Travel, Tropical

Jamaica – Runaway Bay, Negril & Montego Bay

Jamaica has a special place in our hearts – it was the dreamy “Irie” destination for our honeymoon in Runaway Bay, where we soaked up the sun, the sea, and even got to enjoy unlimited scuba diving (yah mon, for real!). We climbed Dunn’s River Falls hand-in-hand, zipped through the trees on the bobsled ride, and lived the laid-back “no problem” lifestyle from start to finish. In 2020, we couldn’t resist going back – this time to chill on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, watch the cliff jumpers at Rick’s Café, and wrap things up with a quick stay in Montego Bay. From spicy jerk chicken to dirty bananas and plenty of Appleton rum, every bite and moment reminded us why Jamaica keeps calling us back.

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March 22, 2025 by
Travel, Tropical

French Polynesia – Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti

For our 10-year wedding anniversary, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the paradise of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical – starting with an unexpected upgrade to an overwater bungalow, where we fed fish through removable tables. We snorkeled alongside blacktip and lemon sharks, kayaked to private islands, and enjoyed breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. Our anniversary night was celebrated with a romantic beachfront dinner, serenaded by a private ukulele player under the stars. From exploring Tahiti’s historic shores to watching sunsets at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, every moment was unforgettable.

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March 21, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

🕌 Exploring Turkey: One-Day Itineraries for Ephesus and Istanbul

We visited Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul as part of a Mediterranean cruise. Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the vibrant history of Istanbul made for an unforgettable journey through Turkey. In Ephesus, we wandered through massive Roman ruins, admired the stunning Library of Celsus and intricate terrace houses, and visited the remains of the once-grand Temple of Artemis. A stop at the House of the Virgin Mary sparked curiosity, though its authenticity seemed debatable. Our time in Istanbul was equally fascinating, packed with visits to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. We navigated the bustling Grand Bazaar, marveled at the eerie beauty of the Basilica Cistern, and stood in the historic Hippodrome. A lively carpet demonstration and a stop for delicious Turkish Delight rounded out our experience. From ancient ruins to vibrant city life, Turkey exceeded all expectations!

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

🏛️ Athens: Acropolis, Agora & Odeon Concert

Our Mediterranean cruise ended in Athens, giving us more time to explore than other stops, and we made the most of it with a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning views. As expected, the Acropolis – featuring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea – was the highlight. One unique experience was seeing a concert at the nearly 1,900-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where Greek superstar Antonis Remos performed alongside, randomly, ‘80s crooner Michael Bolton. (His tie to Greece? Singing Go the Distance from Hercules.) Beyond the Acropolis, we loved wandering through the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the National Archaeological Museum, hiking up Philopappou Hill, and indulging in all the amazing Greek food. Staying in Monastiraki put us within walking distance of almost everything, from charming Plaka streets and scenic rooftop bars to historic landmarks. With tips on avoiding crowds, the best museums to visit, and scenic hikes to take, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Greece’s vibrant capital.

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Travel

🌅 A Perfect Day in Santorini: From Oia’s Charm to Fira’s Sunset Views

Santorini is more than just the iconic blue-domed rooftops you’ve seen in photos – it’s an island shaped by one of history’s most powerful volcanic eruptions. On our visit during our Mediterranean cruise, we explored the famous village of Oia, watched the sunset over dinner in Fira, and discovered the island’s unique winemaking tradition, where vines are woven into wreath-like baskets to protect the grapes from the harsh winds. A stop at Santo Wines offered stunning views and surprisingly delicious wines, making it a highlight of our trip.

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March 20, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Italy, Travel

🏰 San Marino: Three Towers & Timeless Views in Europe’s Oldest Republic

We visited the charming country of San Marino, a tiny gem surrounded entirely by Italy. As the world’s 5th smallest country, it sits atop a mountain, crowned by three iconic towers. We strolled through the town, reminiscent of an Italian hilltown like Montepulciano, and hiked the Witches’ Path to the second tower. Though we didn’t have high expectations, it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip. Since Venice now restricts large cruise ships, our Mediterranean cruise docked in Porto Corsini (near Ravenna), offering an excursion to San Marino with a scenic 90-minute bus ride.

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March 19, 2025 by
Cruises, Europe, Filming Location, Travel

👑 Dubrovnik, Croatia: One Day Game of Thrones Guide

As Game of Thrones fans, Dubrovnik has been on our bucket list for years, and it lived up to the hype. Our tour guide was an extra in many scenes and we saw a ton of filming locations, including many from King’s Landing and a few outside the city such as Oberyn’s duel arena and the Tyrell gardens. We also explored on our own a bit, including walking the entire length of the city walls and getting phenomenal views of the city and Fort Lovrjenac. If you’re a GOT fan, we can’t recommend Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Tour highly enough! ⚔️👑

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March 17, 2025 by
Cruises, Filming Location, Hiking, Travel, Tropical

Virgin Voyages Caribbean Cruise: Puerto Rico, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent

We embarked on our first Virgin Voyages cruise, setting sail through a stunning lineup of Caribbean islands – Puerto Rico, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. Before boarding, we made a quick stop in Orlando to revisit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Our adventures were nothing short of epic: we climbed a volcano, explored a Pirates of the Caribbean filming location, and bouldered along a breathtaking beach. Between the adrenaline rushes, we soaked up plenty of sun, unwinding on pristine shores and swaying in our balcony hammock as the ship carried us from one paradise to the next.

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March 16, 2025 by