Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 10

Tikkun Olam: Restoring Palisades School Libraries, One Book at a Time

The recent fires in Los Angeles have left many feeling overwhelmed, struggling to process the devastation and wondering if their efforts can truly make a difference. But in moments of crisis, individual action has the power to spark real change.

Zibby Owens, owner of Zibby���s Bookshop in Santa Monica and a Palisades resident, knows this firsthand. After her own home was impacted by the Palisades fire, she quickly mobilized to help others. She organized a pop-up clothing drive, rallying over 50 brands to donate essentials for more than 800 families who lost their homes. Now, she���s taking her efforts even further���committing to rebuilding the school libraries for four Palisades schools destroyed in the fire, where many students are also facing the devastating loss of their homes.

To further support the community, Zibby’s Bookshop in partnership with Scholastic and LitWorld gave away 1,000 children���s books for World Read Aloud Day, ensuring that young readers affected by the fire can still find comfort and inspiration in stories.

Her story is a powerful reminder: even in the face of overwhelming loss, action matters. The question isn���t just can you make a difference���but how you will.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zibby Owens (@zibbyowens)

Let’s Rebuild School Libraries. Together.

Zibby’s Bookshop is launching a campaign to help Palisades schools that have been destroyed by the fire. Please help.

Zibby Owens

Feb 04, 2025

Donate

Hi everyone,

As you may know, I���m the owner of Zibby���s Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA and a (part-time) Palisades resident who has been deeply affected by the fire. I���ve just finished organizing a pop-up clothing drive for 800+ families who lost their homes with items donated by 50+ brands.

Now, I���m committing to rebuild the school libraries for four Palisades schools which have been destroyed by the fire. Many of the students at these schools have also lost their homes.

Please consider what it would feel like if you were in this situation, if your school library (and school) had burned down. Think about what books you loved reading growing up. The librarians. The cozy nook where you fell into a book that changed your life. Or think about the power of school libraries for your kids. The books they���ve brought home and begged you to read. The chapter books they couldn���t put down. The times you volunteered to read to the class.

Now imagine losing all of it.

I know so many people want to help families who have been affected by the fires but just don���t know how. Here���s one specific way you can help.

Donate

Please contribute to the Zibby���s Bookshop campaign to rebuild the school libraries of

St. Matthew���s Parish SchoolSeven Arrows Elementary SchoolThe Village SchoolMarquez Charter Elementary School

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zibby Owens (@zibbyowens)

You can contribute at any level.

$0 – $20: Helper

$21 – $50: Great Helper

$51 – $100: Super Helper

$101 – $250: Awesome Helper

$251 – $500: Incredible Helper

$501 – $1,000: Amazing Helper

$1,001 – $10,000: Fantastic Helper

$10,001 – $100,000: SUPERSTAR Helper

$100,001 – $800,000: UNBELIEVABLE Helper

Every donation helps. In addition to donating yourself, please, please forward the drive to all your friends and family who might consider joining you in this effort. Give others the opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone���s life.

We will try to put personalized bookplates in all the donated books with your names (or whoever you���d like to honor, perhaps your kids!) or will find other specific ways to acknowledge your generosity.

Let���s get the schools their books again. It���s the least we can do.

Donate

(Note: please no used books or individual book donations at this point. The schools have specific catalogs that we will be replacing so while the thought is lovely, please don���t send or offer books you���ve written or have in your own library. Thank you!)

The post Tikkun Olam: Restoring Palisades School Libraries, One Book at a Time appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

My Bucketlist 7th Continent: Niver’s Jan News 2025

January News 2025 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:Milestones, Memories & Change in Motion

January has been a month of milestones, challenges, and unforgettable moments. I made it to my 7th continent! After years of dreaming, I finally set foot in Antarctica, surrounded by breathtaking ice, whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. Sailing with Quark Expeditions on the Ultramarine was an adventure of a lifetime, and I can���t wait to share more videos and stories from this incredible journey.

9th Journalism Award & Standing Strong as a Jewish Author

I���m honored to have now won nine journalism awards between the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (NAEJ) and the Southern California Journalism Awards. It���s not always easy being a Jewish author in today���s world, especially with the wave of online hate, but I remain committed to telling meaningful stories and amplifying voices that need to be heard.

Another exciting milestone? My memoir, BRAVE-ish, is now in the library aboard Quark���s expedition ship! Knowing that my story is sailing through the icy waters of Antarctica���just like I did���feels surreal.

500 Days of Waiting: A Moment of Hope

While I celebrate these achievements, I can���t ignore the weight of the world. It has been nearly 500 days of waiting for the hostages to return home. While some have returned, too many are still being held in dark tunnels.

The LA fires have also been devastating, another reminder of how fragile life can be. Through it all, I hold onto the belief that small steps lead to big changes.

Join Me February 13 at The Adventurers’ Club

One of the most exciting events coming up? My talk at The Adventurers’ Club on Galentine’s Day, February 13! This legendary institution has gathered every Thursday for 103 years, and in a long-overdue shift, women were finally allowed to become members in 2024.

I can���t wait to share stories from my travels, my 7th continent adventure, and what I���ve learned about pushing boundaries���whether in exploration, storytelling, or breaking barriers.

Here���s to new adventures, bold steps, and making 2025 unforgettable.

Wondering where to travel next?I loved celebrating Heather’s birthday at TWO Velas Resorts in Mexico! Check out both Casa Velas and Grand Velas–it is a direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles. I had the most relaxing time at SECRETS BAHIA MITA! It was the Ultimate Unlimited Luxury Experience by Hyatt!I loved my adventures on Ruby Princess for a California Coastal Cruise. It was so much fun I had to make TWO articles about it: Part 1 SF & Santa Barbara and Part 2 Los Angeles & San Diego. Thank you Princess Cruises! Did you hear me on iHeart Radio? Click here to listen in!! More events for BRAVE-ish are coming in 2025!

See you on Feb 13, 2025 in Los Angeles. I will also be speaking in Dallas and Oklahoma. Want me to speak at your book group or conference? INVITE ME!!

Do you LOVE my book BRAVE-ish? PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW!! Click here to go directly to rate or review BRAVE-ish on Amazon (now at 61 reviews. Help me get to 75) You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Simon & Schuster, Post Hill Press, Target, Walmart, BookShop, BAM! and wherever you get your audiobooks!

People always ask me where is it best to buy my book. I recommend you go into or call your favorite local book store and ask them to order it for you and pick it up IN THE STORE! You never know what other treasures you will find. Any bookstore can order my book because my publisher is Post Hill Press and it is distributed by Simon and Schuster. My book is now in store at Dubray bookstore on Grafton in Dublin, Ireland! Brave-ish is available all over the globe!

Learn more about my events: click here and my articles here Want to travel more? I have a Travel Writer 101 class on Udemy. CLICK here for a coupon to take my class for FREE! WATCH my podcast, “MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE?” on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast,  Google Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart Radio THANK YOU for watching my award-winning podcast, Make Your Own Map! It has now been seen and heard in 55 countries on 7 continents. WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over 2.25 Million views on YouTube! (now at: 2,290,000).

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 4,470 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE

Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow me on social @LisaNiver TikTok, X  Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, BlueSky and at LisaNiver.com.

Have you heard my recent podcast episode? Explore WILD IRELAND which I filmed on location when I was in Ireland for my TV special on The Jet Set. I am GRATEFUL beyond words to the entire team at THE JET SET TV who have made my TV dreams come true. THANK YOU!

LOS ANGELES: See you FEBRUARY 13, 2025 at The Adventurers’ Club! Register TODAY! SO MANY PHOTOS from Crossing the Antarctic Circle with Quark Expeditions. Click here to see all of my videos so far!

The post My Bucketlist 7th Continent: Niver’s Jan News 2025 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Los Angeles Times: Lost Luggage, Missed Flights, Why Travel?

Thank you Los Angeles Times for publishing my article: “Lost luggage, Missed Flights, WHY TRAVEL?” in PRINT!!

As an L.A. native and a professional traveler, I know getting a ride to LAX is rarely fun. But even I was tested in summer 2023 after an Uber and then a Lyft canceled on me when I needed to be at the airport in an hour and a half.

Trying not to throw up for fearing of missing my flight, I drove myself to the familiar parking lot next to the In-N-Out on Sepulveda. I checked in by app, photographed the spot so that later my dad and nephew could retrieve my car, and galloped to the airport shuttle. At the terminal, the woman who checked my bag said I got there in time ��� with 11 minutes to spare. I tried to think in pass/fail terms: I made it. I would board the plane to Loreto, Baja California, to go scuba diving.

After traveling to more than 100 countries and working on dozens of cruise ships for three companies, I have experienced not just sprints to the airport but also hurricanes, medical emergencies and helicopter evacuations. I���m used to the perpetual horror stories about flight delays, astronomical ticket prices and other challenges. What keeps me going ��� even more than opportunities to, say, swim with stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Island, Indonesia, or see a 380-foot Buddha statue near Monywa, Myanmar ��� is that nothing quite compares to the magic of unexpected connections that travel can bring.

On a trip to Israel, after my luggage got lost in transit, a fellow traveler who was joining my group excursion arranged to receive the daily contact lenses I desperately needed in the mail. One new friend shared a dress and another her curling iron.

The help from strangers has gone beyond the practical. To reinvent myself after my divorce, I challenged myself to complete 50 dares around the world before turning 50. Pursuing that challenge in Kenya, I met Maasai warriors who shared their jumping warrior dance. In return, with permission from their chief, I showed them how to Hula-Hoop. With each destination I visited and community I encountered, I felt small parts of myself that had numbed in recent years reengage. The world felt smaller and friendlier.

