• 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 Power of Adventure Vacations: Exploring Nature and Curiosity
  • The World’s Most Exciting Long-Distance Travel Routes
  • What to pack for the Camino de Santiago (and what to send ahead)
  • Trading Palm Trees for Twinkle Lights: Finding Winter Paradise in Europe’s Festive Old Towns
  • Hidden Alpine Destinations That Deserve More Attention
Escape Guides

The Ultimate Olympic National Park Itinerary: Best Things to See and Do

It can definitely get a little overwhelming when trying to plan an Olympic National Park itinerary. There’s a lot of beautiful things to see and do, and you definitely will…

read more
September 5, 2026
Escape Guides

From Dolphins To Fish Tacos: The Best Things To Do In Loreto

I just returned from Loreto, Mexico, and while I can’t say it was my favorite place in Mexico, it still had its charms. Zipolite still gets my vote for being…

read more
August 5, 2025
Travel Tips

Unforgettable Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

I moved back to Portland, Oregon after living in Charleston, SC and St Pete, FL the past four years. Moving back has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever…

read more
April 1, 2025
Travel Tips

San Pancho & Sayulita Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

I just got back from my travels to San Pancho and Sayulita in Mexico, and I had a wonderful time. These two beach towns are right next to each other,…

read more
November 28, 2025
Link 1
My Favorite Greek Island
Link 1
Sacred Sites of Mt Shasta
Link 1
Best Things To Do in Milos, Greece
Link 1
The Secret Beach on the Big Island
Link 1
Do You Know About the Florida Springs?
Link 1
Some of the Best Florida Beaches
  • Why Sao Miguel In The Azores Should Be Next On Your Bucket List
    Escape Guides

    Why Sao Miguel In The Azores Should Be Next On Your Bucket List

    May 26, 2023 / No Comments

    What travel has taught me the most is flexibility, as there are always things that can go wrong. But, if you’re willing to change the plan and adapt, things often turn out better than you planned them. This recently happened to me when I unexpectedly went to Sao Miguel, in Portugal’s Azores Islands. I had set out to go on a volunteer whale watching expedition on the island of Horta, which turned out to be one of the worst trips I’ve ever been on. So, after hearing about how incredible the nearby island of Sao Miguel was, I decided to leave the Horta fiasco early, and go explore the lush…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Thailand

    February 3, 2013
    Me in a bright orange dress

    Costa Rica

    January 18, 2013

    San Francisco by Night: Views, Vibes, and Vintage Bars

    February 4, 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

    A Complete Family Travel Guide to Exploring Gatlinburg

    January 27, 2026
    mexico flags

    Going Home To San Miguel de Allende-An Update

    December 27, 2014
    A Love Letter To Greece In Her Difficult Times

    A Love Letter To Greece In Her Difficult Times

    August 1, 2016
  • The Best Cozumel Beach Clubs
    Escape Guides

    The Best Cozumel Beach Clubs

    October 10, 2022 / No Comments

    Whether you’re staying on Cozumel or just visiting on a day trip from a cruise, going to one of the Cozumel beach clubs is one of the best ways to experience the beaches of Cozumel. Most of them only ask that you have a minimum consumption or some offer an all-inclusive experience with unlimited drinks and food for a set price. These were my favorite ones that I explored while there. The Best Cozumel Beach Clubs 1. Buccanos Beach Club Buccanos Beach Club was my absolute favorite. It was gorgeous. Water so clear that you didn’t even need a snorkel mask to see the fish, the best food and drinks…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Mulegé

    10 Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

    May 29, 2026

    Destinations That Feel Like Summer All Year Round

    September 21, 2026
    All The Places You Need To Stop On A Big Sur Road Trip

    All The Places You Need To Stop On A Big Sur Road Trip

    January 31, 2020
  • The Best Beaches In St Petersburg and Clearwater, FL
    Escape Guides,  Travel Tips

    The Best Beaches In St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL

    November 5, 2021 / 1 Comment

    I moved to Charleston over a year ago from Oregon, and one reason was to be in warmer weather and to be closer to the beach. Well, this has led to many trips to Florida, since it’s not that far away. And, that led to me discovering the beaches in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. I was astounded. I’ve mostly visited the eastern coast of Florida, but discovering the Gulf coast area has made me decide to move there next year. Here are the best beaches I’ve discovered in the area. The Best Beaches In St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL 1. Pass-a-Grille Beach Pass-a-Grille Beach has four miles of powder soft…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Your Isla Mujeres Travel Guide

    Your Isla Mujeres Travel Guide

    January 6, 2019
    Why Sao Miguel In The Azores Should Be Next On Your Bucket List

    Why Sao Miguel In The Azores Should Be Next On Your Bucket List

    May 26, 2023

    Hidden Alpine Destinations That Deserve More Attention

    September 21, 2026
  • Camelia flower in Savannah
    Travel Tips

    The Best Things To Do In Savannah

    March 19, 2021 / 1 Comment

    I recently visited Savannah, Georgia, on a weekend trip from where I live in Charleston, SC, and was very impressed with the Southern charm of the city. While I think there are more things to do in Charleston, (and the food is better here) Savannah is still a beautiful city and I enjoyed my time there. Savannah is full of history and beautiful architecture, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Here are my suggestions for the best things to do in Savannah. The Best Things To Do In Savannah 1. Visit The Farmer’s Market In Forsyth Park Forsyth Park is a delight to walk through at any time, though I…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    what to pack for your vacation

    What To Pack

    June 15, 2015
    How to paint in Ubud, Bali

    Learn How To Paint In Bali

    April 8, 2013
    The Best Beaches In St Petersburg and Clearwater, FL

    What 3,000 Mapped Beach Locations Reveal About Coastal Travel

    September 13, 2026
2324252627

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