I am Lost and Found

Category: Fab Finds

How To Start A Travel Blog, I Mean, Website

Starting a travel blog turned out to be a bigger challenge than I thought. From learning the language of SEO and OptinMonster to overcoming fear of failure and embracing vulnerability. My travel website, I am Lost and Foundwas a true labor of love.

If you ever wondered how I started a travel blog, I mean, website, you are in the right place.

Thank you, Brené

Thank you, Brené Brown, part-time TED-Talker, full-time mother, and all-time story collector, for introducing me to my vulnerabilities. Nice to meet you, imposter syndrome. Good morning, fear of failure. Please come out from under the rug; we have some things to discuss.

For anyone who hasn’t listened to her 2010 TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, please stop reading and download it immediately. I’ll wait.

The Power of Vulnerability is one of the most viewed TED Talks ever, and when you listen, you will understand why. Brené’s messages are clear and told with huge doses of dry humor and self-deprecation. She describes the link between courage and vulnerability in an immensely relatable way: “Having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”

In the podcast, Brené spoke to me directly, with her masterful storytelling style, darling Texas drawl, and utterly humble manner. She was irresistibly vulnerable. If she could put herself out there like that, I could, too.

I had been looking to reinvent myself—to be productive in a way that didn’t involve my kids, my husband, or my dogs. I wanted to create something.

Villa Laura, Cortona, Italy

Just don’t call it a blog

A few years ago, a friend suggested I start a travel blog. She reminded me of the joy I get from sharing my travel experiences—like recommending a villa under the Tuscan sun, or a family-friendly resort in St Lucia. An off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Buenos Aires, or a hidden beach bar on the Caribbean island of Anegada.

She went on to explain how my combined loves of photography, books, and wine could live on my blog. Start a travel blog? That sounded interesting.

The Vines, Mendoza, Argentina

My brain caught fire—I opened my journal and began writing.

On a roll, I brainstormed names, content ideas, and imaginative, yet useful, menu links. I dreamed of media trips and bylines in Travel + Leisure magazine.

I refused to call it a travel ‘blog’, which rhymes with ‘blob’, and is totally unappealing, unrefined, and dull. “It’s a travel website!”, I declared, (and will continue to call it that, even though we all know it’s a blob, ummm, blog).

Then, like every project I had ever started, I stalled, got intimidated, and overwhelmed. What seemed like a great idea a few days ago now feels daunting and unattainable. I was deflated and put my journal away. I did laundry.

✨ NEW ✨

My 10-Step Guide to Starting a Travel Blog—Click Here to Download Now

Everything you need to start your travel blog today, 28 full-color pages that walk you through the entire process from idea to published posts, without jargon, shortcuts, or guesswork. It’s designed for absolute beginners who want clarity, structure, and a calm, confident way to start.

WordPress, Bluehost, and other learning curves

I can’t recall exactly when or why I reopened my journal. Or, what reignited the creative spark? But it was back, faintly, and I seized it. So, I googled, ‘starting ~~blogs~~ ~~websites~~ blogs’.

I overcame three gigantic hurdles: WordPress, GoDaddy, and BlueHost. I spent countless hours writing and sifting through thousands of photos on my desktop. Next, I learned a new language that included words like search engine optimization, backlinks, plug-ins, and Yoast.

When my WordPress theme glitched, I cried to tech support. I labored over the content, revising and editing, all the while wondering if my parents would be my only readers.

March 16, 2015, I am Lost and Found went ‘live.’ I had officially put myself out there.

Yikes.

Born to Create

I have always created things. Clues of the traveler I would become appeared in the form of handmade passports, baggage tags, and boarding-pass-filled scrapbooks. My infatuation with all things British developed early on. In high school, I made more scrapbooks—devoted to boyfriends which I would obsess over like, well, a teenage girl.

Destined to travel, circa 1980

In my early 20s, I started earning a living from my creativity. Cue my parents’ collective sigh of relief. Initially, I worked as a graphic designer for a strong-minded, bad-ass boss in her all-female firm. She was the first in a long line of smart and powerful women who would shape me and my 20-year career in New York City.

Eventually, I went from creating corporate identities, direct mail packaging, print advertising, and TV commercials to overseeing creative teams. I was always in awe of creative talent, and to this day still get giddy over a well-designed logo or matchbook.

Creative Parenting

In my mid-30s, I became a parent and channeled my creativity in other ways. I baked elaborate cakes for my kids’ birthdays, scouring Pinterest for ideas (aka copying) and matching the icing to my favorite Pantone® color.

At 15 and 17, my kids are probably aging out of my homemade cakes. Yet, I’ll keep baking until they demand I put down my spatula or get married—whichever comes first.

In my late 40s, I discovered coloring—jumping into the adult coloring book craze with wild abandon. (Not to be confused with any other adult craze, mind you). Coloring allows my brain to be in use and checked out at the same time.

My kaleidoscopic spectrum of fine-tipped markers fills the gaps between fine black lines and satisfies my need to organize. It’s something I can control on days when I feel completely untethered. In short, it keeps me sane.

If, at first, you don’t succeed

I can’t count how many ideas I have had over the years that have fizzled out. Some dissipated within a week, while others died a slow death. My initial excitement was inevitably replaced by fear and inertia.

For example, I used to craft personalized shadow boxes from vintage printer’s type drawers, as gifts to nieces, nephews, or friends. The theme varied depending on the child’s interests, from a love of baseball or ballet to an obsession with dogs or dinosaurs.

I would painstakingly cut little squares of handmade and vintage papers to fit each little cubby. I miss seeing it come together like a puzzle, with colors and patterns forming something much larger. It was back-breaking work, sitting for hours on the floor with my Exact-O knife and straightedge.

I don’t know why I stopped. One day, I put my tools and pretty papers away. I was done. Yet another hobby that no longer piqued my interest.

Semi-Empty Nest Syndrome

Years ago, when we moved from Tokyo to DC, my kids were still young enough to need me. Cooking well-balanced dinners and making sure we had enough fruit in the house to counteract the size of our junk food drawer was a priority. Laundry was constant, as the kids were messy, and participated in sports that stained clothes in ways I never could eliminate.

Washington DC

There wasn’t much time for creativity. I was too busy with the day-to-day: soccer car pools, school parents’ nights, and dentist appointments. I was happy. Ish. As happy as any once productive-outside-the-home woman could be. I was content. Until I wasn’t.

As I neared 50, my kids’ needs didn’t take up as much daily bandwidth. Sure, I needed to go food shopping, get dinner on the table, and do laundry. But I had more time. The school day tacked on sports and games, and they often didn’t arrive home until well past 6pm. Suddenly, my days felt long.

The semi-empty nest syndrome I was feeling was not new; it was just new to me. I gave serious thought to what would fulfill me. A new search for meaning. What next? I felt lost.

✨ NEW ✨

My 10-Step Guide to Starting a Travel Blog—Click Here to Download Now

Everything you need to start your travel blog today, 28 full-color pages that walk you through the entire process from idea to published posts, without jargon, shortcuts, or guesswork. It’s designed for absolute beginners who want clarity, structure, and a calm, confident way to start.

Sparking, starting a website

So I did what any newly-found rudderless person would do. Absolutely nothing. I pretended that it didn’t matter to me, that I was perfectly ok with it. I was fine.

It was just around then that we booked a last-minute trip to the Caribbean for the New Year. We are not last-minute people, yet somehow always get caught off guard when it comes to the festive season. You’d think it didn’t happen each year at exactly the same time. I’m as baffled as you are.

Turks and Caicos

We scored what may have been the last villa in Turks and Caicos. With a pool and beachfront location, we were grateful we found it. There was more cloud coverage than one would want, and Daniel caught a parasite. But it was the year of the East Coast polar vortex, and we were on the beach. No complaints.

On New Year’s Day, I sat on the beach and rediscovered my desire to start a travel website.

Starting a Blog. What’s in a name?

I spent hours thinking of a name, filling pages in my journal with hundreds of clichéd ideas. I googled any viable contenders. Taken.

Lost and Found popped up like a cartoon thought bubble. It felt good—ethereal, not too specific, open-minded, aspirational. I got excited for the first time—until I googled it. Taken.

GoDaddy suggested I buy the domain name lostandfound.com for $5,000. Thank you, but no, GoDaddy, I’ll pass. As per usual, when I’m annoyed or discouraged, I complain to my husband. Daniel’s immediate response was, “Call it, I am Lost and Found”.

I was thrilled, then annoyed again. Why hadn’t I thought of that? I’m the creative one. But I loved it. It was even better than Lost and Found. It is a statement about me, my travels, mand y travel stories. It’s who I am, or more accurately, who I wanted to be.

I googled it. Then, I bought it.

In case I forgot to say it, Daniel, thank you.

If you build it

I dug into my library of travel experiences, zeroed in on trips, selected photos, and started building a website. I wanted I am Lost and Found to be a cross-section of luxury and adventure travel. Anecdotal, first-person, and more than anything else, inspirational. As long as I can, I will stay on that path.

My family has had the opportunity to live abroad and to expose our kids to different cultures. I’ve visited 48 countries on six continents. For all of that, I am grateful. It is from these adventures and travels that I create content.

I know that circumstances can change. To paraphrase the ancient adage, that is the only constant thing. Should that happen, I plan to find other ways to stay relevant. I can evolve, and my writing can, too.

At a villa in Mexico a few years back, a friend suggested I might need to rename my site ‘I am Lost and Broke’ as many of my adventures lean towards the splurge side of travel. Perhaps one day, James, but not quite yet.

Travel Goals

I am often asked what my goal is for I am Lost and Found. For a while, I had no answer. I touted platitudes: ‘It’s a passion project!’, and ‘I’m just doing it for fun!’. While there is truth in both statements, I knew deep down that I wanted it to succeed and that I had to define what that success would look like.

I realize my goal is exactly where I started—to inspire others to travel. Would I like to make money by inspiring travel? Yes. Would I like more exposure, more followers, and more subscribers? Yes, yes, yes. Do I want to be sent on media trips to fabulous hotels and get a byline in Travel+Leisure magazine? Yes!

Overcoming vulnerability

Starting a travel website has given me a different sense of purpose, as well as an outlet for creativity. Some of my favorite posts are the ones with a more personal narrative. Like ‘Traveling Around The Room’, written on the cusp of the pandemic. Or, ‘The Best Of Stowe: 10 of Life’s Litt lest Luxuries’, my home away from home.

Botswana

‘Botswana is the Magic Kingdom’ was my very first post. Since then, my style and voice have changed (hopefully for the better), yet it might be the post that I am most proud of—the one that put my vulnerabilities out there for anyone to see.

Brené Brown once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” Keep talking, Brené, I’m listening.

60, and counting

This is my 60th post—sixty posts in six years. I still get anxious when I press ‘Publish’ on WordPress, and never more so than when I pressed it today. But it doesn’t rule me. I started this website with the support of friends, family, and my always-available tech guru, Grant. It was, and is, a constant labor of love.

Just don’t call it a blog.

✨ NEW ✨

My 10-Step Guide to Starting a Travel Blog—Click Here to Download Now

Everything you need to start your travel blog today, 28 full-color pages that walk you through the entire process from idea to published posts, without jargon, shortcuts, or guesswork. It’s designed for absolute beginners who want clarity, structure, and a calm, confident way to start.

September 18, 2025
10 Amazing Gifts For Birders, Travelers, and Frequent Fliers

It’s never the wrong time to buy a gift for the birder in your life. Do you have a birder in your life? A traveler? A traveler who likes to birdwatch? Look no further. A few of the best gifts for birders, travelers, and frequent fliers are summed up right here.

On our honeymoon, my husband and I went to Africa on safari. The first morning in Tanzania, we woke at 6am to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Just behind us in the jeep sat an older couple. They were chicly dressed, head-to-toe, in shades of safari-brown. This was not their first ~~rodeo~~ safari. In their hands, they held little notebooks with little illustrations of little birds. I turned to the woman, “What are those for?” I asked. “We’re birders!” she exclaimed. My blank look begged for clarification. “Birds! We’re here for the birds.”

