May 8, 2020 by julie

Destination Dreaming

If your going a little stir crazy in your current environment, take a scroll through our round-up of destination links below. You’ll be instantly transported out of your world and dreaming about where your future adventures lie.

To virtually visit some of your favorite cities you can now take a quick “trip” from your couch. It’s not only fun, it’s a great way to preview a destination before visiting.

This series of live streaming cameras include cities, beaches, breathtaking 360* Panorama views from around the world, major construction sites and college campuses (great for students – like our kids- missing out on college touring season).

Feeling Royal?

These virtual visits of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle will have you feeling like a sovereign even in your sweats!

Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette will give you a personal tour of Versailles! Kidding, but if you have been thinking about a visit now you can have a virtual reality tour of this majestic wonderland. (download the Steam app from their site).

Take a trip to the 600 room Drottningholm Palace Park in Stockholm! Built in 1766 and inspired by Versailles, this Unesco World Heritage Site is still the home to the Swedish royal family.

Built in 1808 for King Louis Bonaparte’s arrival to Amsterdam, The Royal Palace now houses exquisite décor and art.

Bella Italia!

As we watch our friends work through their devastation, we can dream about when we will finally be able to return. For now, here is some inspiration to pour over and dream about your next getaway.

Armchair guide to Italy from my affiliate agency, Brownell Travel is full of recipes, books, movies and virtual tours of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Vatican Museums in Rome. This guide will transport you.

Positano is calling! If you’re looking to close your eyes and be instantly transported to the heavenly Amalfi Coast, check out this swoon worthy playlist from Emporio Le Sirenuse. Grab a glass of champagne or Aperol Spritz, and dream of sunny days and buzzy nights we’ll all return to soon.

France

If you’re craving the bustling streets of Paris or the beautiful rolling countryside in the Loire Valley we’ve got you covered!

My affiliate agency, Brownell Travel created this great Armchair Explorer’s Guide to France that is full of inspiration! Check out virtual tours of The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay as well as book recommendations, recipes and more.

If you’re interested in WWII history, you can find interactive maps, reading suggestions and learning materials by visiting The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Travel + Leisure’s Guide to Paris offers great tips and insight. Just be sure to scroll to the bottom to find more in depth suggestions and ideas to that will have you dreaming about the City of Lights.

Galapagos

Virtual Expeditions to the Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions – during your trip, you’ll be hiking, snorkeling and kayaking while you see and learn about the natural beauty of the Galapagos.

Touring the US

National Parks

The parks are starting to reopen! While many are offering a phased re-opening there is still access to many of your favorite sites and trails. Just be sure to check the National Park Services website to find out the latest information for each park. Also, please note, some parks are now requiring timed reservations to limit the number of visitors.

Likewise, you can visit national parks from the comfort of your couch, thanks to Google. Although not live, they still provide a happy spot to dream about our future visits. This link from Totally the Bomb is a great roundup of links to each park.

You can also check out Google Arts & Culture to get quick bite size guided tours of 5 of our breathtaking parks.

May 5, 2020 by julie

Wildlife Live!

Adventure with us as we explore our planet’s diverse wildlife from our homes. While we keep dreaming about the days we’ll be able to view amazing wildlife in person, we can at least satisfy a tiny piece of curiosity and keep our wanderlust alive!

I’ve sectioned this post out into two main categories – Aquariums & Zoos and Armchair Safari and Beyond. The live web-cams in both sections are super interesting! Both have lots of great learning tools too. Hope you enjoy!

Aquariums & Zoos

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This is a great platform for kids (or adults!) wanting to learn more about tidepools, or the roles of various marine scientists. These tools are listed for PreK-6, but honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed taking a peek myself!

San Diego Zoo

They are offering a great online platform for learning at home. From live web cams (which are so fun to watch – their animals are quite the entertainers!) to virtual field trips, they bring you a unique visit to the zoo straight to your home.

Live Web Cams at the San Diego zoo are super fun!

Kid’s resources – your kids will love exploring here!

