Cinque Terre & Portofino

January 3, 2019 Allison Graham

Road tripping through the Italian Riviera

Nice & Monaco

November 5, 2018 Allison Graham

Safely making it to our first destination: Nice, France and exploring Northern Italy until we arrive in Venice to fly to Greece! We are calling this adventure Nìce—>Greece!!

A few years back, I was able to visit the south of France with my sister: making a stop in Monaco. Having been here before, I was able to relax and explore what I had enjoyed from the last trip and skip out on the unnecessary tourist traps. My husband and I had explored Bordeaux last summer, so this was a fun way of incorporating our love of France and Italy with a new destination. (He had need been here before.)

While planning this trip, we had two definitive plans: Start & Finish. We were starting in Nice and needed to get to Venice in the next 10 days. There were certain destinations I mapped out in hopes of seeing, but my plan was to let the weather help guide the trip. There was no reason to spend a long time somewhere if the weather wasn’t going to cooperate. As you know, my favorite time to travel anywhere is in the shoulder season. I like to avoid the crowds, know the weather will be more predictable, and maximize my time in any destination. Now, the end of September-Beginning of October isn’t necessarily the shoulder season, but it is definitely when areas begin to slow down.

Enjoying Wine on the Boscolo Exedra Rooftop

We had a long trip ahead. We wanted to stay at nice places, but also needed to be smart about where we were going to splurge and where we could opt to use points. My dream trip was to make it to Greece, so about a year ago I booked my hotels in Mykonos and Santorini. I created a spreadsheet of all the expected costs of hotels and flights. I used United Points to fly free to Nice, AND used AMEX Points to fly home from Greece. **

In Nice, we used SPG points to stay at the beautiful Boscolo Excedra Nice. It couldn’t have been better timing either because of the Marriott-SPG Merger of points that occurred in August. On top of using points at this hotel, our breakfast was included. This is not to say your ordinary continental breakfast—this was an over the top luxury breakfast with cake, pastries, rolling drink carts with buffet and a la carte menu options!

The hotel has historic charm with newly updated renovations. Boscolo Excedra is sophisticated with modern art in the lobby and a newly added rooftop bar with a sleek pool overlooking the heart of Nice, Fr.

We were able to pick up our rental car from the Nice airport via Hertz Gold and valet at the hotel. I always try to find the best deal and earn valuable points when booking a car. It also helps to sign up for their loyalty programs, so you can skip the line when picking up & returning your vehicle. After a long flight + jet lag… the last thing you want to do is wait for your vehicle!

We are both relatively light packers, but we were going to be gone for close to 3 weeks with very different destinations along the way. We managed with two small suitcases; however, on the first night there was a bit of a cross wind we did not expect and needed to do a little shopping. Fortunately, Nice has plenty of shops and the hotel is centrally located next to the shopping district with walking distance to the famous Promenade des Anglais as well as the train station.

After a little shopping, we headed down to the plage (beach) and grabbed some cocktails from the Ruhl Place. I had been here before, so I knew the people watching would be great. Unlike the states, most of the beaches are not enjoyed on sand, but rocks, so the beaches are lined with chairs and umbrellas for comfort. This adds an element of beauty as well as optimal location with close proximity to the ocean for a drink.

After a day of leisure by the beach, our friend carries the cushions from the day away for the night. It’s a balancing act on the promenade and he seems to do a fabulous job.

Awaiting a beautiful sunset in the south of France. Can’t help but enjoy this view.

Notable Hotels to Stay at or at least check out for a cocktail overlooking the Mediterranean:

Hotel Royal-Riviera
Hotel La Pèrouse
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat: A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc * Think Slim Aarons backdrop, photographing socialites

Nice is on the French Riviera, so here are some places to go for day trips. Some available by train, others would be helpful to hire a driver or rent a car.

Saint Tropez: Coastal town on the French Riviera. Located in Southeastern France. Known for it’s beaches and nightlife. (1hr 30 mins from Nice)
Cannes: Famed for the International Film Festival, lined with sandy beaches and upscale shopping. (37 mins driving, 42 mins train from Nice)
Provence: Southeastern France bordering Italy, known for its lavender fields. (2hr 11 mins driving)
Marseille: Historic Port City in Southern France. (2hr driving from Nice, possible stop if going to Provence)

While in Nice, be sure to check out the famous Promenade des Anglais with high-end shops, restaurants, and even a Casino overlooking the water! The walkway travels along the mediterranean with unobstructed views. The hotels are on the opposite side of the street, so pedestrians are able to walk while gazing at the water.

Complimentary Champagne at Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco

Before leaving Nice, we made sure to enjoy our decadent breakfast provided by the hotel. The service could not have been better or more memorable. I would highly recommend this hotel-especially if you are an SPG-Marriott-Ritz loyalty rewards member. IF not, maybe look into joining!

Next Stop…. Formula 1 Race…. OH WAIT…. that didn’t happen.. but it should have! Next time i’ll try to incorporate my need for speed with a race. But all jokes aside, Monaco awaits us! Monaco is a quick drive or train ride from Nice; I highly recommend spending a day or night in Monaco. There is a bit of a night scene here if you are looking for a fun night out. There are definitely some fun cars to check out… if you are into that sort of thing… which I am!

Overlooking Monaco Harbour filled with “tiny” yachts

Driving from Nice to Monaco only takes about 30 minutes. It took more time trying to find a parking spot. (Not really, but parking is limited especially during their high season.)

I had enjoyed Monaco in the past, so I headed towards the Monte Carlo Casino for shopping and a light lunch. The Casino doesn’t open until 2pm; however, you are able to explore the casino and grounds prior to the opening.

If you would like to walk around a bit, there is a walk up to the highest point of Monaco. The walk will lead you to the palace with a beautiful view of the harbor. This is where the prince “resides.” The architecture is fascinating—with light colored pastels.

outside of the monte carlo casino photo credit DALLARA :) — outside of the monte carlo casino **photo credit DALLARA :)**

Where to Stay in Monaco:

Hermitage Hotel
Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Hotel de Paris
Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Surrounding the Casino is all of the high end designer shops. If you plan to shop make sure to fill out your VAT forms and have them stamped before leaving Europe so you can enjoy the thrills of TAX Free shopping. Boys.. I know you hate us shopping, but we are going to anyways…. so this way we both win!

Before the casino opened, we strolled the grounds.

This was a shot of the interior of the Casino overlooking the back which faces the Mediterranean. Once the casino opens, there are available tables on the back deck so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: View & Gambling!

After a little shopping, dining, and exploring we were off to our next destination: ITALY!!

The way out of Monaco is a winding—uphill battle fyi if you are planning to drive. There is only one exit and its a winding-narrow road to Italy. Very Beautiful though.

Next Stop: Cinque Terre & Portofino!! until next time, safe travels. Au Revoir!

