• Start Here
  • Contact Me
  • Advertise/Hire Me
  • Privacy Policy
This Way To Paradise

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me

Recent Posts

  • The Best Places to Visit Near Dubai When You Have a Car
  • Top Regional Ferry Services in South East Asia
  • 12 Ways to Experience a Destination Beyond Its Famous Attractions
  • How to Meet Singles While Traveling Without Using Dating Apps
  • The Power of Adventure Vacations: Exploring Nature and Curiosity
  • Travel Blog

    A Complete Family Travel Guide to Exploring Gatlinburg

    January 27, 2026 / No Comments

    Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers families the kind of getaway that blends adventure, comfort, and togetherness. From scenic mountain views and outdoor activities to kid-friendly attractions and walkable downtown streets, this small Tennessee town makes family travel feel easy and rewarding. Parents can plan days filled with nature, learning, and fun, while kids enjoy attractions designed for all ages. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Gatlinburg has a way of feeling familiar while still offering something new each time. This guide walks you through where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your family vacation in Gatlinburg. Why Gatlinburg…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Bali Offering www.thiswaytoparadise.com

    11 Things To Do In Bali That You Won’t Find On TripAdvisor

    August 25, 2013
    Archangel Michael Celebration, San Miguel de Allende

    Slowing Down: How I’m Learning To Live The Good Life In Mexico

    September 30, 2013
    Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos

    Day Of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos)-It’s So Alive

    November 3, 2015
  • Travel Blog

    Love in the city: An essential guide for your first London visit

    October 27, 2025 / 1 Comment

    If you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway or anniversary trip to London, the capital offers endless opportunities for memorable moments, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighbourhoods. However, London is vast and can feel overwhelming, especially during peak seasons when tourist hotspots become crowded. In 2024, London welcomed over 21 million international visitors, with many experiencing the city for the first time. With proper planning and a few insider tips, you can navigate the city like a seasoned Londoner while creating those special moments together. 1. Essential First-Timer Tips Before diving into romantic itineraries, understanding a few practicalities will change your experience. Get an Oyster Card or…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    First Impressions Of Crete

    March 18, 2014
    Val with Guru Made, healer, Bali

    The Top 29 Things I Learned From My Travels

    May 15, 2013
    Sunset on the Kei Islands, the Spice Islands of Moluku, Indonesia

    Going Outside Of My Comfort Zone On The Spice Island Of Kei Kecil

    March 23, 2013
  • Travel Blog

    How to Master the Art of Packing Light without Sacrificing Style

    April 2, 2025 / 2 Comments

    Traveling light is the ultimate game-changer, but who says minimal packing means dull outfits? The secret lies in smart choices—versatile staples, strategic layering for the seasons and a well-curated color palette. With the right approach, you can mix, match, and maximize your wardrobe without the baggage (literally). Say goodbye to overpacking stress and hello to effortless, stylish travel. Let’s get started! Swimwear: Stylish & Space-Saving Choices A great trip starts with a cute swimwear collection that works beyond the beach. Pack mix-and-match bikinis to create multiple looks with fewer pieces. Opt for a one-piece that doubles as a bodysuit—perfect with shorts or a flowy skirt. Quick-drying fabrics mean you can…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    La Parroquia Church, San Miguel de Allende

    Join Me For A Magical Walk Through San Miguel de Allende

    September 22, 2013
    Yangon

    The Credits: Meet Tinmyint From Yangon, Myanmar

    June 13, 2014
    Bird in Yala Park, Sri Lanka

    What The Animals in Yala Park, Sri Lanka Taught Me

    December 2, 2013
  • What To Do In Sifnos-My Favorite Greek Island
    Travel Blog

    What To Do In Sifnos-My Favorite Greek Island

    April 1, 2025 / 5 Comments

    When most people think of visiting the Cyclades Islands in Greece, they think of Mykonos and Santorini. They don’t think of visiting a little known island named Sifnos. It quickly became my favorite island. While I adore the Greek islands I’ve visited in the past such as Zakynthos and Crete, something about Sifnos really moved me. For one thing, it was completely authentic, and when I went in early June, there were few tourists. Sifnos is an absolutely beautiful island with gorgeous clear water beaches, towering mountains, incredible food, and quaint whitewashed villages to explore and get lost in. The best part is it’s only a three-hour ferry ride from…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    What To Do In Bali: Bali Tours With Locals

    Why I’ll Probably Never Go Back To Bali

    September 14, 2015
    Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Belitung, Best Beach in the world

    The Best Beach In The World-Spellbound On Belitung

    April 1, 2013

    The Future of Luxury Cruising Is Arriving at Sea

    January 30, 2026
  • Dolphins Azores
    Travel Blog

    My Experience Of Volunteering With Dolphins And Whales In The Azores

    April 1, 2023 / 1 Comment

    I recently got an invitation with Biosphere Expeditions to volunteer with dolphins and whales in the Azores. They are a non-profit/charitable wildlife research and conservation organization, and they care deeply about the work that they do. The great thing about volunteering with Biosphere Expeditions is that at least two-thirds of your contribution for will benefit the animal conservation project directly. The Azores are part of Portugal, and are absolutely beautiful islands. Horta, where the expedition is based, is an island with beautiful black lava sea cliffs, and tends to be quite rainy and gray in March. If you make it to the Azores, don’t leave without visiting Sao Miguel, as…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Gili Trawangan sunset

    Trapped In Asia: How It Took Me 2 Credit Cards, 5 ATM Machines, 4 Travel Agents, And A Bike Ride Through Horse Dung To Buy A Plane Ticket

    March 10, 2013
    Sunset on the Kei Islands, the Spice Islands of Moluku, Indonesia

    Going Outside Of My Comfort Zone On The Spice Island Of Kei Kecil

    March 23, 2013
    Val in her empty house

    How I Feel After Selling It All To Travel The World

    July 9, 2013
1234

About Me

I am always looking for the perfect escape, the perfect paradise, the kind of place that tosses your cares into the sea. Fortunately, I have discovered many! I created this site to show you where to go and how to get there. My goal is to show you that Paradise is only a plane ticket (or boat ride) away. I have inspired many others to travel and to create a better life. I am available for inspirational speaking, coaching, writing, travel planning, and photography.

©2026