By Christina Daves

My daughter and I have been taking annual trips to New York City every holiday season since she was eight – only missing 2020 due to COVID. As our journeys evolved, so did our adventures: when she started high school, we added a sunny weekend in Florida between our birthdays (mine in late January, hers in February). Then, during her college years, the tradition paused in favor of her Virginia Tech party weekends—which, I don’t blame her for. Now that I’m in my 50s and my daughter is a fully independent adult, traveling together has taken on a new dynamic. We love spending long weekends together exploring new places.

Last November, while enjoying Eagle Beach in Aruba with my hockey mom friends, I texted my daughter, “This is where we’re going for our trip in February!” It was love at first sight, and our subsequent mother/daughter trip lived up to every expectation. It is no wonder that Trip Advisor named Eagle Beach the #1 beach in the Caribbean and #3 in the world!

Here is everything you need to know about a mother/daughter or girls’ trip to Aruba.

WHERE TO STAY

Aruba is an 18-mile-long island with various areas to stay. Palm Beach is where you’ll find most of the large hotel brands. I loved Eagle Beach so much that we decided to return there for our mother-daughter trip. It’s quiet with powder white sand and perfect greenish-blue clear ocean water.

It’s funny because neither of us will go into the Atlantic Ocean but we floated for hours in the water in Aruba. TIP: We got these floats ahead of time from Amazon that were easy to travel with.

When I went with my girlfriends, we stayed at the O Condominiums. There were five of us and we had a 3-bedroom condominium. It was perfect. Nothing was available there for this trip, so we booked at Oceania Condominiums a few blocks away. It’s a great complex with big, beautiful pools.

We rented a 2-bedroom unit. It was a little worn and in need of a touchup but that didn’t deter us. Overall, it was fine, and I would stay at either location again. However, I will zoom in on the pictures of the unit before I book. We used Bocobay to book both trips and could not have been happier with their customer service. They take very good care of their renters and are extremely attentive.

GROCERIES

Staying at a condo with no restaurant on site, we wanted to have some groceries in our unit. Superfood Aruba has an easy-to-use app and they deliver which is great if you don’t have your own car. We did however have a lot of issues on both orders with substitutions, and not substituting. It’s hard to believe a grocery store doesn’t have crackers to go with the cheese we ordered. On this trip with my daughter, I decided to check out the Superfood Aruba myself. It’s an easy half-mile walk from Oceania. It would be difficult to walk back with a case of water, but it was perfect to grab snacks. You might want to consider delivery for the bigger, heavier items as well as those that are likely to be in stock like fruit, milk, and butter, and go yourself for the things like chips and crackers.

RESTAURANTS

When I went with the hockey moms, we had a rare 2-hour afternoon rainstorm that shut down the roads in Aruba due to flooding. We couldn’t get a cab, so we had to cancel our dinner reservation on the other side of the island. Instead, we had to find a restaurant we could walk to. Screaming Eagle was close and had good reviews, so we went there. It was delicious and the food was so memorable that my daughter and I went there on our first night.

We have very similar tastes so every night we shared a little bit of everything – appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. At Screaming Eagle, we had the blackened Chilean sea bass in a champagne sauce with truffle risotto and sautéed spinach. I had the sea bass last time too. It’s one of those meals you dream about. I can’t wait to go back and have it again!

The next night we went to Opus. I’ve always heard you should get the special at a restaurant, so we did – Grouper topped with shrimp, which was delicious.

Our last night we went to Ocean Z. This was rated #1 on Trip Advisor and I now know why. If the weather cooperates, definitely request outdoor seating. Across the street is a spectacular sunset over the water.

They had live music when we were there (a Frank Sinatra crooner) and the atmosphere and overall vibe were perfection!

Dinner was spectacular. We had linguini with lobster and shrimp in a wine alfredo sauce. This is another meal I’ll be dreaming about!

In November we also went to Gianni’s (Italian) and Lola Taqueria (Mexican – great tacos and yummy margaritas). Both were really good so if you don’t feel like fish or seafood, try one of these. Most restaurants take reservations and I recommend planning ahead.

There are plenty of great beachside restaurants and bars along Eagle Beach to have lunch. We had breakfast in the room, lunch on the beach, and then explored the island for these delicious dinners.

THINGS TO DO

When I went in November, we went to Sopranos Piano Bar. I couldn’t wait to take my daughter back. We had so much fun there! Unfortunately on this trip, the piano player called in sick the night we went. The fill-in was a singer – not a piano entertainer. He was very talented and we enjoyed his music but the “Piano Bar show” we saw in November was outstanding. We stayed for hours singing along. I highly recommend spending a night at the Piano Bar – maybe two.

There are also lots of boat excursions and if the weather cooperates, I recommend a sunset tour because the sunsets in Aruba are spectacular!

TRANSPORTATION

There is no Uber or Lyft on the island. Aruba Taxi is available via What’s App and phone but beware… they ghosted us! We used them once. They were very late and then picked up the wrong people. They finally sent a cab but we were very late for our dinner reservation. They never responded when I requested a pickup after dinner, nor did they respond to any of our other requests while we were there. Thankfully the restaurants can get you a cab after dinner but getting there might be difficult. I recommend asking your taxi driver from the airport if they will take you places while you are there. We used that driver for the rest of our trip! Make sure you have What’s App before you go. That’s what everyone uses.

WRAP UP

If you want a nice, quiet, relaxing mother/daughter trip or the perfect girlfriend getaway, I highly recommend Eagle Beach. I can’t wait to go back! (Maybe I’ll take my husband next time :). I hope you’ll try some of my suggestions above and share this with anyone you know who is thinking about a trip like this.

Here’s a video summing up our amazing trip! Enjoy Aruba!

I hope you are enjoying life over 50! If you want inspiration, tips, and advice for life at this stage, tune into the Living Ageless and Bold Podcast. New episodes drop every Wednesday

The post Eagle Beach, Aruba: The Perfect Mother/Daughter Destination appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

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As I embark on my next chapter of life and embrace “Living Ageless and Bold,” I wanted to share tips on my travels as it relates to women over 50 traveling. We are our own, unique demographic and our travel wants and needs should be addressed. Here are all the details of the trip my husband and I took to Kenya and Tanzania with our adult son.

Taking a safari was truly the trip of a lifetime! At this age, we are still young and fit to enjoy it and, have the ability to splurge on it to make it a trip of a lifetime.

We were blessed to be able to go with our 25-year-old son and experience this together with him. This is a great trip for you to take with your spouse/significant other, young adult kids, and older grandchildren.

I don’t recommend taking young kids on a safari. We saw many of them asleep in the vehicles because safari trips start around 6:30 am for the morning ride and 4:30 pm for the evening ride. (It is too hot for the animals to be out during the day, so you have a greater likelihood of seeing them at sunrise and sunset.) 

Personally, I would wait until kids are at least older teenagers before taking them on this type of trip. The younger kids won’t appreciate it.

Where Should You Go?

There are so many choices for a safari – Bali, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, etc. We chose Kenya and Tanzania – in hopes of seeing the wildebeest migration. Sadly, we missed the big migration (due to weather patterns that shifted), but we did see buffalo and zebras migrating. 

In fact, when we landed on the airstrip near our first camp the first things we saw were herds of zebras and all I could do was cry! I had never seen anything like that in my life.

Look at your options and see what’s best for you and your family, how you want to travel, and what you want to see. Because of the wildebeest migration (which starts in Tanzania) our trip involved going to both Kenya and Tanzania, which are two separate countries and have border crossings and immigration. What we learned as we met people on our trip is that most companies don’t offer this option because of the paperwork and visas that are required for border crossings. 

Additionally, there are limited border crossings so you could literally be at your camp in Kenya and you can see Tanzania which is a 5-minute drive but instead, you have to fly to the other side of Kenya, drive for a few hours, cross the border, and go back. That being said, it was worth it to have the long drives and see how people in those countries really live and drive through the towns and villages.

We had one very long travel day, but we left early so the trip to the airport was basically a mini safari and it was there that we saw one of the best sites of our trip. I spotted a dead buffalo in the middle of the tall grasses and our guide drove up and said, “The lions have to be near!” 

And sure enough, there walked up a lioness to check on her kill. It was unbelievable! Like the guides always say, “You’ll see what you’ll see!”

A good travel agent is vital for this and can make anything happen. We used my good friend Jen at Destinations Done Right and I HIGHLY recommend her for not just a safari but any of your travel needs. Jen @ DestinationDoneRight.com

Also, If you go the several camps route as we did, know that travel in Africa is done in small planes and dirt airstrips that are located everywhere. They are like the taxis of Africa. And very important to note… schedules change constantly because they might have to now pick someone else up from another airstrip so be flexible and don’t get stressed over changes (like I did). Your tour company will work it out with the plane company and get you to where you are going.

When To Go

We went in late June which is the end of the off-season. For us, this was an ideal time to go. What we learned is that when you go during peak season, it’s packed with tour vehicles. If there is an animal sighting, you only get to stay 5 minutes. We had the parks almost entirely to ourselves and could hang out with the animals and take videos and pictures for hours if we wanted to.

