Desert vacation - Scottsdale, Arizona

Finishing our blog series on the top 5 cities to visit is # 5 - Scottsdale Arizona.  It's the perfect city to visit when you want to get away for 3 days...why?

First is the weather!  The weather in Arizona ranges from warm to hot.  I prefer the month of March for a few reasons.  Depending on where you live, March in Arizona will have better weather than where you live.  Make sure to check the average temperature in Scottsdale before you book your flight.  You'll want to verify that you're not traveling during the hottest AZ months (July & August) if you're not used to it.

Second are the resorts!  There are a ton of terrific options for hotels & resorts.  Pick the resort based on what you plan to do.  Check out the resorts on Scottsdale Road.  These resorts are so nice that you may not want to leave the property!  They have great restaurants, bars, usually a spa, and terrific pools.  Yes, you can swim in AZ in March!

If you're going to Arizona to play golf, make sure you find a resort near the courses you want to play.  Driving time in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area can be a factor.  If you are not planning to play golf, I highly recommend staying near the Old Town Scottsdale area so everything will be in walking distance.  I've found some of my favorite shopping places in Arizona.  Don't miss the Fashion Square Mall!  Park at the Neiman Marcus store as they offer free valet parking in the garage.  Important to keep the car cool and you don't have to hassle to find a spot yourself.

Third reason is Spring Training for baseball.  Even if you're not a baseball fan, you will enjoy the experience in March.  The stadiums are great and you can get lawn seats pretty cheap.  My favorite stadium is Salt River Fields.  Beautiful complex where the Diamondbacks and Rockies play their Spring Training games.  They have terrific food options (not just peanuts and popcorn) including gourmet treats and Sangria's for $10.  Best part, at this stadium, they bring the food to you.  It's really nice so you don't waste time standing in lines trying to get food instead of enjoying the game & sunshine.

Salt River Fields - 2014

Happy Traveling!

# 4 - San Francisco Bay Area, California

Our 4th favorite city, is the San Francisco Bay Area in California.  Part of the reason why is because it's where we grew up, met and eventually got married.  But why should you like visiting the area?

San Francisco is a beautiful city on the ocean, so there are great views in every direction.  There are two areas in the city that I enjoy most:  Union Square and Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf.  I really enjoy spending the day shopping and eating in the Union Square area.  It has everything in walking distance - from high end shopping to affordable.  If I'm not in SF for shopping, then I want to be a tourist and there's no better place to do that than Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.  You can't take a bad photo in this area.  On the left of you will see the Golden Gate Bridge, in front of you will the Alcatraz and to the right will be the Bay Bridge.  

Where to stay?  I personally feel that it's too expensive to stay in SF.  I prefer to travel up north to the town of Sonoma.  There's a quaint square in the center of Sonoma with LOTS of restaurants, bars and somewhat affordable hotels.  I'd launch from Sonoma to do a little wine tasting; either Alexander Valley or Napa Valley.  I prefer Alexander Valley, but you can't go wrong with either area.  It's too much to do both, so you should pick based on the wine you like when you're home.  

For me, I prefer the Coppola Winery.  It's not just a winery!  It has wine pairings, a restaurant and pool area.  You can spend the entire day at just this one winery.

Changing rooms at the pool - Coppola Winery

After you've had your fill of wine tasting, the next place that I would travel to and finish your vacation is Bodega Bay.  You'll be right on the Sonoma Coastline.  The water is too cold to swim in, but the views are gorgeous!  Try to stay 1 night in this area.  Have a romantic dinner at one of the many ocean front restaurants and enjoy the view.  The next morning you will find it just a short drive back to SF to head back home. 

Happy Traveling!

Las Vegas - what does it have to offer?

I've blogged about Las Vegas before and probably will again.  So why do I name it #3 on my top 5 cities to visit around the world?  Las Vegas still has an old perception out there for most people.  The perception is that all there is to do is drink and gamble.  That's NOT the Vegas that I love to visit.

