Morgan’s Rock—an Ecolodge Hotel on the edge of the jungle
An ecolodge hotel in a sub-tropical Nicaraguan jungle isn’t for everyone. When I booked it, I wasn’t even sure it was for me. In my mind, ‘sub-tropical’ translated to ‘blindingly hot with no A/C.’ ‘Ecolodge’ meant remote and natural, which we all know is code for ‘no electricity and buggy.’ Ecolodge, I noted, was just one syllable shy of Econolodge. At that time, the holidays were closing in fast. Halloween decorations dangled menacingly in Safeway. Toddlers wearing matching turkey PJs populated my Instagram feed. Christmas...
How To Experience the Low Country at Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff is a well-preserved river town, complete with Low Country marshlands, a bird sanctuary, and centuries-old live oaks on the May River in South Carolina. Striking the right blend of highly-curated activities, creative dining options, and varied accommodations, Palmetto Bluff has everything it takes to experience a little Low Country living. Not long ago, I read an article that sought to quantify the value of ‘things' versus ‘experiences'. The writer argued that happiness associated with things (jewelry, cars, electronics) is relatively short-lived compared...
I wouldn’t go there if I were you (Why where we choose to travel matters)
The landline rings. I immediately know it’s my mother calling. From the way she says ‘hello’ I know something else—that I'm not going to like the conversation. I'm tempted to feign a poor connection and hang up. ‘A woman was kidnapped in Uganda', my mother says, her voice measured, with frantic undertones. 'At gunpoint’, she continues, ‘alone, while on safari.’ ‘I'm not going to Uganda for four months, Mom', I say, my voice measured, with annoyed undertones. ‘And, I'm 49 years old. I'm a grown-up.’...
This is winter in Finland. An Arctic Family Adventure.
“Winter in Finland? Are you crazy? Who does that?” Having been on the receiving end of these questions not long ago, I gave my answers heavy thought. ‘Yes.’, ‘Unclear.’, and ‘Me, apparently.’ I don’t have the stats on winter tourism in Finland. But, I can say with absolute certainty, that for those who crave unusual and adrenaline-filled adventures, winter in Finland is the place to go. Read on for details of our week of snow-filled adventures in the Arctic. Who knew there would be so...
The best ways to explore Croatia. Land and sea.
Croatia is one of the most alluring countries in Europe. I say that with conviction, having visited three times in the past decade. Why is Croatia’s magnetic pull so strong? It is the rich cultural roots, devastatingly beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, for a start. Read on to discover two of the best ways to explore Croatia. “Land or sea, which is better?”, I’ve often been asked since returning from Croatia last month. Why don't we have a friendly competition? Allow me to introduce the...
Best. Day. Ever. Deplar Farm.
Where to stay in northern Iceland? Deplar Farm is the one / In Iceland, there are more than 50 different words to describe snow. In Iceland, the population is so small that there's an app to make sure you don’t accidentally date your cousin. In Iceland, they joke, “What do you do if you get lost in an Icelandic forest?" Answer: "Stand up.” In Iceland, more than half the country believes in elves and trolls. I am enamored with Iceland, in awe of Deplar Farm,...
Culinary highlights and adventures at The Vines in Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina / Francis Mallmann may be one of the top chefs in the Americas, but as of January 2016, we had never heard of him. That is, until one snowy night at home we saw his episode of the Netflix docu-series, Chef’s Table. Each episode highlights a chef from around the world, and the footage and scenery intertwined with the food can be mesmerizing, especially if you watch it when you are hungry! Part of what makes Mallmann unique, is his use of cooking...
A Passport’s Life (and 10 places to go next)
Is your passport ready? Lately, I've thought much about where I have already been and more about where I would like to go next. I have taken a hard look at my soon-to-expire passport. What kind of life will my future passport lead? I have ten ideas, or so. I am an obsessive collector. At ten, I started collecting postage stamps, fascinated by the colorful, miniature designs and illustrations. By twelve, I was also collecting stickers; Hello Kitty, Miffy, scratch ‘n’ sniff, sparkly, and those...
Discover Why Esperanza is the Family Escape You Need
The resort we chose for spring break, not surprisingly, needed to be family-friendly. There is a difference, however, between family-friendly and completely geared toward kids. Striking that balance is never easy, many places have good intentions but fail. Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had been recommended to me over the years, so we went for it. It managed to combine all the touches that would make my husband and me happy: the gorgeous views, great food, and thoughtful service, as well as all the...
On and Off the Beaten Path, in Tokyo
'On and Off the Beaten Path, in Tokyo' is the second in a series of monthly articles I’ll be writing for CIRE Travel. CIRE is a luxury vacation, honeymoon, and corporate travel agency, known for 'making impossible arrangements possible'. I couldn't be happier to be a part of a team that is so dedicated to inspiring and organizing travel for their clients. ____________ On and Off the Beaten Path, In Tokyo ‘IRASSHAIMASE,’ sang the three Japanese saleswomen in unison, all with bright smiles, flawless make-up,...