Some time ago I completed a photography tour at North Carolina's Outer Banks, a string of narrow islands off the east coast of the US. Tourism numbers for the Outer Banks peak in the summer months, however when I visited in October it was an entirely different story—it showed a wildly popular American beach destination as a virtual ghost-town. Right away I was struck by the sheer quantity (thousands) of beach cottages Read More
Tricky Photography: Galapagos Sunsets
A trip to the Galapagos Islands, no matter how or when, is an incredible experience and I highly recommend you go if you have the chance. While the abundance and variety of wildlife is absolutely stunning, the truth is that the animals are just some of the many subjects you'll have the opportunity to photograph. The harsh landscapes, the human element, vibrant blue waters, white sand beaches, underwater sea life, dramatic Read More
Wild Mustangs of the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Welcome to the Outer Banks, a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The beaches of Corolla here are home to one of the last remaining herds of Spanish Colonial Mustangs where they roam free in what is basically their 7,500-acre sanctuary. I joined a tour with Wild Horse Adventure Tours because they had been voted the #1 Tour Company in America by TripAdvisor and they invited me! They believe Read More
Thailand’s Best Underrated Places to Visit
Visiting Thailand for the first time was both exciting and totally out of my comfort zone. I sat on the airplane with my Lonely Planet guide book in hand and reminded myself that I spent months planning this solo adventure and had nothing to worry about. It turned out I was right. Many who visit Thailand make their base in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Phi Phi, but my wanderlust led me elsewhere. My quest for an Read More
Sailing the Island of Capri, Italy
Experiencing Capri from upon the sea is nothing if not alluring, something I've now had the chance to learn for myself. In October, my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of a private boat tour from a wild-haired Italian sailor named Gianni who loves being on the water and knows every detail of the island's history. I'm guessing that he would be out there on his boat even if he didn't have customers. From the padded sundeck of Read More
Point Vicente in Palos Verdes, California
Crystal Cove, Newport Coast California
The coastal California getaway known as Crystal Cove is about as hidden as it gets; driving along the Pacific Coast Highway you would never know what awaits below unless you've been there. Each year, over 25,000 visitors stay here in California's last surviving historic beach community which flourished from 1935 to 1955. It is an excellent spot for families exploring the tide pools, cocktails with friends, passing through on a Read More
Favorite Gems in Laguna Beach
As a California native I have always been drawn to the coast. When I first started driving in Los Angeles, I was constantly getting lost and always ending up at the beach. Between Los Angeles and San Diego we have some epic coastal scenery; it's easy to stay on the freeway and miss some of the best places! Next time you're passing through or even doing a west coast road trip, check out these coastal gems. I promise you won't Read More
Amazing Snorkeling on Oahu
Oahu has some excellent snorkeling in spots such as Kuilima Cove, Kahe Beach, Shark's Cove and Kaena. But in my opinion, Hanauma Bay is the best snorkeling on the island and I'm certainly not the first person to suggest that this spot probably has the most fish in all of Hawaii. Hanauma Bay is a Nature Preserve located just 30 minutes east of Waikiki. The bay is home to 400 species of extremely colorful fish and green sea Read More
Coastal Oregon – The Road Less Traveled
West Coast Road Trip (continued) We had reached the destination of our road trip (Portland, Oregon) and the journey home was imminent. Normally when heading home from anywhere I start thinking about all the things I need to get done back home... but not this time. Though we would be home in mere days I knew there were still exciting adventures ahead in coastal Oregon. The truth is, at every stop on this road trip I saw Read More
Coney Island Boardwalk’s Last Stand
The last time I was in New York I headed to the famous Coney Island because I wanted to see it before it's gone; and I didn't realize that it was just a simple train ride away. Though there isn't much left of what was once the biggest amusement park in America and a hugely popular resort destination, seeing the remaining carnival rides and the boardwalk was like going back in time.... I Read More