customer number when you book your trip. I’m sure the phone representative would be able to help you. Here is my customer number – 3250984 Email me with any questions. I am happy to talk about OAT. mark@markstravesl.com |