Category: Hotels

ETA 7 Days

4/16/2023

Counting down the days to my next adventure!

I'm also gathering extra supplements, shampoo, etc. Because I can't always find or order my favorite vegan brands when I'm in Europe. Although I have found some amazing skincare and makeup there that's not available here in the past.

Hi!
How are you? I'm working away and trying to get everything ready for the summer trip. There are so many details and things to plan for that it can feel overwhelming, but I actually enjoy it. I'm still in the pre-packing stage, here are so great things I have found that you might like too.

You can never have enough plug adapters! (Especially when they cover multiple countries and are such a good price!) ? I have never regretted having more than enough adapters.

There are always so many last minute things to deal with. My current "to do" list is about a mile long, lol.

You are probably tired of hearing me talk about how wonderful this supplement is, but I can't express how soft my dry skin has become!! I know it's also saved me a fortune on all the lotions I used to slather on.

I am also stocking up on extra power cords. I love my Apple products, but the cords are always crimping, or the plugs are breaking or suffering some sort of mishap.

Do you have a special way to store your electronics to tech? How about your art supplies? What do you travel with? Let me know in the comment section below.
I'm sure I will be adding more to the list as we get closer to take off.
See you at the airport!

PS: This post contains affiliate links. I only share/promote items I use. By purchasing from the link I may receive a small compensation. It keeps the blog going and doesn't affect your cost.

More Benefits of Ethical & Sustainable Travel

3/22/2023

Last week we began talking about ethical and sustainable travel as an approach to planning your next vacation. This type of travel that is grounded in the principles of responsible and conscious travel. Today we will look at another benefit of this type of travel, making a positive impact on the environment rather than a negative impact.

Sustainable travel practices include reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local conservation efforts. Travelers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing environmentally-friendly modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, or public transportation, and by staying in eco-friendly accommodations.

Moreover, ethical and sustainable travel can also have a positive impact on the traveler's well-being. Research has shown that travel can have many psychological and emotional benefits, including reducing stress, increasing creativity, and boosting happiness. Ethical travel can enhance these benefits by providing travelers with a sense of purpose and meaning, and by creating opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider the ethical and sustainability aspects of travel. Here are some tips for ethical and sustainable travel:

Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels, lodges, and homestays that have eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, using renewable energy, and conserving water.
Support local businesses: Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and book tours and activities with locally-owned businesses.
Be respectful of local culture and traditions: Learn about the local customs and beliefs, dress appropriately, and be respectful of sacred sites and monuments.
Travel responsibly: Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking or walking, and avoid single-use plastics.
Give back: Volunteer with local organizations, support conservation efforts, and contribute to the local economy by buying locally-made products.

There are many destinations around the world that offer unique experiences for ethical and sustainable travel.
What are your thoughts? Are the ethical and sustainability aspects of travel important to you? Let me know in the comment section below.

Shorts Playlist

7/25/2022

Hi! How are you?
If you are bored and want a blast of travel goodness, scenery from the southwest and picture of critters, I got you. Check out my "shorts" playlist for that and more random goodness!

Most clips are under 30 seconds and should shift your mood and maybe even inspire you to travel.
Speak soon~

It's Hot and I Need A Spritzer

7/18/2022

Its HOT outside...
I am currently in south Texas (I came for the heat wave it would seem) and while I was riding the lift with another traveler their parting words were, "Welcome to HELL!" They weren't talking about the hotel (Its okay) the heat though was breaking records...

41'C translates to 105.8 F. (Thats not heat index, that's out side temp!) AT MID MORNING!

So enough of this heat! I'm ready to cool off. Let me share a fav. summer drink with you..

Cooling Lemon and Herb Spritzer
This refreshing spritzer is just what you need on a scorching summer day! It’s bright fruity flavor pairs perfectly with the warm earthiness of the culinary herbs and freshly grated ginger for a truly interesting combination. One taste and this is sure to become a new favorite!
Prep time: 15 minutes (+ time to chill)
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 T. real maple syrup
1 c. water
1/3 c. fresh lemon juice
2 T. fresh mint, washed and torn into pieces
2 T. fresh basil, washed and torn into pieces
2 t. fresh lemon zest, preferably organic
2 thyme sprigs
2 t. ginger, finely minced
1 large lemon, thinly sliced
2 c. sparkling water

Optional Adults-Only Version:
4 oz. vodka

Directions:

Add maple syrup and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until syrup dissolves.
Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes before pouring into a pitcher. Add fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, ginger, and lemon slices.
Add vodka, if using, and stir gently to combine and place in the refrigerator to chill.
Immediately before serving, pour sparkling water into pitcher and stir to combine. Pour into glasses filled with ice and serve immediately.
Enjoy!

More Roswell

6/8/2020

US and New Mexico flags.

Happy Monday!
I hope you are well and your week is off to a good start. I'm so late in posting today...Monday mornings are always busy for me because I have all the normal reports to run, plus certain other tasks that have to be done, even if we are traveling. By the time all that stuff is done it's time for online meetings with staff. Sooo long story, short- we had a very late start today, but we did a bit of exploring. If you want to read more about Roswell look here and visit here too to learn about the town.

