NORTH AMERICA
Luxury Hotel on Vancouver Island
You can tell a lot about a luxury hotel by the way it greets its guests. You might expect a formal doorman to meet you at the curb and leave you at the front desk. That’s not the case at the Wickaninnish Inn, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. A smiling, fit staff […]
Sedona, Arizona’s Red Rock Energy
Is it the natural splendor or the metaphysical vibe that makes Sedona, Ariz., such a rejuvenating escape? Drifting along the placid waters of Sedona’s Verde River Valley in my inflatable kayak, I’m finally beginning to understand what all the fuss is about. With no need to paddle, I can kick back and enjoy the […]
Romantic Ocean View Resorts in Southern California
Eat, sleep and soak in Southern California’s most romantic ocean view resorts. The Lodge at Torres Pines, La Jolla and Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara Balanced on the coastal clips overlooking the Pacific Ocean, above the community of La Jolla, the Lodge has been drawing avid golfers and lovers to its sunny climate and majestic […]
Seattle’s Best Attractions Selected by Locals
I’ve learned that your first impression of a city remains with you always. Every time I fly into Seattle I am awed by the snowy mountain peaks, forests of black firs and the unrelenting wateriness of the scenery. Even the drive from the airport into town is bordered by huge fir forests and the area is veined with […]
Active days, comfortable nights in the Canadian Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies Only an hour from Calgary, and three hours from San Francisco, the Canadian Rockies are a fabulous destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Most popular things to do Don’t miss Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper and the Icefields Parkway. If you go, you shouldn’t miss these, but to get a real taste of the […]
Marin County. Easy getaway near San Francisco.
When the frigid fog rolls into San Francisco, locals head across the Golden Gate Bridge to hike, bike or drive to Marin County where the wether is sunnier and the temperatures are warmer. Although Marin was the birthplace of George Lucas’ Obi Wan Kenobi and home to the Grateful Dead, it is the […]
Top ten must-dos in Quebec City and Nearby Nature
North America Quebec City is a delicious slice of old Europe and North America. Quebecers like to say that their capital city is like France without the jet lag. You’ll love the aimlessly wandering and narrow (and safe) streets, passing boulangeries, old churches, and slate-roof granite house with balconies dripping with flowers. In the morning […]
San Francisco Locals Share the 6 Best Things to Do
By Marybeth Bond/GutsyTraveler The tourist season, when we have lots of out-of-town visitors is almost here and we’re gearing up for it. Here are our suggestions of where to go beyond “must see” tourist places: Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Ghirardelli, and The Golden Gate Bridge. Free Wildlife Viewing. PIER 39 Watch mammoth sea lions cavort in the […]
Hawaii. The Big Island
As the jet makes its arching descent across Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, we’re mesmerized by the tropical tableau below–translucent blue water fringed with green rolling hills. The couple across the aisle compares the scenery to Ireland. But when my husband and I step off the plane, the floral fragrances […]
Easy Getaways in Canada and the California redwoods.
Canadian Bargains This fall is a great time to discover Canada and take advantage of our strong US dollar that buys approximately 1.3 Canadian dollars. Explore the Gulf Islands From wildlife spotting to wine tasting, the Gulf Islands off the coast of southern Vancouver Island, close to the lovely city of Victoria, are the perfect […]