From the vast, timeless sands of Wadi Rum, Jordan to 12,000 feet above Nadi, Fiji, where the sky and water blur the lines of reality, these five epic bucket list journeys should be on everyone’s list. I’ve visited each of the five and recommend them as some of the best bucket list destinations in the world. Which ones have you experienced? Continue reading
St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing has left me speechless. We’ve enjoyed the barefoot luxury, amazing entertainment, adventure, culture, and cuisine, but the sunsets are what make Windjammer Landing truly spectacular. Here’s a treat for the senses with 5 spectacular sunset photos from Windjammer Landing. Continue reading
When we drove up to the front doors, I couldn’t believe this was my villa for the next week. This must have been what Cinderella felt like during her first night in the castle with Prince Charming. I’ve visited dozens upon dozens of resorts, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw at Windjammer Landing today. The luxurious estate villas are like peering into the lives of Lifestyles of the Rich ans Famous. Would you like a tour? Continue reading
My recent visit to Club Med Cancun Yucatan gave me an intense workout and allowed me to live an extended weekend of bucket list adventures. While others enjoyed sun bathing on the white sandy beaches, swimming in the refreshing pools, swaying gently on one of the many hammocks, sipping specially made cocktails, or relaxing at the spa, I often missed meals or grabbed something on the go because I wanted to take in as many activities as humanly possible. Have you tried them all? Which ones are on your list? Continue reading
Most American families opt for all-inclusive, Caribbean resorts for their family vacation. It’s easy and provides tons of options for all family members. Naively, I assumed it was the only legitimate option as well, but I recently discovered Kinderhotel Oberjoch in Germany. It’s the most toddler-friendly, all-inclusive property that I’ve visited and the best alternative to all-inclusive, Caribbean resorts. If you want something different and you’d like to experience Europe but you still dream of all the conveniences of an all-inclusive, look no further; Kinderhotel Oberjoch is a family-friendly Paradise that truly understands the needs of families with younger children. Continue reading
When I was in my early 20s & backpacking around Europe, I had visions of what dreamy landscapes & majestic castles I would see. While Italy and Greece were at the top of my list for countries to explore, one image stood out in my mind as the best of Europe; it was Neuschwanstein Castle. I couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful. Pictures didn’t seem real. I needed to see it for myself. I never made it to Germany on that trip so Neuschwanstein remained on my bucket list for more than a decade… until yesterday! I finally made it to my fantastical castle & it was everything I imaged. Continue reading
It’s obvious to see that when Mom isn’t within arms reach, Athena is looking for trouble. I don’t mind though; that’s what toddlers do and how they learn. We explored Fussen, Germany by foot yesterday. Rather than bringing the stroller and pushing Athena around while she just sat there, I let her wonder and choose the places and sights that she wanted to visit. We had an open evening and it was a perfect way to let her have some fun. I caught her curious mind in a short serious of photos and thought it would be interesting to share. Watch as the water fountain catches her attention. Continue reading
I asked Athena, “What do you want to do most today?” “I want to ride the train,” she replied just as quickly as I’d asked. It’s been her favorite thing to do. She loves the entire process including getting tickets, riding the elevator, waiting on the platform, listening to the conductor blow the whistle, picking a seat, giving her ticket to the conductor, and watching everything pass by out the window. It’s all like going to an amusement park and I get to experience it with her rather than driving myself. The public transportation system is definitely toddler and parent approved. Continue reading
Tomorrow, Athena and I leave for Germany. It’s just us and planes, trains, buses, castles, parks, unique accommodations, bucket list adventures, family fun, and authentic cuisine. Without a doubt, I’m excited and so is Athena. We’ve been dreaming about it for more than a month, talking about all of the new experiences we’ll have and what we’ll see. What excites me, though, is equally matched by what scares me. I’m traveling internationally with a toddler who definitely exhibits moments of “the terrible twos.” What am I thinking as I plan for this bonding experience? Find out below. Continue reading
I’m an adrenaline junkie. My idea of the perfect day would be skydiving before breakfast, rappelling down a waterfall to get to whitewater rafting, lunch on the river, flyboarding and scuba diving, dinner at the beach, and a sunset, aerobatics biplane flight over the ocean. I don’t know if all of that is possible during one day, but now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I’ll add it to next year’s list. So why was southern Africa so high on this year’s list? Do you see it as an adrenaline rush? While jumping out of a plane or rafting down a river is extreme and it gets my blood pumping during the adventure, it would take all of those activities combined in one day to equate to the adrenaline felt during a Namibian safari. If you want a real adrenaline rush, watch Africa animal attacks on tv or YouTube before going to Namibia. Your hair will be standing up the entire trip. It’s the wild, after all, and anything can happen. I went on a self-driven safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia. From the time I entered the park until the time I was well into deep sleep that night, my adrenaline was pumping. It’s the ultimate, adrenaline adventure. Continue reading
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