If you thought safaris were only in Africa, think again. The Amazon rainforest has many lodges which are similar to the ones in Africa with two “game drives” per day, all inclusive dining, snacks out in the bush, mosquito-netted beds in luxury villas, attentive staff and even night walks where they turn out all the …
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You may have heard of Bali – the most visited island in the Indonesian archipelago. Indonesia is just north of Australia and is made up of over 17,000 islands, most of which are uninhabited and remote. Other well-known islands in the country are Sumatra, Borneo, Java and Komodo. There is another region which is known …
“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.” Karen Blixen (Author of “Out of Africa”) As we made our way along the dusty dirt road to Orpen Gate at …
It would be our fourth try. On the third try my husband got in the cage when a large female great white appeared, but the two days before that? Nothing. I had stayed in the hotel on the third day because I wasn’t feeling well, but once I heard he had been successful I kicked …
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Visiting Angkor Angkor Wat and the surrounding historic city of Angkor is an impressive monument to ancient Khmer civilization. It includes both the main temple of Angkor Wat, along with many other temples. We recommend doing research about the site up front, going to the museum first, then hiring a guide to explain the many sites …
There are several famous, iconic beaches reachable from Phuket. The most well known is Maya Bay at Koh Phi Phi Le from Leonardo Dicaprio’s 2000 cult movie: The Beach. This trip usually includes a stop at Monkey Beach and a snorkel. The second most well known is James Bond Island from Man with the Golden …
A visit to a faraway land shocks the senses with scents of unfamiliar spices, sights of unusually shaped architecture along with the musical inflections of a foreign language. Thailand is no exception, and much of what makes this land feel so exotic are its temples. There are stupas covered in gold, giant Buddha statues with bejeweled …
The building is unassuming and without a sign. You might walk right by this shop in old town if you didn’t know better. If you do know better, you’ll know it’s 71 year-old owner, Jay Fai, has recently been recognized by Michelin for her excellent quality street food utilizing large portions, fresh ingredients and hand …
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Sukhothai, First Capital of the Kingdom of Siam Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Active in the 13th and 15th centuries. It was a powerful capital and the artistic style of its Buddhas and architecture are known as Sukhothai style today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ayutthaya, Second Capital …
We’d been hiking through the Cambodian jungle, touring the Angkor temples in late May. It was just past tourist season and the temperatures were in the high 90’s with humidity to match. It was the final night of our trip and we wanted to celebrate this unexpected victory. For years we’d talked of going to …
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“What on Earth have you gotten us into?” he said – looking half skeptical yet half ready to take on the adventure. “Dog sitting in French wine country – what’s not to love? We even get to walk them in a vineyard – how cool is that?” I replied. “We don’t even know these people,” he …
As a lover of Europe, I often find myself missing the ancient buildings, glorious architecture and stone streets of the old world. Still, if you look you can find hints of Europe here in the U.S. if you need a fix. Here are some that you may or may not have heard of that I’ve …
At first glance, a whale shark can seem intimidating, with its large open mouth and fins protruding out of the water. It is sized like a whale at 20-30 feet long and is often swimming slowly along the surface of the water – but why is that? It turns out, whale sharks eat crill – …
A tropical island chain in the South Pacific – Fiji is on a lot of people’s “list.” I found out just how many when I started posting photos to my Facebook page. Near Tahiti and New Zealand, it is an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles via Fiji Airways. Most know of it from the bottled water brand. …
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday. In Catholic tradition, it is the last day of feasting before Lent. In modern practice, carnival season begins on January 6th, the Catholic holiday of Epiphany marking the arrival of the three wise men after Christ’s birth. It is also known as “Twelfth Night” being 12 nights after Christmas. Parades can be …
Wanting a quick trip to a historic place that will put you in touch with the country’s past? Washington DC is a good bet. While Cherry Blossom Season is a great time of the year to visit, any time will do – I went in February to visit a friend. Oldtown Alexandria Alexandria is right across …
We took a late November/early December trip to Paris & Venice with my husband and his parents for their birthdays. Any time in Paris is worth photographing, but because of the grey weather in the temperate zone I was not sure what to do with the photos. I had been to Paris several times and …
Few sights are more spectacular than Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Set on the northwest corner of the island, it is a lush and remote area in the Nā Pali Coast State Park. It’s stunning green, brown and red cliffs which stretch from sea to sky were made famous in opening segment of the 1970’s show: …
Pacing and checking my phone had now become a constant habit. “Not one but two hurricanes headed toward Maui on the weekend of my wedding?” I asked in disbelief. It was an event planner’s nightmare – with 30 guests flying in from all over it seemed all would be lost. A destination wedding can be an …
The Napa Valley conjures up images of rolling vineyards, upscale wineries and well-stocked gourmet stores. While it is widely known as a romantic destination for couples, it can also be a great location for a memorable girl’s trip. Three friends and I took a long weekend bridesmaid trip here. We live in different cities, so …