We still saw everything you can imagine, and we were up close and personal with all of them. We literally had happy hour with lions (in our vehicle of course), we saw a cheetah, a leopard bringing her prey out of the tree, hundreds of elephants, zebra, giraffe, rhinos, buffalo, and every other animal and bird you can think of that is native to Kenya and Tanzania. 

Probably the most memorable moment of the trip for me happened on the last day. It was a lioness about to give birth and we were feet from her watching her pant and roll around because she was in labor. She was staring in my eyes and I just wanted to go rub her belly and tell her, “I’ve been there.” But of course, I didn’t do that!

Remember, going slightly off-season might be a better option. We went for the last two weeks in June and it was spectacular.

Vaccines

Let me start by saying I am NOT a doctor nor am I in the medical field. I am just sharing what I learned along the way. My doctor recommended Passport Health, which is located all across the U.S. I did the first visit to check it out. It’s $99 per person for a consult and as long as you get your shots within 30 days, you don’t have to pay for another office visit.

Then, a friend told me Costco does vaccines. It’s $39 for the consult and the vaccines were about half the price of Passport Health. Caveat – Costco only offers this in certain states. We were able to do it in Virginia, but our son had to use Passport Health in New York.

Also, depending on where you are staying you can make your decision about malaria pills. Since we were earlier in the season and at a higher elevation, we opted not to but that is a personal decision.

The Yellow Fever vaccine was the only required one to go to Africa and make sure you get your yellow card. They did not give it to our son and he had to go back to Passport Health to get it. You will definitely need it if you go to Africa.

Also, if you are over 60, consult with your doctor as there are some vaccines they don’t want you to do at that age.

How to Get There?

We splurged on this trip and chose to try out the Emirates Airbus A380 from Dulles to Nairobi with a stop in Dubai. Our son who traveled with us had this plane on his bucket list and my thought was, “There is no way my 25-year-old son is flying in that plane on business class and I’m in the back in coach.”

It was truly an experience from the minute you head out your door. They have a car service there to pick you up and deliver you to the airport. We flew out of Dulles so the lounge was a shared lounge, but our son got to experience the full Emirates experience out of JFK. 

They board you on the plane exclusive to your section, so we took a private tunnel into business class. The pods alone are spectacular with a seat that reclines fully to a bed (they bring you a separate mattress). 

The entertainment system has 5,000 options from movies, to documentaries, to podcasts, to live news, and more (how do you choose?). They have USB plugs to keep everything charged. Make sure you bring your adapter on board with you if you need to charge a laptop.

The coolest thing is the cameras on the plane so you can watch take-off and landing.

The minute you sit down you are greeted with a glass of juice or champagne (in a glass) and meals are served on chinaware with silverware and a white tablecloth. The food and wine were delicious, and we were pampered throughout the entire 13-hour flight. They also have a separate bar in the back if you want to take a break and go sit and relax and have a drink. And the nicest touch of all is the flower vases on the wall indicating where the restroom is.

We also were gifted Bulgari travel kits designed for men or women with all the essentials. The only downside… it adds to your weight a bit, but that bag is a keeper!

We landed in Dubai and experienced the Emirates lounge there which was a full spread of amazing food and desserts, anything you want to drink non-alcoholic or alcoholic, plugs galore, and comfy leather seating.

Many airlines fly you direct to Nairobi or connect you there like we did through Dubai. My biggest recommendation is if you are able to fly business or first class in a seat that reclines to a bed, do that. We were able to sleep a little on each of the flights and weren’t impacted by any jet lag by getting about 3 hours on each flight.

The way back is in the middle of the night and we slept quite a bit.

NOTE about Duty-Free purchases coming home: I bought duty-free wine in Nairobi and although we were through the main security when we landed in Dubai, they would not let me take it on the plane saying the U.S. government says any flight bound for the U.S. cannot have liquid brought onboard. They even made us get rid of our water bottles from the Emirates lounge.

Types of Lodges

You really want to plan if you want to go rustic or glamping. We did a mix of both with two camps more glamping, one more rustic, and one all-out luxury glamping. I loved the camp of our rustic lodge, but the twin bed/cot left a lot to be desired, especially when I woke up and had to get up and out of it. The glamping was still canvas tents, but it was upscaled with luxury bedding and a beautiful bathroom/dressing area. Some of our camps offered family tents and that was fun to have a ton of bonding with our son. Not sure how many more opportunities we’ll have like this.

We chose to do four camps to see as many different places as we could. I am glad we did this because if you stayed in the same camp the entire time, you might be limited in what you see.

We started in Kenya in the Masai Mara National Reserve at Governors Il Moran Camp. This was so cool because down in the riverbed there were tons of Hippos. They make noises all night to scare off prey but it was awesome to be so close to them.

Next, we crossed over to Tanzania and stayed at the Siringit Migration Camp in the Northern Serengeti. We literally had giraffes walking through our camp. It was amazing!

Our next camp was in Tarangire National Park at Lokisale Camp. This was the most rustic of our camps. We were in nylon tents (although the insides had fully equipped wooden bathrooms/showers) and we slept in cot beds. My most vivid memory of this camp was the lion killing prey right outside our tent. I was dying to see it but knew we could never unzip our tent in the pitch black with a lion right outside.

Then we went back to Kenya and ended our trip at the luxurious Finch Hattons resort in Tsavo West National Park.

What we loved about this itinerary is we saw all types of terrain and different animals in different environments. For me personally, I probably wouldn’t go back to Lokisale because it was so rustic and when the generator went out we had no internet for 24 hours (which made it hard to stay connected to our adult daughter who was at home working). It was glorious to end at Finch Hattons and be pampered for the last few days. I would probably do a similar itinerary with 2-3 nights at four different camps in different areas.

Every day is different of course but we liked the variety of so many different camps, parks, terrain, and animals. As the guides say, “We’ll see what we’ll see!”

Note: The further out and rustic you are, the less Wi-Fi you’ll have. If this is important for you, consider camps closer to the cities than out in the middle of nowhere. Wi-Fi out there is usually run on generators so if the generator goes out, it takes a day to reset everything (this happened to us.)

What to Wear

I’ll provide a pdf checklist of what I brought and I feel I had a great mix and exactly enough for the entire trip. With the glamping camps, I did wear something a little nicer for dinner. For the rustic camp, I stayed in shorts and a pullover top in the evenings. Most camps have laundry services. It is important to find out if they have same-day or next-day in case you need something that evening. 

***Ladies note – it is a cultural norm that they will not wash women’s undergarments so you’ll have to load up on those.

The weather fluctuates so much from mornings/evenings to during the day, think layering.

Clothes – for 10 nights/11 days + two 20-hour travel days

Your clothes should be neutral colors, no brights. And, in some areas, camouflage is actually illegal so keep that at home. 

Here is what I brought:

Underwear (have enough for the trip plus backup*)

2 bras – tan and black plus sticky boobs

4 tank tops

4 short-sleeved casual shirts

3 pair of shorts

1 skort (I love a skort!)

4 pair of pull-on capris (3 would have been fine)

2 short-sleeved button-up shirts (1 could be long-sleeved)

1 nice pullover lightweight sweater

1 nice pullover sweatshirt type top 

1 pair of leggings

1 bug-sprayed pullover

1 regular pullover

2 pair of black low-ankle socks

2 pair of tan ankle socks

Ankle “safari” boots

Tennis shoes

Wedge sandals (for dinners)

Flip flops

2 lightweight jackets (you could easily do one)

1 lightweight rain jacket

Hat (although I only wore it on 2 occasions when it rained a little)

Lightweight sweatpants for the plane

I didn’t bring the zip-off pants but could see how those would be useful as the morning and evenings were very chilly and the days were hot.

All our camps had robes so check before you pack that.

Other

Collapsible water bottle

Sunscreen – lotion will last longer than spray

Tiny bug spray (some camps had it and some didn’t so have it for backup)

Itch cream

Travel-size toiletries and skin care products* (get them as consolidated as possible)

Tiny magnifying mirror

Tums/Benadryl/Advil/Tylenol

Face wipes

Adapter

Curling or flat iron with 220 voltage. Don’t bring a 110 as you’ll blow it up.**

Small steamer with 220 voltage

Big hair clip(s) and or ponytail holders (if you have longer hair)

Bathing suit if your camp has a pool

Backup phone charger

Lip balm

Plugs (all our camps had USB ports)

One pair each of silver and gold hoops/earrings

Watch (If you have an Apple watch, bring one neutral band)***

Backpack

Small binoculars (bring bigger/better ones if you can fit them)

Sunglasses

Camera – my phone did amazing. We have a nice Cannon camera so my husband brought ours, but the new cell phones take incredible pictures so that really is all you need.

*Some camps had soap in the rooms for washing undergarments

**All camps (even the rustic one) had shampoo and lotion but if you color your hair, you know what you need to bring. Also, some don’t have conditioner so bring a small one for sure.

***Every camp had a blow dryer so check that before you pack one

****BONUS – when you wear your Apple watch on safari because it’s so bumpy, you will close your rings and get upwards of 10,000 “steps” per day!

Currency

Everyone in Kenya and Tanzania took U.S. Dollars so we did not need to convert to Schillings. They also gave us change in U.S. Dollars

How to Pack

You must pack in a soft duffel bag (no wheels). We were fortunate that our tour company gifted them to us. The small planes will not take hard luggage. Our weight limitation was 15kg or 33lbs – TOTAL!!! That’s for a duffel and backpack. 

