Riviera Maya is Big on Little Ones

Kids. Whether you have them, have one on the way, or are simply young at heart, you’ll go loco for Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa. Squeals of delight pervade the family-friendly property, a sprawling all-inclusive resort with a private beach hugging the Caribbean Sea. This wasn’t......more

Welcome to Charleston

Elegant and edgy, Charleston is sure to capture your attention… and your heart. Less than 300 miles from Ocala, it’s a short trek to a magical getaway. Think gardenia-scented antebellum charm, toss in windswept shoreline, culinary delights and lively......more

Penguin on a Plane

Flying Penguin? Every now and then you stumble upon something silly in cyberspace that just makes you smile. That was the case with this post on Southwest Airlines’ blog which is populated by posts from employees, customers and just plain fans of the......more

The Charms of Our Farms

Sarasota/Bradenton is  coveted for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultural venues. And if you want to get down to earth, there's no better place than here.......more

Spend a Year in Australia *** By James Cave

A year may sound like a long time, but when you're exploring Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes, it will seem like weeks! Before you book your flight to Australia, check out this overview of  the best things to see and do in the land down under. Top......more

Frommers’ Top 10 Vacation Destinations for 2011

Each year, Frommers' editors, authors and experts from around the world sit down to talk about the best cities, islands, beaches and other vacation destinations for the coming year. They aim for a list that steers clear of too-hot spots or places that are so under......more

Condé Nast Traveler Votes for Paradise Coast

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently heralded Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades as a winning combination, placing three area properties in the 2010 Top 100 Reader’s Choice for Mainland U.S. Resorts.......more

Bradenton has Something to Brag About

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Visit Florida reports.......more

Riviera Maya and All That Jazz

Every evening was electric. My husband and I were front and center, bare toes buried in the cool sands of Mexico’s shores. There’s an unstoppable energy in the air, not unlike that found walking the streets of Manhattan. Only take that throttle and kick it up......more

Into the Blue: Merging Sea and Sky in Cyprus *** By Barbara Barton Sloane

A Zen parable says: “When a fish swims, it swims on and on and there is no end to the water. When a bird flies, it flies on and on and there is no end to the sky.” Here on this ancient island, one enters into......more

Cruise Alaska, The Land of the Midnight Sun

Caribou, Moose and Bears, oh my! Alaska is a naturalist’s wonderland. It’s a place where glaciers thunder, whales breach and eagles soar. There’s no better way to discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska than on a cruise vacation. You’ll have captivating on-board......more

Cabo San Lucas: The Jewel of the Baja Peninsula

Hideaway for the rich and famous, favorite of honeymooners, family-friendly for kids and Party Central for singles, Cabo San Lucas is a red-hot vacation spot. Perched at the southern tip of the beautiful Baja Peninsula, this vibrant resort town draws international visitors ......more

In the Lap of Luxury at Sonoma Wine Country Inns *** By Emma and Yuri Krasov

The Pacific was not pacified. Between the strong wind and the deafening sound of rushing waves there was no place for a peaceful stroll on a beach or a picnic under a rock. I had to scramble the initial plan and resort......more

Sunset Cruises in Sarasota, Florida

One of the most dramatic ways to experience a Sarasota sunset is aboard a cruise. There are several to choose from, and all afford opportunities to witness the area’s sea life, blazing sunset and opulent waterfront mansions. Whether you prefer a party boat, dinner cruise or......more

Bradenton Beach, Then and Now

On Bradenton Beach at Anna Maria Island, this is a segment of the "Gulf Beaches Story". Watch the entire video of Bradenton Beach at videoofannamariaisland.com with host Lisa Codianne Fowler; produced by Charles Robert Neuf.......more

Bradenton Beach, Then and Now

[youtube width="480" height="385"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyDyixBVWrQ&feature=sub[/youtube] Emmy-award winning producer Charles Robert Neuf presents both the historical and modern day charms of Bradenton Beach. He also provides a glimpse of the Internet's future with his Rich Media Video site, an exceptional way to "travel" online. Check out this excerpted clip.......more

Anna Maria Island

History and Travel on Anna Maria Island, Florida, narrated by Lisa Codianne Fowler. "Video of Anna Maria Island.com" is a Rich Media site exploring the old and the new on Anna Maria Island. The video is produced by Charles Robert Neuf and is part of the......more

Eagle Island, Georgia – The Naked Truth

There are no less than seven mirrors gracing the walls of my tiny home. Not due to vanity, but rather, insecurity – and – to create the illusion of space. Eagle Island Lodge has but one mirror. The expansive structure certainly holds its own stripped of......more

