All posts filed under: budget vacation

italy vacation hot spot – lake como

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I love to travel and could probably do so, ten or so months out of the year. But what I love the most about travel is discovering new places or frequenting ones which have left an unforgetable impression. One place in particular which I could actually travel too as much as George Clooney does, is Lake Como. I have grown to appreciate the region not only for it’s beauty, but also for it’s peacefulness and tranquility. Lake Como is an ideal place to hide from the world while trying to get the much needed rest and relaxation from everyday life.  There is no pressure to play tourist and the most stress I experienced was having to leave the place. There are many ways to get to Lake Como which are detailed here, and many things to see which are also detailed here. Just remember to bring a good pair of walking shoes, a camera and the desire to experience one of the most memorable and romantic vacation spots in your lifetime.

boutique hotel pick – le meurice – paris, france

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There is a certain charm  to Paris which most  woman understand and appreciate and  although we learn of this at a young age, some take almost a lifetime to figure out.  Those who understand, once Paris is mentioned in conversation,  immediately come alive while exchanging  thoughts of the allure of the city. For those woman who have not yet had the opportunity to truly understand Paris as it should be, convince your travel partner to stay at Le Meurice hotel, even if for a night and I can guarantee, the ambiance will surely set the stage for an experience you will never forget. {Recommended classic reads to understanding Paris – click on photo}

how to avoid over exposure from the sun while vacationing in the french riviera

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We humans are conditioned to be careful as to how much time we spend in the sun on a daily basis. Now although the sun is good for us, in small doses, it is also damaging in more ways than one.  I happen to worship the sun and while vacationing in the French Riviera,  I must say, I have a difficult time staying indoors. So to avoid over exposure, while still enjoying the sunshine, I normally spend the middle of the day (when the UV Rays  are the most damaging) walking through the backroads of the towns aligning the coast. Typically the backroads are (mostly) in the shade because of the narrow alleyway-like streets and the closeness of the buildings facing each other on either side of those “street”. This combination, not only makes for the best hideaway from the sun,  but also gives me a chance to cool down naturally while enjoying the scenery. 🙂  Oh silly me. Here are some of my favorite (touched up) photos of our treks through the backroads of the …

san francisco weekend social calendar – june 29 to july 1

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I have decided to include a new entry on my blog called San Francisco Weekend Social Calendar.  The purpose of this entry is to loop you in on what I recommend  to do over the weekend in San Francisco. Tourists are welcome of course. So for this weekend, being June 29 thru July 1, I recommend the following  {click on photo for details}: Friday, June 29, 2012 – AT&T Park For The Garlic Festival. Need I say more, Garlic, The Giants, good times 🙂 Saturday, June 30, 2012 – Private Garden Dinner for 10 at Regazza. This is a special offer which in my opinion is amazing if you have a group of friends on a budget (or not) Sunday, July 30,2012 – Eurocup Final Italy vs Spain (Go Italy!!!) at Lalola Bar De Tapas . Whether you are a fan of soccer (a.k.a. football) or not doesn’t matter. It’s a fun filled experience for sure.

escape from the fog – a summer in san francisco

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Well officially, perhaps a day earlier than some calendars indicate, we have entered the Summer season. I know this because yesterday it was freezing, foggy and drizzly in the city and today it isn’t any better.  So while I bring out my sweaters, coat and umbrella to the front of my closet for use throughout this season, I cannot help but think of anywhere that I could lay on the beach and soak up the sun. {click on the photo to get travel information to any of the destinations below}

boutique hotel pick – hotel brunelleschi – florence, italy

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Every city around the world has it’s own unique charm appeal and although most travellers may agree Paris is probably the most charming and romantic,  parts of Italy are right up there on the list.  Florence, is of course, one of the cities in Italy I frequent and find to be a great romantic getaway.  So, in case you are contemplating an escape to Florence (a.k.a. Firenze), I recommend Hotel Brunelleschi for your stay.

vacation a.k.a holiday travel wardrobe – part 1

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Every year we contemplate a handful of destinations to travel to, but end up rediscovering different parts of  Europe. We don’t mind it, in fact when we go down the list, at the end of it, we smile to one another because we know deep down Europe will always win. Anyway, I have actually become an expert traveller, in the sense that I know exactly  what I need to take and what should be left behind for a 2 week trip in most any predictable and unpredictable weather. For this year’s trip I have selected the following travel wardrobe from here and here: Colorful tops in different styles from here Jeans, Khakis and shorts and capri pants from here Comfortable dresses which do not take up too much space from here Sweaters for the evenings and chilly weather and 1 all-weather jacket just in case from here Comfortable all-day walking shoes and sandals and beach wear from here and here, since heels don’t work well on cobblestoned streets 🙂 Conservative yet sexy swim or in …

a view from a san francisco native

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As promised :), well mostly to myself, I would share my Memorial Day weekend spent in San Francisco (for the first time in a long while since we always leave town) details with you. I must admit it wasn’t bad at all to stay local: Day 1: Breakfast in Sausalito, Drive to Napa, Snapping photos while my other half drove  ;), Stopped at my favorite winery here. Spent the entire day picnic-ing, discussing life over a few glasses of wine, napping under a lemon tree, then as promised having my first barbecue dinner of the “Summer” season. Day 2: Spent the entire day celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary. Ate non stop from every food vendor/booth there was at the event, napped after a long walk along the coast. Listened to various bands perform live along the Marina and although it was freezing cold, we watched the fireworks no less. It was most memorable to say the least, and the most fun to say the most, well that is for us San Francisco natives. …