DAY 12 - June 20, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 12 - June 20, 2012

PHUKET, THAILAND

Hi friends! Has anyone been to Thailand before? I've heard nothing but good things, seen amazing pictures online and from a couple friends and to me, it sounds like paradise! Phuket is the Thailand's largest island, and well-known for getting destroyed in 2004's tsunami. But, don't be scared or deterred because of the tsunami; in 2006 they distributed tsunami detection buoys in the ocean.

On another note. This is like beach-heaven. Average temperatures in the 80's year-round, tons and tons of outdoor activities! The most-popular beach is called Patong beach. Patong has superb swimming and snorkeling, a bustling shopping district and plenty of evening entertainment. The second most-popular beach is called Hat Kalon, or Kalon beach. It is said to be the most upscale of Phuket's most popular beaches, has very white sand, and has a bike path that runs the length of the beach. There is little nightlife and not as much hustle and bustle as Patong Beach has, therefore it is easy to rent an umbrella on the beach and relax for the day. I did hear that the rainy season brings swift rip tides to this beach however.

(There is NO WAY you can say no to this place!)

So, Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, golfing, bungee jumping (wont be doing that, no-thank-you.), waterskiing, yoga, bike riding, zip-lining, hiking, elephant riding through the jungle, cheap massages, eating noodles/street food, shall I keep going?

Yes, I said riding an elephant before. There is a place called Kok Chang Elephant Trekking Safari where you can pay to go on 20/30/60 minute excursions through the jungle on the back of an elephant. (I'd die, LOVE!) There is the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, which has 22 km of virgin rainforest and waterfalls, excellent for a hiking day trip. There is Phuket FantaSEA, Thailand's most-popular water-sports center, in Wat Phra Tong there is apparently a giant golden statue of Buddha (Thailand is predominantly Buddhist), or at Nai Yang Beach (near the airport) you can visit giant sea turtles! Travel.yahoo.com even recommended hitting up a transvestite cabaret to start the night off (HAHAHAHAHA.). With a night like that, I think I could be part of the Hangover 4 (kidding, come on. I mean... I think that already happened in #2 lol).

If Phuket doesn't sound awesome to you, you're not invited to my party :) I cant wait, who wants to go with me now? Have a happy hump day friends!

Day 11 - June 8, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 11 - June 8, 2012

SCOTLAND

How have I only posted once this week? Believe me vacation has been on my mind!! Today I'm going with this 'June Gloom' that is lingering here in San Diego this morning and lusting over a trip to Scotland. I was recommended to Scotland last year by a couple that I sometimes freelance for. They had this amazing trip and her pictures were amazing so I decided I must go. So here is my research why!

So I began researching Scotland and I got so enthralled and side-tracked that I ended up on ancestry.com.  Did you know you can find your family's Tartan online? So awesome. Luckily, I like plaid. Some other things Scotland is responsible for: Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Sean Connery (to name a few because there is a list of hotties! Not that I think Sean Connery is a hottie, he was just a well-known name on the list!), TV, Telephone, Dolly (the cloned sheep), Whisky (thank you.), Shortbread (also, my thighs thank you.), Angus beef and Deep fried Mars Bars. Who knew so much greatness??

But for reals, this could be an awesome trip. Pack a pair of Wellies, a bunch of layers, and frizz-control hair product for the rain, and its bound to be an adventure. This is a country that is filled with so much history. Think of the cute cobblestone streets, medieval times, castles, the Loch Ness Monster, and King Arthur (The site of Camelot and the "Round Table" is rumored to be at Stirling Castle in Stirlingshire.). Scotland shares its Southern border with England so if you want to piggy back another trip you can! It has a gorgeous and lush scenery due to the high amounts of rain, but I'm from Washington, this is nothing new.

