All posts filed under: Travel

The Swoon For Store is Coming Soon!

Published by

I couldn’t be more thrilled to share the news that our online store is opening soon! It has been a hectic several months but we’re almost there and I’m so excited to be offering handmade items from around the world, many one of a kind. There has certainly been a lack of posts while I’ve been working on the merchandise planning, purchasing and a plethora of freelance assignments at the same time, but the Swoon For store has finally become a reality. One year ago today I started out on my adventure of freelancing full-time and it has been an exciting journey that has led to new opportunities and experiences that I am so grateful for. Even more exciting is what lies ahead and I look forward to you getting to experience Swoon For in this new way. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to own my own store, a little boutique in the city somewhere that would have large windows flanking the front door in which I could devise different ways to display the merchandise. While the store that I’ll be …

Spring Fever: South Beach or Bust

Published by

This time of year I get serious spring fever. Without fail, the past few Februaries my husband and I have made our way to South Beach Miami for some desperately needed vitamin SEA and a dose of sun and sand. Many folks enjoy the nightlife Miami offers and the beach scene with the ever scantily clad trying to outdo one another with who can show more flesh. We simply go for the promise of warm, sunshine-filled days and relaxing nights with good wine and great food. The further south you go down the strip the quieter it seems to get and this is where you’ll find me. Now, you won’t get your own secluded swath of sand, but it’s much more manageable for this beach bum than along the stretch of mega hotels. Your best bet for the quiet, rejuvenating, beachy long weekend you’ve been longing for starts with a stay at The Betsy South Beach.  The Betsy, a landmark South Beach hotel, prides itself on its passionately low-key aura. Amazing ocean views, wonderful world-class …

Digital Detox: Sail Away

Published by

My work, like many people’s, keeps me no more than an arm’s length from my laptop, desktop or iPhone. Whether writing, researching or photo editing I need access to the internet and my gadgets to get the job done. Some might balk at the following sentiment, but for me it is the only way to achieve a truly relaxing and rejuvenating vacation: let go of the digital leash and basque in the glory of a wifi-free getaway. These days escaping the internet isn’t that easy. I have traveled to some far flung destinations and was unpleasantly surprised to find that even there if “the need” arose I could access the world wide web. The only trips where I have found salvation from the constant creeping urge to check my email, Instagram or Facebook were our sailing vacations. Out at sea or anchored in a tranquil bay, we were simply unable to get a signal and for me it was bliss. You can’t really worry about the work email you receive while away if you don’t even know you’ve received …

Best Places to Stay for an Edgartown Getaway

Published by

Last week I was asked by Luxury Travel Diary for a list of my top 5 Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard hotels. I was married on the island in June 2013 and my husband has been calling the Vineyard his home away from home since he was a baby. Now that we’re down in D.C. we only make it up to the island 3 or 4 times a year (if we’re lucky), but we look forward to the day when our time spent there will be far more frequent. You can never have too much of a good thing as they say. While Summer might seem far away given that a monster snowstorm is bounding towards the east coast as we speak, I thought it friendly to offer a daydream of sunny days at the beach, lobster bakes, sea breezes and being on “island time”. As I shovel the snow this weekend I’ll be thinking about relaxing by the South Beach shores soon enough. Check out the post here to see my top 5 Edgartown hotel pick.

Taking a Horse Instead of the Highway Along the Pacific Coast

Published by

Around 6 years ago or so my husband and I headed to northern California for an August getaway to escape the heat and humidity of NYC. We began by exploring San Francisco for a few days before renting a car to head toward Monterey and continue along the Pacific Coast Highway. We had shipped our camping gear across the country where it awaited us at our San Fran hotel. The plan was to experience the nature and natural beauty of the northern Pacific coast, camping under the stars steps from the shore. It was an amazing trip that we have hoped to repeat, but instead of our humble tent I’m going to propose The Inn at Newport Ranch for a whole new experience. Located three and a half hours north of San Francisco, the new inn is part of a 2,000 acre coastal cattle ranch with over a mile of oceanfront and panoramic coastal views. With over 20 miles of trails through the redwoods, open meadows and along picturesque ridge tops, the ranch is an idyllic place for …

