Tag: travel tips

Destinations, Europe, France

Yes We Cannes: A Guide to the Seat of Seaside Luxury

Last week, everyone who is anyone was in Cannes. And I don’t blame them- the French Riviera (or the Italian Riviera, Peninsula, or the Greek Isles) is an ideal place to be in late spring and into summer.

See-and-be-seen parties and the Amfar gala aside, mere mortals can enjoy the seaside paradise as well, like I did one summer recently.

The key to Cannes: take in the experience al fresco and don’t let the costs of the smaller things like a drink at a cafe or nice meals detract from your visit. You’re paying for prime real estate and nice WCs. If you decide to get a designer bag on the other hand, I can’t help you with that. Continue reading “Yes We Cannes: A Guide to the Seat of Seaside Luxury” →

Accomodations, Destinations, Florida, United States

Review: Z Ocean Hotel, South Beach

Last week, I enjoyed a young professional version of spring break on South Beach in Miami, Florida. My travel companion and I stayed at the Z Ocean Hotel (Crowne Plaza South Beach), located on the main strip of Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. After extensive travel site reviews, comparisons, and map plotting of South Beach’s various top hotels, we selected Z Ocean Hotel as it offered the best amenities and characteristics for all of our points of interest: location, room design, location, pool, price (including evaluation of additional fees such as valet parking and resort fees), beachside services, luxurious feel, and overall ratings.

Our stay met all of our expectations and was very enjoyable. Here are some noteworthy aspects, written and photographed, about the Z Ocean experience: Continue reading “Review: Z Ocean Hotel, South Beach” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Last Day – Westminster, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Abbey Road, Oxford Street

London sent me off with a glorious last day of sunshine radiating through the city. I zipped through Westminster, strolled through Hyde Park, got a bite on Bond Street, channeled the Beatles on Abbey Road, and shopped till I was ready to drop into Heathrow on Oxford Street.  Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Last Day – Westminster, Hyde Park, Bond Street, Abbey Road, Oxford Street” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Day 3 – Tate Modern, Covent Garden, Harrod’s

My first day of 2015 involved an eclectic mix of quintessential London. The only previously unexplored spot for me was Tate Modern, which I have passed many times on my way to the Globe or crossing the Millennium Bridge. After delving into the odd world of modernism, spending time at Covent Garden and Harrod’s felt like greeting old friends. Here’s what I did and saw. Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Day 3 – Tate Modern, Covent Garden, Harrod’s” →

Destinations, England, Europe

Back Again to LDN: Day 2 – Camden Town Market

My second day in London was the last day of 2014, and there was much to do before the new year began. After enjoying the included breakfast at my hotel, Mentone Hotel in Cartwright Gardens, I headed to the Tube with my friend Annalee to start the day’s adventures. Continue reading “Back Again to LDN: Day 2 – Camden Town Market” →

Destinations, Europe, Sweden

Jul i Stockholm: Ljus och Dekorationer Runt Stan [Christmas in Stockholm City]

The most anticipated part of my post-Christmas adventures in central Stockholm, or Stockholm City, were the seasonal lights and decorations around the area. This time of year, the sun is up from about 8/8:30 until 2:30, so the city lights are a major part of your experience in the late afternoon and entire evening.

Continue reading “Jul i Stockholm: Ljus och Dekorationer Runt Stan [Christmas in Stockholm City]” →

Destinations, Europe, Florida

Holiday Travel Preview: Florida, Stockholm, London

It’s my opinion, fostered through an international family and a wonderfully travel-filled upbringing, that no year is complete without leaving my country of residence. This Washingtonian did go on a Caribbean cruise in March, which was a great trip, but that’s not something a former Floridian would classify as international travel. Anyway, to close out the year, I have three destinations planned or in progress: Southwest Florida, Stockholm, and London. Continue reading “Holiday Travel Preview: Florida, Stockholm, London” →