Free Trip to Vegas?

I love to travel. And I love free stuff. Who doesn’t, right? Which is why I want you to know about Off & Away, a highly anticipated travel site that is giving us the opportunity to travel — for free.

The soon-to-launch site offering exceptional travel experiences is giving away a three-night stay at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, including all of the amenities to make you feel like a high-roller, even if you’re not.

Globetrotting Guy: Vietnam

The Nam Hai Hotel

I’ve been writing “The Glam Globetrotter” for over six months now, and have yet to include a male perspective. That changes today. “Glam Globetrotters” are both men and women who are seeking stylish, authentic travel experiences around the globe.

Are you a Lost Girl? I am.

Have you ever had the urge to leave your job, your day-to-day life and all of your materials possessions behind to travel the world for a year? I have. More than once. It was more than a fleeting thought during my mid-twenties, in the midst of my “quarter-life crisis,” and it still lingers in my mind today. However, it would be much more difficult to pick up and go now that I’m in my early 30s and have a husband and a business. My dream today is to be on “The Amazing Race.” I suppose that would be second best to grabbing my husband and embarking on a year-long adventure around the globe.

Dynamic Denim à la Rue La La

I was once again asked by fashion-forward site, Rue La La, to contribute to their “Behind the Keyhole” Blog. This weeks topic: “Must pack denim for travel.” As an avid traveler who wears denim about 30% of my life, this was a no-brainer.

Check it out and let me know what you think. And, because Rue La La, is a members-only site, use this invite code to sign-in.

In fact, I think I’m going to wear my new jeggings today.

XOXO Travel Girl

Spring Cleaning: A Yoga Retreat to Cleanse the Mind, Body, and Soul

The previous guest blog post about “Touring Thailand” was so well-received, that I’ve decided to make it more of a regular thing. A majority of my friends are avid travelers. I love to get their perspective about where they’ve visited and what they’ve seen and, of course, I always take it into account when I’m planning my next trip.

Today’s guest post is by a good friend of mine, avid traveler and author, Jen Swetzoff, who I actually met while traveling to Mongolia in 2005. We were the only two girls in our group, and spent almost two weeks exploring the Gobi together. We bonded instantly and continue to share a great friendship and intense passion for travel today.

Below Jen shares her experience at a yoga retreat outside Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.

Have you taken a yoga retreat somewhere lately? Share your favorite spots or comment on this post. If you have questions for Jen, we’ll make sure she gets back to you.

Sure, you could clean out your closet to celebrate Spring’s official arrival. But if you really want to get rid of those lingering Winter cobwebs and start fresh this season, why not consider a yoga retreat?

My husband and I recently spent several days at Haramara Retreat in Sayulita, Mexico. This rustic yet luxurious getaway, just an hour south of Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place for glam globetrotters who want to incorporate yoga into a relaxing beach vacation, but who don’t want it to be the entire focus. Secluded within a lush jungle high above the ocean, its
idyllic location is a bit hard to find (especially if you rent a car like we did and try to navigate the local roads at night), but it’s
well worth the extra effort. I practice yoga regularly, but my husband is a beginner, and we both really enjoyed the classes here—not to mention the gorgeous setting and delicious food. Three healthy meals a day are included in your nightly rate, and each one is more delectable than the next, full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. Plus, at Haramara, you don’t have to worry about being forced to give up any guilty pleasures here: coffee and tea are served every morning, and alcoholic beverages are available at dinner.

Different yoga retreats led by various teachers are offered throughout the season, so check the online calendar to find the one that most appeals to you. Even if you come on your own, without signing up for a scheduled retreat, you can always take at
least one yoga class a day. Afterward, you can wander down to the private beach, gaze at the pristine setting, and chill out in a
hammock. Or, if you’re craving more adventure, you can walk to town in just about 15 minutes for world-renowned surfing, boogie boarding, sea kayaking, or simply relaxing in the sea and on the sand. In the evenings, your candle-lit cabin—complete with a hammock, a comfy bed draped in a mosquito net, and an outdoor shower—are sure to inspire tranquility and romance. Just remember to bring your flashlight because there’s no electricity on the property outside of the open-air dining pavilion—a perfect excuse to hold hands as you stroll there for dinner. Namaste.

If Haramara is a bit too far flung for you this spring, find your inner Ohm with a local yoga class. We also hear great things about the yoga getaways at Sivananda in the Bahamas and Kripalu in western Massachusetts.

The Ultimate Boutique Hotel in Miami

I want to live here.

Vogue.com said this week that it’s “perhaps the most coveted spot to spend the night in the country.” There are British-trained butlers at your beck and call. The 1,000 mosaic-tile pool is inlaid with 24-karat gold. The beds are nine feet wide. Madonna slept here. They serve $800 martinis. And best of all, its designer Gianni Versace’s former Mansion. Need I say more?

First Timers Guide to Touring Thailand

A fellow Glam Globetrotter, and friend, Corey Finjer, recently embarked on a two week adventure in  Thailand. She and a friend, started the trip with a night in Bangkok, then ventured up north to Chiang Mai, followed by island hopping to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

I’m dying with envy  just thinking about it. Because I’ve never been to Thailand — and it’s high on my list — I asked Corey, a die-hard, savvy traveler to put together her list of  Top Ten Thailand “Musts.” What follows is a top-ten insiders guide to traveling Thailand.

St. Lucia Savings

Are you one of the 16 million people who tuned in for The Bachelor season finale this past Monday? I must confess – I was one of them. The Bachelor was a constant in my life when the show began almost a decade ago, but my interest has steadily waned over the years – -until this season. I diligently watched, and, with the rest of America, cringed during the finale when The Bachelor, Jake, chose wild-card Vienna over sweet, sensitive Tenley.

Set Sail in Europe

Are you a “cruiser?” Some of you might be wondering what this is. Well, in my mind, a “cruiser” is someone who lives for cruise vacations, duty free ports of call, elaborate, themed-dinners and, when it comes to the ship, bigger is always better. I couldn’t be further from this type of traveler.

Personalized Skin Care for the Savvy Traveler

Between wintry weather and tiring travel, my skin is a mess. It’s dryer than ever so I’m chugging water and applying massive amounts of moisturizer; but it’s not helping a bit.