After my trip of a lifetime and luxury safari with Shadows of Africa and their school visits, tribe discovery, and all-day game drives, I was off to visit the Serengeti. The Serengeti is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa and is located in the northern part of Tanzania. It has a landmass of approximately 12,000 square miles, so there is a lot of
I have always wanted to go on an African Safari, but for some reason, Africa has always escaped me. With all my travels, you would think I would have booked my Tanzania itinerary by now, but alas, it never happened. Every time I hear about someone's African itinerary, they always come back and say the same thing – “It was the best travel experience I
I’ve been just about everywhere, well not everywhere, but it is on my bucket list. Actually, it's not. I never set out to travel to all the countries and continents in the world, but I am glad that I have come this far. My last country count was 88 countries before Africa, and I have been to many countries multiple times. Before becoming a travel
If you have always had a penchant for travel like me, the chances are that you may have already done the slumming style of backpacking when you were younger. I never did, but you may have. I knew plenty of people in their early twenties who made their way to Mexico, Thailand, India, or Malaysia and ventured across different terrains, backpacking along the way. Hostels were
A gorgeous place to visit for the perfect 72-hour itinerary is North Lake Tahoe in the USA. I had the fortunate opportunity to visit North Lake Tahoe recently and enjoyed my time there just before the winter weather had arrived. Some say the best time to visit North Lake Tahoe is during the spring, but honestly, I thought my timing was pretty perfect for engaging
Did you know you could charter the Adriatic Breeze, a luxury yacht that cruises the Croatian Islands? Where you will enjoy a luxurious cruise around Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline and experience the Adriatic Coast as you’ve never seen it before! You can even pick the Croatian itinerary that you want. This was my third visit to Croatia, and honestly, I had never seen Croatia as I
On your next Caribbean vacation, hop on over to the petite island of St. Maarten or St. Martin, depending on which side you are on. It is also known as “The Friendly Island”. The famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, who sailed the ocean blue in 1492 made the discovery of St. Maarten in 1493 during his second voyage to the Americas. This island is named St.
When you think about road trips, you might imagine zooming along the highway with the windows down. The wind blowing in your hair and the sun is shining high in the sky. Road trips have and will always be one of the most popular getaways in the summertime. They’re cheap, adventurous, and cool, and the warm summer sun is the perfect backdrop for an adventure.
Overshadowed by its geological neighbors, Horseshoe Bend does not receive the attention it deserves as a nature lover’s dream. Less than two hours away is the magnificent Grand Canyon while just 15 minutes away is the world’s most famous slot canyon, Antelope Canyon. If you are in the area, don’t stop your visit to Arizona at these locations. Take a trip to Horseshoe Bend, the
Tanzania Safari: Seduced by the Serengeti When I sign on for the photo safari of the Serengeti in Tanzania with Popular Photographer's EMentor Series, I picture myself a bit like Meryl Streep in the movie “Out of Africa”, dressed in khaki-colored safari clothing surveying those sweeping plains with lions and leopards roaming in the tall tawny-colored grass. As it turns out, my impressions aren’t too far
Walking the city streets and along the St. Lawrence River of old Quebec City, I felt as if I could hear the sounds of the past from the old shipping boats that came into the harbor. In fact, Old Quebec City was built upon the St. Lawrence River, where the French merchants brought in goods from far away lands. Along with the stunning visual surroundings,
We loved Croatia! Let me say that again! We LOVED Croatia and I would go back in a heartbeat! No wonder it is the hottest destination for Europeans and Americans alike these days! After visiting Dubrovnik and Mostar, Bosnia, we made our way down to the stunning city of Split by rental car. Split lies in the central and southern part of Croatia and is
Let me introduce you to a corner of the world that daily transforms lives by delivering an emotional travel experience related to nature that you didn’t even know existed. Flanked by the Arabian Sea, Kerala, India has been known as a spice exporter to the world since 3000 BC! It is dotted with tea plantations, spice gardens, dense green forests, and mystic nature. And I
Can you imagine the influence that a river has on the people living along its path? As I left a classical concert in the Parliament Building in Vienna, I was humming to myself The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss. It is so crazy to think of the influences that a river can have on those living around it! And the famous river he wrote
Have you ever heard of the small Balkan country known as Bosnia & Herzegovina? I hadn't really either, as it wasn't even really on my bucket list! But while visiting Croatia, my husband and I decided to take a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar. And we were certainly glad we did. Mostar is considered the cultural and economic capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Oh,
During my trip to Oaxaca City, Mexico, I had a chance to visit a petrified waterfall not too far from Oaxaca called Hierve el Agua in the state of Oaxaca. This waterfall in the small municipality of San Lorenzo Albarradas, about a 2-hour drive from Oaxaca City and a 6 -hour drive from Mexico City. The views of this natural infinity pool and petrified waterfall
Leaving the post-modern and futuristic city of Tokyo behind, one might feel the entire country would be paved with unique technologies and cyberpunk innovation, but heading north to the Tochigi region of Japan might also make you think you’ve entered a brand new country. It doesn’t take long to travel out of the city by train. You can head to Nikko Japan, located in the
Traveling to the most beautiful places in the world is a luxury that I believe most of my readers can afford. You may have seen places like Budapest and Vienna on television and thought, “How will I ever be able to visit these gorgeous cities?” But to be honest, once you are able to book a plane ticket, the rest of your trip can be
Ultimate Guide to Iguazu Falls Cascading down into the Iguazu River are the stunningly gorgeous Iguazu Falls between the border of Argentina and Brazil. These spectacular waterfalls are a UNESCO world heritage site and were originally inhabited by the Eldoradense people more than 10,000 years ago! Today this waterfall’s strength serves as a power source to both Argentina and Brazil. With more than 40 percent
Ahhh! Key West and the Florida Keys!! Where else can you go on a "Classic American Road Trip" that has miles and miles of sunny beaches, acres of mangroves, amazing bridges with state parks scattered along the route, as well as sunsets that people stand around for and the best key lime pie in the world? The Florida Keys are some of the most beautiful
French Polynesia is known to have a rich artistic culture and the Marquesas Islands group is no exception. The main island of Nuku Hiva houses some ancient, as well as modern, structures associated with a Polynesian culture that includes the famous tiki and even a moai statue. Everywhere you go on Nuku Hiva you can see large stone structures unlike anywhere else in French Polynesia.