Some of my favorite encounters have happened by serendipity. At a restaurant in Upolu, Samoa, when I asked my waiter a few words in the local language, he translated a song for me. The next day I headed to the smaller island of Manono, and while walking around I saw elementary school children at recess. Their teacher encouraged them to say hello, talk to me in English and sing. They were thrilled when I could join along because they happened to belt out the song I���d learned at the restaurant the day before.

Yes, travel is pretty much always chaotic. It���s impossible to plan for every possible setback, though I have picked up tricks that make it easier. Although I made it to Israel with stops in Germany, Spain and Italy, my lost luggage inspired a discussion with other travelers about the objects we couldn���t live without (for Toni it was make-up; for Kaitlyn, special socks). I realized my contacts should always go in my carry-on next to my passport and Kindle.

I book my flights one way for flexibility. On return trips I often choose a different carrier depending on what is the most direct route and whether I want to arrive at LAX after the worst of rush hour traffic, or I might fly into the calmer Burbank airport. I use packing lists and remind myself that if I forget something, there will be a store. (Even in the ���vast expanse of nothingness��� on the way to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, I found Costco���s Kirkland brand in the small stores of tiny towns.)

But ultimately, navigating the logistical maze of transportation issues, hotels and languages is a token toll for the thrill of joining with people for meals, songs, fashion and conversations I would never otherwise experience.

Perhaps my favorite perspective on travel comes from the stamp that Palau adds to the passports of visitors. It���s a contract, a pledge, they are asked to make to ���to act in an ecologically and culturally responsible way on the island, for the sake of Palau���s children and future generations of Palauans.���

I hope more destinations will adopt something like this as a reminder to care for one another���s homes as we do for our own. The opportunity to travel and be a guest in other countries has changed my life, and no amount of challenges or inconveniences can distract from that.

Lisa Niver is the author of the award-winning memoir ��� Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty ,��� a travel TV host and  writer . @LisaNiver

On Los Angeles Times Facebook page: On Los Angeles Times Twitter:

Opinion: Why travel and suffer through LAX, flights, lost luggage? Here's one good reason (via @latimesopinion ) https://t.co/EwahiedOPQ

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) December 18, 2024

Want more of my travel stories? Read my memoir, BRAVE-ish!

The post Los Angeles Times: Lost Luggage, Missed Flights, Why Travel? appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

On the hunt for Northern Lights, geothermal pools, and majestic glaciers in Iceland

Iceland’s wealth of lakes, rivers, and glacial lagoons are highlights of the island’s inimitable landscape.

Since it first landed on the radars of backpackers, hikers, and mountain climbers in the 1990s, Iceland travel has seen a 30 percent uptick, to the tune of nearly 2 million visitors per year. Over the past decade especially, the number of hotels and attractions have multiplied, as have the island���s opportunities for luxury vacations, a relatively new category in a country originally known for its budget-friendly adventures.

Even with all the best-of lists and glossy print magazine coverage, the Nordic country still feels like a place where you can get away from it all���sometimes far, far away���while still returning to cozy surroundings at night. This is an important distinction for me. While I love roughing it in the outdoors during the day, I���m not a camper. Having a ���home base��� where I can kick back, savor a great meal, and sleep in a snug bed is essential.

In November, I was invited by Hidden Iceland, a bespoke-tour operator, on a five-day trip highlighting the island���s singular landscape, from its glaciers to its geothermal pools, and its blossoming culinary scene, all with an eye toward the ease and comfort that makes luxury travel so desirable.��

Booking a tour with Hidden Iceland

Although any one of Hidden Iceland���s already-designed tours offer excellent options for exploring the island, I had a specific agenda: I wanted to go glacier hiking, see some of the Golden Circle highlights I���d missed on my last trip (in 2022, when I���d stayed in capital city Reykjavik for a few days), relax in geothermal pools, and chase the Northern Lights. So Hidden Iceland put together a three-day custom Iceland travel tour based on my interests, with a day in Reykjavik on either end.

Iceland travel: a four-star hotel, geothermal spa, and superb seafood

My husband, Floren, and I were picked up at Reykjavik���s Keflavik International Airport by a private car service arranged by Hidden Iceland���a huge improvement from my first trip to the city, when I navigated the city���s reliable and cost-effective, but sometimes confusing, bus system in order to make the 40-minute trip into the downtown.

Hallgr��mskirkja’s “pipe organ” facade was inspired by unique elements of the Icelandic landscape.

We rested for a couple hours at the Hotel Reykjavik Saga, a newer accommodation only steps from the banks of Lake Tj��rnin and its snow-globelike houses and churches, and about a half mile from Hallgr��mskirkja, the hilltop church whose 240-plus-foot-tall is tower visible from nearly everywhere in the capital city. Its ���pipe organ��� fa��ade was inspired by the glaciers, basalt cliffs, and craggy mountains we���d get a close look at over the next few days.��

In the afternoon, we headed for Sky Lagoon, a high-end mashup of Nordic bathing culture and spa treatments. (See We Said Go Travel founder Lisa Niver’s fun videos from our trip to Sky Lagoon, where we first crossed paths.) While the Blue Lagoon, overlooking Mount����orbj��rn, is the city���s better-known geothermal spa, it receives more tourist traffic. I���d visited Sky Lagoon on my 2022 trip, shortly after it opened, and knew a reprise would be ideal after a long flight.

The spa has become much more popular in the ensuing years, but it didn���t dull the soothing nature of Sky Lagoon���s calling card, its seven-step spa ritual: soaking in an oceanfront manmade geothermal infinity pool, followed by a cold plunge, sauna, cold ���rain��� shower, body scrub, herbal steam, and a final rinse before hopping back into the warm pool���with or without drinks at the swim-up bar. My only regret was that we didn���t have time to grab a bite in Sky Lagoon���s Smakk Bar, which gave me fond foodie memories on my first Iceland trip.

The seafood at Reykjavik’s Fiskf��lagi��, or The Fish Company, is so fresh, it’s practically still flapping.

We returned just in time to change and walk to dinner at Fiskf��lagi��, or The Fish Company. Fish and seafood are don���t-miss treats in Iceland, and The Fish Company���s menu offers a wealth of so-fresh-it���s-practically-still-flapping choices. Floren and I shared two appetizers���tuna tataki with roasted jalapeno puree, and a fried egg in a nest of shredded fried potatoes with ���rocks��� made of fried mushrooms and truffles���plus the superb seasonal sushi platter.

Three-day Iceland travel: glaciers, Northern Lights, Golden Circle Iceland’s Seljalandsfoss waterfall tumbles nearly 200 feet over a cliff and into a freezing pool of water.

In the morning, Ingimundur, our chatty, amiable Icelandic guide, picked us up at our hotel. Because of an oncoming winter storm, we set out a little earlier than planned, and headed straight for our first stop, about an hour and forty-five minutes from the city along the southern coast, at Seljalandsfoss. The river that feeds the nearly 200-foot waterfall���foss is Icelandic for ���waterfall������originates at the base of Eyjafjalljokull (kull means ���glacier��� in Icelandic), and tumbles dramatically over a cliff that was once at the island���s coastline.

It’s a stunning sight, and memorable experience to walk the path behind the cascade, as long as you don���t mind getting a little damp. Even in waterproof gear, which Hidden Iceland provided, the tumbling water, carried on Iceland���s bitter winter winds, will find its way into any opening in your hood or zipper. Is it worth enduring a soggy shirt for a couple hours? You bet.

Icelaand’s most powerful waterfall, Gullfoss is an awe-inspiring force of nature, even in freezing winter temperatures.

We visited several other waterfalls over the course of the tour, including Gullfoss. Here the water plunges into a canyon in two steep drops, creating spectacular raw power that was almost harnessed for hydroelectric power in the early 1900s, before a local farmer���s daughter mounted what would become one of the first conservation campaigns in Iceland.

Other stops included Reynisfjara, a beach whose black sands derive from volcanic lava, and are surrounded by basalt-column cliffs that look like staircases in a Dal�� painting. Legend says that the pair of sea stacks off the coast were once trolls who attempted to pull a ship into shore, and turned to stone when the light shone on them at dawn. We also walked around the Geysir geothermal area, where we captured video of an exploding geyser.

J��kuls��rl��n Glacier Lagoon, where miniature icebergs that have calved off from glaciers float, is worth a leisurely stop.

One of the highlights of Iceland travel for me was Brei��amerkursandur, an 11-mile strip of sand that wraps around Iceland���s coastline to the J��kuls��rl��n Glacier Lagoon. Here, miniature icebergs that have calved off from their glacial parents float around the lagoon, in spiky shapes and intense shades of blue and green, before pouring into a tidal river. The lagoon is also home to a number of seals, who surface with a snort before undulating back beneath the waves, or else sunbathe atop the little ���bergs.

The black-sand beach at Brei��amerkursandur is the perfect backdrop for glacial chunks that look like diamondesque sculptures.

The beach itself was littered with sculptural, shimmering ice, much of it tumbled into diamondlike facets. Some pieces were as small as baseballs, and others large enough for me to semi-recline on, like an awkward Hollywood siren trying to look glamorous on an uncomfortable divan. 

Glaciers were the undisputed centerpiece of my visit. Because of climate change, the ice masses are retreating worldwide. But in Iceland, some are advancing. The island remains one of the only locations where the average, non-mountain climbing Joe or Jane can experience a glacier.

