Just Back From…

Portugal

With an eye for the best, the authentic, the innovative and the irresistible, I headed to north Portugal’s Vinho Verde wine region. The weeklong scouting trip produced visits to 16 wineries and more than 100 wines sampled. Loads of fun and lots of exciting discoveries to be shared. Check back soon for my recommendations and all the details you’ll need to launch your own Portugal wine and food vacation. 

Quebec

I’m still riding high from an inspiration-packed week of networking and professional development sessions at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Québec, at which I participated as media panelist. After three days exploring historic Quebec City and adventuring in the scenic Charlevoix region, we tucked into the fabulous Fairmont Richelieu for an amazing event, host to many of the world’s best outfitters, tourism representatives and motivational speakers. More to come soon on this incredible event.

France

You may remember that last May I went walking with The Wayfarers in Provence, France, and wrote about my experiences for their gorgeous 2009 brochure. You can read the full article, here.

In September, I packed my bags (and cameras) again for France and another walking trip with The Wayfarers, this time to the historic Dordogne region. This beautiful area is known for its river and castles, prehistoric caves and 15,000 year old rock art, not to mention its quaint villages, black truffles, wine & foie gras! Click here to read my blog posting about the trip and view the photo slide show. 

Cabo

After two amazing expedition cruises in Mexico’s nature rich Sea of Cortes with American Safari Cruises, Baja California is fast becoming a personal favorite. This trip focused on a fabulous trifecta of luxury in La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose. Get the inside scoop on where to stay + play in my article, Baja Bliss, featuring the trip.

 

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a place I can’t visit too many times. I never tire of revisiting my favorite restaurants, hotels, museums or park bench. Or, even better, discovering new favorites.This time, I was lucky enough to be able to combine business with pleasure in the City Different. Returning for the 3rd summer to teach a WORDHARVEST workshop, my husband and I also tacked on a relaxing couple of days at the fabulous Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa. I glowed for a whole week after the Rainbow Body Chakra Balancing body treatment at their award-winning ShaNah Spa & Wellness Center. http://www.santafe.org/

 

Milwaukee

For the second year in a row, I headed to Milwaukee to present at the SATW Digital Photography Institute, an intensive three-day travel photography course designed to aid career-minded professional photographers and to help serious amateurs learn the ins and outs of the business. Inspiring and loads of fun. See ya next year! http://www.satw.org/digitalphotoinstitute/

Baltimore

It had been five years, or more, since I last visited Baltimore. I always loved the Inner Harbor, but this trip convinced me that the city is so much more than that. My four-day stay focused on the active and green side of Baltimore. I’ll be blogging about my adventures soon. http://baltimore.org/

Utah Ski Trip.

Salt Lake City, Utah, sits within 30-minutes of some of the nation’s best skiing, boasting “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” This, devoted Utah skiers told me time and time again, is no hyped up marketing spin, but fact. After a 17-year hiatus, this week long trip, skiing Park City, Alta, Solitude and Snowbasin, was meant to brush up my skills and see for myself what all the fuss was about. Let me tell you, it was awesome! To learn more visit http://skiutah.com.

 

Teton Valley, Idaho.

Each year, more than five million visitors succumb to the scenic allure of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, cranking its tourist trade – and accommodation prices - into overdrive. Thankfully, I recently discovered, just over the mountains, on the west side of the Tetons, slower ways and budget-friendly hospitality can still be found.To learn more visit www.tetonspringslodge.com.

Inside Passage: Alaska.

Another great luxury yacht cruise with American Safari Cruises, this time aboard their new flagship vessel, the 36-guest yacht, Safari Explorer. I was aboard ship to host their photo-theme cruise and help passengers create memorable images of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Great fun! To learn more visit www.amsafari.com

Provence, Southern France:

This walking tour through the fragrant orchards, almond groves, vineyards, ancient cities and tranquil villages that inspired the Impressionist masters ranks as a new personal favorite. To learn more visit www.thewayfarers.com

Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico:

I began 2008 hosting a photo theme cruise in Mexico’s nature-rich Sea of Cortez aboard American Safari Cruises’ 22-guest luxury yacht, Safari Quest. The photo-filled January itinerary featured whales, dolphins, scenery, and a week of pampered adventure, To learn more visit www.amsafari.com

Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah:

Acclaimed photographer Jan Butchofsky-Houser and I are just back from an active outdoor girls getaway at this top-rated destination spa. www.redmountainspa.com

Scotland, United Kingdom:

After a fifteen year absence, I was thrilled to return Scotland, to reconnect with friends, and to rediscover the magical country that inspired a lifetime of wandering. This exploratory 10-day visit took me to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Elgin. www.visitscotland.com

Jalisco, Mexico:

We’ve just returned from spending the past six months based out of the quiet Mexican village of San Antonio Tlayacapan, bordering the popular Lake Chapala expat community of Ajijic.

South America, Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.

This trip sees me sailing aboard Elegant Cruises vessel M.S. Andrea, an intimate 105-passenger luxury vessel. In addition to stays in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Montevideo, Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, this voyage also features smaller, lesser known ports of call unavailable to large cruise ships, places recognized by insiders for their natural beauty and wildlife, historic or cultural significance and quiet charm. (Elegant Cruises)

La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico.