I resisted the urge to giggle and pivoted back to Daniel. A smirk passed between us. Later, when we were alone in our lodge, we roared with laughter. Birds? That’s ridiculous! We can see birds at home. Lions! We’re here for the lions!

This Post is For the Bird(er)s

It took me decades to appreciate our fine feathered friends. But, once I got the bug, I mean, bird, it was all over. I bought binoculars, I bought books, I downloaded apps—all for the birds. Only recently, when thinking about a new post idea for I am Lost and Found, did I connect the dots. Birds, flying and traveling. Bingo.

Whether you’re a birder who likes to travel, a traveler who likes birds, or simply looking for gift ideas for the frequent flier in your life, read on for inspiration.

(Please note the affiliate links below. I may receive a small referral fee should a product be bought through my site. But rest assured, I only highlight products I fully stand behind.)

10 Gifts for Birders Who Love to Travel

I get it. We aren’t called bird nerds for nothing. But once I owned my bird nerdiness, I was set free. Stay in the closet if you must, but the moment you embrace your inner birder, the better. Until then, take a peek at the best gifts for birders who love to travel.

1 / Binoculars

A birder without a great pair of binocs is missing out, literally. With binoculars, birders will take in views they may have never seen otherwise. Some top-of-the-line examples magnify up to 12x and higher, but the current sweet spot for birdwatchers is buying handheld binoculars with a magnification of 8 or 8.5x. From what I understand, this is partly due to image stabilization.

I like this pair because of its compact size and rugged exterior. But, no matter which pair you buy, the benefits of birdwatching are clear. Want to splurge? Watch how those benefits become crystal clear with these luxury binoculars from Swarovski.

2 / North American Bird Pocket Guide

What good are those fancy binoculars if you can’t identify the birds? Go old school and keep a pocket field guide on hand when traveling. An Amazon search results in many options for compact field guides. But the one that has me clicking won’t be found there.

Birds: An Illustrated Field Guide is visually stunning. Handbound in white leather, the cover can be personalized for your favorite birder. Each spread is a wonder—an illustrated profile of 50 of North America’s most popular birds. It’s a mere 5×7 inches in size, so throw it in your backpack or keep it in your car for easy access.

3 / Better Living Through Birding, by Christian Cooper

I won’t rehash the unfortunate reason Christian Cooper became so well-known. Instead, I’ll thank the bird gods for giving us his beautifully written and engaging book. In this captivating, true story, Cooper recounts how a life spent watching birds prepared him to be a gay, Black man in America.

You needn’t be a bird lover to enjoy Cooper’s wondrous story, Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World. Part travelogue, part memoir, and part primer on the art of birdwatching, it’s no wonder it’s a New York Times bestseller. Cooper’s tale will resonate with everyone.

Click Here To Get My Free Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet

4 / Merlin Bird ID App

Sometimes the best gifts cost nothing at all. This gift for birders is not only free, but it won’t take up any luggage space. Hello Merlin.

The Merlin Bird ID app was developed in 2014 by Cornell Lab Orinthologist Jesse Barry, who set out to answer the simple question, “What bird am I seeing?” Today, the app can identify over 6,000 species across six continents. This can be achieved by picture, whistle, or song. Whether you’re a novice birdwatcher or a fully-feathered bird aficionado, let Merlin answer all of your birding calls.

5 / a birdy told me…

Not long ago, I stumbled upon Pamela Berger’s brilliant website, a birdy told me… I subscribed, and my Fridays haven’t been the same since. Pamela drops a list of swoon-worthy, highly curated links into my inbox every Friday.

Pamela’s newsletter format is simple—an effortlessly composed handful of her favorite things. Her favorites might be about home design, art, style, travel, fashion, or culture. Typically, it’s a mix of all of the above.

Not a Friday goes by that I don’t find a candle to covet, a book to binge read, or a cross-body to carry. Pamela’s thoughts and links are interwoven with a unique stream-of-consciousness writing style I envy.

a birdy told me… and now I’m telling you.

6 / Bird Notecards

I’m a letter writer. Ok, I used to be a letter writer. Now, I’m a notecard writer. But let’s face it, getting anything in the mailbox that isn’t from AARP or Land’s End is a treat.

Birds are living, breathing mini works of art. Their plumage, markings, unique body shapes, and feathers make them natural models for artists around the world. It’s not hard to find notecards with bird designs (over two million pop up on Google). What’s hard to find is perfectly executed, species-specific ones that are inspired by real-life sightings.

Brad Sneed is a seasoned illustrator and fine artist who’s well-known for his children’s picture books. But, dig deep into his website to discover his handcrafted notecards. Brad’s work is an ideal gift for any bird-lover who also happens to be a notecard writer. There are more of us out there than you’d think.

I’m in awe of Brad’s feather-light details on the Snowy Owl. I admire the rich red hues of his Red-Bellied Woodpecker’s head. As it turns out, this common woodpecker’s belly is actually pale pink, not red, as advertised. The pink belly can only be detected when it’s hanging upside down. Now that’s a rare sighting!

Each box of eight notecards is exquisite. And, with multiple notecard sets to choose from, good luck selecting just one for the bird lover in your life.

7 / The Traveler’s Atlas of The World

What birder doesn’t need an oversized illustrative atlas to inspire travel to bird-centric destinations? National Geographic’s latest coffee table tome features a Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, on the cover. The Traveler’s Atlas of the World couldn’t be more exhilarating. I’m planning to give it to every single person on my Christmas list (whether they were naughty or nice), and that’s not only because I contributed four sections.

An atlas is a present that takes us through time. It brings the world into our living rooms. It allows us to pinpoint future vacations and relive the ones we’ve taken. Click here to own it for yourself, or of course, as a gift to your favorite frequent flier.

8 / Bird Bingo

Whoever said bingo is just for toddlers and old ladies in Boca Raton has never played Bird Bingo. We were gifted this amazing game when our kids were in elementary school. Years later, I still can’t part with it. Aside from being artfully designed and illustrated, it is a genius way to teach kids (and everyone else) about birds.

Glasgow-based artist Christine Berrie’s colored pencils take bingo to new heights. If you can stop coveting the 64 magnificent illustrations for a moment, you can learn that at 11.5 ft, the Wandering Albatross’s wingspan is the longest of any bird. Leave the cumbersome box behind and pack Bird Bingo for your next family trip. When your kids can easily identify a Lilac-Breasted Roller, you’ll have me to thank. Be sure to use one of Brad’s notecards when you do.

9 / Eagle Creek Rolling Duffel

The few times I’ve spotted an eagle in the wild have been momentous occasions. Yes, I need to get out more. Eagles symbolize many things, including courage, strength, and freedom.

It’s no secret I’m a fan of Eagle Creek. Their products often end up in my posts for many reasons—but mostly because they last. We’re hard on our bags. And when they finally bust a seam or zipper, Eagle Creek fixes them—free of charge.

The ‘No Matter What’ Rolling Duffel comes in various sizes and colors, making it a must-give gift for travelers and frequent fliers. That it comes in Safari Brown tempts me to book another trip to Africa. Kudos to Eagle Creek’s clever marketing team.

However, the coolest thing about this bag is its ‘Chasing Zero’ process that eliminates nearly all product waste. The other coolest thing about it is that it can compress down into a stuff sack not much bigger than a 7-Eleven 30-ounce Big Gulp.

10 / Birds Watercolor Workbook

No birder with a neglected creative side should be without this adorable little workbook. I stumbled upon it while exploring the latest independent bookshop to open in the area. Within an hour of buying this avian gem, I set to work on my first bird, the Bluebird.

Female-owned and powered by Gayle Weiswasser and Amy Joyce, they named their store Wonderland because they believe ‘that reading and books open worlds of wonder, no matter where in life you are.’

If you live in the DC/MD area, run, don’t walk, or, should I say, fly, don’t run, to Wonderland Books.

Wisdom Comes With Age

Twenty years later, we go on safari—again. This time to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Daniel and I are dressed head-to-toe in shades of safari brown. In our hands, we have little notebooks with little illustrations of little birds. Our kids sit in front of us. They look at our notebooks and then at each other. A smirk passes between them. I’m about to explain—but I change my mind.

One day, they’ll get it.

Click Here To Get My Free Wish List Destinations Hot Sheet

February 14, 2025
100 (Amazing) Places To Go

When my kids were little, the 100th day of school was a very big deal. In the days leading up to the 100th day, the excitement was exponential. There were 100th-day projects, 100th-day activities, and 100th-day surprises—all culminating in a 100th-day celebration with a guest appearance by Zero the Hero (a masked superhero played by their teacher’s fiancé).

I never questioned why the 100th day of school was such a big deal. I was knee-deep in 100 Honey Nut Cheerios, 100 LifeSavers, and 100 cotton balls—all glued to neon construction paper courtesy of Elmer. Elementary school was a blur of sticky little fingers wreaking havoc on our black labs and white sofas.

The 100th day of school. For teachers—a way to nurture a love of math. For parents—a categorical mess.

This is my 100th post. I’m as excited by this number as any 1st-grader about to meet their first superhero. To mark the occasion, I won’t abuse processed oats or hard candy. I won’t use glue. Instead, I’ll list 100 places I want to go.

As a point of clarification, these are not 100 places to visit before you die, not the top 100 places to visit in 2025, and definitely not 100 places to see after you die (wow, sometimes Google suggestions are entirely off the mark).

Just 100 (amazing) places.

Lists of lists

My travel wish list has lived in my phone’s Notes App for years, quietly snowballing with conversations overheard in coffee shops, inspiring Instagram posts, friend recommendations, and sidebars in Travel + Leisure magazines. I’ve grouped them into a few broad categories to add structure. But that’s about it. A random, cobbled assortment of (amazing) places to go. 100 places to inspire your next trip. 100 places to add to your travel wish list.

Do you have a travel wish list?

It’s time to create one.

Mustique

Counting to 100

Listing these 100 places was an interesting exercise—sort of like time travel. I thought back to how, years ago, my list was filled with fancy beach hotels in Mexico—places with kids’ clubs so I could have lunch with my husband without cutting quesadillas into poquito pieces. Back then, Caribbean resorts mesmerized me with miles of pristine coastline where my kids would argue over one square foot of sand.

Later, my list included glamorous city hotels so Daniel and I could dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and sit for hours at sidewalk cafés. The kids were the ideal ages to stay with grandparents. Grandparents who thought sno-cones for lunch was perfectly acceptable.

Montenegro (even from behind, Ella looks completely unimpressed)

As the kids got older, we found places with activities we could do as a family—adventurous spots that didn’t solely revolve around the beach or pool. Our kids will deny it, but they hated hiking from the ages of 8-18. Daniel and I selfishly marched them up mountains, forcing them to admire views in places like Montenegro, Mallorca, and Montana. The only times our kids got along was when they were lagging fifty feet behind, complaining about these (their words) god-awful, miserable hikes. They cried child abuse. We hiked faster.

Now, they act like they invented hiking. Jimmy Chin is Ella’s idol. Chase races us to the summit. Parenting is a thankless job.

100 (Amazing) Places To Go

It’s worth mentioning this list is aspirational. If you hope to find budget-friendly and easy-to-get-to destinations, you’re reading the wrong blog. But—if you’re hoping to get inspired and find a few splurge-worthy vacation spots, read on—100 very expensive ideas await!

And lastly, those marked ( * ) are currently at the tippy top of my list.

