While I did not really know what to expect of my trip to Armenia last month, one thing I definitely did not plan on doing was looking down the barrel of a gun with my finger on the trigger. How in the hell did that happen? Midway through my week long visit to Armenia in September… Read more
For a traveler who really enjoys a good hotel, the place where you end up laying your head at night can really make or break a trip. A dull business trip to a run of the mill city can become a luxurious excursion if you end up in plush accommodations with a kind staff. On the… Read more
Last night I got a burst of energy and I was up for hours cleaning, arranging flowers and straightening things up for my next guests. While I miss my dear friend and roommate who moved to Vermont a few weeks ago, her empty room has coincided with the high season around here at Hotel Hayward. Or… Read more
There is no shortage of books and articles and etiquette advice on how to be a good house guest. Always clean up after yourself,Do not overstay your welcome,Bring a small gift to your host,Strip the bed before you leave,etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, blah blah blah . But what we DO need more advice on is how to… Read more
I have slept in 5-star hotels, in $6.00 a night beach huts, on the roof of a dive boat, in tents and on one ill-planned trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, I slept in the back of a car. But after years on the road, I can finally say that I have reached a new… Read more
I often find myself torn. I like the finer things in life: 1st class cabins, high end food and beverage, luxury hotels. I mean, who doesn’t like to be pampered from time to time? But I also want to get the most out of my travel and really get to see “real life” in a country… Read more
One question I continually get about my 5 month Round the World trip earlier this year is:“How much did it cost?”I have to confess, I am one of the worlds worst budgeters. When I really want something (like this trip) I just go for it. Of course I did take efforts to save a chunk of… Read more
From the moment I walked into the reception area of the Mir Amin Palace, I felt my pace slow down. Instead of walking around the gardens, pool deck and restaurant, I strolled. I did actually stop and smell the roses…and the fresh herbs grown in the hotel’s gardens. At the Mir Amin Palace, you just want… Read more
“You may have to call security to get me to leave” I only half jokingly said to Alice Eddé, the owner of the Eddé Sands resort and Joanne, the Marketing Manager. I had just fallen in love with the Eddé Sands resort after a relaxing lunch and tour of the grounds and was thinking that I could live out the rest… Read more
Don’t let the name fool you. Le Gray Hotel in Beirut pops with color at every turn. I spent a sunny afternoon at the hotel enjoying a delicious lunch with the hotel’s Public Relations manager and getting a peek at what the hotel has to offer. Truly a lovely afternoon! Towels await on the pool’s lounge chairsOften… Read more