Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 21

180 for 180: Take Action TODAY for Israel

Take Action for Israel and Bring Our Hostages Home

April 3 marks 180 days since the horrors of October 7th. Every one of us can do something. We are hoping to collect 180,000 signed letters that will be hand delivered to the White House on Wednesday, April 3rd in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel.

This initiative, ���180 for 180,��� was launched by the OU (Orthodox Union) and is supported by the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, an organization for which Rabbi David Woznica serves on the Leadership Team. We strongly encourage you join us in this important project. 

Click here to write your letter of support which must be received by the end of today.��� Stephen Wise Clergy Team

SIGN THE 180 FOR 180 LETTER

�������������� ���������������� �������������� … ������������ �������������� �������������������������������������They [the children of Israel] cry and God listens���God is close to the broken-hearted��� (Psalm 34:18-19).

Last Tuesday, I read former Israeli hostage Amit Soussana���s testimony about the horrific sexual assault she endured at gunpoint by Hamas terrorists during her captivity in the tunnels under Gaza. And I cried. I cried and cried until my eyes were red and weary. I called my best friend. I texted my brother. I hugged my husband and my babies. And still, for the rest of that day, I cried. Nothing could comfort me except the thought of Amit reunited with her family and the hope, the feeling, the trust that God is by my side���maybe even cries with me���when I weep.Tears stream through our sacred texts. Hagar cries in anguish when she is separated from Abraham (Genesis 21). Abraham wails for Sarah at her grave (Genesis 23). We cried together at the rivers of Babylon when we remembered Zion (Psalm 137). We even read about the city of Jerusalem weeping bitterly for our suffering (Lamentations 1). And Joseph, whose story takes up more biblical verses than any of the previous patriarchs and matriarchs, cries often: he sheds tears for his own pain, for the secrets and lies that eat away at his brothers, for the grief his father endures. We cannot get through our shared story without crying, without releasing our sadness. And just like in the story of Noah and the flood, when the water stops, we can perhaps experience moments of hope, calm, and peace. Our tears are precious and help us ease our heaviest pains. May our darkest days be washed away by our unshakeable hope for a better next chapter for our People, for all the peoples of God���s earth. May we see all our hostages safely returned to us, a most sacred day when���God willing���we can weep in joy. ��� Cantor Emma Lutz

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Didn���t sign yet?! Thats ok! It takes just 1 minute of your day to sign a letter and add your name to the 180,000 letters that will be hand delivered to the White House TOMORROW, the 180th day since October 7th.

Visit ou.org/180 to sign a letter NOW!

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Iconic Sailing: Niver’s March News 2024

March News 2024 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:

I am grateful to all of you who have supported my book journey and all of my writing over the years. It has been amazing to be in different cities and meet people who are interested in my memoir, Brave-ish. Thank you to everyone who has come to my events and bought my book and I am so excited for this next chapter with more TRAVEL TV!

I loved sailing on the brand new Icon of the Seas. I worked for Royal Caribbean on Rhapsody of the Seas as Youth Staff decades ago and I loved it. Thank you The Jet Set TV, Nikki Noya & Bobby Laurie for allowing me to share about Royal Caribbean International’s brand new ship, ICON OF THE SEAS on your travel TV show.

Thank you to the INCREDIBLE & ICONIC production team — Option A Group, Lisa Williams, Sam Harris, Jason Mangini and Patrick Gruss for this amazing segment. See more of my Iconic adventures in these videos:

My Post-Divorce Wardrobe Helped Me Channel My Inner Child

Thank you The Zoe Report! What an honor to have my article, ���My Post-Divorce Wardrobe Helped Me Heal My Inner Child,��� go live during OSCARS weekend! Thank you Angela Melero for the incredible opportunity and superb edits.

Thank you to Chanticleer Book Reviews for including my memoir as a FINALIST for the 2023 HEARTEN Book Awards for Inspiring & Uplifting Non-Fiction. Thank you to Literary Titan for this marvelous 5 star review of my memoir!

Brave-ish by Lisa Niver is an engaging memoir that masterfully interweaves the challenging dynamics of a marriage at a crossroads with vivid accounts of solo travel and self-exploration. The narrative transports readers from the lively streets of Thailand to Fiji���s serene landscapes and into the opulent heart of Monaco, all while offering an introspective look at Niver���s personal journey. READ THE REST and now BUY MY MEMOIR as a paperback, digital book or audiobook!