New England Aquarium

Their “Virtual Visits” are a great opportunity to spend the day checking out their array of sea life and learn about the animals. Plus there are loads of interactive activities (like how to track sharks) to keep boredom at bay.

Armchair Safaris & Beyond

While we’re all at home dreaming about future travel, I decided to start planning an African adventure for our family and absolutely cannot wait to go. If going on safari is on your bucket list, here are some incredibly dreamy resources for you to dive into and explore, while we all dream about our next big adventure.

Armchair Explorer’s Guide to Southern Africa: Check out this link for a very robust collection of guides, recipes, fun info pages, games and more!

Southern Africa Country Guide: Learn more about each of the 6 countries of Southern Africa and what you can discover while visiting.

Check out the wildlife in real time! Visit the live webcams of Africa to explore the wildlife undisrupted, from your living room.

Our partner &Beyond, hosts daily Facebook streaming their South African WILDwatch safaris where guides transport you to their Ngala and Djuma private game preserves. 9:30am EST

Thailand

From delicious Thai cuisine, to wildlife, wonderful people, brilliant temples and beyond, Thailand offers so much rich adventure and culture.

Elephant Sanctuary Visit the GTAEF’s (Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation) Facebook page for daily educational livestreams with the elephants.

May 5, 2020 by julie

Virtual Museum Tours

Ahh, while we wait… If you’re missing your museum visits, and craving a view of your favorite works, I hear ya! Feeding our curious souls at home can be a challenge for sure. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite virtual museum tours for you to dream with until we can safely go back. Please note, some of these links may require you to download the Google Arts & Culture app on your device before viewing.

The British Museum lets virtual visitors tour the Great Court, view the Rosetta Stone and see the Egyptian Mummies.

The National Gallery of Art is featuring two online exhibits to view from home.

Musee d’Orsay in Paris lets virtual visitors “walk” through their gallery to view their famed collection.

Van Gogh Museum allows guests to virtually tour the tragic artist’s storied works. The Van Gogh Museum has also collected coloring pages and you can download them here .

The J. Paul Getty Museum in LA allows visitors to “walk” through their huge, diverse collection.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Vatican Museums in Rome, let’s virtual visitors explore their collections.

MASP in Sao Paulo is offering virtual guests tours through their experiential exhibits. This modern museum specially hangs their artwork so that it appears to be hovering in the air.

The Dallas Museum of Art is offering carefully curated virtual tours that allows guest to tour by very specific topics that include culture, fashion, climates, and more.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston (one of my favorites) is offering virtual tours of their gardens, stolen exhibits as well as their regular collections.

For a full article and more links, Travel & Leisure has a full article with additional links.

January 8, 2020 by julie

Cruise Promos for 2020

Whether you are a cruising veteran or curious as to what the hype is all about, here are some great New Year promotions from a few of our preferred partners that will have you setting sail as soon as you can pack your bags. If you are “Cruise Curious,” check out my blog post from last year that highlights the benefits of luxury cruising!

Seabourn Signature Savings Event

Luxury small ship cruising at its finest! Check out this incredible promo from Seabourn. Loaded with great amenities on select voyages to destinations all over the world. If you have ever wanted to see multiple destinations, unpack once and have the feel of a luxury hotel, this promo offers the perfect way to give cruising a try!

Book by February 28, 2020 to take advantage of Seabourn’s Signature Savings Event. Special offers MAY include:

Complimentary Veranda Suite Upgrades*
Up to $1,000USD Shipboard Credit per Suite*
Up to $500 Air Credit per person
Up to 600 Minute Internet Package per guest*
50% Reduced Deposit*
Only in Alaska: Free Ventures by Seabourn Zodiac Shore Excursion per guest.*

Book any Penthouse or Premium Suite and receive up to $2,000USD Shipboard Credit per Suite and an Unlimited Internet Package per Suite*

Lindblad Expeditions in Alaska!

There’s lots happening in our majestic Alaska! If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Alaska from the water and seeing vast glaciers, wildlife and natural beauty, this is a great opportunity to get on board. Check out our partners below who are offering unique ways to offer more value to your vacation!