Source: Nice & Monaco

La Dolce Vita, Two weeks in Italy

September 7, 2018 Allison Graham

When your girlfriends call you at 11pm on a weeknight. You answer the phone.

View from Rooftop of Westin Excelsior Florence

When they ask if you want to go to Italy, because they are bidding on a trip at an auction. You say Yes.

This is how the trip started! Eight girls in a Tuscan Villa outside of Cortona, with a swimming pool and private chef. Yes, I love Italy...and you must know that by now. But a private villa in the countryside.. EVEN more so!

My mom had never been to Italy and I thought, if I am flying to Tuscany with my girlfriends...maybe the trip should extend and have her fly out and meet me in Rome. My sister, Dr. Dre would also be joining the trip and extending for a weekend in Rome.

The planning began:

Itinerary

Florence-1 Night,2 Days
Tuscan Countryside-7 Days
Rome-4 Days
Positano-3 Nights
Capri-2 Nights

Day Trips

Siena
Wine Country
Cortona
Pompeii
Sunday Market in Arezzo

I had the luxury of flying from NYC, the flight to Florence was direct. Florence is a city that I absolutely love. It's intimate and filled with history and beauty. I had been here once before, for Thanksgiving, but never experienced the city in the summer. My first trip was spent at Hotel Lungarno, which I highly recommend. It's a Ferragamo Hotel, located right on the river. It's a boutique hotel that was recently renovated. *Also, gives you free access to the Ferragamo Museum. We stayed in this gorgeous "castle" room with exposed stone in a tower. I felt like a modern day princess--no joke :) (SIDE TIP) If you love to run--> the Florence Marathon is during American Thanksgiving and it is supposed to be a great PR course. It's also a great time to visit Florence.

This trip I stayed at the Westin Excelsior Florence. I mainly chose this option, because it is an SPG hotel to earn points. The hotel is centrally located in the city, along the river, with walking distance to the train and every tourist destination. Florence is an exceptionally easy city to see by foot.

My girlfriends were arriving to Florence a few hours after me via train from Rome, and the other 5 girls would meet us at our Villa in Tuscany a day later. I rented a car at the Florence Airport. Driving was surprisingly easy, I rented a Fiat and have been learning Italian on Rosetta Stone and Duolingo for months prior (Road Signs weren't an issue! Speaking was a bit more difficult.)

The hotel allowed me to park right on the street outside the hotel, which couldn't have been more convenient. My friends had never been to Florence, so we were planning on packing in a full day and a half of tourism in.

After checking in...and having an Aperol Spritzer, we walked down the river towards the Boboli Gardens. SIDE NOTE: IF you haven't read "Inferno" by Dan Brown, you should. It helps so much with the landscape of Florence.

The Gardens are nice, more of a walking excursion. Then you can stroll across Ponte Vecchio, the very famous bridge that is the only one still standing from WWII. The bridge used to be covered with fresh fish, but the wealthy families (MEDICI FAMILY) said it smelled too badly, which I don't disagree would, and is now filled with jewelry shops. *Surprisingly enough, jewelry is not an interest of mine; however, it is definitely worth stopping at. You can barter on everything: so do so. Do not forget about the VAT tax for when you leave Italy. It adds up, but you must show the purchases prior to boarding flight, so don't pack the merchandise in your check-in.

After crossing the bridge, do stop for some gelato. I love the sorbet flavors, but that is just me, I'm not one for the sweets. On this side of the bridge, which is also the same side as the hotel, is the leather quarter and Uffizi Gallery and maybe the most notable: the Duomo. I recommend seeing the Duomo in the day time and at night. There are many fascinating places in Florence and all walking distance, but the Duomo is outstanding. At night, there is a merry-go-round in one of the squares close to the Duomo and shopping streets. I recommend getting a glass of vino or some gelato and taking a ride. It's very romantic.

There is a leather store called David 2 Leather in the center of the square, right around the corner from the leather market. Tell Franco, "your friend Ali from Chicago sent you," he will take care of you: show you beautifully tailored jackets to your liking and offer you some of Italy's best wine. I met Franco in Chicago, then went to visit him in Florence. I love him and you will too!

Our dinner on the first night was spent at Il Parione. This is a restaurant i've had the pleasure to dine at several times now and it's always intimate and exquisite. The owner is generally always there and he is adorable. *My recommendation is to dine in the basement if possible. It is their wine cellar with exposed stone. If you are noticing a trend: yes I love exposed stone! After dinner, just as I had priorly suggested. We grabbed gelato and headed back towards the Duomo to see at night. The three of us were very jet lagged, so the night crept up on us and we stayed out much later than anticipated. Luckily, we had the morning to sleep off our journey.

My little sister was meeting us the next day and then I would drive us to the Tuscan Countryside. Only first stopping at the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is a square with a panoramic view of Florence, there are options for wine, souvenirs, and gelato: located in the Oltrarno district. I recommend going here before sunset to catch the sky line, offers exquisite views of the entire city especially the Duomo.

This was our last stop in Florence, off to our Villa, located 10 minutes from Cortona! Ciao!

NOTABLE RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE:

I'Parione
Trattoria Camillo
Trattoria Dante
Zaza pizzeria
Regina Bistecca
Osteria de' Cicalini

Villa: La Colombaia

As mentioned prior, the villa we were staying at holds up to 10 people. Several bedrooms, pool, private chef for breakfast and dinner, as well as a complimentary wine tasting...oh and a little black cat from one of the neighboring houses. I named him Felix and forever will love this little house guest.

The Route from Florence to the house was mainly direct and simple, except for our GPS. Google maps had slightly different plans; however, it was trying to shave off minutes. To the extent, we were taken on a route through a surrounding neighbor's backyard on a path barely wide enough for our car, with ditches on either side. Fortunately, I have learned the hard way (Bottom of a hill and trying to get into gear) and also being stuck in sand, to learn my gears and how to get us to the house. The drive was definitely a fun and interesting way to start our girls week in the romantic countryside of Tuscany.

Before arriving to Italy, we had a spreadsheet inquiring everyone's excursion requests for the week. 1. Wine Tasting 2. Siena 3. Sunday Market Shopping in Arezzo 4. Pool Day 5. Cortona and a few unplanned days to live on a whim.

After our first night, we realized quickly...we needed much more wine than purchased for the house. After an excursion to Siena, my car took a detour and ended up at a family owned vineyard. We grabbed a jug of red table wine for the dinners as well as a case of miscellaneous wine.