Becoming Brave and Fearless Over 50

THANK YOU to Arizona Family TV and Jaime Cerreta for interviewing me about becoming brave and my memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Did you know I travel with a hula-hoop? Watch my segment on REACH TV Where Next with Kelly Blanco.Thank you for your support for my Brave-ish book tour! I was honored to be invited to speak in Mexico at the Women’s Travel Fest. I loved staying at the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen and then visiting Tulum for the first time and staying at Conrad Tulum. For my last night I was at the Hilton Cancun. Enjoy my videos from my adventures!I will be speaking in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Women in Travel Summit on April 12 about my award-winning memoir, Brave-ish! Learn more about my events: click here and my articles here Thank you to the PENN GAZETTE for sharing about my memoir!

Lisa Niver C���89, travel writer and author of a new memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup,Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, writes, ���I am so grateful for the overwhelming support and love at my booksigning event at the Penn Bookstore on Nov. 10! A heartfelt thank you to the campus organizations, especially the Pennsylvania Gazette, whose enthusiasm and promotion made the evening truly special. Myalumni friends and family filled the room, and the warm reception filled my heart!

THANK YOU for watching my podcast! It has now been seen and heard in 44 countries on 6 continents!

USA   India Canada   Ireland Puerto Rico   UK    Italy   Australia  Philippines Singapore   New Zealand Portugal Saudi Arabia Switzerland Hong Kong    Mexico   Japan  Fiji Seychelles France Latvia   Netherlands   Kenya   UAE Cambodia Israel Guatemala Germany Uruguay Bangladesh Spain Panama Thailand Uganda    Greece   South Africa  Costa Rica  Bosnia and Herzegovina   Sri LankaRomania Pakistan Ghana  Slovenia Cayman Islands

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

I loved my photo shoot on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas! Photo by Roy Riley WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over TWO MILLION views on YouTube! (now at: 2,105,500).

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 4,260 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  on TikTok: @LisaNiver, Twitter at @LisaNiver, Instagram @LisaNiver and on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com.

My Podcast: “Make Your Own Map!”

Fortune Cookie SAID:

Let your wanderlust guide you to new horizons and unforgettable adventures.

In your travels, may you find not just places, but pieces of yourself waiting to be discovered.

Do you love audiobooks? My memoir, Brave-ish, is available! AND!!! I am the narrator! Did you know that authors have to audition to narrate their books?!!?

Every Shabbat since Oct 7, I have posted on social media about the hostages. I hope that before Passover, they will finally be returned to Israel. Bring Them Home.

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Brave-ish: 5 Star Review from Literary Titan

Thank you to Literary Titan for this marvelous 5 star review of my memoir!

Brave-ish by Lisa Niver is an engaging memoir that masterfully interweaves the challenging dynamics of a marriage at a crossroads with vivid accounts of solo travel and self-exploration. The narrative transports readers from the lively streets of Thailand to Fiji���s serene landscapes and into the opulent heart of Monaco, all while offering an introspective look at Niver���s personal journey.

In Brave-ish, Lisa Niver emerges as a relatable figure, akin to a close friend who has weathered significant challenges yet maintains a sense of humor. Her candor in discussing the emotional aftermath of her marriage and the subsequent steps toward recovery is both striking and inspiring. The memoir goes beyond the excitement of adventures like shark diving and car racing in Vegas, framing these experiences as pivotal moments in Niver���s path to healing. While the memoir at times delves deeply into the emotional aspects of her life, potentially overshadowing the more light-hearted, travel-centric narratives, it is precisely this vulnerability that lends authenticity to her story. The book skillfully blends reflective thought with the excitement of global exploration. Niver doesn���t just pass through destinations; she fully immerses herself in them, extracting meaningful insights from each experience, whether confronting fears or embracing different cultures. She is the approachable protagonist of her own story, exemplifying that true bravery often lies in perseverance.

Brave-ish is an invitation to confront the unfamiliar, to discover resilience in openness. Lisa Niver���s memoir is not only a revealing journey into her own experiences but also a reflective look at the adventurous spirit that resides within us all. It appeals to anyone drawn to the unknown and serves as a poignant reminder that often, the most significant adventures are those that take place within ourselves.

