Vienna

Vienna has repeatedly captured the hearts of travelers with its rich history, food scene and amazing architecture (bonus points for also being an über clean city). 

Vienna is charming any time of year and always a good stop when in central Europe.  

Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the most intriguing in Europe, and open from mid-November through Christmas. The local vendors and winter scene at the Rathaus is one of best markets in Europe and should be a top attraction on your list if visiting during the holidays.

The City Airport Train (CAT) connects the airport to Wien Mitte Station near the city center in 15 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available and the trip to city center is 18 kilometers.

EAT

Cafe Sacher Wien While touristy, this cafe offers the classic Austrian experience with fine coffee and the local sacher-torte. We recommend going for the Apfel-Strudel instead! 

Eis Greisler Cute spot for ice cream.

Erich Awesome brunch menu. If nothing else, go for the terrace and enjoy a drink.

Neni Middle Eastern restaurant located inside Naschmarkt. Great lunch spot.

Skopik & Lohn Upscale Schnitzel restaurant.

Steirereck Reservations recommended.

Ulrich Great patio and brunch menu.

DRINK

Das Loft Skybar at the Sofitel hotel. Go for a sun-downer and enjoy the amazing views!

Naschmarkt Wide variety of food and drink vendors and the perfect spot to grab a quick bite and afternoon spritz when the sun is out. Closed on Sundays.

O`Boufes This is a bistro but go for a wine tasting. They specailize in natural, locally grown organic wines. Different tastes but we loved trying something new.

PLAY

Belvedere Museum beautiful gardens surround the Palace which is now home to an art museum that showcases Austrian artworks and various exhibitions in the Lower Belvedere.

Innere Stadt (First District) Wander through Vienna’s charming Old Town in the evening or, to beat the crowds, on Sunday morning.

Hofburg Palace Former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and today the official residence of the President of Austria. Be sure to check out the Spanish Riding School, dating back to 1562.

Leopoldstadt Rent bikes to cruise around this area, and making a stop at Prater, Vienna’s playground and one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Museumsquartier This area is touristy, but it is a must to check out the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Musuem, and take stroll through the nearby Volksgarten. This area is home to a variety of art musuems and the cultural centersansplatz. After taking in the sites, get lost in the small side streets.

Schloss Schoenbrunn Buy tickets in advance to avoid the queues, and don’t forget to check out the beautiful surrounding gardens. Combine this stop with the Naschmarkt for lunch.

Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera House) Go for a tour or purchase tickets for an evening show. Note that the main, classic Opera performances are traditionally closed in July and August

STAY

Choose a hotel or AirBnb in the Innere Stadt city center. We recommend the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom.

Vienna

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is the jewel of Baja California. Come for the sunshine and clear Pacific waters, and stay for the fantastic Mexican food!

The airport is a 45 minute drive from Cabos San Lucas. Take a taxi on arrival or arrange pick-up through your hotel or resort.

While many places will accept USD, keep small bills handy for tipping, souvenirs and boat tours. Alternatively, take out pesos from an ATM on arrival.

EAT

Hacienda Cocina y Cantina Celebrate something special here. The views of the beach, water and sunset are stunning and the food is excellent.

Koi This hole in the wall serves amazingly fresh sushi. Recommended by a friend.

Los Claros Tasty and cheap tacos!

Los Tres Gallos Romantic, old world Mexican restaurant.

DRINK

Bar Esquina Attached to Bahia Hotel, this place comes alive at night and is a hip hang.

Mango Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar Chill spot for sunset and happy hour drinks on Medano Beach.

PLAY

Medano Beach

Pelican's Rock and Lover's Beach Accessible only by water taxi, a round trip to this iconic spot will set you back $5 a person.

Snorkel and catamaran cruise We had a great afternoon cruise with SunRider Tours, and have heard excellent things about Cabo San Lucas Tours.

STAY

Avoid the spring break crowds and stay at a boutique hotel or classy resort near Medano Beach. Check out the Bahia Hotel and Beach House or its neighbor, the slightly more upscale Casa Dorada.

Cabo San Lucas

Guanacaste

Guanacaste is the northwestern-most province in Costa Rica. The region is incredibly diverse, boasting volcanoes and green mountains, dense rain forests and airy deciduous forests, lush sugarcane fields and peaceful beaches.

Liberia Airport is the gateway to Guanacaste and offers daily direct flights from major US cities.

Costa Ricans are known for their kindness and laid back personalities. They live by the code of “pura vida” and love using this term in greeting and farewell.

A quarter of the roads in Costa Rica are paved, making long distance travel bumpy and occasionally painful. While many areas are accessible without four-wheel drive, if you are renting a car reserve a four-wheel drive vehicle.

All beaches in Costa Rica are public, meaning that locals and neighbors are welcome on the beach connected to your resort. This is a boon as you will get a better priced massage on the beach than the resort spa.

EAT

Soda Viquez Excellent, traditional Costa Rican food in La Fortuna.

DRINK

Imperial The most popular beer in Costa Rica, Imperial is a home grown, American-style lager. It claims to be the world’s first “water positive” beer, meaning that it conserves water throughout the brewing process.

