Malaysia is not a country on the to-visit list of most Americans. It can be hard to get to (it’s a full day-plus-some from the West Coast), but this exotic Southeast Asia country offers some of the best value luxury experiences in the region. Set aside your preconceived notions about this predominantly Muslim country, and be prepared for some great history, cultural, shopping, art, and food experiences in this fascinating corner of the world. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, Click here to enjoy my photo essay on this compelling value luxury travel destination. Note: I visited Malaysia in November 2014 as part of a press trip organized by Tourism Malaysia.
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Mother Nature: A Fickle Photo Essay of Spring
Mother Nature can be a fickle friend, teasing us with sun and blooms one day and the next sending showers bordering on snow. As travelers, we learn to make the best of it, ducking into a museum in inclement times and walking in the park in better ones. Despite a Spring with weather all over the map (literally and figuratively), I still marvel at what Mother Nature has wrought. Ah, springtime! While in Dublin you confused me into thinking I was back home in Seattle. Overcast days, a spot of rain now and again, and a peek of blue sky. We layered up to walk around the cemeteries and ruins outside of Dublin. And when we finally got to the gardens at Powerscourt, we were rewarded with a bit of blue sky and a hint of sun. After Dublin it […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Art of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice
No matter where you are in Venice, it seems like there’s an arrow pointing you to San Marco Piazza. And why not? Along with the gondolas on the Grand Canal, the piazza is one of the most popular spots in a city that’s full of popular spots. The Piazza fronts Saint Mark’s Basilica, a Catholic Cathedral and the most famous church in the city. It’s Byzantine architecture and grand design has been a symbol of the power and wealth of Venice for over 10 centuries. This photo is of the lower lower level of the Basilica, and is one of the arched portals that is surrounded by columns. The arch is above a set of bronze doors than open into the interior of the cathedral, where even more awe inducing art and architecture is found. The interior is probably best […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Wisteria on Capri
From Sorrento, a visit to the island of Capri is a short boat ride away, making it an easy day trip. In high season, reservations may be important, but otherwise just head down to Marina Grande, figure out your timing, and buy a ticket. The ticket will depend on the time of boat service and the current Euro exchange rate, but figure about $15-17 and allow 20-30 minutes transport time. Before you go to the island, though, learn how to correctly. It’s pronounced CAH-pree. The often heard cuh-PREE is a pair of pants. Locals will know what you’re talking about if you say it incorrectly, but what not try for a little authenticity. Once on the island, visitors typically either head off for a tour of the famous Blue Grotto, or take the funicular up to Capri Town. The town […]
Read More5 Less Visited European Destinations That are Worth the Trip
Today I have a guest post that going to push us onto a different path, the less traveled one, as we visit another side of Europe. —- Many of us, who have traveled Europe extensively, know the continent’s greatest and most popular resorts and have grown tired of the tourist traps and overcrowded summer seasons. With so many well established resorts available, it’s easy to overlook some of Europe’s most charming destinations that are just a bit off the beaten path. These are destinations that can offer the same level of services, better views and a guarantee that you will still have the best holiday ever, with a wide range of prices to suit every budget. All the great stuff, but without the melting pot of tourism. So open your hearts and minds and dare to explore Europe all over […]
Read MoreTop 10 Things To Do In London For A Wheelchair User
Today I have a guest post on a topic I know very little about – accessible travel. I take for granted getting up and down stairs, walking down narrow cobblestone streets, and making plans with very little thought. While not every traveler is as carefree with planning their vacation, accessibility is no longer the barrier to travel that it once was. Here’s what you can expect from accessible London —- Many of the tourist attractions in London are wheelchair friendly, although some are unfortunately entirely inaccessible. Here is a list of what I feel are the top ten wheelchair friendly things to do in London, but if you have something else in mind that does not appear on this list, just call ahead to check accessibility or to organize special assistance. Calling ahead is particularly important if you are travelling […]
Read MoreCoral Reefs and Ancient History: Exploring Egypt
Today I have a guest post about a fascinating part of the world, Egypt. It offers so many things to see, do, and experience, it’s hard to know where to start. Amanda starts with diving in the Red Sea. —- When vacationing in Egypt there are countless wonders to capture the imagination. From the natural coral reefs to ancient historical sites, Egypt will never fail to amaze. Despite the geological structure of the Red Sea often constraining the development of coral reefs, coastal Egypt is rich in these wonderful natural formations. As a consequence of this, the area has recently become a hot spot for divers with the area around Sharm-el-Sheikh fast becoming one of the best dive sites in the world. The site boasts 65 km of long reefs which are among the most spectacular of any on the […]
Read MoreHotel Review: ARIA Hotel at City Center, Las Vegas
Earlier this month, while I was in Las Vegas for Blog World & New Media Expo, I had the pleasure of staying at the ARIA Hotel at City Center. Over the years, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in Las Vegas. It’s a haven for conference, convention, and trade shows, and at only a couple hours out of Seattle, it’s a popular choice for a quick getaway weekend. I’m not jaded at everything that the city has to offer, it’s just that I’ve seen most of it and so it takes a lot to impress me. But impress it did! Like most hotel properties on the strip, ARIA is best reached from the airport via cab. The fare from the airport to the hotel will run about $15-16, including tip and the required airport add-on fee. The […]
Read MoreThe East & West Bank of Luxor, Egypt
River cruising has become a popular option with cruise lovers, offering a smaller, more intimate experience, as well as the opportunity to visit destination not otherwise accessible by larger ships. It’s also a way many novice travelers choose to visit more exotic locations, providing them with the security and comfort of luxury holidays while still allowing them a bit of adventure. A little taste of a destination on a cruise often leads to a return visit. A cruise in Egypt has become a popular choice, giving travelers an opportunity to see an ancient country fully engaged in modern day. It doesn’t hurt that it has nearly year round sunny weather, either! And seeing the country on a cruise gives travelers the security of fresh drinkable water, ice, and safe food. When most people think of Egypt they think of the […]
Read MoreHow Do You Define Adventure Travel?
Adventure. It’s different things to different people. And when it comes to adventure holidays, those definitions are all over the map – literally and figuratively. Fortunately adventure travel has become broad enough to include everything from cultural interactivity to adrenaline pumping action in a way that lets travelers create an experience that they’ll never forget. Let’s explore the spectrum of adventure for a few ideas and possibilities, in turn getting you thinking about which adventures might turn into probabilities. Adrenaline rush adventure. For me, this is climbing a mountain, scaling a rock formation, serious white water rafting, or some other high fitness, high adrenaline level activity. (It often evokes thoughts of snow, very cold weather, and icicles forming on my eyebrows.) This is not my cup of adventure tea, but I know several people who find these ideas exciting and […]
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