Category Archives: Travel

Maldives Shangri-La Villingili

Posted on June 2, 2014 by debbie

First published on luxuryweb.com. Story and photography by Sharon King Hoge Maldives — Shangri-La Villingili The dictionary defines “Shangri-La” as “an imaginary paradise on earth,” and except for one word of that definition I’ve been there.  For there’s nothing imaginary about … Continue reading →

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Don’t Miss Malta: Eight Reasons to Visit a Mediterranean Gem

Posted on May 19, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post The eight points on a Maltese cross stand for the eight original “langues” or foreign origins of the care-giving Knights Hospitaller of St. John who were gifted the islands of Malta in the early 1500s. They … Continue reading →

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A Stay at the Shangri-La Makati in Manila, the Philippines

Posted on May 15, 2014 by debbie

Published on Luxury Web      With a highly favorable exchange rate, historic sights and a wealth of clubs and restaurants all within easy access to sandy beaches, Manila is one of the best travel bargains around. At the same … Continue reading →

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Destination San Diego and/or Miami: Plan Ahead — to Plan Ahead!

Posted on May 14, 2014 by debbie

“Be prepared.” “A stitch in time saves nine.” “There’s no time like the present.” Taking those “do it now” proverbs to heart should prompt you to set about booking a trip to San Diego in September or Miami in May … Continue reading →

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Dine With The Fishes

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published by Global Traveler Photo: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant © Jingzhongyue | Dreamstime.com Diners may have some misgivings about ordering the yellowtail king fish or Maldivian lobster entrées while aquatic “relatives” of the seafood are nibbling along on branches in the … Continue reading →

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Resort-Hopping in the Maldives

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published in Global Traveler Find paradise in the Maldives Photo: The infinity pool at the Conrad Maldives © Conrad Maldives Travelers curious for a preview of paradise can visit the Billy Graham Center Museum in Wheaton, Ill., where a room … Continue reading →

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Vivanta By Taj Coral Reef Maldives Islands

Posted on April 15, 2014 by debbie

Published on Luxury Web      Sitting on the chaise of my “Indulgence” villa I’m in the best of both worlds:  modern convenience combined with nature.  Simultaneously I’m catching a CNN or HBO broadcast on my wide screen TV, while outside  … Continue reading →

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Reasons You Want to Visit Vigan — Yes, Vigan

Posted on March 28, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post Never mind that you’ve never heard of a city somewhere off in the Philippines with a name that evokes some meatless diet. Vigan should be a must destination for travelers in the Pacific islands. The Philippines’ … Continue reading →

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Quick! 10 Things to See in New York Before They Close

Posted on March 3, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post Some of New York’s must-see sites are permanent: Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum and other popular sites are always here. But exhibitions come and go. These are some shows that … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Day Gift Roundup

Posted on February 28, 2014 by debbie

Published on Cottages and Gardens      AS VALENTINE GIFTS, HEARTS AND FLOWERS ARE ONLY STARTERS. Here are some unusual–maybe even offbeat–ideas for Valentine treats.      Italian Chocolate Add a new twist to a Valentine staple with designer chocolates personally tasted … Continue reading →

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Guilty (and Gilty!) Pleasure in Palm Beach

Posted on February 15, 2014 by debbie

Published on Cottages and Gardens While folks back home were battling blizzards, Presidents Day weekend was a time of guilty pleasures in Palm Beach. Not only were we sheepishly basking in lovely sunny weather, but there were dozens of activities to … Continue reading →

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Wrangling Words

Posted on February 5, 2014 by debbie

Thirtieth Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering Elko, Nevada Renowned as host of the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko, Nevada, is a former railroad byway that has transformed itself into a “can do” town of casinos, covered wagons, Basque heritage and Western … Continue reading →

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Maldive Islands: One by One

Posted on January 8, 2014 by debbie

Published in Huffington Post While it may be the case that no man is an island, practically every resort in the Maldives is its own island, and they are exquisite destinations. Of the republic’s 1,100 tiny tropical jewels stretching through … Continue reading →

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A Rock-Solid Beginning In Baku, Azerbaijan

Posted on December 15, 2013 by debbie

Ten thousand years ago, on the shores of what is now the Caspian Sea, our Paleolithic ancestors were thriving and recording their lives on the walls of rocks and caves. These days, you can travel from the ultra-modern boulevards of Baku, … Continue reading →

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Baku: Industrial And Cultural Center

Posted on December 15, 2013 by debbie

Published in Global Traveler All fired up Photo: © Elnur | Dreamstime.com Asked to envision a city that is a Soviet bloc survivor, surrounded by crude oil fields, with a name that rhymes with remote Timbuktu, it’s unlikely you’d picture … Continue reading →

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