Pikaia Lodge, Ecuador

Resorts

*Pikaia Lodge, Ecuador

Six Senses Duoro Valley, Portugal

Our Habitas Atacama, Chile

*Isla Secas, Panama

Amangalla, Sri Lanka

Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy

*Rosewood Kona Village, Hawaii

Susafa, Italy

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Kachi Lodge, Bolivia

*Chablé Yucatan, Mexico

NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

Hotel Esencia, Mexico

Paradero Todos Santos, Mexico

Sublime Comporta, Portugal

Eteréo, Mexico

Rosewood Vienna, Austria

Forestis Dolomites

Adventure Hotels and Lodges

*Forestis Dolomites, Italy

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, Alaska

The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye

*Eriro, Austria

Highland Base, Iceland

Nekupe, Nicaragua

Puquio, Peru

Wilderness Mombo Camp, Botswana

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

Ilmanaq Lodge, Iceland

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

*Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve, South Africa

*Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Taylor River Lodge, Colorado, USA

Shangri La Muscat Canyon Wadi Rum, Jordan

Tierra Patagonia, Chile

Jack’s Camp, Botswana

Hotel Foroyar, Faroe Islands

Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland

The Omnia, Zermatt, Switzerland

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda

Al Maha, Dubai

Al Moudira, Egypt

Boutique Hotels

*Al Moudira, Egypt

Farmhouse Inn, CA

The Ned Hotel, London

Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany, Italy

Son Blanc Farmhouse, Menorca, Spain

Ellerman House, CapeTown

Venice Venice Hotel, Italy

Single Thread Farm, CA

*Ett Hem, Sweden

Aman Rosa Alpina, Dolomites, Italy

Piaule Catskill, NY

The Ned NoMad, NY

The Tokyo EDITION, Tokyo

Hasbrouck House, NY

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin

Dawn Ranch, CA

Silversands Beach House, Grenada

Casa Polanco, Mexico City

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santa Fe, NM

Hotel Sanders, Copenhagen

Post Ranch Inn, CA

The Rooster Antiparos, Greece

*Eleven Rio Palena Lodge, Chile

TRUNK, Tokyo

Palazzo Margherita, Italy

Lime Wood, UK

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, Italy

White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection, Kennebunk, Maine

Petit St Vincent, Caribbean

Private Islands

*Petit St Vincent, Caribbean

Miavana, Madagascar

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

*Naoshima, Japan

Kokomo Private Island Resort, Fiji

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Alaska

Destinations

*Alaska

Sardinia, Italy

*Svalbard, Norway

Namibia

Galapagos Islands

Gstaad, Switzerland

Nepal

Jordan

Malta

*Faroe Islands

Aselund, Norway

Kerala, India

South Georgia Island

Saxony, Germany

*Oaxaca, Mexico

Orient Express

Alternative Travel

*The Venice-Simplon Orient Express, A Belmond Train

Nour El Nil, The Nile River Boat, Egypt

Koks, Faroe Islands

Restaurants

*Koks, Faroe Islands

Den, Tokyo

Quince, San Francisco

Cosme, New York City

Alinea, Chicago

*Single Thread, CA

Florilége, Tokyo

Funke, Los Angeles

*The top of my wish list (subject to change)

100, and counting

I started this blog, (I mean, website), in 2018 with a handful of subscribers and even fewer Instagram followers. Today, I’ve reached my 100th post, have several thousand subscribers, and over 10K Instagram followers. No one is more surprised by these stats than me—and probably my daughter.

I love this ~~blog~~ ~~website~~ blog. It’s given me a creative outlet beyond helping my kids find 100-round things to glue to construction paper. It’s taken my travels to new levels, as I’m constantly thinking about how to best describe what I’m seeing and experiencing, which, in turn, helps me see and experience things differently. 100 posts (often with suspect grammar and incorrect punctuation) about travel.

What’s the point?

I think about this list. What’s the point? I won’t get through 10% of it in my lifetime. But that’s precisely the point. The list will change as I change. Some places will fall off my radar as others replace them. Some will make no sense—did I really want to go to Easter Island??? Others will attempt to recapture those years when my kids waddled along the beach in saggy, swimmy diapers.

I’ll never finish my list. I’ll never win. The hard-core list makers of the world might have trouble with this concept. I know I do. Or, I did. Until I realized that’s the best part: adding, subtracting, and multiplying (the math metaphors are neverending!) destinations. It’s ok to lose.

My kids are adults now. They stopped believing in Zero the Hero around the same time they found out about the tooth fairy. But I thank the teachers, especially Mrs. Haese and her long-suffering husband Derek (aka Zero the Hero), for doing their job. My kids can count. And because they can count, they have lists of their own. Lists that will expand and change as their lives expand and change.

Those elementary school years are a sticky, messy blur. My clearest memories are from our family vacations. So, I’ll keep adding.

Will my list look completely different in ten years? Or even five?

I’m counting on it.

January 4, 2025
Blue Mind Theory: The Science Behind Why You Feel Better at the Beach

Do you know what Blue Mind Theory is? You might not know the scientific definition, but if you’ve ever felt happiness and peace while standing at the ocean’s edge, you’re more informed than you realize. Curious about the viral travel trend everyone seems to be talking about? Read on.

My back is on fire. I curse myself for not applying sunscreen as I inadvertently step on a sharp shell. This is ironic, as searching for shells is why I’m out here in the first place. I crouch down to pull the spiny sliver of calcium carbonate from my big toe and clumsily fall backward. Sand is now in places sand should never be. I stand up, my blood pressure rising along with me.

Then I look ahead. The Caribbean Sea fills my view—miles and miles of white caps and blue waves. Within seconds, I’m relaxed. I sit back down. There’s just something about the sea.

The human body is made up of about 60% water. So says the U.S. Geological Survey website. I keep scrolling, unconvinced, expecting to be told the other 40% is made up of peanut butter and jelly. Still doubting the source, I pose the question to Google, ChatGPT, and my dad. Asking my dad is a critical error—thirty-six minutes I’ll never get back.

If our bodies are composed of 60% water, it’s not hard to understand our reliance on and attraction to it. While most of us know we need water for sustenance and nourishment, how many of us know how water affects our minds?

Blue Mind Theory, Theoretically

I first learn about Blue Mind Theory via Instagram, my primary news source since November 12th. Don’t judge; my stress level is currently the same as a mini Goldendoodle. Biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nicols describes this theory in his national bestselling book, Blue Mind. Nicols contends that being in or near water induces a semi-meditative state that positively affects our minds and bodies. I concur, my burnt back and speared toe notwithstanding.

A decade later, propelled by influencers floating in the Aegean or bikini-clad under tropical waterfalls, Blue Mind Theory has a social life of its own. The travel industry is embracing it as a new wellness trend despite the fact there’s nothing all that new about it.

Hot springs in Iceland are calming and restorative? Ocean views from the top of St Lucia’s Pitons make me feel reflective and meditative? Not new news. But when I dig deeper into Nicols’ theory, I realize these semi-naked Tik-Tokers are on to something.

Is Blue Mind Theory just a repackaged product hotels and resorts want us to buy? What does Blue Mind Theory have to do with our next vacation? Is Green Mind Theory next? If you’re curious about how being near water can affect your quality of life, lower stress levels, and promote happiness (theoretically), this post is for you.

Finding the Source

How often have I been in or around water without recognizing its inherent qualities? I’ve taken for granted how water affects my well-being. Now that I think about it, many of my favorite travel memories revolve around water. When I plan vacations, it almost always revolves around a water feature.

Being near water quiets the noise in my mind. And that’s not only because the sound of waves is so soothing. Water helps me unwind, whether that be in a pool, a lake, an ocean, or a bathtub.

The moments I’ve felt most relaxed on vacation float to the surface of my mind: sinking into a milky white geothermal pool at the Blue Lagoon, beside a mirror-flat sea at sunset in Nicaragua, before a deafening waterfall in Costa Rica. The list goes on.

Water is the common thread. Contentment and joy are the common outcomes.

TikTok and Blue Mind Theory

I watch @ronjaedsmo’s TikTok video on repeat. Who’s Ronja Edsmo? Until I started researching this article, I hadn’t had a clue. Gentle, melodic guitar strings pluck away in the background while swoon-worthy beach scenes fill the screen. Itty bitty san serf type asks the viewer, “Have you ever wondered why you seem to feel better when you are near the ocean?”

Lots of people are wondering. Ronja’s video has 1.8 million views.

Water’s Significance, Culturally

Ronja’s video makes me feel—to use a technical term—good. Now I’m wondering, too. Why do we feel better when we are near the ocean? I do some research, and several reasons back up the theory. For one, water is a symbol of restoration. Many cultures and religions use water in rituals to signify cleansing, renewal, and peace and to offer psychological comfort and joy.

Hinduism has sacred rivers, like the Ganges, that cleanse sins and provide a spiritual rebirth. In Buddhism, temple water offerings symbolize clarity and the intention to nurture a peaceful mind. In Japan, misogi is a Shinto purification ritual where people wash their hands, mouths, or entire bodies in a natural water source, like a river or waterfall, to clear impurities.

Water is aesthetically pleasing. There’s a psychological reason behind those doctor’s office aquariums and gurgling hotel fountains. Water features improve our mood and reduce anxiety. Ask any parent waiting for a doctor with a sick toddler in tow. Watching tropical fish glide around fake coral and seaweed is the best medicine—or at least the best distraction.

Lastly, water-based activities like surfing, kayaking, or snorkeling promote physical fitness and boost our satisfaction in life. Beaches, lakes, and swimming pools unite families and foster a sense of belonging and happiness. A deep, oversized hotel bathtub with suds, bubbles, and salts is all I need to feel content after a long travel day.

Where to Find A Blue Mind

The travel gods are constantly recycling trends. With dreamy Instagram reels, they drum up excitement for us to pack our bags and go. This imaginative reinvention is welcome. I don’t mind elevating camping to glamping. I can accept that the hottest vacations these days are coolcations. Call it whatever you want, Travel + Leisure, I’m ready.

As wellness and health-focused destinations gain traction, hotels and resorts are reframing their offerings to keep up. At one time, a typical spa covered saunas, steam, massages, and facials—maybe even a yoga class in the most woo-woo destinations.

Today, wellness is far more niche. At some Arctic resorts in Finnish Lapland, rooms come with private saunas. Other hotels have bedding and robe menus to accompany their water menus. (I’m a tap water girl, myself). Many of these wellness programs overlap in one specific area. An area that takes up nearly 60% of our bodies. Water.

The planet is big and blue. Finding places to cultivate a blue mind isn’t hard. Maybe your blue mind is whale-watching in Mexico or on a sailboat in Croatia? Perhaps your brand of blue is a water-based wellness spa in Costa Rica or an adrenaline-filled polar expedition to Antarctica? Since learning about Blue Mind Theory, I’ve curated a list of my most memorable water-based destinations. The places I’ve felt the most energized, most restored, and most importantly, the most in sync with the world.

Add blue to your travel wish list with these five water-centric destinations. All will inspire you to develop a blue mind.

5 Mind-Blowing Blue Mind Destinations

1 / THE WELL, Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s luxury wellness property, Hacienda AltaGracia, features THE WELL—a spa that nurtures whole-person healing, combining Eastern and Western practices, meditation, body, and holistic treatments.

Located at the top of the property’s 180 lush, tropical acres, THE WELL encompasses over 20,000 square feet of naturally lit, jaw-dropping space. Architecturally, the setting exudes calm and serenity. It intentionally brings the outdoors in. Three oversized windowed walls surround an oversized tranquility pool that mirrors the sky. Two symmetrical square hot tubs flank the pool. The combination of cobalt blue pools and the endless blue sky is ‘pura vida’ at its finest.

If that’s not enough to activate a blue mind, Hacienda AltaGracia’s other unique selling point is its on-property river bath. In this immersive wellness experience, the chorus of nature is the only soundtrack. With a riverside meditation and a 60-minute herbal bath, the river bath was designed to lower stress levels and enter a meditative state—naturally. No wonder THE WELL is one of the world’s leading wellness centers.

2 / Privately Chartered Gulet in Croatia

Gulets are traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessels. While once humble fishing boats, today, gulets have been creatively repurposed for tourism. Especially popular in countries like Croatia, Turkey, and Greece, watching the world go by from a privately chartered gulet is unlike any traditional water-based holiday.

It’s easy to develop a blue mind when sailing simply because there’s no escaping the sea. On a gulet, life revolves around it. The water is only absent when I shut my eyes at night. But even then, it always finds its way into my dreams.

Gulets come with a staff, including a captain, chef, and other deckhands, to cater to guests’ every whim. The captain and crew help guests create itineraries to weave around islands and find hidden bays and coves only accessible by boat.

