Country Vacations & Resorts

I’ll admit to being a bit paranoid where the US Government is concerned.  I don’t like all these rules that are “good for me.”  I learned what that means a long time ago – from my father…

The latest scheme underfoot has TSA installing devices in airports to track you via your phone and/or several other electronic devices you may be using.  Allegedly, this is to broadcast airport wait times to the country.  Be skeptical, be very skeptical.  Once this is allowed, it will be nearly impossible to go back…

Read the full article…

I think the place is great for scuba diving and snorkeling, but until the environment is a little more stable, and services are a bit upgraded, I’m putting Roatan on hold…

USAToday says…

Where the heck is Roatan?

Research Roatan yourself…

I watched the movie, “In Bruges” last weekend and although it had a bit of a slow start, it ended up being one of the best movies I’ve seen for some time. With Ralph Fiennes, how could I go wrong?

Seemed like a good time to do a little research on this beautiful Flemish city.

First news wasn’t good…comments on “overcrowding”, “expensive”, and “little to do,” might be off-putting to many travelers. But dig deeper for more info on this UNESCO World Heritage site, Belgium’s most popular tourist destination, and you’ll find plenty to see and do.

With it’s picturesque market squares, canals, whitewashed buildings, and medieval architecture, Bruges evokes the past while renovations to the historic buildings maintain them for future visitors. I won’t say too much about the bell tower, or it’s 366 steps to the top, for fear of giving away anything from the movie, but a visual is worth a lot of words…

Visit in Spring or Summer to enjoy the daffodils and the carillon chimes on a warm evening’s stroll or visit in Winter and skate on the canals!

Visit the Groeningemuseum, home to Bruges prized collection of 14th to 20th century art. Wander the Huidenvettersplein (Tanner’s Square), with it’s varied selection of fine restaurants and shops. Watch lace-makers at the Kantcentrum. How about a museum devoted to chocolate? Visit the Choco-Story to find out more. Beer more to your liking? Visit the De Halve Mann (Half Moon) Brewery or feast your eyes at the Diamond Museum.

Capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders, Bruges, also known as The “Venice of the North”, is in the northwest end of the country, approximately one hour’s drive from Brussels.

Travel is what you make it. Do your research and time your visit to Bruges, and to the scenic country of Belgium, and don’t miss all this country has to offer. Even if you can’t make it to Bruges, you may still enjoy the movie…

The letter “B” favorite destination is for Brisbane.  This time it is more than a “wish” since I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent two weeks there…

On Australia’s Gold Coast is the city of Brisbane, state capital of Queensland, with a population of about 2 million – making it the third largest city in Australia.

Climate

Brisbane has a sometimes humid, sub-tropical climate with southern hemisphere winters that are mild, but prone to rather violent thunderstorms from November through March. December through February can see temperatures at or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees+ Celsius), so make sure you are in-tune with the climate before planning your travel to Brisbane.

Shopping and Entertainment

Although mainly seen as a resort and beach destination, Brisbane’s shopping has a distinctive and cosmopolitan attitude. The pedestrian-only Queen Street Mall has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, theaters and arcades, and shopping, shopping, shopping. Although this is the most well-known and urban shopping center, the area boasts several others in fairly close proximity.

More info: Queen Street Mall

Tourist Attractions

Popular recreation areas and tourist attractions include the South Bank and Roma Street Parklands, the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Forest Park, and Portside Wharf. Visit the world’s first koala sanctuary, The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been open since 1927.  Also, don’t miss the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium housed in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Fishing, boating, rock and adventure climbs, and nearly 17 miles of bicycle paths will surely give you plenty to do with your active time in Brisbane. Rest yourself for a bit by the area’s beaches…you will not be disappointed. But beware! The beaches are so beautiful and the water so inviting…a mid-winter (for you), sunburn may be in your immediate future. Take it easy your first few days at the beach. (Speaking from experience here…)

My favorite beach along the Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise.
More info: Surfers Paradise Alliance

Getting Around

I arrived in Sydney via New Zealand and caught a quick flight north to Brisbane – about 90 minutes as I remember. Current carriers at Brisbane International airport are: Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue, Quantas, and Jetstar.

Although the majority of locals travel by private car, I had no problem getting around Brisbane without one. Buses, taxis, rail, and the cool CityCat catamaran ferry will get you most places you want to go. Grab the CityCat without any destination in mind for a scenic ride along the Brisbane River.

More info: Brisbane International Airport (BNE)

More travel info: Brisbane, Brisbane maps, and Australia

Starting a little “trip” through the alphabet with travel wishes, hopes, and dreams and maybe a revisit or three.

First stop, the letter “A” which in this case means Australia.

Having visited just one part of this vast “island” I am ready to revisit and see more of the country. No point in missing out on any culinary adventures either so here are a few recommendations for your Australian vacation…

…and a clue to the letter “B” destination – you can find it all on the handy map. Or, use the quick link below to research some gorgeous vacation rental options in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia – reviews included, by people who actually stayed there – what a concept!

Yet one more piece of “not good” travel news regarding airlines and lost or delayed baggage.

If you’ve ever arrived at your destination to find your luggage is not with you, it is not something you’ll be likely to forget. Considering the $25 for first bag and $35 for second bag fees, you’d think this would be a non-issue by now but it isn’t.

So, some intrepid travelers are forwarding their belongings via UPS. It may cost a little more than even airline fees, but who needs no clothes or even worse no hair and makeup supplies, when trying to start a vacation.

Would you forward your luggage to yourself?

This 36 square-mile island is part of the Lesser Antilles and is about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico. Only 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, this garden island will be a luxurious, quiet, and safe beach lover’s delight.

Pinney’s Beach, one of several beach choices on the island of Nevis, is a fabulous stretch of beach, and the home of the posh but touristy Four Seasons Resort. Smooth, soft, sugar-fine white sands are punctuated by coconut palms. The water is calm and shallow and is perfect and safe for swimming or wading. Prefer a less-traveled beach experience? Visit Nisbet, Newcastle, or Oualie Beach instead.

Expecting a great beach view? Look across from your beach chair location to the beautiful views of St. Kitts, and over your shoulder is the majestic 3,232 foot Nevis Peak.

Vacation rentals homes and villas in Pinney’s Beach, Nevis…

Please visit Country Vacations & Resorts.