(Remains of castles)

My friends who referred me here told me that going to the pub is key, that it will likely be one of the best times you'll have in Scotland. And pubs are everywhere. Duck in, grab a pint, watch a futbol game on TV with a bunch of rowdy locals and enjoy! This is an anytime-of-day kind of event. Scotland is known for amazing golfing and fishing for the outdoor enthusiasts. You can also take a tour of the whisky distilleries, and one place even lets you make your own small batch to take with you. (done.) Edinburgh is the capital and referred as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, a definite must-see. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland and it is known for its great restaurants, shopping and pubs galore.

(A lake, or "loch")

Take a trip, explore the past, see the amazing architecture of medieval castles and take yourself back in time. Flip up someone's Kilt and have a ball. Maybe you could visit during the Highland games, meet a meaty buff local. Oh, and maybe try your wits and take a boat ride across the eerie Loch Ness Lake. Enjoy...

Day 10 - June 6, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 10 - June 6, 2012

CINQUE TERRE, ITALY

Took me awhile to get back to posting, however I'm back! I'm excited about my dream destination today because I've heard so many great things from locals and fellow travelers! The Cinque Terre region is located in the Italian Riviera, a series of 5 villages filled with olive groves, vineyards, and pastel colored homes that scatter the coastline and are undisturbed by modern development. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the villages, which keeps the peace and maintains the quaint idyllic scenery.

If you know me, you know I'm a fan of any kind of spirit (not ghosts, the alcoholic variety). The area has fabulous wines and is especially know for 2, the Cinque Terre White - a dry, 3 grape blend; and the (have no idea how to pronounce this one) Schiacctra - a very sweet dessert wine. Some local foods the area is known for start with pesto (yum.), the area has a co-op so local farmers can produce fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts. The area is also know for their focaccia bread, grappa, a Northern take on Limoncello, and a local dish called Farinata, a pizza-like bread made from chickpeas, served with pesto, gorgonzola, and stracchino cheeses.

(cute colored houses on the hillside!)

The Cinque Terre is known for its hiking trails. There is about a 5-hour path linking all 5 villages in the region, also a train services tourists and locals between each village (about 5 minute rides between each). The two most popular villages of the Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza. On the hike between these two villages you can find nestled away waterfalls and natural high dives to cool off and lose some tan lines with (clothing- optional folks)! Monterosso feels the most resort-like and has the area's only sandy beaches.

I've read many articles claiming that the Cinque Terre can be easily conquered in less than a week's stay, but every article says that they dream of visiting again soon. I'll share some local insider tips that I've scavengered and will keep as an eventual 'to-do' list with you as well, because maybe I can convince someone to plan a trip with me! :)

I love myself some people watching - dive bars, Wal-Mart, you know the drill. I guess in Monterosso the locals flock to outdoor Enotecas (basically a wine bar) for people watching in the main square and enjoying fabulous local wines and bruschetta. Sounds like my ideal (judgey) kind of night! I also heard of "all are welcome" beach parties on warm summer nights in Monterosso. I'd tell you more but then you wouldn't have the opportunity to research some stuff on your own and get excited about it like me! Hope you like! :)

Day 9 - June 1, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 9 - June 1, 2012

ARUBA

To celebrate the weekend and the fact I'm working tomorrow, I'm goin' to the islands! I have never been to the Caribbean before, and Aruba is real high on the list. The white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters... give me a hammock and a cocktail and I'm a happy camper!

(Eagle Beach)

Aruba is pretty self-explanatory. With constant year-round temps of about 81degrees, its a flat, river-less island that lays outside the hurricane belt in the Southern Caribbean. One of the best things to do here is lay out under a hut on one of the many warm beaches, some beaches have water that gets no deeper than 5 feet deep, perfect for a day of wading (or rolling around like a beached whale). The island has very clean water so they recommend you drink plenty in-between all the rum punches you're bound to consume.

