Discover the ideal base for your Puerto Rico adventure at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, a premier beachfront property in the vibrant Condado neighborhood. With exceptional amenities, stunning ocean views, and authentic local experiences, its a top choice for travelers seeking luxury and convenience. Arriving after a delayed red-eye flight from the West Coast, I was warmly welcomed at check-in with a complimentary rum punch—a thoughtful touch that instantly elevated my mood and

Planning a trip to Oxnard, California? This coastal gem offers pristine beaches, fresh strawberries, and easy access to Channel Islands National Park. Get expert tips on where to stay, eat, and explore based on our firsthand experience. Searching for accommodations near Santa Barbara, we discovered Oxnard—far from the overdeveloped suburb we imagined. Nestled on Southern California’s coast, just minutes from Channel Islands National Park (dubbed “the Galápagos of North America&

Discover how to capture truly unique, surreal photos with captivating effects using the Lensbaby Creative Effects Kit. Our hands-on guide shares expert tips and real-world results. When the kit arrived, I was initially intimidated and set it aside until a family trip to Northern California during the holidays, providing ample time for experimentation. The kit includes four interchangeable optics: Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone Plate. Each delivers distinct creative effects

Returning home from my transformative solo trip across Europe was initially exhilarating. I eagerly anticipated reuniting with Scott and sleeping in my own bed. Yet, shortly after arrival, I felt agitated and unsettled—as if something deep within was amiss, though I couldnt pinpoint it. In a previous article, I shared how solo travels profoundly change me, and this journey was no different. I reaffirmed my ability to handle challenges independently, even in tough situations. While empowering dur

Before booking our trip to Lanai, we asked fellow travelers for insights on this small Hawaiian island. Responses were vague—mostly just the word luxury—leaving us frustrated and questioning its appeal. After some thought, we embraced the opportunity to introduce this under-the-radar paradise to our readers. Our passion for turtles and islands (Christys obsession in particular) convinced us to book the adventure. Turtle at Shipwreck Beach, Lanai Lanai stands out remarkably from other Hawaiian i

While Lana’i is renowned for its luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Manele Bay, it offers much more—exhilarating adventures that captivate visitors. Adventure. Discover five of our top adventure activities on Lana’i: UTV Excursion & Clay Shooting Our first thrill was a UTV excursion paired with clay shooting through Lana’i Grand Adventures. With stunning views of Maui and Moloka’i, we started from the Stables at Koele Lodge, navigating rugged terrain. After 15 minutes, we were expertly corneri

Weve enjoyed renting houses and apartments on past trips, like our weekend in Big Bear and our Baja adventure, and Ive shared positive experiences from those stays. That said, vacation rentals shine for extended stays or large groups. However, theyre not always ideal for short trips with tight schedules or when you prefer hassle-free convenience.       We recently attended a conference in Toronto and rented a harborfront apartment, envisioning a local-like experience with persona

“Communing with the wild, and with birds like puffins, is as important as sunshine, sleep or vitamin C. Puffin therapy is a great way to get that fix.” — Dr. Nick Baylis   Scotlands stunning wildlife and dramatic landscapes drew me to this enchanting country. While planning my Hebridean island adventure, I discovered the puffin colonies thriving in the Treshnish Isles. Departing from the Isle of Mull, I joined a boat excursion to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, landing on

Remember the post I wrote a few weeks ago about feeling stuck and ready for a change? Well, major changes have unfolded since then! The photo above was taken during my trip to France in May, right as I wished for greater freedom. Just two weeks after that post—and one month after my wish—I was laid off from my part-time bookkeeping job of seven years. It was inevitable, and truthfully, I needed that push, as I couldnt bring myself to leave. I hesitated to give up the steady income, which afforde

Arriving in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie without preconceptions was a revelation. Skipping Google images, guidebooks, and blogs allowed this breathtaking cliffside village to surprise me completely—a real-life wonder beyond imagination.It unfolded like a vivid masterpiece, more stunning than anticipated.Saint-Cirq-Lapopie perches atop dramatic limestone cliffs with sweeping vistas over the pristine Lot Valley. Voted Frances favorite village in 2012, its timeless appeal is evident.Featuring stone buildings

