I usually don’t like to post scans from magazines on here – not because I don’t like them, but it can get repetitive. I really enjoyed this article from Bazaar this month though and hadn’t seen it anywhere else. Well actually, I just realized you can also read it onlinebut I prefer looking at things in print format anyway. I love reading about other people’s travel plans and favorite spots…plus, how cute is Michael Kors’ L.L. Bean tote? For $25 I definitely want one!
I’ve been feeling a major travel itch lately and and am in the middle of planning a few trips this year. It makes me happy to think about where I’d like to go in 2012, 2013, 2014. I write it all down in my journal and draw doodles. We don’t have anything in mind right now for the winter holiday and reading the article above inspired me. I’ve never been to the Caribbean, since I’m from California I’m much more a Hawaii girl. We’ve only been to Mexico very briefly for a wedding, and I’ve always wanted to explore the Mayan ruins. I’d love to take a little more time to visit either destination. I know a lot of you are big travelers with fabulous taste so would love to hear your opinions – Mexico or Caribbean? And what hotels do you like to stay at?
34 Comments
Lisa
February 3, 2012 at 2:17 pmomgosh i love this! i'm a hawaii girl too.. i'm just dying dying to be able to visit home this year.. i miss hawaii 🙁 i loved that fridda gianni said that the conrad hotel is her favorite hotel! i'm dying to stay at that hotel when i visit japan!
Minnie and Daisy
February 3, 2012 at 2:45 pmTravel is one of my biggest passions and I am so lucky that my parents support me with this!! This year will be very exciting: New York, Buenos Aires and Italy!! I loved to read your travel experiences from Asia!! xoxo Minnie&Daisy
Jennipher
February 3, 2012 at 3:15 pmI love reading about travel too – particularly what others pack and their favorite hotels. I just got back from 4 days at the R-C Grand Cayman and it was fabulous! GC is the only place in the Caribbean I've been, but I would definitely recommend it. The water there is incredible – clear, calm and warm. I'm going to Cabo next week, so I'll let you know which one was better after I return 🙂
Anonymous
February 3, 2012 at 3:50 pmI've been to Tulum (near Cancun) and from there was able to explore Mayan ruins and do other fun excursions. The beach at the hotel wasn't out of this world though.
I've also been to the Dominican Republic – there, the beach was absolutely amazing…amazingly blue, warm water. BUT, the excursions were lackluster and involved lots of partying drunk people (of all ages).
Costa Rica is beautiful – again, not a super amazing beach at the hotel, but the excursions are fabulous – the rain forest, zip-lining, etc.
I went on a cruise that started in Puerto Rico and went to St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, and Aruba. Although I obviously didn't get to spend much time in each place, all had highlights. Aruba's beaches are pristine, though most of the rest of the island is much more arid than you'd think. Bonaire is the same way…the snorkeling is supposed to be amazing. Dominica has some amazing sites too – Titou Gorge (look it up!), hot springs, snorkeling, etc. St. Thomas is absolutely stunning – nothing like the rest of the U.S. (except maybe Hawaii a bit). Grenada is nice too.
If you want to look into any of the places more, I'd be glad to give more info too!
Katherine
February 3, 2012 at 4:36 pmme too! I think I am going to book a few nights at the very least 🙂
Katherine
February 3, 2012 at 4:36 pmWow I've never been to BA – that sounds amazing 🙂
Katherine
February 3, 2012 at 4:39 pmooh thank you for the rec! I just looked it up and it looks fabulous – did you find lots of other local food options nearby? The thing I like about Hawaii is being able to walk out and get some other food and not be stuck at the resort – something I'm a little worried about the Caribbean, I am so unfamiliar with it!
Jessica
February 3, 2012 at 4:42 pmI have a super huge travel itch right now. I'm actually moving to California in two weeks, and from there, I really want to visit Hawaii and Japan. Oh, and I would totally love to visit Mayan ruins too. 🙂
xx Jessica
Katherine
February 3, 2012 at 4:43 pmThank you! This is so helpful 🙂 I was looking into Tulum too but you are right, the hotels right nearby aren't that great…would you be able to stay at Mayakoba area and go there? I wasn't sure…
You bring up a great point which is that the places with amazing beaches/sights/activities don't always have great hotels which is a problem I am facing right now. Good to hear about the DR – I am too old to deal with lots of drunk frat boys! Hahaha.
I've been looking into St. Thomas! I also looked into Jamaica but the hotel we want is already booked for Christmas, crazy huh?
Adele
February 3, 2012 at 5:10 pmDefinitely the Caribbean, especially if you haven't been. I'd recommend St Lucia, it's such a gorgeous island.
Happy weekend xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
Rebecca
February 3, 2012 at 5:13 pmAfter reading Nina Garcia's book I bought the LL Bean Boat and Tote. It is really durable, plus I added the full zip on top so everything stays secure.
Geri Looker
February 3, 2012 at 5:37 pmIt's 10 years since I went to Mexico. Stayed at the Radisson in Acapulco. It was amazing to experience the Acapulco divers . Hot every day in January!Private beach too.
