I recently walked 200 miles of El Camino de Santiago in Luxury. Many pilgrims lug (I mean carry) their belongings and sleep in albergues (hostels). Instead, I used RAW travel to transfer my luggage and pre-book the nicest hotels for me. Hard core pilgrims may feel this way is “cheating”, but the Camino is about spiritual contemplation, and I do that better when I’m well rested and wearing clean clothes.
If Disney created a “Mexican city”, it would be San Miguel de Allende! The colorful colonial buildings, blooming Jacaranda trees, immaculate churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and spotless parks — it’s so pristine that it almost feels fake!!! The weather was perfect in early April when we arrived. We couldn’t help but slow down from our normal pace. We poked around, lingered in cafes, sat on park benches, napped in the afternoons, sipped cocktails at beautiful rooftop bars, and listened to mariachis swoon beneath the moonlit sky. Aside from taking in the city itself, San Miguel is known for it’s talented artists and musicians. This means you can find vibrant cultural performances, live music and inspiring art. It’s no wonder San Miguel de Allende attracts so many expats!
Costa Careyes captivated my interest years ago when browsing through drool worthy photos of a book called The Castles of Careyes. Impressive villas perched on cliffs above of the Pacific Ocean designed to blur the lines between land and sea. These beauties whose rounded walls mimic Caracol shells are surrounded by 180⁰ infinity pools so they appear to be floating on water. I was struck by the sheer splendor of these architectural masterpieces.
So, when our friends suggested a trip there, I instantly agreed!
When my husband suggested we go to Venice, I hesitated. Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world but during the last 15 year, it’s become a circus of tourists (an estimated 30 million a year to be exact). For this reason, I’ve avoided it. But, on route to the Dolomites in July, I snuck into Venice and managed to avoid the crush of visitors. I meandered through it’s narrow streets, walked along it’s romantic canals, crossed over it’s petite bridges, chatted with locals, and avoided the massive crowds. So, how did I enjoy Venice during the busiest month of the year??????
It’s difficult to say what captures your heart when you visit a place, but you might just fall in love with Cortona. Cortona is an artsy hill town on the Tuscan/Umbrian border. Many hill towns have been overrun by tourism, but Cortona’s year round residents maintain it’s authenticity. Francis Mayes put Cortona on the map with her book, Under the Tuscan Sun. The story of a recently divorced woman whose spontaneous purchase of a crumbling villa in Italy, restores and revives her own broken heart. Cortona is also a favorite destination of Jordan Schlansky, Conan O’Brian’s quirky producer and Italianfile. I spent 4 days in Cortona and it left a strong, loving impression.
The Dolomites, situated in Northwest corner of Italy on the Austrian border, are considered one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. Once known as the “Pale Mountains”, this natural paradise was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2009. So, in early July, my husband and I challenged ourselves to a week of adventure, hiking the Dolomites with REI, and are still giddy from the experience. Sipping cocktails poolside sounds ok but these active, adventure trips are 100% life-changing. Catching my breadth after 2 hours of vertical climbing feels exhilarating and satisfying. You are completely present! The alpenglow colors illuminating the rocks at sunset, the emerald pastures, green-blue lakes, flowering meadows, vertical walls, and cragged peaks make this one of the most remarkable mountain ranges to explore. If you aren’t convinced yet, keep scrolling…..
I used to worry a lot about how to travel as a vegan. And, at times, those worries were justified. But, mostly traveling as a vegan ends up being fun and easy. In fact, some of my FAVORITE vegan meals have come unexpectedly from restaurants around the world. Not only are more countries adopting vegan friendly attitudes but environmental sustainability is moving plant based eating into politics all over. In fact, Portugal recently passed a law requiring all civic restaurants to offer a vegan option. This law is intended to promote healthier eating, decrease harm to animals, and reduce long term environmental impact (source). Personally, it’s been my dream here in the U.S., but I’m thrilled it’s starting somewhere. This EXCITING news is music to my ears and makes me more eager than ever to plan a trip to Portugal next year.
When my husband and I first began dating, he treated me on a trip to Cabo San Lucas. I’d never been to Mexico and was instantly charmed by it’s perfect (dry) weather, gorgeous beaches, warm people, and vibrant colors. Mexicans have a way of making you feel “at home”, as well as making the best margaritas! We stayed at the original Sol y Mar, a simple hotel on the Pacific tucked against the terracotta rocks. I drank my first strawberry margarita at the swim-up bar which overlooked the beautiful beach. This is where I fell in love with Cabo!
Siem Reap is a tourist hot spot because it’s the closest city to the famous temples and ruins of Angkor Wat (see photo blog here). It’s also a fun place to discover with its kind people, balmy temperatures, night markets, artisan shopping, $1 beers, top notch cafes and superb Vegan restaurants. Here is a list of the 5 best things to do in Siem Reap other than Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. Originally built by Hindu’s at the beginning of the 12th century AD, the city of Angkor was the Hindu capital for the Khmer Empire until Buddhism permeated the area at the end of the 13th century. Angkor Wat is the largest temple and still functions as a place of worship today. This world famous temple is the pinnacle of Kymer architecture and an icon for Cambodia. Many tourists arrive before sunrise to photograph this legendary place as the early morning clouds show pink in the lotus pools.