Travel

Puerto Vallarta is still one of my all-time favorite destinations to visit in Mexico. Unlike the touristy locales of Cancun and Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta feels like real Mexico. Authentic. Unspoiled. Puerto Vallarta is the best destination to visit in Mexico, as it is the oldest town not built as a resort destination. And it’s the perfect place to experience a little fun and  adventure, while enjoying great food! There are so many fun things to …

Hopefully you’ve read my article on planning a South African safari, so now I want to tell you about the best South African safari lodge, Arathusa Safari Lodge. My brother and SIL had stayed at the lodge a few years ago so why reinvent perfection? I’m a bit OCD when it comes to trip planning, and especially about where I’ll be staying. I’m a homebody because I love my creature comforts (and my creatures) so …

True confession: an African safari was not on my bucket list. Not because I didn’t want to go, but the logistics of planning such a trip were dizzying for me. Long (and expensive) flights. Health and vaccination requirements. Logistics of getting around in a foreign country. Not to mention finding someone to mind the pets for an extended period. But when my brother suggested this as a special family trip, I acquiesced. And we ended …

I recently packed for my first trip since COVID and realized how many different things I chose. I used to travel so much that I kept a “go bag” of my essentials that never changed. I just threw it in my suitcase each time – you know, all those sample-sized bottles of everything even when I was following tips for packing light. I had a minimal first aid kit. But boy have things changed. I …

As much as I travel, I still find it very taxing to wade through all of the hotel reviews to really get a feel for the comfort of the accommodations. And the catalog of vacation rentals in Italy is overwhelming. On this last trip to Umbria, we decided to rent a private villa in Italy for the week since we were traveling with another family. Unlike most tourists who think “I won’t be in my room that …

Sonoma County, California is on the radar of every oenophile, but let’s be honest, sometimes it’s great to experience the region without so much of a focus on wine. I love everything California and spent a few days in downtown Healdsburg and discovered there are some great activities that don’t necessarily involve day drinking. Walking and Biking Tours in Healdsburg, CA Wine Country Walking Tours leads guided walks throughout downtown Healdsburg that will take you …