The many outlet glaciers around Vatnaj��kull National Park make the ice caps accessible to almost everyone — not just experienced mountain climbers.

We visited one of the outlet glaciers���frozen channels that flow out of ice caps along the sides of a valley���emanating from the Vatnaj��kull glacier. At about 3,100 square miles, Vatnaj��kull covers 8 percent of Iceland, and is part of the eponymous Vatnaj��kull National Park, a stony, lunaresque landscape in the southwest corner of the island.

Getting to the glacier is the hardest part, and required a bumpy, seesawing ride in a decked-out super jeep over rough, pockmarked-and-potholed terrain. We had already been outfitted in belaying harnesses, which are used for rescue, should a visitor venture a little too far toward the edge of a fissure, and once we had hiked a couple hundred feet up the rocky side of the glacier, we donned crampons and pickaxes for better traction. Then we were off, stomping across the ice behind our guide, Jan, with Ingimundur pulling up the rear.

This ice cave was a small but memorable spot on our Iceland glacier hike.

We stopped at several points along the walk to observe, snap photos, and learn about the glaciers. We also tromped through a small but scenic ice cave, its pale blue walls glinting in the fading sunlight. In the midst of one of our discussions, a crackling sound brought conversation to a halt. Off in the distance, high up on the glacier���too far away to be a safety concern���sparkling chunks rained down in a small ice avalanche, a normal part of glacial formation and decomposition.

The great indoors: tomato greenhouses, Northern Lights sightings, and a superb private villa

Our Iceland travel also included a few indoorsy stops, including a meal and a visit to the national park museum in compact Vik, and lunch in the extensive Fri��heimar tomato greenhouses. As a volcanic island, Iceland is short on agriculturally viable soils. Greenhouse operations now supply nearly half of residents��� food.

The jazzy new wine bar at Fri��heimar tomato greenhouses in Selfoss, Iceland.

While the flavor of greenhouse tomatoes will never quite match the juicy brilliance of their sun-drenched Mediterranean cousins, Fri��heimar���s are tasty, and served up in a wide variety of soups, salads, and entrees. The greenhouse restaurant, where you dine surrounded by twelve-foot-tall tomato plants, is also a welcome respite from the freezing winter temperatures. Fri��heimar���s brand-new, adjacent wine bar, with its library wall, cozy armchairs, and plethora of indoor plants, is a relaxing, sunny delight, and serves excellent desserts.

H��tel J��kuls��rl��n, on a glacial lagoon, is ideally positioned for viewing the Northern Lights. In non-stormy weather, you can even do it from the cozy comfort of a hot tub.

Although you���re never guaranteed a Northern Lights sighting���it depends partly on aurora activity, and partly on the clarity of the night sky���I got my wish at H��tel J��kuls��rl��n, located on a glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnaj��kull National Park. From our plush room, decorated in dark, moody hues, we eagerly peeked out the windows for a few hours. Finally, around 11:00 p.m., we gave up, and succumbed to sleep.

A little after midnight, the phone rang: ���The Northern Lights are visible in the sky,��� said a friendly female voice from the front desk, via the hotel���s Northern Lights wake-up service.

My first experience with the Northern Lights was a doozy: this ever-moving “river” of green flowed and twisted through the sky for nearly 15 minutes.

Right outside our window, a ribbon of electric green flowed and twisted like a sky-bound river. It lasted for only 10 or 15 minutes, but the bright color and near-constant movement were unmistakable, and easy to capture with a camera phone. We were later told that the ���show��� was even more spectacular from the other side of the hotel, but I didn���t feel cheated���especially given the single-digit temperatures and 30-mph winds that blustered around the lagoon, making it difficult to even walk outside, let alone steadily hold up a camera.

Our other accommodation during our Iceland travel included Hof Luxury Villa, a freestanding, style-forward hotel designed to complement the landscape. I loved the villa���s middle-of-nowhere location, in a remote valley of the already-remote Hella, as much as I adored its modern comforts: a spacious king suite, combination living room and dining area with a cozy fireplace, and glass-enclosed Northern Lights lounge, where you can gaze up at the night sky from the comfort of an upholstered settee.

Plan to stay more than a day at Hof Villa, where you can indulge in modern comforts, culinary excellence, and private Northern Lights viewing.

The culinary program at Hof Luxury Villa is led by G��sli Matth��as Au��unsson, owner of three Icelandic restaurants, and a gentle, warm presence. He prepared an exceptional three-course dinner for us, featuring seafood, pasta, and lamb, another Icelandic favorite, before bidding us good night.

There were no Northern Lights sightings that night, but my only real regret of the trip was that we arrived at Hof after 8:00 p.m., too late for anything but the leisurely dinner. This meant forgoing a soak in the private hot tub, or sweating it out in the sauna. If I had a do-over, I���d stay for at least two nights, and make sure I built in a few hours of R&R time per day for enjoying the accommodation���s welcoming amenities.

Bidding farewell to Iceland

On our final tour day, we braved the biting winds for a walk around ��ingvellir National Park. If the park, which is the site of the world���s first parliament, looks like something out of Game of Thrones, then it won���t surprise you to learn that it was a repeat filming location in season 4 of the hit series. Tucked into a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, it���s a sampler platter of some of Iceland���s most memorable natural assets: waterfalls, rushing rivers, frozen lakes, Lego-brick cliffs, and trails that seem to meander off into eternity.

The brand-new Hvammsv��k Nature Resort and Hot Springs, along a fjord that feeds into the Atlantic Ocean, is a welcome respite to Iceland’s chilly winter temperatures.

Bringing our tour full circle, we paid a visit to the new Hvammsv��k Nature Resort & Hot Springs. It���s impossible to overstate the natural beauty of this spot, cradled along the southern lip of Hvalfj��r��ur��(���whale fjord,��� named for a legend of an elf woman who transformed her human lover, who denied he was the father of her child, into a red-headed whale). This inlet along the western coast of Iceland, cradled between snow-capped mountains, is so gorgeous, gazing at it evokes immediate serenity.

The property has eight hot springs. A few fluctuate with the temperature of the North Atlantic, from lukewarm to woah. Others stay warm, even hot. We dipped into four different pools���including the one adjacent to the resort���s restaurant, which has a swim-up bar���as we watched the sun disappear behind the peaks. After we���d rinsed off and changed, the staff of Hvammsv��k treated us to a selection of appetizers, including a seafood soup with a rich broth and chunks of fresh shellfish.

Ingimundur deposited us back in the Icelandic capital and Hotel Reykjavik Saga, where we relaxed downstairs with cocktails at Fr��ken Reykjav��k Kitchen & Bar, and plotted which attractions to see the next day using our Reykjavik City Card. The card offers free entry to nearly three dozen museums, galleries, and thermal pools.

The National Museum of Iceland covers the history and culture of the island.

In the morning, we walked less than a half mile to the National Museum of Iceland. Absorbing and well laid out, it deserves more attention than I could afford it in an hour���the amount of time I had before running a crucial Iceland travel errand: a stop at Omnom Chocolate, in the revitalized Grandi neighborhood, for their licorice-topped ice cream, plus our usual travel pilgrimage to a local grocery to shop for typical foods.

Northern Lights were in the forecast again, and although we didn���t see them a second time, what we took away from this trip was far more gratifying: a sense of the rare beauty and majesty of a country that, even two decades ago, wasn���t even considered a tourist destination, and an up-close look at some of the world���s rapidly disappearing glaciers. Even more indelible than the hundreds of pictures I took, what sticks with me are the singular moments���the roar of a waterfall, the wind slapping my cheeks as I stood atop an ice cap, the black sand of a volcanic beach whispering through my fingers, and lounging in a glass-walled room while stars began to blink to life in the night sky���that I won���t be able to duplicate anywhere else.

How To Get to Iceland I couldn’t have planned an image better than this one of a full moon rising over the mountain peaks.

For our Iceland travel tour, we flew out of Boston Logan Airport into Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, via Icelandair. Although it���s not technically a budget airline, Icelandair���s rates are often lower than that of its competitors. But you���ll need to shell out extra cash for almost everything, from a checked bag to seat selection and even snacks and meals. You won���t get so much as a bag of pretzels without paying for it.��

Meals need to be ordered in advance using the Icelandair website or app. We used our Priority Pass to relax in the Air France lounge before our flight, where we ate dinner���which included a respectable take on New England clam chowder���and filled up our water bottles before boarding.

Our departure flight was delayed by a few minutes, both on the departure and return, mostly because of the airline���s unusual policy of seating Saga Premier passengers first, followed by everyone else in a single, disorderly cattle call. Flight attendants were pleasant and helpful, especially when we requested blankets, which had not been placed on the seats for the return flight, despite frigid temperatures inside the aircraft. (How frigid? I kept my winter jacket on for all 5.5 hours!) The airline was kind to upgrade us to an exit row, which offered more leg room but was otherwise indiscernible from the rest of economy class.

The post On the hunt for Northern Lights, geothermal pools, and majestic glaciers in Iceland appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Breaking Boundaries: Celebrating My NAEJ Win and the Journey of Award-Winning Work

I���m thrilled to share that I WON in the Diversity in Entertainment category at the 2024 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for my podcast interview with Carolyn Ray of JourneyWoman!

What an absolute honor to be nominated FOUR times this year���and to now celebrate as a 9-time winner and 35-time finalist! I’m also deeply humbled to be nominated multiple times at both the NAEJ and Southern California Journalism Awards for Online Journalist of the Year.