PLAY

Arenal Volcano National Park While Arenal has been active since 1968, hiking along its base is safe and offers extraordinary views on a clear day.

Balsa River whitewater rafting Admire the magic of Arenal’s forests while white water rafting class II and III rapids in the Rio Balsa.

Buena Vista del Rincon An eco and wellness adventure park near Ricon de la Vieja National Park that offers canopy zip-lining, horseback riding, natural hot springs and mud baths.

STAY

We loved the Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort near Arenal. While a bit outside of La Fortuna town (10 minute cab ride), it had lovely views of the volcano and a heated thermal water pool.

In Guanacaste we stayed at Dreams Las Mareas, an all-inclusive beach-side resort a few miles from the Honduran border and 1.5 hours from Liberia airport. While the property and our room were lovely, the food was ok. There are many other beach resorts in Guanacaste, but if you are looking for a more authentic trip we heard excellent things about Tamarindo, a coastal town in southern Guanacaste.

Guanacaste

Dubai

The largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is thought to have started out as a fishing village on the edge of the desert. Today it is the business hub of the MIddle East and known for its luxury shopping and decadent skyline.

Cabbing is the most convenient way to get around the city. While there is public transport, it is not extensive or efficient.

Abu Dhabi is a 90 minute drive from Dubai and cabs will take you there and back. It is worth the day trip to check out the grand Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

EAT

Buddha Bar Asian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.

Chutney’s Indian restaurant in the Mövenpick hotel. Recommended by a friend

Saffron Restaurant While pricey and ostentatious, the Atlantis’ famous, four-hour, Friday brunches are an experience. Choose from over 20 different food stations and as many drink stalls for an “all-you-can-consume” affair.

DRINK

Barasti Beach Club A beach club and lunch spot by day, Barasti is a club by night. Order a shisha water pipe to share, dance and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

PLAY

Burj Khalifa Book in advance to visit the observation decks of this 160-story skyscraper. We felt the 124-125 level experience was the best value.

Desert Safari For first-timers to the Middle East, consider a trip outside the city to explore the Emirati desert and culture. The Platinum Heritage company was recommended by a friend.

Dubai Souks While smaller than souks in Istanbul, Jerusalem or Marrakech, Dubai’s markets have something all their own. Check out the spice, perfume and gold souks before taking a ferry from the Deira Old Souq Station across Dubai Creek to the textile souk.

Shopping Malls Dubai takes its shopping very seriously. Malls are everywhere and attract shoppers from all of the world with their range of global, luxury brands.

STAY

If you are in town for business, stay closer to the city in the north. For pleasure? Stay near the marina or Palm for easy access to beaches and nightlife.

Our picks include Grosvenor House, a luxury, Marriott hotel in the marina, and Media One Hotel, a mid-range hotel near the beach, marina and the Palm Jumeriah, but a bit of a drive to the Burj Khalifa and souks.

Dubai

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Hawaii (The Big Island)

The largest, youngest and driest of Hawaii’s islands, The Big Island has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, miles of lava fields and active volcanos. It is still growing from eruptions and lava flows from the Mauna Loa and Kiluaea volcanoes.

Fly in and out of the Kona International Airport, located just 15 kilometers from Kona’s town center.

A rental car is needed to get from place to place.

EAT

Punalu’u Bake Shop Pick up malasada donuts from this bakery in Na’alehu on your way to Volcanoes National Park. These sugary, pillowy balls of goodness were brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants.

South Side Shaka Restaurant & Bar A simple restaurant and bar along Mamalahoa Highway in Na’alehu serving up authentic Hawaiian comfort food. It calls itself the “most southern bar in the USA”.

DRINK

Kona Blue Sky Coffee A shop and roastery in Holualoa offering tastings and tours of the tiny plantation next to the shop.

Kona Brewing Company Craft beer microbrewery in Kailua-Kona. Also has good food!

PLAY

Anaeho'omalu “A-Bay” Beach A stunning white sand beach sprinkled with palm trees.

Body Glove Cruises’ This sunset, dinner cruise from Kailua-Kona to Kealakekua Bay and back features a local historian who shares background on Hawaii, the island and historic sites along the coast.

Hapuna Beach One of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Do not miss its bleached sand.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Holualoa Village An eclectic, artsy little village in the hills above Kailua-Kona. A special ukulele shop that offers ukulele-building workshops lives here.

Magic Sands Beach Local beach south of Kailua-Kona town. Sea turtle spotting here.

Mauna Kea A dormant volcano with astronomical observatories at the summit. Go for sunset and stay for a bit of star-gazing. Bundle up, because of the elevation the temperatures are incredibly cold!

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site Ruins of temples built by King Kamehameha.

STAY

Stay in Kailua-Kona town if you want to be close to restaurants and night life. Or one of the numerous resorts that dot the coastline nearby.

For a more authentic experience, consider renting a home with a view in the hills. We stayed at Hale Akala in Holualoa, a charming and historic Hawaiian plantation home and guest cottage. The Hale Akala ranch and main house were built and owned by Lindsay’s ancestors in the 19th century.

Hawaii (The Big Island)

LOCATIONS NEARBY