We were driving on a back country road, when we saw the sign for a winery: Fattoria Cantagallo. As we pull up to the driveway, an Italian man was mowing the lawn and saw us entering his property. He stopped and inquired about our visit. We expressed that we had interest in his winery. He smiled, hopped off the lawn mower and guided us to his basement. His son answered the door as well as his wife. They offered us homemade breads and cheese. They walked us through their wine collection set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Eduardo Capecchi, the son and winemaker helped by his mother and father, welcomes us into their cellar and gave us the most intimate experience. This was not what we intended to find, but this was exactly what we wanted. The four of us sat at the table, with their family enjoying wine and giggling about the fact that every other sentence was lost in translation.

La Dolce Far Niente, xoxo Ali, Jayme, Bryce, and Dre

One of my favorite parts of travel is the "no-agenda" plan. Hop in the car, grab a map and if something seems interesting, go and check it out. We do this a lot in Ireland and have come across the nicest people in the world. Italy is a country similar to that: kind people, amazing food and wine, endless adventures with winding back country roads, with stories to last the ages. The memories of a trip generally always come from the people you meet not the things you see.

Dinners at the house were mapped out by our chef: Gabrielle

On one of our last nights in the house the group made dinner from scratch as well as our dessert: tiramisu. We rolled out pasta and made a classic Tuscan pasta sauce with bacon blended in a food processor. We enjoyed wine and our meal with Gabrielle, our chef who lives in Cortona and speaks several languages (unlike most of our group.)

Breakfasts were prepared for us and set at the table every morning by the time we woke. I enjoyed waking early and running through the local village before everyone was awake and coming home to breakfast with fresh fruits, strong coffee, and always an Italian flatbread. One morning, I went for my usual run through town and a large group of men were gathered outside laughing and telling stories. I wasn't...and am still unsure if they arrived incredibly early to breakfast or still had not made it home.

The next agenda on the to do list was wine tasting!

Winery:

La Braccesca : the vineyard lies on both Montepulciano and Cortona creating the unique capability of creating traditional noble wines of the north and Syrah of Cortona. The property was previously owned by the Count of Bracci and Marchesi Antiori now owns the Estate. * The vineyard produces a wine called "Bramisole" which if you recall from the movie Under the Tuscan Sun is the name of the villa Diane Lane purchases in Cortona.

We had a traditional wine tour, followed by a tasting paired with an overwhelming amount of food. After indulging our taste senses, we headed back to enjoy our pool with plans to see Cortona in the evening.

Cortona is a great town we were fortunate to be 10 minutes from. We went there a few times for lunch and dinner, one night we did a wine tasting in the center square. The town is great for souvenirs with wine shops and places to buy cheese and olive oil. There are plenty of options for dining and grabbing snacks.

One afternoon we hiked to the top of Cortona to see the church, this was a much steeper walk than anticipated, but worth it for the view of the countryside.

Restaurant on the top of Cortona overlooking Tuscan Countryside

Every night there was a beautiful sunset. We would gather in the backyard or the field across the street with our wine and enjoy the moment..... Sometimes making album covers....as shown below!

Overall we had a fun packed trip exploring local towns, wineries, and excursions. In my next post, I will expand on our trip to Siena as it deserves it's own post! The sunsets never disappointed, the wine never left us thirsty, and our appetite was never starved! The Tuscan region is romantic and relaxing, beautiful and savory, and a must on your Travel Lists.

This will be my first post in a series of posts about my travels to Italy this summer, still to come:

Siena
Rome
Positano
Capri
Cinque Terre
Lake Como
Venice

Until Next Time, Safe Travels xoxo

Source: Italy Part I: Tuscany

Ulusaba : Trip of a Lifetime

June 15, 2017 Allison Graham

Some of the highlights from my incredible trip to South Africa

Cape Town & Stellenbosch

June 6, 2017 Allison Graham

Cape Town became a huge factor when deciding the location for our safari trip. We have had several friends visit the region, for various occasions, and all the feedback was positive. Located right on South Africa's southwest coast, with one of the greatest wine regions in the world, and one of the world's seven wonders of the world: Table Mountain.

We ended our trip to South Africa in Cape Town, visiting the Stellenbosch region, staying in the harbor, steps away from the V&A Waterfront, and overlooking Table Mountain. Cape Town is filled with excursions if you want to explore:

Table Mountain
Robben Island, Nelson Mandela
V & A Waterfront, Shopping
Cape Point
Camps Bay
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Seal Island, *Think Shark Diving

But if you are looking to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there is much of that as well! The ocean is too cold to swim in (I think) but it is beautiful. There are also several hotels with nice pool layouts as well.

Our sleeping patterns were a bit off most of the trip. We were waking up at 5:30am every morning for the game drives on the safari and staying up fairly late. By the time we got to Cape Town, we were still getting up early and eager to take advantage of the day. We decided to head up to Table Mountain first thing. It was a beautiful and clear view. I suggest a wide lens if you are bringing a camera.. just so you can capture more of the landscape. If not, fear not, my iphone took some incredible photos as well.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in South Africa. It was named the world's new seven wonders of the world in 2012. The hotel we stayed at overlooks the harbor and the mountain. If you are looking to get a closer look, you are able to hike the mountain and also take a cable car to the top.

*Tip If you are planning on taking the cable car, arrange to buy tickets prior so you don't need to wait in the line. Also, plan on going when the weather is going to be clear so you have the best view of Cape Town. There is an additional hike to Lion's Head, which is a peak in-between Table Mountain and Signal Hill that may be worth for the view as well.

The Back Side of Table Mountain overlooking Camps Bay.

After Table Mountain, we headed to Camps Bay. This may have been my favorite spot in Cape Town and reminded me of a beach community with beautiful summer homes and restaurants along the beach.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch, with crispy calamari and rosé, gazing out at the ocean. As we finished up our lunch we noticed, this chic, boutique hotel just steps away. I first noticed the infinity pool overlooking the beach, then the gate to the Bay Hotel.

We had to go inside and take a peak. If and when we return to Cape Town, this will be a spot I need to stay at, at least one night. They also have a sister hotel down the road: Camps Bay Retreat Boutique Hotel.

The owner of Bay Hotel has a fine appreciation of cars! I love cars...so we could be friends!

Our hotel was the One & Only Cape Town located footsteps from the V&A Waterfront and right next to the harbor. Rooms overlook Table Mountain and the harbor with one of my favorite restaurants located right inside: Nobu. Justin Bieber was in town the first night we arrived. We sat on our balcony and could see the sky light up with fireworks from his concert.

May is the start of the "winter" season in South Africa, it was beginning to feel like fall in the states. The weather was still warm when we were there and dry! We enjoyed a few days by the pool and walking around the area with only a light sweater needed at night.

Cape Town is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Fresh & local ingredients, with wine pairings off the charts from their own back yard. Cape Town has some restaurants that will make foodie wish lists. (Think* Test Kitchen)

Notable restaurants in Cape Town:

Aubergine, near the gardens, centrally located to several hotels
Beluga, sushi, dim sum, African fusion
Atlantic Grill (At the Table Bay Hotel), V & A Waterfront, enjoyable location, nice for drinks
Pot Luck Club, chic tapas in a cool atmosphere
Nobu, world class sushi, with restaurants all over the world
Test Kitchen, *Top Restaurant in the world, with a reservation list booked months in advance.