St Barts is the jewel of the Caribbean. Frequented by the rich and famous, it’s low key glamour is a step above most other islands in the area. If you really want to experience the lifestyle, a private flight to the island is the best way. You don’t have to own your own jet, you …
Austin, Texas is also known as the “ATX” and the “live music capital of the world.” It is home to the annual South by Southwest Music, Film & Interactive festival (SXSW) and the long running Austin City Limits music show, studio and festival. Celebrities who live here include Matthew McConaughey and Willie Nelson, to name a …
When considering destinations to visit during the holidays, the Southwest may not immediately come to mind. However, Sante Fe has a unique holiday charm in its historic buildings, colorfully lit square and thousands of farolitos topping its adobe structures. From the annual tree lighting on the square, to its yearly La Posada procession, to its Christmas …
One is an Italian fishing village established by the Romans, the other, a meticulous recreation opened at Universal Orlando in 1999. Though they are separated by an ocean and a millennium, the intentional similarities are striking. Portofino, Italy The Italian version is a bonafide member of the Italian Riviera. Large yachts dot the picturesque harbor and celebrities are …
The Cinque Terre are five seaside towns set amidst the rocky coast of western Italy. Located in the region of Liguria, they are part of the Italian Riviera. Though they have become popular, they still have an undiscovered feel. Tourists here are low key, looking for a beach or a hiking trail to enjoy the view. The yacht …
Tuscany is the famous region of Italy once inhabited by the Etruscans. It is Italian food & wine country, located south of Florence, extending westward out to the Mediterranean. The region’s wines are known worldwide, the most famous of which is Chianti. We recommend staying centrally in the region in Siena, a medieval walled city …
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Most people travel to Europe in the summer months, for the warmth and sunshine. Some study in Europe and return home before the holidays. Others travel specifically to experience the Christmas Markets, located all over Europe in late November and early December. I like to visit a city at different times of year because the …
Santiago is a surprising blend of South American culture and European style architecture, set in a stunning Andean landscape. Though much can be seen in the country of Chile, if you only have 24 hours, Santiago is your jewel. Start by going to the Restaurant Giratorio, not for the food, but for the view. It is a revolving restaurant …
The ads intrigued us, linking to photos of frozen caves, steep crevasses and icy pinnacles. It was kind of like climbing Everest, without the risk or height, and it just might be the coolest thing we’d ever done. We’d signed up for a heli-hike with the Franz Josef Glacier guides, located on the northern end of the South …
Queenstown is a town of adventure. Home to the original bungie jump, the area abounds with fun things to do like skiing, mountain climbing, kayaking and go-carting down mountain roads. When planning our trip we noticed jet boating as another exciting option. Jet boats can travel up to 85 miles per hour in small spaces. They take wide …
A shark has an instantly recognizable profile under water. Usually swimming in the deep, they glide confidently – almost ominously – through the darkest layers of blue. Their fins and tail alternate back and forth, moving them forward in a slow, methodical manner giving them the appearance of a highly calculating predator. As a diver, you are …
One of the most adventurous activities to be done in Sydney is the Harbor Bridge Climb. While such an endeavor used to be the territory of a few drunken locals, in 1998 Paul Cave decided to make it official. He swiftly learned that his battle would be uphill, yet expertly came up with solutions to every objection …
There are common, recognizable charms to the historic port cities in the southeastern US: period architecture, cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, mossy oaks, nautical influences, horse drawn carriages, famous parks & squares and colorful cottages to name a few. The region’s warm weather and many days of sunshine make these cities a year round destination. Out of a long list of options, five …
I am in Key Largo on a diving trip. We traveled here by car and I am always surprised at how the Keys feel like a sweet reward for an hours-long driving effort. As you cross the bridge from Florida City into Key Largo, you know you are leaving the mainland behind. You are suddenly …
We are in Hawaii! It sounds so exotic and expensive, but when we did the math, with free airfare, it was cheaper to venture to Oahu than to the Florida Keys. The time change helped as I had work to do on this trip and the differing U.S. time zones ensured a little more free …
From the remote roads that wind through otherworldly canyons, Utah feels like a foreign land. When you drive deep through its countryside, you can encounter rock formations with colors and shapes that look like they’re from another planet. You also find terrain that rivals anywhere on Earth. In short, you will be mesmerized by Utah. The Big 5 …
One of my new favorite resorts is set by itself in a dramatic red rock canyon so remote that cell phone service is often non-existent. It is a proud member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group, the aptly named Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. I discovered it accidentally while researching a post graduation trip to …
A short train ride south from Paris will take you out to the Loire Valley, the valley of Kings. This is where much of the royalty and nobility of France spent their time, with spectacular châteaux like Chambord being referred to as mere “hunting lodges.” This trip, along with Versailles, is one of the best …