Q11. If you could travel to one city for breakfast, one for lunch, another for dinner, and of course another for dessert, where would you go and what would you eat?

A11. This is probably my favorite question asked thus far since I love to eat!  For breakfast, I would travel to Brasil.  Brasilians know the importance of a good breakfast, which usually includes: omelets, fresh fruit and juice, cheeses, cakes, breads, strong coffee, and more.  For lunch, I would travel to Italy for endless bowls of homemade pasta and as much wine as I could drink.  For dinner, I would travel to Spain for a late night filled with tapas and cava.  Finally, for dessert, I would travel to Argentina for a huge scoop of dulce de leche ice cream.

Q12. You are the pro at making a long-distance relationship work!  Any tips?

A12. I honestly do not know how I survived a six year long-distance relationship?  After a day of work now, I miss my husband so much that my heart aches and I count the seconds until I can see him again!  Having said that, with love all things are possible and I wrote a very personal post about how to survive long-distance relationships here.

Q13. Where is your favorite island nation?

A13. I have a serious problem with falling in love with every island I visit and I simply cannot pick a favorite!  I was recently in Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos and I left a piece of my heart in both places.  I also have an affinity for New Caledonia and Cuba, as well as Ibiza and Easter Island (although I know the latter are not technically considered island nations).

Q14. Do you prefer traveling solo, or with your husband?  Why?

A14. Absolutely traveling with my husband!  I spent my 20′s exploring the world solo and those experiences made me the person I am today.  I think everyone, especially women, should travel solo at least once in their lifetime to a country where they do not speak the language.  I am so grateful that I followed my heart and traveled by myself, however traveling with my husband is the most extraordinary experience.  He is by far my favorite travel partner and definitely enriches traveling for me (plus, he carries my luggage and heavy camera gear).

Q15. If you had to give up practicing Chinese Medicine or traveling around the world, which would you give up?

A15. I think I might surprise some people with my answer, but I would give up traveling around the world.  As much joy as it brings me, healing people is my true calling in life.  I find it more fulfilling to help someone with their health problems than to cross off something from my Bucket List.  Nevertheless, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I never have to make that heartbreaking choice!

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Glamping guys and gals head for the best luxury campgrounds and the most fabulous resorts, making sure they have the hottest and newest gear and gadgets to hand.  Favorites include five-star amenities complete with spa facilities and gourmet dining; there is no need these days to sacrifice a high-end lifestyle when going on a safari!

There Is No Place Like Home

Even better than home, lodgings at glampsites come in a wide range of choices and cost from a modest $50 to thousands of greenbacks per night, depending on the added extras.  Top picks for glamping sites offer wonderful amenities such as ensuite washrooms, fresh bed linens, private verandas, and an excellent food service — all provided to enhance the enjoyment of luxury outdoor living.

Yurts are cool circular tents made from felt or skins positioned on a collapsible framework.  They are the traditional homes of nomads in Turkey, Siberia, and Mongolia.  For an alternative ethnic experience the US varieties are teepees or tipis; conical tents made of canvas, cloth, or skins on a frame of poles, as used by American Indians of the Plains and Great Lakes regions.  Then there are the iconic Airstream trailers, distinctive luxury recreational vehicles with rounded aluminum bodies, often fitted out with wood paneling, carpeting, leather chairs, television, and DVD players.  What is not to love?

Kinnikinnick Farm

The best way to get a kick out of the natural environment is to leave the city and the Chicago hotels to enjoy bivouacking in a luxury tent at friendly Kinnikinnick Farm near Chicago, which has a fabulous glamping site.

An organic, working farm Kinnikinnick is small and family-run and offers the opportunity to participate in farm work or to just sit back and enjoy watching family members do the seasonal chores.  Besides wonderful organic vegetables, many grown from seed direct from Italy, the farm raises its own chickens that supply delicious wholesome eggs, has a small herd of sheep, some hogs, a Nubian milk goat, and several family pets.

Named for the stream that runs through the farmland, Kinnikinnick is a snug, fertile oasis in the gently undulating hills of North Illinois.  This is tranquility personified for those who want to relax, great bike country for explorers, and fun for kids who love to ramble in the nearby woods.  Where else can they build forts, battle with squirt and soaker guns, wallow in a giant sandbox, and take part in the weekly Kinnikinnick treasure hunt?