Where to stay:  
Spend a little more money on the room.  I know, most people will tell you to go cheap, but I DO NOT recommend that.  You want to stay in luxury while you're on vacation - why wouldn't this apply in Vegas too?  I personally like the Palazzo Hotel.  Not only is the hotel really nice, clean and all rooms are suites, it's on the corner where there is a TON of stuff to do in walking distance.  I like to pick a hotel that has it all so I can stay on property - Palazzo does.  

What to do:
Make dinner reservations at some of the best restaurants anywhere in the US.  All the top chefs have made Vegas their second home.  Take advantage of this!  Eat really well.  Another reason why I like to stay at Palazzo is they give you a coupon book and it includes discounts to many of the 5 star restaurants.  It's a who's who of top chefs.

My personal favorite restaurant is next door at the Venetian called Bouchon.  Thomas Keller is famous and his restaurant  - AMAZING!  You won't see it by walking around - you have to take the room elevators, but it's worth it.  I always feel like I'm back in a French Bistro looking at the chalkboard of yummy options.  If you cannot find time for this, catch his outside walk up window where they sell Macaroons.  The french ones, not the coconut version.  :) You won't be able to stop at just one cookie.

Next thing I do is make sure I see 1 show while I'm there.  I've learned over the years to not preplan this part of the vacation and that's tough for a natural planner to do this.  Trust me, use the TIX 4 Tonight business.  They sell tickets for same day and next day shows at 1/2 price off what you would pay at the Casino/Hotel.  They have a spot across the street from Palazzo (at Fashion Show Mall).

Best ways to relax?
1.)  Spa appointment - My personal favorite is at Bellagio.  You have to order a treatment to have access to the spa, but is it worth it!  Once you're in - you can enjoy the entire day in the spa.  
2.)  Pool side - If you stay at a nice hotel, they will also have a nice pool.  It's great!  All the nice hotels have umbrellas if you go during the Summer months.  They will also have multiple pools so you're not fighting for space with the kids.  At the Pallazo they have a special adult pool and all the amenities that you have in the hotel are available poolside.  You drink and eat your afternoon away while enjoying the pool and sunny weather of Nevada.

One last reason why I love to go to Vegas?  They are constantly building and rebuilding - always focused on the customer and making sure you have a terrific time.  Why wouldn't they - they want to come back.

Happy Traveling!  

"What happens in Amsterdam - stays in Amsterdam?"

When I tell people that I enjoyed visiting Amsterdam, most Americans give me a funny smile and say "I'm sure you did".  I've never been a person who did drugs or drink beer, so I usually say, "why?"  Amsterdam, good or bad, is known to be a little bit of a Las Vegas without gambling.  Meaning - "What happens in Amsterdam - stays in Amsterdam?"

I found the city to be quaint, charming and beautiful.  The first thing my husband enjoyed is that we could speak English.  I loved how the water intersects with the streets and throughout the city beautifully.  The city uses water taxis to get around.  I highly suggest getting a hop on - hop off pass.  The city looks very different from the water AND the locals use bikes......LOTS of bikes.  It's a little terrifying to walk the streets as a pedestrian because of the constant sound of bells that you're in someones way!  No joke!!!

Two of my favorite museums are located in Amsterdam:  Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum.  What I love about the Rijks is how different it is than any museum in France.  It's mainly Dutch work which includes furniture and doll houses.  I left the museum really feeling like I got a glimpse into the culture.  Most museums are filled with art from all over, but this one focuses mainly on the art of their country.

The Van Gogh Museum surprised me.  It's filled with multiple sunflower paintings - who knew that Van Gogh painted the same scene in so many different colors?  I found it sweet that his brother kept all the pictures and letters Van Gogh wrote him.  It was very touching to see the family love and connection.

Another great thing about Amsterdam is that it's so close to everything.  Don't forget you can easily take a train to Paris, Brussels, or even to Germany.  It's easy to arrange and safe to travel on.  Just don't leave your bags unattended.  