When a womans marriage falls aprart she makes a choice try 50 new things before turning 50. Brave-ish is an engaging #memoir that interweaves the challenging dynamics of a #marriage at a crossroads with vivid accounts of solo #travel and self-exploration. https://t.co/rETnzyHQEP pic.twitter.com/jzuMRFu5up

— Literary Titan (@LiteraryTitan) March 8, 2024

Click here for more about BRAVE-ish and Lisa Niver

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Although Lisa Niver has traveled in far-off locales from Vanuatu to Nepal and received numerous accolades for both her writing and her top ranked website, what people don���t realize is that this began from the wreckage of a rotten romance.

Newlywed Niver was on the adventure of a lifetime. She had quit her job, rented out her condo, and was traveling around Asia. To the outside world, Niver was a woman living out her dreams of exploring ancient ruins in Cambodia and seeing orangutans in Borneo. In private, she was keeping a dark secret. But, when she found herself lying on a sidewalk in Thailand, looking up at the sky in severe pain, she knew things had to change. At age forty-seven, Niver found the courage to set course on a new life.

Feeling like a failure, pushing fifty, and moving home to her parents��� house to start again from scratch, Niver started taking one tiny ���brave-ish��� step at a time to take her life far away from the old one and into the adventurous world of travel writing. These small hurdles led to the challenge of trying fifty new things before turning fifty. From diving into shipwrecks, swimming with sharks, bobsledding at 3 Gs, to indulging in wild escapades, Niver found herself traversing the world on a journey of reinvention, personal growth, and discovering what it actually means to be ���brave.���

While Brave-ish chronicles Niver���s inspiring expeditions to distant corners of the world including Myanmar, Cuba, Morocco, Kenya and Mongolia this is more than a travelogue. Niver���s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Brave-ish inspires readers to dream big, take risks, and embrace the unknown to create a life filled with wonder and excitement, even when courage seems elusive.

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Family Travel On The California Coast: The Portofino Hotel & Marina

Photo Credit: The Portofino

As a travel writer who has set foot on all seven continents and co-authored the memoir The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents. One Unconventional Detour Around the World, I felt certain in my twenties that if I ever had children of my own one day, I���d step into the role of Chief Adventurer, corralling backpack-touting little ones to far-flung locales around the globe.��

Fast-forward to reality, and to my children who are now 10 and nine years old: The farthest plane ride we���d ever taken from our home in Upstate New York was to Florida to visit my mother.

I promised myself this winter break���which is typically cloudy and cold in the Northeast���that instead of nagging my kids to get off their devices for seven days, we would be breathing in fresh ocean air and moving our bodies outdoors. 

I���d been California dreaming, and the seaside sanctuary that is the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach���only about 20 minutes south of LAX���has the combination of nature activities and urban comforts that makes for an ideal family getaway. One cross-country plane ride later, and we had arrived.

The Portofino Hotel & Marina History

When I embarked on my travel writing career more than 15 years ago, the field was still largely dominated by men. ���Adventurous��� and ���risk taker��� were terms that weren���t traditionally used to describe women. That���s why I was so inspired by the story of the original founder of the Portofino Hotel & Marina, Mary Davis, one of the country���s first female race car drivers. Davis opened the hotel in 1962, and it later became the final destination for the New York-to-California car race known as the Cannonball Run (a race that inspired the 1981 film by the same name starring Burt Reynolds). ‘Risk’ and ‘adventure’ could have been Davis��� middle names, whose life story also included joining the Marine Corps during World War II, managing cigar bars and opening Hollywood restaurants, and sailing a yacht around the world.

Photo Credit: The Portofino

The 161-room Portofino Hotel & Marina is now part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection, and recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation���without losing its Southern California charm. Built on a peaceful peninsula in the South Bay, the property is both elegant and cozy. It���s adorned with gauzy white drapes, nautical design touches in shades of beach-glass green and ocean blue, and layers of textures, such as overstuffed pillows beckoning guests to sink into window seats overlooking the bay.

The hotel entry opens into the waterfront ���Living Room��� lobby that is at once intimate and spacious. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the light in and open to expansive views of the ocean. In the center of the ocean-facing wall is a stone-lined fireplace where guests can curl up in the arm chairs placed before it with a book or a drink. The walls are covered in that calming beach-glass green shade, with multiple crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and reflecting the shifting light throughout the day. Couches, overstuffed chairs, and coffee tables are artfully arranged in front of each of the windows and throughout the room to encourage gathering. At the far end is a bar where guests can order sunset cocktails.