Whether watching dolphins at sunrise or sitting with an Aperol Spritz at dusk, nearly every spot on a gulet induces a peaceful state. And as most gulets come stocked with water toys, like stand-up paddles, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks, being in the sea is as therapeutic as looking at it.

3 / Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas

Waves crash against the jagged cliffs, sending bursts of salty spray into the air. From this high perch, I admire the Sea of Cortez, dazzling in deep blue hues. The Punta Ballena coast, named for its whale’s tail shape, looks barren. The water is serene. Yet, below the surface, marine life thrives. Over ten species of whales live here, including sperm, blue, and humpback—the namesakes of this magical Mexican coastline. However, the sea, the coast, and whales are only a part of what makes this Cabo resort so captivating for blue-mind-seeking travelers.

Esperanza is one of three Auberge properties in Mexico. That Esperanza has upped the ante on water-based wellness is clear. Their Sabiduria ritual explores ancestral connection through water. Los Elementos balances well-being through natural elements: water, fire, air, and Earth. Pasaje de Agua is a 30-minute hydrotherapy circuit that uses heated lava rocks in a steam house to purify and cleanse.

These water-based experiences are designed to help travelers achieve harmony within their bodies and souls. Although I think the post-treatment options are equally nurturing, like napping under a shaggy thatched umbrella on the beach.

4 / Antarctic Expedition

Not all blue mind trips involve sun-drenched beaches and thatched umbrellas. Suspend your disbelief for a moment and consider the poles. The big white continent to our south has much to offer a traveler seeking a meditative state. While not the first vacation that comes to mind for wellness, Antarctica’s utter remoteness is other-worldly. Gazing upon iceberg-dotted waters of the Southern Ocean while crossing the Drake Passage can humble even the strongest minds.

Whether witnessing this unique part of the world by boat or plane, the vastness of Antarctica can’t be underestimated. Endless blue seas are offset by icebergs, glaciers, and snow-covered landscapes as far as the eye can see, making it nearly impossible to compute the landscape mentally.

My expedition on the Ultramarine, Quark’s purpose-built Arctic vessel, was one of my most life-changing trips. Twice-daily Zodiac boat rides, helicopter experiences, and sea kayaking excursions ignited an unexplainable sense of happiness within me. It’s difficult to feel stress when surrounded by such overwhelming beauty. Blue Mind Theory, at work.

5 / Ponds of Vermont

Vermont has been a part of my life for decades. When I think about Stowe, I don’t conjure up double black diamonds or red and yellow maple leaves. I think about ponds. I’m not alone; as many Vermonters can attest, pond life goes hand in hand with Vermont life.

My parents live on a pond in Stowe. It mirrors watercolor swatches of the sky at sunset. It’s the primary residence of dozens of croaking frogs. The pond sometimes freezes over in the winter, daring me to walk across it. I never do. This small, cattail-lined pond holds memories of my childhood. It also holds memories of my kids’ childhoods. My blue mind started at this pond—long before Blue Mind Theory went viral.

Of course, you don’t have to live in Vermont to embrace pond life. When visiting Stowe, consider staying at the Green Mountain Inn, renting a bike, and looping over the bridges that dot the Rec Path. Head to Moss Glen Falls, where an easy wildflower-filled walk will lead you to an enchanting waterfall. Or, simply go pond-hunting. There are thousands to be found. Jump in, but be warned, the water is cold.

Are You a Blue Mind?

If you’ve ever felt stress and anxiety melt away because of your proximity to a body of water, you’ve experienced a form of Blue Mind Theory. If sitting near glacier-fed lakes and towering waterfalls induces a magical, meditative state, you’ve ignited your blue mind.

Does it really matter that this concept isn’t new? Not to me. What’s important is that I recognize it. I don’t need Ronja’s video to spell it out. But sometimes, I need a reminder. And in case you’ve wondered, Green Mind Theory is a thing, too. But that’s a subject for another post.

I rise again, shaking off the sand, along with my foul mood. My back isn’t so red, and the shell that pierced my toe is a keeper—a Lace Murex, one of my favorites. Yes, our bodies are made up of almost 60% water—no wonder the pull is so strong. Time to dive in.

Want to learn more? Get Wallace J. Nicols’ book, Blue Mind here

More Blue Mind Destinations for your wish list: Click to get my FREE hot sheet

December 5, 2024
How To Pack for an African Safari (Carry-On Only)

Are you heading on safari for the first time? An African safari is an adventurer’s travel trifecta—a combination of breathtaking wildlife, stunning terrain, and unparalleled lodging and hospitality. With over 20+ game drives across four countries, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to simplify the preparation for this exciting experience. My packing lists follow—organized into four simple categories. You can also download my ‘Ultimate Safari Packing List’ to have them all in one easy-to-access place.

And while it’s not necessary to travel with only a carry-on—if you can manage it, you won’t regret it.

The first time I went on an African safari was in 2002. It was my honeymoon. My soon-to-be husband had kept it a surprise until check-in at JFK—a gesture that felt romantic then, but would feel utterly controlling now. That’s twenty years of marriage for you.

A few weeks before departure, Daniel gave me a gift—an overnight bag from Coach. I loved its cherry red canvas exterior, wide shoulder strap, and soft leather details. But as I’d come to expect from many of Daniel’s gifts, it came with a catch.

“It’s for our honeymoon!” Daniel chirped excitedly. “Oh, how cool! You mean it’s my carry-on bag?” I questioned, although I already knew the answer.

Being Prepared Is Isn’t Everything

How I packed for a three-week trip to an unknown destination in a bag designed for a weekend getaway is baffling. As my faded disposable camera photos show, I packed the wrong clothes, the wrong gear, and way too many shoes. Yet, I can’t recall needing a single thing as we journeyed across Tanzania that June. That’s young love for you.

Despite my anecdotal story of unpreparedness, I vowed to be ready when we took our kids on safari years later. I googled safari clothing, what to wear on safari, safari must-haves, and safari packing lists. This time, I’d be prepared. This ain’t no honeymoon.

If a similar Google search got you here, congratulations—you have a safari on the horizon. It’s one of the world’s most intense, immersive, engaging, and magical experiences. I’ve been on safari in Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, and Uganda. With each trip, I fine-tuned my packing skills, filing away tips for my future safari-bound self and my safari-bound friends and relatives. I figured out how to consolidate. And found my safari style without entirely forgoing fashion. I made peace with layers and colorless clothes.

Safari Style 101

Safaris are considered once-in-a-lifetime experiences due to their high costs and far-flung locations. It’s painful to shell out even more money for clothing you may never wear again.

Thankfully, safari clothing need not be expensive. The best way to dress for a safari is modestly and with a neutral color palette. Take advantage of a high/low buying strategy. This means spending more on certain pieces (like a good fleece or puffer) to balance items (like underlayers) where you can safely compromise fashion and durability.

In Africa, It’s All About Layers

Safari game drives typically occur around sunrise and sundown. You don’t need David Attenborough to tell you these are the times of day when wildlife is most active. Unfortunately, these coincide with the times of day I am least active. But safari is well worth going outside of your comfort zone! Be suspicious of an outfitter that advertises a noon game drive. The leopards and lions will be enjoying a midday siesta. You should consider one, too. Game drives are tiring.

As for safari clothing, it’s all about layering. Think about a tank top base layer, a lightweight, long-sleeved mid-layer, and a fleece and puffer outer layer. The thin mid-layer will be your new BFF, as it will protect your skin from the sun and pesky tsetse flies. Lightweight, long pants are better than shorts despite the temperature for the same reason. Invest in a good fleece and puffer, as you will wear them daily and likely beyond Africa.

And it’s all about the Sun

Mornings in Africa are typically cool. You’ll be awake before the sun. Sunrises and sunsets are another reason why we go to Africa. The muted layers of the terrain will morph and change as the day breaks, adding another level of awe to an already awe-inspired morning. Sunsets are equally mesmerizing—with no air pollution or city lights to spoil them.

As the temperatures rise, slowly peel off your layers. Settle into the sounds of the savannah. Get your camera ready and listen to your all-knowing guides. The fun is about to begin.

Safari Clothing Packing List:

2 x base layers (tank or short-sleeved shirts)
2 x mid-layers (lightweight and long-sleeved, neutral colors)
* 1 x fleece (neutral color)
* 1 x lightweight puffer (I like this one from Patagonia because it folds down to the size of a paperback)
1-2 linen shirts and/or shorts or, for women, a wrinkle-free dress (for evenings around the firepit comparing wildlife sightings, also doubles as a nice outfit for layover city days)
2 x lightweight pants (zip-off ones are popular; I don’t know why)
Buff (for dust, flies, and keeping hair off your face—the uses of a good buff are endless)
2 x sports bras
7 x underwear (many lodges have complimentary laundry)
7 x socks (at least two thicker and longer pairs to go over pants if on a walking safari or a trek in Uganda. Otherwise, prepare to meet the local fire ant community.)
Hat (wide-brimmed to protect your neck and, yes, neutral)
* Hiking shoes (broken in, in advance)
Closed-toe shoes or sneakers
Flip flops (for hanging around the pool)
1 x bathing suit (it’s tempting to take more—don’t. This isn’t Cabo.)

* Splurge-worthy item

Click here for my free ‘Ultimate Africa Safari Packing Lists’

Gearing Up

The right gear is integral to a safari experience, especially for wannabe wildlife photographers, bird nerds, and travel bloggers. But gear is cumbersome. Choose what to pack with care. Unless you’re applying for a job at Nat Geo, an iPhone may suffice—they take beautiful photos. My go-to is a combo—an iPhone (hanging from a lanyard around my neck at all times) and a Canon Rebel SL2, which is lightweight, user-friendly, and has WI-FI capabilities so I can post to Instagram in real-time.

Safari Gear Packing List:

* Luggage (Eagle Creek is my go-to choice; this is my pick)
Packing cubes (Eagle Creek packing cubes have endless uses: toiletries for plastic-free countries, dirty laundry, souvenirs)
iPhone and charger
iPhone lanyard (Somewhat dorky, yes—but you’ll thank me when baboons don’t steal your phone)
* Camera and lenses (one good zoom will do—they’re expensive, consider renting one)
Extra battery and/or SD card
* Binoculars (sometimes provided, but having your own is worthwhile—these are the ones I use)
Sunglasses
Day pack (for your gear)
Universal Travel Adapter (this is the one I have)

* Splurge-worthy item

Little Things Count

Don’t let the length of the following list scare you. In total, these self-care items take up less space than that extra pair of shoes you won’t wear. But little things count—especially things that protect our bodies and minds in one of the most unforgiving places on Earth.

Safari Self-Care Packing List:

Sunscreen (transferred into CVS travel-sized containers you can dispose of as you go)
Lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (The National Capital Poison Center recommends a concentration of DEET no higher than 30%)
Eye mask (this one is my go-to)
Ear plugs (although the nightly chorus of wildlife is a highlight of safari)
Prescription meds (cute pillboxes are all the rage)
Small medical kit (a nod to my paramedic husband, who doesn’t go to Safeway without one)
Feminine products (because there’s no CVS in the Okavango Delta)

Less is Less

It’s human nature to be overprepared, especially in a place as foreign and remote as Africa. If you’ve chosen a reputable safari outfitter with your travel advisor, then you need not worry. Anything critical you may have forgotten will be taken care of. Strive to pack less. Make a carry-on bag a goal. Feeling unencumbered on a trip with so many moving pieces is liberating.

But no matter what you pack in, some things don’t belong on a safari in Africa.

What Not to Pack Packing List:

Perfume (or creams/moisturizers with a strong scent that will attract or repel wildlife)
Fine jewelry (the rhinos don’t care how many David Yurman bangles you have)
Plastic bags (some countries, like Rwanda, are polythene-free)
Dressy clothes and shoes (safari is decidedly casual)
Drones (restricted in many African countries)
Hair dryers (most lodges will have them)
Anything you haven’t worn in the last 12 months (you think you’ll wear it in Africa—we all know you won’t)

Click here for my free ‘Ultimate Africa Safari Packing Lists’

Prepare to see the Unexpected

One of the best things about an African safari is that anything can happen. One day, you might come across a pride of lions feasting on a wildebeest. On another, an elephant might stroll through your camp during lunch. At night, you may hear a pack of wild dogs on the hunt or discover a bush baby running circles around the inside of your tent.

