There is a mystique that surrounds the beautiful Fijian Islands. In Fiji you really are blessed with some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, so in the end, it’s all about Lomani and Demeni, Fijian words meaning pampered, cherished and cared for. Although you have to travel many miles to travel to get there, the visitor will find a culture that couldn’t be more different than in the United States. There is something for everyone to explore with Fiji’s 333 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean like jewels. Deciding which island is the perfect one will probably be the hardest decision you will have to make, otherwise, you can sit back and relax. Tip: Try to visit at least three different islands to really get the Fijian experience. Let’s start with your arrival at the airport in Nadi. This […]
Read MoreCategory Archive: Destinations
How to Get Married in Mexico
Destination wedding are on the rise, and brides and grooms (and their familiies) look for ways to combine a special destination with their special event, and often roll their honeymoon into that same destination as well. Mexico, despite going through some troubling times, still remains popular for destination weddings, probably because of its beautiful weather and resort. Regulations may vary between the Mexican states, so be certain to get current information from the place where you would like to have your ceremony. And, as with any large and expensive travel plans, you should strongly consider travel insurance. Here are some general things to know if you’d like to get married in Mexico. First off, decide if you want an official, legal wedding or merely a ceremonial one. A ceremonial one is every bit as lovely as a legal one, just […]
Read MoreCheese & More at Tillamook Cheese Factory
The month of October has been designated American Cheese Month, a celebration of North America’s delicious and diverse cheeses, and the farmers, cheese makers, retails, cheesemongers, and chefs who bring them to our tables. And last month I had a little preview of how to celebrate cheese month with a visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory on the Oregon Coast. The climate in Tillamook is well suited for dairy farming, with a history dating back to the mid-1800s. By the end of that century, cheese maker Peter McIntosh created a cheddar cheese recipe that is still used today. Over the years, dairy-related production boomed, and in 1909 a farming co-op was established that became Tillamook. It’s still a co-op today, owned by the dairy farmers and families who start the whole process. Well, there are the cows to credit, too! […]
Read MoreExploring the White Villages of Andalucia
When travelers think of the Costa del Sol in Spain, the first thing to come to mind is often American-style resorts. What was once a quiet coastline of fishing villages has expanded rapidly, resulting into what many would call over development. Yet this isn’t the only side of Andalucia. Venture away from the coastline and into the hills and you will find the region’s famous white villages. Stunning from afar, impossibly perched up on hillsides, they are somehow even more fascinating when you finally reach them after a series of hairpin turns on two lane roads. All you will need to explore is a rental car, a basic map, and an appetite, and with so many options, it’s fascinating and affordable. Once you arrive in each of the following villages, explore on foot and find a restaurant or tapas bar […]
Read MorePhiladelphia Freedom: Visiting the Liberty Bell Center
With its historical significance and message of freedom, a visit to see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia will be on most history buffs travel list. The Liberty Bell is one of the iconic symbols of the American Revolutions, and since then has served as a symbol of independence, freedom, and liberty. The bell was originally cast in London and designed to be used at the Pennsylvania State House. It cracked soon after its arrival in Philadelphia. Local craftsmen cast a new one and it was installed in the State House in 1753. Weighing a little over a ton, the bell rang many times as the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House. It tolled many public announcements, including the opening of the 1774 First Continental Congress and after the 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord. But perhaps the Liberty Bell’s […]
Read MoreRoad Trip Ahead: Coastal & Central Oregon
I’m up early today because I’ll be heading out on a road trip. Yes, me, a road trip. It’s a 5-day road trip with some other writers from the Seattle area and is sponsored by some nice folks in Oregon. (A full list of sponsors will accompany subsequent posts.) Joining me will be: Andy Hayes (from Sharing Travel Experiences), Kelly Goodman (from Travellious), and Michelle Schusterman (from Unlikely Places) The group will be meeting later thing morning (still in the early hours for most of us) at EverGreen Escapes who will be providing our driver and transportation for the trip in one of the comfy, bio-fueled Mercedes touring vans. Not familiar with EverGreen Escapes? Well I love these folks – I’ve met them personally – and was taken with their love of the Pacific Northwest, their commitment to their eco-friendly […]
Read More6 Sports Museums in the South
The southern United States may be known for seceding from the Union and its checkered civil rights history, but with those issues long in the past (hopefully), the South is now carving out a name for itself with signature cuisine, tourism, and don’t forget those charming accents. Part of the culture of the South has always been its love of sports and all things sports related. It’s not surprising then, that sports museums have cropped up around the area, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world. Here are a few that you might not be familiar with: PGA Museum of Golf – Recently renamed (it was formerly known as the PGA Historical Center), this museum showcases the history of the PGA, with interactive exhibits, and a variety exhibits of golf artifacts and memorabilia. The PGA Museum of […]
Read MoreTerrific Tenerife: 5 Reasons to Go to the Canary Islands
Just a mention of the word Tenerife and wide stretches of sunny beaches spring to mind. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and although it is located 0ff the coast of western Africa, they are part of Spain. For decades Europeans have been flocking to Tenerife and the Canary Islands for guaranteed sunshine and outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for a new beach destination, here are five of the top reasons to add Tenerife to your wish list. 1. Stunning Volcanic Scenery What’s a beach vacation without some incredible scenery? In Tenerife that scenery is the result of volcanic activity. Visitors can admire rocks jetting out from the ocean as well as the dormant volcano Mount Teide. If you’re interested in exploring this volcano, hit the hiking trails in Parque Nacional del Teide. Some travelers come to Tenerife […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Venice by Water
While riding in a gondola in Venice is one of the most common ways to see the city, it is also one of the most expensive. A ride on the traghetto, a sort of foot ferry on a gondola, is usually crowded and quick, leaving little time to see the city from the water. A ride on the vaporetto (water taxi) can be so crowded that you may not even be able to see the water from your standing spot. Although I think a trip to Venice should include all three of the above, on a hot summer day I’d suggest taking to the water on a motor boat. A motor boat will take you nearly everywhere that a gondola will. The faster pace may be a little less romantic, but the trade off is a little breeze on your […]
Read MoreHow to Spend a Day at Woodland Park Zoo
As big of a fan as I am of seeing the world, I’m likewise a fan of seeing my own community. So it was with that in mind that I’m staying close to home this Labor Day Weekend. The Seattle weather forecast is sunny and warm (score!), there’s tons to do around the King-Pierce-Snohomish area, and it’s a chance to see some of the things that it is so easy to take for granted. So I headed off to Woodland Park Zoo for the day. Woodland Park Zoo is located in the Phinney Ridge area and has been serving as the city’s zoo for over 100 years. It is often cited as one of the best zoos in the U.S. Today, the zoo complex spreads out over 92 acres, and includes animals and exhibits, open space, a rose garden, many […]
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