Great Getaways on the East Coast

Posted on January 1, 2013 by venesueca

Although my go-to destination for long vacations is definitely Europe, sometimes I just have to get away for a few days to recharge the mental batteries. I realize this isn’t an uncommon need, but trying to find something fun, luxurious, and close to home on a moderate budget is often difficult. I’m sure I’m not the only one with this problem, so as I start finding little gems that are easily accessible to East Coasters in the Mid-Atlantic area, I’ll add them to my travel reviews. Please feel free to add your suggestions on these posts as well!

First off, let me say that while I love bed and breakfasts, I’ve become very picky (dare I say, snobby) about the places I choose. Many potential candidates are eliminated solely based on their choice of decor–especially the ones that feature super-frilly, lacy rooms covered with chintzy furniture and multi-colored quilts. It doesn’t appeal to me, and that means it DEFINITELY won’t appeal to my husband. Hard enough to drag a man to a B&B as it is… even harder if he’s repeatedly smacked in the face with girly Americana.

With that said, my goal is to find and review places that will appeal to couples searching for modern but cozy getaways that are inviting to everyone. Please click below for those reviews, or search the travel archives for information about travel around the world.

Gettysburg: Not Just for Field Trips

Cumberland: Modern Haven Meets Quaint Town

Loudoun County: DC’s Wine Country

Frederick: Town & Country in Maryland

Old Meets New in Annapolis, Maryland

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Affordable Beach Town Luxury in Castelldefels

Posted on November 14, 2012 by venesueca

We took a Mediterranean cruise in October 2011, and although we enjoyed visiting Barcelona for a few days before getting on the ship, we wanted to do something a little different when we returned. After some research and recommendations from friends, we decided on Castelldefels, which is only about 25 minutes from the cruise terminal. At this time of year it was a bit too cold to do the typical beach thing, but it was a nice place to relax for a night before boarding a plane home.

The Bel Air Hotel was surprisingly luxe for the price and its excellent location. They offered all the modern amenities, including free wi-fi and complimentary terry cloth slippers (robes too, but you can’t take them with you!). The decor was clean and contemporary. The beds were comfortable and the rooms very quiet. The service wasn’t 5-star hotel butler-style, but it was friendly and hospitable.

If you’re coming to/from the cruise terminal or airport, you can get public transportation, but to me it’s not really worth it. There’s no real direct way to get there, and if you’re lugging baggage with you, it’s going to be a lot of hassle. Spring for the taxi… it’s not too expensive and it’ll be a lot quicker.

Link to my Trip Advisor Review and others for this hotel.

Link to Trip Advisor Profile: http://www.tripadvisor.com/members/venesueca

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Barcelona Luxury Without the Sticker Shock

Posted on November 12, 2012 by venesueca

After countless hours poring through websites and agonizing about location, price, and amenities, I finally decided on the Soho Hotel in Barcelona for our trip in the fall of last year. I won’t even bother posting pictures of the room because they wouldn’t do it justice… the hotel really does look like the pictures on the site (shocking, I know).

What I liked about this hotel was the fact that it’s relatively new, the location is convenient to practically everything in the city, the décor and amenities are clean and modern, the service is friendly, and the price tag was surprisingly affordable. I would highly recommend it to travelers with a moderate budget who want a comfortable, attractive place to stay. The metro station is just a block or two from the front door.

Here are a few general tips for travel to Barcelona and this hotel in particular:

  1. If you arrive in Terminal 1 of the airport, get some cash at the ATM (usually much cheaper than exchanging dollars at the kiosks). Take the Aerobus A1 to Gran-Via Urgell (about €5 per person), and request a stop near the Soho Hotel, which is number 543-545.
  2. Las Ramblas is within walking distance (about 10-15 minutes), or you can take the metro to the Liceu station. There are plenty of stations around that area, but that one is close to La Boqueria, which is an incredible fresh market. If you plan to use the metro a lot, it’s worth getting the T-10 ticket.
  3. Visit Montserrat. It has an incredible old monastery built into the mountains about one hour from Barcelona. Take L1/red line toward Hospital de Bellvitge to Espanya station; once at Espanya look for FGC Line R5 headed towards Manresa. Choose the Montserrat-Aeri option to take the cable car from the metro to the mountain. This costs roughly €17 round-trip per person (includes train ride and cable car). Check the train timetable in advance, because they only run about once per hour, and not necessarily on the hour. Here is a pdf file to the current timetable. If that doesn’t work, the main site is here.
  4. Do some research in advance and figure out what architectural and historic sites are most important to you. Unless you’re planning to stay for at least a week, you probably won’t be able to see as many as you think… the lines are long and the entrance fees can be pretty steep. Sagrada Familia is probably one of the most stunning sites, even if you only get to see it from the outside.
  5. If you’re in Barcelona to grab a cruise, visit this site for information on transportation to and from the terminals. If you need transportation directly to or from the airport, go to this page.

