Welcome! We’re Janice and George
We’re award-winning travel writers, fortunate to have visited all 7 continents. From Mexico and Hawaii to British Columbia (our home), Europe and far-flung destinations, we share our travel secrets from around the globe. Join us as we uncover hidden gems, beautiful hotels, amazing cruises and more!
The latest travel inspiration!
17 Colorful Things to Do in Old San Juan (Plus Day Trips)
Wandering Old San Juan’s colorful cobblestone streets is a joy! The walled old city is just seven square blocks, so it’s easy to explore in a day. Historic forts, an “Umbrella Street” and pina colada bars add to the magic.
A Quiet Season Mediterranean Cruise? 7 Reasons to Go!
What’s it like to cruise the Mediterranean in the quiet season? Initially, we had some doubts about the weather. But sunny days, fewer crowds, easy sightseeing and authentic experiences have turned us into fans.
How to Get to Matera, Italy: Private Transfers and Tours
Find out how to effortlessly get to Matera, Italy. Skip the hassle of renting a car or taking public transport. Private transfers, guided tours and our insider travel tips make reaching this stunning ancient cave city a breeze.
Popular guides
Viking Silver Spirits Package: Worth It? The Full Scoop!
House wine and beer are free on Viking Cruises at lunch and dinner. Nice! So should you buy the upgraded drinks package for unlimited cocktails and premium wine?
The 23 Best Souvenirs From Mexico to Bring Home
Check out these top souvenirs from Mexico! From organic coffee beans and tequila to Day of the Dead figurines and Talavera pottery, these authentic Mexican gifts and souvenirs are great mementos to bring home.
Get Curry Happy! 23 Popular Indian Dishes to Try
What are the most popular Indian dishes to order? If you love Indian food, but don’t know your dal from your dosa, here’s a quick primer!
“You can shake the sand from your shoes, but not from your soul.”
~ Anonymous
Sunny escapes
25 Unbeatable Things to Do in Saint Martin and St. Maarten
Discover the best of two countries on this tiny Caribbean island! Hit French Saint Martin for its French restos and buzzy beach clubs. Dutch St. Maarten is known for its casinos, watersports and shopping.
Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta: Which Mexico Vacation is Best?
Cancun or Puerto Vallarta? Cancun has white-sand beaches, glam resorts and nightlife. PV has more culture, an authentic Mexican vibe and a tasty culinary scene. But they’re both great Mexican holiday hot spots.
35 Best Things to Do in Kauai (Besides Beaches)
Kauai has blossomed big time! So what are the best things to do in Kauai today? Paddle the Wailua River, take a hike, go tubing, visit the Kilohana Plantation, experience a thrilling helicopter tour and more!
Perfect trip itineraries
How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City: The Ultimate Guide
Mexico City surprised us, pleasantly! For an awesome 3 days in Mexico City, this Mexico City itinerary takes you to the best cultural attractions, museums, cafés and restaurants.
The Perfect 14-Day Croatia Itinerary (Dalmatian Coast)
Our leisurely 14-day Croatia itinerary covers the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Start in Dubrovnik, then island-hop by passenger ferry to Korcula, Hvar and Brac, before finishing your trip in Split.
Authentic Mallorca Itinerary: 5 to 14 Days in Mallorca
Embark on an unforgettable Mallorca itinerary, ideal for 5, 7, 10 or 14 days! Explore Soller, tiny Deia, Santanyi, Puerto Pollensa and vibrant Palma de Mallorca.
Dream hotels
19 Caribbean Overwater Bungalows For Your Bucket List
Dive into paradise at these top-rated overwater Caribbean bungalows! From reasonably affordable over-the-water huts in Bocas del Toro to private island utopias in Belize with luxurious overwater villas, these unique resorts offer the ultimate in relaxation.
17 Best Resorts in St. Martin and St. Maarten: A Complete Guide
Where to stay on St. Martin (French side) and St. Maarten (Dutch side)? We review the best hotels, from the boutique L’Esplanade to the stylish all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.
Beautiful Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora: How to Choose?
There’s something deliciously sensual about Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows. The Four Seasons is a splurge. Le Bora Bora is new. The Conrad has cool hammock decks. See the pros and cons for the best resorts.
We love cruising!
Viking Ocean Cruises Review: Insights From Three Voyages
What makes Viking Ocean Cruises some of the world’s best? The all-balcony staterooms? The freebies? The spa’s snow grotto? We uncover it all in our honest review.
Dreamy Tahiti Cruises: Windstar vs. Paul Gauguin
Cruising French Polynesia is an ideal way to visit these luscious islands. The best Tahiti cruise lines are Windstar and Paul Gauguin. Which is better? We love both, but there are some key differences. (Spoiler alert: Windstar is less expensive, but PG has true balcony cabins.)
Holland America Rotterdam Review: HAL’s Newest Cruise Ship
Check out our review of Holland America’s newest cruise ship, the ms Rotterdam, for our take on the cabins, dining, entertainment, pool decks and more.
Spotlight on Mexico
21 Beautiful Mexico Resorts With Private Pools (Pure Paradise!)
Nothing spells luxury in Mexico more than a beautiful hotel with private pools. From private pool suites in Tulum to resorts in Cabo where you can gaze at the sea while sipping champagne in your own plunge pool, these resorts will wow you.
Cabo vs. Cancun: Which Mexican Hot Spot is Better?
Cabo or Cancun? Cabo is desert-like. Cancun is tropical. Cabo’s beaches are colder for swimming. But seaweed on Cancun’s beaches can be icky. We dish on the differences between Cabo and Cancun, so you can decide which is right for you.
27 Epic Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas and Beyond (Mexico)
Over the years, we’ve discovered amazing things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Whale watching. Hiking the Pedregal. Visiting Flora Farms. And so much more.
USA and Canada
What You Must See at NYC’s Met Museum if Short on Time
NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is fabulous – but huge! If short on time, must-see pieces include the Van Gogh self-portrait, “Madame X” and the Egyptian Temple of Dendur.
25+ Romantic Hotels with Private In-Room Pools in the USA
For a luxury getaway, check out our list of the best hotels with private pool suites in the USA. In Chicago, the pools are actually in the room too!
Canada Bucket List: 37 Best Places to Visit (By Locals)
See our ultimate Canada bucket list of the best places to visit! We’ve lived in Canada for 35+ years and explored both beautiful must-see destinations (hello Banff!) and off-the-beaten-path gems (like Telegraph Cove for bear watching).
Europe, here we come!
23 Most Beautiful Places in Italy (Not Big Cities!)
Check out the most gorgeous places to visit in Italy (that aren’t big cities). You have pretty Positano by the sea, non-touristy Matera and lovely small Baroque cities like Lecce. And let’s not forget Le March or the beautiful Italian lakes!
15 Hidden Gems and Unique Places to Visit in Greece
You’ll love these unique and special places in Greece! Hidden gems like Kefalonia, romantic islands like Skiathos, and Meteora, with its monasteries atop soaring rock pillars.
7 Best Hammams in Istanbul for Luxury Lovers
Steam, scrub, soap suds and a silky massage. Ahhhh… We checked out the best Turkish hammams in Istanbul to make you feel like a Sultan or princess.
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