“Peaceful, lush, and naturally spectacular: this is Kaua’i.” The Aloha Spirit and Culture From the moment you step off the plane in Kaua’i, you will begin experiencing the “Aloha Spirit.” The Kaua’i natives are some of the happiest and friendliest people in the Islands. This Aloha Spirit is one of sharing kindness, compassion, and peace […]

Normandy is the most northwestern region in France and is most known for the D-Day Beaches. I felt compelled to walk in the footsteps of my father and thousands of other men, many who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the liberation of Europe. So, I had to go, and I wanted to be there for […]

Find yourself in Rome for a few days before a stay in Tuscany or a Mediterranean cruise — how will you spend your time, with so much to see and so little time?  Rome is an extraordinary capital, and it can take weeks or more to get in all the sites, cuisine and culture.  Traveling […]

DAY 1 — After a warm lei greeting at the Kahului airport midday, we rented a jeep and headed to lunch at the famous Mama’s Fish House in Paia, on the northern coast of the island, not far from the airport. What an introduction to the culture, scenery, and cuisine of Hawaii! From there, we […]

1. Florence Known as the “Birthplace of the Renaissance” and the capital city of Italy’s Tuscany Region, Florence is home to an abundance of Renaissance art and architecture. The beautiful Basilica di Santa Croce is the final resting place for Renaissance painter Michaelangelo and scientist Galileo Galilei. A visit to Florence would not be complete without […]

Day 1: Museums / Embarkation A visit to the Van Gogh Museum started our day, and it did not disappoint.  I have always been fascinated with Van Gogh’s use of color and simple designs, at least on some of his well known works of art. Our next stop was the incredible Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national […]

Guest post by Emily Matras Since Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, hit the shelves 28 years ago, a visit to the South of France suddenly shot to the top of everyone’s bucket list. And when the book was turned into the Russell Crowe starring-film A Good Year, the crowds in this wine region […]

How do you make the BEST family memories?  On an adventurous family getaway that has everyone all smiles!  Try new things together, build unbreakable bonds, and show your children how incredible their whole wide world is. Explore some of our favorite family vacations that don’t require a theme park pass! 1.  An All Inclusive: Sun, […]

Bonjour! I come to you today as a self-proclaimed “Francophile” — lover of all things French!  I’m in love with France — its architecture, people, culture, etc!  I think this admiration is partly due to my growing up in Louisiana, so rich in French heritage and influence.  Plus, after delving into family geneaology, I have […]

Watercolor’s Top 7 Ways to Blend in to Italian Culture 1.  Cappuccino and Cafe’ Lattes are morning-only drinks! A true Italian would never dream of ordering one after late morning, or especially after a meal!  If you need a caffeine pick-me-up later in the day, stop in a coffee bar for a quick shot of […]