Q6. Any negatives about Argentina?

A6. The thing I dislike the most about my adopted second home is the time in which most people eat dinner.  I grew up eating dinner every night at 6:30PM.  When I moved to New York City for Graduate School I begrudgingly began eating at 8PM to accommodate my friends.  However, most Argentineans do not sit down to eat until 11PM and there have been many occasions where I have even eaten after midnight.  This has been the hardest thing for my Argentinean husband to adapt to now that he is living in the United States.  Other than that, how can you find anything negative about a country where it is normal to see people dancing tango in the streets? Okay, maybe the traffic there drives me a little crazy sometimes too!

Q7. What was your worst experience during your travels?

A7. Despite my undying love for travel, I have had some horrible moments on the road.  Nonetheless, I strongly believe that in order to experience and appreciate the best of life you have to experience the worst as well.  I think the worst was in Madrid, Spain.  I had just come from the train station where I had purchased tickets to Toledo, when I realized that my wallet and brand new camera had been stolen from my purse while I was on the subway on New Year’s Eve.  Inside my wallet, which I had bought the day before with my Christmas money at Prada, were the train tickets, my beloved passport, my money, my license, and my credit cards.  I think I lost about $2,000 that day, plus all of my priceless photos.  I definitely learned to be more aware of my surroundings after that.

Q8. If you could change three things about your wedding what would they be?

A8. I would have had my Grandparents there (they were not in good enough health to fly), I would have had pink peonies as my bouquet (they were impossible to find in Buenos Aires that time of the year), and I would not have stressed out as much I did on the Big Day (all that really matters at the end of the day is the marriage, not the wedding).

Q9. What country were you the most nervous about visiting?  When you arrived how did you feel?

A9. Without a doubt Cuba, simply because I was sneaking into the country illegally and the penalty of getting caught can be either a hefty fine or jail time.  Thankfully, I did not get caught, but I did experience some major nerves passing through customs going and coming.

Q10. If you have visitors coming to your hometown for the day, where do you take them?

A10. It really depends on what time of the year it is, but a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina would absolutely require a dinner at my Dad’s restaurant the Cajun Queen.  It is the best food in the Queen City, plus there is live jazz!  I would also take visitors for a stroll in our lovely Uptown with a stop at the Mint Museum and drinks at the Ritz Carlton.

For this giveaway I am offering the chance to win a LUXE Asian Grand Tour Box.  This unique, textured, and hand-drawn Oriental toile de Jouy features exquisitely detailed vignettes of Asia’s major city landmarks and local scenes, in a dazzling, modern design.  In intense firecracker scarlet over black, the collection holds eight guides including: Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crete

This island is the largest of the Greek islands.  Its main town Malia is a party-loving destination, which is as hedonistic as Ibiza.  If that is what you are looking for that is fine, but if not, there are many other Crete attractions for you to explore.  Some beautiful beaches, mountains, and amazing gorges for starters.  In fact, Samaria Gorge is the biggest in Europe.  Great if you want to enjoy some hiking.  The trail here is a manageable ten miles.  Rather you than us!  A trip to Knossos Palace will woo those who like a bit of history with their holiday.  It dates back to the ancient Minoan civilization.

Rhodes

This island nestles into the Turkish coastline and boasts a mild climate all year round.  If you are choosing it for your cheap or all-inclusive holiday this year, it has lots going on.  Rhodes Old Town is only part of the story for history buffs.  Lindos, a pretty mountain town, has its own Acropolis, which is worth the climb.  There are plenty of other ancient sites to discover on the island too.  But, of course, it is a holiday and you will be looking for great beaches and probably some nightlife.  You will not be disappointed.  Faliraki is party central on Rhodes, so head there if you are looking for constant fun.  If something more chilled out and relaxing is your preference, then check out the beaches.  Faliraki Beach is busy, yet beautiful, and Ixia Beach is great for surfing.  Prassonissi Beach is favored by wind surfers at the height of summer.  It has two sandy coves and an island that is close enough to swim or walk to depending on the tide.  One of the best beaches is Tsambika, which is calm with beautiful turquoise waters and golden sands.  Wish you were there?

Kos

Kos is close enough to Rhodes and to Bodrum in Turkey for a day trip by boat.  That is if you can tear yourself away from this gorgeous island.  If you stay put, there are great beaches and lots of historic sites to visit.  See the Temple of Asclepeion near to Kos Town, where Hippocrates practiced the first medicine, or the ancient market ruins, which are in the town’s center.  Tigaki Beach has ten kilometers of white sand and shallow waters, thus it is great for families.  Kefalos claims the most stunning beach on the island, whilst the long beach nearby, Exotic (to give it its common name), has everything you need to enjoy some calm, relaxing time in the sun.

