Are you looking for a hotel in Bangkok but find yourself swimming in options? I have good news! There are some beautiful hotels for a fraction of what they would cost in most countries, and they are safe and centrally located. While I typically prefer boutique-style hotels with local charm, Bangkok is filled with unique circumstances and for me that boils down to where would I feel most safe and comfortable. Having visited 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
Your 14th Century Apartment in Florence, Italy
I have finally experienced the city of Florence, Italy and there is no place like it anywhere. I want to learn from other cultures and by staying at Palazzo Belfiore I was able to live and breathe Florence like a local. I wish it could have lasted longer and I'm already thinking of when I will return. Your Home Away From Home: Palazzo Belfiore The seven fully restored apartments that make up Palazzo Belfiore were once the Read More
Secrets of the Paris Hotel Las Vegas
From discounted rooms and show tickets, to the best views and best places to eat, please enjoy these lesser known tips to maximize your visit at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Get the Best Paris Hotel Rates Current promotions are offering $59/night but if you ever find a cheaper rate than what you find at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel website they will match it and throw in an extra 10% off. If you are staying for more than one Read More
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
With a whopping 32,000 hotel rooms in this northern Thailand city, where do you even begin? The truth is, many travelers who pass through Chiang Mai just rent a room from a guest house for weeks at a time because it's so inexpensive and there is plenty to explore. Some of us, however, are just visiting for a few days and are in search of more comfortable, but still affordable accommodations full of Thai charm and that's Read More
Beautiful Trip to Mt Fuji and Hot Springs
An unforgettable getaway from Tokyo that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, this destination is an exceptional one. The town is Hakone (haw-cone-ay) and its centuries-old hot springs (onsen) are located in the volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Onsen are very popular across Japan and are a longtime fixture in Japanese culture. The number of Hakone visitors continues to grow while the number of visitors to Read More
The Relaxing Getaway You Crave
An hour east of Seattle, Washington is the luxury hotel that I have dreamed of visiting for several years since I first saw a photo of it. I've recently been traveling in the Pacific Northwest and I decided to make it happen - my relaxing getaway at the Salish Lodge was beyond everything I'd hoped for. Read on California residents.... you too Vancouverites! The Salish Lodge Located directly on top of a huge 268-foot Read More
Spanish Hacienda Luxury Hotel in La Jolla, California
Spanish Hacienda style luxury hotel & spa, La Estancia La Jolla is nestled atop the coastline bluffs of La Jolla, California. I read about their gardens in several magazines so I had to check out the sprawling 10 acre property. I could try to describe the relaxing, colorful and quiet hotel grounds, but instead I'll show you.... (see below for discounts). How to Get a Discounted Rate at La Estancia La Jolla La 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
Where to Stay when Visiting Portland
West Coast Road Trip (continued) This one I had not planned. We finally arrived in Portland after over a week of road tripping from Los Angeles, and I hadn't booked a hotel assuming there would be tons of options in downtown Portland. As it happens, weekends get booked up quick leaving you stuck with only high priced rooms. Searching for other options, I came across the Camas Hotel. The description said "Romantic Read More
Desert Hot Springs Retreat – Summer Special
This summer special at the Hacienda Hot Springs Inn in California might be exactly what you need. It is a "Boutique Mineral Spa Hotel" just 2 hours north of Los Angeles and 20 minutes from Palm Springs. Their deal right now is $225 for accommodations for two with sauna and mineral water, a 60 minute spa treatment, organic breakfast, a bottle of champagne or wine, art museum passes and extended checkout. Pretty good Read More
The Road Less Traveled: Chicago’s Palmer Hotel
'The Road Less Traveled' is a series from me with recommendations of things to see and do that are lesser known or off the beaten path. If you’ve been to Chicago, you know that the city is filled with exceptional museums, restaurants and sights. One of my favorites is the historic Palmer Hotel. The hotel was built in 1925 and at that time was famous for being the largest hotel in the world. In 2009 it was renovated Read More