I’m generally a homebody but being forced to stay home during this pandemic has given me an impetus to simplify my life. With my gym closed (and the push-pull to get myself there), I start each day with a long walk, WITHOUT my phone. I use that time to just think, solve problems, and plan my day. It’s my form of meditation. I’ve found that by giving up some of my extraneous routines and focusing…

Fiji was always one of those destinations I had as a dream destination but the distance and the expense were a bit out of my reach. But when I was asked to go cover Turtle Island for Islands Magazine, my suitcase was packed before I could hang up the phone. And my husband was inviting along as well (a nice perk of being the spouse of a travel writer). It is by far the best…

It seems like as soon as everyone hits the age of 50, that ‘r’ word comes a calling. It’s funny but when I hear the word “retirement,” I instantly think of my grandparents. I guess I was 10 and they were 50ish. But today’s retirement is SO much different. We don’t quit working and sit on the porch in a rocking chair til we kick the bucket. Nope. Today’s retirement lifestyles are very active. And…

My son had talked for months about his desire to go backpacking in Asia. But he’s a dreamer so I didn’t pay much attention. Until the day he announced that he was actually going. With no agenda. No reservations. No contacts. Just him and his backpack. Thailand for 3 weeks and India for 4 weeks. He was on somewhat of a gap year adventure as he was enroute to Australia to study abroad. A lot…

As America’s oldest city filled with historic charm, St. Augustine, is known for its romantic getaways. Couples flock to the city to get married, celebrate anniversaries, and just rekindle the romance. From the quaint cobblestone streets to the charming shops and cafes to tourist attractions that showcase the city’s history, St. Augustine has something for everyone. St. Augustine, America’s Oldest City Located just 30 minutes south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish…

Being an East Coast girl, I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t spent much time (ok, any time) in the Pacific Northwest. I pictured dense forests with tall trees, cool, breezy weather and rugged outdoor activities. So what would a lounge-by-the-beach girl possibly find to do there? I was about to find out on a weekend adventure to San Juan Island and its charming seaport, Friday Harbor. Getting to the San Juan Islands is half the…

Panama is most famous for its iconic canal but the country is rapidly emerging as a top tourist destination. With historic sites, rainforests, luxury hotels, an exciting culinary scene, and spectacular beaches, there’s a lot to see and do in Panama, besides just visiting the Panama Canal. Visiting the Panama Canal The Panama Canal is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Watching ships pass through the locks in realtime is a sight…

I’ve taken my fair share of long plane flights, including several that were 16 hours straight. And I am not a hearty flier. I’m a diva traveler.  For several years, I’ve been flying back and forth between the East and West coasts so I’m always looking for ways to ensure my total comfort on these flights.  And I’ve become very adept at planning ahead what to bring on a long flight to ensure my ultimate…

You’ve heard of a vacation, and even a staycation…but what about an Eatcation? At least 60% of today’s travelers say that food is the top reason they love to vacation…so if you like to take a getaway just to try new cuisine, you’re in great company. Costa Mesa, California offers award-winning cuisine, with some of the most decadent and unique restaurants in Southern California. But a lot of people don’t know what to do in…

Twice a year, Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto hosts a wellness week. This luxury resort is located in a remote part of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, where the desolate desert opens up to expose a beautiful waterfront resort in the Loreto Islands Mexico. When I walked into my room, I was surprised to find a rather spacious one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room, and oversized balcony looking out…