These moments define the experience—the moments you’ll retell at the firepit at night. Safari is fueled by adrenaline. Those who choose to go on safari are a self-selecting group of adventure seekers. Where the unexpected is expected, even sought out. Otherwise, we’d just go to the zoo.

And while surprises are part of the thrill, some aren’t welcome. A few tips follow, most of which I learned from experience.

Safari Travel Tips

Luggage tip: Space in a carry-on bag is limited. So wear your heaviest items on the plane when possible. This includes hiking shoes and your fleece or puffer. You can read more about how I pack and my general packing tips here.

Safari Planning Tip: Using a travel advisor to plan a safari makes it a stress-free experience. They work with the most well-known and reputable outfitters and can access perks and surprises you won’t get if you book it yourself. I use CIRE for all of my travel bookings. To learn more about why I use a travel advisor, read my post, “Who Needs a Travel Advisor? It Turns Out I Do.”

Visa, vaccine, and passport tips: Travel advisors will be on top of the visa and vaccine requirements, but checking in advance is helpful. While you’re at it, make sure you have at least six months and one or more free spreads of passport space from the departure date of your trip.

Clothing tip: As mentioned earlier, wearing neutrals is vital. But why? Colors to avoid wearing include red, yellow, orange, black, dark blue, and camo. Each of these colors has its own set of issues. In many African countries, camouflage is strictly reserved for the military. Dark colors attract tsetse flies, while bright colors make you look like prey. (Looking back at my color choices in 2002, it’s remarkable I’m alive.)

Laundry tip: Many luxury lodges and tent camps include daily laundry. This removes the need for more clothes (and too many pairs of underwear). Get over the fact that you may wear the same pants five times. At least they will be clean. And nobody but you will notice anyway.

Gear tip: Bring a small daypack in the Land Rover each morning. It’s a safe place to keep all those layers tidy and dust-free for future use.

Tipping tip: If tipping makes you uncomfortable and anxious, consider choosing an outfitter that includes all gratuities. While the embedded tipping costs most certainly increase the cost of the trip, there are no awkward moments or need to fumble with local currency.

Insurance tip: A must. Don’t leave home without it.

What is the Purpose of this Day?

We wake up at the crack of dawn. It’s still dark. The only sounds I hear are buzzing insects and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Without speaking, the four of us trudge to the jeep, where our guide, Foster, waits with a wide smile. He looks at my 13-year-old daughter, who’s radiating snarky, salty tween vibes. She’s not smiling.

“What is the purpose of this day?” Foster says to her in a slow, enchanting baritone. With sleep in her eyes, Ella looks up. I look up, too. Ella doesn’t know. I don’t know. Who thinks about things like that? Foster does.

But I want to know. I’m guessing Ella does, too, based on how quickly she hops in the jeep. Foster revs the engine, and we set out to find the purpose of this day. It’s somewhere out in the Okavango Delta. The best journeys answer questions you never knew to ask. Keep asking, Foster. We’re all listening.

Click here for my free ‘Ultimate Africa Safari Packing Lists’

(Please note some affiliate links above. I may receive a small referral fee should a product be bought through my site, but rest assured, I only highlight products I own and would buy for myself.)

August 25, 2024
How To Find The Best Hotel For Your Next Adventure

Do you ever wonder how to find the best hotel for your next adventure? It isn’t rocket science, but I do have my approach to finding what I consider the ‘best’ hotels. Think you have nothing left to learn? Let’s compare notes. And enjoy photos from some of my favorite hotels, resorts, and villas along the way.

“How did you find that adventure lodge in Iceland?”

“Where was that surfing resort in Nicaragua you loved?”

“What time of year is the best to go to Tuscany?”

Villa Laura, Italy

I love questions like these. Sourcing travel ideas and inspiration is my straight-up obsession. Sharing those ideas and inspiration is where I really thrive.

Decades of research, legwork, and exploration have led me here. A space where I can share what to do, and what not to do when it comes to finding hotels. Strategies and tips for practical travelers, as well as indulgent ones.

Take it from me—the most indulgent, practical traveler I know.

Playa Vik, Uruguay

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My Process

Finding a hotel is pretty straightforward. Finding the one that suits your specific needs, fits your budget, and style, and is in exactly the right location? Well, that’s not as straightforward.

Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

For those who believe a hotel room is merely a place to rest your head, this post isn’t for you. A vacation extends beyond the top sights, activities, and beaches. Where I choose to spend my time, hotel-wise, matters.

The Four Seasons, Punta Mita

We all have our non-negotiable points when choosing a place to stay. That might be a sprawling property with an infinity-edged pool for the kids. Or on-site surfing for the adventure-seekers.

Gilpin Hotel, England

A boutique hotel with a 10-seat Michelin-starred restaurant for the foodies. Or, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby for the history buffs. Knowing your travel style and travel needs is paramount.

Choose Keywords With Care

Google is designed with the user in mind. She’s a crowd-pleaser. But be prepared to put in some work to make sure you get what you want. The keywords you choose are essential.

For some, diving into a Google search is a rabbit hole with overwhelming information. For others, it’s second nature. Like turning the pages of Amor Towles’ latest novel. Use Google to narrow down to a place that fits the bill budget-wise, size-wise, and location-wise. It’s far easier when you have a system.

Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

If you are on my site often enough, you know that I lean toward places that combine luxury and adventure. For instance, when I travel, I often start my search with keywords like ‘luxury hotel in ________’ and ‘adventure luxury hotel in ________’.

Let’s work with an example. Alaska is a destination on my radar for next summer. While that sounds far off, consider that many hotels and resorts are fully booked for Christmas 2021.

My keywords and phrases:

Best luxury hotel in Alaska

Luxury lodges in Alaska

Best resorts for wildlife in Alaska

Top places to see wildlife in Alaska

Broadening to other interests, I might also search:

Alaska hotels for foodies

Best restaurants in Alaska

Top wellness resorts in Alaska

As common sense dictates, the more narrow a keyword search is, the better the results. Since I’m open to going anywhere in Alaska, I can afford to be broad. Naturally, finding the hotel with my wishlist becomes easier with the right keywords in place.

Other keywords I use:

Adventure travel for couples

Remote spa destinations

Bucket list travel ideas

Luxury hotels for families

Remote escapes for foodies

Best family hiking locations

Luxury family travel

Villa Ixfalia, St Barths

Consider The Source

Once I land on a page, I immediately skip past the ads. I scan for my trusted travel sources. Those websites and publications have time and again proven to be worthy.

My sources include Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, and Afar. Combined, these sites begin to uncover the ideal hotel for my specific destination.

I start to notice where the hotel recommendations overlap and consider the positives and negatives of each review. I take note of the hotels that show up across multiple sources. Cross-referencing is key.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t cite my beloved New York Times as a primary source. I always google ’36 hours in _______’ to see if my destination has been recently reviewed. Inevitably, I discover a wealth of info worth saving beyond hotel choices, like a local coffee shop or a lesser-known museum.

Nobu Ryokan, Malibu

Follow The Bloggers

Unsurprisingly, I also follow blogs. Here are a few that are especially helpful to me.

hotelsabovepar: A self-acknowledged ‘boutique hotel pundit and enthusiast’, Brandon Berkson is my hotel hero (if such an entity exists).

thegoodthebadandtheluxurious: Prepare to be amused or cringe. A quick-witted (and sometimes scathing) review of the most expensive hotels in the world.

thisistheplaceiwastellingyouabout: Two young Texans created this well-curated lifestyle blog that combines photography, food, coffee, and travel. My people.

Kasbah Bab Ourika, Atlas Mountains, Morocco

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Know Thyself

It’s as important to note what I don’t like in a hotel as much as what I do like. Take the case of Alaska. Do I want a 500+ room hotel spread over three towers, with four restaurants, and an athletic club? (No, thank you.)

Would I like a remote, fly-in-only wilderness lodge that prides itself on conservation and sustainability? (Yes, please.)

What if I’m keen on discovering the next Alaskan hot spot? That takes more digging. This brings me to my next point.

1 Hotel, South Beach

Visit the Google Graveyard

The Google Graveyard—page two of a Google search. Likely because most users find the information they need on page one and have no need to venture beyond.

Being the intrepid explorer that I am, I like to head out as far as pages three or four. I enjoy reading what the lesser-known bloggers (like me) and alternative online sources have to say. Don’t be afraid, there is compelling content to be found beyond page one.

Viceroy Sugar Beach, St Lucia

Re-Search

Experiment with a search that goes outside of the box. Going back to Alaska, I might search “unusual places to stay in Alaska” or “luxury cabin stays in Alaska”. Oftentimes, I’ve widened my preconceived thoughts about a destination with a more specific or quirky search.

For example, when I once used the keywords, ‘resorts with private villas in the Caribbean’. I discovered Viceroy Sugar Beach in St Lucia. We have now been twice.

In fact, let me try that again now. “Unusual places to stay in Alaska” reveals a site about an Alaskan Treehouse on the eastern Kenai Peninsula. Another link uncovers a luxury glacier camping site. New searches, new ideas. I also research if the hotel has a ‘best room’—a seat guru-like technique for hotels instead of planes. For example, we stayed at the Hotel Lydmar in Sweden a few years ago. Happening upon Condé Nast Traveler’s monthly feature, ‘Room With A View’, I discovered Room 512.

Distinctly nautical, the 5th floor offered lovely views of Stockholm through unique portholes. Room 512 was the best room on the 5th floor.

How did I get Room 512? I asked for it.

Check Your Dates

Not your travel dates (although certainly important). The post dates. Who wants to stay at the ‘most Instagrammable hotel of 2016’ or ‘the hottest resort of 2019?’ Post dates are easy to identify, so no time is wasted on dated data.

Looks Matter

A three-second website scan is all I need to tell if a hotel isn’t the place for me. How? The design. Is it laid out with easy-to-read typography, an enticing color scheme, and a gallery of beautiful photos? Are those photos captivating? Most importantly, do I see myself there?

If the site is challenging to navigate or cluttered with bold, italic, or (gasp!) multi-colored, multi-sized fonts, I move on. The art director in me prevails. I prefer to visit a place that prioritizes design and readability and delivers high-quality content. They will likely care about the details I care about.

I go with my gut. If the site feels good, I add it to my shortlist.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Deep Dive

Having narrowed it down to my top three stand-out hotel or resort choices, I take a deep dive into each site.

1. First, I check that the hotel locations are correct. I once booked a hotel I assumed was in Positano but (surprise!) ended up being in Amalfi.

2. Then, I search ‘the best month to travel to _______. I still remember booking a villa in Thailand during the rainy season.

3. Are my travel dates available? Is there a minimum stay? Am I being fleeced by a resort during the festive season? And if so, can I live with that?

4. What does the fine print say? Is there ongoing construction next door?

5. Which hotel makes me feel like I’ll regret my choice forever if I don’t go? That’s the one I choose.

Then, I book it.

Overshare

I pride myself on finding the right (hotel, villa, or resort) for me and my family. Sometimes I get it wrong (as noted above). Often, that tends to happen when I haven’t done the research. Even my biggest travel flubs tend to have a good outcome. The hotel in Amalfi was divine—a happy Italian accident.

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July 9, 2024
5 Things To Do In Vienna That Will Make You Fall In Love

It’s pretty easy to fall in love with Vienna, that magical ‘City of Dreams’ in Austria. And it’s not because of the vast amount of things to do in Vienna—the palaces, gardens, or world-class food. It’s about the harmony of the city. The symphonic undercurrent of Vienna captivates locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in Vienna that have been written about time and again. Here are five highlights that made me fall for Austria’s enchanting capital city.

I’ve come to Vienna for one thing—to see my daughter, Ella. She’s been abroad for four months and this is the longest I’ve gone without seeing her. We decide to meet in Vienna. Because why not Vienna? If Billy Joel says it’s waiting for me, who am I to disagree?