Speaking of consumption, straight off the most popular Eagle Beach, you can walk into a beach bar for happy hour without ever changing. However, most restaurants in Aruba have a no jeans policy. Another way to bar hop is on the Kukoo Kunuku - a 40-person bus that will be your bar-hopping sober driver (Genius!). There are also plenty of places to purchase rum to take home with you, or drink before you even leave. By the way, every Tuesday night there is the Bon Bini Festival, a weekly festival of food, local music, and drinks in Oranjestad.

Besides tourism, off-shore banking and oil refining are top economy boosters. Buy some dutch Gouda cheese, find a rich friend and party the night away. Loves~

Day 8 - May 31, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 8 - May 31, 2012

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Today we are heading to Africa! The Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana has been on hundreds of to-do lists, such as 1000 Places to See Before You Die, Conde Nast Traveler, etc.. I first learned of the Okavango Delta in college; during one of my advertising classes we got to "pitch" to real-life clients, and the client I chose was Trackers Northwest, a Portland-based safari company specializing in trips to the Okavango Delta.

This is a large inland Delta, where the water from the Okavango River reaches a basin in the Kalahari desert evaporates into a basin without ever reaching the sea. Between June & August (Botswana's dry winter months), the Delta swells with water and attracts one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. Thus, the popular safari destination! Unfortunately for me and my budget, Botswana's government has controlled the area to NOT cater to the "budget-traveler" in order to avoid the mass-tourism that results and would ruin the land. (Amy - 0, endangered species - 1)

(CNTraveler.com)

 Now these safaris are HIGH-END. I mean all-inclusive luxury travel "tents" (if you can even call them that). They look amazing. In this region you will find so many different types of animals and birds, every one you'd imagine on a safari. Here is a list if you aren't too imaginative: elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, black/white rhino, zebra, baboon, ostrich, and ibis. Oh man, there are so much more but that list gets me excited! Where else can you go and possibly see all these types of animals (besides a zoo, I know its cheaper!) in just a couple days? Amazing. If you also think that clicking language is fake, that is real too. Spoken by natives (San Bushmen) who live along the Delta, Bushmen is the world's oldest contemporary culture and have very little population remaining.

(View from a Safari-lodge)

Fun facts: no vaccinations (or Visas!) are required for entry, however the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends all these fun injections - Hep A, Hep B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, and Yellow Fever. Malaria (especially during the wet season) runs high in Botswana (par for the course) so an anti-malarial medication should be prescribed by your doctor before heading out. P.S. Season 7 of the Amazing Race (Also on my bucket list - life goal to be on that show!!!) got to stay in Botswana in a safari lodge. Not fair. XO~

Day 7 - May 30, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 7 - May 30, 2012

BLUE LAGOON - ICELAND

If I ever find myself in Iceland, I have got to get to the Blue Lagoon. It's a man-made geothermic seawater pool that is located in Southwestern Iceland. The waters are rumored to have curative properties. Imagine spending a whole day in a hot tub (disregard the wrinkles that would occur)!

(CNTraveler.com)

This would have to be a quick weekend trip (Samantha Brown status, in-and-out!) for me, but sounds amazing nevertheless. Water temperatures average around 104 degrees (F) year-round, even in freezing temperatures. The warm waters are rich in sulfur and silica, and apparently make your skin look and feel amazing. Some things to do while touring the Blue Lagoon? Swim in the lagoon (Obvi.), Put the silica mud all over your body for a spa-like experience, Relax and float weightless in the mineral waters, find a cave to explore, hang out under a waterfall, or just enjoy the busy steam baths.

(google)

I really found out about this location online a couple months ago from an insane picture on Conde Nast Traveler, and no wonder, the Blue Lagoon is the most photographed site in all of Iceland. The pools steamy look mysterious and inviting at the same time. Its gorgeous and one more stop on my imaginary world tour. Until tomorrow friends..!

Day 6 - May 29, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 6 - May 29, 2012

GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS

Had a nice long Memorial day weekend and now I'm back. I got to enjoy my friends, family, BBQ, beers and fun in the sun. Hope you all did too! Thus, making me long for a little more time in the sun. 

