I’ve been doing some research on island and their beaches, and Bermuda has cropped up in that research.  It’s one of those places that I forget about until I run across it, and then I think, “Oh yeah, why don’t I ever check out Bermuda?”
So check it out, I did, and boy – have I been missing a lot!
Turns out that Bermuda is not just one island, but 138 islands, although when someone says Bermuda chances are they are referring to the main island.  Bermuda is an affluent country, and although it has over 300 beaches, tourism ranks #2 behind …read more

Special events call for special trips and destinations.  And what could be more special than a vacation, with your closest family and friends, spent on a private island?  Not a hotel, not even an exclusive resort, but an entire island with luxurious accommodations that will celebrate a special life occasion in style.
You don’t have to be a celebrity, or come as part of their entourage, but you do have to have money.
Little Whale Cay, a private island in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, is available for parties of up to 12 to rent out.  The 93-acres island has …read more

I’m trying to come up with a warm weather vacation spot for this fall.  Since it’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Caribbean, I thought this might be a good time to plan a return trip.  Barbados, an island that I’ve not yet visited, is looming at the top of a pretty short list.
Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:

I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.
It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over …read more

I’m just back from Cancun, Mexico, and despite dire warnings and precautions from lots of well meaning friends and acquaintances, Mexico held no fear for me.
First off, let me address the swine flu issue, and why that didn’t concern me.

As an adult in good health, with no immune system issues nor other special health concerns, I am not in a high risk category for picking up any kind of bug – whether here at home or in another country.
When I’m working, I come in contact with hundreds of people a day (and their trash), so I’m exposed to lots and …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes compliments of Kevin Crain, the reservation manager at Villa Verano.  I met Kevin at a trade show last year, and although I have not had the opportunity to visit his property, I’ve had my eye on it for awhile.
Villa Verano is a vacation rental located in the most elite residential neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, on the beach in Conchas Chinas.  You’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay of Banderas, and a steps away from the beach.
The villa is privately owned, but is occasionally available for rental.  This is luxury at its finest, and you …read more

Tax day is here, and this always makes me think of those scofflaws who hide all sorts of money and assets in the Cayman Islands.  Maybe it’s because I’ve been watching too many movies, but some year on Tax Day I want to be in the Caymans. 
The Cayman Islands consist of three British Crown islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea.  Grand Cayman is the more populated of the three islands, and is a popular stop for cruise ships.  Besides hiding assets, the Caymans are a popular spots for beach lovers, divers, and …read more

I’m more of a sun junkie than a snow junkie, and this time of year I’d rather be enjoying a beach rather than skiing down the slopes.
 

 
A recent visit to Mazatlan revealed a nearly deserted beach.  After taking in this view from my balcony, it was an easy decision to change into a bathing suit and catch a little sun time in the remaining afternoon hours.
The peaceful feeling of sun, waves, and sand makes me smile even now.
Where do you prefer your relaxation – sun or snow?
 
Check out this list of other great Photo Friday travel photos from some …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday is one that I picked up on a visit to Mazatlan just awhile back.  The Playa Mazatlan is one of the few hotels that I’ve been to recently that still allows smoking in the rooms.
Playa Mazatlan is located in the Golden Zone (or Zona Dorada, if you prefer), an area on the beach that caters to tourists with hotels, shopping, dining, and nightlife.  While there is much to do is this area, I much prefer the historic center of town, about 15
The hotel has about a quarter mile of sandy beach, great for lounging, and …read more

Saint Maarten on the Dutch Side and Sint Martin on the French side, is a small two nation island in the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean.  The south half of the island is Dutch, the most populated nation on the island, and the north half is French.
Tourism is the main business of the island, with over a millions tourist flocking to the sunny beaches, nightlife, and true duty free shopping that the island offers.
I’m trying to figure out a way to be one of those one millions tourists in the not too distant future.
Anyone visited recently?  Would love any …read more

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a popular Mexico travel destination, appreciated mostly for it’s location on the Pacific Ocean.  It is a port of call for many cruise lines.
Given its location on the ocean, Puerto Vallarta is very popular with boaters, and sailboats are a common sight. 
Enjoying a sunset cruise, whether on a private vessel such as this one, or on one of the many rentals, is a popular way to spend an evening.
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
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