Ella and I create a shared Google doc. Hahahahaha. Ella creates a shared Google doc. That way, we can add ideas to our week-long itinerary from opposite sides of the Atlantic. I add restaurants and she adds bars. I add palaces and she adds pastry shops. When we are face to face, we have enough things to do in Vienna to please us both.

Don’t tell Ella, but I could care less about the sights, restaurants, or pastry shops. I’ve come to Vienna for just one thing.

Click here for my Free Vienna Hot Sheet

Things to do in Vienna

Yet, we need to eat. No one wants to travel with a hangry teenager. In my food research, I noticed a Viennese ‘must-eat’ appears time and again: the Sacher Torte. I don’t know what a Sacher Torte is. Does everyone else know? Surely Billy Joel does.

We also need to fill our days. Nothing says mother/daughter meltdown like too much idle time. I buy a Lonely Planet guidebook (yes, guidebooks still exist) and start reading. I’m not sure I know what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it.

It turns out Vienna is a goldmine of a European city. Gustav Klimt notwithstanding, the city is practically paved in gold. Clean, wide streets, stately architecture, ornate cathedrals, and vibrant gardens abound. Finding things to fill our days (and our stomachs) won’t be an issue.

Having been responsible for Ella’s travel upbringing, our travel styles are similar. We like a slow morning fueled by caffeine followed by some sort of activity. Strolling an artsy neighborhood, touring a palace, or sampling cheese at an outdoor market. ‘Activity’ is a decidedly loose term. Then we like to eat lunch, have more caffeine, and head back to the hotel for downtime before our evening activity—a kick-ass dinner.

Knowing Ella’s travel style makes our reunion much easier, and much more fun. Ella and I go deep and wide in Vienna, covering lots of ground in a week. What follows are five highlights.

5 / Things to do in Vienna: Go underground

Speaking of going deep, figuratively and literally, we stumble upon St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Stephansdom, as it’s also called, is a church with a haunting past. Above ground, the cathedral is a visual masterpiece that soars high above Vienna in its Gothic grandeur. With 230,000 multi-colored glazed tiles decorating its remarkable roof, it’s likely the city’s most iconic piece of architecture.

Yet, below ground is a different world. A ghostly one. Beneath the cathedral lies a mass grave for the thousands of Austrians who succumbed to the Bubonic plague in the 1700s. Outdoor cemeteries were closed due to illness, and the only place for the dead to be buried was underground.

Click to book St. Stephen’s Cathedral right here!

St. Stephen’s Catacombs, if you love ancient history

We tour the catacombs, sinking deeper into the church and thus into Austrian history. Then we walk beside the weathered stone sarcophagi of emperors, dukes, archdiocese, their wives, and children. Deeper into the catacombs, we peer into cavities of ancient walls and see piles upon piles of bones. Tall urns filled with the organs of the Habsburgs family are on prominent display. Being dismembered and dispersed was considered a post-life privilege. I would’ve opted out of that royal perk.

Ella and I love the dark, eerie catacombs. The air is thick with antiquity, and the effect is like a storm passing through our senses. We soon hear the church bells toll above us and are transported back to real-time. We resurface, exit the cathedral, and shield our eyes from the sun overhead. It’s noon—time for cake.

Click here for my Free Vienna Hot Sheet

4 / Things to do in Vienna: Eat cake

I may have never heard of a Sacher Torte, but I will become its BFF by the week’s end. If anything binds me and Ella, it’s butter, flour, and sugar. I schedule my next dental cleaning and research the best places to have one.

The Sacher Torte is a Viennese cake conceived due to an unfortunate event. Unfortunately, that is, for the official court pastry chef of Prince Klemens von Metternich. In 1832, the pastry chef fell ill just as his services were sought to prepare a one-of-a-kind dessert for royal guests. Enter backup pastry chef, 16-year-old Franz Sacher. Tasked with creating a masterpiece in record time, Sacher whips up an extraordinary chocolate cake. Before you can say Weiner Schnitzel, the official pastry chef, is out of a job.

As any baker knows, the key to confection perfection is using the highest quality ingredients. The original Sacher Torte’s ingredients are deceptively minimal: flour, sugar, eggs, chocolate, butter, and apricot jam.

After the cake is baked, it’s sliced in half, and a thin coating of warm apricot jam is spread on each layer. It’s then reassembled and topped with a chocolate glaze. Traditionally, the Sacher Torte is served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream on the side.

Five Sacher Tortes, please

Ella and I have Sacher Tortes at five cafés in as many days, including the one named after the original—Café Sacher. We’re all about paying homage to Vienna’s famous cake. To say we make sacrifices is an epicurean understatement. One wedge contains 53g of carbs, 18g of fat, and 398 calories. When I arrive home my jeans don’t fit, my dogs fat-shame me, and my dentist is categorically disappointed.

On a lighter note, Ella is easy to travel with and rarely gets annoyed. Unless she’s hungry, or too full. Or if people are walking too slowly in front of us. Or, too fast behind us. If she hears bells gonging (which happens often). Or if I don’t know where I’m going (which also happens often).

Other than that, she’s a total joy.

Demel, if you love fancy cafés

A café within walking distance to Stephansdom, Demel has been in the cake business since 1786. Demel Café is textbook fancy with its gold touches and monogrammed napkins. What better place to sample our final torte of the week? But, when we see the other baked goods on display, we get greedy and decide to go beyond the torte.

While we wait our turn to enter Demel, we notice another line forming to our left. Fancy Demel has a take-out window? We learn it’s a line for kaiserschmarrn, a savory dish I can best describe as scrambled pancakes. Think of your favorite parts of homemade pancakes—the drippy parts. Then lump them all on a plate with powdered sugar and serve with plum preserves. Now, it’s clear why kaiserschmarrn needs its own take-out lane.

Demel earns the distinction of serving us our favorite Sacher Torte. The wedge is so precisely cut that it looks like it’s been sliced by a surgeon. The balance of tangy apricot jam to rich chocolate is heavenly. The cake itself is dense but not dry. While hard to crack, the whipped cream offsets the bittersweet chocolate shell.

This is the moment I realize my daughter is a metaphor for the Sacher Torte. Dense, layered, tangy, and bittersweet with a shell that’s hard to crack. I don’t tell her this of course. And by the time she reads it, I’ll be thousands of miles away.

3 / Things to do in Vienna: Dine like royalty

The Sacher Torte may have been created by an angst-ridden teenager for kings and queens, but we didn’t need titles to dine at the world’s 12th-best restaurant. Steirereck is the first restaurant I’ve visited that boasts an ‘urban-rural’ setting. This riverside dining utopia lies in the heart of the city yet also in the heart of leafy Stadtpark. Originally built in 1904, a more recent mirror-clad addition makes the restaurant look like an apparition of nature.

The interior of Steirereck is minimal, with warm wooden tones and abundant space between the round, white-linen-topped tables. In a brilliant design move, each table is set within a semi-curved wooden slatted wall which conveys the illusion of privacy. But, just a touch of privacy. We all like to people-watch while we eat, don’t we? The curved walls are separated by floor-to-ceiling windows so diners feel connected to the outdoors.

Steirereck, if you love destination dining

I make a reservation at Restaurant Steirereck the moment Ella agrees to meet in Vienna. Before I even book my flight. Before I even tell my husband I’m going to Vienna.

San Pellegrino describes the tasting menu as having ‘rare breeds, unfashionable fish species, and near-extinct fruits and vegetables’. Ummmm, is that little write-up supposed to be tempting? I shake off my reservation reservations and put my faith in Saint, I mean, San Pellegrino.

Ella and I enjoy every dish, Even the unfashionable catfish, which is served with beans and calamansi. I have no idea what calamansi is, but my guess is near-extinct fruit.

There was a time I couldn’t imagine taking Ella to a multi-course dining experience like this. Her first 17 years, to be precise. Until then, Ella swore she would never eat fish. Swore she would never eat sushi. At 19, she now eats everything from squiggly calamari to tuna tartare. I don’t dare say I told you so. But inside I’m smiling with the kind of satisfaction only the parent of a stubborn teenager can understand.

Other highlights of our 7-course, wine-paired dinner are seasonal asparagus with poppy seed, apricot, and lamb’s lettuce. Piglet’s tail with Swiss chard, shiso, and black currant. We learn that Viennese cuisine is the only one in the world named after a city. Bravo, Vienna, for the well-deserved culinary accolade.

Click here for my Free Vienna Hot Sheet

2 / Things to do in Vienna: Go Baroque

Bravo, indeed. There appears to be no end to Vienna’s allure. An inherently walkable city, our step counters reach never-before-seen numbers by the end of each day. However, if there’s one Vienna sight worth walking over 20,000 steps for, it’s Schönbrunn Palace.

The former summer palace of the Habsburg monarchs, Schloss Schönbrunn, corners the market on empirical decadence and luxury. Built in the 17th century and named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in 1996, there is perhaps no better example of Baroque architecture in Europe than Schönbrunn Palace.

Schönbrunn Palace, if you love imperial life

What was originally built as an imperial hunting lodge for Crown Prince Josef in the 7th century later became the glittering focus of court life when it was replaced with a chateau for Dowager Empress Eleonora Gonzaga. Today, visitors can tour the buttery yellow Schönbrunn Palace, its opulent staterooms, and lavish fountain-filled gardens.

We get much more than we expect at Schönbrunn Palace. I expect to be wowed by the private apartments of Franz Josef and his wife, Sisi, with their elaborately decorated walls, intricate parquet floors, and extensive art collections. I expect to drool over the well-kept gardens. I don’t expect the grounds’ sheer size, the added architectural marvel, The Gloriette, the children’s zoo, the rosarium, or the enclosed botanical and desert gardens.

Ella and I returned to the Orangerie for a classical music performance the next evening. If there’s one top ten sights to craft an entire day’s itinerary, it’s Schloss Schönbrunn.

Skip the Line! Click here to get Schonbrunn Palace tickets in advance

1 / Things to do in Vienna: Uncover Clandestine Cocktails

I can always count on Ella to be on the pulse of what’s trending and TikTok-ing. No matter how hard I try, I’ll never have access to her adolescent algorithms. My Instagram feed is populated with accounts called @tillytheblacklab, @mytherapistsays, and @momsbehavingbadly. Her social platforms are filled with hidden bars and clubs around the world. She told me about one such place, a speakeasy called The Chapel Bar, and asked if I wanted to try to find it.

The Chapel Bar, if you love absolving your sins in alcohol

The Chapel Bar is a highlight of our trip. Part of me doesn’t want to spoil the hunt for those who may end up in search of this hidden spot. The other part wants to spill all the details. The Chapel Bar makes you work for your cocktail. Suspend your disbelief. It’s worth finding.

A touch of biblical theater adorns the cocktail menu at The Chapel Bar. Think sins, plagues, and 80s Top 40 hits with drinks like ‘A Snake in Paradise—Adam Always Blames Eve’, which combines Bacardi Anejo Cuatro Rum, cloudy apple juice, lime, and Old Judge Falernum. And the ‘Phil Collins—I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord’ concoction made with Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin, elderflower liqueur, pink grapefruit, and club soda.

The artistry of the drinks lives up to the wild descriptions. Ella’s drink is enclosed within a mini-birdcage and we see someone sipping from what looks like a red Christian Louboutin stiletto. Although it was pretty dark, it could’ve been a Jimmy Choo. Whoever is responsible for creating these clandestine cocktails, I need to meet you. You are my creative god.

First time in Vienna? Discover the best of Vienna (including Sacher Tortes, of course) with this self-guided walking tour of the city!

Falling for Vienna

Vienna is a city that inspires harmony. Whether it’s the delicate balance of apricot and chocolate in a celebrated cake or nymphs floating above in a magnificent palace mural. An under-the-radar cocktail bar or the combination of unfashionable ingredients served at a world-class restaurant.

It may have taken me half a century to get to Vienna, but as Mr. Joel promised, it was waiting for me. Vienna is waiting for you, too. Just don’t forget to sample a Sacher Torte or two while there. Your dentist will forgive you.

Check out Vienna’s most luxurious hotel here. It’s my top pick.

