Posts

The World Is Our Oyster - 2023

Everyone - Live, love, and travel because the world is our oyster and life is short. In 2023, we continued our businesses and travels. We planned group trips and continued to scout new places for our upcoming book (stay tuned). We took some of the most amazing trips in 2023. The top of the list is the safari we took to Tanzania and then the beach trip to Zanzibar. We saw all of the big 5 animals. We stayed in the Serengeti at the Ole Serai Luxury Camps. While there, we met some of the most amazing young people who we are keeping in touch with to this day. We heard lions and elephants just outside of our glamping rooms. We saw elephants up close and personal, leopards roaming across the plains, lions by the dozens, we saw two black rhinoceroses, many water buffalo, hippopotamuses, and the list goes on and on. The cradle of life at Olduvai Gorge is absolutely stunning. The whole trip was like the movie the Lion King brought to life. God created a beautiful world for all of us to see and ...

Always A New Part of This Wonderful World to See

Our 2022  Travels We had amazing  travels  in 2022. We went to Costa Rica, Myrtle Beach, New York, Spain, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and  toured our new home base in Florida. We explored brand  new places which were Costa Rica, the Netherlands and  Spain. Part of the goal of  travel  should be to experience new things, learn new things, explore different cultures, and  enjoy yourself. I know many people who  travel  to the same places over and over or go to the same types of places (Caribbean only, Europe only, etc.). Carl and I want to see the whole world so our  blog  will reflect that. Every year,  we try to  travel  somewhere we have not been before and let you know about those places as well as go to some of our  favorite (or place for me) locations. Let's start with our favorite destination of 2022, Spain. Spain made our place for me list. We traveled to Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands (Fuertev...

Travel is Like a Box of Chocolates!

Travel  in 2021 was like a box of chocolates. You never knew what you were going to get. However, we were all excited to just be able to  travel  again, even if there were limitations and restrictions. We had to research whether we needed a COVID-19 test to enter certain countries, whether we needed a COVID-19 test to re-enter the USA, and what documents or insurance were required to enter the various countries. Even with all of the additional requirements, we traveled to Akumal, Cancun, NYC, Los Cabos, St. Martin, Myrtle Beach, Pompano Beach, Atlanta, and Punta Cana. We decided to go to some places where we had been and also explore a few new places. We wanted to continue to expand our  travel  experience even in these difficult times. We realized more than ever that life is short and we need to live each day to the fullest. So many good people are no longer with us and our condolences are with their families! As a testament t...

Where Did My Love Go?

Dear Travel Family -  What can we say about 2020? First, we should thank God that we are still here and healthy? We should in that same breath pray for the families that have lost loved ones, have had significant health impacts, have lost jobs, have lost businesses, or have suffered in any way. The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world.  There has been so much despair and loss. 2020 was difficult for all of us. However, some people suffered unspeakable loss and my heart and prayers go out to each of you!! For those of us who love to travel, we suffered minor inconvenience but not loss. With that in mind, outside of God, my family, my friends, and my professional life, travel is my love. Therefore, my summary of travel in 2020 is titled,  Where Did My Love Go ? In 2020, my wonderful husband and I did travel to the Bahamas, Miami, Lisbon, Cancun, and Akumal. This travel either occurred prior to the pandemic or was essential travel for business. Although this may seem like a l...

It Just Keeps Getting Better - 2019 Year In Review

Friends - God is good! We thank the Lord for His mercy and His grace. His word is true!! God has shown that He has a plan for our lives, a wonderful future and a hope. He has opened up the windows of heaven and has poured out blessings that we do not have room enough to hold.  In 2019, Carl and I definitely lived, loved, and traveled. As far as living, we had ups and one major down. We lost the matriarch of our family after 87 years of her beautiful spirit gracing this planet. We know she is in heaven and we will see her again when we take our final trip to our heavenly home. It was our privilege and honor to be her primary caregivers for a number of years! Rest in peace Mom!! In other aspects of life, we had great life accomplishments and successes personally and professionally. God is an awesome and faithful God! As far as loving, we grew more in love with each other and grew even closer, although both of our hearts ache for our loved one that we loved so much and lost. ...

Souvenirs... to buy or not to buy; That is the question. (February - B)

When on vacation, we often think about our friends and family and want to bring them back a little something from our trip.  We want them to know we thought of them and love them.  We want them to have a momento of the place we visited.  But who should we buy it for? What should we buy? Where should we buy the souvenirs? Who should we buy a souvenir for?  We love all of our friends and family and hopefully they know this and don't necessarily need a souvenir to prove it. Everyone is different and there will be a difference of opinion about this topic.  I personally believe that most souvenirs are overrated but I also want to support he locals.  I think a good rule of thumb is to purchase a souvenir for someone who has never been to the location.  Unless of course, you see something that you know your friend or family member would absolutely love; in this case buy away and pray your have room in your bag. What should we buy as a souvenir? T-shirts...

Holiday Travel (January - B)

Holiday travel can be stressful, time consuming, and down right ugly!   The roads are jam packed with people trying to get to their destination.  The airports aren't any better with longer than usual lines, extra security procedures, and potential weather complications and cancellations.  And to top it off the prices of gas and flights go up substantially due to the extra demand.  This along with the usual holiday stress of shopping, planning time with family and friends, cooking, and managing to still deal with regular work and life demands can take us over the edge quite easily.  There are a few things we can do to ease the pain. First,  plan and book your travel as early as possible.  Check that task off of your to do list!  Purchase those flights, book the hotel, and reserve your car rental as early as possible in order to get the best deal possible.  Some booking services and airlines will match cheaper flights if they ha...