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

FREE ONE-WAY AIRFARE

Book by Jan. 31, 2020 and receive free one-way airfare (Sitka to Seattle or vice versa) on all 2020 departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers and pre- and post-extensions. Baggage fees may be additional. Call for details.

FAMILY SAVINGS: Kids Save Up to 50%

Save on up to two children 22 and under when they travel with two full paying adults on select 2020 Alaska departures: save 50% departing in May and August and save 25% departing in June and July. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.

SOLO OFFER

Book now and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on the Sep. 2, 2019, May 2 and 3, 2020 departures. New bookings only. Subject to availability and may not be combined with pre- or post-extensions. Please call for details.

CELEBRATE LIFE’S MILESTONES

In the spirit of celebration aboard, you and your companions will be entitled to Milestone benefits: 5% off groups of 8 or more; $150 shipboard credit which can be used for gift shop items, or most shipboard items including the LEXspa, the ship’s bar and dining room; complimentary video chronicle; complimentary custom photograph of you and your guests taken by the LEX-NG Photo Instructor to capture the moment; complimentary specially served decorated cake; special welcome gift in your cabin. For new Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness departure bookings only. Milestone celebration needs to be communicated at time of booking, amenity package is one per group and intended for the guest celebrating the Milestone event. Group discount is applicable to cruise portion only, and does not apply towards additional services such as hotels, extensions, etc. Group cancellation terms also apply. Not combinable with certain offers. Valid for groups of 8 or more.

Bering Sea Wilderness: Pribilofs, Katmai, and Kodiak

FREE BAR TAB & CREW TIPS INCLUDED

Travel aboard any National Geographic Orion departure and we will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew.Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia

FREE ONE-WAY AIRFARE

FAMILY SAVINGS: Kids Save Up to 50%

SOLO OFFER

Book now and we will waive the solo premium on solo cabins on the May 4 and 10, 2020 departures. New bookings only. Subject to availability and may not be combined with pre- or post-extensions. Please call for details.

CELEBRATE LIFE’S MILESTONES

You can also find similar deals on these sailings:

Voyage to Great Bear Rainforest: Native Culture & Wildlife in the Land of the Spirit Bear

Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan

Triple Savings with AmaWaterways!

From Europe to the Mekong in Southeast Asia, AmaWaterways is offering some truly incredible deals including that will have you connecting with local cultures in no time. Some of their special promotions include $2,000 in savings per stateroom, stateroom upgrades, onboard shipboard credits and more. Click here to find their dowloadable info!

Sea Dream Wine Cruises

Every single wine cruise on SeaDream is a unique and personalized culinary experience, especially with our carefully crafted itineraries that immerse guests into the world of wine. With the expertise of our Wine Director Martin Arentz, a SeaDream Wine Voyage is the perfect opportunity to enhance your food & wine pairings knowledge. While cruising to the most beautiful ports and visiting world-renowned wineries, you’ll be able to come back home to friends and family with a whole new appreciation and love for wine. Check here for more details.

Big Savings on Avalon European River Cruises!

So many reasons to love Avalon! If you haven’t seen their extra-spacious suites they are really unique with a giant slider that effectively turns your entire suite into a balcony. Very clever! Plus they are offering some great savings now. Save up to $1,000 per couple on select cruises! Find the details here!

Silversea

Silverseas is offering up to $1,000 in additional savings when you book by Feb. 18, 2020 so you can experience their all-inclusive luxury lifestyle with a little extra change in your pocket. Find out more here!

Viking Special Promotions

From the Russian waterways to the Danube, Paris and Switzerland, Viking is offering some great deals on air and 2-for-1 deposits. Choose between a 2020 or 2021 booking. These deals expire January 31, 2020

Star Clippers

Star Clippers destinations from the Caribbean over the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia offer a unique experience for all ages. Climb the ship’s rigging to the crow’s nest—located almost 100 feet in the air – and be rewarded with the ultimate panoramic view. Parents looking to steal away from a moment alone will be drawn to the bowsprit netting, where they can lie under the open sky with the sea lapping below them and enjoy a quiet moment. Comfy deck chairs populate the upper decks so grandparents, or anyone looking to just relax and enjoy the unique experience of ocean sailing, can sit back and watch the world go by.

