A personal guide to authentic experiences
from a veteran travel journalist
Authentic Luxury Travel
15
Champagne in the Sand Dunes, Dubai, UAE
Champagne in the sand dunes, Dubai, UAE
Al Maha Resort, Dubai, UAE
Al Maha Resort, Dubai, UAE
The Reefs Hotel, Bermuda
The Reefs Hotel, Bermuda
Hong Kong Harbour from Four Seasons Hotel
Hong Kong Harbour from Four Seasons Hotel
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Huahine, French Polynesia
Huahine, French Polynesia
Bora Bora
Bora Bora
New Caledonia
New Caledonia
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Glacier National park, Montana
Glacier National park, Montana
San Blas Islands, Panama
San Blas Islands, Panama
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
Dog Sledding in Alaska
Dog Sledding in Alaska
Hippos in Zambia
Hippos in Zambia
Bugattis at Grassmere Sheep Station, New Zealand
Bugattis at Grassmere Sheep Station, New Zealand
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RSSCategory: U. S. Travel

My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

My Favorite Santa Barbara Hotel (by far)

I love the view of the Channel Islands from the pool at Belmond El Encanto. 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…
September 14, 2016 | Updated: September 14, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

Shell Beach – Best Central CA Vacation Spot

In Shell Beach, native grasses and red bougainvillea bloom on the oceanfront bluffs. 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…
July 30, 2016 | Updated: August 1, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Restaurants in La Jolla Shores – Part 2

Avenida de la Playa: “A short walk from the beach…a simple but wonderfully comfortable setting.” 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…
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: The juice bar at Everyday California is the new kid in the neighborhood. La Jolla Shores restaurants have a special place in my heart – and not just because they’re walking distance from our house. What…
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 landmark: Elliot Bay Book Company located in the colorful Capitol Hill area. 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…
May 24, 2016 | Updated: May 25, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Saratoga Springs – A Gem in Upstate New York

Saratoga Springs – A Gem in Upstate New York

The Saratoga Arms, a charming boutique hotel, is one of my favorite things about Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Springs made me want to travel more – and better. And by “better,” I mean it made me want to take time to…
May 17, 2016 | Updated: May 18, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Catalina Island – An Insider’s Guide

Catalina Island – An Insider’s Guide

The Inn on Mt. Ada offers a panoramic view of the marina in Avalon Bay. Catalina Island – the place that’s “26 miles across the sea,” has a reputation as being touristy, but it doesn’t have to be that way.…
May 4, 2016 | Updated: July 28, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 4 Replies More
Nashville, Father & Son Find Music City Harmony

Nashville, Father & Son Find Music City Harmony

Nashville – Garth Brooks is the number one best selling country music artist of all time. San Diego freelance writer Doug Hansen contributed this guest post. Nashville, Tennessee is the perfect destination for travelers with divergent interests. I know this…
March 22, 2016 | Updated: March 22, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Best La Jolla Shores Hotels, San  Diego

Best La Jolla Shores Hotels, San Diego

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club enjoys a private spot at the south end of La Jolla Shores Beach. La Jolla Shores Beach is a long stretch of sand about a mile from La Jolla’s popular shopping and dining…
March 16, 2016 | Updated: March 18, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Houston Restaurants – Insider Tips & My Favorite

Houston Restaurants – Insider Tips & My Favorite

Houston restaurants: Bistro Menil is a small, friendly place to eat in the Museum District. Houston restaurants have evolved. Once limited to Tex Mex and BBQ, they now offer a wide variety of other cuisines and some very unusual preparations…
November 26, 2015 | Updated: December 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
El Camino Real, Maggie’s 800-Mile Mission Walk

El Camino Real, Maggie’s 800-Mile Mission Walk

Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside, California. Credit: ADAMS / HANSEN STOCK PHOTOS. El Camino Real, the Royal Road, is a route that links California’s 21 iconic missions and provides an authentic view of the state’s colonial history. I’ve visited many…
November 17, 2015 | Updated: November 18, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 2 Replies More
Denali National Park – Musings on the “Great One”

Denali National Park – Musings on the “Great One”

View from Denali View North rest stop, Mile Post 162, February 14, 2015. Denali – the tallest peak in the U.S. – has been in the news a lot lately because of its recent name change. What’s the fuss about?…
October 19, 2015 | Updated: October 19, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

La Jolla Cove, in San Diego’s favorite beach community, is a wonderful spot to swim and snorkel. La Jolla Cove is easily the most recognized spot in my hometown – and for good reason. The lovely little beach is a…
October 8, 2015 | Updated: October 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Coasterra – New San Diego Restaurant Stays Classy

Coasterra – New San Diego Restaurant Stays Classy

Coasterra is San Diego’s new hot spot to drink and dine. Credit Auda Coudayre Photography. Coasterra – the vibrant restaurant, bar, and event space that opened on Harbor Island in mid-August – is getting good reviews for its Modern Mexican…
October 7, 2015 | Updated: October 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 3 Replies More
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