{Postcard From Cape Town}: The Best of South Africa's Mother City

 

Africa.

To say it was looming on my travel bucket list for seemingly forever would be an understatement for how intensely I longed to visit the continent.  Not only because of my ancestral history and connection to the land, but because I genuinely anticipated taking in the vastness of its rich cultural, culinary, natural and historical landscapes.

Yet, my travels somehow continued to lead me elsewhere.  

And so, I finally made the personal determination that 2024 was my year to finally visit the Motherland.  I didn’t know where my footprint would land first, but as it happened, Cape Town, South Africa, was my portal into the continent I was longing to see and experience and behold the land of my origin.

It was a perfect introduction and fulfillment of my determination to finally get there, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights from my inaugural—but certainly not singular or final—entree into the continent of my travel dreams.

Marking my fifth continent visited to date (as a solo traveler, to boot), my anticipation for my arrival in Africa stirred so many emotions - excitement, wonder, belonging, connection and more—within me.

Embarking upon the Cape Town International Airport and finally settling my feet on the pavement outside of the airplane was a joyous moment--and one that remained throughout my visit and beyond.

If I had to characterize my stay in Cape Town, I’d say it was a veritable highlights reel of the best this destination has to offer—and I’m immensely grateful that I got to experience it all, amidst the gorgeous weather that crowned my visit.  From waterfronts, to mountain tops, wineries, safaris, cultural and culinary exposés, mixed with local art, cuisine and R&R, it was everything I could have wished for.

I spent my first day getting settled, enjoying a delicious lunch, and taking in the vibrant V&A (Virginia and Alfred) Waterfront, studded with yachts, shops, eateries, and bustling activity.  That soon led me to a highly anticipated museum exhibition—and with only an hour to spare until closing, I managed to take it all in (a feat for me), before heading to the stunning, adjacent hotel for a pre-dinner sip and gorgeous sunset views of majestic Table Mountain.  I wrapped the evening with an early-ish dinner and then it was back to my hotel for a wind-down in anticipation of an early start the next morning.

The days that ensued included forays in heart of—along with escapes to—various parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape.  I saw and indulged in glorious mountains, beaches, wine farms, local neighborhoods, markets, wildlife, restaurants, spas, and more, combined with connecting with exceptional locals and fellow travelers, alike.

  

And when the time for my departure finally arrived, you don't have to guess whether I was longing for more time to explore and enjoy this South African hallmark.

Now back home, I’m left with the treasure of indelible postcard memories that I will savor for a lifetime.  I hope this inspires you to seek out your own dream destinations (and to add Cape Town to your list!) and create experiences that will fuel you for years to come.

Happy Travels and Inspired Living!

Postcard From San Francisco: 6 Top Ways To Spend 24 Hours or Less

 

If you’re looking to make the most of a visit to San Francisco, I’ve got you covered.  During my latest jaunt to 'The City by the Bay', I took in six highlights that will make your visit unforgettable for all the right reasons.  And did I mention that you can do it all in a day or less?!

Here’s my itinerary for some of the best loved sights, attractions, and food, in the city—replete with memories to last a lifetime:

1. Ghirardelli Square - chocolate lover or not, this San Francisco staple is worth a whiz.  Serving beautiful views, quaint shops, and, of course, Ghirardelli goodness (think delectable candies, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, and more), it’s a scrumptious slice of the San Francisco pie.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf -  from my first visit to San Francisco many years ago, to my most recent visit, a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do.  Beyond the water and boat views, there is the matter of restaurants serving up seafood, the famous sourdough bread, clam chowder and more!  I went for a classic lunch of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin, but the options are seemingly endless, for whatever whets your appetite.  Final tip: come hungry and prepare to linger a while.

3. A short bay cruise to take in views of the San Francisco cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz is a surefire delight and bang for your buck.  One hour and $20 later, you’ll have great photos, a bit of history under your belt, and lasting postcard memories in-hand.