Hint – your boots will be the heaviest thing in your bag, so where those on the plane and layer up if you need to.

With the laundry services available, packing light can be done. Trust me on this. I’m the gal whose suitcase is regularly at 52 lbs in the U.S. (with airline status you get a few extra pounds) and 69 lbs in Europe – LOL. This all being said, before I left, I read airports vary from 33-44 pounds so definitely verify with your tour company what your weight allotment is and pack accordingly – the larger airstrips do have scales.

Use packing cubes! With everything in a soft duffel, the cubes make it so easy. I put undergarments in one, short-sleeved shirts in one, shorts in one, pants in one, etc. This makes moving from camp to camp super easy too.

Checklist Download

Click HERE to download your checklist of what I brought

Food/Drink

In Africa, all the lodges served three (amazing) meals per day. If you’re like me though, at this point in my life I prefer to graze and eat six small meals/day. That was tough because I’d graze at breakfast and be hungry an hour later when we were on safari.

I was tempted to bring a big bag of Bud & Elsie’s popcorn (my favorite) and a small reusable bag or some mini Kind bars to pack a snack every day. Either is super light and would have done the trick. 

One of our camps served popcorn at happy hour and I asked if they could send some along on our full-day safari the next day which was great. I probably should have asked the other camps what snacks they had that I could pack along

Our camps were all-inclusive and the wines were delicious. I’m a Chardonnay girl and had not really experienced African wine before and I loved it. The camps had full bars, water, sodas, and juices so anything you could want was available.

I felt eating here was super healthy too (except for all the bread and dessert at lunch AND dinner but a few bites were fine). Soups are very popular and were served at almost every lunch and dinner. I cannot tell you how many amazing soups we had on this trip and things I never would have thought to put together like pea coconut soup – and I don’t really like coconut – it was delicious! 

Breakfast is pretty much like ours in the U.S. and pretty consistent at all the camps – cereals or granola, fruit, bread, eggs, pancakes, crepes, bacon, and sausage.

Lunch and dinner were all delicious with a protein, starch (mainly rice), and tons of vegetables.

Every meal was a surprise and nothing disappointed. We also found that most camps offered a vegetarian option even without asking. If you have dietary restrictions, just make sure to tell the tour operator so they can let them know ahead of time and they will plan accordingly.

The Game Safari

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime!!! As I said, you’ll want a clip for your hair or hat because you are in an open-air vehicle and it’s windy. And it’s dusty! One tour guide said he had people who complained about the dust (seriously?) Just be prepared. And every camp has hot washcloths when you get back to wash the dust off.

Make sure your phone is charged and bring your extra battery. I literally took thousands of pictures and videos. You’ll also want to clear out your phone and/or make sure you have enough memory before you go.

Always Be on the Lookout! 

Ask your guide what is popular in the area you’re in. Certain animals like tall grasses, and others like short grasses. Look for cats in tall grasses, on termite mounds and rocks, and in dense shady bushes in the heat of the day. If you’re in a leopard area, ask your guide to show you a good leopard tree is and then look for a tail hanging down. These are tough to spot, and we got a one-in-a-million view of a leopard scaling down a tree with prey in her mouth.

WARNING: Video is a little graphic but very cool: 

What we learned by the end of our trip is that cats are very elusive and hard to find. You’ll have a bit more luck with lions because they travel in prides and stay in a certain area. We were lucky to see a cheetah, leopard, and multiple lion sightings on this trip. (There are no tigers in Africa.)

As I mentioned above, most safaris are early in the morning, around 6:30 am, back for lunch and rest, and then back out around 3:30-4:30. We also did one full-day safari and saw a lot, so it was just as good as the two half-day ones. Trust your guide.

The key to your safari is your guide! You really want a seasoned guide, and I would insist on it. When we saw the leopard, a young guide was driving a group right in front of us and our guide said, “OMG, he missed the leopard! He missed the leopard!” The good news is when there is a sighting, they are all on phones or radio to share with others. This will be a huge downside in the high season. In June it could mean 5 vehicles. In peak time it could be 100s. We shared our “finds” and were thankful when other groups did the same for us!

The sunsets are spectacular! Enjoy those when you return to camp.

Suggested Tipping

This is where we really needed help from our tour operator and appreciated the guidance. This is what they gave us that we followed:

• Host at arrival destination $5-$10/person per day
• Guide on Safari $10-$15/person per day
• Tracker on Safari $5-$10/person per day
• Roo Butler (if you have one) $5-$10/person per day
• Lodge Staff (is split among the entire staff) $5-$10/per person (in your group not employees) per day
• Spa Services – 10%-15%

What it Cost

We did a custom safari, not in a group, that had everything included, one-night hotel stay in Nairobi, transportation to all camps – vehicles and airplanes (minus airfare to/from Nairobi), room, 3 meals/day, beverages, alcoholic beverages, safari guides. 

A trip like this runs about $15,000/person for 10 nights and 11 days (excluding airfare).

There are less expensive versions available. This is just to compare what we did as I described above.

Before You Go:

Tribes: I wish I had known about all of the African tribes before arriving in Kenya, particularly the Maasai. In two weeks, I have learned so much but I would have had better conversations with them had I known some history and understanding of their culture. One of my favorite parts of the trip was my conversations with Isaac (below between me and my son) and talking about his life as a 27-year-old young man in the Massai tribe and my son who is a similar age but works on Wall Street. Hearing about their norms and customs was fascinating. I could have stayed up all night chatting with him.

If Kenya is on the list, learn about the various tribes in the area.

The Kenyan people were the kindest, happiest people I’ve ever met. They have so much joy in their hearts and pride for their country. When we were driving through the villages or on our last day in Nairobi, the kids loved seeing us and would wave like crazy. In this picture, we were stopped and they lined up to shake our hands and talk to us.

Words:

Here are a few words to bring with you when you go. Say Jambo and you will get an immediate smile from everyone!

Jambo – Hello, Greetings

Asante – Thank you

Asante Sana – Thank you so much

Karibu – Welcome and You’re Welcome

Kwa afya – Cheers

___________________

If this is on your bucket list and doable, do it!!! 

Here are my main suggestions summed up:

1. Use a seasoned travel agent (Jen at Destinations Done Right will take amazing care of you). 
2. Ask specific questions regarding your specific needs (sleeping arrangements/family quarters, dietary restrictions, anything special you want or need).
3. Get a seasoned guide! I cannot stress this enough. I’ve heard so many people who went on safari and saw nothing. 
4. Pack light with mix-and-match outfits and wear your boots on all the small flights. Download the checklist.
5. Write out your itinerary. It gets very confusing with transfers and flights if you are moving camps.
6. Charge your phone and bring a backup battery
7. Enjoy every minute!

I hope you are enjoying life over 50! If you want inspiration, tips, and advice for life at this stage, tune into the Living Ageless and Bold Podast at LivingAgelessandBoldPodcast.com. New episodes drop every Wednesday

Join our community at www.LivingAgelessandBold.com

See all of our podcasts at https://christinadaves.com/living-ageless-podcast/

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The post Unforgettable Safari: A Family Adventure in Tanzania & Kenya appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

The recent fires in Los Angeles have left many feeling overwhelmed, struggling to process the devastation and wondering if their efforts can truly make a difference. But in moments of crisis, individual action has the power to spark real change.

Zibby Owens, owner of Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica and a Palisades resident, knows this firsthand. After her own home was impacted by the Palisades fire, she quickly mobilized to help others. She organized a pop-up clothing drive, rallying over 50 brands to donate essentials for more than 800 families who lost their homes. Now, she’s taking her efforts even further—committing to rebuilding the school libraries for four Palisades schools destroyed in the fire, where many students are also facing the devastating loss of their homes.

To further support the community, Zibby’s Bookshop in partnership with Scholastic and LitWorld gave away 1,000 children’s books for World Read Aloud Day, ensuring that young readers affected by the fire can still find comfort and inspiration in stories.

Her story is a powerful reminder: even in the face of overwhelming loss, action matters. The question isn’t just can you make a difference—but how you will.

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Let’s Rebuild School Libraries. Together.

Zibby’s Bookshop is launching a campaign to help Palisades schools that have been destroyed by the fire. Please help.

Zibby Owens

Feb 04, 2025

Donate

Hi everyone,

As you may know, I’m the owner of Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA and a (part-time) Palisades resident who has been deeply affected by the fire. I’ve just finished organizing a pop-up clothing drive for 800+ families who lost their homes with items donated by 50+ brands.

Now, I’m committing to rebuild the school libraries for four Palisades schools which have been destroyed by the fire. Many of the students at these schools have also lost their homes.

Please consider what it would feel like if you were in this situation, if your school library (and school) had burned down. Think about what books you loved reading growing up. The librarians. The cozy nook where you fell into a book that changed your life. Or think about the power of school libraries for your kids. The books they’ve brought home and begged you to read. The chapter books they couldn’t put down. The times you volunteered to read to the class.

Now imagine losing all of it.

I know so many people want to help families who have been affected by the fires but just don’t know how. Here’s one specific way you can help.

Donate

Please contribute to the Zibby’s Bookshop campaign to rebuild the school libraries of

• St. Matthew’s Parish School
• Seven Arrows Elementary School
• The Village School
• Marquez Charter Elementary School

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You can contribute at any level.

$0 – $20: Helper

$21 – $50: Great Helper

$51 – $100: Super Helper

$101 – $250: Awesome Helper

$251 – $500: Incredible Helper

$501 – $1,000: Amazing Helper

$1,001 – $10,000: Fantastic Helper

$10,001 – $100,000: SUPERSTAR Helper

$100,001 – $800,000: UNBELIEVABLE Helper

Every donation helps. In addition to donating yourself, please, please forward the drive to all your friends and family who might consider joining you in this effort. Give others the opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s life.

We will try to put personalized bookplates in all the donated books with your names (or whoever you’d like to honor, perhaps your kids!) or will find other specific ways to acknowledge your generosity.

Let’s get the schools their books again. It’s the least we can do.

Donate

(Note: please no used books or individual book donations at this point. The schools have specific catalogs that we will be replacing so while the thought is lovely, please don’t send or offer books you’ve written or have in your own library. Thank you!)

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The post Tikkun Olam: Restoring Palisades School Libraries, One Book at a Time appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Since it first landed on the radars of backpackers, hikers, and mountain climbers in the 1990s, Iceland travel has seen a 30 percent uptick, to the tune of nearly 2 million visitors per year. Over the past decade especially, the number of hotels and attractions have multiplied, as have the island’s opportunities for luxury vacations, a relatively new category in a country originally known for its budget-friendly adventures.

Even with all the best-of lists and glossy print magazine coverage, the Nordic country still feels like a place where you can get away from it all—sometimes far, far away—while still returning to cozy surroundings at night. This is an important distinction for me. While I love roughing it in the outdoors during the day, I’m not a camper. Having a “home base” where I can kick back, savor a great meal, and sleep in a snug bed is essential.

In November, I was invited by Hidden Iceland, a bespoke-tour operator, on a five-day trip highlighting the island’s singular landscape, from its glaciers to its geothermal pools, and its blossoming culinary scene, all with an eye toward the ease and comfort that makes luxury travel so desirable. 

Booking a tour with Hidden Iceland

Although any one of Hidden Iceland’s already-designed tours offer excellent options for exploring the island, I had a specific agenda: I wanted to go glacier hiking, see some of the Golden Circle highlights I’d missed on my last trip (in 2022, when I’d stayed in capital city Reykjavik for a few days), relax in geothermal pools, and chase the Northern Lights. So Hidden Iceland put together a three-day custom Iceland travel tour based on my interests, with a day in Reykjavik on either end.

Iceland travel: a four-star hotel, geothermal spa, and superb seafood

My husband, Floren, and I were picked up at Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport by a private car service arranged by Hidden Iceland—a huge improvement from my first trip to the city, when I navigated the city’s reliable and cost-effective, but sometimes confusing, bus system in order to make the 40-minute trip into the downtown.

We rested for a couple hours at the Hotel Reykjavik Saga, a newer accommodation only steps from the banks of Lake Tjörnin and its snow-globelike houses and churches, and about a half mile from Hallgrímskirkja, the hilltop church whose 240-plus-foot-tall is tower visible from nearly everywhere in the capital city. Its “pipe organ” façade was inspired by the glaciers, basalt cliffs, and craggy mountains we’d get a close look at over the next few days. 

In the afternoon, we headed for Sky Lagoon, a high-end mashup of Nordic bathing culture and spa treatments. (See We Said Go Travel founder Lisa Niver’s fun videos from our trip to Sky Lagoon, where we first crossed paths.) While the Blue Lagoon, overlooking Mount Þorbjörn, is the city’s better-known geothermal spa, it receives more tourist traffic. I’d visited Sky Lagoon on my 2022 trip, shortly after it opened, and knew a reprise would be ideal after a long flight.

The spa has become much more popular in the ensuing years, but it didn’t dull the soothing nature of Sky Lagoon’s calling card, its seven-step spa ritual: soaking in an oceanfront manmade geothermal infinity pool, followed by a cold plunge, sauna, cold “rain” shower, body scrub, herbal steam, and a final rinse before hopping back into the warm pool—with or without drinks at the swim-up bar. My only regret was that we didn’t have time to grab a bite in Sky Lagoon’s Smakk Bar, which gave me fond foodie memories on my first Iceland trip.

We returned just in time to change and walk to dinner at Fiskfélagið, or The Fish Company. Fish and seafood are don’t-miss treats in Iceland, and The Fish Company’s menu offers a wealth of so-fresh-it’s-practically-still-flapping choices. Floren and I shared two appetizers—tuna tataki with roasted jalapeno puree, and a fried egg in a nest of shredded fried potatoes with “rocks” made of fried mushrooms and truffles—plus the superb seasonal sushi platter.

Three-day Iceland travel: glaciers, Northern Lights, Golden Circle

In the morning, Ingimundur, our chatty, amiable Icelandic guide, picked us up at our hotel. Because of an oncoming winter storm, we set out a little earlier than planned, and headed straight for our first stop, about an hour and forty-five minutes from the city along the southern coast, at Seljalandsfoss. The river that feeds the nearly 200-foot waterfall—foss is Icelandic for “waterfall”—originates at the base of Eyjafjalljokull (kull means “glacier” in Icelandic), and tumbles dramatically over a cliff that was once at the island’s coastline.

It’s a stunning sight, and memorable experience to walk the path behind the cascade, as long as you don’t mind getting a little damp. Even in waterproof gear, which Hidden Iceland provided, the tumbling water, carried on Iceland’s bitter winter winds, will find its way into any opening in your hood or zipper. Is it worth enduring a soggy shirt for a couple hours? You bet.

We visited several other waterfalls over the course of the tour, including Gullfoss. Here the water plunges into a canyon in two steep drops, creating spectacular raw power that was almost harnessed for hydroelectric power in the early 1900s, before a local farmer’s daughter mounted what would become one of the first conservation campaigns in Iceland.

Other stops included Reynisfjara, a beach whose black sands derive from volcanic lava, and are surrounded by basalt-column cliffs that look like staircases in a Dalí painting. Legend says that the pair of sea stacks off the coast were once trolls who attempted to pull a ship into shore, and turned to stone when the light shone on them at dawn. We also walked around the Geysir geothermal area, where we captured video of an exploding geyser.

One of the highlights of Iceland travel for me was Breiðamerkursandur, an 11-mile strip of sand that wraps around Iceland’s coastline to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, miniature icebergs that have calved off from their glacial parents float around the lagoon, in spiky shapes and intense shades of blue and green, before pouring into a tidal river. The lagoon is also home to a number of seals, who surface with a snort before undulating back beneath the waves, or else sunbathe atop the little ’bergs.

The beach itself was littered with sculptural, shimmering ice, much of it tumbled into diamondlike facets. Some pieces were as small as baseballs, and others large enough for me to semi-recline on, like an awkward Hollywood siren trying to look glamorous on an uncomfortable divan. 

Glaciers were the undisputed centerpiece of my visit. Because of climate change, the ice masses are retreating worldwide. But in Iceland, some are advancing. The island remains one of the only locations where the average, non-mountain climbing Joe or Jane can experience a glacier.

We visited one of the outlet glaciers—frozen channels that flow out of ice caps along the sides of a valley—emanating from the Vatnajökull glacier. At about 3,100 square miles, Vatnajökull covers 8 percent of Iceland, and is part of the eponymous Vatnajökull National Park, a stony, lunaresque landscape in the southwest corner of the island.

Getting to the glacier is the hardest part, and required a bumpy, seesawing ride in a decked-out super jeep over rough, pockmarked-and-potholed terrain. We had already been outfitted in belaying harnesses, which are used for rescue, should a visitor venture a little too far toward the edge of a fissure, and once we had hiked a couple hundred feet up the rocky side of the glacier, we donned crampons and pickaxes for better traction. Then we were off, stomping across the ice behind our guide, Jan, with Ingimundur pulling up the rear.

We stopped at several points along the walk to observe, snap photos, and learn about the glaciers. We also tromped through a small but scenic ice cave, its pale blue walls glinting in the fading sunlight. In the midst of one of our discussions, a crackling sound brought conversation to a halt. Off in the distance, high up on the glacier—too far away to be a safety concern—sparkling chunks rained down in a small ice avalanche, a normal part of glacial formation and decomposition.

The great indoors: tomato greenhouses, Northern Lights sightings, and a superb private villa

Our Iceland travel also included a few indoorsy stops, including a meal and a visit to the national park museum in compact Vik, and lunch in the extensive Friðheimar tomato greenhouses. As a volcanic island, Iceland is short on agriculturally viable soils. Greenhouse operations now supply nearly half of residents’ food.

While the flavor of greenhouse tomatoes will never quite match the juicy brilliance of their sun-drenched Mediterranean cousins, Friðheimar’s are tasty, and served up in a wide variety of soups, salads, and entrees. The greenhouse restaurant, where you dine surrounded by twelve-foot-tall tomato plants, is also a welcome respite from the freezing winter temperatures. Friðheimar’s brand-new, adjacent wine bar, with its library wall, cozy armchairs, and plethora of indoor plants, is a relaxing, sunny delight, and serves excellent desserts.

Although you’re never guaranteed a Northern Lights sighting—it depends partly on aurora activity, and partly on the clarity of the night sky—I got my wish at Hótel Jökulsárlón, located on a glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. From our plush room, decorated in dark, moody hues, we eagerly peeked out the windows for a few hours. Finally, around 11:00 p.m., we gave up, and succumbed to sleep.

A little after midnight, the phone rang: “The Northern Lights are visible in the sky,” said a friendly female voice from the front desk, via the hotel’s Northern Lights wake-up service.

Right outside our window, a ribbon of electric green flowed and twisted like a sky-bound river. It lasted for only 10 or 15 minutes, but the bright color and near-constant movement were unmistakable, and easy to capture with a camera phone. We were later told that the “show” was even more spectacular from the other side of the hotel, but I didn’t feel cheated—especially given the single-digit temperatures and 30-mph winds that blustered around the lagoon, making it difficult to even walk outside, let alone steadily hold up a camera.

Our other accommodation during our Iceland travel included Hof Luxury Villa, a freestanding, style-forward hotel designed to complement the landscape. I loved the villa’s middle-of-nowhere location, in a remote valley of the already-remote Hella, as much as I adored its modern comforts: a spacious king suite, combination living room and dining area with a cozy fireplace, and glass-enclosed Northern Lights lounge, where you can gaze up at the night sky from the comfort of an upholstered settee.

The culinary program at Hof Luxury Villa is led by Gísli Matthías Auðunsson, owner of three Icelandic restaurants, and a gentle, warm presence. He prepared an exceptional three-course dinner for us, featuring seafood, pasta, and lamb, another Icelandic favorite, before bidding us good night.

There were no Northern Lights sightings that night, but my only real regret of the trip was that we arrived at Hof after 8:00 p.m., too late for anything but the leisurely dinner. This meant forgoing a soak in the private hot tub, or sweating it out in the sauna. If I had a do-over, I’d stay for at least two nights, and make sure I built in a few hours of R&R time per day for enjoying the accommodation’s welcoming amenities.

Bidding farewell to Iceland

On our final tour day, we braved the biting winds for a walk around Þingvellir National Park. If the park, which is the site of the world’s first parliament, looks like something out of Game of Thrones, then it won’t surprise you to learn that it was a repeat filming location in season 4 of the hit series. Tucked into a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it’s a sampler platter of some of Iceland’s most memorable natural assets: waterfalls, rushing rivers, frozen lakes, Lego-brick cliffs, and trails that seem to meander off into eternity.

Bringing our tour full circle, we paid a visit to the new Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs. It’s impossible to overstate the natural beauty of this spot, cradled along the southern lip of Hvalfjörður (“whale fjord,” named for a legend of an elf woman who transformed her human lover, who denied he was the father of her child, into a red-headed whale). This inlet along the western coast of Iceland, cradled between snow-capped mountains, is so gorgeous, gazing at it evokes immediate serenity.

The property has eight hot springs. A few fluctuate with the temperature of the North Atlantic, from lukewarm to woah. Others stay warm, even hot. We dipped into four different pools—including the one adjacent to the resort’s restaurant, which has a swim-up bar—as we watched the sun disappear behind the peaks. After we’d rinsed off and changed, the staff of Hvammsvík treated us to a selection of appetizers, including a seafood soup with a rich broth and chunks of fresh shellfish.

Ingimundur deposited us back in the Icelandic capital and Hotel Reykjavik Saga, where we relaxed downstairs with cocktails at Fröken Reykjavík Kitchen & Bar, and plotted which attractions to see the next day using our Reykjavik City Card. The card offers free entry to nearly three dozen museums, galleries, and thermal pools.

In the morning, we walked less than a half mile to the National Museum of Iceland. Absorbing and well laid out, it deserves more attention than I could afford it in an hour—the amount of time I had before running a crucial Iceland travel errand: a stop at Omnom Chocolate, in the revitalized Grandi neighborhood, for their licorice-topped ice cream, plus our usual travel pilgrimage to a local grocery to shop for typical foods.

Northern Lights were in the forecast again, and although we didn’t see them a second time, what we took away from this trip was far more gratifying: a sense of the rare beauty and majesty of a country that, even two decades ago, wasn’t even considered a tourist destination, and an up-close look at some of the world’s rapidly disappearing glaciers. Even more indelible than the hundreds of pictures I took, what sticks with me are the singular moments—the roar of a waterfall, the wind slapping my cheeks as I stood atop an ice cap, the black sand of a volcanic beach whispering through my fingers, and lounging in a glass-walled room while stars began to blink to life in the night sky—that I won’t be able to duplicate anywhere else.

How To Get to Iceland

For our Iceland travel tour, we flew out of Boston Logan Airport into Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, via Icelandair. Although it’s not technically a budget airline, Icelandair’s rates are often lower than that of its competitors. But you’ll need to shell out extra cash for almost everything, from a checked bag to seat selection and even snacks and meals. You won’t get so much as a bag of pretzels without paying for it. 

Meals need to be ordered in advance using the Icelandair website or app. We used our Priority Pass to relax in the Air France lounge before our flight, where we ate dinner—which included a respectable take on New England clam chowder—and filled up our water bottles before boarding.

Our departure flight was delayed by a few minutes, both on the departure and return, mostly because of the airline’s unusual policy of seating Saga Premier passengers first, followed by everyone else in a single, disorderly cattle call. Flight attendants were pleasant and helpful, especially when we requested blankets, which had not been placed on the seats for the return flight, despite frigid temperatures inside the aircraft. (How frigid? I kept my winter jacket on for all 5.5 hours!) The airline was kind to upgrade us to an exit row, which offered more leg room but was otherwise indiscernible from the rest of economy class.

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As a longtime freelance travel writer and now travel advisor with FORA, I love helping clients make lasting memories and inspiring dream vacations – featuring a destination hotel stay or luxury boutique cruise.

A luxury travel agent like me  is sought out for the best deals and ultimate VIP perks, but clients often find the most value in my travel expertise and personal knowledge of destinations – to help craft trips tailored to their unique preferences and needs. Whether it’s a family with young kids, a couple’s getaway, or a solo adventurer, the details of the right destination can transform a forgettable vacation into lifetime memories. Here are six traveler profiles and destination ideas for a memorable vacation.

1. The Multigenerational Family

• Client Type: Families spanning grandparents to grandkids, looking for a stress-free getaway that includes relaxation and family bonding time with no added costs.
• Perfect Destinations: All-Inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos or Grand Velas Riviera Maya
  • All-inclusive luxury resorts in Los Cabos or Cancun/Playa del Carmen provide excellent value for money. These resorts often include meals, entertainment, and beach activities in one affordable package.
  • Activities: Snorkeling in cenotes, visiting Mayan ruins, or relaxing by the beach.

2. The Honeymooners or Romantic Couple

• Client Type: Newlyweds or couples seeking romance and luxury.
• Perfect Destination: Greece – Santorini, Milos, Paros
  • Known for its breathtaking sunsets, cliffside villas, and intimate wineries, Santorini is a dream destination for couples. Stay in the small town of Imerovigli, nestled between the larger, tourist cities of Oia and Fira. The islands of Milos and Paros also provide adventure and rustic Greek charm – with hiking, ancient villages, and fantastic beaches. 
  • Activities: A private catamaran cruise, culinary exploration, wine tasting, and visiting picturesque fishing villages.
  • Hotel Favorites for Couples: Paros Agnanti Resort and Spa, White Pebble Suites Milos, Amaze Suites Santorini

• Perfect Destination: South end of Tulum
  • Known for its creamy Caribbean sands and aquamarine waters, the magic of Tulum begins with its many boutique hotels, often with less then 12 rooms. 
  • Activities: Backed up to a jungle, watch rooftop sunsets, explore ruins, and dip into a different cenote each day to stay cool. Tacos in your beach palapa, on repeat! Tulum makes a romantic long weekend possible due to convenient flights from most major cities. Consider Xela Tulum, Lula Tulum, Nomade, Nest and more.

• Perfect Destination: Los Cabos – Grand Velas Cabo Boutique Hotel
  • Cabo San Lucas is an easy flight from most major cities, and a favorite romantic coastal destination. There is no need to leave this new all-inclusive boutique property – with poolside food and drinks, 24-hour butler service, and expansive oceanfront suites – unless you want to venture next door for more restaurant and spa options at Grand Velas Los Cabos. 
  • Activities: Watch the whales cruise by while enjoying a stellar assortment of tacos. Participate in complimentary culinary experiences like Mexican wine and cheese pairing or a Mezcal and chocolate pairing. 

3. The Thrill-Seeking Adventurer

• Client Type: Anyone craving excitement, education, and wildlife exploration.
• Perfect Destination: Galapagos Islands expedition yacht with Ecoventura 
  • Choose a bucket list adventure like Ecoventura Galapagos, aboard one of three Relais and Chateaux expedition yachts with less than 20 guests and at least as many crew. Cruise into several islands each day to observe animals in their natural setting, many found nowhere else in the world. Deepwater snorkel and hike to explore these volcanic islands off of Ecuador, to truly be amazed at the fearless endemic species.