Whichever Greek island you choose for your cheap or all-inclusive break, we know you will love it!

Accra Beach

Situated on the south coast of the island, Accra is a great all-round beach.  It is wide, beautifully sandy, offers great swimming, and has perfect little coves for children to safely play in.  Loungers are available here and you are not far from plenty of kiosks, shops, and places to eat.

Sandy Lane

If beaches could be luxurious, then Sandy Lane would be the epitome of that sandy luxury.  Situated by some of Barbados’ most expensive houses and hotels, the swimming is wonderful and there are also plenty companies offering water sports and suchlike from the beach.  Popular with celebrities who holiday on the island, it exudes a certain glamour.

Ju Ju’s Beach

For the freshest of fresh fish, head to Ju Ju’s Beach on the west coast of the island.  It is not the place to go seeking solitude, as it can get busy, but it does boast Ju Ju’s Beach Bar where you can get grilled fish and a drink to cool you down, particularly if you have been busy snorkeling with the turtles that swim nearby.  As with many Barbadian beaches, you will find vendors who will rent you a lounger for the duration of your visit.

Bottom Bay

Away from the crowds, Bottom Bay in the south-east of the country may lack the facilities of the larger and more famous beaches, but this makes it perfect for a quieter escape.  Protected by cliffs and fringed by coconut trees, this is a romantic, untouched spot that is worth that little bit of effort to get to.

Silver Rock Beach

If water sports are more your thing, Silver Rock Beach offers some of the best windsurfing on the island.  Strong currents mean the area is not ideal for swimming, but if you do enjoy windsurfing or even kitesurfing, there are kiosks here that can arrange for you to get out on to the water.

Q1. I know that you and I share a love for Brasil.  Why is Brasil your favorite country?  And what specific place was your favorite there and why?

A1. I have never quite felt “at home” anywhere, except for the first time I traveled to Brasil and of course every time I have returned since then.  It was such a powerful feeling of never, ever wanting to leave.  I am not sure that I can even put into words why the destination pulled at my heartstrings so strongly — it just did.  I am simply obsessed with the land, the culture, the people, the food, the language, and the music.  I have also had a lot of unforgettable milestones happen there as well, such as it being the first country where I took a solo trip without speaking the native language, the country in which I became engaged, and finally the country where I honeymooned.  Each place I have had the fortune to visit in Brasil is special to me in some way, however my favorite is definitely Buzios.  Both my husband and I think it is the most perfect spot in the world and we hope to one day own a pousada there.

Q2. Why do you believe it is so important for people to experience travel?

A2. I think travel is so important because it fundamentally transforms us into better people.  It educates us, slows us down, connects us, awakens curiosity within us, heals us, teaches us patience, tolerance, and most importantly to love our neighbors.

Q3. I know this may be hard, but what was your least fave place to visit?

A3. I am probably going to upset a lot of people with my answer, but the country I have least connected with during my travels was Scotland.  Now, I was only there for less than a week in the dead of winter and I did not venture outside of Edinburgh, so I am absolutely open to exploring the country again, but that part of the world does not fascinate me very much.  I would much rather visit South America, Africa, Asia or even Eastern Europe.

Q4. What is your favorite game, that is, animals? 

A4. If by game you mean any animal hunted for food/sport and is not normally domesticated, I would have to say none, as I am a vegetarian.  My favorite animal in the world though is the elephant.  I think it is the most majestic creature to walk this planet!

Q5. Been in Tanzania?  How do you rank it in terms of attractions?  What was you best experience?  Would you like to recommend it to travelers worldwide?

A5. Behind Antarctica, my #1 dream destination is Tanzania.  Unfortunately, I have not been there yet, but I am determined to visit as soon as possible.  I cannot wait to scuba dive in Zanzibar, elephant watch in the Serengeti, and climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

For this giveaway I am offering the chance to win a brand-new luxurious quilted passport cover.  A jetsetter has to travel in style!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The MGM Grand

If you like to live large and in charge, then this is the casino for you.  This is the largest casino in the city and it really does live up to its name.  It is huge and it provides plenty of great casino games for everyone.  It does not matter if you think of yourself as a card player, a slots player, or a roulette table player.  They are all there and they are all waiting for you to win.  You could spend every minute at just this one hotel in Vegas and still miss a thing or two.  Its popularity is known all over the world, and it only takes one visit to become the next big winner.