Create Lasting Memories for Multigenerational Family Getaways on your Star Clippers cruise. Select Your Sailing on Royal Clipper, Star Flyer or Star Clipper and your children or grandchildren sail for free.

LAST MINUTE SAVINGS ON AMAZON CRUISES!

The luxury 16-suite Aria Amazon River Cruise Ships set sail for an adventure down the magical Amazon for a wildlife adventure of a lifetime. See pink dolphins, colorful birds, killer fish all while coming back to your luxury retreat at the end of a day of adventure.

Book and travel within 90 days and enjoy the following exclusive benefits with up to USD1,400 per couple:

Cover your flight from Machu Picchu with an air travel rebate* of up to USD350 per guest on flights flying into and out of Iquitos (valid from Lima and Cusco)
Enjoy a FREE suite upgrade from Lower to Upper Deck Design Suite worth up to USD350 (if available at time of booking confirmation)^

* Guests are required to email relevant airline receipts to reservations@aquaexpeditions.com to be eligible for the rebate

^ Guests are advised to select a Lower Deck booking; our reservations department will process the upgrade. If no upgrade is available, guests will each receive a complimentary 50-minute massage. If a massage is already included due to Past Guest status or bookings made through Virtuoso or Signature, each guest will receive a USD50 onboard credit.

December 30, 2019 by julie

Private Vatican Tours

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY! Our partner, Context Travel, has a special partnership with the Vatican, which allows them several dates for the exclusive, after-hours access to the Vatican and Museums. We’ve been fortunate to receive these dates before they are released publicly. These dates will sell-out very quickly, so let’s get in touch soon if this is an event you’ve dreamed of experiencing. This is such an incredible opportunity to create peaceful and meaningful connections without the distraction of crowds and noise.

Note there is one date right before Christmas, so if you’ve considered spending Christmas in Rome (or anywhere in Europe) this may be the event to make your holiday extraordinary.

The Vatican Museums are indisputably one of the finest collections of art in the world. Over the centuries, papal patrons have commissioned renowned works, such as the magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, and those by Raphael in his Stanze. The museums also host some of the most important sculptures from the ancient world, including the Laocoön and the Belvedere Torso. View this collection as few ever have—without the crush of the crowds. Our private after-hours Vatican tour with an art historian gives us an opportunity to contemplate these artworks in peace, just as popes through the centuries have done. We will take our time, luxuriating in the exquisite detail of work by Renaissance masters, while gaining a better understanding of the stories and histories behind the magnificent art the Vatican has to offer.
Our visit to the Vatican Museums will be led by a highly trained art historian. We will begin with a twenty-minute introduction outside and then two hours inside the museums, where we will have the collection all to ourselves. This is an exceptional opportunity for an intimate look at the Vatican’s collection, including an extended period in the Sistine Chapel, without the chaos of the crowds.”

2020 Dates:
· April 28, 2020
· May 18, 2020
· June 23, 2020
· July 6, 2020
· September 8, 2020
· December 22, 2020

If you have a date in mind that is not listed above, please feel free to reach out with your requested date and I can reach out to our partner about special arrangements with the Vatican.

Our partner also runs a regular Friday evening Vatican Night Tour with an Art Historian when the crowds are lighter than during the day.

November 22, 2019 by julie

Curious about Iceland?

Answers to your FAQ’s

Anyone who has been following travel trends has no doubt seen Iceland growing in popularity – and for good reason. This country has so much to offer, from adventure to natural beauty to culture to cuisine. If you’re interested in experiencing Iceland for yourself but want to learn more, good news! Our partners at Iceland Encounter answer some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Iceland below.

What can you do in Iceland?

