The light turned green, but I was cemented to the sidewalk. The swarm of motorbikes, scooters, and the occasional bus stampeded through the intersection. I clutched my children (at the curb) and watched the local Vietnamese walked confidently through the crosswalk while the traffic flowed around them. We were in Hanoi, on a family vacation […]
Memorable Things to Do in Hanoi with Kids Read More »
While the boys devoured Nutella crepes and hot chocolate prepared with milk from local dairy farmers, my husband and I sipped Prosecco and worked through the substantial Delightful Breakfast for Two. Temporary distractions from the 2,000+ m mountain peaks surrounding our breakfast table at Frööd Restaurant in Austria’s Vorarlberg province. Located at 1680 m, the views and
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After years of dreaming of a family hiking trip to the Alps, the boys turned six and eight, and we decided to hit the trails. We are from Canada and had already traveled to Europe with the children, so we knew what we in for regarding flights and jet-lag, but hiking as a family was a complete unknown.
The Best Places for Family Hiking in the Alps Read More »
Imagine sipping a glass of award-winning wine on a panoramic terrace amidst a 65-acre estate winery. You and your travel companions are the only guests. And apart from the owner’s home and a well-stocked tasting room and wine cellar, the property is yours to explore. This exclusive experience is available at the Blue Grouse Winery
A Taste of Winery Living at the Blue Grouse Winery Grouse House Read More »
It’s barely November, and I’m planning our annual summer vacation in Europe. Last year, I discovered the luxurious Burg Vital Resort in the exclusive community of Oberlech, Austria – it is one of the first places I will book for summer 2018. Here is why we love the Burg Vital Resort Oberlech and think you
A Luxury Alpine Escape at Burg Vital Resort Oberlech, Austria Read More »
“It’s medicine from the mountains,” declared Horst, our llama trekking guide, as he rushed out of his wooden cabin carrying a hand-crafted tray of full shot glasses. We are in Bartholomäberg near Schruns in the Montafon region of Vorarlberg, Austria, and it’s just shy of 9 a.m. An early start for imbibing, even on vacation.
Creature Cuddles & Alpine Joy – Family Llama Trekking in Austria Read More »
The pack of Pinarello Dogma F10 road bikes outside Hotel La Perla is the first sign that you have arrived at one of Europe’s premier cycling destinations. But, only if you pull into the hotel’s cobbled driveway before the guided (and fully supported) road ride begins. If you miss the gleaming Pinarellos, there is beautiful
Discover Why Hotel La Perla Is the Best Place for Road Cycling in the Dolomites Read More »
Summer slips by so quickly, and once it’s mid-August, I begin to look for ways to extend my favourite season. A few years ago we spent five nights at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale right before the school year started – it was fabulous. We returned last year for close to a week. And we
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Summer in the Alps means countless hiking trails, cows grazing in flower-filled pastures, and welcoming alpine huts. We just returned from a month in Europe, stopping in mountain villages in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. We hiked or biked every day and discovered a few things along the way. Beyond the obvious, like wear sunscreen and carry
Don’t Straddle an Electric Fence (and Other Helpful Tips for Hiking in Europe) Read More »
Our local guide pulled the Polaris UTV (Ultimate Terrain Vehicle) off the rugged trail and under the shade of a palm-like Pandanus tree. We had stopped near Pu’u Ali’i, meaning hill of chiefs in Hawaiian, to learn more about where water used to flow on Lanai. Here we heard how non-native plants and animals transformed
Getting into Nature on the Lanai Polaris Off-Road Tour Read More »
After our first family trip to Vietnam in January 2016 – we stayed at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and explored Vietnam’s intriguing capital city – I wanted to see more of the country. In January 2017, we traveled to Huế and Hoi An in central Vietnam. Huế, Vietnam, also known as the Imperial City, was
Stay at MGallery La Residence Hue Hotel and Experience Hue’s Rich History Read More »
An excellent (and exclusive) ski destination, Lech Zürs am Arlberg in Austria’s westernmost province of Vorarlberg is also world-class during the summer season. Sparkling mountain lakes, glacier-fueled streams, and lush alpine meadows draw tourists from all over the world. And the family hiking in Lech is excellent with family-run hotels, accessible trails, and traditional mountain huts
Family hiking in Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Austria Read More »
After exploring the temples in Angkor Park and the touristic city of Siam Reap, we planned to see more of Cambodia on a day trip with Smiling Albino – a destination management company specializing in customizable and unique experiences throughout Southeast Asia. Smiling Albino’s sample adventures from Siem Reap include cycling, hiking, and kayaking. We
Kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake with Smiling Albino Read More »
Our five cyclos (xe xích lô in Vietnamese) rumbled through Hue’s buzzing streets towards Bến Ngự market. These three-wheeled bicycle taxis appeared in Vietnam in the 1930’s and are still a transportation option in some parts of the country. We often travelled single file, following Chef Thuy from La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa. She was leading
A Taste of Tradition – La Residence Hue Cooking Class Read More »
When the West was still wild, I’m sure Arizona’s cowboys and cowgirls fantasized about an oasis in the desert like the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Where an outside garden shower washes away the dust, outdoor fireplaces illuminate the desert landscape, and the American canteen Proof serves up hearty portions of chicken and waffles, New York
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale – The Best of the West Read More »