Caesars Palace

This is yet another world famous iconic casino that offers something for everyone, but with a different setting. The first thing you will notice is the exotic décor that welcomes you the moment your arrive.  From the beautiful water fountains to the gorgeous stone pillars, this casino will transport you back to the time of the early Romans.  Instead of competing in the Roman Colosseum, try your hand at one of the many fun and exciting poker games. Who knows, maybe you will walk away the next big winner!  It happens more often than you think.

The Luxor Casino

If the idea of travelling back in time to the Roman empire does not sound like such a good idea to you, then try your luck at huge golden pyramid casino called the Luxor.  For twenty years this casino has been making winners out of everyday people.  Choose from fun and exciting games like Blackjack, or try your luck at one of the many slot machines that bring in the crowds.  It can be really difficult to ignore all of the excitement that is in the air once you enter this casino.

If you are planning a visit to the fabulous city of Las Vegas, then make sure you have enough time to visit at least one of these great casinos.  If you have enough time, you should visit all three!

Jim Dalton is a freelance writer who loves spending an evening in a crowded casino.  He has had his fair share of winnings in the past few years and he has made frequent visits to all of these fun and exciting casinos. 

The entire menu looked delicious, so we asked for one of everything!

Then it was time to explore the hotel’s massive grounds.  We were also on a quest to find some more Rum Swizzle!

Our first stop, although very brief, was to the property’s marina, which is so gorgeous I felt like I was staring at a painting.  I cannot imagine a more picturesque place in the world to dock my boat.

When staying at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point, you will find that throughout the day there is a non-stop transportation service that takes guests from the hotel’s lobby to the Beach Club in five minutes time.  The Beach Club features Bermuda’s largest private beach and has two freshwater swimming pools.

Tucker’s Point Beach is easily one of the best on the island.  The pink sand is so vibrant and the water is so inviting — what more could you ask for?  Plus, my husband and I had it completely to ourselves!

We could have easily spent the rest of our day there, but because we were visiting during the low-season, there was no nearby food or drink service and we were going through Rum Swizzle withdrawal.  So, we did what we had to do, and returned to the hotel to spend some time by the infinity pool.

Thankfully, as soon as we sat down, a waiter brought us menus and sure enough they offered Rum Swizzle.  The next couple of hours were spent appreciating the incredible moment we were experiencing at one of our new favorite hotels.

On the way back to our room we walked by yet another enticing pool, which of course we had to go for a quick dip in.

It started to drizzle and we took that as a sign our pool time was over for the day.  While I was getting ready for dinner, I just so happened to look outside the bathroom window and saw the following glorious sight.

It was the perfect goodbye from Bermuda, a country I have no doubt that we will return to over and over again.

Solving All Your Problems

However, it does not have to be like this.  With private villa holidays you can have your own little slice of holiday that you do not have to share with all the other holidaymakers.  With private accommodation in the form of a beautiful villa, there is no queuing for the breakfast buffet only to find they are out of eggs; there is no fighting for the best spot in the sun around the pool — all you have to worry about is doing exactly what you want to, when you want to do it.

A private or secluded villa cuts you off from all the other tourists and gives you the chance to really relax.  Why share your holiday with half the population of your hometown?  These couple of weeks a year should be sacred and special and nothing should stand in the way of that.

Affordable Options

Of course, you might be thinking that having your own private villa is going to be very expensive, but that does not have to be the case either.  With affordable villas in Majorca by Villas4You you can enjoy a cheap villa in one of Spain’s very best holiday destinations.  Beat the crowds, enjoy your holiday at your own pace, and really relax while you are away.

A summer holiday should be the time of year when you do not have to worry about noisy neighbors.  It is the one time that you really get to be selfish and enjoy the things that you love doing.  So why put up with the stress of having to compete with thousands of other people all trying to enjoy their holidays in their own personal way?  With a private villa, you are really on your own and that is the way a great holiday should be.

Transportation

Paris is the most popular destination in France, and for good reason.  This city houses the famed Eiffel Tower and some of the most high-end gourmet food in the world.  One unavoidable cost while visiting Paris is local travel.  Some may be tempted to hire cab drivers for ease and availability, but this is often the most expensive choice.  A far better option is the Paris Metro.  This quick and easy mode of transportation is readily available and cost efficient.  Even better is the option to purchase a carnet, which is a more affordable packet of ten subway tickets for those anticipating more than one trip.

Timing

Take care to book a holiday during the city’s less-crowded time frames, usually August or March.  The busiest days of the year tend to focus around popular celebrations, such as Christmas, or fashion events like Fashion Weeks during late June and early October.  When avoiding the most crowded occasions, tourists find more reasonable hotel rates and restaurant prices.