After visiting Saint-Cirq-Lapopie—which I initially believed to be Frances most beautiful village—my travelers curiosity urged me to explore further before deciding.The next morning, I drove east on narrow country roads to a restaurant in Marcilhac-sur-Célé. These lanes rivaled the windiest mountain roads of Northern California in their twists and turns.To call them tiny would be an understatement.At times, I questioned if I was on the right path. The estimated 90-minute drive stretched beyond t

The scenic drive from Marcilhac-sur-Célé to Conques (pronounced conk) winds through towering trees, lush green foliage, and breathtaking views of the Dourdou River. Visiting the Lot Valley in summer would have been irresistible—imagine leaping from rocks into the cool waters and relaxing on the serene riverbank. This tranquil spot feels like a true home for nature lovers. As anticipation built after hearing rave reviews of Conques beauty, I wondered if the village shared the same verdant charm.

As my compact rental car navigated the winding roads effortlessly, I struggled to keep my eyes on the path ahead. The breathtaking scenery of Aubrac stole my breath away. Just four days before my visit, fresh snow had blanketed the landscape, and I felt the chill in the air as I departed the charming village of Conques. The remote Aubrac Plateau, a vast volcanic region spanning nearly 1,000 square miles, offers profound stillness and unparalleled beauty—making it one of my top favorite destinati

Manele Bay is a dream destination: uncrowded beaches, warm turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and pure relaxation. In one word, its paradise. We concluded our Lanai adventure with two blissful days at the beach. After four days exploring Lanai City by jeep, we craved ocean time. We shuttled from Four Seasons Lodge at Koele to the stunning Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, greeted with fresh leis in the expansive foyer. Unobstructed views revealed the pristine pool area leading direct

Hotel booking site reviews are rare on our blog amid the flood of new platforms. We always wonder: what sets you apart? When TravelPony.com approached us, their tagline—“Where Social Travelers Save More on Hotels”—sparked our interest.To access members-only prices, log in with Facebook. Before approving, youll see: “We never post to your wall without your consent.” “We respect your privacy so we only request your name and email.” “Facebook is used as a convenient way to create and access your ac

My internal clock wakes me before the alarm, and I peer out the window above our bed. The captain has anchored near El Capitan on Prince of Wales Island—the first stop on our seven-day cruise aboard the Wilderness Adventurer in Southeast Alaska. We leap out of bed, eager to immerse ourselves in the stunning scenery and days adventures. We selected this UnCruise Adventures voyage over larger cruise lines to access remote wilderness areas inaccessible to big ships. On this 160-foot vessel, we re

“Good evening, Adventurers. We just noticed some whale action on the starboard side of the boat. A humpback calf is breaching and seems to be pretty active.” Our first whale sighting! A young, playful humpback calf graced us during the second night of our UnCruise adventure in Alaska. Scott and I seem to have exceptional luck with whale encounters. Throughout the week, we spotted more humpbacks sporadically, plus two transient orcas that approached our boat closely in Port Houghton. Surrounded

Our small, flat-bottomed boat glided silently along the inlet, engine cut after hand signals from ahead. This was our signal to whisper and minimize noise. This approach contrasted with advice from my recent Alaska UnCruise, where making noise was recommended to avoid surprising bears. Yet, I trusted our seasoned guides from Tide Rip Grizzly Tours, experts in these encounters. Our guides, clad in thick waterproof overalls and boots, slipped into waist-deep water from both sides of the boat, gent

Villa del Palmar at the Beach & Villas Resort, Loreto: Expert ReviewAs seasoned Mexico travelers who frequently visit destinations like Barra de Navidad, we recently discovered the hidden gem of Loreto.Nestled along the pristine azure waters of the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Loreto lies about 150 miles north of La Paz. This UNESCO World Heritage Site biosphere reserve is renowned for snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and island hopping. Home to 891 fish species and 695 vascular plants, it of

Alaska captivates even the most daring explorers. It drew Christopher McCandless into its wilderness in 1992 for an epic journey, and it enchanted me from the moment I stepped off the plane at Ketchikan Airport. View from Just Outside Ketchikan Airport Visiting Alaskas wilderness had been a lifelong dream. While many dream of it, few actually go— we only knew one couple who had. It felt like uncharted territory, just beyond reach. Southeast Alaska boasts diverse wonders: vast waters, rainforest