This recognition means so much, and I���m incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Press Club for not only celebrating my work but for the career-changing opportunities they���ve given me. From mentoring to networking and connecting with extraordinary people, they���ve been a transformative part of my journey.

I want to thank ALL of my incredible podcast guests���now spanning five seasons of Make Your Own Map! Each of you has brought unique perspectives, meaningful stories, and powerful insights to the mic, making this journey truly special. From Beth Santos and Carolyn Ray to Samantha Brown and beyond, you inspire me to keep asking questions and sharing stories that matter.

A HUGE thank you to the judges, my listeners, and everyone who continues to support my storytelling. My book has won awards, my podcast has won awards, and both my digital and print work have been recognized. I���m also excited to share that my YouTube channel has surpassed 2.25 million views���an incredible milestone that wouldn���t have been possible without you all.

I���m honored, inspired, and more motivated than ever to keep going! Here���s to continuing the journey and telling stories that connect us all.

What an honor to be nominated for online journalist of the year among these other incredible journalists: A3. Online Journalist of the Year ��� Independent Lisa Niver,  We Said Go Travel  J3. Diversity in the Entertainment Industry Lisa Niver, PODCAST: Make Your Own Map, ���Ageless Ambition: Inspirational Leadership of Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman��� Lisa Niver, PODCAST: Make Your Own Map, ���Maximum Beth: Disrupting Travel for Women, Changing the Wander World Worldwide ��� A Community Builder���s Journey��� J5. One-on-One Interview, TV PersonalitiesLisa Niver, We Said Go Travel, ���Journey into the World of Wanderlust: Samantha Brown, Travel Goddess���  I also help with social media for LA Press Club—

Lisa Niver has won many awards! From 2017 to 2024, in the Southern California Journalism Awards and National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, she has won nine times and been a finalist thirty-five times for a variety of broadcast, print, podcast and digital categories.

2024 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Diversity in the Entertainment Industry 2024 4x Finalist : National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards finalist for Online Journalist of the Year, and for three of my podcast interviews with Beth Santos, Wanderful, Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman, and Samantha Brown, Places to Love.2024 2x Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for podcast segments with Samantha Brown, Places to Love, and Tony Phelan, A Small Light 2024 6x Finalist : Southern California Journalism Awards for Online Journalist of the Year, Podcast Host and for my podcast interviews with Andrew McCarthy, Samantha Brown, Tony Phelan and Christie Tate2023 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Diversity in Entertainment2023 3x Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards2023 2x Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Travel Reporting and Podcast Interview 2022 Finalist : Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM2021 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Commentary Diversity/Gender and Commentary Analysis/Trend ��� Film2021 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for  TECHNOLOGY REPORTING 2021 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM2020 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic. See all of Lisa���s book reviews here.2020 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic2020 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for print magazine article: Hemispheres Magazine for United Airlines2020 Five Time Finalist: Southern California Journalism awards2019 Winner: NAEJ Award for KTLA TV segment2019 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards in three categoriesCategory H2a. Soft News: Ms. Magazine: Polar Bears Can���t Vote So You Have ToCategory F6a. Soft News Feature ��� Under 5 Minutes���Film/TV: KTLA TV Oscars Countdown to Gold with Lisa NiverCategory C1b. Business, Music/Tech/Art: My Wharton Magazine article: Four Female Founders Share Their Origin Stories2019 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Broadcast Television Lifestyle Segment: Ogden Ski Getaway2018 Finalist for three categories of Southern California Journalism Awards:SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY REPORTING: Smithsonian TRAVEL REPORTING: Popsugar FitnessPERSONALITY PROFILE: Saturday Evening Post2017 2nd place winner for Southern California Journalism Award Print Column ���A journey to freedom over three Passovers��� and finalist for Travel Reporting.

More about Lisa Niver: https://lisaniver.com/awards/

More about BRAVE-ish

The post Breaking Boundaries: Celebrating My NAEJ Win and the Journey of Award-Winning Work appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

A California Coastal Celebration Aboard the Ruby Princess ��� Part Two

California Coastal Cruise: Los Angeles, San Diego and Ensenada

Sailing aboard the Ruby Princess was more than just a cruise; it was a celebration of life, connections, and California���s captivating coastline. Following the adventures of San Francisco and Santa Barbara, Part Two of this journey brought more ports and unforgettable celebrations. Marking my birthday aboard the Ruby Princess added a special layer to this adventure.

In Long Beach, I wandered the Naples Canals, marveling at the beautiful homes decked out for Halloween. The peaceful waterways and charming architecture were the perfect backdrop for dreaming of a future kayaking adventure in this picturesque neighborhood. The day ended with a stroll along the beach, sharing laughter and stories with my friend Lemor who hosted my book BRAVE-ish’s 1st birthday party at Small World Books!

San Diego took the celebration to new heights���literally! One of the highlights of the trip was soaring over the coastline with Corporate Helicopters. Cynthia and I, guided by our expert pilot Christian, were treated to an awe-inspiring view of La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, and the Coronado Bridge. Seeing the Pacific Ocean���s shimmering waves, the golden beaches, and San Diego���s vibrant cityscape from above was an exhilarating experience. It wasn���t just sightseeing; it was a thrilling new perspective on one of my favorite cities, made even better by sharing it with a dear friend.

Earlier in the day, I embraced another adventure on the water with Speed Boat Adventures. Steering my own speedboat through San Diego Bay under Alex���s guidance, I felt a mix of adrenaline and awe. The views were spectacular���spotting the Ruby Princess from the water, passing the historic Maritime Museum ships, and catching sight of the iconic “Unconditional Surrender” statue. Playful sea lions added an extra touch of joy to the experience and now I can add CAPTAIN to my resume!

Ensenada, our final port, brought a more serene and reflective energy. Waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains was the perfect way to start the day. Julie, Alessio, and I spent a peaceful afternoon at a beach resort, basking in the warm sun and our day together.

Back on board, it was time for our Halloween celebrations. I attended the Most Traveled Members party before heading to dinner at Crown Grill with Captain Marco, Julie, and Alessio. Dressed as a vibrant rainbow butterfly, I felt completely immersed in the festive atmosphere. The combination of formal night elegance, delicious food, and great company made for an unforgettable evening.

As the cruise came to a close, I reflected on the magic of celebrating life at sea. Whether it was marking my birthday with adventures, marveling at California���s beauty from a helicopter, or laughing with friends during Halloween festivities, every moment on the Ruby Princess felt like a gift.

The journey ended as it began���with awe and gratitude. Watching the sun rise over San Francisco from my balcony, I felt a deep appreciation for the experiences this cruise had offered. Princess Cruises is the perfect place to celebrate life���s milestones, and this California Coastal voyage was one I���ll treasure forever���an unforgettable mix of adventure, relaxation, and the warmth of being surrounded by friends and family aboard the Ruby Princess.

Click here to read PART ONE: San Francisco and Santa Barbara

Wake up, Ruby Princess!

Wake up, Ruby Princess! The sunrise at the Port of Los Angeles was absolutely breathtaking. I loved starting each day of our cruise by watching the colors paint the sky from my balcony���it was a peaceful and magical way to greet every new adventure.

Naples Canals in Long Beach

Have you seen the Naples Canals in Long Beach? The gorgeous houses, beautifully decorated for Halloween, made it such a treat to explore. I can���t wait to come back and kayak here one day! Also loved strolling on the beach with Lemor���such a perfect way to enjoy this beautiful area

San Diego Sunrise

San Diego welcomed us with a breathtaking sunrise, its golden light streaming between the city���s iconic downtown skyscrapers. Every port has had its own unique beauty, and this view was no exception���a peaceful and inspiring start to the day. Watching it from the ship was unforgettable. The perfect way to prepare for adventures on the water and from above!

Speedboat Adventures in San Diego

Taking the helm of a speedboat in San Diego was a thrilling adventure that I���ll never forget. At first, I was a bit nervous���after all, I was the captain of my own boat! But Cynthia believed in me, and as I got the hang of steering and controlling the speed, my confidence grew, and the experience became pure joy. Zipping through the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay, we were treated to stunning views of the city. I spotted the majestic Ruby Princess, my home for the coastal California adventure with Princess Cruises, and marveled at the “Unconditional Surrender” statue, also known as the “Kissing Sailor” statue, standing tall near the USS Midway Museum. This 25-foot sculpture, inspired by an iconic photograph from V-J Day, perfectly captures the joy of celebration���just like I felt out on the water. The sights didn���t stop there. We passed the Maritime Museum���s historic ships and even caught glimpses of playful sea lions lounging on buoys. With the excellent guidance from Alex at Speed Boat Adventures, and their motto ���You���re in the driver���s seat! Speed Boat Tours with a twist,��� I felt like I���d experienced San Diego from a whole new perspective���one filled with speed, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Soaring Over San Diego: An Unforgettable Helicopter Adventure

While San Diego is often celebrated for its laid-back coastal vibes, it���s also the perfect city for an unforgettable adventure from above. Cynthia and I recently joined Corporate Helicopters for their 42-minute ���Unforgettable Tour��� and got a breathtaking bird���s-eye view of San Diego���s iconic landmarks. From the Del Mar Racetrack, Pacific Beach Pier, and the historic Pt. Loma Lighthouse to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Bridge, Petco Park, and Balboa Park, we soared past over 20 of San Diego���s top attractions. With instructor-pilot Christian guiding the way, this aerial adventure showcased the city���s beauty in a way I���ve never seen before���truly unforgettable.

