Hello, hello! The lions are bullet-fast... “Hang on!” yells our safari guide, Pierre Mouton. Veering off-road, we crash after them through the bush. Just moments before, the pride had been sauntering slowly across a grassy plain – out for a stroll, we thought. But no, these lions are hunting. We’re on a “Big 5” safari in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve. And, now, as we screech to a halt in front of them, we see they’ve already taken down their kill. Sitting fanned out like spokes in a...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, Have you ever stayed in a cave hotel? We have — and they’re nothing like what you might imagine. Now, we’re not talking about a damp hobbit hole or some Disney-esque cave hotel built as a gimmick. We mean hotels built into landscapes where people have lived in caves for centuries — ancient dwellings now transformed into some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. Cappadocia, Turkey A cozy cave room, complete with a fireplace (Credit: Argos) Few places have...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, Do you ever notice how there’s a little more spring in your step when you have a trip on the calendar? Turns out there’s a reason for that. Travel is actually good for your mental health, and even planning a trip can lift your mood. We’ve even written about some of the very good reasons to travel (so you never have to feel guilty about booking that flight!). To spark a little wanderlust, we thought we’d share some of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, One question we get asked a lot is: “Where should we go next?” If only there were one perfect answer! The best trip isn’t necessarily the one Conde Nast Traveler or Travel+Leisure says is the hottest destination right now. It’s the place that matches the kind of vacation you’re seeking. So here’s a little travel matchmaking. 🌲 Craving mountains, wildlife and epic road trips? British Columbia, Canada It’s our home province, and we’re still discovering new corners...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, We’ve now completed our full review of our recent Azamara cruise in the Med, covering: What the “luxury lite” experience is like — Relaxed club-like vibe. Drinks and gratuities are included. What we loved — Wonderfully long days in port and overnight stays. Super attentive service! Azamara’s signature AzAmazing Evening and White Night Party. What we didn’t like — The restaurants are a bit too cozy for our liking. And the showers are teeny! Who Azamara is best...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hello again fellow travelers! We’ve just returned from another stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, followed by an 11-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Quest. We loved the south of France so much on our Star Clippers sailing cruise last fall that we decided to go back for more. Why Azamara? This time, we sailed with Azamara Cruises, which we think of as “luxury lite” cruising: Four smaller ships, each carrying about 700 passengers each Spacious suites available...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Colorful houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria Hello again fellow travelers, So you’re planning to visit British Columbia this summer or fall? Lovely! Beautiful Victoria Of course, you’ll want to include Victoria (where we live) in your itinerary. Visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, stroll around the colorful Inner Harbor, indulge in afternoon tea... 🐋 And go whale watching! We finally did it — twice — it was that good! We’d previously seen whales in Cabo and Hawaii, but didn’t think...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, Spring is here (and summer is on the horizon) — so yes, we’re excited! In May, we’re off to the south of France again, this time for an Azamara cruise. It’s our first time sailing with this line. Their long port days (often until 8:00 or 9:00 pm) sold us. Translation: Lots of time for our own DIY exploring — without worrying about “missing the boat” at the end of the day.😊 We’ll tell you all about it after our trip! If Europe is calling your name this spring or...
6 months ago • 3 min read
Hello again fellow travelers, February is here and we’ve just published a brand-new guide — 👉 this one on 11+ hotels in Cabo with private pools. And, yes, they’re absolutely worth the splurge! 🏖️ Pssst! If you fancy a fabulous all-inclusive resort in Cabo with private-pool suites, we love the Grand Velas Los Cabos. (You can read all about our stay here — including the infamous $25,000 gold-flaked tacos.) With Valentine’s Day around the corner, though, our minds are drifting to romantic...
7 months ago • 2 min read