Holiday shopping can be exhausting and I must admit it is NOT high on my list of enjoyable experiences.  Crowded malls and running around like a chicken with my head cut off for hours on end just overstimulates and wears me out. I’ve turned to online shopping for that very reason, as I can browse […]

Luxury travel bloggers have undoubtedly the most coveted job on earth. They stay at lavish resorts all over the world, sipping champagne from overwater bungalows in the Maldives, soaking in cliffside infinity pools in Bali, and sunning themselves on the powdery sand beaches of the Caribbean…and they get paid to do it. It sounds idyllic […]

The Riu chain is an icon in the all-inclusive hotel industry, and for good reason. What began in 1953 as a small family business in Mallorca, Spain has grown to a conglomerate of over 100 hotels in 19 countries, ranking  as the 30th largest hotel chain in the world. Riu’s Palace category is the most luxurious […]

My daughter Allie just flew back home from a college internship in Sydney, Australia where she had a 24 hour layover in Honolulu. She had never visited Hawaii and wanted to make the most of her time there, so she booked an inexpensive Airbnb a few blocks from Waikiki Beach and took off on her […]

Bali, an exotic Indonesian paradise referred to as The Island of the Gods, has been at the top of my bucket list for years, largely due to its remoteness, fascinating Hindu culture, and mesmerizing beaches. My friend Ashley just returned from a solo trip to Bali and filled me in on what makes it such […]

My current hometown of Sarasota, FL is chock-full of imaginative dining options featuring the creations of chefs, bakers, and mixologists from all over the world.  Eating like a local, however, requires a bit more exploration into the nooks and crannies of this vibrant food town.  Read on for my current list of local foodie hotspots. […]

There’s something so romantic about being on a boat out on the open sea, especially on a sailboat.  It’s a feast for the senses with the sound of sails aflutter,  the sight of the waves rhythmically rolling against the hull, and the scent of the salty breeze pungent in the air. My good friend and co-worker […]

Living in southwest Florida, I am always searching for fun resort wear  that won’t kill my budget.  Summer sales, especially around holidays like July 4th, are a great way to stock up on beachy dresses, tops, and accessories while getting the most from your hard-earned money. Mid-summer sales also seem to carry the prettiest variety […]

  The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands set in the clearest waters of the Atlantic Ocean, only 30 of which are inhabited. There are also over 2,000 cays (coral reefs) in the Bahamas chain,  making it difficult to choose which island to visit. Each has its own distinctive charm and personality, whether it […]

Packing for a tropical vacation can be fun or a downright chore, depending on how much research you do on the location you’re going to, the resort’s dress code and general vibe, and how much you want to lug around with you through airports. With airlines charging hefty fees for checked bags and charter airlines […]