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? During this momentary gap in travel time, 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,...
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,...
The Best Lunch Spot in Antigua is…
Catherine’s Café, The Best Lunch in Antigua Some days I can hardly remember what I ate for breakfast. On other days, I can’t remember what book I am reading. More often than I’d like to admit, I can’t remember what day of the week it is. What I do remember though, is the best beach lunch I had on the island of Antigua nearly 15 years ago. My husband, our daughter (who was then nine months old), and I, traveled to this charming Caribbean island...
Reykjavík, Iceland: ‘Should I go to the Blue Lagoon?’
The first question anyone would ask when I spoke of our upcoming trip to Reykjavík, Iceland was: ‘Are you going to the Blue Lagoon?’ It would lead one to think that it is the only place worth seeing in the entire country. The Blue Lagoon had not originally been on our hit list, as I thought it would be overcrowded and gimmicky. As it turned out, we ended up arranging it at the last minute, just 12 hours before boarding our flight home to DC....
Dunton Hot Springs, A Home away from Home
Dunton Hot Springs is a remote getaway filled with wildlife and hiking adventures, farm-to-table meals, and a western vibe that had us dreaming of simpler times. Dunton Hot Springs—a little escape from reality in the cool, breezy San Juan mountains of Colorado. Remote, restorative, and secluded, are buzzwords that have always piqued my curiosity when reading about travel, but never as much as they do at this particular moment in time. I long for fresh air and wide-open spaces. I have a pressing need to...