A personal guide to authentic experiences
from a veteran travel journalist
Authentic Luxury Travel
[promoslider id="my_id" category="topbanner" height="200px"]
  • Home
  • About Elizabeth
    • Published Articles
  • Authentic Luxury Travel
  • Book A Trip
  • Contact
  • Get Involved
    • Advertise
    • Contribute a Guest Post
    • Keep in Touch
    • Leave a Comment, Ask a Question
    • Plan a Getaway “Contest”
    • Send a Photo
    • Share a Travel Book or Movie
    • Write a Trip Report
  • Map of Posts by Location
  • Trip Planning
  • Africa
    • Botswana
    • Safaris
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Zambia
  • Air Travel
  • Antarctica
  • Asia
    • Bhutan
    • Cambodia
    • China
    • Indonesia
    • Japan
    • Myanmar
    • Vietnam
  • Australia
    • Great Barrier Reef
    • Sydney
  • Authentic Travel
  • Canada
    • Alberta
    • British Columbia
      • Vancouver
    • Newfoundland
  • Central America
    • Costa Rica
    • Guatemala
    • Mexico
  • Cruises
  • Europe
    • Czech Republic
    • England
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Italy
    • Latvia
    • Poland
    • Scotland
    • Spain
    • The Netherlands
    • Turkey
  • Hotels
  • India
  • Islands
    • Bermuda
    • Caribbean
    • Fiji
    • French Polynesia
    • Hawaii
    • Ibiza, Spain
    • Maldives
    • Palau
    • Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi
  • Middle East
    • Abu Dhabi
    • Dubai
  • New Zealand
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Galapagos
    • Peru
  • Special Interest Trips
    • Ancestry travel
    • Bucket List Travel
    • Classic Car Adventures
    • Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
    • fall colors
    • Family Travel
    • food tours
    • garden visits
    • Golf Vacations
    • Learning Vacations
      • Cooking schools
    • national holidays
    • Performing Arts
      • concerts
      • opera
    • Pet-Friendly Travel
    • Rafting
    • Recipes
    • Romantic Destinations
    • Shopping
    • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
    • Spa Vacations
    • surfing
    • Walking vacations
    • Wildlife Watching
    • Winter Holidays
    • Women's Travel
  • Staying Healthy
    • Dealing with Illness and Discomfort
    • Eating and Drinking
    • Insects
    • Mind and Spirit
    • Packing
    • Problem Prevention
    • Travelling with Kids
  • Travel Experts
  • U. S. Travel
    • National Parks
    • USA Eastern States
    • USA Midwestern States
    • USA Southern States
    • USA Southwest
    • USA Western States
      • Alaska
      • Central California
      • Montana
      • Northern California
      • Oregon
      • Southern California
      • Utah
      • Washington
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Voluntourism
About Authentic Luxury Travel, About Me

About Authentic Luxury Travel, About Me

Welcome. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for authentic luxury travel options. There’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing what I’ve learned during the course of a long career as a travel journalist and photographer. Looking for a boutique hotel? A private guide in Mumbai? A way to avoid the crowds in […]

Read More

  • 1
*

Latest News

Personal Transformation and Adventure Travel

Personal Transformation and Adventure Travel

Can personal transformation be achieved through adventure travel experiences? This is part 2 of a two-part article by Louis Amoroso on his recent journey to the top of Africa — Mount Kilimanjaro. Part 1 explored the majority of the trip as it unfolded externally. Part 2 below examines the midnight summit ascent as well as internal […]

October 3, 2016 | Updated: October 3, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 4 Replies More
Mt Kilimanjaro, Climbing to the Top of Africa

Mt Kilimanjaro, Climbing to the Top of Africa

Kilimanjaro: I love reading well written accounts of other travelers’ adventures – and that’s just what this is. Louis Amoroso is a popular life coach who uses travel as a medium to lead successful professionals to even higher levels of success in their careers and in their personal lives. Louis recently “scouted” Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as a […]

September 22, 2016 | Updated: September 23, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Secrets To an Extraordinary SE Asia Holiday

Secrets To an Extraordinary SE Asia Holiday

SE Asia. I’ve been there. Maybe you’ve been there, too. But I doubt that any of us had a trip like Authentic Luxury Travel contributor Larry Kessler. For this San Diegan, the “luxury” is always meeting local people and making authentic connections. Larry is just back from SE Asia, where every day presented a new […]

September 18, 2016 | Updated: September 19, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

My favorite Santa Barbara hotel? That’s easy. Belmond El Encanto won my heart with gracious suites in historic cottages, beautiful gardens, and a panoramic ocean view. Spread over seven acres, the hotel feels more residential than commercial. This isn’t surprising, since the bungalows here started out as lodging for students and faculty when a state […]

September 14, 2016 | Updated: September 14, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Peruvian Paradise – Eat, Ride, Love