San Diego from The Sky with Corporate Helicopters

In San Diego, Cynthia and I soared above the coastline on an unforgettable helicopter ride with Corporate Helicopters. With our expert pilot, Christian, guiding us, we took in breathtaking views of iconic spots like Del Mar, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and the Coronado Bridge. Seeing these landmarks from the sky was a completely new experience. The Pacific Ocean���s deep blues, the sprawling sandy beaches, and the glittering urban skyline were absolutely jaw-dropping. It wasn���t just sightseeing���it was an exhilarating adventure that gave me a fresh perspective on one of my favorite destinations. I absolutely loved every moment of this incredible ride!

Ensenada: Sunrise to Sail away

Ensenada marked our last port of call on the Ruby Princess during our California coastal cruise. Waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over the mountains was the perfect way to start the day. Julie, Alessio, and I enjoyed the serene atmosphere and soaking up the sun at a local resort. We returned to the ship for Halloween festivities and formal night���this whole week has been filled with friends, new adventures, and cherished moments with great company.

Halloween celebrations on Ruby Princess

Princess Cruises is the perfect place to celebrate with countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories. I celebrated my birthday all week long, and for Halloween, I dressed up as a butterfly. The celebrations continued at Crown Grill and Captain Marco, Julie, Alessio and I enjoyed the delicious food and excellent service on the Ruby Princess.

Formal Fun on the Ruby Princess

So fun to have a reason to dress up! The Captain���s Welcome Party was magical, featuring the iconic champagne tower and a surprise birthday cake just for me! It���s so great to be back onboard with my friends���working at sea for Princess Cruises was an amazing chapter of my life, and it���s such a joy to now experience it all as a guest. Feeling celebrated and grateful for this unforgettable night at sea.

Ruby Princess: Bridge tour and Sunrise San Francisco

On our final sea day, I was invited to visit to the bridge, where I got a glimpse of the incredible work that keeps the Ruby Princess running smoothly. Before we disembarked in San Francisco, I watched the sun rise for a final time from my balcony over the bridge ���a perfect week filled with celebrations, adventures, and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Captain Marco and #PrincessCruises

Flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Leaving SFO for LAX, I found myself reminiscing about my incredible California coastal cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. Just as I treasure the views from a window seat on a flight, I cherished every moment on my balcony at sea. From breathtaking sunrises to the soothing sound of the waves, it was the perfect vantage point to soak in the beauty of the coast���whether in the sky or on the water. Thanks to #Delta @Delta for the safe flight and @princesscruises for my wonderful #cruise!

Did you know I used to work for Princess Cruises? Read more about my adventures in my award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty

MAJESTIC PRINCESS:

I loved my Alaskan Summer Cruise��on the Marvelous Majestic Princess. Read about cruising Alaska���s Inner Passage��in 2021.

For Spring Break April 2022, I went on the��magnificent Majestic Princess��to Mexico! Read my article on the ship.��

The post A California Coastal Celebration Aboard the Ruby Princess ��� Part Two appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Secrets Bahia Mita: A Blissful Escape in Riviera Nayarit

Nestled between the lush Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Secrets Bahia Mita offers a harmonious blend of relaxation, fun, and connection. A direct flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta made getting here a breeze, setting the stage for an extraordinary escape into Unlimited Luxury.

A Grand Arrival and Sky-High Cabanas

From the moment we arrived, the team at Secrets Bahia Mita made us feel welcome. Our Sky Bar cabana days were a highlight, offering plush loungers, soft gray towels, white umbrellas, and thoughtful touches like eucalyptus-infused cold towels and refreshing pineapple skewers. Regina, our concierge, added a surprising touch of care by cleaning our glasses���an unexpected but delightful detail.

The service was impeccable, with Angelo, Efrain, Julio, Martinez, Asael, and Regina ensuring that every moment was flawless. Drinks arrived promptly, surprises like Oreo ice cream sandwiches appeared throughout the day, and a birthday cake with singing staff turned Heather���s celebration into a moment to remember. Add the sight of whales breaching and dolphins dancing in the ocean, and the Sky Bar became our personal slice of paradise.

The Giant Suite: A Luxurious Retreat

Our stay in the massive 1,000-square-foot Aspire Suite was an experience in itself. This luxurious space featured a large living room with a cozy L-shaped sofa bed, a dining table, a wine fridge, and two expansive balconies. The plunge pool was perfect for cooling off, while the freestanding tub offered serene moments of relaxation. The king-sized bed, premium amenities, and breathtaking views made it a haven of comfort and style.

Dining Delights

Every meal at Secrets Bahia Mita was a culinary masterpiece. Breakfast at Market Caf�� felt more like a feast than a buffet, with fresh Montreal bagels, savory crepas, custom-made eggs, and chilaquiles stealing the show. The mimosas upon entry and the staff���s attentiveness to allergies elevated the experience even further.

Lunches and dinners were equally memorable. At the Sky Bar, we enjoyed a mix of casual bites and gourmet dishes, while the Bluewater Grill served perfect steaks under the stars. Kudos to Martin at Olios and the chefs for their exceptional cuisine and attention to detail.

Hula Hoops, Laughter, and Connection

I brought my hula hoop along, and it became a source of joy and connection. Everyone joined in���Heather, Angelo, Regina, and Efrain showed off their skills as we hooped by the pool, on our balcony, and even at sunset. The hoop brought laughter, smiles, and a reminder to embrace fun and spontaneity.

Thoughtful Touches

Secrets Bahia Mita excelled in anticipating every need. From the luxurious cabanas to the attentive staff, every detail was curated for comfort. We were pampered with ice-cold eucalyptus towels, veggie sticks, and refreshing drinks throughout the day. And nature added its own magic, with stunning views of whales and dolphins set to a backdrop of vibrant skies and great music.

Final Reflections

Secrets Bahia Mita isn���t just a resort; it���s a destination where every moment is tailored to create lasting memories. Whether it���s the attentive service from Angelo, Regina, and the rest of the team, the luxurious Aspire Suite, or the joy of hula hooping at sunset, this resort offers a unique blend of relaxation, celebration, and connection.

From the serene mornings to the festive evenings, Secrets Bahia Mita truly lives up to its name as a secret worth sharing in Riviera Nayarit.

Secrets Bahia Mita: Paradise Perfected

Set along the breathtaking Pacific Coast in the heart of Riviera Nayarit, Secrets Bahia Mita by Hyatt takes adults-only, all-inclusive luxury to the next level. From lush tropical landscapes to sweeping ocean views, every moment feels like a dream getaway. We loved dining at Olio, where Mediterranean flavors came alive during an unforgettable lunch. And the options didn���t stop there���this resort boasts so many incredible restaurants that every meal felt like a WOWOWOW moment! Sushi, steak, and everything in between, served with impeccable care. The amenities are just as impressive: countless pools, private cabanas, direct beach access, a world-class spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. From revitalizing massages to serene beach strolls, every corner offers an opportunity to relax and recharge. Secrets Bahia Mita isn���t just a resort���it���s a haven of luxury and bliss in the spectacular Riviera Nayarit.

Secrets Bahia Mita: The Ultimate Unlimited Luxury Experience

Step into over 1,000 square feet of pure indulgence in the Aspire Suite at Secrets Bahia Mita Riviera Nayarit, where Unlimited-Luxury�� meets breathtaking design. This all-inclusive paradise has it all: a living room with a giant L-shaped couch (doubling as a sofa bed), a dining table, and a wine fridge stocked and ready for you. The king-sized bed promises unmatched comfort, while the free-standing tub is perfect for unwinding in style.
With two private balconies, a plunge pool, and mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean, every moment here feels like a dream. The suite also includes access to world-class dining and premium drinks, making every meal and toast as luxurious as your surroundings. At Secrets Bahia Mita, every detail is designed for adults-only Unlimited-Luxury��, including impeccable service, gourmet restaurants, stunning pools, a serene spa, and so much more. Whether you���re splashing in the pool, savoring oceanfront views, or indulging in culinary delights, this is the ultimate all-inclusive escape. Ready to wake up here?

Sunset Dreams at Secrets Bahia Mita

Heather���s birthday celebrations continued at the Sky Bar, watching the sun dip below the horizon, the sky turn fiery red, and surfers carve the waves below. With drinks in hand and music filling the air, we toasted to health, happiness, and unforgettable moments. As part of Hyatt���s luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Resorts, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. We saw a wedding in full celebration, a party with dancing, and even a private romantic dinner under a tree. We enjoyed an incredible meal at Himitsu, where the attentive staff made sure every detail was perfect, from managing allergies to creating the ultimate dining experience.

Secrets Bahia Mita: A Breakfast Like No Other

After years on cruise ships and well over a decade as a travel journalist, I���ve seen countless breakfast spreads���but the Market Caf�� at Secrets Bahia Mita Riviera Nayarit takes the crown. This isn���t just breakfast; it���s an epicurean adventure. It all begins with mimosas handed to you as you walk in���a bubbly start to a morning in paradise. From there, the options are endless: made-to-order eggs, savory chilaquiles, sweet and savory crepes, fresh Montreal bagels, and even caviar. The array of cheeses, meats, and tropical fruits is dazzling, complemented by Mexican breakfast favorites and eggs sourced right from the property. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Stations are promptly refilled, and the staff is incredibly attentive���ensuring everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, has a fantastic experience. Breakfast at Secrets Bahia Mita isn���t just a meal; it���s an unforgettable start to the day.