One last suggestion, if you have time, try to take a dinner cruise.  They will start in a small canal and work their way to the ocean.  Not only do you get to see a different part of the city, you can enjoy some of the best seafood around.  The seafood is fresh and delicious.  Most desserts include a little Belgium chocolate - what could be better??

Happy Traveling!!

Our top 5 favorite get a ways

We love to travel and we get asked all the time what are our favorite destinations.  After much thought, we've decided to dedicate our next few blogs to spotlight these top 5 destinations (so far).

#1 - Paris, France

#2 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

#3 - Las Vegas, Nevada

#4 - San Francisco Bay Area, California

#5 - Scottsdale, Arizona

There were three other locations that were closely edged out of the top 5 for various reasons:

#6 - New York City, New York - didn't make the top 5 due to how expensive it is.  Not only are the hotels pricey; eating, shopping and entertainment can cost you $1,000 a day.  Too much for our travel budget.

#7 - Santorini, Greece - Love the views and location, but once you get there it's kind of isolated.  If you're looking for a romantic and quiet get a way - then it's perfect.  I personally enjoy seeing shows, eating at fine restaurants and visiting museums, so it's not my favorite location, but loved the views.

#8 - Anaheim, California - You can't beat the weather, beaches, and Disneyland, but the top 5 offer SO much more!!

Watch for our next blog - we'll describe our top 5 locations.

Want to escape the Winter weather?

This Winter has been one of the coldest in recent history, but Arizona continues to experience gorgeous weather. March is the perfect time to visit Arizona, not only because it will give you a break from your routine, enjoy 70 - 80 degree warm Spring days, but it's also Spring Training time for baseball.

Several of the baseball teams pick the Phoenix area as their Spring Training home.  There are lots of stadiums that you can visit, but I prefer The Salt River Fields.  Home of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks.  Why do I like this stadium, let me show you while I tell you what makes this stadium the best.

1.)  The food - they have all the usual game food items; popcorn, peanuts, etc.  But this field also has a restaurant and the concession stands bring the food to you while you enjoy the game!
2.)  Sangria - it will run you $10.00, but it's a pretty large serving.  My favorite is the red, it's not as sweet as the white.
3.) There's not a bad seat in the place.  I especially enjoy the lawn seats at $9.00.  You can see the lawn seats in the photo above.

Where to stay while you're here?  Make sure to verify where the stadium is 1st as the drive between stadiums can be anywhere from 20 - 45 minutes away.  Most are around the Scottsdale area and I suggest staying in a hotel in Scottsdale.  There's lots of restaurants, bars and shopping all within walking distance.  When you're not at a game, you'll want to be able to get around town easily and don't forget your swim suit...it is Arizona after all!!

Happy Traveling!

Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving get away?

Ready to get away from the craziness of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season?  Well, you may be surprised on where I recommend that you travel to.  Las Vegas! Yes, I know, most people think of Vegas in the Spring/Summer to enjoy the heat of the desert and to lay by the pool.  Think again!

Las Vegas is pretty quiet, for Vegas, during the Thanksgiving week.  You can get the same rooms for 1/2 the cost and it's NOT crowded.  You can get dinner reservations to all your favorite places, get terrific seats at the best shows and feel like you have the hotel/casinos to yourself.  And to me the best part is that you'll be there when Black Friday begins.  Vegas is known for the world class shopping and what better way to enjoy it than during the biggest sales of the year!

Here are a few photos of the GORGEOUS Palazzo/Venetian.  It's our favorite hotel because all of the rooms are suites, so we have plenty of space to spread out. Plus the staff understands how to provide outstanding customer service.  We've stayed in this hotel for the last 6 years and every trip is memorable.

Outside of the hotel

Can you see the outdoor ice skating rink?

Look at how they decorate the inside of the Canal Shops.  It's absolutely beautiful.  Tourists stop all day long to take a photo in front of the waterfall.

Waterfall in the middle of the shopping!  

Take a ride on a gondola.

Happy Traveling!