Entertainment

There are many things to enjoy during a stay in Paris as the city hosts a wide array of gastronomic and artistic delights.  Museums in Paris can be accessed for free when using a comprehensive museum pass.  Rather than pay for each museum individually, this pass allows entry to all the most famous museums without costing a fortune.  Since many of France’s taxes cover landscaping upkeep, a visit to a park is both free and beautiful.  Those traveling with children especially may consider this an economical option for a way to spend the day, as many parks contain playgrounds with toys suitable for the younger set.  Most parks also offer free Wi-Fi, which is often an expensive upgrade at most hotels, thereby saving travelers that added expense.

Food

Eating out will likely be the costliest expense most vacationers incur while spending a holiday in Paris.  Still, there are ways to cut down on the expense and still enjoy the world-renown gourmet food offered here.  Paris houses many local markets that sell fresh produce, baguettes, and cheese for a fraction of the cost of high-class restaurants.  Grab a bottle of local wine and some aged cheese at the market and enjoy a picnic on the bridge at a quarter of the price of dining out.  Skipping breakfast at the hotel for a quick pastry from a market will also guarantee savings, as hotel breakfasts are often five times the cost of a local confection.

These tips will ensure you enjoy your holiday to the fullest without a heavy heart from overspending!

When Andi became suddenly and unexplainably sick fifteen years ago, her mother Margit took on her daughter’s illness as a personal enemy.  “It almost killed me to see my child go from a nationally ranked swimmer to not being able to get out of bed,” says Margit.  A tireless search led them to what would be Andi’s ultimate relief: acupuncture.  Inspired by her own struggle and with her mother’s unwavering support, Andi is now a practicing Acupuncturist herself.

Margit: “Not only does Andi have the power to heal, she has the willingness to listen to people.”

Andi: “The beautiful thing at the end of the day is that I know my mom is always going to be there for me.”

In honor of my extraordinary Mother and all Mothers around the world, I am giving away a $40 gift certificate from one of my favorite companies Novica.  The winner is welcome to use their gift certificate to purchase whatever they would like from the website, however I suggest spending it on the most important woman in your life.  Check out their handmade Mother’s Day gifts, Mother’s Day earrings, Mother’s Day necklaces, and Mother’s Day handbags for gift ideas.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Impression

Tropical destinations are in high demand, although resorts as extraordinary as Rosewood Tucker’s Point, a Kiwi Collection recommended hotel, are in short supply.  This is a sanctuary where you will instantly feel as though you have truly escaped and where you can breathe a sigh of relief, as not only is your body on vacation, but both your mind and soul are afforded a brief respite from reality as well.  Rosewood is a global chain devoted to creating accommodations unlike any other.  Their philosophy is, “true world-class status is only achieved when a hotel or resort combines the traditions of its host community with exceptional service, a luxury product, and incredible attention to detail.”  They certaintely acheived their dream with the Tucker’s Point property!

Location

Rosewood Tucker’s Point has a unique location on the island of Bermuda.  It is nestled in Hamilton Parish on an award-winning golf course.  While it is not directly next to the ocean, it is only minutes away, and from most of the property there is a waterfront view of the beautiful Castle Harbour.

The Room

No matter which room you stay in you are guaranteed to be pleased, as Rosewood Tucker’s Point offers the finest accommodations on the island.  I highly recommend booking a corner suite, since then you will have a view of Castle Harbour and Castle Harbor pool with an even more expansive terrace.  Our room came with a King sized bed and was decorated in a classic British style with charming artwork, elegant fabrics, and wood furniture that was fit for royalty.

The Bathroom

Upon walking into the ensuite bathroom for the first time, there is no doubt that your first impression will be, “This is the most beautiful bathroom I have ever seen.”  The five-fixture bathrooms are customized with marble showers, stand-alone deep soaking tubs, and unique stone and wood finishes.

The Extras

If you can tear yourself away from your gorgeous room, the property offers a myriad of activities, such as three pools, a golf course, a fitness and dive center, tennis courts, an array of culinary venues, and Bermuda’s largest private beach at Tucker’s Point Club.  One of my favorite places was their sensational spa, which offers just about any treatment you could think of, although I must say that no matter where you are on the property you will be surrounded with the utmost of beauty.

Why It Is Andi’s Pick

The view from our room’s terrace made our time at Rosewood Tucker’s Point unforgettable.  We spent hours on it enjoying the fresh air and gentle breeze while dining, reading, or relaxing.  I will definitely find myself day dreaming about this spot for years to come.

Social Media

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook