Bed, then breakfast

• At Calistoga’s Chateau de Vie, bed and breakfast guests dig into a classic winemaker’s breakfast consisting of fresh pastry, eggs scrambled with fresh tarragon and triple crème brie and wild mushroom duxelles, paired with a glass of Napa Valley Chardonnay.

• Downtown Napa’s Inn on First serves an ever-changing breakfast menu including herbed focaccia and eggs with basil aioli, roast rosemary potato with soft baked eggs and a roasted tomato tart. The Inn’s proprietors ensure that returning guests enjoy a new dish each day and every visit.

• Aurora Park Cottages, just north of Highway 29 in Calistoga, offers guests a hand-delivered breakfast basket each morning including whole wheat croissants to coat tummies with a pre-tasting layer of protective butter.

Morning After Favorites

• The Michelin-starred Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, in the hills of Rutherford, pairs its breakfasts and brunches with a wrap-around balcony and stunning 360-degree views of the Valley below. Breakfasts feature house-made breads and jams daily, and on weekends the Restaurant offers a three-course brunch.

• Set amid the rolling hills of Southern Napa’s Carneros appellation, The Carneros Inn’s roadhouse-inspired Boon Fly Cafe serves homemade Boon Fly donuts, a local favorite. Weekend brunch items include Poppa Joe’s Eggs in a Hole and Green Eggs and Ham, featuring poached farm-fresh eggs wrapped in honey-cured ham on crispy hash browns topped with a lemon-leek cream.

• At BANK Cafe in downtown Napa’s Westin Verasa, brunch menus are designed by Michelin Star-rated Chef Ken Frank, and menu items are sourced from Chefs’ Edible Gardens at COPIA. Breakfast favorites include Huevos Benedictios, a poached egg served on a corn muffin with chorizo and chipotle hollandaise. Breakfast is served weekdays and Saturday, and a three-course brunch is offered on Sundays.

Bakeries and Markets, On the Go

• C Casa, located in the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, features south of the border favorites with a health-conscious spin, including a Mexican coffee with agave and cinnamon. Locals suggest their huevos rancheros may be the best in town, and additional egg dishes showcase succulent rotisserie chicken, chorizo and seasoned buffalo.

• Having recently joined the Napa Valley breakfast club with new breakfast menus at locations in both St. Helena and Napa, Gott’s Roadside serves classic American and southwestern sandwiches and breakfast tacos filled with local produce. Sandwiches include scrambled eggs with cream cheese, tomato, avocado and green onions, as well as a southern sandwich of buttermilk fried chicken tenders, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and charred jalapeño mayo.

• The Model Bakery, with locations in Napa’s Oxbow Public Market and on St. Helena’s Main Street, is noted for its “world famous” English muffins, perfect for cradling bacon and eggs. House-made granola parfait, quiche, fresh pastries and bacon bread round out Model’s great selection of breakfast fare.

Did you know that in 2012 and 2013, The Napa Valley is the Official Wine Region of the 34th annual America’s Cup?

Maggie, the "Princess" found a pillow, water bowl and Pet-a-Fours in our Hyatt hotel room.

When I was young our pets stayed in the kitchen. Our poodles and terriers always knew their place–at the bottom of the family hierarchy. Over the years pet trends have changed significantly as Fido has gone from the kitchen to the living room, to the bedroom, to the car, and to hotel rooms. For passionate dog lovers, like us, it’s part of the fun to take the pup along on weekend trips to the ocean or the mountains.

Our first trip overnight with Maggie, our 18-pound poodle-mix, rescue dog, was easier and more fun than we imagined. I worried about the logistics and her behavior, but all my anxiety was unfounded. And who could say “no” to those big brown eyes, her tilted head and wagging tail?

The art of successfully traveling with a dog requires a game plan.

White sand, families and happy dogs at Carmel-by-the-Sea, a leash-free beach.

Start Smart. Select your first get-away carefully. Certain locales are more dog friendly than others and the accommodation you choose can make or break the experience. Monterey is an ideal destination for the whole family, including pup, for places to stay, eat, hike, swim and play.

Choose Pet-friendly accommodations. Although there are numerous hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and cabins that welcome pets in the Monterey and Carmel area, I preferred to stay outside of town at a resort with space and trails for dog walking as well as a spa, pools, golf course, tennis and outdoor dining. The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course fit all our requirements. Maggie was welcomed to the hotel with a bag of “Pet-a-Four” dog treats, a dog bed and a water bowl in the suite.

We lounged with our furry friend by the fireplace in the lobby reading the morning paper. With Maggie on my lap, we sipped Pinot, sampled cheeses and watched the sunset and golfers on the Pebble Beach Company’s Championship Del Monte Golf Course.

After dark we joined another family with their dog and children by the open fire in the gazebo where the kids coasted marshmallows for smores. An outdoor dining area was perfect for lunch as Maggie settled into the shade beneath the table. With doggie in tow we explored the jogging, biking, walking and pet trails on the large property.

Pamper yourself too. If you think our getaway was all about “the Princess”, Maggie, au contraire. During the weekend we had massages at the spa, enjoyed the two pools, the Jacuzzi and superb dinning.

 Do your research. Before we left I downloaded a list of beaches in the area where leashed dogs are allowed. Check out www.Dogtrekkers.com, a helpful website for pet-lovers in Northern California.

Find the best beaches and trails for pets. We laced up our hiking boots, put water, chocolate and doggie treats in the backpack and hiked well-marked trails above the rocky shores and pounding surf at Garrapta State Park, along Highway 1, seven miles south of Carmel. Grey whales often pass close by during their January-March migration. At Garrapta Beach, part of the state park, painters and photographers hang out as they capture the dramatic seascapes along the two-mile beach.

Additional beaches where leashed dogs are permitted are: Monterey State Beach from Wharf #2 to Seaside State Beach, Asilomar State Beach, Carmel River State Beach and paved or developed areas of Monterey District state beaches and parks.

Select pet-friendly dining establishments. Here’s a “A Pet Friendly Dining List” courtesy of the Concierge Department at the Hyatt Regency that suggests where to dine outdoors in Carmel by the Sea: Da Giovanni, Grasings, Casanova, Le Coq D’Or, The Forge in the Forest, Carmel Bistro, Jack London’s, Christopher’s, Porta Bella and Nico’s.

Enjoy an afternoon or night on the town without your furry friend. For a special celebration or just a fine dining experience, indulge yourself for dinner at sunset, with one of the finest views along the coast, at the Pacific Edge Restaurant, located at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Where else can you splurge on locally-farmed abalone and seared fois gras while watching the fog roll in over the Pacific?

While you’re visiting the Monterey/Carmel area check out what’s new at the aquarium. The million-gallon Outer Bay Exhibit is always changing as the aquarists add new species.  See the Jellies Exhibit where they dance, sting, glow and bloom. Meander through four multimedia galleries to see more than 15 species of seahorses — one of the nation’s largest collections of these charismatic animals. Discover how these shy and secretive animals grow up, attract mates and give birth—this is the only family in the animal kingdom in which the males get pregnant.

Our first getaway with Maggie was easy and fun for all. And we met lots of fellow dog lovers along the way.

Tango down the colorful streets of Little Havana, sunbathe at the best-loved beaches, swim  with dolphins, meet the manatees, discover the best museums or wander through lush gardens.

Key Biscayne Beaches

The northernmost island in the Florida Keys is tranquil and serene with pristine beaches. With little nightlife or shopping, everyone goes for the sandy beaches, two waterfront parks and more. www.keybiscaynechamber.org

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — A National Historic Landmark

A perfect place to spend an hour or a leisurely afternoon in the extraordinary European-inspired estate which includes a house filled with art and furnishings, and 10 acres of gardens on glistening Biscayne Bay.  Built in 1916 as the winter home of agricultural industrialist James Deering, you can enjoy the splendor of a past era. www.vizcayamuseum.org

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

This premier conservation and education-based garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. It houses the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads. www.fairchildgarden.org

Little Havana

A true taste of Cuba! Here, you’ll find art galleries, colorful wall murals, giant art deco roosters, and many restaurants and shops that are replicas of the originals back in Cuba. Watch men rolling cigars, playing dominos in the park or take in the deep aroma of strong Cuban coffee. Pulsating music, lively entertainment and spicy dishes attract locals and visitors to Little Havana. www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/little_havana

Miami Seaquarium    

Home of Lolita, the Killer Whale, who flies through the air; TV superstar, Flipper and other dolphins who walk on water; Salty, the Sea Lion; Pacific white-sided dolphins; rescued Florida manatees; endangered sea turtles, and Nile crocodiles. In addition to the dolphin or whale shows, you can feed seals and sea lions, swim with the dolphins or have a photo moment playing with them. www.miamiseaquarium.com

Jungle Island

Escape on a jungle safari into a lush, tropical 30-acre reserve and mingle with birds, monkeys and the world’s rarest creatures. The jungle is home to animal wonders like Java monkey or Vulcan, a 900-pound liger, and twin orangutans, Peanut and Pumpkin. Watch some of the continuous shows throughout the day. www.jungleisland.com

Coral Castle Museum

Giant pieces of coral rock were carved by Edward Leedskalnin in the 1920s, as a tribute to unrequited love. The construction techniques behind this mystery garden of fantastic coral sculptures continue to baffle experts and visitors. Visitors tour the Coral Castle with knowledgeable tour guides who try to explain the unusual sculptures. www.coralcastle.com

Miami Science Museum

This interactive and hands-on museum boasts a Wildlife Center with rare birds of prey and reptiles, planetarium shows and a brand new Energy Tracker exhibit featuring an interconnected trail of hands-on exhibits that explore everything from basic energy principles to the future of renewable energy. The Planetarium has a laser light show the first Friday night of the month and daily multimedia shows. www.miamisci.org.

Biscayne Bay National Park

A 53-foot glass-bottomed boat and a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran take adventurers across Biscayne Bay, through wilderness, mangrove creeks, islands, and out to tropical coral reefs. www.nps.gov/bisc/

Pinecrest Gardens

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 12.5-acre site includes a historical botanical garden, arts and cultural events such as theater, cinema, a petting zoo, Splash ‘N’ Play water playground, and venues for indoor and outdoor picnics or parties. www.pinecrest-fl.gov

South Beach is the trendy, art-deco, shopping, people-watching and nightlife destination that many Miamians prefer to visit in the off-season from May-August.

Foodies Frenzy

Two days at the Coconut Grove Food and Wine Festival gave me ample time to chat with lots of local foodies and quiz them about their best dining recommendations. So where do the locals recommend?

Jaguar in Coconut Grove for the best Peruvian Cuisine and Ceviche outside of South America. This is my #1 recommendation. Try the sampler of six different tastes of ceviche from the Spoon Bar, then a Moqueca de Camarao, large shrimp cooked with coconut mild, malaguesta peppers, dende oil and coconut flakes. And don’t miss the warm bread-pudding with cinnamon-vanilla and tres leche. www.jaguarspot.com

Michael’s Genuine for the best pork belly, short ribs, leg of lamb and other meats and fish. http://www.michaelsgenuine.com/

Seniorita Martinez for modern and innovative cuisines in Miami’s Design district.   www.sramartinez.com

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You cannot discuss Japanese culture without mentioning Kyoto, home of traditional Japanese arts ranging from the tea ceremony and textiles to flower arranging and culinary perfection. The ancient imperial city offers more than Zen temples: Shintu shrines and gardens beckon to visiting foreigners and Japanese alike.

Here are five original things to do beyond the usual temple visits.

1. See the most expensive dolls a Japanese girl could desire

Learn about traditional doll-making at a third generation master’s studio, The Ando Doll Shop. I saw the traditional elaborately decorated dolls displayed in hotel lobbies and wondered why they are so highly prized. I was not aware how much skill was involved in hand-making the glamorous costumes, hairdos adorned with ornaments and fans, delicate legs, arms, fingers and hand-painted faces. The Ando Doll Shop artisans work for one year to create a single doll.  My jaw dropped when I converted the price tags, from yen to dollars, and realized that each doll cost anywhere from $12,000 to over $100,000.00.  The dolls are offered by grandparents or parents to newborn girls as wishes for happiness, good health and prosperity. The King of Thailand and the Chinese Premier own Hina dolls made by third generation master Ando Tadahiko, master of the Ando Japanese Doll Shop. Arrange a free tour online at www.ando-doll.com

2. Sample your way through the local market nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen”

Epicureans don’t miss the Nishiki Market.  Meander down the narrow, pedestrian street lined with hundreds of food shops and stalls. This is where locals and most of Kyoto’s great chefs buy cooking ingredients.

I have never wandered through such an  odor-free fish, fruit and produce market. I could not even identify half of the food items on display. Vendors stand in front of their narrow stalls to offer samples of their fare, from pickles to seaweed soup. Even the fresh seafood market had tantalizing dishes, including tiny octopus heads stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, fish eyes, individually plastic wrapped cod, and whale skin. It is a great place to find knives and cookware, too.

3. Push the buttons on the high tech toilets

Upon arrival in the chilly Osaka Airport I made a bee line for the ladies room. It can be tough enough when you can’t speak or read the language, but it gets even more difficult when you can’t figure out the high tech toilets. I sat down and realized the seat was heated seat. That is only one of many options on the Japanese super toilets. Fascinated with a variety of buttons and pictographs I selected one randomly.  An icy jet of water hit my lower back and soaked my blouse and jacket. I didn’t know how to turn it off. I pushed another button and there was a loud sound of flushing – to disguise the noises of bodily functions. Eventually the cold water stopped.

Study the directions before you experiment because most upscale hotels and establishments have super toilets. At one hotel I opened the door, soft lighting and music began, the toilet seat went up and a dispenser sprayed a fragrance into the room. Every toilet promises a new gadget you can try; temperature adjustments for jets of water and bidet-style sprays aimed at sensitive places, a warm blow dryer,     volume settings for music or the flushing sound, and remote control. They are a marvel of Japanese technology, so enjoy.

4. Dine in a temple on Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine

Head out of the tourist neighborhoods to meet the monks and dine on their ceremonial Fucha cuisine – a distinctive vegetarian fare brought to Japan from China around 1600. Kangaan Temple, once property of Japan’s imperial family, is beautiful at any time, but a private dinner in the evening complete with paper lamps illuminated gardens makes it downright magical. I entered through a stone gate along a path lit by candles which led to the dimly-lit entrance of a Zen temple dominated by an impressive statue of Buddha. Fucha ryouri dishes are made of a seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, tofu and wheat gluten, combined in irresistibly appetizing ways. Fucha cuisine is a delicious pinnacle of culinary sophistication and subtlety.

5. Meet “office girls” as make-believe geishas

Although it is rare to glimpse a true Geisha in her silk kimono teetering along the narrow lanes of Kyoto on her high wooden shoes, you may encounter twenty-something young women dressed as Geisha apprentices (called “Maikos”) posing for photos near popular Zen temples. They are pleased to have their photos taken with you and talk a little with foreigners.

I learned that as little girls they played “dress the Geisha” games. To fulfill their fantasy to be a Geisha (or Maiko), they took a day off work, visited a costume shop and rented a kimono, at a cost of more than $200. For several hours they were dressed, coiffured with white makeup on the face, chest and nape of the neck, and styled with hairpieces to create the sophisticated hairdo of a true Geisha.

Shy, elegant and demure, they were having a grand time, and if you stop and talk to them, you too can join in the fun.

In Kyoto young and old alike show appreciation and respect for Japanese culture.

In the far northwestern corner of Panama, tucked up next to the border with Costa Rica, the relatively undiscovered Bocas del Toro islands not only have both beautiful beaches and captivating marine animals, but this archipelago also contains intact indigenous Indian culture. In some locations, respectful visitors can be welcomed in an Ngobe Indian village.

I visited by taking a boat tour which began with a stop to search for dolphins near Isla San Cristóbal, then cruised out to Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos (Bastimentos Island National Marine Park) and ended with a visit to the Ngobe Indians’ village of Quebrada Sal (Salt Creek) on the southeast side of Bastimentos Island.

To begin this visit, our captain maneuvered our small boat up a quarter-mile channel through the mangroves and then up an even narrower channel barely wide enough for the boat. The jungle was quite except for an occasional bird’s chirp. When we docked, no one was around. We walked along a path past thatched huts and headed toward the village. Villagers here are poor with fishing their primary source of income. A Ngobe man in the window of a small blue house came out to talk with me even though we couldn’t hold a “conversation” beyond smiling. This was one of those sweet encounters that makes traveling so worthwhile. Farther along the path I came to a larger hut where a woman was selling baskets and jewelry she made from shells and beads. Although I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked in Salt Creek, I found the people to be warm and welcoming, and I treasure that brief visit.

I stayed only in the town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón, but I visited a couple lodges in these more remote parts of the islands. Laguna Azul Eco Lodge is on a private island off Isla Popa, seven nautical miles straight south of Salt Creek. It’s a lovely, old-fashioned-style lodge with a gourmet menu and a veranda facing the Caribbean Sea. Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge has only eight small bungalows and one master suite, and all are positioned overwater on a walkway that extends out to the restaurant, which serves refreshing fruit smoothies. My choice was passion fruit.

While La Coralina Beachfront Surf Hotel & Restaurant is only 3.5 miles from “Bocas Town,” its location off a dirt road and on a bluff makes it feel isolated. As huge fan of handicrafts, I felt the gift shop alone with its handmade chocolates, gourd lamps, traditional flutes, hand-woven purses, finely painted ceramic plates and other items created by Central American artists was worth the drive. United, American, Delta, Taca, Copa and Lasca Airlines fly to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, but flights for the one-hour trip to Bocas del Toro (Aeroperlas or Air Panama) fly in and out of Albrook National Airport, Panama City’s domestic airport.

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About the Author: April Orcutt is a contributor to TravelandLeisure.com (website for Travel+Leisure magazine), the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. Her stories – often along with her photographs – have been published in National Geographic Traveler, MSNBC.com, Yahoo.com, the Chicago Tribune, New York’s Newsday and many other American and Canadian newspapers and websites. April won the Gold Award in the Personal Comment category of the 2011 Society of American Travel Writers Foundation’s Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. April’s travel essays have run in newspapers and five anthologies published by Lonely Planet and Travelers’ Tales. She writes and photographs destination pieces, journey articles, round-ups and essays. April emphasizes nature, environmental awareness, quests, road trips, independent travel, local cultures, women’s travel, voluntourism and humor.

The Princess and the Pea.

private villas. Locals and visitors spend a fortune on costumes and entry to the 600 Euro Private Balls.

Five thousand revelers crowded into St. Mark’s Square and chased away all the pigeons. Approximately 3,000,000 visitors come to Venice each day during Carnival. My friends and I bought a few bags of confetti, for one euro each, and spent hours sitting on a bridge throwing confetti at people passing by. Most locals had costumes so large you could not see their face, with hoop skirts and stuffed animals hanging off their arms.

I bought my sparkled mask in Florence, the day our visit, knowing how expensive the masks would be inside the city-and boy am I glad I did! My mask cost five Euro and the least expensive in Venice was fifteen Euro.

Who wins the best mask contest?

The last weekend before Fat Tuesday is the best weekend to venture to Venice for Carnival, for in the main square, Piazzetta San Marco, they host a contest for the best mask. A jury of international costume and fashion designers vote for “La Maschera piu bella”. Wonder if my mask will make the cut? What do you think?!

Costumed Venetians enjoying an espresso in St. Mark's Square

Costumed Venetians parade along the canals.

The white, milk and dark chocolate cell phones were perfect to nibble on with a strong espresso on a cold day in Florence.

meat and a dessert. After inhaling such a large meal, we usually stroll around Florence.

Last week we stumbled upon the famous Chocolate Festival in Piazza della Republica, the largest square in Florence, located in one of the oldest sections of town. During the Roman Era the piazza was home to the forum. Later in the Middle Ages a food market hall was built on the spot. Today all that remains of the historic area is the Colonna dell’Abbondanza (Column of Abundance).

We found abundance in all forms and colors and shapes of chocolate. Dozens of booths offered flowing warm chocolate fondue, artistic chocolate statues, pure melted chocolate served in cones and every type of chocolate bar, and shape, one could imagine. It was a chocolate lovers’ heaven.

Fresh fruit kabobs dipped in warm chocolate

I couldn’t resist a chocolate kabob, with fresh strawberries, bananas and grapes, dipped in a fondu fountain of milk chocolate. It was the best dessert decision I have made yet! The fruit melted in my mouth, as shots of sweet chocolate complimented it. My taste buds went crazy!

One friend bought a silver chocolate wrench and hammer for her dad, another found a chocolate puppy to ease her longing for her puppy at home. A chocolate shoe, shaped like a soccer cleat, made a perfect gift for a college friend who is a soccer star.

The Chocolate Festival lasts nine days, February 10-19^th, and is a must-do for your taste buds if you are in Florence during mid-February.

We climbed the Eiffel Tower in the teeth-chattering winter weather, fell into a trance listening to the boys’ choir in Notre Dame, found the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, meandered through Ste. Chapelle, Luxembourg Garden and admired Monet’s paintings at the Musee d’Orsay.

When I left the guidebooks behind and ventured off the beaten path, I discovered my own Paris in the small streets, courtyards and neighborhoods. Maybe it was laziness, or the fear that I would “miss something” that made me so attached to them. But somewhere along the line, my attitude changed. Maybe it was curiosity or independence.  I learned that I like to stumble upon places and make discoveries for myself.

Near Notre Dame on the Left Bank I nestled into a hole-in-the-wall bookstore and read for a few hours in a comfy armchair. Behind the tall book stacks, there are sleeping facilities with thirteen beds in which as many as 40,000 people have slept in over the years. The book stacks open up in a Harry Potter manner, in which the sleeping facilities appear between thousands of books.

I had stumbled upon Shakespeare and Company, famous for being the gathering place for writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein.

A secret world unfolded for me in Place Du Tertre, the square behind Sacre Coeur. Local artists set up easels to paint and display their work. I settled into a café on the square with a strong espresso and sweet Nutella crepe.

I did what the French do; I allowed myself the luxury to sit and savor the ambiance and sensation of daily life. I watched couples aimlessly strolling by, fashionable women shopping and noticed that the waiters danced among the crowded tables.

Place Du Tertre is at the heart of the Montmartre quarter. At the beginning of the 20^th century many penniless painters such as Picasso and Utrillo lived there.

After dark my friends and I strolled through the neighborhood around our hostel in Montmartre (Le Village Hostel). When we heard music and laughter we popped into a local Karaoke bar, L’Epoque. We spent hours singing and laughing hysterically with the Parisians as we all sang along to American classics, such as Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and John Denver’s Country Roads.

Although I only had three short days in Paris, I have started a love affair that may last my entire life.

London on parade

London has no shortage of attractions. Whether you’re into food (best Indian   food, hands down), shopping (Harrods…need I say more?), sports (nothing better than a pint of ale and some footie in the pub), or art (Tate modern, V & A, the British Museum, to name a few)—there is something for everyone. Even for the hard-up traveler.

With that in mind,a different approach to our time in London is in order.

1)    Don’t Eat Out – Though London is known for its smorgasbord of cuisines and fine dining options, if you are visiting on a tight budget, the biggest mistake you can make is to fritter away your money on overpriced restaurants. Instead of succumbing to the allure of artfully arranged ambiances and fancy cocktails, opt for less pricey meals at places where you aren’t paying for the atmosphere. Some of the best meals I had in London were from one of the many markets serving fresh food for cheap. You will find everything from Pad Thai to delicious quiches at the Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Just because you are on vacation, it doesn’t mean you have to eat out—there is nothing wrong with a frugal meal of bread, cheese, and wine in your hotel room before heading out to explore the city.

2)    Don’t Take Cabs – Unless you are intoxicated and find yourself at the last Tube stop in Cockfosters at some ungodly hour, there is no excuse for taking a cab in London. London is a pedestrian friendly city (although the cabs do race down the streets—look both ways!) with restaurants, pubs, and shops around every corner. Though it seems like a novel idea to us Americans, walking is always the best way to go. The next best option is to use the London Underground. Instead of buying a single ticket which equals one ride, buy a ‘Pay As You Go’ Oyster card, which is cheaper than paying with cash and can be bought at the station, online, or at a newsstand. The card also works on buses, and can get you into London attractions.

3)    Don’t Let Down Your Guard at ATMs – Another tip for the coin-conscious traveler: don’t get what little money you have stolen. London is notorious for ATM thefts. I had a friend who was robbed by a man who tapped her on the shoulder, asking if she dropped five pounds. When she turned around to look, he grabbed her card as it was ejected from the machine. Though she chased him for several blocks, he managed to evade capture. Moral of the story: use the mirrors on the ATM to see if anyone is watching you enter your pin, or even better, go in pairs.

4)    Don’t Go to Fabric – London’s nightlife is extensive…and expensive. Clubs like Fabric boast three different rooms and a vibrating floor, but cover and drinks will have you weeping at your balance the next morning. As with most London clubs, it is man-heavy, loud, and far too easy to get lost in (I lost my friends within 5 minutes, never to be found again). However, if clubbing is your cup of tea, check online for the nights with deals or go early when cover is discounted.

5)    Don’t Go On Tours – There is nothing worse than driving around the city in a bus as an annoying tour guide attempts to crack a joke about Big Ben. So don’t do it. All you need is an Oyster card, a London guidebook, and well-rested legs and you can be your own guide (and get a great workout).

By Claire Cudahy who  lived and worked in London, on a budget.

Claire with wanderlust and not the wallet to support it.

Spacious stilted villas and three infinity pools offer exceptional views from their hillside locations amid frangipani and bougainvillea at the Amankila in Eastern Bali.

On my fourth trip to Bali I was introduced to the Amanresorts’ award-winning, secluded properties.

Already well known to discerning global  travelers,  the exclusive Amanresorts are also popular with Hollywood stars. There’s a buzz among the well-heeled Aman-junkies who are treated like royalty for a honeymoon, anniversary or big celebration.

A warm welcome at the Amankila in East Bali.

My Favorite Amanresorts on Bali and neighboring islands.

Amandari is located near the culturally rich town of Ubud, Bali’s artistic center and gateway to the mountainous region to the north. Amandari, is built to look like a village with stone walkways and traditional shrines. The huge freestanding thatched-roof suites are constructed of coconut wood and teak. They overlook the terraced rice fields and the sacred Ayung River. Several have individual infinity pools. Facilities include a 32-metre swimming pool, tennis court, gym, and spa offering massage and beauty treatments. Complimentary activities range from an Ayung River trek to an Amandari massage.

A children's dance group from the village shared their talent at the Amandari. Dancer and gamlin players ranged from six to sixteen-years-old.

Amankila is a cliff-side resort in the eastern part of Bali. Thirty-four thatched-roof suites are perched above two levels of infinity pools and take advantage of the spectacular views across the Lombok Strait. The Beach Club, with yet another swimming pool, is located on the private beach below the resort and offers a range of water sports such as cruising and windsurfing. Complimentary activities range from a morning cruise to an East Bali trek or a nighttime dance performance on the beach. Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
2011 Reader Survey Awards ranked the Amankila among the Top 20 Beach Resorts in the World. 

Amanusa is a secluded resort just 15 minutes from Denpasar Airport and close to the nightlife and shopping areas of Kuta, Sanur, Legian and Seminyak. Amongst a wide array of activities, guests can play golf on one of Indonesia’s finest courses located adjacent to the resort. Complimentary activities range from an Uluwatu Temple tour to a soufflé cooking class.

. . . AND BEYOND

Amanwana is a wilderness hideaway and the only resort located on the island of Moyo. Overlooking the Flores Sea, the protected marine park offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Indonesia. Jungle treks on the island offer guests the chance to discover waterfalls and a variety of bird life.

Amanjiwo overlooks Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, and rests within a natural amphitheater boasting a picturesque backdrop of the Menoreh Hills. Guided visits to Borobudur are a highlight of a stay at Amanjiwo and are included as a complimentary activity.

The unique setting and cultural activities of each resort can now be combined in a seven-night experience for around $800 a night. www.amanresorts.com

The awards they have won recently include:

Zagat Survey
World’s Top Hotels, Resorts & Spas
Gallivanter’s Guide
The 2011 Gallivanter’s Awards for Excellence
Best Hotel Group Worldwide – No. 1