Vicarious Travel

22/09/2024

07/09/2024

And so another adventure begins! After delayed flights and no sleep my lovely group arrived in Rome. We headed north to Pienza, stopping for an al fresco lunch at La Foce ristorante. A round of espresso martinis, Buffalo mozzarella caprese and pasta under the Tuscan sun.

We made our way to the charming Barbara waiting for us at A440 in Tuscany that sits just below Pienza. After much needed naps and showers, we had a fantastic dinner under the Tuscan moon.

Tomorrow it's a vintage Vespa tour and picnic kind of day!

22/05/2024

When your work family gets that you love tacos and margs!

05/05/2024

I should be 3/4 of the way to San Diego right now. When life gives you limes, drink Margaritas with all the other waiting passengers.

28/03/2024

If you have not tried Wild Grain croissants, you are missing out!
Their breads are outstanding, but these croissants are DELISH!

09/02/2024

I was reading an article from Thrillist about the top hotels in the world according to US News & World Report's 2024 ranking. I stayed at a couple on this list many moons ago, but at today’s rates, most of these are way out of my vacation hotel price point.

"As the travel landscape evolves, there is a shift toward meeting the needs of modern travelers. The hotel industry is striving to offer culturally authentic experiences and high levels of customer service, recognizing that today's explorers seek connections with their destinations," said Zach Watson, senior travel editor at US News, in a statement. "The 2024 Best Hotels rankings offer travelers dependable options to stay for every type of trip, balancing location, amenities and quality service to ensure an enjoyable experience."

How did they rank these joints? Apparently, a combination of guest rankings, awards doled out by the hotel/hospitality industry, and hotel class designation determine what properties make it to the top of their lists. I have a list, too, and it is COMPLETELY different from this one!

Best Hotels in the US:
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida)
2. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club (Surfside, Florida)
3. The Langham (Chicago)
4. The Peninsula (Chicago)
5. Montage (Laguna Beach, California)

Best Hotels in the Caribbean:
1. Jade Mountain Resort (St. Lucia)
2. Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica)
3. Eden Roc Cap Cana (Dominican Republic)
4. Eden Rock (St. Barths)
5. Caribbean Club (Cayman Islands)

Best Hotels in Mexico:
1. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas)
2. Grand Velas Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas)
3. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection (Cabo San Lucas)
4. Rosewood Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen)
5. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort (San José del Cabo)

Best Hotels in Europe:
1. Badrutt's Palace Hotel (St. Moritz, Switzerland)
2. Claridge's (London)
3. Shangri-La The Shard (London)
4. Ashford Castle (Mayo, Ireland)
5. Le Bristol (Paris)

You can check out the full list of hotels and resorts at Travel.USNews.com.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the best luxury hotels in the U.S. and worldwide.

08/02/2024

It's not what anyone flying wants to hear, but they should probably know.
A couple of things I recommend you do to help ease the pain - if you haven't already done them - are

1. Get Clear AND TSA Precheck
2. Get an airline club membership or buy a one-day pass to while away the time with good (if not free) food and drink in a clean, comfy place.
3. Use those points to upgrade. Saving them for an "if I ever go to..." day isn't making your points work for you now.

Aviation's solution to greater disruptions? Investing in technology.

09/12/2023

The lovely Pucci and Giovanni of Castello Di Proceno celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary yesterday.

Buon anniversario!

08/12/2023

Another beautiful day in the Lazio-hood!

After a foggy drive to Bolsena for a little shopping, a tour of Pucci's cousins a brautiful Palazzo, and then met a couple of Pucci's friends for lunch beside Lago di Bolsena at Trattoria Da Guido. Listening to these lovely ladies' laughter-filled conversation (even if I only understand every other word!) had me missing my own gal pals.

As we started the drive home, I pulled out a tissue from my travel pack and noticed for the first time that it had a saying on it. I'm taking it as my sign (see last photo)

06/12/2023

So this just shook the castle! We are about 28 km away from there.

05/12/2023

Giving up on house hunting for the day, I turn my attention to lunch with Pucci at the always fabulous in Sorano. I don't know what was in the soup (other than deliciousness) but it was perfect for a blustery day.


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03/12/2023

A spectacular day in Proceno!! Nonstop visitors at Castello Di Proceno! The house is open for tours, there is a Christmas Market in the Enoteca and happening in the piazza.

02/12/2023

Coming back to my Italian home away from home after far too long! From the "traffic jam" to my room with that view (and a fire) that I love so much!

29/10/2023

This is a first for me...Mazda Miata all jacked up! LOL

28/10/2023

When you're neighbors highly anticipated dougnut shop opens!! Thanks for making our morning.

15/10/2023

We unplugged last night for dear friend's son's wedding. We were so happy to celebrate the beautiful couple! Thanks and for including us. October 14 is a GREAT day to be married!

07/10/2023

Spending Friday night at a tailgate cooking class taught by the FABULOUS Christine van Bloem
Thanks for hosting this fun event!

01/06/2023

Who says you have to leave your fur baby behind? Check out this list of pet-friendly Airbnbs in USA's Northeast.

A growing number of airbnbs are opening their doors to paw-adise. Here are 20 pet-friendly airbnbs — from New York to Massachusetts — you (and your pup) will love.

25/05/2023

I tell all my travel buddies to take out half of what they put into their suitcase!

23/05/2023

For all you lovers out there, there is a hotel in called the Lanesborough that is bringing its latest royal addition to its series of innovative afternoon teas. In partnership with Netflix and Shondaland, the iconic London hotel will offer an afternoon tea experience inspired by Queen Charlotte herself.

Enjoy the Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough hotel at London's Hyde Park Corner, inspired by Netflix's Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

17/05/2023

For all you Disney fanatics out there, this one's for you!

Disney World is offering a ticket sale that allows you to explore all four of its theme parks with the "4-Park Magic Ticket." This ticket lets you visit each of the four theme parks on separate days within a seven-day period. Providing you with unparalleled flexibility, AND no theme park reservations required for $396 plus tax! The deal comes out to just $99 per day, excluding taxes potentially saving more than $150 per person.

The deal starts May 23 for visits to the theme parks between June 1 and September 29.

What's the catch you may be asking yourself. Just a few blackout dates during July 1-4 and September 1-4 when this ticket cannot be used. Click the link for more info.

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation this summer? Make your next trip extra magical with one of these new seasonal ticket offers.

16/05/2023

Nothing is worse than getting off the plane after a long-haul flight only to realize that you still have to brave a long and tedious customs line. Luckily, there may be a new way to avoid lengthy customs lines thanks to mobile passports.

Traditionally, if you want to get through US immigration quickly, the best way to do it is to get approved for Global Entry. However, that involves doing an in-person interview, which is often difficult to schedule due to backlog, and it costs $100 every five years.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free app that lets travelers coming back from international trips go through customs efficiently. The app is meant to replace the traditional paper customs forms and the kiosks that you see upon arrival. Instead, you can fill out your info in the app as soon as you land!

Read on for more details.

This app gets you through U.S. immigration and customs faster.

24/04/2023

I recently had a conversation with someone about tipping abroad. For me, it's a personal thing. It feels weird NOT to tip even though European wait staff make a decent minimum wage. We even tip at all-inclusive resorts. What's everyone else doing?

24/02/2023

03/02/2023

This may be my new morning cuppa! Couldn't find my French Press, but this stovetop percolator worked perfectly!