Category Archives: Travel Tips

Driving on the Right (but Left) Side of the Road in New Zealand

Tips for rental cars and road trips in NZ! New Zealand was my first experience renting a car where residents (and visitors -some of whom don’t know what they are doing!) drive on the left side of the road.  Here’s what I learned: It takes some getting used to. We booked a car on day […]

Packing List for a Summer New Zealand Trip

I packed a carry-on bag and backpack to New Zealand.  Below is what I brought and what I would leave at home if I had a time machine. 2 books because it was a long journey. 1 book would have been fine in retrospect.   The longer flights always have entertainment and it’s best to get some […]

The Best Souvenirs in New Zealand

If you’re visiting New Zealand, below are the most unique gifts or souvenirs to look for on the North and South Island. ROTORUA MUD Mud is perhaps the most basic of all the face masks, dating back to 1200 BC. This mud takes it up a notch. Although there is geothermal activity in several places […]

What to Eat in New Zealand

Food is not the reason to go to New Zealand. That being said, there are definitely some must try dishes when you are there: HAND PIES No forks allowed!  You’ll find these everywhere.  The most popular are mince pies and some variety of chicken.  I highly recommend the Steak and Cheese at Fergbaker or the […]

The Real Tongariro Crossing Experience

Preparing for the hike and tips along the way! The Tongariro Crossing is one of the World’s Most Epic Day Hikes according to National Geographic.  Located on the North Island just below Taupo, Tongariro is a National Park and Dual World Heritage site featuring out-of-this-world volcanoes, craters, mineral springs, vivid green and blue lakes and […]

New Zealand Travel Tips and Fun Facts

Useful information and tidbits before traveling to NZ! Kiwis (the bird) are nocturnal so don’t expect to see them out and about! We spoke to life-long locals who had never seen a Kiwi in the wild. New Zealand is very clean.  Even the public restrooms are some of the nicest I’ve ever been in. The […]

Why you should go to Doha instead of Dubai!

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is the “little sister” city to Dubai.  While Dubai offers ample accolades and record-breaking landmarks including the best hotel, tallest building and largest mall by total area, visitors in Doha won’t be disappointed with the Arabic-inspired architecture, waterfront sand dunes and authentic Middle-Eastern attractions. Not the largest in the world, […]

Lessons Learned in the UAE

Tips and interesting facts to read before traveling to Dubai or other parts of the UAE! Dubai is a show-off. The city currently holds the following records: tallest building, largest indoor ski resort, best hotel, largest flower garden, largest performing fountain and the list goes on. Residents are so wealthy they have buildings erected so […]

Must-do activities in New Orleans that aren’t Bourbon Street

Eat your heart out! NOLA’s food scene has blown up in the past few years.  It is home to some of the world’s best cuisine and chefs. Below are some of the items you should try when you’re there: Alligator: is served a variety of ways and the fried alligator at Cochon, alligator cheesecake at […]

Everything You Need to Know for a Trip to Point Reyes and Tomales Bay

West Marin is the largest rural region of Marin County. When heading to see the coastal sites or road trip for oysters, it can get confusing because Marshall, Point Reyes, Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay are all used interchangeably. Let’s set the record straight! Point Reyes Station Point Reyes Station is the main hub in […]