Favorite Hotels: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa

Why did this make the list?

#1) Instantly relaxed. Music, soothing scents and an ocean view greet you as you enter.

#2) What you see is what you get. The pics on the site are exactly what you see when you arrive.

#3) Every room has an ocean view. Need I say more...

#4) Adults Only- Again, need I say more?

#5) Its off the main drag – My friend and I ventured downtown one day and decided we did not need to leave the comforts of the resort.

#6) The other amenities: The restaurant onsite was great, had fun and met new friends at the bar, the spa is relaxing, and the firepits were nice.

The only draw back would be that due to the waves/tide, guests are not able to go into the ocean. The alternative is that they offer a free shuttle to their sister hotel downtown where you can use not only the pool but it’s also on the main Cabo beach
Although my friend and I were probably the only non couple there, we found it a perfect place for a girls trip.

Friday Movie

When I’m unable to leave my current city for the weekend I watch a good travel movie. This weeks:

Away We Go. I LOVE this movie because it speaks to my life. Its funny, its real its on HBO right now so you don't have to rent it.

Have a great weekend.
Oaklay

Destination Wedding

Find a planner that you’re comfortable with. What really helped my comfort level…the company website. My thought is that the website is the first view into the type of weddings the company is planning. Also these are your eyes and ears especially if you’re not able to travel to the site very many times if at all. You want someone who can communicate well and understands your request.

After MUCH searching I came across Honolulu Wedding Consultants and not only was the site beautiful but they offered the kinds of beach wedding packages I was looking for. (The picture is from my wedding)

Oaklay

Travel style

I always say the airport is the best place to people watch. You see people from all over, and you see some pretty interesting outfits. From fanny-packs, to 7inch heels and everything in between. My favorite to this day is the lady in floral print pants, with an animal print top and a red fanny pack.
On the opposite end of the spectrum there is Victoria Beckham who is some sort of super human traveler. The thought of taking off heels, a jacket and accessories at security already turns me off to her travel style. But if that didn’t what would is the idea of having a gate that’s furthest from arrivals/departures and having to march up and down the terminal in 6 inch heels. Not to mention how binding her cloths are. Not for me.
My travel most haves are a comfortable shoes that are easy to get off and on. A pashmina to dress up an outfit and later use as a blanket or wrap, a watch, jeans, a comfortable top and sunglasses.

What is your travel style?

Overpacking

I mean this not only in the sense of having too much “stuff” in one bag, but also bringing way too many bags in general.
I was watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey (I know I know) and on a trip to Italy one of the housewives just had bag after bag after bag. I’m talking the largest suitcases you can find totally filled with ‘stuff’.

For me this is wrong on so many levels. The money it costs to check bags these days, the extra money for a larger rental car. The time it takes to collect and keep track of all those bags….its enough to drive you mad.
The cost of checking bags aside, I don’t like waiting in line to check my bag, then waiting at baggage claim to pick up bag and getting them onto the shuttle bus, and into the rental car and up to the room. UGH!

So I say all that to ask, are you an over-packer? Do you bring way more bags with cloths and shoes then you could ever wear on one trip? Were you an over-packer before checked bagged fees were administered? And lastly with the talks of CARRY-ON bag fees, will you stop being an over-packer?

I think charges for Carry-on bags is going way too far.

Have you paid to bring a Carry-on bag? Would you?


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Fun Travel Finds

One of the things I love to use when packing for a trip is my TravelPrep.pad.

Why? It reminds me of the little things I may forget like winter accessories if I'm traveling somewhere cold and coming from somewhere warm. Things like phone charger, medication, socks and underwear are all things that I would need for a trip and not want to spend anytime trying to find on vacation.

If you don't have a packing list this is something you may want to look into. Check www.getbuttonedup.com.

If you have another method what is is?

Oaklay

Travel Collections

I love to travel and I love to bring back something that will remind me of my trip. When I was younger I collected keychains. I had a specific size and shape I wanted and after several trips of not finding that size and shape I stopped.

Flash forward to 2004 when I first bought a magnet. My aunt had asked me to get her one from my trip and when I found hers I grabbed myself one too. After that I think I just liked the reminder being right there on the fridge. From there its turned into something fun and a little obsession. Just like the keychains it can be hard finding the size and shape that I like and luckily I haven't run into any real issues with it.

Now that I'm married, my husband and I collect postcards when we travel together. Why postcards? Because postcard are very easy to find, inexpensive and you can always find multiple scenes so you're not stuck with whatever is available. I like for my postcard or magnet picture to represent the trip I had, or the places I went on my trip.

So my question to you, do you collect something from your travels?
If not. Here are some ideas of things you see at ALL gift shops:
Keychains, postcards, shot glasses, magnets and pens.

Happy Travels
OakLay

Planning: Maine and Boston

Do to some last minute change and plans, I am currently re-booking and replanning my trip to Maine and Boston.

Any suggestions?