In our quest to read the historical markers and learn more about the area we stopped at this little park. It is a very cute, and well maintained just outside of Roswell.

We were going to the International UFO Museum And Research Center downtown today, but were told that it was closed due to the pandemic. (If you are planning a visit call EVERYTHING first, there seems to be no rhythm or reason as to what is open or closed.)
This museum is focused on the 1947 Roswell Crash and later UFO incidents from all over the world. It was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization and is located in a former movie theater from the 1930s. The museum is said to contain an extensive library and exhibits focused on the history of UFO encounters. The Museum was opened in September 1991 and for some reason I always seem to skip going to this one... It also has a gift store with UFO-inspired souvenirs. Maybe #NextTime

We drove around some and also changed hotels.

Last nights hotel was nice enough...but the people next door were really loud. So we only spent one night there. We changed to another place that was much more mellow.

And finished the night off with a gluten free, cheese free, loaded veggie pizza. I haven't had pizza (of any kind) this year! So this was a special treat. It was AMAZINGLY good!

I'm sunburned from walking around today. :(

I have work the rest of the week, so it could be a few days till the next post...but I will see you soon!

Drive With Me (Roadtrip)

6/9/2019

Quick, recent roadtrip from New Mexico to south Texas.

A Visit to Isleta Casino & Resort

8/8/2018

Super short video from todays trip to the Casino.

Today's Adventures!

10/12/2017

Meanwhile, it's time for another adventure!

At the Isleta Casino and Resort today!
:D

The weather is much warmer today and look at that blue sky!
We took a road trip to the casino...
(No gambling pictures, but with a 30,000 square foot casino you can imagine what it was like!)

Going in for an impromptu afternoon of gambling and shopping!
It's not that far from my home, but with the winding mountain roads it takes about a half an hour to get there.

Don't be fooled, the place was pretty full. It's very clean and the locals all love it.

My phone died a fast death about here, as I was walking in, lol

I had my other camera in my new vegan clutch (see previous post, lol) but took very few pictures in the resort...

Does any of this look familiar? The hotel lobby was used in the recent filming of Midnight, Texas.

Ancient and modern designs meet.

Something for everyone.

Native bead and leather work.

We had a nice time and I was still back home for chai at a decent hour. #WinWin
Speaking of winning, I won a bit on the slots. #GoMe!

And yes, I bought baby pumpkins while I was out, lol. (Do I know how to live or what??)

See you tomorrow for the next adventure!

Hotel Rewards Programs

9/3/2017

How many Travel Rewards Programs are you signed up for?

When I travel I spilt my time between Gite's (Holiday Homes owned by individuals) and hotels. Making the decision often comes down to the location and the length of stay.

When I stay in a hotel I choose a hotel chain that I am familiar with, if possible. If you have ever booked online, flew 10+ hours, boarded a train, cranky child in tow, only to get to your "Boutique" hotel to find it less than err, promised, then you learn quickly to always find a chain you can trust! And always, always stick with them!

Marriott is one of my favorite hotels, because no matter where you are in the world you are assured of the quality and a fair price. Plus with over 4,000 hotels in 70 countries you can easily earn rewards!

And those rewards can be used on hotel stays, flights, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. #Win! But don't just take my word for it, Marriott Rewards is ranked No. 1 in the Best Hotel Rewards Programs by U.S. News. They evaluated 17 loyalty programs associated with major hotel brands across several indicators of excellence and not surprisingly Marriott won!

I also am a member of Wyndham Rewards Program. The hotel group's partnered with Amtrak and numerous air carriers also allows you to earn even more miles or points. You can earn points on car rentals, too, thanks to Wyndham's partnership with Avis and Budget. So points add up quickly and more points equal more trips!

And I'm a happy member of the IHG Rewards Club. With over 5,200 properties throughout 100 countries, you can find a room! Through the IHG Rewards Club, you can earn rewards within IHG's extensive network of hotels, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites properties. I actually stay in IHG properties pretty regularly and am always happy with the hotel. Choose IHG for amenities and locations.

I'm a member of the Hilton Honors program, but rarely stay with them. Although I'm pretty sure I didn't get my point for my 5 day stay in NYC last February. Hmmm, need to send an email tonight.

My newest hotel rewards program- Stash Hotels
See, one time I was in New Jersey, (read about it here) and I booked through Hotwire. So it was an "unknown" hotel, (you learn the name after you pay on Hotwire). It ended up being a property owned by Stash Hotels. I signed up for the program on a whim, because I liked the staff and the hotel was very charming. Not what you might imagine when I say New Jersey, lol.

How many hotel rewards programs do you belong to? Do you have a favorite I didn't mention here?

I'm actually in the middle of planning a trip today and am trying to decide if I should stay in a Gite or Hotel? It's a solo trip so I don't need the extra room and I don't plan on cooking...So I guess I'm calling the Marriott!

See you at the airport!

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ETA 7 Days

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