Costa Rica in two words: Pura Vida
I’d heard the phrase “Pura Vida” before, but it wasn’t until I set foot in Costa Rica that I understood what it meant. It’s not just a greeting, but a way of embracing life with joy and gratitude, something that I was lucky to experience firsthand during the 10 days I spent exploring Costa Rica with G Adventures National Geographic Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica. It was the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and comfort, and a reminder of how meaningful travel can be when it’s done with purpose.
Midnight in Rome & a sunrise over Tuscany.
I had high expectations for my first trip abroad, but Italy was more than I could have imagined. I wouldn’t have changed a thing, and we managed to do a lot in a short period of time. I could wander the streets of Florence all day and never get bored. We got to see all the major sites, eat some amazing food, and shop at all the stores and markets you could think of. I would go again in a heartbeat and am already dreaming of my next trip to Europe!
From Lisbon to the Canaries with Atlas Ocean Voyages
Late September I travelled with a small group on a relatively new cruise line, Atlas Ocean Voyages. This ship is just 159 people – almost like a large yacht. We visited Lisbon, Seville, Casablanca, various stops in Morocco, and the Canary Islands for 9 days. It was a really different and interesting itinerary. All in all, the stops were filled with lots of history, nice beaches, great food, and well, it was just different.
14 days in Southern Africa, a thousand moments I’ll never forget.
Africa will change you. Or at least, that’s what those lucky few who have been on a safari before will wistfully recount when you tell them that you are going to Africa. The blistering African sun over the grassy plains of South Africa, the ‘smoke that thunders’ cascading over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the awe-inspiring animals that you will encounter in the untouched swathes surrounding the Chobe River in Botswana, the kind souls that you will meet along the way… yes, it’s true what they say, Africa is a special place indeed.
Sailing in Style: Lesley’s review on Explora Journeys
In early August, I travelled with some friends for 14 days, sailing on the beautiful Explora I. This ship is definitely a 5-star experience. We cruised Explora Journeys from Istanbul to Venice, travelling up the west coast of Italy and back down around Croatia. The art, the design, everything about Explora I is unique. This ship is different than other luxury cruises (which I love as well), but this one – well, it’s quite special.
This hotel has the best view in the Caribbean.
I was expecting to be amazed at Jade Mountain, but words and photos don’t do it justice. No telephones, no televisions, no clocks. The silence is a luxury in itself, you are removed from the outside world in the best possible way. From it’s position on the hillside, you can almost touch the clouds. There’s just breeze, birds, and the sound of waves below.
Dreaming of sakura season: a 38-year journey to Japan.
When I was in third grade, a spark was ignited when I learned about Japan from a cultural exchange teacher who lived in my small town for a year. I was fascinated by her Japanese culture including her kimono, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and origami. I also learned about the cherry blossom season, affectionately known as Sakura season. I decided in third grade that one day I would go to Japan and see her again.