4. Hop on a cable car to Union Square.  A repeat indulgence of mine when I visit, cable cars are quintessential San Francisco and a charming way to make your way to key attractions in the city.  Conveniently located at the Wharf and other city points, you can hop on a one-way or round trip car.  For all day travel, you can also opt for a visitor passport.  I enjoyed a one-way ride to Union Square for $8, proving it’s also a more affordable way to go than local taxis and ride shares.

5. Strolling and shopping in trendy Union Square.  If you’re looking to do some shopping while visiting, there’s no better place to get it in than in Union Square.  Spanning several blocks, enjoy the outdoors while walking from shop to shop and taking in more of the San Francisco landscape.

6. The Ferry Building.  A destination within a destination, the Ferry Building is expansive and, as the name implies, is home to San Francisco’s ferry, along with coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with water views and ferry rides awaiting, to boot.  I wrapped my evening in San Francisco with an al fresco dinner at the Hog Island Oyster Company (recommended as a must-try by Eater San Francisco), that was the perfect seal to a great day of casual delights.

Whether you visit for several hours, a day, or beyond, you’ll enjoy these San Francisco staples that continue to delight visitors again and again with lasting postcard memories.

Happy Travels!

5 Essential Tips for Successful Solo Travel

 

Havana, Cuba

Solo travel can seem daunting for some, but let me assure you that it’s absolutely doable and fulfilling—when done right.  After traveling to four continents and numerous countries, cities and islands as a solo traveler, it’s fair to say that I know a little something about this often avoided way of exploring.

So if you never, or rarely, travel alone, I want to boost your confidence and savvy with five tips for a successful solo journey—because life’s too short to wait around.

1.  Research, research, research.  Although you can’t know everything about a destination before arrival, you can get a major head start by taking the time to research.  From lodging, to dining, to cultural outlets, nightlife, ground transportation, local customs and norms, and more, the more you know, the better.  Not into all that research? Let my travel company, Postcard Travel Boutique, do the heavy lifting for you.

2.  Document and share.  Once your itinerary comes together, be sure to share it with family and/or friends so that they can know your intended whereabouts and monitor your safe comings and goings. This also includes real-time updates and check-ins while navigating your destination(s).

3.  Seek out curated activities that will allow you to safely engage with others, while still enjoying what a destination has to offer.  Hosted tours and classes are really good avenues, among others.

4.  Go at your own pace. One of the biggest ‘wins’ of solo travel is being in complete control of what happens—and when.  Whether it’s sleeping in after a late night, or lingering longer over an art exhibition, there are no rules for enjoying your journey.

5.  Make lots of postcard memories!  And repeat.

I hope the possibilities of solo travel feel more in reach than ever before and that your solo travel confidence is boosted.  When you’re ready to go, go at the pace that feels right to you and keep these tips on hand for….

Happy Traveling!

5 Essential Tips For The Best Road Trip

Growing up, road tripping was the de facto way of travel for my family. From summer vacations to the beach, to family reunions, and everything in between, if we went—it was a road trip. (In fact, I didn’t board my first flight until I was in college.)

Times have surely changed—for my family and likely most travelers—with the road trip being eclipsed by air travel as the more common way of travel. 

And then came a global pandemic that changed everything. 

Now, as many are preparing to travel this Summer and beyond, the road trip is taking center stage once again as a popular way to go and explore against the ongoing pandemic backdrop. 

If done right, road trips are travel goals for taking in more than a singular destination, going at your pace, soaking in scenic routes and attractions, and bonding with travel companions on another level. 

Here are my 5 tips for making your journey one to remember—for all the right reasons:

1. Know Thyself.

Your travel personality (get there already, stop & smell the roses along the way, or a mix of both) will be key for embarking on a road trip that feels like a joy vs. a cruel sentence. Knowing how you typically like to go and flow (with some flexibility built in for surprising yourself) will put you in a positive space for embracing the journey ahead.