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine Country

The wine lands make a great day trip, or mini getaway from Cape Town as there are several boutique hotels. You have two options: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town and perhaps the most beautiful. It came to be farm land for the growing needs of the boats passing through from Europe. The manors are Cape Dutch inspired with oak lined streets. Stellenbosch is much larger than Franschhoek with many different options for wineries. Some vineyards you may have heard of from this region: Rust en Vrede, Overture, and Thelema Mountain Vineyards, just to name a few. Regardless of your wine route, I highly suggest having lunch at Delaire Graff Estate (also a hotel.) This location is absolutely beautiful, situated between two peaks.

Yes, this name may ring a bell. It is the same Graff as... Graff Diamonds, home to the most fabulous jewels in the world. There is, in fact, a jewelry store right inside the main building.

Franschhoek is a village and a bit smaller than Stellenbosch. The name means French Corner, and there are monuments honoring the French Settlers. Just like Stellenbosch, this is the food and wine lands. Both are lovely, and you should speak with your driver on which vineyards and routes may suit you best. But, Do not miss out on lunch at Delaire Graff Estate.

Wineries on our Trip to Stellenbosch

De Toren Private Cellar was a winery suggested by a very good friend. We were able to get a private visit and tasting of the property. This is a smaller vineyard with exquisite wine. Black Lion & Book XVII are two limited edition wines from smaller wine blocks we sought them out for. Black Lion only produces 5 barrels a year, and Book XVII produces 4 barrels: which equates to a little over 1,000 bottles individually numbered.

We knew in advance that we wanted to purchase some wine and bring it back for our wine cellar. De Toren Private Cellar allowed us to choose the exact bottles to bring back, as all of the 1,000 bottles are numbered! This is a fairly unique, and special gift to bring back home to celebrate in years to come. We were able to choose important dates in our life to remember the bottles.

De Toren Book XVII: The Four Barrels of Book XVII for the 2016 production.

Next Stop: Rust en Vrede

Rust en Vrede only produces red wine and one of South Africa's largest exported wines. Rust en Vrede was chosen by President Nelson Mandela to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner and they were the first South African wine to be ranked in the Top 100 wines of the world.

Our last stop was closing, so we were just able to get in for a quick tasting. If you hire a driver, they will be able to make a wine route of your liking based on the type of wine you prefer. My husband and I both prefer red wine, which is why we chose this route. Most of these vineyards specialize in red or white. Pinotage, which sounds like Pinot Noir, is a red wine grape found in South Africa and their signature variety. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, with a dry result.

After a full day of exploring Wine Country, it was time to head back to Cape Town. We headed to the V & A Waterfront and enjoyed the sunset with some cocktails. It was Friday night, and everyone was getting ready to celebrate. Bands played in the streets, rooftop bars flooded with people ready to throw their heels up, and everyone posed for the "Cape Town" Photo opp.

..I too indulged, because.. why not?!

The markets and shops are located all around this area, so if you are looking to buy some African Souveniers, this is where you will want to do so. Just remember to save your receipts to get the tax back when you leave South Africa.

As this was our vacation, we decided to relax on the final day in South Africa. Instead of another excursion, we soaked up the sun by the pool and did a bit of shopping for our friends and family back home. The flight home was fairly painless. We took a short flight from Cape Town to Joburg, then a direct flight back to JFK. Fortunately, it is a direct flight, most of the U.S. needs a connection.

Will be heading to Block Island next weekend, then most of July and August. Stay tuned to see my adventure in London, Bordeaux, & Paris in the next few weeks. I hope everyone enjoys the start to their summer (Or Winter for you on the southern hemisphere!)

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!!

Planning My Safari Adventure!

April 6, 2017 Allison Graham

Planning a Safari not only requires strategic planning on a location basis, but also medical. So, if this is the type of trip you are looking to take, make sure to do some research and connect with your local infectious disease specialist for required shots. Every region is different in Africa.

There are many different great places in Africa to observe and experience a Safari, but it is important to understand the migration process in Kenya, as well as the weather patterns in South Africa before choosing a date.

Originally, when we started planning the trip, we thought of Kenya. One small problem: It was September when we started planning... and the best times to visit Kenya are January, February, March.... and then not again until July, August, and September. We didn't want to rush a trip this major for January, and our Spring was already fairly booked. We thought about the summer months, but again, we were already booked.

Hmm... what are we going to do? We took a step back and thought, "Why rush a trip like this?" So, we started to think of the trip a bit differently and pulled out our calendar to map out the whole year. When is the best time for US to travel somewhere? There it was... May! Voila! OK, step 1 completed: May is the month we plan this expedition.

Now step 2: What location?

I read several blogs, articles...and my monthly subscriptions of Conde nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure searching for a May destination. All of a sudden, there it was in bold, on a very helpful site www.safaribookings.com : The best time to visit South Africa is May, June, July, August, & September: Bingo. I've always wanted to visit South Africa. Growing up, our family hosted two exchange students from there: this was a sign we must go! Step 2 Complete: South Africa is our destination.

Where are we going to stay? I narrowed my list from the "best of's" of Travel & Leisure, Conde nast Traveler, and Trip Advisor. We read all the reviews and decided, this is a trip of a lifetime We are doing this Luxuriously, All-Inclusive, and through a Highly Reputable Company. Immediately, Scott & I both thought: Virgin Limited Edition by Sir Richard Branson. He doesn't accept anything mediocre and this is a trip we aren't going to either. Previously, when looking in Kenya we came across Mahali Mzuri, so the next natural step was to look for a property in South Africa.

Ulusaba South Africa "Place of Little Fears"

This is not only a "hotel" or "resort" but this is Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve in South Africa. Immediately, I started following them on instagram and searched for other's "tags" and "location." The pictures were incredible. If Ulusaba provided the lodging we hoped for, this was basically a done deal.

Not only did it look perfect, but it was above and beyond both our expectations for safari lodging. Ulusaba offers rooms in the Rock Lodge, overlooking the reserve, or (what we chose) Safari Rooms, that literally overlook the reserve from ground level. Ulusaba was named the Number 1 resort by Conde nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards and quickly became our first choice.

The rate at Ulusaba includes: accommodation, 2 game drives a day, and all meals and drinks *including a top quality wine list and sparkling wines from their private wine cellar! The mini bar is also restocked daily with drinks and snacks!! Ok , is there anything else I'm missing?? Oh right... if we want to play tennis, they provide protection for us to play in the middle of the reserve! For me, it doesn't get too much better than this.

