Luxury Retreats :: Dreaming of a Trip to the Dominican Republic

December 5, 2017December 4, 2017

Punta Cana (Photo by Baar/ullstein via Getty Images)

Is a trip to the Dominican Republic on your destination list?

Do you like to make future travel plans? Do you keep a running list of possible destinations in your head? Written down somewhere on your desk? Or do you just wing it and decide last-minute? I always have an active lineup and it constantly changes. However, at the end of every travel year, one of my favorite activities is to create a list of possible future dream destinations for the very next year. Each calendar year we always include a tropical beach vacation even if it we can only get away for a week.

Part of our criteria is traveling to a fascinating place where we have never been and where there is more to do than just sit on the beach. Many amazing destinations that I am unfamiliar with reach out to me to say hello. I was recently introduced to Dominican Republic home rentals and I was thrilled to hear about the possibilities!

My Epic Adventures in Bangkok :: Ten Reasons to Visit Thailand

February 5, 2021November 29, 2017

Ten reasons to visit Thailand. — Sitting side by side in the floating market!

Asia has always been on my wish list, but when the opportunity to visit Bangkok with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China Southern Airlines came about, I said “Pick me, pick me!”

A fun-filled travel plan was created to transport seven, seasoned, travel writers, a friendly public relations representative and an energetic authority on Thailand from the TAT. Our proposed adventure was to explore Bangkok and visit several outlying areas as well. It was a travel recipe of epic proportions, coupled with a luxurious airplane experience like no other! We all were more than ready for this Southeast Asian Adventure.

My Upcoming Empty Nester Adventure :: Travel to Asia

February 28, 2020November 9, 2017

Colorful boats in floating market in Bangkok. — Photo: Bangkok.com

Yes! I am leaving on Sunday to travel to Asia for the first time. The wonderful people of China Southern Airlines and Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles are inviting me as their guest along with seven other travel writers.

Pinch me now, I am over the moon excited to see this part of the world! Just imagine walking through Bangkok and the Chang Chui Market, shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, visiting majestic temples, and a bike ride through the inner city oasis of Bang Kra Jao… maybe even a Thai Boxing Class!

The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – Our Perfect Anniversary Getaway

February 28, 2020November 6, 2017

Bravo to the Andaz Mayakoba Resort ~

The Andaz Mayakoba Resort sits within about a square mile of an area called Mayakoba on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is surrounded by six miles of fresh water canals, giant mangroves and the colorful Caribbean Sea.

This area of Mexico is an hour away from Cancun, near a city called Playa del Carmen, known as “Playa” on the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo. I was immediately confused by all of the different names of this area of Mexico. Are you? There are lots of titles for the same location. Just remember that the easiest way to get there is to fly into Cancun and take a taxi or hire a car to drive you to the resort. You will figure it out eventually, I did!

Four More of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco You Must Try Today

February 28, 2020October 17, 2017

Consider this post to be an addendum to this one ==> 15 Amazing Restaurants in San Francisco to Visit Today!

More of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco

When we make a stop in San Francisco we make it count. In the evening, we don’t relax much, we try to fit in every new (and old) restaurant we haven’t been to yet! Finding the best restaurants in San Francisco is a joyous adventure. During the day, we skip lunch, walk a lot and relish the special gastronomic moments at these unique dining spots that have even earned a Michelin Star.

That is a big deal! San Francisco dominates the region with Michelin worthy acclaim. Receiving a Michelin star is a highly coveted reward for providing an incredible dining experience, coupled with outstanding service and excellent, innovative cuisine.

An Empty Nester Visit to the Pumpkin Patch in Seattle ~ It’s still fun!

February 28, 2020October 12, 2017

Even when the kids are grown a visit to the pumpkin patch in Seattle is still a treat!

Combine, blue skies, the idyllic landscape of a rustic farm in the Pacific Northwest, white puffy clouds, colorful autumn leaves, the lingering aroma of apple donuts cooking and enormous green fields studded with huge orange pumpkins and you have described a perfect day in my book. How about you?

An Almost Travel Catastrophe & How to Handle It

February 28, 2020October 9, 2017

travel catastrophes — Early Sunday morning ~ Happy to have just arrived at our destination in Seattle.

A travel catastrophe averted ~

We can all try to be as organized and prepared for travel as we can, but when an airline cancels your flight, you are not in control.

For those of us who like to control our lives and stay on top of everything this can be extremely frustrating, especially at 5:00 am.

8 Tips to help you decide what to pack for a short trip in the Fall

February 28, 2020October 6, 2017

What to pack for a short trip in the Fall ~

Deciding what to pack for a short trip in the Fall is a large piece of the travel puzzle. Is it going to rain? What is the weather like? How many pairs of shoes do I need? How much walking will I be doing? Will I be taking the larger suitcase and check it or will I be carrying on?

On Sunday, we will be traveling to Seattle, one of my favorite destinations in the United States or anywhere. Our daughter has lived there for over ten years and we actually lived there for nine months. I can always get “my Autumn fix” by visiting there in October. Here are a few ideas about what to pack.

Dreamy Day Trips in Mallorca – Local markets, cafes on the beach & turquoise water

February 28, 2020October 4, 2017

It has only been a couple of months since we returned from the incomparable island of Mallorca Spain, but I can’t stop thinking about it! My photos barely come close to the beauty of this place.

Day trips in Mallorca ~

My memories of the seaside towns, colorful architecture, café tables and icy cold beer have stayed with me in such vivid detail! The quiet, sunny, relaxing atmosphere coupled with scenery like this is unlike anything we have ever experienced. I nearly swoon when I look at the photos from the trip. Check these out…

Sending Love to All That Are Suffering From The Las Vegas Tragedy

February 28, 2020October 2, 2017

Waking up to the news of the Las Vegas Tragedy

I have always been described as someone who is extremely sensitive. That’s not such a bad description but at times the burden is great. I am affected by the smallest of situations and react with tears and anxiousness more than I really want to and especially when we are surprised by tragedy.

Today I woke up to the news of the shooting in Las Vegas. I was tired and went to bed early so my first available news was seeing the heartfelt sadness and prayers sent to Las Vegas on Facebook.

I had no idea about any of the details and by turning on the news I quickly learned what had happened. These types of horrific tragedies happen so often it makes me sick to my stomach. The number of mothers, fathers and families that are grieving is staggering. What can I do that can make a difference?