Never been to the Caribbean. Last year Hawaii, so beautiful, this year Sarasota.
skippysays
February 3, 2012 at 5:48 pmI've only been to Mexico and not the Caribbean, so in the interest of seeing something new I'd say the Caribbean 🙂
http://www.saysskippy.blogspot.com
Ali
February 3, 2012 at 5:51 pmI think my favorite Caribbean vacation spot has to be the Dominican Republic. I went to Punta Cana for a family vacation a few years ago, and we loved it. It was the most perfect vacation weather I've ever had, the beaches/water were beautiful, and everyone was super nice (not a drunk frat boy in sight, so maybe it just depends on where you are)! I'm dying to go back this year – my family is talking about checking out this place next: http://www.zoetryresorts.com/agua/ (which is smaller than other all-inclusive resorts and all suites) or possibly renting a condo/house down there instead of going the all-inclusive route to avoid some of the crowd. The Cap Cana area is supposed to be amazing and less touristy.
Ali
http://editorialistyle.blogspot.com/
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
February 3, 2012 at 6:10 pmLooks like both of us have traveling on our brains. My pile of Lonely Planet is growing higher by the day. I've only ever been to Tijuana so I can't even comment about the country at all. Since I'm in Europe, my plan is to visit 2 new countries this year.
amy b.s.
February 3, 2012 at 7:15 pmthis makes me so want to take a vacation!
Anonymous
February 3, 2012 at 9:05 pmSorry…I don't know about that Tulum area question.
And another commenter said she stayed in Punta Cana and not once saw a drunk frat boy…well, I stayed in Punta Cana and again, it wasn't just frat boys…it was people of ALL ages. On an excursion, for example, after drinking up a storm, some guys started mooning my family (5th and 9th grader included). Maybe my entire experience was an exception to the DR, but I didn't get that feeling…
Katherine
February 3, 2012 at 10:05 pmThank you again! I am looking into St. Thomas more, it looks gorgeous 🙂
Tala
February 4, 2012 at 3:34 ami really need to read this carefully, i travel so much for work ! and to travel like a designer … that would be a dream 🙂
Girlie Blogger
February 4, 2012 at 7:11 amYou are making me want to take a trip too.
http://www.thegirlieblog.com
Fashionable Memories
February 4, 2012 at 7:15 amI've never been to both country, so I say both 🙂
homestilo
February 4, 2012 at 3:21 pmI'm so ready to travel to a warm locale (preferably one with beaches), either as a designer or as a commoner.
dajana, all kinds of lovely
February 6, 2012 at 5:50 amThe Caribbean!
We visited the Talamanca region of Costa Rica last year and LOVED it! You can check out my blog for pictures and restaurant reviews, if you'd like.
This winter we're heading to Negril, Jamaica but we're staying at an all inclusive resort, which is not usually our style. It'll be interesting to see how it goes. (I'm the kind of lady who researches restaurants and cool shops for DAYS on end).
Whatever destination you decide on will be wonderful, I'm sure.
keepsakes. etc
February 6, 2012 at 9:50 amyes! an LL bean is a must =)
Plami
February 6, 2012 at 10:20 amoh how I wish to travel like a designer :)))
XoXo
Plami
http://www.fashionthrill.com/
Jennipher
February 6, 2012 at 2:59 pmNot sure if you'll still see this, but yes, there were lots of food options off -resort but within walking distance of the Ritz in GC. There was a really good fish taco hut that we visited a couple of times, and also (oddly) a little shawarma takeout place that was good, fast and cheap. If you don't walk on the beach (which I avoid, since it's too much of a workout -ha!) then you have to walk down this fairly busy street, but there are sidewalks the whole way.
dietingfashions
February 6, 2012 at 3:58 pmI have always wanted to travel to the Caribbean. I think about going on a Cruise first to get an idea of which parts I like best and then maybe planning on a future trip to visit those parts more in depth.
I think Disney has a Caribbean cruise deal and I know their ships are decked out with some amazing details.
Katherine
February 6, 2012 at 5:26 pmThank you Jennipher! I now added this hotel to my "bucket list" I really need to try it out – it sounds amazing. You had me at shawarma and fish taco takeout! 🙂
chanello
February 6, 2012 at 8:07 pmLOVE THIS. Merci! So apropo for me! It's like we've caught the same travel bug. I'm planning Maui for March, Vegas for April, Monaco Grand Prix in late May, Cancun in June (Bach. party)!
chanello
February 6, 2012 at 8:11 pmSuggestions:
St. Barths – everyone's done eden rock. Try http://www.hotelchristopher.com/indexlangue.html New fav.
St. Martin – La Samanana!
I travel where there is awesome duty free for the best souvenirs…
(Both have H stores & Cartier)
Katherine
February 6, 2012 at 8:47 pmYou're welcome! I'm going to Maui and Cancun (prob) this year as well 🙂 Can't wait to hear about your trips!
Melody
February 11, 2012 at 11:49 pmI'm the same. It makes me happy to mentally plan where I'd be heading to the next year, the year after next…4 yrs later etc. 🙂
urbanjunglefashion
February 12, 2012 at 12:08 amMaybe it's because I'm in Texas and Mexico is only a heartbeat away (In Texas 7 hours means a heartbeat) So i vote for the Caribbeans!
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