To Travel is to Live

If there is one thing that I cannot get enough of - it's travel! Traveling is hands down my favorite hobby, and I'm always planning ahead my next trip as I would like to see as much of this beautiful world as I can. We try to spend more of our money on experiences instead of on "stuff", and I have never once regretted choosing traveling to a new place instead of a new designer piece that will hang in my closet or the latest electronics. Spend money on memories is my motto!

We were originally booked on an Alaskan cruise next month to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, but obviously our plans have changed. We are still going on a small getaway on the Gulf coast, and are saving the big trip for later this year or next year to celebrate year 11.

In the spring of 2019, we took Lil' Miss on a Disney Cruise (recap found here) with friends of ours and we visited Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. It was priceless watching her experience the beautiful beaches in four new to her countries on that trip as well as all the fun that was to be had on board as well.

We also had a few staycations here in Florida, and I was blessed with a whirlwind world tour for work that took me to Singapore, Milan, and Rio de Janeiro. Exhausting and surreal, but purely amazing.

*Even on a rainy day, it was INCREDIBLE to see Christ the Redeemer literally in the clouds*

Ciao Bella!

*Workin' it in Singapore*

I'm still obsessed with this swimsuit that I wore in Singapore when I rewarded myself with a dip in the gorgeous resort pool once the event was over. It was just what I needed after running around a convention center for 3 days, and not sleeping much. 

Before Lil' Miss was born, we took a babymoon cruise to Bermuda which was perfect. The Zika Virus was a big threat in a lot of tropical places at the time, but thankfully not in Bermuda. In fact, I didn't see a single bug the entire time we were on the island for a few days. While pregnant, I enjoyed all the food on board including tiramisu at dinner each night - YUM!

Bermuda - Island Recap

Bermuda - Cruise Ship Recap

Vacations with friends are also a ton of fun! As much as we traveling just the two of us or with Lil' Miss enjoying fun experiences in new cities or countries with friends builds even strong friendships.

Friend's destination wedding in Punta Cana - Recap found here

Friends Birthday Cruise to the Bahamas - Recap found here

A couple's trip to San Francisco was a great combination of site seeing in the city, and heading out to Napa and Sonoma for wine tastings. We also went hiking in Muir Woods, and explored the picturesque seaside town of Sausalito. Some of our must-dos were taking the ferry to Alcatraz, taking pictures in front of the Painted Ladies and the Full House house, going to the Top of the Mark, the Golden Gate bridge (of course), and wine country. 

Napa and Sonoma recap found here

When in New York City, one must go to Yankee Stadium and catch a baseball game. And of course root root root for the home team! 

In Chicago enjoy ALL THE FOOD! I still rave about the food in that city! Go for drinks in the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building and other amazing rooftop bars around the city, take the train and go to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game and hang around in Wrigleyville after it's over. An architectural river cruise tour and a photo opp in front of The Bean are also a must dos! Devour some deep dish pizza, a Chicago style hot dog, and grab donuts and coffee at one of their many donut shops, take a spin on the ferris wheel at the touristy Navy Pier, and then stop for a drink at Three Dots and a Dash which is a hidden underground tiki bar. 

Chicago recap found here

After our wedding in 2010, we flew out to Las Vegas for a few nights before renting a car to drive through the desert to Los Angeles where we flew to Fiji for our honeymoon. We stayed in a honeymoon bure on Qamea Island which was honeymoon perfection. We had a day bed with a view of the beach, a hammock on our front porch, and an outdoor rock shower and jacuzzi tub in a private courtyard in the back. We snorkeled the South Pacific, hiked to waterfalls, had an afternoon on Honeymoon Beach with a picnic lunch, dinner on the beach, a couples massage in the jungle spa (complimentary for honeymooners), and enjoyed beach combing every day. Totally worth the long flight over! 

Honeymoon in Fiji Recap

Make sure to check out my Travel Tab at the top of my blog page where you can find links to all of my travel recaps and reviews of cruise ships. You'll find locations from Fiji to the Caribbean, Europe, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda, Singapore, and fun spots here in the United States - Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Cape Cod, and the Florida Keys to name a few.

**This blog post is in collaboration with Nakturnal, however all opinions are my own.