Flagstaff Arizona Attractions – Top 11 reasons to use Flagstaff as your base – Part 1

Route 66 Street mural a Flagstaff Arizona AttractionsFlagstaff Arizona attractions were some of the most memorable on our epic 4-month trip to the American Southwest.  Flagstaff Arizona is a gem of a city. What a lovely surprise, from Ponderosa pine forests, outdoor adventure, national monuments to iconic memorabilia! Flagstaff has it all, and it’s close to everything we wanted to see. Continue reading

NOLA – How to See New Orleans in Style for Less $$

NOLA ornate iron lace porch railingsNOLA (New Orleans) planning was an important part of our 13 state 4 month trip. While planning, I learned that NOLA can be quite expensive. I checked out hotels on Booking.com, Airbnb, and checked RV campground prices (since we now have an RV). Compared to the other cities we visited, New Orleans accommodations looked to be more than twice as expensive. In addition to lodging, there are tours to see everything you can imagine in NOLA; at first glance, it looks like everything one might want to see costs money. While you could spend a fortune, there are many ways to see NOLA without spending a lot. Continue reading

Great Barrier Reef – To Visit or Not?

Great Barrier Reef

Hawksbill turtle image credit Sola HayakawaGreat Barrier Reef (GBR) is touted as a special place, and has been on my bucket list for a long time. The question remains – ‘Is it still the special place it once was, and worth a visit?’

Having been there for 10 days in 2017, I have a strong opinion about whether it is worth spending the time and money, or not. It is not strictly a ‘yes or no answer.’ Check out our experience and my recommendations… Continue reading

Exmouth Australia – Why is it our favorite Australia destination?

Vlaming Head Lighthouse Ningaloo Coast 360Exmouth Australia is the place to go if you love warm temperatures, the azure oceans, and expansive white beaches; it doesn’t get much better than the North West Cape of Western Australia. If you love snorkeling, diving, and swimming in calm seas, there is nothing like the gateway to the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef Marine Park in Exmouth Australia. Its proximity to the Coral Coast is a draw … Continue reading

Milford Sound – Scenery Photographers Dream About

Magical Milford Sound

Earl and Livingston mountains along Milford Road; road trip to Milford Sound with Fiordland ToursIn the pristine and scenic Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is New Zealand and its surrounding area’s most dramatic natural attraction. Its captivating scenery boasts:  Continue reading

Karamea New Zealand – Natural Beauty of the North West Coast

North West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island

Sign Welcome to Karamea New ZealandMost people have never heard of Karamea New Zealand on the South Island’s West Coast. Tourists and locals often skip Karamea; it is relatively unspoiled. That is what attracted us. Reading about New Zealand’s pristine natural bush, the hikes, and wild coastal oceanfront, plus the quiet town of Karamea with its surrounding beauty drew us there. Places like the Oparara Basin and the unique arch rock formations, and Karamea are at the end of the West Coast’s northern road. An adventure where our only costs were room and food; truly an ‘adventure in style for less.’ All of the sights  Continue reading

A Colorful Journey Through Morocco

Morocco – A Colorful Journey

Tile facade of Morocco buildingHave you ever wanted to immerse yourself in a non-western culture, something totally different, exotic, and colorful?  My friend Gail wanted to celebrate her birthday by experiencing a totally different environment from her norm.  After 2 months of research on Morocco, and with the help of hotel owner from Skoura named L’ma, Gail planned their own private experience.  Her own trip was less expensive than standard packages and just as nice.

This article takes you through the colorful two week tour that she and husband Mitch experienced, and what they loved about Morocco.

Morocco Travel – What was different? Continue reading

Canadian Bus Trip Vacation – Value & Experience

Canadian Bus Trip Starr ToursIn deciding what to do for summer vacation last year, friends Mark, Karen and their daughter, decided on a Canadian Bus Trip where they could relax, and let Starr, a local bus tour company, do the planning and driving. This post is a result of an interview with them that discusses the 6-day trip, and its pros and cons.

Selecting the Canadian Bus Trip – Quebec City and Montreal

MOverlook of Montreal from Mount Royalark’s friend had recently used Starr, and Mark liked the idea of having someone else do the driving (sounds good to me!).  Mark hadn’t been to Montreal and Quebec City so it sounded like a good choice. The Canadian Bus Trip description sounded inviting – “Explore the rich culture and Continue reading