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Sarasota Under 5 Dollars *** By Elana Galerman

A down economy may mean a decline in spending, but it doesn’t have to equal a decline in fun. Sarasota has many ways for visitors to explore and make long-lasting memories, even without a lot of padding in their pockets. Let’s count the ways to have fun......more

Sarasota’s Golf Resorts Entertain Non-Golfers

Gracious greens, softly undulating fairways, tranquil waters… it’s no secret that Sarasota’s resorts boast some of the lushest links in the country. Longboat Key Club and Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offer gorgeous championship courses that challenge golfers from novice......more

Worship On Water… A Different Kind of Trip

The Novelty The inaugural Worship On Water (WOW) departed from Cortez Village, Florida, last Sunday. It was an historical event. Little did I know when I guiltily packed my tiny camera – leaving behind my larger conspicuous one (it is church, after all) – that there would......more

A Horse of a Different Color

They change color, twine their tails together and look more like mythical beasts than fish. Wondrous creatures, seahorses have enchanted children of all ages for centuries. Mote's Seahorse Conservation Laboratory provides the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these quirky critters. Learn about......more

Taking “The Impressionists’ Route” to French River Cruising *** By Lou Freed

For an art lover, Canal & Company's seven-day autumn riverboat cruise on France's Oise River may be the perfect getaway for viewing the quaint villages and tranquil landscapes of France. It's a relaxing way to become immersed in the creations of the Impressionist artists, who glorified......more

Without Prior Notice: Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country *** By Stacey Wittig

Do you like surprises? I do. When driving past the golf course at night, I am pleasantly surprised when dark, humped shadows turn into elk cows and calves grazing peacefully. I like the unpredictably of our Arizona sunsets. Would we so admire the hot reds, fuchsias and......more

St. Augustine Beachfront Rentals

Beachfront rental options in beautiful and historic St. Augustine.......more

Cruising the Amazon; A Journey of a Lifetime *** By Ralph Collier

Sell the farm, mortgage the kids, postpone the Botox treatments. Do whatever you have to do to get to the Amazon River in Peru - and five'll get you ten, the adventure of your dreams awaits in that part of the world.......more

Enchanting Sedona

Your Truth may not lie in crystals, astrology or past life regression, purveyors of which you’ll find in abundance in the quirky, New Age capital of Sedona, Arizona. But you are guaranteed to experience an overwhelming, maybe even mystical sense of exhilaration in the presence of......more

Sailing Sarasota

Sarasota is a sailor’s delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of......more

Caribbean Rendezvous

The only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves against our boat, the soft hum of the engine, and the ubiquitous serenade of our seagull companions. The sea breeze sweeps the hair from my face with a cooling mist. Engulfed in the ineffable beauty of the......more

In Search of the Silver King

The old salt saying goes, “the bluer the water, the bigger the fish.”  It’s not just a catchy line, and nowhere is it more evident than Southwest Florida. With waters ranging in color from radiant turquoise to royal blue, the mighty tarpon has been migrating here......more

Birds of a Feather

What a hoot, so to speak, to be asked to write about where best to view Florida’s beautiful birds. Following The Great Florida Birding Trail led me to some unforgettable encounters and an eye-opening education. Previously, the only bird watching I had done was in my......more

Finding Nemo

If you liked Finding Nemo, you’ll love finding Mote. It delivers all the drama and color that captured your imagination in the fun fish tale, but here, it’s real. Colorful reef fish, toothy sharks and sensational sea turtles swim right before your eyes. You can actually......more

Friend-Ship: Sailing the Islands of Abaco

“It’s not a glitzy vacation,” I warned my friend Tracey, a former party diva. “There are no nightclubs, no casinos, no scheduled activities.” Now a devoted wife and multitasking mother of two – three, if you count their therapy dog – Tracey was about to turn......more

Eagle Island, Georgia

If your idea of Paradise is an uninhabited island with fishing, crabbing, boating and bonfires, you’ll be in hog heaven at private Eagle Island. Just 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and 10 minutes from the Intercoastal Waterway, the island is accessible only by boat, ensuring......more
  • Don’t leave home without them!

Travel Talk

Photo Gallery

The Hermitage in Russia White Cliffs of Dover Cap Juluca Resort, Anguilla Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Eiffel Tower Sailing the Abacos Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon Riviera Maya, Mexico Vow Renewal on Anguilla

Backpack