This quirky little beach town on Mexico’s Costa Alegre (Happy Coast), just four hours south of Puerto Vallarta, might still be off the beaten path for mainstream travelers. But as we discovered during our month long stay, the once sleepy little fishing village is waking up.

Ireland:

A winter visit arriving and departing through Dublin with a focus on the north of Ireland, taking in Newcastle, St. Patrick’s Country, Strangford Lough ‘narrows, Dundrum Castle and Belfast. (Tourism Ireland)

Italy, Europe:

This exciting two-week journey includes visits to Rome, Florence, Venice, Stresa, the Isle of Capri, the ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and several of the prettiest hilltowns of Tuscany and Umbria.

European Alpine Countries .

This scenic tour includes three of Europe’s most picturesque alpine countries: Austria, Germany (Bavaria) and Switzerland with visits to Vienna, Salzburg, Oberammergau, Innsbruck, the Black Forest, Bern, Zermatt, Lucern and Zurich.

British Virgin Islands:

Crewed Yacht cruise with The Moorings (www.moorings.com). Itinerary includes: Benures Bay, Norman Island, Salt Island, Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island, the Baths, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, and Tortola. (June 28 - July 9,2006)

Follow up stay at Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda (www.Biras.com)

San Antonio Tlaycapan, Jalisco, Mexico:

This charming lakeside village situated on Lake Chapala near Guadalajara has become our winter home-away-from-home. You’ll find us there (when we’re not traveling) November through April. www.mexconnect.com

Nicaragua, Central America:

We spent a week last August touring and photographing this off-the-beaten path destination focusing on the loveliness of the Colonial architecture, the grandeur of the natural vistas and the friendliness of the people. VisitNicaragua.com

Newfoundland/Labrador, Canada:

A mid-July ten-day tour focuses on the natural beauty and Viking history of these two eastern provinces, including whale-watching cruise of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, visits to charming fishing villages and historic whaling ports, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park. Smithsonian Journeys with Collette Vacations

Curacao: Netherland Antilles:

For this mid-May island getaway, we rented a villa (an ideal alternative to the spoon-fed all-inclusive type of hotel vacation) on the west end of the island. Our goal - to hang out where the locals hang, eat at the local hot spots and do the things that any Curacaoan might do around the island. www.curacao-tourism.com

Cancun, Mexico :

The focus of this visit is Cancun ‘All Grown Up’, featuring Glazz Restaurant and Lounge, a trendy hotspot popular with more sophisticated Cancun visitors. www.glazz.com.mx

Australia/New Zealand:

A month-long November tour of the best of Australia and New Zealand takes in visits to both country’s scenic and cultural hotspots.

Maui, Hawaii:

A September ‘Maui for Life’ visit focuses on the destination as a mecca for ‘health tourists,’ health-conscious travelers seeking to add health and wellness treatments and workshops to their Hawaiian vacation. Activities include anti-aging treatments, bodywork and massage, island products, eco-adventure, native Hawaiian healing and indigenous practices, in addition to resort & day spas.(http://www.maui.net)

Costa Rica & Nicaragua, Central America.

A small-ship voyage with Linblad Expeditions aboard M.V. Voyager (http://www.expeditions.com)

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands:

A weeklong stay at the low-key Relais & Chateaux hideaway Biras Creek Resort, located on a private 140 acre Caribbean estate only accessible by boat. (http://www.biras.com)

US West National Parks.

A trip through five of America’s most splendid national parks; Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. (http://www.collettevacations.com)

Barbados Rum Crawl.

A weeklong visit included stops in some of the island’s 1,200 rum shops, a tour the island’s three main rum distilleries, and a 17th-century sugar plantation based from Cobbler’s Cove, an intimate Relais & Chateaux property on the island’s sparkling gold coast.(http://www.cobblerscove.com)

Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.

A six-month stay in this charming village popular with ex-pats, nearby residents of Guadalajara, artists and writers.(http://www.mexconnect.com)

Baja California, Mexico:

A luxurious yacht cruise of a Mexico seldom seen — the nature-rich Sea of Cortes — aboard American Safari Cruises’ 22-passenger Safari Quest. (http:// www.amsafari.com)

Wildlife Safari: Kenya, East Africa.

A deluxe 12-day Kenya safari includes visits to Amboseli National Park, Sweetwaters Tented Camp at Ol Pejeta Ranch and Rhino Reserve, the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary, world-renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club, and the unspoiled savannah of the Maasai Mara,. (http:// www.micato.com)

Ireland.

Beginning in Shannon and concluding in Limerick, this week-long tour includes castles, cooking and equestrian schools, pubs, crafts, the rugged Comeragh Mountains, Waterford, and much more. (http:// www.irelandvacations.com)

Canadian Heli-Hiking, British Columbia.

A luxurious heli-hiking adventure through the breathtaking wilds of western Canada. (http:// www.cmhhike.com)

England.