Photo Credit: Holly Corbett

The guest rooms also reflect the nautical theme with mirrored glass decor and rugs and pillows in various shades of ocean blue. We stayed in an oceanside room with two double beds and a private balcony. My kids loved standing on the balcony to watch the very-vocal colony of sea lions that called a floating dock in the bay their home. The kids even spotted pods of dolphins performing acrobatics as they leapt from the water.

Where to Eat And Relax At The Seaside Resort

Maybe it���s the aptly-named Living Room lobby or the friendly staff, but the Portofino Hotel & Marina did feel like a home away from home. The receptionist listened intently to my daughter sharing how she and her brother named the duck nestled on the same dinghy in the marina each morning, Federick III. When my son left his jacket on the couch in the Living Room lobby where we had been enjoying live music, the guitarist stepped out of the performance to return it before we reached the elevator. More than one dog-walking local stopped to ask us if we needed help as we wandered the path in front of the property, freely offering suggestions on places to visit. 

Photo Credit: The Portofino

Though we didn���t have to leave the hotel to find things to do: The kids enjoyed swimming in the heated pool while I took a dip in the hot tub overlooking the bay. The onsite gym has cardio machines, such as Pelotons, as well as weights, and the hotel also has yoga classes on its schedule. 

Photo Credit: Holly Corbett

Across from the lobby entrance is the free-standing, marine-facing BALEENkitchen, complete with outdoor fire pits. The restaurant also offers room service, which is a nice option to have when you want to get jet-lagged children in for an early night. The seasonal menu features local California produce, such as the porcini dusted scallops with farmer’s market vegetable succotash ragout for dinner, or the ���mom���s garden omelet��� for breakfast. Fear not, the kitchen also serves up truffle fries that will have your kids asking for seconds. For parents, the cocktail menu includes drinks with names such as ���Life is Peachy��� and ���Forbidden Fruit,��� as well as alcohol-free options infused with CBD oil aptly called ���At Peace Collins.�����

Photo Credit: Holly CorbettFamily-Friendly Activities On The California Coast

The location of the Portofino Hotel & Marina is ideal because there is also plenty to do in the surrounding area so renting a car isn���t necessary. Right next to the Redondo Beach marina is the Redondo Beach Pier. Just a five-minute walk, the pier features seafood markets such as and restaurants with outdoor patios such as e, as well as a variety of souvenir shops and activities like whale-watching excursions.

With Hermosa and Manhattan beaches just a few miles to the north, the Portofino Hotel & Marina is situated next to an oceanfront bike path that runs more than 27 miles along the California Coastal Trail, all the way up to Malibu. Their onsite Dockside Activity Center has complimentary cruiser bicycles as well as e-bikes for rent. If you can���t find a bike small enough to fit your children, you can follow the sidewalk to the street where you���ll find the veteran-owned Marina Bike Rentals for kids��� bikes or bike trailers for those too young to ride.��

Photo Credit: Holly Corbett

A favorite part of our trip was taking out kayaks from the onsite activity center to paddle out to see those sea lions up close. For more adventurous types, the activity center also offers paddleboards, scuba, deep-sea fishing and boat charters.

From experiencing wildlife encounters to listening to live music to biking along the beach to tasting fresh seafood, we made plenty of memories during our first-ever cross-country trip. If you���re looking for a family-friendly vacation that combines convenience with adventure and relaxation, the Portofino Hotel & Marina is a (California) dream.

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BRAVE-ish is a Hearten Uplifting and Inspiring Non-Fiction FINALIST!

Thank you to Chanticleer Book Reviews for including my memoir as a FINALIST for the 2023��HEARTEN Book Awards��for Inspiring & Uplifting Non-Fiction. MORE BOOK AWARDS: Goody Business Book Awards: Memoir/Self-Help Zibby Awards: Best Book for The Strong Woman

For the Hearten Book Awards–I was on the short list, then the long list, then a semi-finalist and NOW a FINALIST! What an honor to be considered for my memoir, Brave-ish!

My Podcast, Make Your Own Map, won 2nd place for Diversity in TV/Streaming at the NAEJ Awards
My website is #10 on the top 100 Travel Lifestyle Blogs and Websites I am also the #3 Top Travel Influencer for 2024 for Afluencer as well as #10 of Female Influencers Brands Can’t Get Enough of for 2024! I want to send a special thanks to my awesome literary agent, Chip MacGregor and my phenomenal Post Hill Press editor, Debra Englander! This team has believed in my book from the very beginning. I am deeply grateful! And here is a new review from Midwest Book Review: THANK YOU for all of your support. My AUDIO BOOK of Brave-ish narrated by ME is now available!