Iceland is all about nature exploration. There are many activities where you can get out and explore this beautiful country including:

Glacier Adventures (glacier hiking, snowmobiling, zodiacs on glacier lagoons)
Spas and Swimming (geothermal waters and natural hot springs)
Lots of hiking in diverse landscapes
Kayaking and River-Rafting
Salmon and Trout Fishing
Bird Watching
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Horseback Riding
Caving
4×4 Expeditions
Mountain Biking
ATV and Buggy Tours
Photography
Sailing
Culinary Tours and cooking classes
Viking Heritage

How cold is it in Iceland?

Although the name Iceland suggests frigid, below-freezing temperatures, this country is not the tundra many people imagine. During the winter months (November – March), the temperature is typically between 25 – 40°F. In the summer (June – August), temperatures range between 45 – 65°F.

What time of year should I go to Iceland?

Iceland is a year-round destination. People visit in the winter to see the Northern Lights and enjoy the winter scenery and in the summer to experience the long days, warmer weather, and access to the highlands. Travelers typically spend 5-7 days in Iceland in the winter and 6-9 days in the summer.

When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from September to mid-April.

Will it be crowded in Iceland?

Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. It is about the size of New York state, but Iceland has a population of only 350,000 compared to New York’s nearly 10 million. And though Iceland may be on the rise in popularity for travel, it is still an emerging tourist destination. Compared to Ireland – which is one-third smaller than Iceland – Iceland gets about 2 million tourists per year while Ireland gets about 10 million.

When you travel with Iceland Encounter, their expert guides will help navigate around any crowded spots to make sure you spend your time experiencing the beauty of Iceland.

What should I pack for Iceland?

The weather in Iceland can change frequently, so it is important to be prepared for sudden shifts in temperatures, rain, and/or wind. Layers are always a good idea, so you can adjust to the weather throughout the day. Other essential items include:

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes (not your running shoes)
Warm socks
Rain pants and rain jacket in the summer
Warm winter jacket and waterproof pants in the winter
Hiking pants
Warm sweaters
Gloves
Warm hat
Swimsuit (for the geothermal pools)
Long underwear
Casual clothes for Reykjavik and evenings
Daypack
Sunglasses
Camera

How long should I spend in Iceland?

It is best to spend at least 5 days in Iceland, but ideally plan for an 8-day trip to Iceland to make the most of your trip.

What foods should I try in Iceland?

There are many foods to try in Iceland:

Seafood: Iceland is known for its wonderful, fresh seafood. Try the cod, arctic char, salmon, and the langoustine lobster.
Lamb: The Icelandic lamb is free-range and delicious – it is a national dish. Smoked lamb is a traditional Christmas dish.
Skyr: It is a traditional low fat, high protein dairy dish, sometimes called a super food.
Pylsa: the Icelandic lamb hot dog
Rugbraud: Dark Rye Bread. It is traditionally baked in a pot or steamed in special wooden casks which have been buried in the ground near a hot spring. It is crustless, dark brown, dense, and a tad sweet. It is great with butter, smoked salmon, smoked lamb, or pickled herring.
Icelandic ice cream: Icelanders are obsessed with icecream year round!
Kleina: the traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut
Fermented shark: for those who dare!
Brennivin: caraway flavored schnapps that is considered Iceland’s signature distilled beverage (sometimes referred to as Black Death)
Fresh water from the tap: Icelandic drinking water is pure mountain spring water and is the best drinking water you can find! It´s usually what Icelanders miss the most when they travel abroad.

Who should visit Iceland?

Iceland is a great destination for many types of travelers. Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the natural beauty and stunning landscape. Active travelers who like to be outside will love the many exciting activities. Families – especially those with children 10 and older – will enjoy bonding and creating memories in a stunning setting. And travelers who are into culture will like discovering Iceland’s unique history, music scene, thriving literary scene, gourmet cuisine, art, and more.

What unique experiences does Iceland Encounter offer?

Iceland Encounter offers more than the run-of-the-mill Iceland experiences. Their first-hand experience, on-the-ground connections, and passion for the country takes a trip to Iceland to the next level. From meeting the chefs of Reykjavik’s top restaurants to snorkeling between the tectonic plates to enjoying lunch in a secret, 1000+ year old Viking cave, Iceland Encounter shows you authentic and unique Iceland.