I want to go to the Grand Caymans so bad. For a multitude of reasons but for the main one being in November - PIRATES WEEK. (Heck.Yes.) One, I love sun/beach. Two, I love rum. Three, I LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean and if someone is offering all three things I love in one week? I'm there!

During Pirates Week the Cayman Islands host 11 days of music, street dancing, parades, sporting events, mock pirate invasions and fireworks. There is a pirate costume competition (I'm so in!), a 5k/10k race, an underwater treasure hunt, and a cardboard boat race!

(http://www.patrykkruk.com)

Okay so besides my secret desire to be a pirate, you can find a ton of adventures to keep you busy in the Caymans. Like I've mentioned before, I'm hard-pressed to sit around and just do nothing. I'm sure the word island will excuse me from listing off beaches I've researched to go (7-mile beach). There is a Turtle farm, where you can hold turtles(!), A spot where you can feed and play and touch friendly Southern Stingrays, snorkel and dive in crystal-clear water and around shipwrecks, golfing, caving, sailing, and believe me the list goes on! You can find duty-free shopping in Georgetown, check out some jewelery like Black Coral to high-end shopping and local artisans. There is a brewery AND rum companies to tour and sample! There is plenty of nightlife to keep the party going with drinks, live music, and dancing! Can't waste a minute while you're there!

US currency is accepted on all 3 islands in the Caymans, and you don't need a visa for entry! The airport has one runway and one terminal, I'm guessing that is a joyful ride for those who love to fly (ahem, sarcasm.). I hear accommodations will be your biggest expense but for the most part you can eat for relatively average costs.

So remember to pack your pirate hat (but not your sword, TSA frowns upon that for some reason...) and get your party-pants on for fun in the sun in mid November. Here's to hoping I meet someone with an off-shore bank account to fund my fantasy lifestyle!!! (kidding... kind of.)

Day 5 - May 25, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 5 - May 25, 2012

SANTORINI, GREECE

Goin back to the islands folks. What's not to love about an island that has villages perched on cliffs, painted white with little blue roofs? Santorini is a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea that was formed from a volcanic eruption. For this part, most of the beaches are made up of volcanic rocks, which sucks for you if you didn't plan to rent a chair at the beach, your booty will be HOT!

I've been to Mykonos, another famous island of Greece, and I loved it. The people are amazing and so friendly, It's gorgeous. My pictures are unreal, and I had an amazing time. So, Santorini was clearly added to the list.

Mykonos was famous for its wind, Santorini is famous for its sunsets. Santorini is not exactly a party-island, not exactly an adventure-seeker's island, but never-the-less, you'll find both those things. I'm not exactly the kind of person who likes to "do" nothing. I can maybe take a whole day off and do nothing without feeling depressed. I have to be something.

(Santorini)

So, when I get there, I'll maybe plan around 3 days. Maybe four. Here are my ideas of what I'll do...
- Spend an entire day at the beach (Obvi.) I'll stake out the one with the most yachts (haha). 
- Go wine tasting - wines produced from sun-dried grapes.
- Hire a quad and circle the island during the day - exploring the towns beyond the masses.
- Jump off a cliff in Amoudi Bay - not too high of a cliff, I'm afraid of heights!
- Dine at a local Taverna that isn't in a touristy zone right on the water - meet the people/people watch.
- Spend a night in Kamari Beach, the black sand beach that has shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs... (Things to do when I get restless!)

That's about it. A lazy way to end a trip to another fabulous destination maybe? Why not! Happy Friday all! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!!

Day 4 - May 24, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 4 - May 24, 2012

SWISS ALPS

I've been on a beach kick for the first few posts, so even though I'm not a huge fan of cold weather (Might be an understatement), I have ALWAYS wanted to go skiiing in the Swiss Alps. The Alps in general, but I will leave those trips to other posts! What's the draw? Um, Skiiing, (ahem, Apres-skiing!) Apres-Skiing, fondue, chocolate, watches! Its like my dream! Melted cheese, bread, chocolate, wine, booze, and jewelry?! Hello Alps!