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Reflections on My Israel Solidarity Mission

By Felice Williams

At Stephen Wise Temple Shabbat Services on February 16, 2024, members of the congregation who had traveled to Israel with Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback shared about their solidarity mission.

When the opportunity arose for a visit to Israel with Rabbi Yoshi and Jacqueline, I realized that the timing worked and I jumped on board, as I wanted to lend support (and assistance) to the Israeli people, whom I hold dear to my heart, and to bear witness to the pain and suffering that was inflicted upon them on-October 7th. In addition, I have been consumed by concern about our country���s biased and one-sided media coverage of the post-10/7 events toward Israel, as well as the resultant shocking rise in anti-semitism that has reared its ugly head across the world, really, seemingly in support of a terrorist group���s senseless, brutal attack on a civilian population. How could this be? Certainly not in our freedom-loving country! It feels to me that I have been living in an alternate universe since returning home from a vacation last October 23rd. Ah, but that���s another topic, for another conversation���

Rabbi Yoshi asked me to reflect upon our Temple���s Solidarity mission and to recall an experience that particularly impacted me. To be honest, I am having difficulty selecting just one, and have decided to focus on my most-significant take-away from our trip. 

Many have asked me, ���Why would you go to Israel during a war?��� It quickly became evident that to bear witness was the very least we could do. October 7th completely shook me to my core. The unspeakable violence we witnessed that day and the unimaginable misinformation, hatred and propaganda that has taken hold around the world and in our own country, woke up many of us in the diaspora. We were profoundly impacted by our experiences, each one of us in our Stephen Wise contingent. Everywhere we went, every person we spoke with, from the brave and resilient farmer in the Gaza envelope, Uri, whose daughter-in-law lost her sister and her husband during the massacre at Kibbutz K���far Aza nearby, leaving behind 10-month old twins, to the IDF soldiers and Nova Music Festival victims recovering from their injuries in the Gaza War, to Barak Benjamin, an evacuee of Moshav Netiv HaAsara (and brother-in-law of our tour guide), currently residing with his family in a hotel in Tel Aviv for the past four months, to relatives of the hostages at Captive Square, in Tel Aviv, each person we encountered thanked us for being there, for helping and supporting them and told us, repeatedly, how our support gives them strength and how much it meant to feel our presence and know that Jews around the world supported them. It gave me a great deal of comfort to be there for them at this difficult time when so many of us feel so helpless and reminded me how important showing up can be! Many asked us how we were doing with the terrible increase in anti-semitism in America (they were worried about us)! 

What I found was a brave, resilient, proud, resolute, and hopeful, yes hopeful, people, who love and celebrate life, family, and community, even now, and who only want to live in peace and harmony with their neighbors. I���m trying to figure out how I can do more to help, in some small way, to correct the inaccurate perceptions and deceptive news reporting of the reality of the situation there, because I really don���t understand how most western news outlets can be so anti-Israel, and seemingly forget, in their reporting, that there was relative peace in the region on October 6th. I realize that we are all mishpuchah, us Jews, that there is an unbreakable bond between us and that this trip to Israel communicated that in a meaningful and impactful way. What I also found was a wonderful group of new friends who I was blessed to experience this journey with, several of whom are here tonight, and came away with shared memories of a lifetime together. 

Am Yisrael Chai!

Stephen Wise Temple and Schools proudly support the State of Israel and the Jewish people���s right to self-determination. Zionism and��ahavat Yisrael, love of the people, land, and State of Israel, have always been central to who we are and what we do as a community. This has been true for the almost 60 years of our history, and never more so than since October 7, 2023.

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Luxurious Escapes Await: Hilton Cancun and Tulum – All-Inclusive Retreats in Mexico’s Paradise

Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of the Mexican Caribbean, Hilton Cancun and Hilton Tulum beckon travelers with promises of unforgettable experiences in two of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. Offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, convenience, and value, these all-inclusive resorts redefine the art of vacationing. With food and drinks included it is already a great value, take advantage of the current special where kids and teens stay for free and enjoy an array of amenities designed to cater to every need. Hilton Cancun and Hilton Tulum ensure that every moment of your stay is filled with relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.

