To the Caribbean and savings in summer

To the Caribbean and savings in summer

Come here in summer and you may be able to afford to vacation like the 1 percenters. Like everywhere in the Caribbean, you can save significant bucks on airfare, as well as lodging.

The Wild Side of Puerto Rico: Extreme Sports f

The Wild Side of Puerto Rico: Extreme Sports f

‘Snuba’ is not a typo, it’s one of the fastest growing aquatic activities that combines the best of snorkeling and scuba diving and allows you to explore coral reefs in the depths of the tropical seas without getting scuba diving certified.

Remembering a friends getaway to Puerto Rico

Remembering a friends getaway to Puerto Rico

I’m here with two old friends for a girlfriends’ getaway too and we decide Puerto Rico is a good bet—easy to reach, no passports required and plenty to do (even a big outlet mall, if you are so inclined.)

Discovering the beauty of the California Coastal region

Discovering the beauty of the California Coastal region

During our five-mile hike, we see plump yellow banana slugs, the tiny Calypso orchid and blooming trillium, a member of the lily family. But the best part is the conversations with my daughter, Reg, who lives across the country from us in San Francisco. I’d forgotten how conducive hiking is to catching up!

Exploring the coastal region near Half Moon Bay

Exploring the coastal region near Half Moon Bay

This area is also home California’s first and only broad based ecotourism visitor program, through which more than 30 farmers, fisherman and business community members have come together to offer visitors hands-on activities and a chance to meet local residents.

Lower Manhattan is New York’s must-see destination

Lower Manhattan is New York’s must-see destination

We’re talking about Lower Manhattan — specifically the area south of Chambers Street that’s surrounded by water on three sides. In 2011, a record 9.8 million tourists visited Lower Manhattan — 800,000 more than the previous year.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a safe place for kids to learn

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a safe place for kids to learn

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention we’re less than a year away from Dec. 21, 2012, the date the ancient Mayan Long Count calendar forecasts will signal the end of all humanity. But experts aren’t convinced and I’m not worried.

Learning to scuba dive with the whole family

Learning to scuba dive with the whole family

I’m just thankful to share this spectacular adventure in paradise with my husband and kids. It’s terrific — and rare — when you can find something you all enjoy, especially as the kids grow older