How Cool is Oslo? It is Arctic Cool! It is totally cool! And it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, it just has that flair about it that not all European capital cities do. Sure it is cooler in the winter, but the summer is grand as well! I love Oslo and here are a few reasons why: First of all, it is
When Travelocity heard I was taking a 24-Day Polynesian Crossing with Holland America they couldn't wait for me to write an article about scuba diving in French Polynesia. I couldn't wait to actually take the trip and scuba dive around French Polynesia with my college-aged son Diego. And truth be told, we had a blast! There is nothing quite like diving in this area of
Comprised of more than 160 islands, the Kingdom of Tonga is a stunning country to visit in the South Pacific. It is located about 500 miles south of Samoa and 500 southeast of Fiji, so somewhere in the middle of nowhere! At least 36 of the country’s islands are inhabited. I had a chance to visit Nuku 'alofa, Tonga on my Polynesian Crossing with the
It is hard to explain, but basically, Xcaret Park is an eco-friendly park in the Yucatan area of Mexico. This is one of my favorite excursions Riviera Maya offers. My family and I had more fun there than we ever dreamed, as we really had no idea what it was, but kept hearing from tourists and locals alike that we shouldn't miss Xcaret Park. And I
Ruidoso New Mexico is a great escape for outdoor and adventure-filled vacations that not that many people know about outside of the state of New Mexico. This makes it more pristine and less crowded which makes Ruidoso an even more desirable place to visit! It is unique and an "off-the-beaten-path" for explorers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. Discovering it tucked away in the Sacramento and
✦ How to Plan An Adventure Trip to Bora Bora ✦ Spring and Summer vacations are right around the corner and the perfect time to get away to a sunny holiday. I think a vacation should include adventure, a lot of relaxation, some exploration, and a few fun and scheduled activities. Places like Savannah, New Orleans, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and the Caribbean are a few
Holland America is one of many cruise liners that make a global voyage every year anchoring in ports on every continent on Earth. Despite the fact that so many ocean liners make the same trek, I consider myself lucky to have done it with the Holland America Line. My Mom and I had the pleasure of hopping on the MS Maasdam in Auckland, New Zealand
Da-Bach-na-Fahrt Raft Race, going "Wild on the Water!" As an American, I had never even heard of Schramberg, Germany much less any of the shenanigans going on during their famous Carnival river raft races. What on earth had I missed? Apparentlly people come from all over Europe just to see and experience such a fun carnival river raft race known as the Da-Bach-na-Fahrt Raft Race. Literally
There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Ecuador. This small coastal country offers travelers a wealth of outdoor adventures - you can explore the vibrant Amazonian rainforest, discover the rich wildlife of Galapagos Islands, or simply soak in the scenic views of the Andes. Since it’s filled with a wide array of wonders squeezed into one tiny country, narrowing a list
Guide to celebrating Carnival in Schramberg, Germany The anticipation was thick in the air when we arrived mid-morning for our very first peek deep into Germany’s Black Forest where Carnival comes alive! Not the Carnival you may be thinking of with drunkenness and bead throwing like in New Orleans, but a traditional type that has been going for centuries in the forests of
Vacationing in the splendid Riviera Maya in Mexico can be a dream come true for many people. Tourists and natives of Riviera Maya can soak up the sun, go swimming, scuba diving, and be snorkeling along the stunning blue waters of the area. There are also some amazing cenotoes (limestone underwater caves or caverns) to explore such as Kukulcan (typically a private scuba dive) and
Along the Southern Coast of Mexico lies the beach community of Zipolite Playa or Playa Zipolite, depending on who you ask (Mexican or Gringo!) Both names are acceptable! This community is situated in the visually-stimulating state of Oaxaca, which, as you know, I can’t say enough about this region’s culturally rich charm. For instance, a visit to the city of Oaxaca, trying the local smoky
A Polar Bear Safari Expedition: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada I knew I could get some great polar bear pictures on my photo safari expedition. Gliding in on the charter plane near Churchill Manitoba, I was in for a treat of nature. The area was full of polar bears and beluga whales during its Arctic Summer in Canada's Great White North. With over 3,000 Beluga whales migrating into
Balboa Park for Lovers Balboa Park in San Diego, California is considered the Jewel of San Diego - with over 1200 acres of attractions (including a zoo), culture, and things to do for tourists and locals alike. Fortunately for everyone, these lands were reserved for public use in the early 1800s. What a wonderful place for San Diegans and visitors to enjoy what has become