As this is a special trip, we opted for the Safari Room with a plunge pool: Can you imagine dipping in the pool and watching Elephants drinking from the river? Or Rhinos' bathing? I can't either.... but I cannot wait!

Getting to and from: We are flying from NYC, so the best option is to fly into Johannesburg and take a small, private plane to Ulusaba (via Federal Air.)

Shots & Vaccinations required:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetnus (Make sure you are up to date)
Typhoid (oral or shot)
Malaria (start two days prior to trip and follow directions)
Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to take when in Africa in case of any side effects of travel and food change.

** South Africa requires blank pages in your passport, so please look at any updates for South Africa entry requirements. Scott needed to expedite a new passport!!

What to Pack: *Make sure to pack light, as the small, private planes don't have the storage major airlines offer.

Linens & Layers, light weight rain coat, pants, shorts, and comfortable walking clothes, sweaters or light jacket for morning and night.
Colors: neutral colors, avoid red, navy, and black
Camera: wide lense, zoom lense, maybe a tripod, and extra memory cards, don't forget the charger
Binoculars: We did a ton of research on the best models and splurged on the Swarofski brand, but this website was helpful: https://www.travoge.com/blog/5-best-safari-binoculars-to-take-on-a-trip-to-africa/
Polarized Sunglasses
Large Hat: the sun can be hat, so protect your face!

This is our planning guide for Ulusaba and our Safari adventure. I will post a follow up post on Cape Town, where we will be headed to after Ulusaba. You can't go to South Africa without visiting Wine Country!

Source: http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ulu...

Sunny Malin Head, Donegal

May 2, 2016 Allison Graham

We all have our reasons for visiting Ireland. It is one of the most picturesque places with the nicest people in the world. For me, it is a bit more personal than that. My Grandmother and Grandfather on my mother's side of the family were born and raised here.

My grandfather is a "Grady" from Castlerea, Roscommon and my grandmother is a "Farren" from Malin Head, Donegal. Malin Head is the most northernly point of Ireland. It is grand with beauty and history. You can peak out the window from behind Farren's Bar and catch the dolphins frolicking in the bay.

The oldest radio tower in the world is located here--testing for radio stations back to the Titanic! You will also find land with the wording "Eire 80." This dates back to WW11 and was a signal to the Germans that this was neutral Ireland. The history continues up here. It's some of the greatest people in the world: including my family of course. The weather station has a significant place in history, to the extent the weather forecast generated from here delayed D-Day by one day!

*If you are a diver and/or history buff this might be a hidden gem. There is a map that shows all the sunken tanks and U2 boats scattered off the coast in clear waters frequented by divers.

Make sure to visit Farren's Bar: Ireland's most northernly bar. Established back in 1825! The filming of Star Wars is up here: locations.. I cannot reveal, but in due time you will see in the next episode. Most recently enjoyed a great Star Wars party with dancing and costumes!

Amazing Grace Country & a look to "Eire 80"

If you are looking for information on Malin Head, you must reach out and follow @sunnymalinhead on instagram! He knows everything there is to know and has an eye for beauty! Believe me, he showed me the Inishowen Peninsula region today! It's breathtaking and he knows the hidden gems.

Most tourists do not venture up north because they don't realize they should. It's not highly marketed like the central regions: Clare & Galway, but it should be. The natural beauty here is rare and spectacular.

For those who like the road less traveled, you will meet people, see scenery and encounter a genuine Irish experience. If the people in Malin Head speak for the rest of the country, kinder folk you will not meet.

By now you know I love animals and would have a million pets if possible. If you know me well, you know I would love to have a farm... but not for the reasons one should have a farm! I mainly just want a million animals to call me own. Including the sheep in this region. SunnyMalinHead took this great shot and it captures the reason I love them.

Make sure to keep checking back, my trip to Ireland has just begun and the stills from my camera have yet to be uploaded. For now, it's time for a pint and enjoy my holiday! The take away is: Come to Donegal and more importantly Malin Head and enjoy a pint at Farren's Bar!

Until Next Time, Safe Travels

J'aime Paris

April 13, 2016 Allison Graham

Paris might be the most difficult city to write about--because it is and will always be the place I dream about. The lifestyle, the fashion, the architecture, the effortless beauty,wine at lunch, the reasons go on & on... but I will do my best to continue to add my favorite hotels, restaurants, and spots check out. But have no fear, I will never stop traveling here so the list will continue to expand... and yes I do always say I'm going to live here someday.

To begin, it is helpful to visualize the city. It is comprised of 20 neighborhoods, called Arrondissements. Each has its own personality and charm. It is also helpful to know that it is divided by the Seine River: Left Bank/Right Bank. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on the main touristy spots.

*8th Arrondissement being my favorite, and where I want to live--right near L'Avenue, Hôtel Plaza Athénee, walking steps to the Eiffel Tower, and the elegant shopping street of Avenue Montaigne.

When to visit:

June- August: Best weather, but most crowded & most expensive. Keep in mind, if you want to see Parisians, they will not be in the city in August- this is when the majority take holiday. This might be your agenda, but know this heading into it.
September-November: Weather is more unpredictable, but it's less crowded. You will also be able to see the Christmas Market, starting in November.
December-March: If you aren't afraid of wearing a coat, you will save the most money now.
March-June: Same as the fall, shoulder season, so you will save a bit and it will be less crowded than the summer.

Hotels I've been lucky enough to stay at:

Champs Élysées Plaza : 2 Blocks away from Champs-Élysées at 35 Rue de Berri. My first trip to Paris was spent here, and EVERY single trip since, I have stopped back in to grab a drink. This is a boutique hotel--which you will find is my favorite type of lodging. This hotel was great! Charming decor and prime location for a first time Paris-goer.

2 Blocks from this hotel you have the heavily traveled Champs Elysées; however, on the back side, you have a low traveled road that leads you to the greatest shopping in the city, as well as Place Vendôme! (Another favorite Spot...but I've kind of lost count of those)

La Maison Favart: This boutique hotel is located in the 2nd Arrondissement. I stayed with my partner in crime (baby sister), Dr. Dre, here on our way to Nice & Monaco. We had a nice stay--cute rooms with an honesty bar.

Intercontinental Paris Le Grand: We stayed at this hotel during a trip and used points. This is a fantastic hotel. Larger than what I prefer; however, it has grand charm. I'm a complete sucker for detail and charm: drapes, wall paper..etc. I love detail and I love feeling like a princess. Ask for a room with a view of the Opera. My husband is an Ambassador-Spire Elite with IHG.. which means... yes, Upgrades Galore and other perks!

*Travel Tip: Sign up with a hotel---and stick with them! (Except for special occasions of course.)

