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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

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  • Planning a Solo Trip in 2026 That Fits Your Budget
  • Seattle Sports Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Experience Nearby
  • Making Your First Family Vacation Stress-Free: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Monaco Or Macao – The Best For Luxury Travel
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…

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April 1, 2025
Escape Guides

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

If you’re looking for an uncrowded escape, you need to know about these hidden beaches in Mexico. Everyone tends to gravitate towards Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and to Cabos,…

read more
May 29, 2026
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,…

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November 28, 2025
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…

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August 5, 2025
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My Favorite Greek Island
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Sacred Sites of Mt Shasta
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Best Things To Do in Milos, Greece
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The Secret Beach on the Big Island
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Do You Know About the Florida Springs?
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Some of the Best Florida Beaches
  • Your Isla Mujeres Travel Guide
    Escape Guides

    Your Isla Mujeres Travel Guide

    January 6, 2019 / No Comments

    Isla Mujeres, a gorgeous island just off the coast of Cancun, is one of the prettiest beach destinations in Mexico.  While I thought the beaches, especially North Beach, were absolutely stunning, it still didn’t capture my heart as much as Zipolite did.  While I will say the beaches of Isla Mujeres are prettier than those of the Oaxacan coast, I prefer the Oaxacan coast because it is much less touristy than Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is full of souvenir stores full of items made in China. And the owners stand outside as you walk down the street begging you to come inside their stores and restaurants. This gets rather annoying…

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    paradise

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    Why You Definitely Want To See The Marietas Islands With MiraMar Excursions

    February 20, 2018
    A wharf on the beach in Ambergris Caye

    Ambergris Caye, Belize

    January 12, 2013
    Pashupatinath Temple: The One Thing You Must Do In Kathmandu

    Pashupatinath Temple: The One Thing You Must Do In Kathmandu

    September 28, 2015
  • Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau
    Travel Tips

    Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau

    November 12, 2018 / 2 Comments

    I hiked Mosier Creek Falls in the spring. There was nothing like climbing above the rim of Mosier Creek Gorge while wildflowers surrounded my every step. As far as Oregon waterfall hikes go, this is an easy one with stunning views the entire way. This is a great hike to do if you’re on the way out to Rowena Crest to see the wildflowers there. The hike to the two-tiered waterfall is only 1/2 mile, but I highly recommend continuing on the rest of the hike which takes you to Mosier Plateau. Mosier Creek Falls is about 100 feet tall, and in the summer, it’s even possible to swim in…

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    How to paint in Ubud, Bali

    Learn How To Paint In Bali

    April 8, 2013

    UK Escapes That Rival Any Global Hotspot

    May 28, 2026

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    September 25, 2025
  • Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All
    Travel Tips

    Washington Hikes: The Columbia Gorge Labyrinth Has It All

    October 29, 2018 / 2 Comments

    The Labyrinth hike, in the Columbia Gorge, is one of my absolute favorite Washington hikes. On this hike, in the Catherine Creek area, you get it all. A few waterfalls, a stunning view of the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood, basalt outcroppings, and wildflowers in the Spring. Plus, the crowds are smaller than you will find at the neighboring Coyote Wall hike. The Labyrinth is the name for the area between Coyote Walland the Rowland Basin. You can even take your dog on this hike! Note that dogs must be on a leash from December 1st to June 30th. The only downsides to this hike is there is a lot of poison…

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    Val eating fish in Mexico

    Lost In Translation-How My Spanglish Almost Caused Me To Starve To Death

    February 25, 2013

    Unforgettable Road Trips Near Colorado Springs Perfect for Families

    April 10, 2025
    Hotel Faro Portugal

    Hotel Faro-A Comfortable Hotel With A Great Location In Faro, Portugal

    May 13, 2014
  • Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
    Travel Tips

    Hawaii Hikes: The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

    October 16, 2018 / No Comments

    If you’re looking for an easy hike in Hawaii with gorgeous views, then make sure to hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail (Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline). While, you won’t find seclusion on this trail, it’s still a hike that’s definitely worth doing. The lighthouse isn’t really the main reason to do this hike. You will only see it from a distance. The reason to do the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is for the incredible vistas that you start seeing before you even reach the top. Also, the entire path is paved, so this makes it great for strollers or those who are in wheelchairs. The hike is only two miles round trip, so it’s…

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    odo-In Temple: The Place For Meditation In Honolulu

    Byodo-In Temple: The Place For Meditation In Honolulu

    November 6, 2017

    Planning a Solo Trip in 2026 That Fits Your Budget

    August 17, 2026
    Multnomah Falls just outside Portland

    The Best Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Portland: Routes, Stops, and How to Plan Yours

    May 8, 2026
  • Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls
    Travel Tips

    Oregon Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls

    September 24, 2018 / 1 Comment

    If you’re looking for an easy hike to see some Oregon waterfalls, I highly recommend a stop at Butte Creek Falls. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Portland, near Scott Mills. And, this mile-long easy hike will let you view two beautifully stunning waterfalls. The tranquil forest trail takes you to both Upper Butte Creek Falls and Butte Creek Falls. It’s often possible to walk behind Upper Butte Creek Falls which provides for a stunning view. Be careful of the slippery rocks, though. This is a great hike for people with all skill levels of hiking, including kids. You will want to keep an eye on your kids on…

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    Buddha temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Pictures From Colombo, Sri Lanka

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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