Category: Travel

Besides Tokyo what else did we really enjoy and you might want to think of adding to your “to do” list? Here are Japan tour highlights in other cities,  vacation tips we really recommend and what we’d like to do on our next trip there! In case you missed Part   1, insights and general travel tips in Japan, click here.
So many friends have been to Japan this past year and loved it – the food, art and culture and experiences. After having spent 16 days there I totally agree, but loved it for a deeper reason, the same reason India, Mexico and China are among my destinations of choice: the opportunity to experience a totally different culture and civilization. Unlike the other three destinations, it doesn’t reveal itself at first glance; one has to delve deep to appreciate its fascinating complexity, getting top guides to explain its political and economic history, culinary traditions, its fraught experience with nature, customs in family and social life. How to do this?What are some of the experiences to put on your list if you go, and travel tips for visiting Japan? I’ll be exploring this in several blogposts in coming weeks.
You've read about some of the lesser known things to do in Key West in Part 1. Now in Part 2 are more fun things to do in Key West along with my eating picks and a great stop on the way home.
Thinking about a visit to Key West? Here are some of the latest and greatest unique things to do in Key West , Part 1. And even if a visit to Key West isn't in your immediate plans, you'll enjoy reading the American history that happened here, especially with former President Harry S.Truman. Stay tuned for more in Part 2 along with eating recommendations and a great stop on the way back to Miami. Where to stay will be Part 3.
The 10 most popular blogposts of the year --- here they are. Most were about food topics, but travel and A Day In series also scored high. You'll realize you've seen some of these over the past few years. That's because, given their popularity, I have continued to update them. At the end of each paragraph is a link to the post.  Without further adieu, here they are:
Back from a  long trip to Europe this summer and thought I’d share some travel tips based on my travels plus other tips from a terrific newsletter I subscribe to, The Points Guy. Totally recommend them.
Our travel in Sicily last summer was inspired by our loving the TV series White Lotus, not unlike millions of other viewers. This return visit to cities we hadn’t visited last year –Ortigia, the historical center of Siracusa, Modica, Noto and Linguaglossa near Mt.Etna, was a result of a new love affair with this southernmost Italian island of beautiful  Baroque architecture, especially wonderful food highlighted by the freshest fish, shellfish and local produce and wine; a unique sensibility of design, pattern and riotous color that inspire Dolce e Gabbana; and a history that embraces Greek, Roman, Norman, and Arab civilizations. Here is a read and look at some of what we saw and loved in our travel to Sicily. I think you’ll enjoy the eye candy even if a visit there isn’t in your travel plans. And at the end, help if you need an itinerary.  Enjoy!
Leave it up the New Yorker magazine to find this story which prompted my first Fabulous Friday post in awhile. It's about Bark Air, billed as a "100% totally real airline for dogs". Humans are welcome too, but then the rest is about the dogs. Barkaccino anyone?
Feeling like you need a break from Miami now and haven't made any travel plans? If you travel, want it to be easy, close by and won't break the bank?  I know the feeling. I've put together a list of links for Miami weekend getaways I've tested that fit the bill, ranging from those in our backyard or no more than a two hour/ max three hour drive to a several hour flight. They all include where to stay, things to do, where to eat and shop.  Enjoy!
When I want a serious break, to mix things up, and have it all be easy and not break the bank I opt for a staycation. Some of the best I’ve had have been in Miami Beach in summer when it’s quiet, relaxed, and the price is right. Happily there’s a new hotel staycation option that I tried at the oceanfront four story Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in South Beach’s Art Deco District. With only 186 rooms and five suites spread out over what used to be two Art Deco hotels that were combined, it offers a low key and friendly ambiance but, surprisingly also has quite, and I mean quite a program one usually only finds in large resort hotels. This includes an original variety of activities, special happenings and amenities for all ages; pool-side cabanaspa treatments; fitness center; a large swimming pool with cabanas; private beach access and a very talented chef. They also offer pool day and beach passes if you don’t want to overnight. Look for the link at the end of the post.