A Day of Bliss at Secrets Bahia Mita

WOW, what a celebration-filled day! Heather and I began with an incredible private cabana experience at the Sky Bar. Our setup was perfect: a relaxation chair, a table with two chairs, and the cabana itself���a sanctuary for enjoying the day. The Sky Bar menu delivered deliciousness, and while we almost returned to Olio (special thanks to Martin and the chef for an unforgettable meal there earlier), we couldn���t resist trying something new. Drinks flowed all day, we saw whales and the surprises kept coming: Oreo ice cream cookie sandwiches, and later, a birthday cake and singing for Heather by the pool. The incredible Sky Bar team���Regina, Julio, Angelo, Martinez, Efrain, and Asael���made us feel like royalty, with thoughtful touches like Regina cleaning our sunglasses. And the evening? Oh, it got even better! We enjoyed dinner at the Bluewater Grill, indulging in perfectly cooked steaks crafted by Chef Gabrielle. Our service team���Francisco, Fran, Alexis, and Manager Joan���made the experience exceptional. As if that wasn���t enough, we were treated to a stunning show of fireworks from a wedding happening on the property, visible right from our table! From poolside relaxation to culinary delights and unexpected celebrations, this day was unforgettable. Secrets Bahia Mita, thank you for delivering Unlimited Luxury at its finest! Special thanks to Cece and Frida for all their help and the property tour and Jose from Beach Club who didn���t give us directions but actually walked us back to the elevator and got us going to the right place.

Hooping, Whales, and Unforgettable Bliss at the Sky Bar

Yes, I brought my hula hoop to the Sky Bar at Secrets Bahia Mita, and it became the centerpiece of pure joy! Everyone joined in���Heather, Angelo, Regina, and Efrain showed off their hooping skills like pros. We hooped all day: in the afternoon sun, by the pool, and as the sunset painted the sky. The laughter and smiles were contagious, a perfect reminder to embrace fun and spread happiness wherever you go. Our second cabana day was just as extraordinary. From reading and relaxing to delicious food and drinks, it was a day filled with laughter, joy, and nature���s wonders���whales breaching in the ocean and even dolphins playing in the waves. The attention to detail was unmatched. The thoughtful team brought us ice-cold eucalyptus towels, pineapple and veggie sticks, and set up soft gray towels under pristine white umbrellas, ensuring we had everything we didn���t even know we needed. As the day turned to evening, we enjoyed dinner at Mezze, dining outdoors under the stars with a front-row seat to another spectacular celebration���a fireworks display from a party on the property. From playful afternoons to elegant evenings, Secrets Bahia Mita delivered unforgettable memories. Whether hula hooping at sunset, savoring every bite of exceptional food, or marveling at the natural beauty of Riviera Nayarit, this was a perfect mix of relaxation, excitement, and unlimited luxury.

Thank You, Secrets Bahia Mita!

We had the BEST time���from breathtaking sunsets to unforgettable moments filled with laughter, relaxation, and joy.
Whether it was hula hooping at the Sky Bar, marveling at whales and dolphins, indulging in incredible food and drinks, or dancing the night away, every experience was pure magic. Check out all my videos to relive the fun and see why Secrets Bahia Mita in Riviera Nayarit is a destination like no other!

All my videos from SECRETS BAHIA MITA:and all my HYATT HOTEL experiences!

Did you know Riviera Nayarit is a sponsor for the Los Angeles Lakers!!!!? I went to a game at Thanksgiving and was so excited to see the area on the big screens…..

Lakers at Crypto for Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving weekend, I had an unforgettable night with my family cheering for the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena���and witnessing the GOAT LeBron James LIVE. Talk about synchronicity: one of the game���s sponsors was Riviera Nayarit, and that���s exactly where I���m heading next….

On the same property as SECRETS BAHIA MITA is a family friendly resort: DREAMS BAHIA MITA!!

Designed by renowned architect Sordo Madaleno, Dreams�� Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort is an eco-conscious, all-inclusive property in Banderas Bay, Riviera Nayarit, sharing space with the adults-only Secrets�� Bahia Mita Surf & Spa, both part of Hyatt���s Inclusive Collection. The resorts offer 699 suites, including 136 connecting rooms, all with Unlimited-Luxury�� inclusions and breathtaking ocean views. With exciting activities like surf lessons for all skill levels, snorkeling adventures, and access to a brand new 18,600 sq. ft. water park, there’s endless fun for the whole family. Guests can choose from a range of room categories, from Junior Suites with Tropical or Ocean views to the elevated Preferred Club Suites, which provide upgraded amenities and exclusive access. Designed with multigeneration travel in mind, the resort features a dedicated adults-only section, complete with infinity pools, sun deck, lounges, restaurants, and bars featuring the only rooftop infinity pools in the area. With eight dining options, seven lively bars and lounges, a kids’ and teens’ club, pickleball, and nightly entertainment, the resort offers endless activities for the whole family to enjoy. Exclusive add-on experiences, such as tequila tastings and private wine-pairing dinners in Portofino���s wine cellar, are available for an additional cost. Dreams�� Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort promises an unforgettable winter retreat, seamlessly blending adventure and relaxation in the stunning landscape of Riviera Nayarit.

The post Secrets Bahia Mita: A Blissful Escape in Riviera Nayarit appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

iHeart Radio: What’s Going On & BRAVE-ish

I was thrilled to be invited to join Loraine Ballard Morrill on her iHeartRadio show, where she generously called me a “travel guru” during our conversation about my memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty. Loraine, who describes herself as ���travel-phobic,��� and I dove into a lively discussion about how even the most hesitant travelers can embrace their own version of bravery.

Being ���brave-ish��� doesn���t mean having no fear���it���s about finding the courage to take the first step outside your comfort zone. We talked about the transformative power of travel and how small moments of bravery, like trying something new or stepping into the unknown, can open up a world of possibilities.

Loraine���s dedication to empowering her community through media resonates deeply with my belief in the connections and growth that come from adventure. Together, we explored how everyone, no matter where they are on their journey, can channel their inner travel guru and discover a braver, more adventurous version of themselves.

What’s Going On: Lisa Niver, Travel Expert

August 3, 2024 ��� 28 mins

Loraine: To say that I���m travel phobic might be going too far ��� but it���s true that I haven���t scheduled a real vacation since my mini honeymoon almost four years ago�� Well I���m taking the plunge and going abroad for a whole week�� I speak to Travel guru, Lisa Niver, who is��celebrated for inspiring others to seek out new experiences and embrace the transformative power of travel.

LISTEN starting at 17:24 to hear Loraine and Lisa:

Loraine Ballard Morrill(00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to What’s going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I’m Lorraine Ballad Marl. To say that I’m travel phobic
might be going a little too far, but it is
true that I haven’t scheduled a real vacation since my
mini honeymoon almost four years ago. Well, I’m taking the
plunge and going abroad for a whole week.

I speak to travel guru Lisa Niver, who believes traveling abroad is
not only about going places, but can also be a
tremendous tool for personal growth.

Loraine(17:24):
You’re listening to What’s Going On. I am now going
to reveal something very personal about myself, and that is
that I have a fear of traveling. Now, this fear
of traveling has kept me from doing the kind of
traveling that I’ve always wanted to do. But I broke
that terrible habit of mine of avoiding travel and I
actually booked a vacation to Spain. And so it’s so
appropriate that today I’m going to be speaking with a
world traveler. Her name is Lisa Niver. She has written
a memoir called Brave-ish :One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling
Fearless after Fifty I can so identify with that. And
also she is the host of an award winning podcast
called Make your Own Map.

Well, Lisa, boy, this is
really on time because I literally pushed the button to
click and make it all happen last week. So Brave-ish,
I guess I feel like I am a little bit brave-ish,
but you, in fact are an award winning travel expert
and author and adventurer, and you wrote a book that
has a title that I totally identify with. So tell
us more about how this came to be.

LISA(18:29):
Thank you so much. I’m so honored to be here speaking with you, and
I am really so thrilled for you that you’re going
to Spain. You’re going to have the best time.

I get a lot of pushback on the title, Brave-ish, that
my best friend and my mom say that I am not brave-ish,
I am very brave.

I think the title really speaks to more
people since we all have fears. Most of us want
something –like you always wanted to travel more, maybe someone
wants to change their job. And I think brave-ish really
invites people to try something new. It’s often hard

(19:06):
as adults to do something new and not feel competent.
We’re not used to feeling uncertain. Will
I be able to read the signs to find my train in Madrid?
Will I get in the right airport line? Will
I make it? And that fear keeps us from doing stuff,
And for myself, when I was getting divorced and starting
my life again. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed. It

(19:29):
was so traumatic. And that’s how I started doing these challenges,
which is the bulk of the book. I did fifty
dares before I turned fifty.

Loraine(19:37):
Wow. Well, you know that’s the thing that sometimes we
get stuck in a rut. We’re used to our routine.
For me, I have a job that I love. I
could work till I drop. But I have
come to realize that there is more to life than work.
As much as I love my work, and the travel

(19:57):
is a very unique way of taking yourself out of
your comfort zone right and opening up a possibility that
perhaps you weren’t aware of before.

Tell us what it
is about travel and putting yourself in these situations that
are so unfamiliar that can really open up your heart
and your soul and your life.

LISA (20:18):
For me, being in a new place,
you have the opportunity to reimagine yourself. When
you go to the same coffee shop and you go
to the same restaurant, and you do the same thing
all the time, you often act the same way.