Guests are welcomed into a world of tranquility, where crystal-clear waters set the stage for a truly unforgettable experience. These family friendly resorts include 24/7 room service at no extra charge. Lounge by the one of the beautiful pools while sipping on cocktails, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the adjacent Conrad Tulum or Waldorf Astoria Cancun, both luxury neighbors offering the pinnacle of relaxation and indulgence.

At Hilton Cancun, my suite, complete with its own private plunge pool, was so big I decided to hula-hoop from door to door, inside and out. From the vibrant colors of the Caribbean Sea to the endless array of activities and music, I enjoyed every minute of my stay!

For families, Hilton All-Inclusive goes above and beyond to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable stay. Kids will love splashing around in the dedicated pool just for them, while parents can relax knowing that lifeguards are on duty and security is always present. The resorts offers a range of activities for children, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling adventures to explore the nearby coral reef, the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

As the sun sets, the fun continues with nightly entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. From crafts and games for the little ones to live music and shows for the adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with the option to hire a nanny and cribs provided at no extra cost, parents can truly unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break. Hilton All-inclusives offers a secluded retreat where guests can reconnect with nature and each other. I thought the sunset dinner for two with your toes in the sand looked superb!

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply a blissful escape from the everyday, Hilton Cancun and Hilton Tulum offer the perfect combination of luxury, convenience, and value. With their stunning locations, impeccable service, and commitment to ensuring a truly memorable stay, these all-inclusive resorts are sure to exceed your expectations. So why wait? Book your stay today and discover the magic of Mexico with Hilton.

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BRAVE-ish at Women in Travel Summit 2024

Thank you Wanderful and Women in Travel Summit! I am excited for our panel, JOURNEYS OF THE SOUL: NAVIGATING THE PATH TO A BOOK DEAL, on April 12, 2024 in Salt Lake City. Panel of Authors: 

Angie Orth, author of Flirting with Disaster: True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure, and Faith

Beth Santos, author of Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo

Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel

Lisa Niver, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty

Nikki Vargas, Call You When I Land

This panel celebrates the empowerment of women through travel while offering practical guidance on how to turn those transformative experiences into published memoirs. It emphasizes the importance of women’s voices in travel literature and provides actionable steps for aspiring writers to make their mark in the industry. It highlights the power of travel not only as a means of exploration but also as a source of personal growth and transformation. We aim to inspire aspiring writers and travelers while fostering a sense of community and empowerment among women in the travel industry.

See you in Utah for the 11th in-person WITS Travel Creator Summit! I���ll be joining other content creators, DMOs, marketers, entrepreneurs, and more for important conversations about elevating women and underrepresented creators as well as current issues in travel. This year, #WITSUtah is taking place in both Salt Lake City AND Park City! Join me for a powerful weekend of learning, networking, and exploring. Visit witsummit.com/utah to grab your ticket!

Learn more about my award-winning memoir: CLICK HERE NOW available as an audio book and YES! I am the narrator! At WITS UTAH–Sign up for a MENTOR SESSION with ME!

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Conrad Tulum Oasis: An Amazing Escape in Paradise

Nestled along the pristine shores of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Conrad Tulum stands as a beacon of luxury and serenity amidst the natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. Boasting breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical landscapes, this extraordinary hotel offers an unparalleled experience of relaxation, indulgence, and adventure.

Upon arrival at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, guests are immediately captivated by the hotel’s striking contemporary design, seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment. The architecture reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, with sleek lines and earthy tones blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the jungle and ocean.

The multiple infinity pools look out over the azure sea and I swam laps in one that was closest to the pizza oven for my after swim snack! The breakfast buffet is enormous and you must try the signature French Toast– it is out of this world. For lunch and dinner, there are multiple restaurants with flavors from around the world, I ate outdoors listening to great music and relaxing by the pool bar.

Accommodations at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya redefine luxury living, with spacious rooms and suites meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and privacy. Each elegantly appointed space features modern amenities and thoughtful touches, including plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is much more than a hotel ��� it is a destination unto itself, where luxury, natural beauty, and impeccable service converge to create an extraordinary experience unlike any other. Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous escape, guests will find everything they desire and more at this oasis of luxury and tranquility in paradise.

Moreover, the location of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya couldn’t have been more ideal. I was so excited to finally see the ancient wonders of Tulum! While I have been to Cozumel many times for scuba diving when I worked on cruise ships, I had never been to Playa Del Carmen or Tulum until this year when I came to speak at Women’s Travel Fest.

