Tag: traveling
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 – […]