I'm also slightly obsessed with Swiss Mountain Dogs, AND St. Bernards. This is where they are from! I had a friend who recently visited the Alps and posted a picture on her facebook of a St. Bernard just chillin' at the top of a ski run. SO CUTE!!!

(St. Bernard)

 

I know from research and my own travels that Switzerland is NOT an inexpensive destination. As long as you go into it fully-knowing that you have to plan a savings for the trip, you will spare yourself the heart-attack. (Or homelessness.) Switzerland is one of the best year-round, active outdoors destinations. I want to go during the winter, which is between mid-December - April, with the coldest weather and best skiing in mid-January.

I did my research and of course you could go all-out and go to the most expensive resorts (St. Moritz, Geneva) but I would plan my destination around Grindelwald or Zermatt. Zermatt is at the foot of the Matterhorn (Your fav Disneyland ride?) and apparently has some of the most expensive accommodations in Switzerland, however, I went on Tripadvisor and you can find a place for under $100/night. Quite a few places actually. Same with Grindelwald. I say, as long as you do your homework and plan early, you can find a good deal.

Once you get there, go ski/snowboard, and explore the tiny towns. I can't even imagine how cute they are, pictures don't do it justice, I'm sure. Good news, no visas needed! Fly into Geneva or Zurich and you will have to take a train or bus to get to the mountain town of your choice! One note I forgot to mention, buy a Swiss Army Knife! Who wouldn't like that as a present? If your shopping for a girl, bring home lots of chocolate and you'll be golden.

Day 3 - May 23, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 3 - May 23, 2012

BORNEO

I've officially decided I MUST get to Borneo, like, in the next year. I researched flights from LAX and I can probably get a flight for under $2000 (hence the name of my blog haha).

What you might not know about Borneo: It is the world's 3rd largest island, it is in S.E. Asia and 3 countries share territories. The island is home to half of the world's known species of plants and animals (on one island!), 44 of those mammals which cannot be found anywhere else in the world! It's on the equator and once you get there it is relatively cheap, I'm talking like, $50/day cheap (food + accommodations).

(Orangutan)

Have you seen the IMAX movie "Born To Be Wild?" If not, its the cutest thing ever (EVER.) and you will understand why this destination made my list! Not only is it an island on the equator (hello, suntan!) but it is also the only truly natural habitat to the endangered orangutan. Not only the orangutan, but Bornean Pygmy Elephants (Holy cuteness) and Sumatran Rhino (the MOST critically endangered of ALL rhino species), leopards, sunbears and turtles! You know I love a turtle! Seriously, Borneo has so many endangered species existing outside of the zoo?! Yep, gotta go.

(Borneo, Nationalgeographic.com)

Beyond the animals Borneo has a ton of adventurous activities. It is owned partly by Indonesia so you know there will be great surf, great beaches to relax and get your tan on, and apparently Green Turtles lay eggs year-round here. You can hike, bike, swim, dive, snorkel and explore. Borneo is covered by rainforest, the Maliau Basin is referred to as "The Lost World," known as the world's oldest primary rainforest in pristine condition. However, the reason for the endangerment of some of these animals (such as the orangutan) is due to the clear-cutting and logging of the rainforest. (RUDE.)

 So there ya go. If I didn't have student loans to worry about I would find a way to volunteer over there. I think Borneo is AMAZE-BALLS. A couple fun facts for the road:
Only eat with your right hand. Using your left is considered inappropriate. Don't point, always use a whole hand to indicate directions and such. The world's largest flower, the Rafflesia is from Borneo. Apparently it smells like rotting flesh and translates to "Corpse Flower" ( Lovely.). A "Must-try" is the Durian fruit, which tastes super sweet but said to have an unpleasant smell. It's cheap! Its paradise. You should go. And probably take me with you. Just sayin.