Walking through history at this stunning archaeological site is an experience like no other. My private guide, Julio Cesar Villagomez Villalobos, was phenomenal.�� Sebastian from Tours Del Carmen sent his brother Cesar to transport me from Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya to the ruins. The Mayan ruins are truly awe-inspiring, with their intricate architecture and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. I loved learning about and imagining life in this ancient city centuries ago.

My experience at Conrad Tulum Riveria Maya was nothing short of extraordinary. From the luxurious accommodations to the breathtaking surroundings and impeccable service, it was a stay that exceeded all expectations. I can’t wait to return to this hidden gem in paradise and create more cherished memories in the heart of Tulum.

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My Fling at the Fairmont: Conde Nast Traveler: Women Who Travel Podcast

Thank you to Conde Nast Traveler Women Who Travel Podcast! What an honor to share my story on their Valentine’s Day dispatch. “It’s fun, it’s candid, it’s certainly not hallmark.” Women Who Travel Podcast: Your Love and Travel Stories: Tales of breakups, hookups, and more in honor of Valentine���s Day.

Love doesn���t sleep just because you���re traveling. This week, in honor of Valentine���s Day, we���re dedicating an episode to our listeners��� stories, from tales of a windswept singles resort, to a fling in a Toronto hotel, to a surprising encounter in China. Whether you love or hate this holiday, or love to hate it, we promise this episode will be a fun one.

START LISTENING at 18:48 for my story

From MY FLING AT THE FAIRMONT: by Lisa Niver

“Fortunately, in my tornado of packing, I had one sexy bra and lingerie set.”

“I was talking to my coworker about this incredibly hot Adonis. And she said to me, “Does stuff like this happen to you all the time?”

Listeners share their tales of breakups, hookups, and more in honor of Valentine���s Day. https://t.co/CtEYR1j57w

— Cond�� Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler) February 12, 2024

Lisa Niver: This is Lisa Niver. I’m a teacher for the kids that need school while they’re filming a TV show or a movie. And I normally work in California. My boss once called and asked if I could travel very last minute to work in Toronto? One of my best friends lives in Toronto, and I was excited that they would literally pay for me to go visit my friend and work.

But then she called me back and she said, “Actually, we don’t need you.”

I was disappointed. And in my mind, I had actually given myself an imaginary boyfriend that I met when I was staying in Toronto. Because when I used to work on cruise ships and for Club Med, there were plenty of times that I had an actual crazy moment with a guest when something happened. We used to call Club Med —club bed— for a reason. So I was sad. I actually told my boss that I couldn’t believe she wasn’t letting me go to Toronto because I was going to have to break-up with my imaginary boyfriend. She laughed.

Surprisingly, a couple of days later, she called me again, desperate, asking “Please, I really need you to drop whatever you’re doing and pack.” I said–“Wh- you’re telling me now I’m going to Toronto?” And in my head I was thinking I might actually meet my new imaginary boyfriend!!

So I packed, it felt like that character in the cartoons, the Tasmanian devil, because I just kept throwing things in the suitcase. I barely slept because they were picking me up at four o’clock in the morning. It’s always great when they pick me up to go the airport, but somehow when I have a weird time to wake up, I wake up every hour. I flew on the plane, I waited in line to get my work permit, I finally got to my hotel. One of the reasons I’ve traveled all over the world is I love, love, love, love, love scuba diving.

So I’m always trying to swim as much as possible to keep in shape for my next adventure. When I arrived at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, they told me not only did have a pool, but also that there was late night swim that was adults-only. I quickly got organized in my room to go swimming. I had my blue swimming cap and my goggles. And I think that I look so geeky, but whatever. That’s how I swim.

After I finished up my laps, and got out of the pool, I put on my robe and I was getting ready to leave. I just had this feeling I forgot something. So I was looking back at the chair where I had left my cell phone, but I had my cell phone, I had my room key. I thought, “What else do I need?” And then, oh my goodness, I saw this man in the water. And I thought, oh my gosh, if I could have imagined my imaginary boyfriend, I definitely made him look like him. He was amazing.

I thought to myself, that’s a lot of abs. I was thinking, who has abs like that? And he started talking to someone and I felt like one of those funny movie scenes where the guy’s talking to the girl and the girl is in the diner looking behind her. I checked to see if there was a clock behind me. Maybe, he’s looking at the clock. He’s not talking to me.

And he said, “No, I, I am talking to you.”