Vaya a la Playa: Take Me to Tulum

Published by

The cold has finally hit the east coast and it officially feels like winter. It seems as if I brought the arctic winds back home with me from our Moscow adventure. After 10 days of seriously chilly days in Vienna and Russia I had been looking forward to heading home to the mild weather we’d been experiencing, but no such luck. The frosty temps seem to have followed us and now it’s nights by the fireplace and mornings bundling up to face the cold. Luckily we have 6 days in Mexico planned which I am really looking forward to. I don’t want to wish the days away, but the sand and salt air are beckoning. The hubby and I were fortunate enough to be invited by two of our best friends to join them in Tulum at an eco-resort in early April. We’re headed to LUV Tulum. The family owned hotel is comprised of 12 oceanfront rooms and cabanas constructed in the local Mayan style with fabrics and furnishings from the Chiapas highlands. Located between the bio reserve of …

Destination Daydream: Banguerra Island, Mozambique

Published by

It has been a few weeks since my last post and those weeks have been hectic to say the least. Familial obligations, work, trying to fit in time with friends, the holidays…it can all get to be quite overwhelming at times. A sure fire way for me to find peace during chaos is an escape to the beach. Given that we’re headed to two winter wonderlands over Christmas, the sand between my toes isn’t quite within reach right now, but if I could add it to our itinerary I’d be bound for Banguerra Island. A private island off the coast of Mozambique, it was hand-built by and in partnership with the locals to maintain the pristine relationship between the resort and the surrounding ecosystem. A total of 18 private thatched roof retreats with private pools and beaches, as well as a private butler per villa, await guests who are lucky enough to get a reservation. Adding to the experience is the arrival and departure by private helicopter to this oasis in the midst of a marine national …

Dreaming of a White Christmas… with Cosmonauts

Published by

Plans change and due to astronomical airfare, which included 10 hour layovers, we’ve passed on the trip to Chile and we’re bound east instead of west. The flights are booked and hotel reservations have been made for Vienna, Moscow and St. Petersburg. We’ll be leaving our hiking boots and summer clothes at home and instead will be loading our bags with hats, scarves and plenty of layers. We’re off to the lands of schnitzel, vodka and stroganoff…and lots of snow. (main image source) We did lose out on $100 with the cancellation fees for our Chile accommodations, but we’re saving a bundle on the airfare. The hotel pricing at 5 star hotels in Vienna, Moscow and St. Petersburg also can’t be beat during December. Many tourists steer clear due to the cold weather and lack of sunlight, but upon further research we’ve learned that the cities and their sites are even more accessible due to the decreased number of tourists.  I foresee us kicking around the Kremlin and Catherine Palace with hardly another tourist in sight. …

A Slice of Southern Charm: South Carolina

Published by

With all of the havoc Joaquin has wreaked in South Carolina I thought it fitting to focus on time I’ve spent there in the past and the weekend getaway we’re hoping to take in the spring. I know from personal acquaintances living in Charleston the damage that the storm has done and they are just a few of the Carolinians trying to cope. My thoughts go out to everyone affected and I hope that things return to normal as quickly as possible. (photo source) I grew up going to Hilton Head Island every April as a child during school spring break, another area of South Carolina that received quite a hit from the hurricane. Every year we stayed at The Sea Pines Resort at the southern tip of the island. Each morning we would go and dig for sand dollars along the shoreline while looking for dolphins jumping through the waves. Between our sand dollar treasure hunts and afternoons playing at the beach or pool it was tennis lesson time. The first time I ever picked up a racquet …

Chillin’ Out in Chile

Published by

Instead of a presents under the tree for Christmas this year we’ve decided to give each other  a vacation, the experience of somewhere we haven’t been. South America is calling and we’re headed to Chile to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. Our days will be spent with sunny hikes, warm beaches, crystal clear skies and plenty of Chilean feasting. (photo source) Our first stop will be Santiago. Traveling abroad over Christmas can be a little tricky. You need to keep in mind that many shops, museums and restaurants will be closed (especially if you’re staying in a predominantly Christian city). As far as food goes, your best bet is to have your hotel make dinner reservations for you in advance since they’ll be aware of the best options that will be open. With businesses closed for the holiday there will certainly be plenty of time for strolling. Santiago looks to be pretty picturesque so I have not doubt we’ll keep ourselves more than busy. We’ll be spending two nights in the Providencia neighborhood of Santiago at Le Reve Boutique Hotel. The neighborhood …