Hôtel Costes: I like every place I've stayed in Paris; however, this is my favorite hotel. I almost don't want to share this gem.. because I want it to remain my secret! The rooms are small; however, every inch is magnificent and full of charm. This hotel also has my favorite dinner restaurant: in the courtyard. The hotel is located in Place Vendôme, 1st arrondissement. There is a luxurious bar that doesn't get started until the wee hours: People watching galore. I would not recommend this hotel to non-fashionistas. (I'm not kidding... it's definitely a scene.)

Have not stayed here yet.... by mark my words.. I Will! Hôtel Plaza Athênêe: Located in the 8th Arrondissement, with views of the Eiffel Tower! This is a Dorchester Collection Hotel (which means pricey... but Ultimate Luxury) it is also where Aleksandr Petrovsky took Carrie Bradshaw! (Sex & The City)

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, walking from L'Avenue to the Eiffel Tower

Keep in mind these are some of my favorite hotels. If you can use points or save by staying at a different hotel-then you should. Travel is about the experience you make. At the end of the day, you are still in the greatest city in the world. The City of Love.

Things to Do in Paris: other than wander the streets in awe.

Eiffel Tower: The thing about the Eiffel Tower--well at least with me, I thought it would be this lame touristy thing to see... But then you see it... and like a giddy 5 year old girl, all your dreams about Paris come true.

SO--you need to see the Eiffel Tower at day & night.

WHEN you see it at night, sit on the field on the back side, and bring a bottle of wine. If you forget, there will be boys walking around with beer, bubbles, and wine for purchase. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle is magical.

Another great thing to do: One of the Boat tours for dinner. Scott & I took a dinner cruise with a live band, it was super lame & touristy... and guess what? It was AMAZING! DO it.

*Travel Tip: If you have airline or credit card miles see if you can purchase or use miles through them!

The Louvre & Musée d'Órsay: This is located on the right bank. It is a historic landmark in Paris as well as one of the world's largest museums.

There is so much art, it is an art history lover's dream. I was more enthused by the architecture. It's overwhelmingly large. To think it was built hundreds of years ago is impressive. Our first stop of course was the Mona Lisa.

Musée d'Orsay is located on the left bank: Here is where you will find Monet's Water Lillies (my personal favorite) but i'm biased to impressionism.

Pont des Arts Bridge: This bridge crosses the River Seine and used to be the trendy bridge where you put your "love lock" on. They have started to take this down, but the bridge is still a gorgeous view & photo opp *Tip: have someone take your photo with the break in the river-two different routes.

Notre Dame: If in Paris, you kind of need to give respect to the Notre Dame. In the summer, the line is out the door... in the fall (November)there is no line, so keep this in mind.

Place Vendôme: Vendôme is a square in the 1st arrondissement--and also Jewelry Galore! Every major jewelry store you can imagine.. think Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Rolex..etc In this square you are walking distance to the L'ouvre, Park, Theater district and greatest shopping at flagship stores.

Arc de Triomphe: Super Touristy, but for the first time Paris-goer, you kind of have to. The top gives you a great view of the whole city and the Champs Elysées.

The Tuileries Garden: Once you are done seeing the museums, Eiffel tower, and all the other to-dos in Paris, sit back and put your heels up here. Or if you are planning on going to the Louvre, grab a snack here and enjoy some people watching. Just relax.

In the summertime, you will see children with miniature sail boats in the fountains, lovers strolling through the park, with the beauty of the city surrounding you... and when its time for a snack... or pint of beer, head to Café Diane.

Jardin du Palais Royal & Le Palais Royal: Palace and gardens with arcades and striped columns. It's a great spot to sit and picnic or pose on columns!

Daniel Buren's 260 Black&White striped columns

St. Germain: Across the river from the Louvre, you can walk across Pont des Arts bridge. This area can be described as possibly the most Classical Parisian neighborhood. The streets are lined with art galleries, shopping, and cafés. If you have time on your trip, visit St. Germain even for a casual lunch to check out the neighborhood.

Sacré-Cœur: If you want a view of Paris, come to this Cathedral on the top of the hill. This is the highest point in the city. *If you've seen the movie Three Days to Kill, it is the location where Kevin Costner teaches his daughter to ride a bike.

Favorite Places to Eat: the scene doesn't get started until later. I won't book a reservation until at least 10:30pm. But in general, people don't eat dinner until at least 8:30pm.

L'Avenue: My favorite time to eat here is at lunch-late afternoon. Sit outside always. Great people watching and located in one of my favorite Arrondissements.

If you care to see some celebs--this might be your spot as it is located near my next stay: Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris (Dorchester Collection.) When sitting outside, you can view the Eiffel Tower. After lunch and a cocktail-walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Restaurant & Terrace at Hotel Costes: Dinner doesn't get going until 10:30-11:00 so hopefully you are a night owl like myself. This place is fantastic. Favorite dinner spot--have your concierge make the reservation so you can sit outside in the courtyard.

Le Grand Colbert: This is a classic Parisian Brasserie-the food isn't the greatest, but you come here for the atmosphere anyways. If you've seen the movie Something's Gotta Give, this is the romantic spot at the end with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Others restaurants to check out: Restaurant Le Meurice, L'Arpége, Chez Paul, Frenchie; Although, this is Paris-there are a million different spots. Ask your concierge at check-in (or prior to stay if it's summer) and ask them to make reservations. We did this our first stay at The Champs Elysées Plaza: it was how we discovered Hôtel des Costes.

Shopping: My favorite pasttime

Don't forget to shop your face off! If you do, make sure to get VAT tax back at the airport. You may think it's a pain in the butt, but it's not, it makes it cheaper than the states.. so think: Handbags.... seriously. If you are planning on shopping, do it wisely. (VAT)

Chanel: The iconic black & white flagship store. It is a work of beauty. Located at 31 Rue Cambon, 1st Arrondissement. Just stare in Awe. It's fabulous.

Louis Vuitton: Several locations, but the location on Champs Elysées will have lines out the door until closing time. I've been to this location when they have built the Eiffel Tower out of LV Monogrammed Luggage. It's like a museum for fashion.

Other Notables: Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Hermés, Lanvin, Christian Dior.

*Travel Tip, check with your bank of course, but you will get the best exchange rate by taking cash out at the atms in Paris.

The corner of Rue Cambon (Chanel's Flagship Store)

Day Trips:

Palaces of Versailles: If you have an extra day, this is a must. If the weather isn't perfect.. rent a golf cart--I know it sounds lazy, and I laughed at my sister when she suggested it (per recommendation from her friend) after the trip, it was the best decision of the day, besides getting a pint after. This is an easy train ride from Paris.

Normandy: If you love history, especially WWII history, then this is on your to do list. Just 1hr 47 mins by train.

If you get the chance, read the book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. WWII in France.

All the Light We Cannot See, in Block Island — *All the Light We Cannot See,* in Block Island

Until Next Time, Safe Travels! Au Revoir!

