City Guides, Travel Planning and Dream Vacations
It is a cliche to refer to a place where ‘time stands still’. Our changing climate and the effects of over-tourism have affected travel destinations the world over.
But St. John, USVI has an advantage. The 20 square mile island, accessible by ferry from neighboring St Thomas is home to the Virgin Islands National Park. The park protects 90% of the island (both under and over water) from development. After visiting nearly 30 years ago we found the rugged volcanic hills, pristine beaches and local charm to be as magical as we remember it, all those years ago.
Plan on your trip being super casual, super chill. Take out 2/3 of what you plan to pack. And if you are a snorkeler, this is the time to invest in your own gear. You’ll use it every day, if you want.
An easy ferry ride from the Red Hook dock in St. Thomas will have you in Cruz Bay within 30 minutes.
From there, you’ll navigate a few logistics (jeep rental, food provisioning, etc.). And be prepared for some of the most mountainous driving you’ll ever encounter…a roller coaster complete with hairpin turns. As far as accommodations, don’t expect the usual lineup of hi-rise mega-resorts along the beach (Westin is the only major development on the Island) so many opt for a private villa rental.
St. John is also a great launching point for an adventure in the British Virgin Islands. Click here for our guide to a Perfect day in the BVIs.
From the moment you touch down at Jackson Hole Airport (click here for a complete guide to Jackson Hole) you know you’re somewhere amazing. The only airport situated in a National Park, you are instantly in awe of the Teton Mountain Range, towering over sagebrush flats. Just ahead, adventure beckons you to explore the majesty of nature and the best of the West.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the United States first National Park. And today you can experience this wild ecosystem much as you would more than a century ago.
This Summer we had the incredible good fortune to see, hear and feel what generations before us have marveled at. The supervolcano that last erupted thousands of years ago left behind a 30-45 mile basin, the heat from which still fuels an incredible array of activity. At Yellowstone, nature puts on a show…starring geysers, hot springs, towering peaks, deeply carved canyons and the furry and feathered inhabitants that call this majestic wonderland home.
Despite the misfortune of prospectors, this outpost of the Wild West began to be settled by permanent residents around 1884. Today it is an eclectic mix of western icons, tourist shops, upscale hotels and eateries.
‘Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans’ – John Lennon
My favorite quote. And with all the travel disruptions over the past two years, this never rang more true.
However, with restrictions easing worldwide, it seems that our pent-up wanderlust is kicking in big time. Carla’s travel bookings are soaring with trips being booked everywhere from Hawaii to Egypt. So, great news for those of us longing to get back on the road.
This particular trip was to check off a bucket-list experience. For a die-hard Yankee fan like Carla, a trip to Tampa for Spring Training promised to be a major event. So what happens? The players and owners get into a contractual dispute and the Spring Training games we planned to see were canceled!
So…a not so bad plan B. A trip to sunny Florida to set out and explore the Best of Tampa and The Gulf shores.
Crossing the heart of New York State is one of the most scenic, serene and breathtaking landscapes in America: The Finger Lakes. Carved by glaciers over 30 million years ago, Mother Nature blessed the region with 11 beautiful lakes. The lakes themselves are quite deep, up to 600 feet, and with this immense volume of water, temperatures remain moderate allowing grape varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Noir to flourish. Add just the right soil and drainage and you have over 100 wineries producing some of America’s finest wines.
That alone is enough to fill days of exploration and relaxation. But there is so much more to take in…waterfalls, hiking, museums, restaurants, water sports…quaint inns and lodges, rolling hills and valleys, farmland and forests… So here is a long weekend itinerary of great finds we experienced and a plan to take and make your own.
“All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” – Toni Morrison
From the minute you approach the first of 832 stone steps of the Gorge Trail, the sound of rushing water transports you to another world…one that can only be created by Mother Nature.
Hospitality: ‘the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc‘…or better yet, ‘given to generous and cordial reception of guests‘.
Some places get it and some don’t. Jimmy Buffett gets it. The Margaritaville Resort in Pensacola Beach gets it. On our first visit seven years ago we fell in love with the place. From the friendly staff who can’t do enough for you, to the bartenders who make you feel right at home…and personalized text messages throughout your stay, just checking in to make sure you’re relaxed and happy. Plus the setting on beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area that offers something for everyone. That’s why we came back a second time, and loved it even more.
There’s no denying that the connection we have with water runs deep to our soul. The deep blue stirs our emotions, evoking calm and serenity.
Water is the source of life itself, making up more than 70% of our bodies. So it stands to reason that just being in proximity of a lake, river or ocean is where we can return to a naturally calming state of mind and embrace gratitude.
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania is a sparkling gem: Big Boulder Lake, located in the town of Lake Harmony. This laid-back getaway is the perfect place to recharge and relax. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful paddle in your kayak around the calm waters. And the surrounding area has is filled with adventures for hikers, boaters, foodies and all around nature lovers.
Rise early, when the sun is just peaking over the horizon and the water is smooth as glass. This is the time when the calm, peaceful serenity on the lake puts your soul at ease.
Whether you enjoy all the activities the lake has to offer, or simply choose to relax with the gentle lap of waves against the shore, an escape to a lake holds the promise of a return to simple pleasures. This Summer we discovered a destination with so much to offer we could barely fit all we wanted to do in the time we had.
