Kumano Kodo Japan If you are like most of the world, you probably have never heard of the Kumano Kodo. I didn't know of it either until I was introduced to the Kumano Kodo trek by friends with whom I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I certainly knew where Japan was, but I…
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Smoky Mountains Adventure Travel – Top Three Adventure Travel Activities
Top Three Smoky Mountain Adventure Travel Activities This fall, I treated myself to a visit to the most popular National Park of them all, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you haven't been, I suggest you put this gem on your shortlist as there are plentiful hikes, great rafting conditions, beautiful drives, and even train…
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Remembering to Look Up in Ireland
Happy Look Up Day! Although starting out as a holiday in 2010 to remind us all to: 1) Be in the moment & 2) Find the upside, Look Up Day has morphed into embracing the Look Up mantra/life tool for every day and anywhere you are. Recently on an adventure to discover my roots in…
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Cincinnati Adventure Travel – Top 4 Adventure Activities in the Queen City
This fall, I went along for a ride with my PIC on a work trip to Cincinnati, Ohio. As it was my first time in Ohio, I was curious as to what adventures the Queen City or Cincy could provide. The first thing that surprised me was landing at the airport in Kentucky instead of…
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A Taste of Madrid Spain: Tapas, Vino, y Más featured in Home By Design
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, it stands to reason that it is also the best way to get to know a culture. In Spain, there is no better way to get a taste of the best of Spanish food, wine, and culture than its capital. In Madrid, much of…
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Driving a ’54 Plymouth in Baracoa, Cuba
On a road off the beaten path we caught a glimpse of El Yunque, a tabletop mountain and summit of one of my up and coming hikes in the area. My driver Octavio asked, "Quieres manejar?" I thought for a second, did I want to drive? After nearly a decade of travel to Cuba, I had ridden…
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Outdoor Adventures in St. Pete Florida – Fort de Soto Park
I often challenge people to tell me, "What's your next adventure?" Many have plans to travel abroad or visit our National Parks, but others look at me and say something like, "How can I afford to go on an adventure? I don't have the time. I have too much work to do." What I hear…
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Look Up from Oahu Hawaii to Prepare for Japan
Revisiting the Hawaiian Islands The beauty of Hawaii never gets old: majestic mountain views and dreamy seascapes; however, it is a long way from everywhere. Last month, on a return visit to Oahu, I used both Mother Nature and distance to my advantage to inspire this Look Up lesson and new adventure. Time Zones Away…
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Oahu Hawaii Hikes – Stairway to Heaven – Moanalua
When most visit Oahu, Waikiki Beach is the focus. However, once you have experienced a sunset catamaran sail, a drink at Duke's and perhaps a surfing lesson, it is time to get out of Honolulu and into the mountains. Although there are countless hikes on the island, there is one that is the creme de…
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Five Adventure Travel Musts in Puerto Rico
Whether you believe its name Puerto Rico (Rich Port) or its nickname La Isla del Encanto (the Enchanted Island), you are right. Puerto Rico certainly lives up to both names. Rich in culture and history, Puerto Rico surprises and delights with its rainforests, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. Recently, I spent a jam-packed week in Puerto…
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