Peruvian Paradise – Eat, Ride, Love

Peruvian Paso horses were on my radar when we went to Peru last year. I’d read about their oh-so-smooth gait and wanted to experience this ride for myself. Nina Fogelman of Ancient Summit planned our Peru itinerary and assured me she could make it happen. If you’ve read about our trip, you know that Nina […]

September 8, 2016 | Updated: September 8, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Why I love this New Zealand Beach Resort

Why I love this New Zealand Beach Resort

New Zealand beach communities are dotted along the country’s coast. Until recently, I thought I’d experienced the best of them – but then I found Waikanae. In a roundabout way, I have my husband to thank for this discovery. If he hadn’t wanted to spend “at least one full day” at the Southward Car Museum, […]

August 26, 2016 | Updated: August 27, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Yoga for Travelers and a Yummy Retreat

Yoga for Travelers and a Yummy Retreat

Yoga, as taught by Anne Marie Welsh at the Community Center in my hometown, changed my life. It’s not just the way she demonstrates the asanas that make her special, it’s her affirmations and soothing words that set her apart from other instructors.  In addition to being a yoga teacher, Anne Marie is also a traveler, […]

August 6, 2016 | Updated: August 7, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 3 Replies More
Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

Shell Beach: What makes this area the perfect spot for a summer vacation? Great weather and a relatively laid-back atmosphere. Further north, coastal fog can be a problem, and in some areas to the south, beach resorts are packed in cheek-to-jowl. But Shell Beach, which is the upmarket resort area of Pismo Beach, feels quiet […]

July 30, 2016 | Updated: August 1, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Solo Travel Made Easy and Authentic

Solo Travel Made Easy and Authentic

Solo travel can be a wonderful way to see the world. For a couple of decades, I went everywhere alone and loved the independence and freedom. Even now, having married a guy who loves to travel as much as I do, I elect to do a couple of trips on my own every year. Solo […]

July 26, 2016 | Updated: July 27, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Trip Planning Help Just For You

Trip Planning Help Just For You

Trip planning making your head spin? I feel your pain. Even though I’ve been planning trips for myself and others for a long time, I still spend hours sorting out the options. It doesn’t help that I’m somewhat obsessive (ok, strike somewhat) about finding the perfect lodging and figuring out ways to avoid crowds of […]

July 12, 2016 | Updated: July 12, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Galapagos Islands for Authentic Travelers

Galapagos Islands for Authentic Travelers

Galapagos adventures top many travel bucket lists. Blue footed boobies, sea turtles, and reef sharks draw travelers from around the world to the popular South American destination. Some people only dream of this experience, but travel writer Marilyn Jones researched the options, made reservations and had a great time.  She shares her authentic travel experiences […]

June 26, 2016 | Updated: June 27, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Restaurants in La Jolla Shores are my favorites, and this isn’t just because they are close to our house. What I really enjoy is the sense of community that I feel when I’m there. As I think you know, La Jolla is San Diego’s favorite beach area, and there are plenty of places to eat […]

June 15, 2016 | Updated: June 15, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
La Jolla Shores Restaurants Rock

La Jolla Shores Restaurants Rock

La Jolla Shores restaurants have a special place in my heart – and not just because they’re walking distance from our house. What I really love is their casual, beachy atmosphere. San Diego tourists tend to dine a mile away on Prospect Street (AKA “restaurant row”), but locals and authentic travelers prefer the neighborhood feel […]

June 7, 2016 | Updated: June 15, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Seattle – in Two Bookstores and a Library

Seattle – in Two Bookstores and a Library

Seattle is one of my favorite cities, so I was happy to receive this guest post from Karen Adams, a talented local writer. I love her focus on a side of Seattle that tourists don’t see, but authentic travelers can really appreciate. If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald City, this post is a […]

May 24, 2016 | Updated: May 25, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Next Page »

Subscribe

Join me and discover the joy of authentic travel experiences. Subscribe here. Watch your inbox for an activation email.

Privacy guaranteed. We never share your info.
[jr_instagram id="2"]
Let our Boutique Hotels inspire you
Discover the ancient and magical culture of  Peru
Discover Vietnams hidden treasures with the help of a private tour guide
Spectaular Italian Villas and homes for rent

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

I enjoy helping travelers plan custom itineraries that wander off the beaten path instead of following the well-worn trail of tourist sites. Elizabeth Hansen
Find out how I can help .

"I truly want to thank you for helping to make our trip a joyous adventure. We will always be grateful to you for enhancing our experiences." —N. Higgins, Black Mountain, NC

Find Authentic Luxury Destinations

Click the map to find articles and travel tips about your favorite destinations.

Subscribe via RSS Feed Follow Me on Twitter Connect on Facebook Connect on Google Plus Connect on LinkedIn
© 2023 Authentic Luxury Travel. All rights reserved. Design & Development by Acorn Interactive.