What is Zika? Per the Centers for Disease Control: "Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week." That does not sound like … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2016
5 Things to do in Panama City, Panama
See the views of Panama City from Ancon Hill This could be a good thing to do on your first day in Panama City if you are tired and want to do something easy and scenic. Ancon Hill is the highest point in the city at 654 feet and is easily reached by taxi. You can also hike up from the base but that looked unnecessarily strenuous to Blonde and Ginger (stand-in for Brunette on … [Read more...]
Travel where terrorists don’t go
What attracts terrorists? Terrorism and travel have, sadly, become topics that many of us now consider in tandem when we do our trip planning. We may not like to admit to ourselves that terrorists scare us away from travel destinations we would like to visit. And we all know that terrorists could theoretically strike anywhere at any time. But there are places that have not … [Read more...]
How to maintain your fitness while on a European River Cruise
The popularity of European River Cruises European River Cruises have enjoyed a consistent upward demand curve for quite a few years now and many of the dominant players have high numbers of repeat travelers. Blonde and Brunette are enthusiastic river cruise advocates. We have done 4 in a little over a year and have already booked 2 for 2016. Why are European River Cruises … [Read more...]
How to keep travel memories alive
Why it can be hard to keep your travel memories alive We travel like fugitives on the run (think El Chapo but with much nicer accommodations and sans Sean Penn) which makes it challenging to keep our travel memories alive after the trips have ended. One time, years ago when Blonde was still employed in a grown-up's job, she returned late on a … [Read more...]
Hacienda San Angel – A romantic hideaway in Puerto Vallarta
History of Hacienda San Angel When Blonde and Brunette recently visited Puerto Vallarta we decided to take Richard Burton up on his Valentine's Day gift and stay at Hacienda San Angel. We are not romantic sisters (or romantic in general) but Richard Burton apparently was as he gave this lovely building to his wife Susan Somebody-or-Other in 1977. Legend has it that Burton … [Read more...]
5 Easy steps to take to avoid travel fees
Yes, travel does cost money but here are 5 easy steps - most of which we learned the hard way - that you can take to avoid unnecessary travel fees. (Please keep in mind that we're travel bloggers, not lawyers, CPAs or financial advisors. That should be a relief to everyone.) Don’t buy unnecessary travel insurance We have purchased travel insurance for every … [Read more...]