I grew up surrounded by the idea of Africa. After a few hunting safaris, my grandfather’s passion for Africa was undeniable, and this infectious enthusiasm easily spread to my mother and grandmother. My family’s houses were filled with photos of giraffes, rhinos, lions, and elephants; antelope heads and zebra skins; and stories of encounters that…
Who says you can’t go home again? I grew up in the suburbs of the “windy city,” but didn’t feel the need to re-visit until I heard a stream of glowing reports from fellow San Diegans. The destination they described hardly sounded like the “City of the Big Shoulders” I remembered. When I went to…
Summers and vacations are like ice cream and cones: You can have the former without the latter, but it’s a lot less fun. Make every last lick of this favorite season last with a weekend getaway. All you have to do is leave work a little early on Friday and you’ll be back at your…
Known as “the nest,” the verdant Ojai Valley is surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains and covered with citrus trees and centuries’ old oaks, and is regarded by the early Chumash Indians as a place of healing. Much later it depicted Shangri-La, the idyllic valley in Frank Capra’s 1937 Hollywood classic Lost Horizon. It’s easy…
Some travel trends come and go, but destination weddings have steadily increased in popularity over the last several years. And why not? Imaginative brides have expanded the concept to create multi-day celebrations in beautiful locations where everyone gets to have fun. At some point during this mini-vacation, a memorable marriage ceremony takes place. My young…