All posts filed under: budget vacation

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel plaza – roma, italy

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While traveling through Rome, I spend some of the time, walking in and out of hotels, just to get a sense of what they are all about. This was the case for The Grand Hotel Plaza located so perfectly on Via Del Corso, sandwiched between the  designer boutiques along the boulevard. I walked in and just from the beautiful lobby, decided this would be, where I’d stay the next time I visit Rome – which of course is coming up in September. But in the meantime, enjoy the photographs I borrowed from here and click here for everything else you need to know about Rome.

vacation planning in full swing

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Okay, one week into the foggy “almost” summer in San Francisco and I am ready to plan my annual trip to Europe.  Well, mostly Italy and France, of course. I’ve been everywhere else and since want to just be in Italy and France. 🙂 This year, as usual we are taking our two weeks early September to explore parts of Italy and France, I haven’t been to in a while and some I frequent every year. Paris and Rome. As I plan my rail travel route and schedule, I have to say, I am over the moon about the trip and feel the first week of September is ions away.  Stay tuned on this one, I cannot wait to share.  In the meantime, have a great weekend and if you feel like it, drop me a line, about your travel plans this year or just your recommends and favorite places in Italy and France.

seasonal inspiration

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As many of you may know, San Francisco, mostly outer, is probably the worst place to be during the summer months if you happen to be a sun worshiper.  It’s foggy, cold and somewhat uninspiring. This past weekend was the first reminder of how summer may very well be in the city, when I sat the entire weekend, working on my book, in my sweats, blanket, thermal socks, drinking hot tea.  Believe me I wasn’t happy. So, for those of us, stuck in this wonderful city, mostly in the avenues, I recommend, escaping at least one day out of the weekend, just to get inspired, while frolicking 🙂 in the sun.  I’ve already planned my list of things to not my spirits go dow. 1. Drive to Napa for a day to picnic in V Satui Winery- here 2. Spend a day at Burlingame Avenue shopping and enjoy lunch  in an outdoor cafe – here 3. Drive Inland, South or East anywhere there is water, sun and grass – here and here 4. Visit Muir Woods …

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel quisisana – capri, italy

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While travelling through Italy, I always make a point to take a ferry to the island of Capri. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful exotic destinations on this planet.  The charm and elegance of the island is a simple reminder of classic Hollywood. Don’t ask why, but the moment I step foot off the ferry, I feel as though I am back in the 1950s. To celebrate my love and appreciation of this amazing romantic destination, I have included one of my favorite hotels – Grand Hotel Quisisana :  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend.  

travel photography: oahu, hawaii

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There isn’t too much to do, in my opinion on Oahu, outside of the tourist sites and shopping, so the only other hobby one can enjoy is definitely photography. The funny thing is, I walked in and out of a dozen wall art stores and wondered how the photographers painted photos with extreme colors. Meaning, I felt most of the photographs were color enhanced. Last night, while I walked back from the pre-wedding dinner get together, along the beach, back to my hotel, I actually were able to capture photographs, with seemingly enhanced colors. I didn’t touch up any of my photos, but was proud that I was able to capture, such colorful photography. {photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com please ask if you wish to borrow}

travel: – oahu, hawaii – day 1

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I haven’t been to Hawaii for ten years. I think ever since I decided to stop sun tanning aggressively. I figured if I stayed away, I wouldn’t be tempted to lay in the sun for hours on end. The funny thing is, maybe the universe knew I was not going to sunbathe again this time around, so it’s been raining, cold and cloudy from day one, forcing me to stay mostly inside my hotel room. The wedding isn’t until Friday, with a few pre-parties scheduled two days before hand, so I could pretty much do what I want until Wednesday. The only thing I did forget was what day and time it was, so I also forgot to post anything: on my blog 🙂 Anyway, here are some photos I took, of course with my i-phone, since I also forgot my camera, from Saturday night. Enjoy.  

hawaii bound: destination wedding

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I can’t believe it’s time for my trip to Hawaii to see my good friend marry the man of her dreams. I’m excited for her and most of all excited for the fact, I get to share this wonderful occasion with her. This doesn’t mean, I will not blog for a week, it just means, I will blog mostly about travel, food and photography. Have a great weekend everybody and I will see you right here on Monday 🙂    

boutique hotel pick – le boutique hotel – bordeaux, france

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Okay, vacation planning is in full swing for me, so while I search for new accommodations to try out, I stumbled upon this wonderful place in one of my favorite places in the world. Bordeaux, France. So, if you happen to be a wine connoisseur like myself, you’d appreciate the location of Le Boutique Hotel in Bordeaux or if you happen to be just looking for a romantic getaway that works too. Have a great weekend!

boutique hotel pick – casa angelia – amalfi coast, italy

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Now that vacation planning is in full swing and perhaps even late in getting some great deals, I decided it’s time to talk boutique hotel picks. Every year, I imagine a romantic getaway and although I stick to Paris as my safe haven, I can’t help but think of exotic coastal retreats to spend a romantic week. One place, which I’ve frequented quite often in my lifetime is the Amalfi Coast and with it, I have fallen in love with many properties to spend six nights/seven days. For that thought and of course a romantic destination recommend, I suggest Casa Angelia.