October 14, 2019 by julie

Our Maine

After moving to Texas a few years ago, our annual vacations back to my hometown make us love the New England coast more than ever! It’s truly earned it’s title as Vacationland. The rhythmic sound of the tide, the fresh salt air, the feeling of the fog rolling off of the water…this is the New England coast that we know and love! And then there are the beachside clambakes, ice cream with the kids with scoops the size of a softball (who says everything is bigger in Texas?), and of course the fresh Maine lobsters!

While we love the years we are able to spend a few weeks on the coast “down east”, there are other times that we have shorter visits that are just as much fun. From New Hampshire up into Maine, the New England seacoast can be done in just a few days with memories that will last forever.

Crossing the Piscataqua River into Kittery, Maine means that you have arrived! Perched on the jagged rocks above the Atlantic, Pepperell Cove Provisions offers some of the best views as well as colorful waterfront dining. A nice bottle of wine from the general store will be just what you need for your next stop. Ask for our friends Cat or Chris, who would love to meet you! If you have time for a bite or drink while you are there, the Bistro 1828, outdoor patio or Ski Club offer great fare with some of the BEST views of Portsmouth Harbor. (TIP: stay for a sunset. A truly magical view from the pier.)

A quick drive up the coast will land you at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier for lunch. Not to be confused with an inland creek, Chauncey Creek is a beautiful saltwater inlet surrounded by pine trees. The restaurant sits on a floating pier sprinkled with brightly colored picnic tables and happy customers. After picking your own lobster from the tanks on the pier, settle in for a festive lunch with friends and family. Chauncey Creek is a BYO restaurant, so you will be happy that you made the stop in Pepperell Cove!

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier

After lunch, a beautiful winding drive up the coast awaits you with so many diversions that you will wish that your trip was longer! Snug Harbor Farm fills my soul with happiness and makes me want to put on my gardening gloves. Lush plants, quality gardening tools and gifts, and friendly farm animals await you at the cutest farmyard along the road!

Idyllic and romantic Cape Elizabeth is the perfect spot for your first night in Maine. Inn by the Sea is a stunning beachfront resort just south of Portland. Cocktails at sunset, dinner overlooking the ocean, and coffee on the terrace as you watch the fog roll in off of the ocean…what a great way to start a vacation!

Rocky inlets with shimmering blue grey water, tiny Maine fishing towns that will make you want to stay, and colorfully-painted lobster boats will be your scenery as you see as you make your way north from Cape Elizabeth. Enjoy the ride and plan to stop often on your way to Camden.

If you are lighthouse lovers like us, enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking Portland Head Light from Ft. Williams Park. An easy stop and a beautiful way to start your day, there is also a flower lined park along the water for the kids!

Have you have ever wondered where your cozy leather LL Bean slippers came from? Or you would like a warm sweater to walk the beach in Camden? If so, make a stop into Freeport, a quaint town with streets that are filled with cute shops.

Sitting peacefully on the banks of the river in Wiscassett, Red’s Eats has served buttery hotdog rolls piled high with fresh delicious lobster for years. Even if you are not hungry, make the stop – you’ll love it!

Hidden surprises and memories are what we love about vacations, and you will find them everywhere along your drive . A quick detour to Pemaquid Point to see its beautiful lighthouse or a stop into Christmas Cove (which is just as cute as it’s name!) will make your heart sing! You will also love that most travelers stop in the much busier Boothbay.

Camden, a beautiful hub for your next few nights, is a charming port town dotted with quaint shops, local artists galleries and of course wonderful waterfront restaurants. 16 Bay View in the heart of town and is our favorite place to stay in Camden. Grab a glass of wine and sit out on your harbor view deck watching the boats glide past.

If you are wondering what is below the cheerfully painted buoys in the harbor, Camden Harbor Cruises will satisfy your curiosity as you help haul in the catch! The experience will make you appreciate your dinner so much more? Or take a sunset sailboat cruise on the Appledore II, where you will see the scenic beauty of the coast from the water with a glass of wine.