Source: The City of Love

Athens, Mykonos, Santorini... Oh My!

April 6, 2016 Allison Graham

Hello Greek Gods & Goddesses!

I couldn't be more excited to visit Greece. I took Latin for 8 years and the history (like Rome) has always intrigued me. This will be the full package trip: History in Athens, Party in Mykonos, and Relax in Santorini.

Our itinerary: Fly overnight Friday, spend a few days in Athens--shoot over to Mykonos for 3 days, then end the trip in relaxing and gorgeous Santorini. 8 nights, 3 cities.

Athens: The center of Greek civilization for 4,000 years, with landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Olympic Stadium...eek! We will land in Athens Saturday and power-through (SLEEP ON PLANE!) We will enjoy two days in Athens then fly to Mykonos!!!

Like all trips, I need to look at what i'm willing to spend and where I want to splurge. Currently, I'm planning on splurging a bit in Santorini at an all-suite resort (with private pool) and looking at where my money will give me the most luxury for the best price in the Mykonos. Fortunately, Mykonos is less expensive than Santorini, so i'm able to get the same luxurious stay for half the price tag! Cha-Ching!

Athens Hotels: There were three hotels in contention: all three were found on my usual hit-lists, so I know they are up to my standards. I have a friend who travels quite a bit in Greece and he has told us.... the place-to-be is The Hotel Grande Bretagne. We are taking his word!

3 Hotels for Comparison: Keep in mind there are many hotels: including the Intercontinental; however, since we are staying such a short time, we've opted for the hotel with the view. But, if you are looking to use or earn points--always search for your brand!

King George
Divani Palace Acropolis
Hotel Grande Bretagne

Hotel Grande Bretagne: Our choice for Athens! This luxury hotel is in prime location in Constitution Square. The GB Garden Rooftop Bar provides Greek delicacies overlooking the Acropolis. If this isn't your fancy (but of course it should be) enjoy a cocktail under the tapestry of Alexander the Great in Alexander's Bar.

We will spend our time in Athens walking to the landmarks and learning more about the history of Greece.

Next Stop.... Mykonos!

Mykonos: part of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea, is known to be more of a party island compared to Santorini. Both, however, are known for being glamorous and breathtakingly beautiful.

3 hotels for consideration:

Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel
Mykonos Grand Hotel
Santa Marina

Using 5 different sources, I narrowed down my search based on what was frequently suggested. The sources I used were:

Conde nast Traveler
Travel & Leisure
Tablet
United Chase Mileage Luxury Hotels Book
American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Book

Like I've mentioned in previous destinations, there are more affordable sites to use: KAYAK, Trip Advisor, Travelocity, Orbitz..etc But I like to find luxury boutique hotels and narrow down my search from there.

Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel: This is a very boutique hotel, offering 40 rooms. The sea rooms are worth the splurge. The hotel is steps away from a secluded beach. Restaurants & Bars on-site: Del Mar Bar a cocktail swim up bar, K Bar a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and two different dining experiences. Kivotos offers a private dining experience anywhere on site, and a gourmet dining experience at La Meduse.

Santa Marina, Luxury Hotel & Resort: Bungalows built into the hills above a private beach. The hotel offers 96 rooms, of those, most offering sea views. Santa Marina is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, so if you are looking to use or earn some points, this may be helpful for you to know. This hotel is a 5 minute walk to town. This hotel also offers Olympic size tennis courts! There is a lobby bar with panoramic sea views, the Buddha Bar which is beachside, and the Colonial Pool Restaurant & Bar, which is poolside with romantic sea views.

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort: Located on the Ayios Yiannis beach on the island's southwest coast. The hotel offers 107 luxury room, offering panoramic sea views. Dining & Cocktail Offerings: the White Bar, Pool Bar, Pool Deck, Personalized Dining, Aqua & Sole, and The Dolphins of Delos. 7 Minute drive to downtown.

Ultimately, after weighing out my options. I decided The Mykonos Grand Hotel was my choice. All three were amazing, so I knew I couldn't make a bad decision, but the size, location and amenities were what I preferred. It also helps that they offer tennis and squash courts!

To be honest, the room options were what stole my heart. The view is going to be spectacular anywhere we stay. This hotel offers-private jacuzzis, pools, and shared pools for all rooms with a sea view. I opted to upgrade for a slight up-charge. Instead of sharing a pool: we have our own jacuzzi! *If you are looking for the ultimate experience, you could get the executive suite with private infiniti pool!

Below is the view from my home for three days !!!

One Extra Hotel for you Party PEOPLE: Belvedere Hotel is located right downtown, no beach, but the party is brought to them. If you are looking to come to Mykonos just for the pool & party scene this may be the place for you. Some other spots may cater a bit towards romance and honeymoons.

Where to head out in Mykonos: This is the party island, so here's a few suggestions to let your hedonism out! Beach parties run the scene during the day- think Paradiso Club or Psarrou Beach.

C-Bar at the Belvedere Hotel: head here for sunset scene into the wee hours
Space Dance: if you are looking for a club prior to 4am-hit this spot up. Large dance floor-younger crowd.
Cavo Paradiso Club, overlooking Paradise Beach, this party will get started during the day and continue!

After partying on the Mykonos, we will be looking for relaxation in Santorini!

Last Stop: Santorini!

Santorini: Blue Ocean, Blue Sky, Blue Roofs, and White buildings. Blue & White-my go to colors, so staying on a cliff over-looking the ocean in an infinity pool sounds pretty much perfect to me. I have never found a pool I didn't like, especially infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Since I have not been yet, my research for this trip has been pretty extensive: so I will walk through how I selected my hotel and maybe it can be useful for you. I use this research for pretty much every International trip. This part of my trip was where the most planning came out. Originally, I wanted to spend 7 nights here, but was persuaded to split the trip (activity driven on the front end.)

1. I am a subscriber to Condé nast Traveler & Travel & Leisure both magazine and I follow them on instagram. I like to see places I've never been and get ideas- and I write down all of the recommendations from both sources then see which ones match up.

2. Other sources I find to be incredibly helpful--This is for you wise folks using you credit card perks like a pro- With my AMEX card I receive the Fine Hotels & Resorts magazine through American Express Travel, which shows me the perks I receive by booking or using points through them. With my Chase United Mileage Plus card, I receive the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection magazine... same thought process.

View from our private pool at Canaves Oia Suites

3. After I nail down hotels that keep popping up on all lists, I check out dates and prices, images, and amenities. I have chosen the Canaves Oia Suites. Keep in mind: Canaves Oia also has a hotel option which will cut the price in half!

These were the hotels I narrowed down for final selection.