I hope this information is helpful! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

Link to my Trip Advisor Review and others for this hotel.

Link to my Trip Advisor Review and others’ of Montserrat.

Link to Trip Advisor Profile: http://www.tripadvisor.com/members/venesueca

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Peaceful Mexican Vacation

Posted on November 8, 2012 by venesueca

Getting package deals on all-inclusive hotels you’ve never been to can be a dicey proposition. Desperation can be a great motivator, though, and all of a sudden a Living Social voucher for a hotel and meals in Cancun can seem like a great idea. I have to say, I pretty much held my breath from the minute I booked the package until we were ushered in to our deluxe oceanfront room at the GR Caribe by Solaris.

I was pleasantly surprised throughout our stay at this resort! From the Greek island-inspired architecture to the touches of Morrocan décor, to the carefully chosen bath products and well-maintained grounds, no aesthetic detail was overlooked. More importantly, the service was impeccable without being overly zealous. There’s nothing worse than spending your hard-earned cash on a vacation where the staff seems miserable or just won’t leave you alone to relax.

As for the offerings of the hotel itself, I would say it fit the bill quite nicely for us. The food wasn’t five-star by any means, but for an all-inclusive resort, it was generally well-prepared and we had a variety of items to choose from at every meal. The beach was nothing short of stunning… clear blue waters, powdery white sand, and plenty of sheltered lounge chairs to choose from at no extra charge. The best part? There is NO soliciting. Nobody at the hotel will bug you to attend a timeshare presentation and nobody will interrupt your siesta on the beach to sell you trinkets. Those of you who have been to Mexico a few times will understand what a precious rarity this is.

The pool was on the smaller side, but it was perfect for singles or couples with no kids. The few children we saw there were quiet and well-behaved, which provided a restful outdoor atmosphere. One bit of advice: if this is the kind of experience you’re looking for, stay at the GR Caribe. If you’re more into the lively, festive, kid-filled amusement park vibe, feel free to walk over to the sister property next door. You can go there, but they can’t go vice versa. That’s what the Wristband Police are for. No joke. And speaking of the Rule Police, make sure you bring a pair of long pants… men are not allowed in the fine dining restaurant without them, and who really wants to wear the lost-and-found pants they keep for such emergencies?

All in all, I would say this hotel is well worth a stay, voucher or not. But if you can get a spectacular deal on Living Social or Groupon (I still see them from time to time), there’s absolutely no reason not to snatch it up!

Link to my Trip Advisor Review and others for this hotel.

Link to my Trip Advisor Profile

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Litter Genie is Geni-us

Posted on November 6, 2012 by venesueca

You’ll have to forgive the cheesy title, but I just can’t stop gushing about how amazing this contraption is. My approach to the litter box has always resembled that of a lone Hazmat operator going into a room filled with Ebola. Seriously. I’m talking rubber gloves up to my elbows, Ziploc bags, litter freshening powder, holding my breath to the point of dizziness, and if I could get away with it, a gas mask. My husband would never let me live it down, so I make do without it. And yes, I only have one cat, not twenty.

For the germophobe in me, there was nothing so frustrating as trying to get enormous clumps of litter into a quart-sized Ziploc bag for sanitary removal. I clean his box every day, but the process was just gross and annoying. Not to mention a waste of bags… especially when I switched to the gallon-sized ones.

Enter the Litter Genie. Yes, it is very similar to the Diaper Genie, for all you parents out there. Setup is a cinch, and once you have the plastic threaded through and tied at the bottom, you can go to work. Simply flip up the lid, use the included scoop to get all the nasties out, drop them into the container, and pull the slide out to make the waste drop into the plastic bag at the bottom. The slide returns to its place, trapping all odor and unsightly waste below. Awesome, right? Why did this take so long to invent?!