Colorful Acadia National Park can be done in a day from Camden. Drive the scenic Acadia park loop, hike one it its many trails or climb Cadillac Mountain for views like you have never seen. Bring a warm sweater and a hot thermos of coffee if you plan to do this for sunrise as most people do.

Heading back down the coast does not mean that your trip is over. There is still so much to see!

Kennebunkport has always been one of our favorite towns partially because of the beautiful drive to get there, but also because of all of the enchanting shops and waterfront restaurants. Stop into Daytrip Society, Minka or Abacus for beautifully crafted and unique Maine gifts.

If your plans inspire you to stay a night or two in the Kennebunk area, we suggest staying at the White Barn Inn. And dinner here is a MUST! With original wooden beams overhead, cozy nooks and elevated New England cuisine, the White Barn Inn is hands-down one of our favorite treats!

Perkins Cove, a tiny inlet in Ogunquit, is filled with colorful lobster and tuna boats, and the best view of the harbor is from the cute pedestrian drawbridge. Our kids love the candy shop whose store windows open up to the North Atlantic waves crashing below. And, if you are still can’t can’t get enough fresh seafood, perched atop the rocks over the ocean is MC Perkins Cove, which is one of our favorite restaurants in New England. Make sure that you order the seafood tower! If you choose to make Ogunquit your home for a night or two, the Cliff House is a the perfect ocean-front location.

Just south of Ogunquit (and make sure you drive the coastal route down!) is York, ME. Famous for the charming Nubble Light, a stop here is worth the view. The lighthouse sits on a tiny out-cropping of grass blanketed rocks so close to shore that the caretakers use a tiny little gondola to cross the span of ocean.

Make sure your trip by the Nubble includes ice cream at Dunne’s Ice Cream up the hill. If you have time to check out the “short sands” beach area, be sure to visit the Goldenrod. They’ve been handmaking the confections since 1896. Today you can still watch them make their famous salt-water taffy, enjoy a malt at the soda fountain or dine in their original, quaint dining area.

Portsmouth is my hometown, so I am a little biased, but it is perfect! Full of history, beautiful cottages and great food I think this charming portside town is a must stop for New England travel. If you love beautiful gardens, make a quick stop at Prescott Park before heading to the Strawbery Banke Museum and their lush landscape. It will make you feel like you have stepped back into the 1600’s.

TIP: Pickwick’s Mercantile is a must stop shopping spot!

Our favorite place to stay in Portsmouth is actually just outside of town on the water in a gorgeous cove. We have spent many nights with our family at Wentworth by the Sea, a stunning 1800’s grand resort that has been completely renovated. We love to eat at the bar in Salt, which overlooks the water. It is at the far right in the picture below!

From the beautiful rocky coastline to the picturesque towns to the delicious food, coastal New England will always call to you to come back…and you should!

September 4, 2019 by julie

Adventure in Peru!

The magic and mystique of Peru are undeniable. From rare and unique wildlife to a culture rich in tradition, Peru offers is an escape of epic proportions.

This is by far one of the biggest bucket list trips for our family (I’ll keep you posted – planning our trip is in the works!). The included itinerary was one loosely designed around what we would like to see, but of course there are many options and I can custom tailor your adventure to you!

Peru’s options for adventure is a vast as this unique nation and can be custom tailored to you depending on your family’s travel style. Start your trip with a cruise on the Amazon or a 3 night stay in a luxury National Geographic lodge deep within the jungle. Experience thrilling wildlife walks high above the tree-tops and then take to the water to see the rare pink dolphins. And of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without a trek to Machu Picchu. From here, explore the ancient Sacred Valley and city of Cusco high in the mountains.

Peru offers a way for you and your family to reconnect while you disconnect from your hectic daily lives. Serenity and adventure work in tandem in this beautiful nation.

Click the download link above to preview a sample itinerary so we can begin designing your Peruvian getaway.