• 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 Ultimate Olympic National Park Itinerary: Best Things to See and Do
  • Best Things to Do in Kauai by Region: A Shore-by-Shore Planning Guide
  • America’s Casino Towns Are Having a Moment That Has Nothing to Do With Las Vegas
  • What New Expats Often Forget to Arrange Before Relocating Overseas
  • How to Plan a Weekend Around Great Food
  • Travel Tips

    How to Refresh Your Travel Wardrobe for Every Season

    June 20, 2025 / No Comments

    As an avid traveler, you’re probably well-versed in packing light and sticking to essentials. However, keeping your wardrobe interesting and season-appropriate can be a challenge, especially if you’re a globe-trotter traveling through myriad climates. So, here’s a handy guide to refreshing your travel wardrobe for every season, ensuring comfort, style, and versatility. Spring: Embrace Light Layering Spring often brings unpredictable weather, making light layering essential. Pack a mix of short- and long-sleeved tops, lightweight sweaters, jeans, and breathable khakis. A waterproof jacket is a must for sudden showers. Prioritize pieces that are versatile and easy to mix and match—think tops with interesting necklines or open backs for warmer days. To…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Fun Things To Do In Charleston, SC

    10 Fun Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

    November 27, 2020

    Smart Planning for Cross-Country Trips with Your Infant

    March 17, 2025
    Imperfection Peeling paint building in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

    Embracing Imperfection: 3 Magical Ways Mexico Is Causing Me To Love My Flaws

    October 7, 2013
  • Travel Tips

    What Seasoned Travelers Always Pack (But Rarely Talk About)

    June 16, 2025 / 1 Comment

    Many travel blogs recommend purchasing power banks, travel pillows, and packing cubes. However, travelers with extensive experience know that simple packing lists often fail to include the most important things. These little things help you move more easily, stay safe, and be ready for anything that might happen.  People often forget to get rental car insurance. Even though it’s small, experienced travelers pack it because trips can go wrong, and damage claims can be costly. This insurance gives you peace of mind, especially when you’re going to a new area or one with different traffic laws and rules. It’s an unnoticeable aid that helps experienced travelers stay calm in tough…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    10 Bucket List Destinations You Need to Visit in Your Lifetime

    July 22, 2026

    Paradise Islands That Travel Bloggers Don’t Write About

    April 17, 2026
    Valen Dawson at the Castaway Resort, Koh Lipe www.thiswaytoparadise.com

    Other Travel Articles Written By Valen Dawson

    December 30, 2013
  • Travel Tips

    Level8 Luggage Review: My Travel Companion For My 50th Birthday

    June 13, 2025 / No Comments

    Turning 50 is no small occasion. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and maybe—if you’re like me—celebrate by doing something unforgettable. For my milestone birthday this year, I’m heading to Loreto, Mexico: a charming coastal town nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta mountains. Warm sun, gentle waves, fish tacos, chocolate clams, and a little adventure await. And as I pack for the journey, I find myself genuinely excited—not just for the trip itself, but for the first real use of my new Level8 Luggage. Let me tell you, this suitcase isn’t just luggage—it’s a game-changer. First Impressions: A Pop of Style Meets Function When…

    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
    Val in her empty house

    How I Feel After Selling It All To Travel The World

    July 9, 2013
    If you love plants and flowers, you definitely want to visit the Lyon Arboretum Botanical Garden on Oahu

    Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Lyon Arboretum Botanical Garden On Oahu

    September 29, 2017
  • Travel Tips

    Beyond the Rollercoasters: How to Have A Relaxing Break in Orlando

    May 21, 2025 / 1 Comment

    What comes to mind when you picture Orlando, Florida? I would guess a certain Mouse and his friends? Followed by huge crowds, long lines, thundering rollercoasters and a sense of dread as you imagine your credit card bill coming through the following month? Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to theme parks, nowhere does it better than Orlando, and it’s hardly surprising that millions of thrill seekers, families, and friends head there every single year. But did you know that there’s so much more to this beautiful sun-drenched place than theme parks and rollercoasters?   It’s true! Orlando can also offer a huge range of peaceful and even rejuvenating experiences.…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Mirissa Beach coconut

    Pictures of Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka

    July 2, 2013

    Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss in Aruba

    January 14, 2026
    Why You Don't Want To Miss The Colorful Melissani Cave In Greece

    Why You Don’t Want To Miss The Colorful Melissani Cave In Greece

    November 21, 2016
  • Travel Tips

    The Splurge-Worthy Moments Every Peru Vacation Needs

    April 30, 2025 / No Comments

    Peru is a land of ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. While it’s possible to explore on a budget, some experiences are worth the extra splurge. These unforgettable moments elevate your trip from ordinary to extraordinary, immersing you in luxury, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Here are nine splurge-worthy moments your Peru vacation needs—because some memories are priceless. 1. Ride the Luxury Train to Machu Picchu No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, but how you get there makes all the difference. Instead of taking the standard train or hiking the Inca Trail, opt for the luxury train to Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham is the pinnacle of elegance,…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Where to Stay in Los Cabos: 7 Boutique Hotels That Make Baja Feel Unforgettable

    June 15, 2026
    Agii Apostoli beach beaches in Crete

    Island Of Crete Beaches: Agii Apostoloi

    March 23, 2014

    Why Devices Are Essential for Big City Travel: Maps, Safety, Payments & Convenience

    February 17, 2026
1415161718

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