Places I've
Traveled
Argentina/Uruguay
During the summer of 2009 I spent three months studying and traveling through Agentina. I lived temporarily in the northeastern city of Rosario (birthplace of Che Guevara). During my time in Argentina I spent 3 days per week in class and then the next 4 days each week exploring the country of Argentina and neighboring Uruguay. Highlights included the stunning waterfalls of Iguazu Falls, exploring the Andes Mountains and wine county in Medoza, Argentina, and tango lessons in the capital city of Buenos Aires.
Mexico
During the summer of 2011 I had the privilege of volunteering for three months in an orphanage in the city of Tapachula, Mexico. Tapachula is a city on the southernmost border of Mexico which borders Guatemala. My first visit to Mexico was for long-term volunteer work, but I was able to make a stop on the way home to Tulum and visit the Mayan ruins there. Though Tapachula doesn't have much to offer in terms of tourism (yet, I always hope for its growth and development), Riviera Maya and Cancun make for great beach vacations. Since the summer of 2011 I've returned to the Riviera Maya area twice and it never disappoints!
Belize
Belize is a frequent port for cruise ships traveling in the Caribean. Like most Carribean cruise ports Harvest Caye, Belize offers stunning beaches and opportunities to enjoy nature. During my stop my mom and I took an excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line to intertube through a rainforest river. Honestly, I have no idea what river, but I can tell you, it was goregous. *Not my photo since we couldn't have phones with us, but its an accurate depiction of the trip*
Honduras
Roatan Bay, Honduras is quickly becoming a hot spot for tourism in the Western Caribbean, and for good reason! Roatan Bay is my favorite cruise port of all times and an excellent place to stay for a week or more at the beach. While in Roatan Bay, check out the Gumbalimba Nature Park This fantastic park allows guests to get up close and personal with Capuchin monkeys, macaws, and iguanas. Beware though, the monkeys will steal your sunglasses!
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the first place I ever traveled with my husband. In the fall of 2017 our plans for a week long beach vacation in Florida were derailed when a hurricane came through so with only two days notice Adam and I booked a hotel and hopped on a flight to Punta Cana. My favorite memory from that trip was parasailing with Adam on his first parasailing experience.
Bahamas
I've actually done two cruises to the Bahamas. The first was a 4 day Royal Carribean cruise in April 2018 and the second was a 5 day MSC Divina cruise in January 2024. Its hard not to enjoy any tropical beach cruise, but honestly the Bahamas aren't my favorite. MSC offered a beautiful private island but in the capital city of Nassau, once you leave the gated area of the cruise port the city is, in my opinion, not the cleanest. During my trip I explored the World Famous Straw Markets but was underwhelmed.
Italy
I could write of my love for Italy for days. In August 2019 my husband and I arrived in Rome for our favorite trip we've ever taken -- our honeymoon. Rome is a foodie's paradise. We spent several days gorge ourselves on delicious Roman cuisine, exploring the Vatican, colliseum, Pompeii, catacombs, and more before boarding our 7 day Celebrity Cruise which ended in Venice where we continued our eating, drinking, and exploring. No surprise, 9 months later we welcomed our favorite thing we brought home from Italy, our son Alexander.
Greece
In August 2019 we landed for one day in Argostoli (Cephalonia), Greece. The pictures of Greece really do not do it justice. Adam and I opted to spend the day at Myrtos Beach. I chose Myrtos Beach after reading a Travel and Leisure Article listing it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Myrtos Beach was surrounded by towering cliffs in a secluded area that was absolutely stunning. The beach was more rocky than sandy so required water shoes rather than the typical flip flops one would usually wear at the beach. Aside from a terrifying bus ride back up the cliff to get back to the cruise port, it was a beautiful experience.
Croatia
For my seafood loving clients, Croatia is my top destination to refer clients to. When in Croatia don't miss out on touring an Oyster farm. Oyster farmers pull the Oysters straight from their nets in the ocean, shuck them, and serve them straight to you. Mussels are another available treat after a short time on the grill and a splash of local olive oil.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. While in Slovenia Adam and I spent the day whitewater rafting down the Soca River, a pristine and unpolluted river. What astounded me most about Slovenia was that in the approximately 50 miles we traveled in a tour bus, I never once saw a single piece of trash or a grocery store. I asked our tour guide about this and apparently Slovenia prides itself on its cleanliness and lack of pollution. Local residents all have gardens and produce much of their own food which lessens their dependence on grocery stores. What a beautiful way to live.
Malta
Malta is a fascinating place. It has the appearance of stepping back into Medieval times. The city is surrounded by walls and has a fortess like appearance. While in Malta check out the Blue Grotto where boats will take you inside caves on the shores of the Mediterranean for spectacular views.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is another hidden gem for tourists. Since it is an American territory, no passport is required. Prices for lodging and entertaintment are lower than many similiar Carribean destinations, but it still packs all the same fun and sun.
Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a top choice for many sun-seekers and with good reason. Both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands each offer a wide array of water sports sure to entertain the whole family.
Canada
Canada is a frequent travel destination for our family. We have family in Vancouver, so we visit at least every year or two. Vancouver is in the heart of British Columbia, an area well-known for its beauty in the Canadian Rockies. While in the area check out Vancouver Island which is home to the city of Victoria, Capital of British Columbia. A short ferry ride from the mainland and you'll be filled with beautiful architecture, excellent shopping and scenic oceanviews.