Click here for my Free Vienna Hot Sheet (including shhhhhh, The Chapel Bar)

Interactive Vienna Map with All Of My Favorite Spots

Map from Wanderlog, a trip planner app on iOS and Android

(Please note a few affiliate links above for which I may receive a small referral fee. But rest assured, I only highlight products I fully stand behind.)

June 20, 2024
5 of the Best Caribbean Beach Bars

My top five favorite Caribbean beach bars and restaurants are personal. They’re based on my memories of food, wine, people, and views. My top five list might change over time, but these are the Caribbean beach bars and beach clubs that keep my travel memories alive and kicking.

My Top Five Caribbean Beach Bars

When assessing the best beach bars, suffice it to say that I have a few baseline requirements. A vibe that naturally pairs with the island’s culture is one. Combining tourists and locals adds authenticity and credibility, and festive air helps. The food (if served) is at a culinary level that matches the establishment’s look and atmosphere. And lastly, a USP (Unique Selling Point) that makes me yearn to go back months after the holiday has ended.

Except for Anegada, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the following Caribbean beach clubs and bars more than once. That qualifies me as an expert in my own experiences, that is. Next time you find yourself in the Caribbean (and let’s all agree that we hope that time is soon), let me know if you concur. Or better yet, tell me about your favorite Caribbean bars and restaurants.

Click Here For My Free Caribbean Beach Bar Hot Sheet

Best Caribbean Beach bars: 5 / Basil’s Bar, Mustique

Island Vibe: Celebrity Secret Hideaway

Basil’s is a Caribbean beach bar and restaurant leisurely perched on the edge of Britannia Bay in Mustique. It attempts to camouflage the island’s undercover glamour. Lush and verdant, Mustique has only two hotels and two restaurants. Its beauty is hiding in plain sight among the breezy Windward Islands.

Why I like Basil’s: Chill, open-air, Basil’s woos villa owners, villa renters, reclusive celebrities, and yachties alike, with a combination of casual food (like perfectly seasoned grilled lobsters), a low-key atmosphere, and spectacular sea views.

I’ll admit, though, that I have little memory of the food because the setting is the star, day, and night. Mega-yachts and sublime sailboats were anchored in the distance, which created another layer to this Caribbean bar’s swoon-worthy backdrop.

USP: I like to settle into the indoor/outdoor living spaces and nooks or park myself on one of the wooden stools overlooking the tranquil Caribbean Sea.

Worth mentioning: Live Music/DJ Nights/Basil’s Boutique/Accessible by car or boat

Best Caribbean Beach bars: 4 / Catherine’s Café, Antigua

Island Vibe: Casual European Beach

To say Catherine’s is a Caribbean beach club that is comfortable in her own skin is an understatement. Open-air, louver-shuttered, sea-breezy Catherine’s Café on the island of Antigua lazes under warm, butter-yellow Veuve Cliquot umbrellas.

Why I like Catherine’s: Catherine’s barefoot casual Caribbean beach bar feels like Europe. I see naked toddlers running amok with their half-naked mums chasing them. It boasts a French-inspired menu and a well-thought-out wine list.

I can’t forget our effervescent bartender, Damien, who kept us in good spirits. Neem trees enshroud the hidden location. It practically begs one to spend an afternoon there—which is exactly what we did.

USP: The cozy and intimate beach area adjacent to the bar offers lovely bay views in a secluded setting.

Worth mentioning: Live Music/Cheese Course/G+T Menu/Bakery/Boutique/Accessible by car or boat

Best Caribbean Beach bars: 3 / The Rum Bar, Cooper Island

Island Vibe: Desert-Island Barefoot Beach Shack

Our sailboat grabbed one of the last available moorings in Manchioneel Bay, off the shores of Cooper Island. I felt like a survivor about to crawl onto a deserted beach. The people lazing on the wooden decks of the Rum Bar were scrappy and barefooted, semi-drunk, and happily marooned. It was as if we had found a hidden outpost, a tiny island jewel box, where a lucky few were escaping the outside world. Idyllic.

Why I like The Rum Bar: Cooper Island has an authenticity that is somewhat unique to the British Virgin Islands, which are often heavy with tourists and can sometimes feel manufactured.

A clear sign that the Rum Bar, part of the modest Cooper Island Beach Club, is all it’s cracked up to be was that we noticed yacht crews hanging at the bar—the real-life version of ‘Below Deck.’ If the Rum Bar was where they chose to spend their limited free time, we knew we were on to something good. It‘s definitely a Caribbean beach bar worth exploring.

USP: The remote and rickety beach shack-chic setting that, true to its name, houses 280 different rums.

Worth mentioning: Bakery/Barista/Accessible only by boat/Arrive early to get one of the 30 coveted moorings

Click Here For My Free Caribbean Beach Bar Hot Sheet

Best Caribbean Beach bars: 2 / Anegada, Cow Wreck Beach Bar

Island Vibe: Utterly Remote Castaway

Seventeen nautical miles from Virgin Gorda sits the pancake flat, remote island of Anegada. The name Anegada means ‘drowned island.’ At only 28 feet tall at its highest elevation, it could not feel farther away from civilization. That’s exactly what makes this Caribbean beach bar and restaurant so enchanting.

Why do they call it Cow Wreck Beach, I wondered? In 1929, a 380-foot-long steel freighter called The Rocus was heading from Trinidad to Baltimore. The Rocus’s cargo was filled with cow bones that would later be ground into fertilizer.

Unfortunately, The Rocus made an unexpected and devastatingly final stop when she collided with Anegada’s treacherous Horseshoe Reef. Since the wreck, the ocean floor has remained eerily scattered with cow bones. As for the freighter, it’s still lodged on its starboard side just beneath the water’s surface. It hasn’t budged an inch since 1929.

Why I like Cow Wreck: There are thousands of sea urchin shells in every size and all the varying degrees of white that the sun can bleach. The sea is a color that one would immediately assume is an Instagram filter. The open-air beach bar has peeling paint, plastic chairs, and dive-y, no-frills decor.

USP: A Caribbean beach bar that is this challenging to get to only adds to its allure.

Worth mentioning: Wreck Punch/Lobster/Bar games/Accessible only by boat or ferry

Best Caribbean Beach bars: 1 / St. Barths, Nikki Beach

Island Vibe: Over-the-top beach club party

There’s nowhere else in the Caribbean quite like St. Barths. Authentic French through and through, the words St. Barths conjure up Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous glamour. Nikki Beach is ideally situated to soak up the island’s eternally sun-filled vibes.

Imagine the days when Greta Garbo and other Hollywood stars walked these very shores. Now imagine Beyonce and Jay-Z at the table beside you. Nikki Beach gradually turns up the volume throughout their two Sunday seatings. You will never want the party to end.

Why I like Nikki Beach: Dance on the tables with wild abandon whether you are 8, 18, or 88. The upbeat party on the beach is for everyone. Order one of the famous sushi boats to go along with your 2016 Chassagne-Montrachet. Go wild and pair vintage Dom Perignon with an ounce or two of caviar. The sky is the limit here in every way. No one goes home hungry or thirsty without a beachy glow after a day at Nikki Beach.

USP: Glam, glam, and more glam. Part Caribbean beach club and part beach bar, it offers killer views of St. Jean’s Bay and incredible people-watching for hours on end.

Worth mentioning: Reservations are a must/Live DJ/Special occasion splurge

Dream job: If becoming a bartender abroad is your life goal, look no further than JOOBLE for inspiration.

Click Here For My Free Caribbean Beach Bar Hot Sheet

(Please note a few affiliate links above for which I may receive a small referral fee. But rest assured, I only highlight products I fully stand behind.)

February 6, 2024
Who Needs A Travel Advisor? It Turns Out I Do.

As much as I love traveling, there are just some parts of travel I’d rather not plan. My travel advisor has often been a lifeline, saving me time, money, and my sanity more times than I can count. I’ve overheard people question why anyone would use a travel advisor when it’s so easy to book everything themselves. I’ll admit, I used to question it, too. I don’t anymore. Here’s why.

Back in March 2020, my family made the unpopular decision to carry on with our spring break plans despite the warnings from friends and family who were afraid we’d end up trapped in Mexico. “We packed lots of Theraflu and hand sanitizer,” I told my mom. “We can drive home if the flights get canceled,” I told my dad. Worst case, we’d live in Mexico for a few weeks, we told ourselves.

I think you know where this is headed.

Over our week at Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, the hotel guest count dwindled. By day six, we were 4 of 15 guests left on a property that could accommodate well over one hundred. Bright, cloudless, azul-colored skies belied the state of the world. We were in Mexico to escape the news cycle for two weeks. I’d be damned if I was going to let a microscopic virus ruin our family holiday.

Mexico

Rising panic

That morning, we’d spent a few hours whale-watching on the Sea of Cortez. The whales were a calming, if enormous, presence—oblivious to the rising panic on the other side of the water. I felt small, humbled, and totally at peace. It’s a moment I’ll always remember. One I’ll always associate with the start of the end of the world as we knew it.

While we were motoring back to shore, a text popped up on my phone from my college BFF. Amy wrote, “The borders might close. It’s time to come home. Let me help.”

Amy works for CIRE Travel. And, while I’d never used a travel advisor in the past, I knew I needed one now. Within the hour Amy and her team had us on a flight departing the next day—a task that would’ve had me on hold with United Airlines for hours on end. Unsurprisingly, we were not the only family high-tailing it home before the borders closed.

Getting out of Mexico on the cusp of a worldwide pandemic may have been the reason I started using a travel advisor, but there are multiple reasons I continue to do so. I’m often asked why I use one. So often, that I’m going to explain it here, debunk a few myths, and forward it whenever I need to. Clever me.

Click here for my FREE Wish List Destination Hot Sheet

Jersey Shore

Isn’t a travel agent and a travel advisor the same thing?

I’m a proud Jersey girl. No mall in my home state was complete without a Liberty Travel storefront—its messy collage of travel inspiration plastered to the window. A peek inside showed travel agents cradling a (gasp!) rotary phone to their ear, furiously typing on their IBM computers, circa 1985.

In those ancient, pre-internet days, travel agents acted more like brokers between hotels, airlines, and travelers. Travelers often relied on agents because they had fewer options to book for themselves.

Today we have travel advisors—the most evolved form of travel agents. Modern-day travel advisors are curators and problem solvers. Their relationships with a hotel’s executive team facilitate the experience (even elevate it) with perks only they receive. Let’s face it, resorts would rather reward a travel advisor who has the opportunity to send them dozens of guests than the traveler who books only once.

Some post-pandemic stats back me up. Travelagentcentral.com’s website states, ‘After the pandemic, nearly half of travelers (44%) say they are more likely to use a travel advisor. Not surprisingly, nearly all travelers (94%) who always/often use a travel advisor before the pandemic are likely to use one after the pandemic.’

Lake Como

Travel Advisors are expensive

It’s a common myth travel advisors make a trip more expensive. Most travel advisors have a reasonable fee structure that’s determined by the complexity of the trip. Like any resource, they do hours of legwork for their clients. Typically, the resort or hotel pays a referral fee to the advisor which in no way impacts the pricing for the client. In fact, most travel advisors can request room upgrades, provide spa or meal vouchers, and early check-in, among other perks for their guests. They often find clients better offers and prices than they would find themselves.

By definition, an advisor is ‘A person who gives advice in a particular field’. We pay our tax advisors and financial advisors without blinking an eye—their research and expertise in an area we are less comfortable handling ourselves is invaluable. The same can be said for travel advisors. We pay for a travel advisor’s time, experience, and trusted contacts.

While I love (nearly) everything travel-related, there are many things I don’t have access to or don’t have the bandwidth to do myself. I’d rather be researching the hotel room with the best view of Lake Como than researching the best airfare. Others might love the hunt for the least expensive airfare but get overwhelmed researching hotels. A travel advisor can do any and all of the above for their clients.

Seattle

What are the perks of using a travel advisor?

Post-pandemic air travel is chaos. Remember the summer of lost luggage? Remember when an hour or so was enough for pre-flight arrival? Now we need to build in even more time (and at least another 30 minutes for a cappuccino at DCA’s Starbucks). These days, delayed and canceled flights are as common as Mini Goldendoodle therapy dogs.