• Perfect Destination: Iceland circumnavigation on Windstar Cruises
  • A perfect way to travel with an older parent or friend/partner, Windstar offers many adventurous options in each port to get a personalized experience in this Nordic Nation dripping in waterfalls. From experiencing over 30 humpback whales in a fjord on a 12-person rib boat, to eating fresh sushi Viking style off the back of a fishing trawler, each excursion will leave you in awe. 

• Perfect Destination: Riverboat adventure with Pure Amazon 

• This new offering launches in 2025, on 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries, with 22 guests or less and a staff to guest ratio of 1 to 1. Just 12 cabins, there is no need to worry about seasickness on this calm but exciting river cruise. Expect private guides, exceptional food, flexibility, and customization of daily activities. 

4. The Wellness-Seeking Solo Traveler

• Client Type: Solo travelers looking for cultural immersion combined with nature and Zen.

• Perfect Destination: Slovenia

• A solo traveler can safely explore the nature and wellness offerings that abound – such as staying in a treehouse or hayrack, climbing to the treetops in Rogla in an observation tower, forest bathing, and connecting with the land at energy parks, a monastery and wineries. Most hotels offer thermal waters and therapeutic spa possibilities, even sauna sessions enhanced with music and scents. 
• Don’t miss: The capital Ljubljana, Julian Alps, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and numerous caves in the underworld like Postojna Caves and the Predjama Castle, a cave castle.

• Perfect Destination: Banff, Canada

• The Northern Lights in October will delight everyone, with colors streaming across the starry sky. It’s easy to connect with nature here in the fresh mountain air and water. Hike to tea house, boat on Lake Louise, or ride the gondolier up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for dinner.

• Perfect Destination: Wellness Cruise with Swan Hellenic
  • The ultimate luxury expedition cruise offers wellness experiences in a holistic and immersive wellbeing escape, including daily yoga, breathwork, sound baths, Chopra-certified-led workshops, journaling (with a booklet and journal to guide oneself), Ayurveda-inspired menu options, and cultural excursions. There are various itineraries around the world. Astronomers and experts onboard enrich the voyage, as Swan Hellenic’s Motto is: Go where others can’t.

5. Californication Escape 

Client Type: Friends, couples or solo travelers who want to get away from city life

• Perfect Destination:Smaller towns in California
  • Sometimes the best way to revitalize is to leave town for a long weekend. Even two nights away can help reset the soul. Choose from some of our favorite boutique California hotel destinations – both brand new and longstanding.
• • Laguna Beach Surf Lodge or Casa Loma Beach Hotel for a SoCal stunner. Both new hotels are located oceanside, steps from the beach and minutes to town.

• • Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, in the central coast town of Los Olivos, is an Auberge property in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country. Walk 1 minute to shops, cafes, and tasting rooms.
• • Hotel Atwater on Catalina Island is newly renovated. Return to explore the new Hidden Ranch in the interior, sip craft brews at Fix Biergarten, or take a self-guided tour of the “Casino.
• • L’Horizon Resort and Spa in Palm Springs or the uber-exclusive Hermann Bungalows (hidden within the L’Horizon Resort) will surely step up the romance for couples.
• • Borrego Valley Inn in Anza Borrego Desert State Park will wow nature lovers with slot canyon and desert palm oasis hikes, grand desert sculptures scattered throughout the land, and stargazing in this designated Dark Sky Community.

• • Malibu Beach Inn sits on its own private beach in view of the Malibu Pier. For an exclusive secluded getaway, rooms hang atop the ocean along with the hotel’s on-site restaurant.
  • Solvang’s booming dining scene is now a prime reason to visit, so stay in town at the New Haven Inn or The Winston to walk to all the fun.

6. The Curious Culture Seeker 

Client Type:  Solo travelers, couples, and friends  

Perfect Destination: Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Sarajevo and Mostar might feel like stepping back in time, but the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe is ripe for exploration – with medieval villages, rivers and lakes, and well-preserved old quarters, 16^th century mosques, and Ottoman-era landmarks.

Perfect Destination: Croatia and Montenegro

• Croatia may be teeming with tourists these days, but work with a travel advisor to discover fabulous, lesser-known islands and coastal medieval villages, to make the most of your time. Yachts are great for bonding but small yachts (less than 150ft) like Karizma (part of the Goolets portfolio) are perfect for exploration down the Adriatic Coast, as they can slip into many port towns that larger ships cannot. Hvar and Korcula are favorites.

• Montenegro is the Jewel of the Adriatic, where medieval villages on the water – like Perast – may be the best kept secret in all of Europe. Cruise the Bay of Kotor to slurp mussels and admire Our Lady of the Rocks. Don’t miss the new cable car ride zooming guests up above the Bay.  

By matching the right destination details with each traveler, I help to create unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s romance, adventure, or family bonding, there’s a perfect trip waiting to be planned. I am ready to assist you in making your 2025 dreams into reality! Message me through my website.

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It’s been 18 years since myself and my two colleagues-turned-friends quit our media jobs, sold our belongings, left New York City, and backpacked the world together for a year.  Jen, Amanda, and I got to know each other extremely well after sleeping head-to-toe in hostels, hotels, tents and overnight sleeper trains for 365 days. (After our round-the-world trip, we wrote a book about our adventure called The Lost Girls: Three Friends. Four Continents. One Conventional Detour Around The World.)

Not only did we continue to stay friends, but upon our return, we made a pact that the three of us would travel together once a year for the rest of our lives. We’ve held true to that promise to each other, even when things got busy and big life changes happened–from having kids to switching jobs to moving cities (me).

For our 2024 girls getaway, we followed in Hemingway’s footsteps and escaped to Key West. To me, Key West felt like a laid-back Caribbean island meets the magic of New Orleans meets the soundtrack of Nashville. 

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S., mixing adventure and intrigue with relaxation and nature. The mix of cultures such as Cuban, Bahamian, and American, along with the vibrant art and music scene, makes it so much more than your typical beach town. So, when we heard the Keys’ locals share their favorite saying that “We’re here, because we’re not all there!” we paused and thought…yep, sounds like a Lost Girls destination to us. Here are highlights of how we spent 48 hours in Key West.

Where to Stay in Key West: The Pier House Resort & Spa

Having never been to Key West before, Amanda selected the Pier House Resort & Spa based on three things: Location, pool, and beach. It turned out to be the best decision, because it was on the main Duval Street and steps away from the famous pier where locals gather every night to toast to the sunset with a cocktail.

Now that we’ve visited the island, I would absolutely go back to this resort again for many reasons. One is I loved that it had its own private beach with an area for swimming. I was surprised to learn that hotels with beaches were actually rare on Key West despite its island location. 

Though I do advise swimming in the ocean with a friend. During my morning laps, I discovered I may be a fast enough swimmer to qualify for the Olympics after spotting a 12-foot brown sea creature swimming directly underneath me, and torpedoing straight back to shore. It wasn’t until I fell in the sand in front of Jen and Amanda, chest heaving, while they lazily sunned themselves on lounge chairs, that I realized what I saw must have been a gentle manatee (a.k.a. “sea cow”), calming my heart rate. To which my friends told me I needed to relax more, and sent me this meme (an extremely inaccurate comparison to myself, I swear).

In addition to manatee sightings, The Pier House Resort had everything we wanted for a girlfriend getaway, from an onsite spa to a hot tub to a gym. There were also three dining options. The onsite Chart Room bar is said to be where Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet launched their musical careers. Rather than a high-rise hotel, this 119-guest-room-and-23-suite resort integrates the island feel by incorporating both architecture and nature into the design with its collection of buildings connected by palm tree-lined walkways.

Friday

1. Sunset Cocktails & Music I 5 p.m. 

After making the 15-minute drive in a taxi from the airport to The Pier House, Jen, Amanda and I quickly changed into our sundresses and walked about one minute to the aptly-named Sunset Pier. We ordered a Sunset Margarita, watched the sun languidly sink below the horizon in bursts of pink and gold, and danced to live music.   

2. Dining Al Fresco I 7 p.m.

We walked a few steps back to The Pier House for more stunning ocean views as stars began to dust the sky while dining on the deck of One Duval. Chef Maria’s menu changes according to what’s in season, and we dined on seafood such as coconut curry snapper and seared ahi tuna. This is one of the top restaurants in Key West, as the service is wonderful and the ingredients fresh. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served either in the elegant indoor dining room or ocean-side on the deck.

3. A Haunted Ride I 9:30 p.m.

Key West has a dark side. When the sun goes down, the spirits come out, according to our ghost host, Lulu Fortuna, during the Ghosts & Graveyards Trolley tour. From learning about a maid who used VooDoo to cast a spell on the creepy Robert the Doll to stopping at the Shipwreck Museum and daring tour participants to touch the cursed silver bar from a shipwreck in 1656, this experience will have you imagining you’re seeing ghosts.  The locals even get in on the action, with passersby yelling “You are doomed!” to trolley riders, who yell back, “We are doomed!” If you’re traveling with kids under 13, I’d suggest skipping this tour and doing the daytime Old Town Trolley Tour instead to avoid nightmares interrupting your vacation sleep. Rates start at $38 for a one-hour tour.