Basic info: the container can hold about two weeks’ worth of junk for one cat, and the refill containers are good for at least one month. The starter kit has everything you need to use it for a month. The refills are a comparable price on Amazon, but I can’t say no to free shipping versus going to the store! If you decide to try it, let me know how it works for you by commenting below!

Litter Genie

Litter Genie

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All Lotions are NOT Created Equal – Update!

Posted on November 3, 2012 by venesueca

When it comes to body lotions, I have the “Goldilocks” syndrome. Most are either too smelly, too greasy, or too loaded with ingredients that look like the components of jet fuel. I don’t want everyone around me to think I got attacked by a perfume sampler at the mall, I can’t stand feeling like I’m covered in french fry oil, and if I can’t pronounce the ingredients, I’ll probably be hearing on the news one day that they’re deadly to humans. I always had a hard time finding one that was juuuuuuust right… until I tried Pure Paradise.

Over the years, Renee Snow has become somewhat of a mad scientist in the quest to create an all-natural cream for herself and her massage therapy clients. I admit that I was skeptical when I got the lavender-scented lotion…I’m picky, and most skin creams I’ve tried rate somewhere between “ehhh” and “so-so”. Within a minute, though, the Goldilocks in me was hooked. It wasn’t too thick or too runny, it smelled pleasant but wasn’t obnoxiously strong, and it hydrated my skin but didn’t leave it feeling greasy. The most shocking thing of all is that every single ingredient was not only pronounceable, but also recognizable! Organic coconut oil, aloe, and essential oil? Easy. Distilled water, beeswax, and vitamin E? Duh. Bye bye sulfates, parabens, and other nasty ingredients that are commonly used in commercial products!

Another Pure Paradise product that I LOVE is the Rituoil line of body oils. They are perfect for daily use after bathing or for massages. Again, the scents are beautiful without being overpowering, and they absorb quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. Plus, it only takes a dime-sized amount to cover your whole leg, so one bottle lasts a long time.

The best part is that although she uses high-quality ingredients, she doesn’t charge sky-high prices. In fact, 8-ounce bottles of lotion or oil sell for around $15!  They come in a variety of different scents, and are readily available on her site or through Ebay. You  can also find out about new products and services on her Facebook page. Enjoy!

Pure Paradise Oils

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From Killarney to Cork

Posted on August 13, 2012 by venesueca

The last destination on our journey through Ireland was Cork City in County Cork, which is the second largest city in Ireland. Here you’ll find a little bit of everything: lively city life, great food, lots of shopping, and plenty of sites to visit.

One interesting attraction was the Cork City Gaol (don’t let the spelling fool you… it’s still pronounced “jail”). Disclaimer: this is a very touristy place to go, but if you’re into history, it’s worth a visit. Yes, they have cheesy wax figures depicting prison life in the early 19th century, and yes, you get a guided tour from a cassette Walkman and headphones, but it’s a beautiful building with amazing historical value… you can actually see authentic graffiti that was scribbled onto the walls by inmates.

One of our favorite places to eat was Liberty Grill. They’re open from breakfast through dinner and they serve classic meals with their own special twist using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Keep in mind that it’s a popular (and tiny) place, so you may have to wait a bit for a table. Once you’re seated, though, the only thing that will make you want to leave is the guilt you feel for depriving other people of a table.

As for accommodations, I wouldn’t recommend our hotel if you want to be in the heart of everything. It’s a bit far to walk into town every day, driving yourself is tricky (and expensive with city parking), and taxis get pricey after a while. If you want the old-world feel of an elegant Irish hotel and you aren’t opposed to the location inconvenience, however,  you may enjoy Hayfield Manor. It’s on the more expensive side and our room was not quite in the pristine condition I had expected, but the bed was comfortable, the bathroom was well-appointed, and the service was impeccable.

Lastly, if you have time for a day trip, I highly recommend a visit to the nearby town of Kinsale, which is less than 20 miles from Cork City. We discovered it by accident, but it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. This little port town has tons of fun things to do, but even if you just spend the day walking around, eating al fresco, and checking out the shops, you’ll have a great time.

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First Novel Published!

Posted on April 27, 2012 by venesueca

With that disclaimer/fair warning aside, I’m thrilled to announce that my first, full-length novel is available on paperback at Amazon.com under my pen name, Mikayla Olsson. This book is the culmination of several years of writing, editing, and procrastinating my way through writing blocks to have a finished product I’m proud to call my own. Please click on the image below to read the book description and to order your own copy, if you’re so inclined. Regular blog post activities will be resuming soon!

