One of the highlights of my vacation has been the opportunity to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia.

I’ve been interested in Dubrovnik for years, long before Croatia separated from the former Yugoslavia.  The area was, at least I was led to believe, the area the maternal side of my family hailed from.

I have lots of restaurant, hotel, and attraction recommendations that I’ll be sharing over the next couple of months.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Regular readers already know that I’ll be leaving for a trip to Italy next month.  For the last several weeks, you’ve probably noticed a little more Italian-themed posts creeping into the blog.

When I was asked if I’d like to review the movie Enchanted April, being released on DVD today, you know that I jumped at the opportunity.

Enchanted April is the story of two English women who decide to liven up their dreary lives by doing the unthinkable – renting a castle on the Italian Riviera, complete with staff. 

In 1920’s London, this degree of independence by women, to say nothing of deciding to spend their husband’s money in this way, is nothing short of daring.  In order to afford a month on the Riviera, the women must share the expenses with two other women, one a crusty and lonely widow, and the other a beautiful and aristocratic flapper.

These four women settle into a spectacular castle, draped with wisteria vines, and surrounded by beautiful, sunny gardens.  As you might expect when you throw together such an eclectic mix of personalities, there are fits and starts of friendship and pique, before a rhythm of life and friendship settles in.  By the time the husbands show up at the castle, the women have found new meaning in their life, and you know they’ll return to London with a renewed sense of purpose and joi de vivre.

I enjoyed the movie, not only for its rich, lush photography of Italy, teasing me that I’ll be there soon, but also because of how it explores the nature of women’s friendships.  As rich and lush as the scenery, if perhaps just a bit more complicated.  You can watch and decide for yourself.

After watching the film the first time, I’d recommend watching it a second time with the feature commentary.  It’s a second look at the movie, this time through the eyes of the director and producer.  They talk about why they made the choices they did, how they envisioned the characters and their friendships, and it’s a great way of exploring the movie a little more in depth.

The cast includes:  Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright, and Polly Walker as the four Englishwomen, and Alfred Molina and Jim Broadbent as the husbands.  The film received two Golden Globes, and was nominated for three Oscars.  You can now purchase it on DVD through your local store or online.

OR – you can enter for a chance to win a copy of the DVD right here at Flyaway Cafe!  Thanks Miramax and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment!

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite place in Italy (whether you’ve been there or just dream of being there).  I’ll keep the comments open until Friday at midnight (Pacific Time), and then pick a random winner.  

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Miramax and Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

There are lots of reasons to that I love to travel, and one of those reasons is to enjoy the sand, surf, and sun of a Caribbean beach.  While the weather is improving here in Seattle, it’s still not shorts and t-shirt weather.  And those are just a couple reasons why I’ll be heading off to Mexico next week.

And here’s another:

I’m taking lots of common sense precautions, the kind that we should all take whether we’re traveling or at home, and heading off for a bit of a sun fix.  Besides, it’s time to take a few more photos to keep me company during the long rainy season here.

Are you traveling?  Are you changing your plans?  Have you scratched Mexico off your vacation list?

Photo credit:  personal collection

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 can make arrangements for a private chef and staff to cater to your every whim.  Enjoy some time by the pool, or walk down the stairs to the beach – although you’re walking distance away from shops, restaurant,s and nightlife, you may not want to leave.

Big sigh!

Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a special getaway, this romantic destination is to die for.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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 the grounds are nicely landscaped.  The bougainvillea is lush and brightly colored, and the palm thatched palapas are a nice treat.

One little differentiating amenity of the hotel is that in addition to the chaise lounges around the pool, they have rocking chairs off to one side.  I saw people there in the early morning having a cup of coffee and late night having that one last cocktail.  And these rockers weren’t just for senior citizens, either.  There was a nice assortment of age groups represented.

The Hotel Playa Mazatlan is located at Avenue Playa Gaviotas #202, in the Zona Dorada, in Mazatlan.

Image credit:  personal collection

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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 information and feedback.

Photo credit:  flickr

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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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Q.  If I told you that there was a pre-paid ticket for you at the airport to anywhere in the world that you’d like to go, but the flight leaves soon, how long would it take you to pack and be out the door?  Seriously now, you have to pack – how long would it take you to pack?  And what would you take?

A.  I need to make sure that YOU have MY phone number, because if you ever want to put this to a real test, I’m game!

Since I keep a bag partially packed, all my toiletries and cosmetics are ready to go.  But still, there’s some work to be done.

First off, I’d pull out all my liquids that I need to carry on so that I don’t have any problems at security.  I don’t want to miss the trip of a life time getting stuck at security with a liquid and gel problem.  I’d plan to pack my suitcase, so not all of my liquids need to be removed.

Then it’s a matter of getting some clothes together.  Since most of my wardrobe is black, it’s a matter of putting the following into the suitcase:  black pants, a few coordinating tops, a scarf or two, black dress, pair of jeans, nightshirt, underwear, and a swimsuit.  Add a pair of heels and flips flops, and I’m nearly done.

In my tote bag I’d place my liquid “kit,” my laptop and plugs in (I keep my chargers and cords in one bag), magazines, Kindle, and a lightweight change of clothes.  Add in my camera, a few snacks from the kitchen, grab my purse (with keys, phone, etc.), and I’m ready to go.

I’m guessing that I could get all that done in 20 minutes, half an hour tops.  A few more minutes to feed the cats, take care of a few quick things to get the house ready, and I’m out the door in 30-40 minutes.  Now, let’s hope I didn’t forget anything!

How about you?  How long would it take you to pack and get out of the house?

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I’ve been spending some time in Palm Springs this month, researching lots of great things to do here.

If you haven’t been here for awhile, well. . . you haven’t been here!

There are lots of great hotels (old and new), restaurants, and bars. What was once a playground for the blue-haired, has evolved into a playground for the young, hip, and even a bit edgy.

But one thing that hasn’t changed in the sun and the palm trees.  It’s been over a hundred while I’ve been here, and despite it being a “dry heat” it’s still hot enough to discourage the faint of heart. 

Lots of good stuff coming up over the winter to keep you warm!

Photo credit:  Anita Rossi

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Q.  Do you have some packing tips, and ways to keep from taking too much stuff with you?

A.  For many people, packing is the worst part of the trip! 

Although I pack differently for a pleasure trip than I do for work, I generally use the same pieces of luggage.  I have one roller bag with the majority of my clothing in it, and also a tote that contains some toiletries, computer and electronic gear and items that I need to keep close at hand. 

Here are a few basic “rules” I keep in mind.

The first thing I think about is where I’m going to be – the weather (be sure to check weather reports before leaving home), what I’ll do while there (beaching it, hiking, formal event), and how long I’ll be there.  With those guidelines in mind, you can put together a pretty basic packing list.

Next, I make a list of the days I’ll be gone and what I’ll be doing on those days.  I try to match up clothing to each day based on the activities I expect to happen (even if it’s not exact, it will help give you an idea of what you need).  It is rare than you will change clothes more than once a day, so discard any notion of lots and lots of cute outfits for each day.  A list also helps you focus on having the proper clothes for any special event or specialized activity.

Now it’s time to assemble clothes and start packing!

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