Mystique Hotel (18 Rooms)
Katikies Hotel (25 Rooms)
Grace Santorini (22 Rooms)
Andronis Luxury Suites (16 Rooms)
Chromata (25 rooms)
Canaves Oia Suites

Canaves Oia Suites: Our hotel of choice! Carved into a cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea. This is an all-suite hotel: our room will have a private veranda with a plunge pool jacuzzi! Paradise. They also offer wine tastings! Originally, we were going to spend 4 nights in the hotel and 3 in the suites--but with the trip to Mykonos we will spend our nights in the suites. *Also see: Canaves Oia Hotel

*What to do & Where?

Fira: nightlife
Oia: best sunsets
Kamari: shopping
Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos: best beaches
Nea Kameni: small, uninhabited volcanic island

What to do in Santorini?

Beaches! Monolithos & Kamari beaches are the most popular
Satellite Islands of Thirasia, reached by ferry from Fira
Cable Car

The cable car is located 10km from our hotel, so this might be a great scenic option!

Catamaran Sailing Excursion: Sail across the Aegean Sea--umm sign me up! These trips can be private or semi-private tours, and there are a few different size Catamarans. This is the excursion I'm looking forward to the most and its offered through our hotel.

Where to eat?

There are several spots to check out in Oia and Fira, but my one tip is Dimitris Ammoudi Tavern. What's better than catch of the day? Enjoying it at a private table on the water! Fresh Fish prepared daily in the northern village above Oia. Come here for sunset and enjoy this romantic spot by the sea.

When to go?

June-September: High Season (expensive season) But warmest temperatures and little to no wind or rain.

October& November, April & May: Shoulder Season, good time for sight seeing, a little less predictable weather.

November-April: Best Deals. This is the off season.

*Travel Tip: Santorini is a honeymoon destination and most of the nice hotels book up a year in advance, keep this in mind. Although, I'm sure you can get a last minute spot. This is a dream trip of mine, so I needed to make sure I was staying exactly where I wanted.

Pack your camera, swimsuits, shades and enjoy this piece of paradise! There will be few places that compare with the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy.

Until Next Time, Safe Travels.

Montana Angler, Fly Fishing Down the River

April 1, 2016 Allison Graham

A trip of a lifetime. Floating down Yellowstone River fly-fishing and camping riverside in beautiful Montana for 5 days with Montana Angler. *They are the best-knowledge wise and skill wise. I highly recommend.

We flew to Bozeman and spent the first night exploring the town, excited to be picked up in the early am to start our 5 day fishing adventure. We had a few guides, and a few more chef's heading our way for the week of camping and fishing.

Me, a beginner to fly-fishing, needed to be pulled aside and taught what to do. Luckily, I had beginners luck, and caught on über quickly! The first day was spent hiking through this gorgeous boulder river and headed upstream until we caught a bit of still water.

The first day out, we actually drove to a spot because there had been a storm at the start of the Yellowstone River, so we needed to wait for the muck to disappear for visibility. We hiked through a few boulder's to reach our private waters.

Well so much for wearing my waders!

Yes, this was a view we saw quite frequently. Breathtaking.

After Day 1 of a successful fishing trip, we hiked back down to our camping site. This would be the last day with a vehicle. Going forward, we would be on our little zodiac-type boats and float down the river, where we would camp along the river.

On the drive into the camp site, we heard rustling and movement to our left. To no shock to our guides, it was a Grizzly Bear sunning himself on the boulder. I quickly ran out of the truck to snap a photo, but unfortunately he scurried back into a cave. For the rest of the trip, every rustling I heard: I thought bear.. but to my disappointment, I didn't see another one. Although, thats not to say we didn't see wildlife: floating down the river to Yellowstone National Park--we saw wildlife galore.

Finding our hidden camping site....

Settling in for the night in the middle of Montana

Day 2, Ready to float down the river for 5 days. We headed towards our starting point along the Yellowstone River and launched our two boats in. We had three people in our party with two boats and two different guides.

Matt, who I chose to ride with for the majority, would tell me where to throw my line (generally, near the rocks.. where the fish tend to hide in the calmer waters.) Call it beginner's luck...or maybe Matt's skill, he would say "Hook" and then I would pull straight up and try to Rip a Lip. 7/10 times, I would catch the fish. I blame the 3/10 on myself for not pulling up fast enough. This worked to my benefit, as we made bets daily... Most Fish Caught, Different Species Caught, and the Biggest Fish Caught... most days I won... Not that I'm bragging... but.....

How about waking up to this view every morning... pretty terrible right?

Waking up to breathtaking views in Montana

For 5 Gorgeous days of fishing and camping... Oh and enjoying amazing food day and night prepared by our chefs, our float down the river came to an end. I cannot tell you enough how amazing the experience Montana Angler provided. It was the most luxurious camping trip I've ever taken. The camp sites were put up and taken down for us, food cooked daily, bar provided, and the fishing guides were the best I've ever seen. They know the ins-and-outs of all the different locations. If you are heading on a Fly Fishing trip-- Go To Them!! Our next trip will be a 5 Day Smith River Expedition and we cannot wait!

Just when you thought they couldn't be more amazing... they brought us to Holly's Road Kill Saloon, where we got to shoot some pool, grab some drinks... and kiss the queen~

To end our trip: we headed to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky!!

Montana Angler dropped us off at our last spot: Yellowstone River Lodge. To keep the theme of the week going... we thought staying by the river one last night was a must... ha! I'm Kidding, but we actually did....this time in a hotel! It was a great spot with an amazing restaurant and even more gorgeous scenery.

Last Day in Montana: Yellowstone National Park

When you see a boiling river... you need to ditch your clothes and hop in! Enjoy nature and the beauty that surrounds you. It's simply breathtaking.. and relaxing!

When in Rome, You go in the Boiling River

Breathtaking Beauty of the Boiling River

Now, the Yellowstone National Park is filled with beauty. I suggest you go. Stop when you see something gorgeous and unpredictable! Make no agenda. Just enjoy the beauty and grab lunch at the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.

Case and Point: the little bison below chose to sit down in the middle of the road, in front of a car. We had no choice but to watch and laugh.

The geothermal areas of Yellowstone include several geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park as well as other geothermal features such as hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. They are also incredibly gorgeous... but smell a bit. They are located in numerous spots around Yellowstone, we hopped out of the car for most of them!

The photos speak for themselves: Beautiful. If you love the outdoors and nature.... or things that are beautiful... I highly suggest visiting this part of the world. Writing this blog, reminded me of the simpler things in life and how beautiful Montana is. Which is why it triggered our desire to push fast forward on our expedition down the Smith River!

But.. don't take my word on it.. Go see it for yourself!

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!!

Feelin' Lucky?

March 17, 2016 Allison Graham

Happy St. Patrick's Day Ladies, Here is some Eye Candy for you.

Going back to the Homeland

March 16, 2016 Allison Graham

Planning my Trip to Ireland Next Month

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