The Gorgeous Gili Islands of Lombok

The Gorgeous Gili Islands of Lombok

Paradise.  The image often includes a pristine beach, soft white sand, and a brilliant blue ocean backdrop. Make it a remote island only accessible by boat and not overrun by tourists or tourism and you create the perfect image. Yes, it’s paradise. Bali ignites the imagination of such a place, but the lesser known Gili […]

Sunset Sunday – Two Evenings in Carlsbad, California

Sunset Sunday – Two Evenings in Carlsbad, California

One of the highlights of any visit to the left coast is the sunset. During my November travels I watched numerous from the beaches of both California and Mexico. Such lovely images captured and such lovely memories enjoyed. On the trip I scheduled a two night stay in the coastal California community of Carlsbad. In […]

The Tequila Toast with Champagne Flutes

The Tequila Toast with Champagne Flutes

We arrived at the CasaMagna Marriott for a tequila tasting and I immediately noticed blue agave plants as part of the lobby landscape. Not a surprise as the CasaMagna offers its own house tequila; the tequila we came to taste. But, the tasting did surprise. No, not the tequila. Fortunately, I have tasted the difference […]

Guest Post: Stay Adventurous at Heart – Alisha’s 2011 Travel Goals

Guest Post: Stay Adventurous at Heart – Alisha’s 2011 Travel Goals

I met Alisha just over a year ago. Her energy is contagious. She always greets with a smile and seems fearless when sharing opinions through the many forms of social media she has already mastered. And after reading my post about my Annual Goals Check In, she approached me about publishing her goals.  She said […]

Sunset Sunday – The Fort at San Blas, Mexico

Sunset Sunday – The Fort at San Blas, Mexico

Among statues, cannons, and history, I enjoyed the sun’s descent. From atop the hill, I took a few photos to mark the memory, but then started to mentally travel back in time. I wondered what life was like when the Spanish occupied the fort. Their world, that world – so different from mine

Ever Stay Where the Locals Stay?

Ever Stay Where the Locals Stay?

Many of us always eat with the locals for that authentic experience, but did you ever consider staying where the locals stay?

Sunset Sunday – The Black Sands of Bali

Sunset Sunday – The Black Sands of Bali

The Black Sand Sunset in Bali Bali. The destination seems to evoke the traveler’s image of a paradise. Yes, and with good reason. On the island where author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) found her love, there is certainly much to love; the landscapes, the culture, the jungle, the beaches, and yes the sunsets. Tanah […]

First Stop – Punta Laguna, Riviera Maya

First Stop – Punta Laguna, Riviera Maya

The first scheduled stop on my day’s tour, Punta Laguna, did not excite me. I’ll admit it. My initial thought – skip it. I looked ahead. I thought, let’s head straight to the ancient ruins of Coba and spend more time understanding the mystique and magic of the Mayans.