Day 2 - May 22, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 2 - May 22, 2012

TURKEY

Okay, so I know that Turkey doesn't top everyone's travel wish list. But it should. Or at least I'll keep it on mine. This past summer I got to spend 6 weeks in Europe and how bummed am I that it flew by SO fast! 6 weeks sound long but believe me, when you try to conquer the world, you don't see enough of it! While I was in Portugal, during the final 2 weeks of my trip, I got to speaking with a businessman who had asked if I had been to Turkey. I thought, "Turkey, really?" He explained to me that if I liked Greece (Loved is an understatement!) then I would love Turkey. "Same coastline but cheaper" is how he explained it. SOLD.

Did you know that Turkey is the ONLY country to have a city that spans over 2 continents? That would be Istanbul. Part 1 of why I want to go to Turkey. Its like standing in the 4 corners of the US, only way better!

I'm an Art major. Art history is fascinating to me. So clearly, the Hagia Sophia had to be on the list. When it was built, it was the largest building ever, and have you seen it? It's gorgeous. Google it. Istanbul also has the world's largest covered outdoor market, the Grand Bazaar. (Hello shopping!) All those bright colored prints and jewelry that are so popular right now? Totally standard (and cheap!). 

Here's another shot of history: Remember having to read Homer's Iliad? Achilles battled the Trojans in Turkey. Remember Brad Pitt in Troy? (Swoon!)

(Oludeniz Beach)

Okay, so I proved by my first post I'm a beach lover so lets not disappoint. Turkey's beaches are insane. Sunshine 300 days a year, the turquoise blue of Mediterranean and Aegean seas, ancient hot springs, jasmine gardens, and last but not least...Karaoke bars! Check out Oludeniz or Patara Beach. Oludeniz is the most photographed beach of the Med and it has a gorgeous blue lagoon. Patara beach is nearby and has the longest stretch of sandy beach in the Mediterranean (I've been, LOTS of rocky beaches!), it is surrounded by ruins, and my favorite/most appealing/exciting part: a breeding ground of the endangered Loggerhead turtle (TURTS! Cute little old man faces!). Basically sold me on the entire country right there.

So that's that. Today I lust for Turkey and the beach, culture, and history, and a Brad Pitt look-a-like. You need a visa to travel here, but luckily its only $20, lasts for 3 months and you get unlimited re-entry. Go see Greece and come back! One day..

Day 1 - May 21, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 1 - May 21, 2012

BELIZE

If you're like me, you enjoy the perk of a great vacation: a tan. So I'm gonna get very cliche and start my first post with a destination guaranteed to give you a nice tan.

Belize has been a dream of mine for awhile. Just know that if you want to experience the dry season you should plan your trip between February and May; However, I want to go in late March. March 20-21 Belizeans celebrate the Vernal Equinox and who doesn't love a party? (Did I mention coconuts and rum?)

(Photo: cntraveller.com)

Besides the party factor, you should probably have an adventure bone to really get into all there is to do in Belize. You can snorkel or dive basically around the entire island (I LOVE TURTLES!), best known for the protected reefs and Blue Hole, which is basically a giant sinkhole in the middle of the ocean. You can also zip-line through a rainforest and see (literally) 500 kinds of birds, explore underground caves and rivers, and go check out Mayan ruins and the REAL Mayan calendar, since the indigenous people of Belize were the ancient Maya.

A couple more thoughts on Belize - they are famous for a habanero hot sauce (yes please!). The Belizean dollar is worth HALF the US dollar, if you are wise you wont have to spend a ton of money! Fresh fruit stands and food stalls are in the town and available for your loungey leisure at the beach as well! Just throwing this out there...I heard MAYBE you should invest in a Malaria shot, there might be a couple mosquitoes on the island.