When I was getting divorced, someone said
to me, you can’t do something new in an old way,
and it gives you the opportunity to stretch, even if

(20:41):
you aren’t ready to go to another continent like you
are go to Spain. If you commute home and you drive on a
different street, it can make a difference to your brain
that you’re doing something new and you might find out

(21:02):
that one street over from the way you normally go.
Or if you’re on the subway and you get off
one stop earlier and walk around and go to a
different restaurant, who knows.

(21:11):
You might sit next to someone new who becomes a

new friend, or you might try
a food you never tried.

(21:15):
You might go to a Vietnamese restaurant and decide, oh,
my gosh, I’m going to go to Vietnam. It
gives you the opportunity to reconfigure your brain and your
neurons and your ideas.

The other
thing I always tell people is you don’t have to
get on a plane to have an adventure. You can have an

adventure in your home city.

I always recommend people take a cooking class.
It’s very low entry to trying something new, especially if you love

Italian food, take Italian class, or you
love sushi, take a sushi rolling class.

(21:43):
They’re not that expensive.
You get to eat, and generally you meet people.
Everybody’s having fun and talking

and it’s something everybody, for
the most part is pretty good at. Everybody eats.

Loraine(21:55):
So it has been proven from a research standpoint that
doing something new, whether it’s every day or every week
or once a year or whatever, whatever it is that
you decide to do that’s new that you’ve never done before,
does open up your neural pathways and they allow you
to think differently and to open up your idea of

(22:17):
what is possible. I remember reading about Shonda Rhimes and
she wrote this wonderful book called The Year of Saying Yes.
And she is someone who, believe it or not, is
very shy, and I can say that for me too,
that I’m a little bit on the shy side. But
I find that when I decide to say yes for
things that scare me to death, like going to Spain,

(22:37):
for instance, that a whole bunch of things open up.
And it is really about opening up your life to possibility.

Lisa(22:45):
I love that you brought up her book because that book,
The Year of Yes is one of the reasons that
I did my project. I didn’t think I could do it.
And so that book and then your friend LuAnn
Cahn’s book, I Dare Me. She did 365 things, helped me
consider doing fifty things, I thought

I can’t do fifty. I can’t do fifty.
And my friend told me, it’s only one
a week, and Luanne did one every day.

Loraine(23:12):
She did. I did some of those with her. Let
me ask you this. So, having done what you’ve done,
maybe it wasn’t every day, but you did travel to
one hundred countries, and you’ve done a lot
of things that perhaps you hadn’t thought of doing before
you embarked on this journey. What has it done for you?
How has it changed you?

Lisa(23:33):
The most incredible thing is it really did
change me. One of the things I noticed doing the fifty things,
but much more I noticed writing the book about doing
the fifty things was that initially, no matter what the
challenge was, I said, no, someone would recommend something and

I said absolutely, not. I’m scared. I don’t like it.
I am afraid. Bad things happen to me. No.

And
then most of the time someone would say, “Isn’t that
the whole point of your project?”

And I said, please,
don’t use my words against me. But as I got
towards the end, and certainly after the whole fifty things process,

(24:16):
someone recommended something to me and I didn’t hesitate. I
thought I definitely want to do that.
And they’re said you’re so brave.

and I thought about it.
Normally in my life, I’ve been very hesitant
about things that seem different or challenging. It’s funny.
I’m a travel writer, I’m a
travel expert. I’m on TV about travel, but a lot
of times I get nervous! Am I going to
miss my plane? Did I pack the right things?

People think that just because you’re good

at doing something means
it never bothers you. But I think that’s really a
mistake that it keeps people from doing what other people
are doing. They worry that someone else is better at it.
Who cares — be bad at it? Take an extra suitcase?
What’s going to happen.

Loraine(24:57):
Life has certainly opened up for you. Now
you have this podcast that’s award-winning,

You’ve been on television.
You are a storyteller, and you’ve been able to share
your journey and to inspire others. How do people find
out more about what you do? Get a copy of
the book, find out about your podcast, tell us all
about that.

Lisa(25:19):
Thank you so much.

One way people find me is all across social media.
Find me at @LisaNiver (Niver like Diver)
and the book is available online and at all bookstores.

I just had an
event at the Barnes and Noble at the Grove in Los Angeles.
I’ve had an event in Philadelphia at the Penn Bookstore.
I always recommend to people go into your local bookstore and
ask them to order the book if they don’t have it.
It’s available through Simon and Schuster, and
any bookstore can order it.
It’s always good to support your local bookstore, but you
can find my book, BRAVE-ish, at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Walmart, Target.

My podcast is called: “Make your own map.”

You can find it on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart,

or wherever you find podcasts.

BOOK: BRAVE-ish

WEBSITE: LisaNiver.com

TRAVEL WEBSITE: WeSaidGoTravel.com

CLASS: Travel Writer 101

Loraine(26:26):
I love it. I’ll be checking that out as I
embark on my very scary but very exciting trip to
Spain in a couple of weeks and looking forward to it.
You inspired me. Sometimes you
just have to go for it. You have to step
out on thin air and see what happens, and sometimes
something magical happens.

Lisa(26:50):
I think magical things will happen for you. And I
also think we need to normalize that being afraid or
being concerned is information and we need to look at
that information and decide how are we going to respond
to it. So, for myself, when I’m traveling
If I’m going to get in late the first night,
I make sure I know how am I going to
travel from the airport to the hotel. Do they have
a car service? Sometimes I change my flight so I
arrive when it’s daylight because that makes me feel less nervous.
Those are the things that can
really make a difference. A friend of mine doesn’t necessarily want to go
out at night alone. So she books a tour. She’ll book a food tour or a
city tour at night, and then she’s not alone. And
I thought that was really bright.

Loraine(27:44):
I love that. All right, I’m taking all of those
suggestions and incorporating them into my trip to Spain. Lisa,

I am so delighted to speak with you.
Award-winning travel expert, author, adventurer, known for her vibrant storytelling,
which you can hear on her podcast Make your Own Map,
and read about in Brave-ish, her memoir.

(28:05):
You can check her out
at LisaNiver.com.

Thank you so much.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Loraine Ballard.
I’m Loraine Ballard Morel and I stand for service to
our community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
You’ve been listening to WHAT’s GOING ON!

Loraine and I met through LuAnn Cahn, author of I DARE ME, which inspired my book, BRAVE-ish in Philadelphia at a the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Gala.

The post iHeart Radio: What’s Going On & BRAVE-ish appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Brave-ish Connections: Celebrating Community, Courage, and Adventure

I am so grateful for the incredible community of women who have supported my memoir Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty. From interviews on platforms like Her Story with Kathy Romano, HenLit Central, Chick Lit Central, Round Trip with Colleen Kelly: Travel Over 40, and Moments with Marianne, to features in Ms. Magazine, Woman���s Day, and NPR���s Well Woman Show, each conversation has reminded me of the power of connection and storytelling.

These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the value of community and the courage it takes to share our journeys. As I look forward to speaking at the 103-year-old Adventurers’ Club on February 13, I���m reminded of the adventurers���women and men���who inspire us to step into the unknown, embrace challenges, and celebrate life���s boldest moments. I can���t wait to gather with fellow travelers and explorers to share stories of resilience, discovery, and daring. Let���s continue to support and uplift one another on this journey of bravery and connection!

Lisa Niver Shares Her Story With Kathy Romano

Lisa Niver���s new book Brave-ish is about her journey to a new life. She discusses what led her to realize she needed a change, her travels and many adventures that helped her bring happiness back into her life. Her Story is hosted by Kathy Romano and airs Sunday mornings on 95.7 BEN-FM.

Listen Podcast

Author Spotlight – Lisa Niver

HenLit Central focuses on ���life and lit��� for women over 40. Please enjoy this author spotlight on their site about Lisa Niver and her memoir, Brave-ish.

Read Article

Chick Lit Central – FEATURED BOOK: BRAVE-ISH By Lisa Niver

Thank you to my friends at Chick Lit Central for featuring my book ���Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty���.

Read Article

Round Trip With Colleen Kelly: Travel Over 40

Travel Expert Colleen Kelly and Co-Host Megan Kudla take you on the road and overseas, to destinations near and far, with ���Round Trip with Colleen Kelly.��� Lisa Niver on Episode 88

Listen Podcast

Brave-Ish With Lisa Niver At Moments With Marianne

Are you looking to create a life of wonder and excitement? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Lisa Niver on her new book Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Listen Podcast

New Memoir ���Brave-Ish��� Shows The Importance Of Feminist Mentors And Representation

Thank you Ms. Magazine. I was honored to represent the magazine as media at the United Nations General Assembly.

Read Article

Celebrating Best Friend Day: Embracing The Magic Of Friendship!

Thank you to Nicole Pajer, Meaghan Murphy and Woman���s Day Magazine for including Carl and I in their celebrations of Best Friend Day: June 8 which embraces the Magic of Friendship! We were on page 2 of the June/July 2023 issue!

Read Article

Thank you to Giovanna Rossi for interviewing me on The Well Woman Show for NPR! 324: How To Be Brave With Lisa Niver – The Well Woman Show

Giovanna Rossi interviewed me to discuss my book ���Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty��� and “The transformative potential of embracing change. The importance of setting bold goals for personal growth. Strategies for overcoming fear and self-doubt, and much more!”