Beginning and ending in London, this visit takes in the country’s four major regions—The South of England, Heart of England, East of England, and England’s North Country— offering majestic moorland and craggy peaks, lush green fields and fens, wide sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and historic cities. (http://www.visitbritain.com/)

Puerto Rico, Porta del Sol.

A water sports and soft adventure themed visit to the little-known western region of Puerto Rico, Porta del Sol. (http://www.gotopuertorico.com/)

Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico.

48 Hours in each of these Northern New Mexico towns known for their unique sense of style, architecture, art and culture. This visit includes museums, historic properties, art galleries, shopping, nightlife, and spa services. (http://www.santafe.org,http://www.taoschamber.com)

Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago:

Buccoo, Tobago - 78thAnnual Buccoo Goat Race Festival. (http://www.visittnt.com)

Bahamas Cruise:

Sailing cruise aboard Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf calling at Salt Cay (Nassau), Green Turtle Cay, Half Moon Cay, Bimini and Key West. (http://www.windstarcruises.com)

Mexico, Southern Pacific Coast:

A visit to the coastal communities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo (http://www.ixtapa-zihuatanejo.com)

Caribbean Cruise:

Sailing cruise aboard Star Clippers’ flagship vessel, Royal Clipper, calling at Barbados, Carriacou, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St. Vincent, Bequia, St. Lucia and Martinique. (http://www.starclippers.com)

Paradise Island, Bahamas:

Spa visit, Mandara Spa, Atlantis resort. (http://www.atlantis.com)

Riviera Maya, Mexico:

Cultural-Adventure tour of this popular vacation destination. (http://www.cancun.com)

Belize: Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort:

A luxurious all-inclusive eco-sensitive resort on the southern coast of Belize. (http://www.kanantik.com)

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada:

A visit to the lakefront community of Kelowna, situated in the heart of the scenic Okanagan Valley. Trip features golf, water activities, and winery tours. (http://www.kelowna.com)

Alaska Yacht Cruise, Inside Passage:

An intimate journey aboard a 105-foot luxury yacht cruising Alaska’s inside passage from Juneau to Prince Rupert. Trip highlights include an off-the-beaten track itinerary with visits to native villages, fishing towns, wildlife sanctuaries, flightseeing over LeConte Glacier, sea kayaking and much more. The dream Alaskan vacation. (http://www.amsafari.com)

Morocco, North Africa:

Marrakesh, Quarzazate, Dades and Draa Valleys, Zagora, Erg Chebbi, Erfound, Ziz Valley, Fez, Aoufouss, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Meknes AND 10-day Moroccan Sahara camel trek with adventure travel experts Mountain Travel Sobek. (http://www.mtsobek.com)

Santa Fe, New Mexico:

New Mexico’s capital city, dubbed ‘The City Different’ is famous for its art, tri-cultural heritage (Native American, Hispanic and Anglo) and exotic allure. (http://www.santafe.org)

Myanmar (Burma):

Chindwyn River cruise aboard the expedition style cruiser, Road to Mandalay. A 9 day journey through a remote region rarely visited by travelers. (http://www.orient-express.com)

Transatlantic Ocean Voyage:

A three-week ocean voyage aboard the world’s largest tall ship, Royal Clipper, departing Cannes, France with ports of call in Barcelona, Majorca,and Malaga, Spain, Casablanca, Morocco, and the Canary Islands concluding in Barbados. (http://www.starclippers.com)

New Year’s Getaway, Pasadena, CA:

Rose Bowl Parade, Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo. (http://www.collettevacations.com)

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma):

A once-in-a-lifetime trip aboard the infamous Eastern & Orient Express Rail Trip is complemented by a memorable Burmese voyage aboard E&O-owned Road to Mandalay River Cruiser. (http://www.reefnrail.com/EOE.htm)

Adventure Sailing in the Virgin Islands:

Sailing aboard the 32-passenger luxury yacht Arabella this itinerary explores the remote bays and islands of the US and British Virgin Islands. (http://www.cruisearabella.com)

Malaysia:Kuala Lumpor, Pangkor Laut:

A visit to Pangkor Laut Resort, one of southeast Asiaís best kept secrets. An intimate private island jet-set hideaway. (http://www.pangkorlautresort.com)

Singapore: Food Festival.

A month-long extravaganza offering a sizzling platter of great food and other gourmet pleasures. (http://www.singaporefoodfestival.com)

Bahamas: Abacos.

A visit to Bahama’s picturesque ‘out islands’ including Great Abaco & Green Turtle Cay. (http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bsabin01.htm)

Scandinavia:

Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens, Flam Train, Fjord Cruise, Briksdal Glacier, Loen, Lillehammer, Oslo, Stockholm. (http://www.collettevacations.com)

Caribbean, Dominican Republic:

Puerto Plata, Santa Domingo, Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavon, Punta Cana. (http://www.dominicanrepublic.com)

Canadian Rockies:

Vancouver, Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Yoho, Revelstocke & Glacier National Parks, Lake Louise, Jasper, Peyto Lake, Banff, Columbia Icefields, Calgary. (http://www.collettevacations.com)

Bermuda:

SATW National Convention. (http://www.satw.org)

Northern California:

Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Virginia City.

California Coast:

San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey, Solvang, L.A., San Diego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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