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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

  • The Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel in Colorado
  • Easy Daily Transport in Thailand for Tourists Using eSIM
  • Paradise Found: The Ultimate Guide To Paradise Island’s Tropical Wonders
  • Skip the Hotel, Skip the Villa: The French Summer Luxury Everyone Overlooks
  • Planning a Summer House in California: Everything You Need to Know
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
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

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
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
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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
  • Dolphins In Hawaii: Kealakekua Bay On The Big Island
    Travel Tips

    Where To See Dolphins In Hawaii On The Big Island

    June 5, 2017 / 8 Comments

    While you will often see dolphins in Hawaii, the best place to get up close to them is  Kealakekua Bay On The Big Island. I still consider the day I spent there to be among one of the best days of my entire life. There was nothing more magical than being so close to the dolphins, swimming and kayaking with them in the water. Tips For Seeing Dolphins In Hawaii   The earlier you can arrive at Kealakekua Bay the better, as the dolphins swim in the bay in the early morning. Though, the day I went, they stayed in the bay the entire day. The thing to remember when you see them…

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    What To Do In Bali: Bali Tours With Locals

    What To Do In Bali: Bali Tours With Locals

    February 10, 2016
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    7 Things To Love About Lisbon

    January 12, 2017
    Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau

    Oregon Waterfall Hikes: Mosier Creek Falls and Mosier Plateau

    November 12, 2018
  • Seychelles beaches
    Escape Guides

    These Seychelles Beaches Will Give You Serious Wanderlust

    May 23, 2017 / 10 Comments

    If someone offered me a round trip ticket to anywhere in the world right now, I would choose to go to the Seychelles. With untouched beaches, scenic hikes, and perfect weather, the Seychelles are at the top of my bucket list. Here are some stunning Seychelles beaches that you will want to visit on your Seychelles holidays. The Stunning Seychelles Beaches   1. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue Photo by Federico Robertazzi, Flickr CC Anse Source d’Argent is the kind of beach that you dream of. Blue-green waters, huge granite rocks, pink sand, and gorgeous snorkeling are just some of the incredible things you will see at this beach. The best part? This beach isn’t crowded,…

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    7 Best Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

    December 6, 2014
    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    April 24, 2017

    Budget-friendly weekend activities for couples

    August 19, 2025
  • Kikaua Beach, The Special Secret Beach On The Big Island
    Travel Tips

    Kikaua Beach, The Special Secret Beach On The Big Island

    May 22, 2017 / 3 Comments

    Kikaua Beach, it’s not on any map, and most people don’t know about this secret beach on The Big Island. Black lava, white coral, and aquamarine waters combine in a dazzling array of contrast and color here. After spending the morning at the beautiful but rough and crowded Kua Bay, I was so happy to find this tranquil cove. Because most people don’t know about Kikaua Beach, you will have it mostly to yourself. I loved it, because it was the calmest beach on The Big Island that I found. There is a peaceful bay that’s perfect for swimming. The beach is surrounded by lava and coral, yet the bay has a…

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    All The Best Things To Do In Dubai

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    Travel by train in Sri Lanka, tea plantations

    Train Travel-The One Thing You Must Do In Sri Lanka

    April 29, 2013
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    Other Travel Articles Written By Valen Dawson

    December 30, 2013
  • Big Island Beaches: Tips For Kua Bay, Hawaii
    Travel Tips

    Big Island Beaches: Tips For Kua Bay, Hawaii

    May 8, 2017 / 1 Comment

    If you’re looking to explore Big Island beaches near Kona in Hawaii, Kua Bay is definitely beautiful. Also known as Manini’owali Beach, the water is clear turquoise and the white sand is perfectly soft. However, it is a very small beach, and it can get very crowded. It’s just above the airport, so it’s a short drive from Kona. Bring snorkel gear, as the snorkeling is stellar when the water is calm. It’s a great place to spot turtles and the occasional dolphin or monk seal. But, be aware that the waves can get rough here, and there is sometimes an undertow. I got caught in one when I went, so pay…

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    Coronado Island, Loreto

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

    August 5, 2025

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    May 1, 2014
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    5 Reasons Why Cinque Terre Is The Worst Place Ever

    July 7, 2014
  • Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island
    Travel Tips

    Puuhonua O Honaunau-Be Forgiven At The City Of Refuge On The Big Island

    April 24, 2017 / 1 Comment

    In Hawaii, on the Big Island just south of Kona is the City of Refuge, known as Puuhonua O Honaunau. In ancient times, Puuhonua O Honaunau was the place where those who had broken laws could go to be forgiven and to avoid death. Today, it’s a place where people go to ponder what needs to be released in their lives. Seeking Forgiveness At Puuhonua O Honaunau While it used to be the place that people went for a second chance at life, I think when we ask for forgiveness from others and truly forgive others and ourselves, we give ourselves a second chance at life, too. Also, this sacred site is…

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    Hawaii Hikes: The Most Magical Hike Of My Life At Kuliouou Ridge

    Hawaii Hikes: The Most Magical Hike Of My Life At Kuliouou Ridge

    August 14, 2017
    Washington Hikes: The Stunning Moulton Falls Trail

    Washington Hikes: The Stunning Moulton Falls Trail

    November 27, 2017
    Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Belitung, Best Beach in the world

    The Best Beach In The World-Spellbound On Belitung

    April 1, 2013
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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