Spending $20,000 to take my two young adult children to Bora Bora definitely raised some eyebrows. People were quick to ask if it was for a five-star resort and if we’d forgotten about college tuition. My answer to both was a resounding “yes.” But this wasn’t just any luxury vacation. It was a trip for a dear family friend’s wedding, a long-cherished dream for our family, and an experience I deeply wanted to share with my 18 and 21-year-olds. The
My Bora Bora Dream: From Hype to Heavenly Reality Bora Bora had long been the shimmering jewel of my travel dreams. I worried, as we all do, that this “never meet your heroes” scenario would play out once the reality of a place couldn’t live up to its hype. Yet, from the moment my plane touched down at Bora Bora airport, the journey transformed into an unparalleled luxury experience. Forget airport stress – I was immediately enveloped by the Westin
Our family’s dream trip to Bora Bora, initially envisioned as the ultimate tropical escape, quickly turned into something unexpected. Relaxing in an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia sounded idyllic, but about three days in, we realized it wasn’t what we truly wanted. Instead of feeling refreshed and disconnected, we felt restless and isolated. We, a family of four with two teenagers, began to crave more—more dining options, more activities, more people, and more nearby places to explore. So, we made
The morning sun paints Mount Otemanu’s volcanic peaks as I arrive at Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport. I’m immediately struck by this island paradox: 10,000 residents are set to welcome an astonishing 300,000 tourists in 2025. That’s a 30:1 visitor-to-local ratio, one of the highest globally. Standing on this historic WWII airstrip, I can already feel how this French Polynesian gem is balancing a tourism surge with its commitment to sustainable luxury. My daughter, Emma, who is seven, reminds me
Imagine touching down at Motu Mute Airport, the morning sun sparkling off the impossibly clear waters of Bora Bora. This isn’t just any island; it’s a global icon, a place where only 10,000 residents prepare to welcome an astounding 300,000 visitors in 2025. That’s a staggering 30 tourists for every local. What truly makes Bora Bora special, though, isn’t just its beauty or its popularity, but its deep commitment to making sure all those visitors don’t harm the very paradise
Get ready for Bora, a brand-new, open-air rooftop spot on the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s Celebrity Cruises’ first dedicated brunch venue, and it aims to blur the lines between being on a ship and enjoying a seaside escape. Think an over-the-top Bloody Mary bar, fancy cocktails, and all your brunch favorites with a delicious Mediterranean twist. As evening falls, Bora transforms into a romantic dinner destination, perfect for dressing up and enjoying a meal under
Embracing the Unhurried: Why Cornwall Leads the Global Slow Travel Revolution in 2025 Imagine a world where travel is less about ticking off a checklist and more about savoring each moment, soaking in the local culture, and truly connecting with a place. This isn’t a dream; it’s the future of tourism, and Cornwall, nestled on the southwestern tip of the UK, is leading the charge as the top slow travel destination in 2025. This shift reflects a growing desire for
Your Dream Honeymoon Awaits: Bora Bora on a Budget! So, you’ve tied the knot and now it’s time for that well-deserved escape. Imagine this: a romantic getaway to Bora Bora, where turquoise waters lap at the stilts of your overwater bungalow. Sounds expensive, right? Think again! While a Bora Bora honeymoon can be a splurge, we’re here to show you how to experience this dreamy French Polynesian paradise without breaking the bank. From savvy planning tips to unforgettable activities, get
Your Next Adventure Starts Here Imagine a world where every trip you plan, every hotel you book, and every flight you catch helps you earn rewards. Welcome to the magic of Chase Travel. It’s more than just a booking site; it’s your personal travel assistant, accessible right from chasetravel.com or through the sleek Chase Mobile® app. This is where your dreams of exploring new places truly take flight, quite literally, with points that get you closer to your next escapade.
