BUCKET LIST TRAVEL

Today is my birthday June 12th and let me tell you I really wanted to be in another country for my birthday and add another country to my bucket list but it just didn't work out because I was looking after my Mother while she was in hospice this year. My precious Mother died on the 11th of May 2025 (Mother's Day in the U.S.A.) and I had to go to New York State to have her buried next to her parents and after five days in New York State and five days in the province of Ontario, Canada it was time to return back home and to my stressful job. When our dreams don't work out there are alternatives. I adapted and adjusted my plans on the day of my birthday and headed north of where I live and found out that sometimes we can find contentment right in our own backyard. Thanks to my boyfriend, my birthday turned out just fine with impromptu local travel. My boyfriend did all the driving on this road trip on the 12th of June. Heading north on U.S. 31 our first stop was Charlevoix , t...

The Dominican Republic, a Spanish speaking country in the Caribbean shares its island with Haiti. With extensive beaches, evergreen forests, fertile valleys, and even some desert zones, the Dominican Republic  is a popular Caribbean tourist destination, especially when you want to destress. When my department was outsourced at a major hotel that I worked at in Manhattan, New York, I was depressed and in denial because I loved my job. Now was the time to take a vacation and regroup. I was able to get an amazing deal to the Dominican Republic for my mother and myself. We stayed at Iberostar All- Inclusive Resort in Puerto Plata and it was awesome! Why an all inclusive resort? It's a hassle free vacation. You pay an upfront cost for accommodations, meals, drinks, and a variety of activities. My mother and I had such a happy seven days of swimming in the beautiful pool, receiving a splendid spa treatment, taking a free Spanish language course, walking on the nature trails, en...

A big "Bonjour" to Montreal, an international city located in the French speaking province known as Quebec. Situated on the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal is easy to navigate whether you choose to bicycle, drive, walk, or rely on the dependable bus and subway system. I recently visited Montreal for the seventh time and I discovered places and things I never knew of in my previous visits. Whether you stay a day, a week, a month, or become a lifelong resident Montreal has much to offer. Let's explore the wonders of  M O N T R E A L......... Rue Wellington in the heart of Verdun is  o ne of the coolest streets in the world. It's named for the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. Promenade Wellington is a 1.3 kilometer strip with over two hundred and fifty businesses. It's pedestrian friendly from June to mid September. Begin your adventure with an in-house drink at Cafe Komma Rosta. You can have your caffeine for the day with a mochaccino or enjoy so...

DETROIT, THE MOTOR CITY: I was born and raised in and around Detroit and as I get older I realize just how lucky I was to grow up in an international city known for architectural wonders, cultural stimulation, great dining options, Motown music, museums, nature, and proximity to Canada. Detroit, the Motor City has attractions galore. Enjoy Detroit! Here's a little Detroit History: The French word for Detroit is le Detroit, which means "strait." Detroit sits on a deep river named the Detroit River with spectacular views of  Windsor, Ontario, Canada. DETROIT was founded by French explorer Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac and about one hundred settlers on the 24th of July, 1701. Detroit was the first European settlement above tidewater in North America,   What started off as a fur trading city in the 1700's turned into a thriving hub of commerce and industry, eventually turning into a booming auto industry. attracting thousands of people with different ethnic backgrounds wh...

Today I've survived a major snowstorm that has dumped two feet of snow and brought icy road conditions, high winds, and frigid Arctic temperatures. I was able to walk two hundred yards to a local Mexican cafe to get a burrito and now all I can think of is that trip I took to Cancun, Mexico long ago. Cancun, a Mexican city on the Yucatan Peninsula that borders the Caribbean Sea has impressive turquoise colored beaches, and a numerous amount of resorts and nightlife. At this current moment in mid January it is 79F/26C in Cancun, a perfect temperature for boating, sunbathing, swimming, and walking along the beach. With its swaying palm trees, vibrant coral reefs, and unique archeological sites, Cancun is an ideal place to relax and have a sunny vacation. Top Things To Do In Cancun: 1. Sit on the beach with a refreshing beverage or find a hammock to swing on when you're not swimming in the beautiful turquoise water. 2. Spend time at Nichupte Lagoon, a paradise representi...

                                                            Iceland is an expensive country but there are ways to enjoy it on a budget, such as staying in hostels and shopping for food at supermarkets like Bonus. Whatever your budget, you'll find Iceland to be full of natural wonders. The Icelandic people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. If you like traveling, add Iceland to your bucket list. ICELAN D , the land of ice and fire is a top tourist country destination and for good reason. ICELAND is currently the #1 safest country in the world. In Iceland you'll find plenty of pure air & water, and scenery that will take your breath away. From black beaches to glaciers & geysers, to beautiful healing lagoons and thermal pools, Northern lights, fjords, mountains, and a cosmopolitan city....these are just some of t...