Saturday

4. Breakfast on the Beach I 8:30 a.m.

Roosters free roam on the island (supposedly descendents of fowl found throughout the Caribbean), and we were awakened early to a “cock-a-doodle-doo.” Since the aptly-named Beach Bar wasn’t yet serving food, the three of us ordered eggs, toast and coffee from One Duval and ate it under an umbrella on the lounge chairs set on the beach.

5. Paddle Board Adventure I 10 a.m.

We paddled our way through the mangroves in the backcountry of Key West on a paddleboard eco-tour with Lazy Dog Adventures at Hurricane Hole Marina. If you like moving your body and being in nature, these tours are an adventurous way to learn about the local ecosystem and marine life (just be sure to wear a lot of sunscreen). While we did not see any manatees on this tour, we did spot sea stars, frigate birds and even got to hold a jellyfish that didn’t sting. Two-hour paddleboard eco-tours start at $70.

6. Island Escape I 2 p.m.

After working our bodies, we headed to the 27-acre private island at Sunset Key Cottages, where we plopped ourselves into the white sand and spent a relaxing afternoon reading on the beach and ordering drinks from the pool bar, much to Amanda and Jen’s delight. To get there, we took a private boat shuttle from Opal Key Resort, which has its own marina, for an eight-minute ride to the island.  

As dusk neared, we swapped our bathing suits for sun dresses in the onsite locker rooms and ate dinner on the island at the elegant Latitudes restaurant. The setting was as memorable as the food, being seated on the outdoor verandah to witness another breathtaking Key West sunset. We shared plates so we can sample more of the menu, such as Korean barbecued wagyu beef skirt steak with sesame potato puree and Caribbean lobster risotto. The boat leaves the marina at Opal Key at the 15- and 45-minute mark of every hour from 6:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.

7. Famous Nightlight I 9 p.m.

After a sunset dinner at Latitudes, Jen, Amanda and I hopped the shuttle boat back to the main island and found ourselves pulled to the celebratory energy of Duval street. 

We heard the most incredible voice coming from a rooftop bar, and decided to follow the music to find the source. We walked up the steps to the Halo Rooftop Lounge, facing Duval Street on the roof of The Saint Hotel. We spent a magical hour captivated by a live performance from American Idol contestant and singer songwriter Kristen McNamara, who sang both popular hits and her own original music, one of which was named after the place where we found ourselves, “Duval Street.”

Next we headed to the local dive bar Green Parrot on the corner of Southard and Whitehead Streets, which opened in 1890. You can practically feel the history, with a wooden bar, wooden stools and musical paraphernalia from eras past hanging on the walls. It’s known for its live music but there weren’t any bands playing the night we stopped in. Instead, we stayed for the colorful conversations with the locals and the unlimited free popcorn, which only made us thirstier.

Sunday

8. Pancakes and Cats I 10 a.m.

Blue Heaven, two blocks from Duval Street on Petronia and Thomas Streets, is a famous brunch spot also known for the cats and chickens that wander freely in the eclectic outdoor dining area. No surprise that live music is also a staple of the establishment. Come hungry as the menu includes shrimp and grits, Betty’s banana bread, blueberry pancakes, and famous Key Lime Pie.

9.  Hemingway House I 11 a.m.

Our visit to Key West wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Hemingway House with its 60 six-toed cats. The famous writer and member of the “The Lost Generation” visited Key West and made it his home in 1931. Hemingway fell in love with the sunny weather, the ocean fishing, and the laid-back bar scene. Famous for novels such as Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway wrote part or all of his books and two of his most famous short stories in Key West.

Tours run daily, take about 30 minutes and cost $19.

10. Poolside Party I 12:30 p.m.

We’d experienced the nightlife, swam in the ocean, and paddled our way through the mangroves. Jen, Amanda and I ended our trip with a pool day in style with a reserved cabana and lunch at the Margaritaville Beach House Key West.  Located directly across the street from Smathers Beach, which is the largest public beach in Key West, visitors can choose to take a stroll by the ocean. But we preferred to stretch out on the lounge chairs, sip on a Tropical Hurricane, and watch the resident iguanas sun themselves. At the end of the day, and at end of the trip, the three of us could agree that we are still each others’ best travel partners.

To read more about The Lost Girls original trip, check out our blog, book and read more about it on We Said Go Travel!

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Shining light on our delicate ocean ecosystem through the arts

As the brilliant blue Miami sky deepens into twilight, I find myself standing in the back of Paradise Park on Key Biscayne, taking in the scene. The iconic Cape Florida lighthouse logo glows on the big screen as the crowd settles into their white chairs lined neatly across the grass. The buttery aroma from the vintage popcorn machine floats on the breeze, mingling with the faint scent of the ocean. It’s opening night of the Key Biscayne Film Festival, and the excitement is palpable.  

I spot Isabel Custer, one of the festival’s co-founders, standing at the back of the gathering in a flowy yellow dress adorned with red roses. Her expression is a mix of pride and wonder as she absorbs the moment. “The outdoor screening in Paradise Park was wonderful,” she tells me later. “It was a triumph. I think people were happy, and films like Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool really moved the audience.” 

Custer, along with Maite Thornton, conceived of the Key Biscayne Film Festival in 2019 with a shared vision: to use the arts to foster awareness of global climate challenges and inspire positive action. With backgrounds in documentary filmmaking and TV production, respectively, they assembled an all-star committee to bring this vision to life. Both women have strong ties to this barrier island community, with its stunning scenery and unique ecosystem embraced by two protected parks. Their mission is as ambitious as it is timely—to blend environmental responsibility, sustainability, and the arts into a celebration of culture and connection. 

The festival’s inaugural theme, Island Cultures & Our World Ocean, reflected that mission perfectly. Over several days, audiences were treated to a diverse lineup of films—more than 36 hours of screen time spanning all five oceans and multiple languages. Youth filmmakers were prominently featured, their work embodying a hopeful message for the next generation of environmental stewards. 

The event kicked off with a cocktail reception and remarks from Mayor J. Rasco, followed by the screening of Life of Bill Baggs, a moving tribute to the influential journalist who helped shape Key Biscayne’s identity. The festival’s programming ranged from short films to feature-length documentaries, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultures, ecosystems, and perspectives. 

Panels featuring an impressive roster of guest speakers brought an added layer of depth to the event. Filmmakers like David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Inventing Anna), cinematographer Pete Zuccarini (Avatar, Life of Pi), director Billy Corben (Cocaine Cowboys), and biological oceanographer and champion freediver Dr. Claire Paris shared stories from their careers and their commitment to environmental storytelling. “The highlight of the event was definitely the panels,” Custer told me. “Hearing these filmmakers’ experiences firsthand was thrilling, and it reinforced a shared sense of stewardship for our planet.”

One of the most touching moments came during the awards ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton. A young filmmaker, Nico De La Rosa, received recognition for his film about his life as a youth with autism. Although Nico couldn’t attend in person, his sister Paula accepted the award on his behalf, video-calling him to share the excitement. It was a poignant reminder of the festival’s ability to connect and uplift voices from all walks of life. 

Among the winners were Sea of Time by Theu Boermans (Best Feature), Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool by Leah Warshawski (Best Short), Ola by Clara Gil (Best Film, Spotlight on Youth), and Sarah Curry of Sereia Films (Best Local Filmmaker). The closing film, All That Is Sacred, paid tribute to the arts scene in 1970s Key West and featured one of Jimmy Buffett’s final collaborations—a fitting end to a festival that celebrated creativity and community. 

With around 600 attendees, the first-year turnout exceeded expectations. “It’s a great start,” Custer said, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the next festival with films that continue to inspire environmental consciousness and artistic expression.

As I left the park that evening, the glow of the screen lingering in the distance, it struck me how deeply the festival resonated with its audience. It wasn’t just about films; it was about fostering community—people, stories, and the planet we share. 

The Key Biscayne Film Festival returns January 30 – February 2, 2025. To learn more about past films or to inquire about future programming and opportunities, visit their website, kbfilmfestival.org. 

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By Holly Cassandra Corbett

Most people equate a family trip to Florida with Disney. Orlando is, after all, known as the Theme Park Capital of the World and is the most visited destination in the United States. Yet Orlando and surrounding Lake County are filled with dining, entertainment, and nature adventures that are worth a trip in their own right. In fact, there are so many family friendly-activities that this part of the Sunshine State tops the list as a fun and convenient destination to take kids. Here is how I spent three days in Orlando and nearby Lake County with my 9-year-old daughter—and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Day One: Orlando And Wild Florida

We arrived at the new Hotel Landy, short for Orlando of course, which is conveniently located about 20 minutes from the airport and less than 10 minutes from Universal Studios. The kinetic design of the hotel, featuring geometric shapes and curving lines, was inspired by Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician whose work led to the development of roller coasters. 

The place had so many kid-friendly amenities that we could have happily spent four days just lounging at this hotel. After dropping off our bags in our king room with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Orlando, we set out to explore, playing air hockey in the game room and doing some exercises together in the light-filled fitness center. My daughter and I then changed into our swimsuits and headed to the hot tub and pool area. In addition to the resort-style pool, we found a beach-style courtyard complete with lawn games (we love a good corn hole competition), seating areas, and a food truck called “Liquid Sunshine,” which offers small plates such as fish tacos along with a variety of craft cocktails.