MOMS MATTER: Travel Insights and Writing Tips from Award-Winning Journalist Lisa Niver

Lisa Niver shares her travel experiences from 102 countries and discusses how travel influences her work. She offers tips for planning family trips and recounts her journey in writing her book, emphasizing the courage needed to share personal stories. Lisa encourages aspiring writers to start with small projects and highlights the importance of bravery in achieving goals. Follow her online for more travel inspiration and insights.

GET YOUR TICKETS for Galentine’s Feb 13!!

The post Brave-ish Connections: Celebrating Community, Courage, and Adventure appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Ruby Princess: California Coastal Cruise San Francisco and Santa Barbara

Embarking on a California Coastal Cruise aboard the Ruby Princess was both a heartwarming reunion and an exhilarating new adventure. Returning to Princess Cruises, where I loved working, brought back cherished memories, but this time, I was a guest having a reunion with friends who are like family. From the unforgettable moment of sailing under San Francisco���s Golden Gate Bridge to the coastal charm of Santa Barbara, every experience felt like a celebration of exploration and connection.

San Francisco set the tone for the journey with its vibrant energy and iconic landmarks. While in San Francisco, I stayed at the eclectic Hotel Emblem, a boutique retreat brimming with literary-inspired decor and creative energy���a perfect base for exploring the city���s iconic sites. We also enjoyed the lively ambiance at PLS bar in Hotel Zeppelin before heading to the legendary Tonga Room at the Fairmont San Francisco to reunite over mai tais and live music. The city���s cultural gems lured me in, leading to visits with CityPASS to three remarkable museums showcasing art, history, and innovation.

Santa Barbara offered a serene escape, with outdoor adventures that showcased the natural beauty of California���s coastline. Kayaking with Santa Barbara Adventure Company in the harbor we saw sea lions and graceful egrets, while at Santa Barbara Glassblowing Studio with third generation glass artist, Saul, Mia and I made our very own glass vases.

Onboard the Ruby Princess, the celebrations continued. From festive evenings to elegant dinners and serene balcony sunrises, this cruise was a perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and meaningful connections. See PART TWO for the rest of our ports including Los Angeles, Ensenada and Halloween celebrations!

Traveling from LAX to SFO

Leaving SFO for LAX, I found myself reminiscing about my incredible California coastal cruise aboard the Ruby Princess. Just as I treasure the views from a window seat on a flight, I cherished every moment on my balcony at sea. From breathtaking sunrises to the soothing sound of the waves, it was the perfect vantage point to soak in the beauty of the coast���whether in the sky or on the water. Thanks Delta for the safe flight and Princess Cruises for my wonderful cruise!

I had an incredible time revisiting San Francisco

I had an incredible time revisiting San Francisco, a city I used to call home! Using a CityPASS made it so easy to rediscover some of my favorite spots and explore new ones. I loved watching the iconic cable cars climb the steep streets, and the Exploratorium���s interactive exhibits were just as fascinating as I remembered. Walking along the waterfront, feeling the salty breeze and soaking in the stunning views of the bay, was pure joy. From the panoramic sights of Coit Tower to the lively energy of Pier 39, it felt amazing to be back. Would you ride on the SkyStar Ferris Wheel ? I couldn���t leave without indulging in some Ghirardelli chocolate. San Francisco, you���ll always have part of my heart!

Visiting the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park

Visiting the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park was an unforgettable adventure! Claude, the giant albino alligator, was fascinating to see, and the towering giraffe skeleton left me in awe. The rooftop garden offered peaceful views of the park, a perfect retreat above the hustle and bustle. The earthquake simulation was both thrilling and deeply personal���it brought back memories of living in San Francisco during the October 17, 1989, quake. It served as a powerful reminder of how life can change in an instant, much like an earthquake. The Steinhart Aquarium was mesmerizing, with its vibrant marine life and the unique experience of hearing scuba divers give a live talk from inside the tank. At the entrance, we marveled at the stingrays gliding gracefully through the water, including the stunning southern stingrays with their electric blue spots. The exhibits showcasing ecosystems from around the world were breathtaking���I admired the lions in the African savannah display, which reminded me of seeing them during my African safari. I also smiled watching the live penguins swimming playfully, thinking of the time I swam with penguins in the Gal��pagos. The planetarium movies were a true highlight, offering a breathtaking journey through the stars and beyond���it felt like exploring the universe from the comfort of my seat. There was so much to see and experience, and sharing it all with amazing friends made it even more special.

Mary Cassatt at The Legion of Honor

Spending the day at The Legion of Honor in San Francisco with my dear friend Mary Ellen was an experience I���ll treasure. On a radiant sunny day, we immersed ourselves in the Mary Cassatt exhibit, captivated by her profound exploration of what it means to be a woman. Through her art, Cassatt celebrated the lives of women while posing timeless questions about their roles, relationships, and inner worlds. Her work was both deeply personal and universally resonant, a testament to the enduring power of women���s stories and creativity.
The museum���s permanent collection added another layer of wonder, showcasing masterpieces that spanned centuries of artistic evolution. As we wandered through the galleries, breathtaking views unfolded around us���stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and the sparkling Bay dotted with sailboats. It was impossible not to pause and soak in the beauty of the setting.
Outside, the Holocaust Memorial offered a moment of solemn reflection, a stark reminder of humanity���s capacity for both darkness and resilience. Nearby, the Japan Peace Memorial stood quietly, a serene tribute to reconciliation and hope.
From the art to the history to the awe-inspiring landscapes, the day was a perfect blend of beauty, connection, and contemplation.

Hotel Emblem San Francisco is an experience steeped in creativity and literary charm

Hotel Emblem in San Francisco isn���t just a place to stay���it���s an experience steeped in creativity and literary charm. Rooted in the history of writing and rebellious self-expression, this boutique hotel near Union Square is a haven for book lovers, dreamers, and anyone looking to be inspired. From the moment you walk in, stories surround you. The walls are lined with books, literary quotes adorn the hallways, and in your room, a vintage typewriter invites you to write your own chapter. Thoughtful touches make your stay unforgettable: bath bombs for a luxurious soak, a record player to set the tone, and a magic light that casts stars across the ceiling���a perfect muse for late-night inspiration. The Obscenity Bar & Lounge adds to the hotel���s bold, bohemian vibe, offering craft cocktails in a space that feels like a writer���s secret retreat. And with its prime location near Union Square, you���re steps from San Francisco���s best shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. For those seeking more than just a place to sleep, Hotel Emblem delivers a stay filled with creativity, relaxation, and a dash of rebellion.

Enjoying the incredible vibe and mouthwatering burgers at PLS

Enjoying the incredible vibe and mouthwatering burgers at PLS inside Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco was a true highlight. The juicy, perfectly cooked burgers stole the show, complemented by creative cocktails and an electric atmosphere that made every bite even better.
What made the evening truly unforgettable was sharing it with friends from my cruise ship days and my cousins. It felt like the perfect prelude to our upcoming reunion cruise���reminiscing about old adventures and creating new memories in a city that holds a special place in my heart.
San Francisco was my home after college, a city I fell in love with for its energy, creativity, and undeniable charm. Being back here, surrounded by great company and amazing food, was a celebration of both the past and the exciting journeys ahead.

Celebrating Polynesian style at the legendary Tonga Room in the Fairmont San Francisco

Celebrating Polynesian style at the legendary Tonga Room in the Fairmont, a San Francisco institution that has been enchanting guests for over 75 years! From the moment we walked in, the tropical ambiance and live music created an unforgettable atmosphere. Delicious tiki drinks, a floating band, and an energetic vibe made the night truly special.
This memorable birthday celebration was made even better by sharing the experience with an amazing group of friends and cousins. We laughed, toasted, and soaked in the magic of this iconic venue. Cheers to the Tonga Room for decades of unforgettable memories and countless more to come!

Sailing under Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco on Ruby Princess

Back onboard the Ruby Princess in San Francisco, reconnecting with Princess Cruises where I once worked and made so many incredible memories. It���s amazing to be back, reuniting with friends who are like family.

As we sailed out of the bay, past Coit Tower and under the Golden Gate Bridge, it felt like the ship wouldn���t fit���but somehow it always does! I captured it all on film, watching the ship glide gracefully through the iconic passage. I love listening to the peaceful waves from my balcony, soaking in the beauty of it all. There���s truly nothing like the magic of cruising.

Sunrise in Santa Barbara

Sunrise in Santa Barbara���what a breathtaking start to the day! Traveling from ship to shore by tender on the Ruby Princess, ready to enjoy all the adventures this beautiful destination has to offer.

Santa Barbara Glassblowing Workshop with Saul

At the Santa Barbara Glassblowing Workshop, Saul, a third generation glass maker, taught Mia and I how to create our own glass vases! This video is him in his workshop showing us all the steps in the fascinating art of glassblowing. It was thrilling to shape molten glass and now I have a tangible memory of this creative adventure and a newfound respect for this intricate craft.

Amazing Wildlife Kayak with Santa Barbara Adventure Company!

Had an amazing time kayaking in Santa Barbara Harbor with Mia on the Wildlife Kayak Tour hosted by Santa Barbara Adventure Company! We spotted sea lions, graceful egrets, and even kayaked under a catamaran���such a fun and unique experience. Huge thanks to our excellent guide, Jo, for making the trip unforgettable. Santa Barbara truly delivers!

LEARN MORE about when I worked for Princess Cruises in my award-winning memoir, BRAVE-ish: SEE MORE FROM MY CALIFORNIA COASTAL CRUISE on RUBY PRINCESS In Part Two:

The post Ruby Princess: California Coastal Cruise San Francisco and Santa Barbara appeared first on We Said Go Travel.