Blog

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 […]

Read more
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, […]

Read more
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 […]

Read more

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 […]

Read more
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 […]

Read more

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 […]

Read more
ensenada mexico

Things to Do in Ensenada, Mexico

Located in northern Baja, Ensenada is just a short drive from the California border and has everything desired for a vacation. Things to do in Ensenada include exploring the rich culture, tasting delicious food, interacting with friendly residents, myriad seaside and inland activities, colorful shopping venues, and of course, it’s very safe. It’s no wonder […]

Read more
baja wine country

Valle de Guadalupe Wineries: Adobe Guadalupe

Move over Napa! The heart of Mexico’s wine district – the Valle de Guadalupe wineries in Baja, Mexico – is demanding critics’ attention. Off the beaten path, but rapidly gaining respect is Adobe Guadalupe – a vineyard, winery, stables, and sprawling hacienda open to tourists.  It’s an easy drive from southern California or the north […]

Read more

Tequila Tasting in Santa Fe. Watch Out for the Floor!

One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, FLOOR Move over foodie walking tours, Santa Fe’s tequila tasting is stepping in front. Top Shelf: Tequila Class & Sampling in historic downtown Santa Fe is no pub crawl. It provides thought-provoking history, tequila/food pairing, and the progression from illegal mezcal to high-quality and high-priced sipping tequila. “This is […]

Read more

Retire Baja Mexico: Paradise in La Paz

On the crystal aqua shores of the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, Mexico, La Paz is being quietly discovered and checks every box on retirement or relocation lists: climate, safety, lifestyle, affordability. Boasting 340 days of sunshine a year, La Paz has beaches as beautiful as the Caribbean and a desert climate that […]

Read more
Go top