2. What happens in the car—matters. 

One of my most memorable road trips growing up was one where we sang all of Whitney Houston’s new (at the time) album. I knew every song by heart by the time we were done. Talk about fun! So prepare your playlists (music, podcasts, audio books & such) to keep the good vibes in gear. 

3. Food, food and more food. Keep the “hangries” at bay with a good stash of stacks. A mix of healthy snacks (fresh fruits, nuts, popcorn, flavored waters) and indulgences (chips, jerky, cheese and crackers, sweet treats, etc.) can go a long way in between stops and fuller meals. And if you have kids, it's a non-negotiable for keeping everyone sane and satiated. :)

4. Prepare for a safe journey. 

Be sure to check your car, stash a first aid kit, extra gallons of water, chargers and more, before hitting the road. 

5. Add travel resources to your arsenal. 

Roadtrippers, AAA, and other road trip apps, are essentials for seamlessly planning the perfect getaway. 

I wish you a safe, healthy Summer and lots of...

Happy Traveling!

Photo Credit: Bon Traveler

5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel

Memories from Florence, Italy

 While the prospect of holiday travel can come with excitement and anticipation of enjoying an amazing getaway, it can also bring its unique set of challenges. To help you make the most of your holiday travels (and beyond), here are five tips to keep in tow:

1. Embrace Your Inner Early Bird or Night Owl for Going To and Fro —Planning for very early or very late typically results in lighter crowds and clutter on the road, on the train, or as you’re trying to get through airport security.

2. Pack Light —I’m still working on this one, admittedly, but a lighter load allows for carry-on ease, minimizing the stress (and extra $$) associated with checked baggage in the case of air travel. Plus it’s all-around easier to manuever across multi-destinations.

3. Avoid Tight Connections —Because despite the best laid plans, delays sometimes occur. And nothing shrieks stress like the possibility of missing a connection,

4. Stay Powered Up —If you’ve ever glanced at your phone to see that low battery warning staring back, then you know the angst of not having enough juice for the journey. Make sure your mobile devices and portable chargers are fully powered before leaving home.

5. Get Organized —Gather important documentation, such as passports, boarding passes, itineraries, etc. and keep them organized and easily accessible. In the case of international travel, check sites like the State Department for relevant travel requirements, advisories, country information and related updates.

Now, you’re more ready than ever to enjoy…

Happy Travels!

This article originally appeared on Postcard Travel Boutique

5 Essential Travel Tips For When You're On the Go Again

When this year began, my travel horizons were higher than ever. For me and for my clients. And things seemed to be going to plan (my first—now only—getaway—was to NYC in late January and it served up special and fulfilling memories on several fronts.) And then a global pandemic changed everything.

Uncertainty, hopes for a soon-to-come rebound to “life as usual,” and heightened impact on the way we come, go, liaise and live, started to emerge. With more than a few cautionary tales that have arisen on the travel and personal safety terrains, in particular, and because the impacts of COVID-19 continue to linger, I’m sharing FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS for keeping your travels as stress-free as possible and your wanderlust in high gear.

1. Secure comprehensive travel insurance to minimize the impact of cancellations and other disruptions (e.g. delayed or lost luggage, local healthcare, etc.)

2. Regularly check CDC and state department sites for travel updates, alerts, restrictions, etc., before and during travel. Also do as much research as possible to understand conditions at your destination (domestic and international).

3. Practice excellent personal hygiene, take care of yourself, and do your part as a global citizen to foster healthy environments, including refraining from going out while sick. That vacation or event will come around again once you’re healthy and our world is out of the current health crisis.

4. Dream, plan, and prepare for future travel. Feed your wanderlust regularly and anticipate the postcard memories on the horizon when your travels resume.

5. Let my travel company, Postcard Travel Boutique, help you plan and navigate your travels, and related questions, including ensuring you’re informed and have a ready resource on the ground to assist during any travel concerns.

Here’s to more travel and to more postcard-worthy experiences in the days to come!

Happy Travels!

This article originally appeared on Postcard Travel Boutique.