Holland America Line recently reached out to me to join them on their first Caribbean cruise of the season. For whatever reason, the Caribbean is one of the last parts of the world I have not spent much time in. That will change after this trip as I am taking much of October to explore some additional islands with my brother who is flying in from Verona Italy (where he lives). I went on a River Cruise in Europe earlier this year but this will … [Read more...]
Sandboarding in Israel
When in the Swiss Alps, go skiing, when in the Himalayas climb a mountain, when in the Maldives go Scuba Diving. ... when in the Negev Desert, go Sandboarding! I have always preferred the sun over the snow and as a result Israel has always been one of favorite destinations. When I was presented with an opportunity to Sandboard for the first time in my life I jumped at the opportunity. Wouldn't you?! Think of snowboarding on … [Read more...]
Island Hopping, Andaman Sea – Thailand
This week we have been exploring the warm clear waters of Southern Thailand. Our first stop was Ko Tah Chai - dubbed the "Maldives of Thailand" for its azure surrounding waters and the satin-like white sand beaches - which are so silky underfoot. Activities include: A Nature Hike - where you can spot a green pointy snail that lives and eats in certain trees and the pretty "chicken crab" which tends to hide during the heat of the day. The … [Read more...]
Kon Tiki Museum, Oslo Norway – December 2013
The Kon Tiki Museum in Oslo Norway is a tribute and summary of International explorer Thor Heyderhahl's life. Thor and his crews sailed the world in primitive vessels to prove that during ancient times people could have crossed the oceans and settled "new" lands. The original vessels that Thor sailed are on display in the museum including the famous Kon-Tiki balsa raft that Thor built from natural resources in Peru. He and his crew sailed from … [Read more...]
Roxy Resort & Spa, Maldives – March 2013
Roxy Resort Maldives (formerly Zitahli Resort) is a beautiful resort located on a small private island about a 50 minute seaplane ride from the capital city of Male. This luxurious and secluded getaway is the perfect respite for "escaping" the world for a while in the middle of aqua marine waters. A stay on this private island in the middle of the Maldives can make the rest of the world seem mundane, pedestrian in comparison. The staff is part of … [Read more...]
Palau Tops Scuba Diving Awards
(January 17, 2013) --- Considered by industry experts and scuba diving enthusiasts as “the best of the best,” Scuba Diving Magazine’s Top 100 Gold List is a “popularity contest” where rankings are based on a total number of responses from global readers and divers. The Top 100 Gold List features operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more. Here are some of the highlights … [Read more...]
Charles Duncombe: Founder, Holidaysplease
Recently we had a chance to ask Charles about some of his travels (he has been all over the world) and what went into starting his successful travel company, Holidaysplease. Q. What is your background and when did you first become interested in International travel? Despite being brought up in a small village in the UK I managed to experience international travel from an early age. I used to get driven down to the south of France with my … [Read more...]
Viceroy Santa Monica Celebrates 10 Years as Iconic Beach Hotel
Anniversary Celebration Includes $10,000 Travel Giveaway and Exclusive Programming October, 2012 (Santa Monica, CA) – Viceroy Santa Monica, the flagship property of Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, managed by Viceroy Hotel Group, celebrates 10 years as an iconic Southern California hotel. As a tribute, the property announces special offers and experiences that invite locals and visitors to enjoy the best of the hotel and Santa Monica … [Read more...]
Maui is “Best Island in the World” for the 17th Time
"The Magic Isle" Captures Highest Score of Any Destination in the World MAUI, Hawaii - For an unprecedented 17th time, "Maui, the Magic Isle" captured "Best Island in the World" honors in the 24th annual CONDE NAST TRAVELER Readers' Choice Awards. With a score of 92.1, Maui was also voted "Best U.S. Island" (formerly "Best Pacific Island") for the 21st consecutive year. In the same category, sister island Kauai placed 2nd (90.0) while third … [Read more...]
Island Escape, Roxy Maldives Resort
A stay on a private island in the middle of the Maldives can make the rest of the world seem mundane, pedestrian in comparison. Such is the case of Roxy Maldives Resort (formerly Zitahli Resort & Spa Kuda-Funafaru) on its own private island in the heart of the Noonu Atoll, accessible via a 50 minute seaplane ride from Male (the capital city of the Maldives). The "welcome pier" at Roxy Maldives "Remote" Maldivian resorts such as these … [Read more...]