27. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – Cape Town, South Africa

We only got to spend an afternoon/evening down here but loved every minute of it.  A fun and scenic place to walk around, a great place to shop for souvenirs, and a fantastic selection of restaurants and pubs. We chose an Italian restaurant called Balducci’s and were not disappointed. Awesome menu and delicious food!  

26. Cape Wine Tour – South Africa

We visited three different and distinct wine regions outside of Cape Town-Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschoek— All of them picture perfect and producing wonderful tasting wines.  I would have to say though that our favorite was definitely Stonehill Vineyards (in the Stellenbosch region). Lorna, the owner, along with the winery’s mascot a wire haired terrier named Bristle, made our day even more memorable by giving us a tour of the vineyards and olive grove and then a private tasting. The […]

25. The Constantia – Cape Town, South Africa

I have been fortunate enough to stay at many luxury hotels around the world but I would have to say that The Constantia tops them all.  Part of The Last Word Hotel Collection, this boutique hotel goes above and beyond in every way. From the drawn hot bath with fresh rose petals, chilled wine, and candles lit in the room upon our return from a day of sightseeing, to the notes and treats left on our […]

24. Safari – Krueger National Park, South Africa

If you could only pick one trip for the rest of your life, this should be it.  A trip I was fortunate enough to share with my two daughters and a life changing event no doubt.  I had to pinch myself daily to be sure it was really happening.  When we were checked into Jock Safari Lodge, we were assigned a safari guide who would be with us for the three day duration of our stay […]

23. Jock Safari Lodge – Krueger National Park, South Africa

I don’t have any safari lodge experience to compare with Jock but I can’t recommend this place enough.  From the attentive staff and outstanding food to the beautiful and unique individual bungalows, Jock Safari Lodge is top notch.  And, located within the Krueger National Park, there is no shortage of the “Big Five” right outside the lodge gates. I think my favorites had to be the outdoor showers, individual plunge pools and personal observation decks. I just […]

22. La Quinta Resort – Palm Desert, CA

La Quinta Resort in Palm Desert is one of those places that you never want to leave.  535 Fireplaces. 41 Pools. 53 Hot Tubs. 23 Tennis Courts. 7 Restaurants. and 5 Golf Courses=1 Amazing Experience.  All of this plus a world class spa, gorgeous flowers everywhere feeding hundreds of hummingbirds and a charming casita to call home. With near perfect weather year round and an amazing staff, I certainly hope to return someday whether it […]

21. Venice Beach, CA

What a crazy and fun place Venice Beach is!  We had such a great day people watching and walking along the beach and boardwalk. Plenty of shops and arts and crafters selling their wares and some really great beachfront cafes to stop, rest and get a cocktail and bite to eat along the way.

20. Santa Monica Pier, CA

We spent an afternoon on the Santa Monica Pier, mostly to catch the sunset. I thought the pier itself was a little cheesy but the sunset was amazing and made the trip worthwhile.