Things go wrong with travel. When you book with a travel advisor, they take care of the problem. Sometimes, they take care of the problem before you even know there’s a problem in the first place.

A few years ago my daughter and I were due to travel to Seattle. The night before the flight, I received a call from my travel advisor. “Your flight has been canceled.”, she said. “But don’t worry, I’ve already rebooked you.” Even a professional worrier like me couldn’t find a reason to worry. I didn’t even know the flight was canceled.

Corsica

Are there other benefits of using a travel advisor?

Travel advisors leverage their perks at hotels and resorts around the world. Their knowledge of having sent guests to endless destinations makes them the ideal choice to plan an itinerary to suit one’s needs. They can help coordinate guides, transportation, private charters, cooking classes, and wine tastings, as examples.

Everyone’s needs are different and a travel advisor can help with as much or as little as you’d like. But should anything go awry, they are standing by, usually with 24/7 emergency phone numbers. This is especially critical if something goes wrong while you are in a different time zone or over the weekend.

Croatia

Is it really worth investing time with a travel advisor?

Like any relationship, the one between a travel advisor and a client needs open communication. An up-front conversation about needs and expectations is a given. Allow them to explain their fee structure and how they work to make sure it aligns with your philosophy. The sooner the travel advisors know your travel style, the more seamless it will be.

For instance, CIRE knows my husband prefers an aisle seat and that I prefer the window. They know I like to do hotel research but avoid flight research like the bubonic plague. Our likes and dislikes are clear, which makes each subsequent trip we book simpler and more streamlined.

A few summers ago, I was looking into flights to Europe for our family. Four coach seats for $16,000 made me strongly consider vacationing in Cape May instead of Croatia. I quickly sent my dates and destinations to CIRE. Within the hour they’d come back with a solution. “Would you be willing to use a different airline for your connection?” they asked. “Changing from United Airlines to Swiss Airlines will save you $6,000.” The answer was a resounding ‘Yes!’

France

Travel advisors are just for luxury trips

Another myth worth debunking is that travel advisors only book luxury trips. This is not the case. Although my travel advisor has booked my trips to France and Finland, as an established client, they’ve also booked my North Carolina hotel for camp drop-off and an overnight in Seattle for a college visit. Each booking was treated with care and respect. If that isn’t the kind of service you’re getting from your travel advisor, it may be time to find a new one.

Mexico

Advisors give the best advice

In the end, having a travel advisor is a personal decision. For me, it not only comes down to convenience but also trust. Robert, my stylist, advises me on my ever-graying hair. My daughter advises me on my clothes. My dad advises me (unsolicited, mind you) on just about everything else. I trust the team I work with to get me from point A to point B safely using their expertise and knowledge. The times they’ve saved me (money, time, my sanity) have been invaluable.

If I didn’t say it earlier Amy, thank you for getting us out of Mexico when you did. You’re not only one of my BFFs, you’re part of a team that always has my back. On reflection, we definitely didn’t pack enough hand sanitizer anyway.

If you’d like to get in touch with the CIRE team, click here or call them at 888.715.4518. My endless gratitude to anyone who tells them I am Lost and Found sent them.

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May 17, 2023
What To Pack: 5 (More) Things I Can’t Do Without
Not long ago, I polled my followers on Instagram:

‘What should I write about next?’

1 / Adventure Travel

2 / Luxury Travel

3 / Practical Travel

4 / Eco-Travel

Winner: Adventure Travel

Interesting. Perhaps people are looking for more than Dyson hair dryers and pillow menus when they travel. More interestingly, an equal percentage of followers voted for both Practical and Luxury Travel. In fact, my post, ‘Packing Matters: 5 Things I Can’t Do Without’ overwhelmingly beat my other posts in clicks last year. I am Lost and Found may be about the cross-section of luxury and adventure travel, but there is plenty of space here to honor the practical side of travel.

So what to pack? My current list of five indispensable items I travel with follows. Some lean practical and some luxurious. A few are both, depending on how one defines the terms.

Which items will end up in your bag next? Read on.

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(Please note the affiliate links below. I may receive a small referral fee should a product be bought through my site but rest assured, I only highlight products I own and use.)

5 / What to Pack: Apple AirTag

I hate checking bags. Everyone does, right? That overhead luggage bins are filled by Boarding Group 3 proves I’m not alone. It isn’t pretty out there for checked bags. Airlines lose luggage more than ever. Yet, sometimes, I have no choice. On my recent expedition to Antarctica, I reluctantly checked my baggage. Fitting 13 days’ worth of polar gear in a carry-on is well beyond my packing expertise.

I have a secret weapon for keeping track of my checked bags now—the Apple AirTag.

Why I love it: Remember the game Hot/Cold we played outside as kids? Do kids still play outside? Well once the AirTag is set up, the app will not only tell me how many feet away I am from my luggage, it will point me in the right direction to let me know if I’m getting warm. Try hiding your luggage. I did. It works!

I can hear you saying, ‘I read AirTags are used to track people without consent.’ I read that too, but The New York Times cleared it all up. Since they said it best, feel free to read it here. I’m so in favor of AirTags that I’m considering attaching one to my 16-year-old son. With his consent, naturally.

Practical or luxurious: The $29 Apple AirTag is the most practical and cost-effective way to keep sanity in check when checking luggage. Don’t cry when your bag’s in Dubai and you’re in Denver—at least you know where it is! More times than not, you’ll have peace of mind that when you disembark, your luggage is less than 500 feet away from exactly where you are standing.

Say goodbye to lost luggage.
Shop it here.

4 / What to Pack: Luggage Scale

I overpack my bags. I curse loudly, sweat bullets, and scrape layers of skin off my fingers as I zipper it, inevitably ruining my vacation manicure. Afterward, I breathe a sigh of relief. Not only did I successfully get it shut, but that officially counts as my workout for the day.

Then comes the moment of truth. Is it too heavy? Will I be that person unpacking clothes on the floor beside the check-in counter—my underwear on display for all to see? Will they make me pay $150 for overweight baggage?

Owning a luggage scale means I no longer have to risk it. Flying these days comes with enough uncertainty. I may not know where my passport is (a habit that drives my family crazy every time we enter an airport), but I will know that my clothes and shoes weigh a travel-approved total of 48.6 lbs.

Why I love it: The luggage scale appeals to my measured and organized nature. It’s small, simply designed, and most of all, precise. Plus, it’s far better for my back than getting onto the bathroom scale with my bag. Not to mention my self-confidence. No one wants to read 380 lbs on a scale under any circumstances. That’s a number you just can’t unsee.

Practical or luxurious: Another truly practical travel accessory! That’s two in a row if you are good at counting. Most luggage scales cost around $12 and can be purchased within seconds at Amazon right here. I’ve had mine for five years and have yet to replace a battery. It always works! Which is a guarantee that the next time I use it, it won’t. But 5+ years for $12? I can’t complain.

Can’t wait to get one?
Shop it here.

What to pack side note: I swear by Eagle Creek luggage and packing cubes. Eagle Creek, don’t you think a built-in luggage scale would be a cool feature? I’m available for a brainstorming session at your convenience.

3 / What to Pack: Silk Eye Mask

Whether I’m on the 35-minute American shuttle to NYC or a 13-hour overnight United flight to Tokyo, I sleep on airplanes. My travel superpower is the ability to fall asleep at any time of day, in any moving vehicle. Although I try to avoid this while driving, of course. On an airplane, I can fall asleep the moment we are wheels up and I can recline my seat.

Occasionally, I pretend to sleep on airplanes. I’m an avid chit-chatter, but I NEVER chit-chat on a plane with a stranger until the wheels touch the runway. And even then, I don’t. You learn that lesson once the hard way (no gate, no gate crew, sound familiar?). A silky, soothing eye mask, therefore, has become an indispensable item in my sleep kit. Yes, I have a sleep kit. It has an eye mask, ear plugs, an emergency sleeping pill, and a micro travel blanket. I also have a travel pillow. I can see your eyes rolling from here.

Why I love it: A silk eye mask makes all this business of ignoring seatmates possible. It allows me to zone out, meditate, listen to a podcast, or music, or actually sleep (without ruining my makeup!) Sleep is my all-time favorite in-flight activity. And since I’m always seated at the window, (insert humble brag) I’m truly the best seatmate ever.

Practical or luxurious: The silk eye mask is the ultimate practical luxury of plane travel. It takes comfort to the next level whether seated in 47A or 2A. Although, seat 2A probably comes with a complimentary glass of champagne. A welcome addition to the sleep kit, indeed.

Get ready for take-off.
Shop it here.

2 / What to Pack: Anatomie’s Kenya Jacket

It will come as a surprise to no one I have a go-to travel day ‘travel outfit’. This is what I wear on the bookends of my trip. It gets worn exactly twice so never takes up space in my bag. Clever, right? Imagine my surprise that I’m not alone in adopting this neurotic, I mean efficient, travel habit. Hello, Anatomie’s Kenya jacket.

Why I love it: Anatomie is a clothing line that’s ‘Designed To Fly’, a tagline I love so much I want to steal it. My navy blue Kenya jacket is breathable and doesn’t wrinkle. It’s lightweight, but still keeps me warm on ever-frigid airplanes. Anatomie’s clothes are stretchy enough to give at all the right times—like after I’ve devoured three stroopwafels, for instance. They are simple and classic enough to inspire gate attendants to move you up to business class.

Practical or luxurious: Yes, the price points are in the luxury arena. But, the style and fit are pure practicality. With one jacket, three pairs of trousers, and a few lightweight tops (mine are all mix and matchable in navy, white, and natural colors), I have an in-flight wardrobe I wear over and over again.

Are you designed to fly?
Shop it here.

1 / What to Pack: Le Labo Travel Perfume

My number one ‘what to pack’ item is so impractical that I am already bracing for the trolls. Go easy on me, did you forget the luggage scale is $12?

I’m nothing if not transparent. Remember I admitted to having a sleep kit! Lately, I’ve become obsessed with Le Labo products. It started a few years ago at The Edition Hotel in London. Their signature scent (a Pavlovian practice some hotels have adopted these days) is Le Labo. I was smitten at first sniff. Whoever’s behind the marketing for Le Labo—bravo.

Why I love it: First founded in New York City by two friends in 2006, Le Labo was later purchased by the Estée Lauder Company. Their array of 18, non-animal-based fragrances is nothing short of intoxicating. But, intoxication comes at a price. A 50 ml bottle of Le Labo perfume may cost $220 but the Discovery Sets, with multiple mini-scents, cost far less. See? Totally practical!

Aside from discovering your own signature scent, they’re ideal for travel. No need to worry about arriving at your destination smelling of stale recirculated air or the Chick-fil-A sandwich the guy in 47B had for lunch.

Practical or luxurious: Le Labo products are luxury items. The travel-sized samplers are filled with the kind of joy that only comes second to the happiness of going on vacation!

Le Labo is on Amazon.
Isn’t everything? Shop it here.

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Know what to pack

Packing is personal. We all have our go-to tricks, techniques, and items we can’t travel without. Some might be comfort-based. I have friends that travel with their own pillowcases, for example. Some are dietary-based, like packing a favorite brand of tea. Other items worth packing simply allow us to be prepared in a time when travel is anything but simple.

So, what to pack? Did you discover any practical luxuries that will make it into your luggage? Maybe your mind is eased knowing an Apple AirTag is tracking your luggage from DC to Buenos Aires, via Newark. Or, having a scale to ensure you can bring home all those colorful ceramics you bought in Morocco. Perhaps, you’re happy to get some shut-eye on the flight home with a poofy, pillowy eye mask to escape chatty seatmates.

My Instagram poll also highlighted that readers are interested in adventure travel. I’ll do my best to deliver, starting with our recent sailing escapades to the Belize Barrier Reef. Where we under-provisioned our food, underestimated the sun, and survived 30-knot winds at 3am.

Thankfully, I had my Le Labo travel-sized scent, Another 13, on board. So despite being in a minor state of panic, I smelled really good.
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March 30, 2023

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