Tag Archives: travelblogger

5 Days in the Wild Ritzy West Itinerary

Total days: 5 days | Accommodations: Strater Hotel in Durango, New Sheridan Hotel in Telluride, cabin at Dunton Hot Springs | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled with: Friends | Type of Trip: Hiking and scenic western sites  | Highlights: hiking, Telluride gondola, hot springs dip, drinks at the Dunton Saloon DAY 1 At a glimpse:  Exploring downtown DurangoTravel agenda: […]

Live a Fairy Tale in Switzerland

Skip Zurich or Geneva and head to the Bernese Oberland region instead! Take the train to Interlaken and use as a home base to explore the quaint storybook Swiss villages that make this country so special. Reasons to visit below: Enchantment The small Bernese Oberland villages – some carless! – offer a real chance to […]

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 […]

Epic Two Week New Zealand Itinerary

Total Days: 14 days not including 2+ travel days | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on nature and scenery, with unique hiking or water-based activities | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Queenstown scene, Milford Sound overnight cruise, Rippon Vineyards, Hooker Valley […]

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Total Days: 9 days on the South Island | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels in central downtown Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Tekapo and Christchurch, and one night on a Milford Sound Cruise | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on mountains, hiking and unique scenery  | Highlights: Queenstown scene, Milford Sound, Rippon Vineyard, […]

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Total Days: 6 | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Aukland is walkable and rented a car for the rest of the trip| Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on beaches and unique scenery  | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Tongariro Crossing Hike, beach walks and kayaking trips There are so many different routes you could […]