And I said, “Oh my God, I said that out loud.”

He starts chatting with me. Anyway, it was the end of the night and the attendant came in and said, “Swimming is over” and essentially locked the door behind us. And my friend with the abs got in the elevator with me and was chatting me up. And I’m not usually at a loss for words. I worked on cruise ships, I work on set, but this man really looked like the model for a sculpture in Greece. Anyway, he kept talking to me and unfortunately at some point, of course, he had to ask me my name.

And so I asked him his name. And then– that was when it was over for me.

It was so good. I was thinking maybe tonight I would get lucky but he had a very unlucky name in my opinion because he had the same name as my ex-husband. And there was no way I was having hot hotel room sex with a guy with the same name as my ex-husband.

There was no way. And honestly, it was basically like my whole brain shut off in a different way. But, he didn’t know that. And, I didn’t tell him that. But he kept talking to me in the elevator, and then he got out on the same floor as me. And apparently, I’m not very smart, because I looked at him and I said, “You’re on the same floor as me? That’s a coincidence.”

He said, “Lisa, I’m not on the same floor as you.” And then I was thinking, why would he get off the same floor as me? Oh. I realized he thinks he’s coming home with me.

I said: nope, nope, nope. It’s my first day at work tomorrow. He said, “Are you sure you do not want me to walk you to your room? There might be villainous bell-boys and rogue room service carts in the hallway?” And I laughed because he was so charming but I said, “At the FAIRMONT?” I did not think there was any danger except for my heart from him.

I had so many excuses. And he said, I have to work tomorrow, too. And he told me that he was working on set with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which honestly, I didn’t believe. I thought, “Sure, he’s here. And sure you’re on set also.”

I just figured I had said I was on set, so then he said he was on set. I gave him my card because he asked for my number. I don’t know why I did because I was never going to sleep with him. I waved goodbye. And I went to my room. I had to wash my hair because I had been swimming and I had to work the next day.

The whole time, I just thought I just made a huge mistake. When the universe gives you a gift, you’re not really supposed to give it back. And since I had my imaginary boyfriend before I even left, it is like the universe saying, here you go, and served him up to me on this platter. And I just basically kicked him to the curb. So I thought about that all night. And then, of course, again, I was sleep-deprived for work, and when I got there, and I had made fast friends with my co-teacher.

And I was telling her, my whole story. I said, “I know I never met you before but this crazy thing happened to me last night.” And I told her the whole story, especially about his name.

She said, “First of all, who cares what you call him,” and she invented a name for him because he had such good abs. She called him Abs McGee. Anyway, so all day long, I was thinking about that Abs McGee, and he did actually text me from his set, and asked if he could see me later. And I was thinking about it. And I did find out I asked who else was in town filming and the first person they mentioned was Arnold Schwarzenegger. [laughing] So it was true that Arnold Schwarzenegger was in town. I decided to text a friend of mine who I’ve known since the seventh grade. And I texted her, I explained the story to her. And she wrote me back and she said, “Listen, I think it’s really time that you have a new association with an old name.” She said, “You can’t keep giving your ex-husband all this power. I think you deserve to have a great time.”

So later that night, I texted him and he asked me to meet him in the lobby. We met up for drinks in the lobby, which was really fun. He continued to be charming and entertaining. And I fessed up to the issue about his name. He asked if he had a different name, if I would have brought him home the night before. I just shrugged.

He had these dots on his face, because they had been doing this ADR filming where they were using his body but they were going match his face. And they worked so late, that he said that the makeup team was gone. He said, “Listen, you’re a girl, don’t you have some lotion or makeup remover in your room? Can’t you help me out?” And I mean, I wasn’t really still on the fence about taking him home. But it was really cute. And so I said, “Yes, I guess I’ll help you out.” So he came up to my room. I helped him remove the dots from his face. And then he helped me remove all my clothes.

And we had this really great, crazy, sexy romp in my room. And it was so much fun. And I really was appreciative to have this whole girl tribe that came around me and helped me rethink this idea I had in my head that I could miss out on this super fun more than a one night fling. I saw him every night that we were both in town in the hotel together, and we also went out to dinner. Fortunately, in my tornado of packing, I had one sexy bra and lingerie set that I got to wear. I hadn’t anticipated that might happen but I really did have a great time meeting him and being willing, and that fling really did help heal my heart. It really made a difference for me to let go and give myself permission to be happy and try again, no matter what the guy’s name was.

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