Dreaming of Bora Bora? You’re not alone. Those iconic overwater bungalows, dazzling turquoise lagoons, and lush green peaks have captured the imaginations of countless travelers, myself included. It’s a place that effortlessly makes its way onto honeymoon wish lists and “best destinations ever” lists alike. Who wouldn’t want to unwind in a hammock, cocktail in hand, gazing at that breathtaking scenery? If you’re seriously considering a trip to this slice of paradise, a crucial question probably pops into your head:
Spending $20,000 to take my two young adult children to Bora Bora definitely raised some eyebrows. People were quick to ask if it was for a five-star resort and if we’d forgotten about college tuition. My answer to both was a resounding “yes.” But this wasn’t just any luxury vacation. It was a trip for a dear family friend’s wedding, a long-cherished dream for our family, and an experience I deeply wanted to share with my 18 and 21-year-olds. The flights, resort, and excursions added up, but I’d do it all again, no questions asked. A Family Tradition of
My Bora Bora Dream: From Hype to Heavenly Reality Bora Bora had long been the shimmering jewel of my travel dreams. I worried, as we all do, that this “never meet your heroes” scenario would play out once the reality of a place couldn’t live up to its hype. Yet, from the moment my plane touched down at Bora Bora airport, the journey transformed into an unparalleled luxury experience. Forget airport stress – I was immediately enveloped by the Westin staff, my bags whisked away, and a custom refillable water bottle placed in my hand. Then, I was escorted
Our family’s dream trip to Bora Bora, initially envisioned as the ultimate tropical escape, quickly turned into something unexpected. Relaxing in an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia sounded idyllic, but about three days in, we realized it wasn’t what we truly wanted. Instead of feeling refreshed and disconnected, we felt restless and isolated. We, a family of four with two teenagers, began to crave more—more dining options, more activities, more people, and more nearby places to explore. So, we made a drastic decision: we cut our five-day trip short and flew elsewhere. Looking back, it was absolutely the best
The morning sun paints Mount Otemanu’s volcanic peaks as I arrive at Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport. I’m immediately struck by this island paradox: 10,000 residents are set to welcome an astonishing 300,000 tourists in 2025. That’s a 30:1 visitor-to-local ratio, one of the highest globally. Standing on this historic WWII airstrip, I can already feel how this French Polynesian gem is balancing a tourism surge with its commitment to sustainable luxury. My daughter, Emma, who is seven, reminds me that the most beautiful sandcastles need the most careful protection. And that’s precisely what Bora Bora is trying to
Imagine touching down at Motu Mute Airport, the morning sun sparkling off the impossibly clear waters of Bora Bora. This isn’t just any island; it’s a global icon, a place where only 10,000 residents prepare to welcome an astounding 300,000 visitors in 2025. That’s a staggering 30 tourists for every local. What truly makes Bora Bora special, though, isn’t just its beauty or its popularity, but its deep commitment to making sure all those visitors don’t harm the very paradise they’ve come to see. As tourism here grows, the island focuses on responsible luxury, preserving its natural splendor and
Get ready for Bora, a brand-new, open-air rooftop spot on the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s Celebrity Cruises’ first dedicated brunch venue, and it aims to blur the lines between being on a ship and enjoying a seaside escape. Think an over-the-top Bloody Mary bar, fancy cocktails, and all your brunch favorites with a delicious Mediterranean twist. As evening falls, Bora transforms into a romantic dinner destination, perfect for dressing up and enjoying a meal under the stars. It’s one of several new culinary spaces planned for the Xcel, and while it’s a specialty restaurant,
I was looking into renting a car for two months this summer. I found a corporate discount code for National Car Rental. This code would save me about $800, which is a lot of money. The problem is, I’m not actually part of the company that owns the code. So, technically, I shouldn’t be using it. The code also includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). National won’t let me remove the CDW unless I also remove the discount code. This got me thinking about what might happen if things went wrong. My credit card offers primary rental car insurance.
Barbados’ Colony Club Reopens: A New Dawn of Luxury on the Platinum Coast Imagine stepping into a world where classic elegance meets modern comfort, all wrapped in the breathtaking beauty of Barbados. That’s exactly what awaits with the grand reopening of Colony Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, on September 24, 2025. This isn’t just another hotel; it’s a piece of Barbadian history meticulously revitalized, ready to offer an unparalleled escape on the island’s famous Platinum Coast. If you’ve been dreaming of a truly unforgettable Caribbean getaway, Colony Club is now poised to redefine luxury tourism. A Legacy Reimagined: From
Remember when a trip to Hawaii felt like a simple indulgence? That $500 vacation is now closer to $1,000, and it’s making many of us rethink our plans. Consider Ken, who’d visited the islands annually for 15 years. This year, his usual budget couldn’t stretch. The hotel he loved had doubled in price, golf rates shot up, and even flights felt less like a deal. It’s a stark new reality. This isn’t just about Hawaii being expensive; it’s about the price increases outpacing our loyalty. Across countless online forums and flight search results, a common sentiment echoes: the game
Dreaming of Maldives? You’re not alone. This archipelago, with its stunning white sands, tropical climate, and iconic overwater villas, tops many travel wish lists. But with over 150 hotels and resorts scattered across the atolls, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking a back-to-nature escape, a trendy beach club, a holistic spa retreat, or an ultra-luxury private island, figuring out where to stay requires careful consideration. That’s where I come in! I’ve done the groundwork to help you find the absolute best, ensuring your trip is truly unforgettable. When to Visit Paradise Timing your trip to
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Feast: Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival Returns in 2026! Picture this: the sun-drenched Bahamas, the gentle ocean breeze, and a symphony of incredible flavors. Get ready because the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival (NPIWFF) is making its grand return to Atlantis Paradise Island from March 11 to 15, 2026. This isn’t just another event; it’s a celebration of global cuisine, Bahamian culture, and pure joy. I remember my first time at this festival. The air was buzzing with excitement, and every corner offered a new taste sensation. It’s more than
Hurricane Erin has stirred up a lot of trouble for travelers this week. If you had plans for Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, or the Cayman Islands, you’re likely seeing schedule changes. Even folks on the US East Coast are feeling the storm’s effects, with dangerous waves and rip currents making beach days a no-go. Travel companies are scrambling to keep everyone safe, shifting flights and cruise routes to avoid the worst of it. A Traveler’s Tale: Navigating Hurricane Erin’s Wake I remember a trip to the Jersey Shore years ago, right after a tropical storm skirted the coast.