Adventuring In Wild Florida

Though we didn’t want to leave the oasis of Hotel Landy, we drove about 45 minutes south to Wild Florida for a nature adventure. And we were happy we did: this unique excursion to the headwaters of the Florida Everglades could easily take an entire day. The three main things to do here are taking an airboat tour, walking around Gator Park, and driving through the animal safari. 

Though you can make your way through Wild Florida in any order, I’d recommend starting driving through the 170-acre Safari Park that’s home to exotic animals such as zebras, bison and antelope—and that ends with a pit stop where you come face to face with a giraffe on the feeding platform. 

Next walk around Gator Park, where you can see more than 200 exotic and native animals including sloths, capybaras, and bobcats. Don’t miss the twice-daily feedings of Crusher, an American alligator who is more than 13 feet long. There’s also a covered playground for kids to burn off energy and the Hawk Swamp for bird lovers, where you might spot an owl if you’re lucky. When you work up an appetite, Chomps Grill offers fried gator nuggets as well as more kid-friendly options such as hot dogs and sliders.

The highlight of our adventure was taking an hour-long airboat ride through the Everglades. Rather than merely reading about wildlife such as eagles and alligators in a textbook or watching YouTube videos, my daughter got the thrill of seeing the animals in their natural environment as we skimmed atop the swamp, marshes, and rivers. Our watchful captain spotted a mother and baby alligator near a nest made of mud and plants, and was happy to answer many questions from passengers about the alligators’ habitat and eating habits (apparently father alligators have been known to eat their hatchlings). 

On that note, we wrapped up our adventure and drove back to Hotel Landy for an alligator-free meal at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Émilie Bar & Lounge (also named after the mathematician) to refuel with dishes such as fig and burrata and steak frites.

Day Two: Winter Park And Disney Springs

My daughter and I started out day two by driving north towards Winter Park, known for its parks and lakes as well as picturesque shopping district, farmer’s market, art festival, and sidewalk cafes.

But first, we grabbed a cheddar biscuit sandwich plate and artisanal doughnut at The Glass Knife, a cafe and cake shop that features a long communal table at its center displaying a collection of colorful glass knives. Those glass knives belonged to the owner’s mother, a local baker, whose memory and recipes inspired the cozy yet elegant cafe.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Next up we had a relaxing hour learning the history of Winter Park, Central Florida’s oldest community, with a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour starting on Lake Osceola. We listened to the captain, who was quite entertaining, share some scandalous tales of the wealthy Easterners who founded the community in the 1800s, while he expertly navigated through narrow man-made canals connecting the Winter Park chain of lakes.

The rest of the afternoon was spent doing one of our favorite things, getting lost. Park Avenue is made for wandering, with tree-lined blocks bordered with more than 100 specialty shops, salons, and restaurants. We found gifts for our family at the Rifle Paper Co., tried handmade chocolates at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and window shopped at the women’s clothing boutique The Impeccable Pig.

Disney Springs

While we didn’t visit Disney World’s theme park, we did continue our wandering streak later that evening at Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area bordering the theme park. The walkways were buzzing with shoppers, and we ducked into the Summer House on the Lake, a light-filled California-style eatery with a beach house feel and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. You don’t have to sit down to order a homemade cookie from the cookie bar, and you might want to take some home with flavors such as sea salt chocolate chip, fudge bomb, and berry oatmeal.

Later that night we did experience the magic Disney World is so famous for that infuses storytelling with heart, and combined it with thrilling acrobatics, by going to a performance of Drawn To Life By Cirque de Soleil at La Nouba Theater in Disney Springs. As we were waiting for the show to begin, it was clear that the audience were co-creators of the experience along with the actors: My daughter got selected to go onstage with about a dozen other children to draw a piece of art that was projected onto a big screen for the rest of the audience to see. 

Once the lights dimmed, we couldn’t take our eyes off the actors’ sheer physicality as they gracefully danced and performed breath-stopping stunts. But it was the spirit of the story itself that truly drew us in: The plot focuses on a pre-teen girl who finds a half-finished collection of sketches left behind from her deceased father, who was an animator. She embarks on a journey into her imagination, where she is joined by a cast of funny muses and also a dark character who might be described as her inner critic. After trying to run away or battle her inner critic for much of the show, the girl finally decides to face and embrace this dark character. It is only by facing her fear that she is able to overcome her creative block and bring the animation to life—an important lesson for children and adults alike.

After the finale and joining the crowd in a standing ovation, we headed back to our home base at Hotel Landy, ready for bed and sweet (Disney) dreams.

Day Three: Southern Hills Farms And Mount Dora

On day three we left the city behind and drove west to Clermont, one of the 14 districts in Lake County, towards open fields and big blue skies to visit Southern Hill Farms. This is a third-generation family farm that lets visitors pick crops such as blueberries, strawberries, and peaches. The idyllic farm off a dirt road in Lake Country has become a destination for tourists and locals alike, a place for people to be out in the fresh air and sunshine and close to the earth and the crops.

Besides being able to pick fruit, there are also u-pick sunflowers and zinnias. But what makes Southern Hills Farms a popular agritourism hub is that there are dozens of activities to awaken all of your senses, from tasting fresh-baked muffins made with the farm’s own blueberries, to listening to live music under one of the covered pavilions, to smelling the homemade sugar scrubs (my favorite is the lemon lavender) in the onsite market, to touching the sand in the onsite playground’s sandbox, and seeing the view of the farm from above while riding the Berry Trouper in the Kids Zone.

Then it was time for the final leg of our trip and to check into our next hotel, the Key West Resort on Lake Dora in Tavares (known as “America’s Seaplane City” because of the number of seaplanes making splash landings) and grab a quick lunch next door at Puddle Jumpers.

Our final activity was heading to the quaint town of Mount Dora, which hosts more than 30 art, music and food festivals a year, to join Premier Boat Tours for a two-hour eco-tour of Lake Dora and Harris Chain of Lakes. The pontoon boat drifted through canals and under hanging cypress trees, where we spotted a rare soft-shelled turtle sunning itself on a fallen limb and an endangered egret standing regally in the mangrove. 

We celebrated a vacation well spent with dinner at my favorite restaurant of the trip, The Goblin Market in historic downtown Mount Dora. The owners named the restaurant and bar after Christina G. Rossetti’s 18th century poem, which they read together in college while they were dating. The walls of the three intimate dining rooms are lined with bookshelves and art, the ceilings are lined with wooden beams, and the feel is that you are in someone’s living room. 

Over my daughter’s favorite drink, a Shirley Temple, we talked about our favorite trip moments because it was too hard to pin it down to just one. There is a reason Central Florida is one of the country’s most popular family-friendly destinations. I hope our vacation in the Sunshine State will be etched into her mind as one of her happy childhood memories, because it will forever live in mine.

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BY YVONNE PORTER

Photo by Ludwig Thalheimer

One of the wonderful things about exploring historic cities like Rome is that they’re often designed for walking. You can’t beat hitting the streets on your feet if you want to get a real feel for the city.

You can also find all sorts of things as you walk around and, if you want to travel a little further, hop onto public transport. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your exploration in Rome.

Store Your Luggage

If you have a lot of luggage with you, perhaps because you’ve been shopping or you’re just in Rome for the day before traveling somewhere else, it can weigh you down. Walking around all day can get tiring enough, let alone if you’re carrying heavy bags with you as well.

One way to get around this is by using luggage storage Rome. This allows you to keep your belongings safe and accessible, while freeing you up to wander around. It’s also useful if you wanted to hop onto a bus to visit somewhere specific, but didn’t want everything with you.

Getting Around Rome

If you’re happy to wander around on foot, make sure that you have comfortable shoes and clothes. Dress according to the weather. Rome tends to enjoy warm and mild weather, especially in the summer. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin. If you visit any churches, it’s best to dress respectfully.

Good shoes are especially important in the city center, which is well worth seeing. The tiles paving the streets are beautiful, but they can be hard to walk on with heels.

Otherwise, consider getting a taxi or hopping on public transport. You can buy digital passes, which is much easier and can be cheaper if you’re traveling multiple times in a day. Just make sure you download the right app.

If you want to visit a few monuments and historical sites, look into Roma pass. It’s a prepaid card that includes entry tickets and public transport tickets alike. As you can imagine, this can save you money and time, allowing you to skip lines. 

Eating and Drinking

Italy is famous for its food and drink. Rather than rushing around, it’s best to enjoy a slower lifestyle. Savor your food and drink.

Look for independent places where you can, such as small coffee shops and espresso bars where you can eat a bite and appreciate amazing coffee. Italian food at its best is simple, using fantastic ingredients.

Learning the Language

It’s more common in the cities to find people who speak English, especially in the more touristy areas. But it does help to learn at least a little Italian to get by and talk to people.

Learn how to greet people, thank people, and ask basic questions like directions and if they speak English. Even if you’re not fluent, this can open doors to better experiences. If you do want to find independent shops and restaurants, be aware that the proprietors are less likely to speak English.

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