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Tag: traveling

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
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
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
Most Romantic Christchurch Accommodation

Most Romantic Christchurch Accommodation

New Zealand: Christchurch accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, but Otahuna Lodge is easily the most romantic. The stately Victorian mansion is surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful gardens, emerald green lawns, and fragrant woodlands. Seven spacious bedrooms – most with working fireplaces – are both grand and welcoming. If you’ve ever longed to […]

February 13, 2016 | Updated: February 14, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Air New Zealand, Santa & Our Fabulous Trip

Air New Zealand, Santa & Our Fabulous Trip

Air New Zealand made it possible for my husband Richard and me to enjoy four wonderful weeks of New Zealand summer. We left Los Angeles on December 24, 2015 and came back on January 21, 2016 – and it was all terrific. As I’ve mentioned before , I’ve spent a lot of time Down Under […]

February 1, 2016 | Updated: February 2, 2016 | By Elizabeth | 6 Replies More
Authentic Tuscany in a Day with Km Zero

Authentic Tuscany in a Day with Km Zero

Authentic Tuscany…Before I read this guest post, I thought exploring Tuscany was, by definition, a multi-day event. However, I now realize I thought that because I’ve always driven around on my own and not really known where to go. In contrast, the author of this post toured Tuscany with two very connected locals. They knew […]

October 26, 2015 | Updated: November 21, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

Best Hotel Suites Near La Jolla Cove, San Diego

La Jolla Cove is easily the most recognized spot in my hometown – and for good reason. The lovely little beach is a mere dollop compared to the long stretches of sand in the rest of San Diego. And – because it’s sheltered by low sandstone cliffs – La Jolla Cove feels cozy. Snorkelers and […]

October 8, 2015 | Updated: October 9, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Learn French, Travel With Your Tutor

Learn French, Travel With Your Tutor

Learn French while traveling with your teacher in Eastern France. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Our Parisian friend Pascale Heuzé previously shared her ideas about souvenir shopping and provided suggestions for living like a local in Paris. Now she wants to help you learn French. Read on… I’m a real French tutor living in Paris and […]

September 1, 2015 | Updated: September 2, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 2 Replies More
Carmel Valley – Where to Stay and Play

Carmel Valley – Where to Stay and Play

Carmel Valley is a popular destination for luxury loving Californians. Resorts, lodges, and restaurants in this area two hours from San Francisco offer the food, wine, and activities that Golden State residents love. Want to connect with the local culture? You couldn’t make a better choice than to spend some time at Carmel Valley Ranch. When I […]

July 13, 2015 | Updated: July 21, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 1 Reply More
Best La Jolla Beach Boutique Hotel

Best La Jolla Beach Boutique Hotel

La Jolla beach hotels tend to be busy places, but one boutique property offers a sweet retreat with an ocean view. Scripps Inn faces the Pacific a few blocks south of La Jolla Cove – just far enough from the Children’s Pool seal colony to avoid the masses of visitors that the marine cuties attract. I’ve lived […]

June 18, 2015 | Updated: June 19, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Amazon River – Cruising Peru in Style

Amazon River – Cruising Peru in Style

Amazon River cruising didn’t sound all that appealing when my friend Nina first mentioned it to me. In fact, just the words “Amazon River” conjured up visions of someone in a grungy boat swatting at flies and dodging Anacondas. However, I sat up and took noticed when I clicked on the link that Nina sent […]

June 12, 2015 | Updated: June 14, 2015 | By Elizabeth | 2 Replies More
Santa Fe, NM – What’s Hot This Summer

Santa Fe, NM – What’s Hot This Summer

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a popular summer destination because this “City Different” offers an abundance of cultural activities. In this guest post, local Santa Fe expert Judith Moir gives us a heads up on what’s on this season. Judith previously shared her thoughts about Christmas in Santa Fe. As a local, I’m always excited […]

May 27, 2015 | Updated: May 27, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
Sol y Luna – Enjoy This Luxury Peru Lodging

Sol y Luna – Enjoy This Luxury Peru Lodging

Sol y Luna was our first luxury hotel experience in Peru and it set a high bar for the rest of our trip. The rustic / chic inn is located in the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley – about an hour from Cusco. I enjoyed the spacious grounds, where winding paths connect 43 […]

May 20, 2015 | Updated: May 20, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
My Life in Luggage

My Life in Luggage

Luggage You’ve probably heard the expression “You have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince.” Well, for me, that quote applies not only to my love life – but also to my search for the perfect suitcase. Before luggage came with wheels – yes, in the Dark Ages of travel – […]

May 14, 2015 | Updated: May 15, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More
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