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Curacao Chichi dolls

Curacao Chichi Dolls: Art, Entrepreneurism, Community Service

Not only were the Curacao “Chichi” dolls my favorite souvenirs from Curaçao, a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, it’s one of my favorite artifacts from all of my world travels. Each one a hand-painted original, these voluptuous clay sculptures open their arms as if to draw you into a loving embrace.  “Chichi,” in […]

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Black Hills Tourist Attractions: Blown Away by the Badlands.

With just 48 hours to spend in Rapid City, I had already scheduled a visit to Mt. Rushmore, a drive on the Needles Highway, a Buffalo Jeep Safari at Custer State Park, and a pit stop to eat the famous Wall Drug donuts. From my hotel the first night, I spontaneously Googled “things to do” […]

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Showboat Branson Belle: Don’t Miss the Boat

I laughed. I cried. I ate too much. If you’re looking for an authentically fun way to spend a few hours in the sometimes overly touristy Branson, Missouri, the Showboat Branson Belle is the place. As a travel writer who visits a lot of vacation destinations, I tend to shy away from the ones that […]

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cruises for single travelers

Cruises for Single Travelers: Good Venue for Solo Women?

As someone who frequently travels alone, I’d never considered taking a cruise.  For one thing, I’m prone to motion sickness and the thought of being out in the middle of the ocean with no escape for stabilization was not appealing.  In addition, spending just one day at an exotic location didn’t seem like it would […]

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three days in kyoto

Kyoto Tour: 3-Day Girls’ Getaway

“Everyone is staring at us,” said Rebecca.  “That’s because you’re dressed like a Geisha!” I reminded her.  I have to admit, she did look stunning, even minus a Japanese heritage. Kyoto is awash in stunning sights, and with a pair of good walking shoes and a lot of energy and motivation, it’s possible to see […]

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ice cream in venice beach

Venice Beach Ice Cream | CNN iReport

I was recently on assignment, recording a video in Venice Beach, California for the American Writers and Artists, Inc. The recording was about the perks I receive as a travel writer just by wearing my press badge, specifically Venice Beach ice cream. Read more about my Venice Beach ice cream extravaganza at CNN iReport, October 6, […]

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holy cannoli

Best Boston Cannoli: Mike’s or Modern? | Luggage and Lipstick

It never gets old.  Strolling through the narrow streets of Boston’s North End, known affectionately as “Little Italy,” is always a multi-sensory stimulating event.  From the sumptuous smells of homemade pasta dishes wafting from the small restaurants, the vibrant New England-accented banter of the pedestrians, to the colorful and festive façades of the shops and […]

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Bora Bora Holidays: Bungalows, Beaches, Baguettes, Black Pearls

Declared “the most beautiful island in the world” by author James Mitchener, Bora Bora has long been considered a destination for starry-eyed honeymooners who rarely venture beyond their luxury resort. But that is changing.  As more and more women are choosing to travel alone or with friends, they are discovering that Bora Bora has so […]

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bora bora overwater bungalows

Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

When it comes to luxury vacations, few destinations can beat the magical island of Bora Bora.  Dubbed “the most beautiful island in the world,” by author James Mitchener and “the pearl of the Pacific” by Captain Cook, this tiny piece of French Polynesian paradise bewitches all who venture to her shores. Just mention to anyone […]

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Baja Real Estate: Mexican Beach Bargains

I looked at him with what could only be described as pure skepticism. “Affordable, direct ocean view Mexico Baja real estate and just steps from the beach?” I said. “Show me.” As realtor and expat Max Katz drove me to a beachside community of Las Gaviotas on Rosarito Beach in Baja, Mexico, I imagined myself […]

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