Thinking of the sun and palm trees, one snowy and stormy weekend in Toronto, I decided to take my daughter Muna, along my grandson Mazin, and his wife Margarita, as a belated honeymoon gift, to the Dominican Republic. Now as we explored the huge Bahia Principe resort complex in Punta Cana, the Republic's resort par excellence, we were living our dream. As we walked the white sandy beach, Mazin remarked, "A great trip! I love your … [Read more...]
Scrub Island a new Caribbean getaway
There are tons of resorts in the British Virgin Islands, but not many new luxury ones. A recent entry into the resort scene, the first luxury development in the BVI in more than 15 years, is Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, not far from Tortola. The travel world has taken note: Scrub was named one of the Top 30 Resorts in the Caribbean’ by Conde Nast magazine. The 230-acre island, developed by Mainsail Lodging and Development and … [Read more...]
Charles Duncombe: Founder, Holidaysplease
Recently we had a chance to ask Charles about some of his travels (he has been all over the world) and what went into starting his successful travel company, Holidaysplease. Q. What is your background and when did you first become interested in International travel? Despite being brought up in a small village in the UK I managed to experience international travel from an early age. I used to get driven down to the south of France with my … [Read more...]
Top Ten Reasons Why the Caribbean is Number One for Weddings and Honeymoons
All inclusive Caribbean vacations are a popular choice, renowned for the sparkling sandy beaches, friendly locals and rich island history. But did you know that these famous isles are also the number one choice for many couples' weddings and honeymoons? It's easy to see why – we've compiled a list of the unique elements that make the Caribbean an ideal destination for two people in love: 1. Romance and Luxury The Caribbean is one of the … [Read more...]
Zurich Honeymoon, Guest Post
I proposed after 3 wonderful years together. Yeah for me, right? Of course it is, but... I think I may have dug myself into a hole. So typically, the groom would never volunteer to take on ANYTHING related to planning a wedding; we’re supposed to just show up on the day of the wedding in the tuxedo chosen by our lovely brides. Yet, as a present for my bride, I took over the planning of our honeymoon. No pressure, of course. I wanted to avoid the … [Read more...]
Rome Museums – Top Museums You Won’t Want to Miss
If you've decided to visit Rome, you'll quickly find that many great attractions are available for you to enjoy. You'll find historical sites, lovely monuments and some incredible museums. Many are easy to access, especially if you're renting one of the great Rome apartments near the center of this exciting city. Although you may not have the time to visit every museum in the city, here are a few of the top museums you won't want to … [Read more...]
Musings from Mussoorie
There are some incidents that occur in your life, that change the way you look at things. Then there are some that just bounce off of you without a visible mark, but later those memories come back to you at the oddest hours of the day, and you realise that they did in fact, leave a mark - they left one deep within your soul. This is what happened with me; I wouldn't say it was a bad experience, on the contrary, it pushed me into an existential … [Read more...]
Vanuatu: One of the World’s Remaining Paradises
When you think of a romantic island vacation, what do you imagine? Basking away peaceful days in the sun, just you and your special someone? Stealing away to hidden beaches where you frolic in the waves like children, uninterrupted by human life? Sipping a drink in your beach chair with a view over your feet that could easily be the setting for a Corona commercial? Picturesque, pristine, and private- this is the dream setting for couples … [Read more...]
Suds and Solace
"The future is an opaque mirror. Anyone who tries to look into it sees nothing but the dim outlines of an old and worried face." --Jim Bishop The morning of September 11, 2001, as a Peace Corps trainer I'd scarcely opened an HIV/AIDS seminar in a shabby hotel two hours north of Port-au-Prince, when the Haiti health program manager pulled me aside. "The World Trade Center and the Pentagon have been attacked by planes," she whispered. "It's … [Read more...]
May’s Sizzlin’ News From Hawai’i, The Big Island
Hawai'i Island (May 3, 2011) - Spring has sprung on Hawai'i Island, where the yellow, red and salmon-colored blossoms of native 'ōhi'a lehua trees greet visitors in special abundance this time of year. Plan your spring fling now, and be inspired by Hawai'i Island's natural beauty all year long. ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Why Hilo? Fly Hilo! Hilo will welcome two new direct flights from California in June. United Airlines (operated by … [Read more...]