Shades of Secrecy

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Worthwhile Sights in Killarney

Posted on December 13, 2011 by venesueca

After a long day of touring either the Ring of Dingle or the Ring of Kerry, you may want to do some more leisurely sightseeing. We chose to visit Ross Castle, which is close by and still quite well-preserved despite being several hundreds of years old. I’ve included pictures below, but it’s worth a few minutes to check out this link to get more information on the hours of operation if you intend to go. Unlike Dunguaire Castle, you can only take guided tours, which are infrequent and limited to small groups of people at a time. We opted not to wait an hour for the next available tour, but the exterior of the building is still well worth the visit.

Only a few minutes away lies the treasure that is the Muckross House & Gardens, located within Killarney National Park. This beautiful mansion can be toured inside and out, and it’s surrounded by a gorgeous landscape that includes mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and unusual trees and plant life. One downside is that it’s not as easily accessible by car… you will have to do a fair amount of walking to get from the parking lot to every major attraction. One way to avoid this and see more is to hire a jaunting car (basically a horse and simple carriage) to drive you through the vast expanse of this area. This not only saves time and aching feet, but it provides a quaint way to travel while getting a peek into the history of the park from a local guide. We didn’t make reservations for one because we didn’t even know they existed until we arrived, but if you want more information or an advance booking, this is one operator I found online: Killarney Jaunting Cars.

For nature buffs, hikers, cyclists, and photographers, the possibilities at Killarney National Park are endless. There are miles of trails to explore that are off the beaten path, where you’re unlikely to run into many tourists. You could easily spend several days in this park, just enjoying the peaceful environment and postcard-perfect vistas, so take a little time to research the options and decide what appeals to you the most. There’s something here for everyone!

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Killarney – Gateway to the Ring of Dingle

Posted on November 18, 2011 by venesueca

If you’ve chosen to see Ireland by car, as we did, one of the many worthwhile sights in the Killarney area is the Ring of Dingle. It’s not as well-known as its famous counterpart, the Ring of Kerry, but the innkeeper at our B & B recommended this drive for its stark beauty and less traffic. He was right–the views we saw were nothing short of stunning, and we hardly encountered a soul the entire time.

These winding mountain roads require a lot of concentration, so do not attempt to watch the scenery as you drive. There are plenty of scenic pull-offs… use them! At one point, we encountered another car coming in the opposite direction and we both had to come to a complete stop while the other driver and I rolled down our windows, folded in our side mirrors, and inched past each other in first gear. That’s how narrow these roads are, and sometimes you’ll see tour buses hurtling towards you at ungodly speeds, so it’s worth keeping your eyes on the road!

With that said, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views on this journey. You’ll see rocky cliffs hovering over crashing waves, flocks of sheep grazing peacefully on impossibly green grass, stone ring forts that sheltered families from ancient times to 1200 AD, and much more. You could easily breeze through the drive in a couple of hours, but if time allows, stop along the way to sit and soak in the almost mystical beauty that permeates every piece of this majestic landscape. It’s truly amazing!

As a sidebar, if you choose to drive in Ireland, getting insurance for your rental car through the agency is a MUST. There is a mandatory charge for CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) that’s usually included in your quote. Declining this will result in your credit card having a hold or a charge of 2,000 Euros put on it until you return the car and they determine that it’s in pristine condition (otherwise you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for the slightest bit of damage). There is also optional coverage in the form of an Excess Waiver, which eliminates expensive deductibles or charges due to excess damage or loss of the vehicle.

Yes, it all sounds like a scam. I fought it tooth and nail, but in the end, their assurance that the car could tumble off a cliff and I wouldn’t pay a dime was worth the extra $15 a day. As it turns out, I’m now fairly certain that no tourist can escape the country roads of Ireland unscathed. The roads are about as wide as a city sidewalk and bordered by hedges that scrape the side of your car every time you move over to let another vehicle squeeze by at roughly 200 mph. In addition, fender benders are not uncommon no matter how good of a driver you are (yes, this is the voice of experience, people). Here’s a good resource with terms and conditions from Budget car rental.

Please click on the thumbnails below to see larger images, and stay tuned for my next post on other great sights to see in the Killarney area!

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