Travel as a Lens for Reflection: Happy New Year!

Travel as a Lens for Reflection: Happy New Year!

A sunset at Falealupo, Savaii, Samoa. When I travel, I imagine that I am talking to strangers from a different culture and that I witness different lives to learn about those same lives, but in reality I always reach hidden treasures; insights into my own reality and dreams. Sometimes the action of travel teaches me … Continued

Te Are Karioi: Searching for the Old Ways on Aitutaki

“Watch out for wasps,” Ngaakitai Pureariki calls over his shoulder as we dive into the underbrush.  My friend and guide has convinced me to accompany him to Te Are Karioi on the island of Aitutaki.  The site, which translates into English as “House of Entertainment,” has never been seen by outsiders.  How could I refuse … Continued

New Zealand – Weekend in the Whanganui

After the hectic feat of exploring a decent portion of Australia in two weeks, my friend and I escaped to New Zealand’s North Island to unwind. We decided the best way to explore the scenic beauty of New Zealand would be to drive through it. This was my first international road trip and first time … Continued

Champagne Ponds of Hawaii

Big Island, Hawaii We stopped at the hard, black lava rock road in my 4 wheel drive Tucson. While technically, my car was four wheel drive, it’s suspension was not high enough to handle most 4 wheel drive jobs on Big Island. After a few chunky clanks to the chassis, I backed out of the … Continued

How One Traveler Stumbled Into A Two-Year Plan

You know that moment immediately after you stub your toe, but before eminent pain ensues when you think to yourself: “crap, this is going to really hurt in just a few seconds” With less than two months to go before Vicky and I set out on what is arguably our most important decision to date, … Continued

Why SHOULD you TRAVEL?

By Lee Abbamonte Travel opens your eyes and your mind to a whole new world. Travel enables you to see the world through other peoples eyes and from other points of view. Travel increases your awareness of other cultures and people. Travel makes you smarter. Travel is the best education you can receive. Travel enables … Continued

Not Wasting Time: Meet Plan Go Career Break Style

  In October 2011, George and I were the hosts for Meet Plan Go Los Angeles, part of 17 cities hosting events about Career Breaks, Mini-Retirements and Long Term Travel. We had traveled for nearly a year in 2008-9 and this month we left again for at least a year. Meet Plan Go National recently … Continued

Kailua Beach, A Tropical Oasis in Oahu

Thank you to Johnny Jet for posting my article about Kailua Beach. George and I really enjoyed our time there. Here is how the article starts: Should you visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu, don’t miss meeting Carol, the wonderful owner at Mani Mele Bed and Breakfast, a tropical oasis steps from the beach on … Continued

10 Questions from Contiki!

Thank you to Contiki Blog for a wonderful interview asking me TEN GREAT QUESTIONS including: When and where did you first travel by yourself, and why did you choose that particular destination? Will you be shocked to know it was ARIZONA! Which destinations are you consistently drawn to, and why?  (Places you’ll always come back … Continued

Couples Travel Together: How do we do it?

Our year journey in South East Asia started July 2, 2012. When we were gone for eleven months in 2008, one of the common questions was, “How can you spend so much time together?” We were recently  interviewed about Traveling as a Couple by Travelinksites: Today we have the fine pair behind the super blog … Continued

We Said Go Travel