Civilization is not far away if required.  Choose from live music performances, village festivals, county fairs and farm auctions, local history museum exhibits, and summer theater.  Above all, however you pass your time, enjoy the glamping experience!

1. Use hotel promotions: Booking your hotel room is the first and possibly the most expensive part of your travel.  The good news is that all of the most popular Las Vegas hotels offer promo codes year round that feature discounted rooms, suite upgrades, show tickets, spa credits, complimentary breakfast, and more.  If you book a Las Vegas hotel room without taking advantage of a promo code then you are already starting your vacation off on the wrong foot.  Even if you are not interested in buffets or Cirque du Soleil, saving money on your room just means you will have more to spend out on the town.

2. Read a map prior to travel: Some Las Vegas hotels are conveniently located at the center of the Strip, while others not so much.  It is possible to commit to walking everywhere from your chosen Las Vegas hotel, but at least familiarize yourself with a map of the city.  For example, someone who wants to see the Bellagio Fountains each night would not want to book a room at the Stratosphere.  Identify the spots you really want to spend time at and book a nearby hotel to eliminate transportation costs.  If you must travel around Sin City, take advantage of free Las Vegas transportation.

3. Stay focused at McCarran: It is widely recognized that some of the worst odds in Las Vegas can be found at McCarran International Airport.  If you are traveling to Vegas by plane, avoid the temptation to play the slots in your terminal and save your pennies and nickels for better odds on the Vegas Strip or downtown.

4. Cash-in on casino comps: If you are planning on gambling in Las Vegas, make sure that you are at a casino gratuitous with comps.  Getting free drinks with the chance of a jackpot is enough to make anyone giddy.  Maintain enough of your wits to gamble and be sure to tip the cocktail waitresses and you could end up drinking for free all night!  Plus, if you save money on the drinks then you will have more money to spend on online casino games once you return home.

5. Skip the nightclubs: Paying a cover to get into a nightclub is a surefire way to have an expensive night in Las Vegas, since after the cover you will still have to buy all your own drinks.  Unless you are a total babe, that is.  There are plenty of lounges and bars that are lively enough each night of the week.  Plus, these are the places that will have killer happy hour specials that will save you even more money.  Skip out on the sweaty body rubbing and post up at a cheaper Las Vegas bar.

6. Practice booze budgeting: Budgeting your money in Las Vegas is important if you plan on drinking, however it should really be practiced no matter what your purpose for travel is.  Having a plan of how much money you can afford to spend on meals, booze, attractions, and the like will keep you aware of where you stand financially and will allow you to spend money responsibly in Las Vegas.  Of course, it is easy to get carried away once you have started, but at least you can say you tried.

7. Strippers are expensive: This one probably goes hand in hand with number six.  Strip clubs, for men and women, can turn into a ridiculously expensive affair.  For those looking to spend as little money as possible in Las Vegas, strip clubs can be a disaster area.  Stay away from money vacuums or budget yourself accordingly.

8. Internet is too: Perhaps not so surprisingly, many Las Vegas hotels do not offer free wireless internet access or they include it in a hidden nightly resort fee that will really perturb you when you check out.  If the hotel you are looking at offers complimentary wireless internet, check if they charge a resort fee.  Internet can be an expensive amenity in Las Vegas.  Decide if you will need it or not as part of your hotel booking process.

9. Free is better: Not everything in Las Vegas is shiny and expensive!  Okay, most things are at least shiny.  It is true that the majority of shows and attractions are expensive, but there are also a wide variety of free things in Las Vegas.  During the day, learn to play a casino game for free at your Las Vegas hotel or take a walk around the Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat to kill time.  At night check out free light shows like the Bellagio Fountains or Fremont Street Experience.  Exploring the internet before you travel will give you a good idea of where to be and when for free fun.

10. Avoid hotel gift shops: Avoid Las Vegas hotel gift shops like the plague since they are guaranteed to be very overpriced.  Do not feel bad if you head home souvenir-less.  There is always next time!

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.

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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.

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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!