Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 37

Where to Celebrate the Holidays? Beaches Turks and Caicos

I absolutely love scuba diving at Beaches Turks and Caicos. But did you know that this family resort goes all out for the holidays? Are you wondering if you can trick or treat in the Caribbean? Well–I was there for Halloween–and the answer is YES! Bring your costume and enjoy the beach, the diving, pumpkin carving, Grover dancing as well as all the restaurants and of course the costume parade!

Happy Halloween from Grover, Sesame Street and Beaches Turks and CaicosHalloween Show from Sesame Street and Beaches Turks and Caicos!Can you Trick or Treat at Beaches Turks and Caicos ? YES

What will your suite be like?

This time I stayed in Key West Village near my favorite restaurants, Neptunes and SKY. There are 21 restaurants, 10 pools and the most beautiful beach!

Here is another look at Key West Village:

What does a Butler do at Beaches Turks and Caicos?

Where to DINE? I love SKY restaurant

At Kimonos, DINNER is the SHOWHow is the scuba diving? AMAZING!! Here is my article with us diving with sharks, rays and turtles.

Click below to see all of my videos from this adventure and enjoy this article which has links to many articles and videos from several past adventures with Beaches and Sandals Resorts.

The post Where to Celebrate the Holidays? Beaches Turks and Caicos appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

How do you CRUNCH? Doritos After DARK

For Winter Solstice, I went to an epic Doritos® After Dark pop-up experience in Los Angeles at Ground Level Studios. Our tastebuds were tantalized with a menu of globally-inspired culinary bites packed with our favorite Doritos® flavors.  

Thanks to Aaron, Gabriela, Sarahí and Amy for the FUN night and PHOTO team efforts!

First we had drinks flavored with Doritos, and every flavor of Doritos chips with incredible photo opportunities in a chip inspired gallery where everything was in the shape of a triangle even the glasses and tables!

Later, we moved into the dining area with a superb DJ for a festive late-night atmosphere and tasted all five courses of Doritos® After Dark including: 

o   Doritos® Flamin’ Hot® Cool Ranch® Corn Puppies: The afterparty starts as soon as these Corn Puppies arrive. Crunchy Korean corn dog-inspired triangles filled with gooey cheese and beef hot dogs beg for a double dunk in ranch sauce and crushed Doritos Flamin’ Hot Cool Ranch crunchers. Once you bite in, everything else just melts away. 

o   Doritos® Nacho Average Nachos: Start with the essentials of queso, guac, and salsa, and then go off on your own flavorland adventure. Take your pick of ground beef or chopped chicken and pair with Doritos® Flamin’ Hot® Cool Ranch® Flavored Tortilla Chips or Doritos® Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips to reach nacho nirvana. 

o   Doritos® Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites: You’ve had fried chicken. But not like this. These crispy chicken bites are inspired by Japanese fried chicken with light breading for a soft, snackable crunch with taste bud-tingling flavor. Sprinkle on crushed Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips for a final touch of flavor. 

o   Doritos® Cool Ranch® Loaded Pita: Late night hunger is no joke. A chicken kabob-inspired sandwich pairs perfectly roasted chicken with smooth yogurt sauce for a meal that’s fresh and filling. Take it to ANOTHER LEVEL® by adding Doritos Cool Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips for crunch in the clutch. 

o   Doritos® Spicy Sweet Chili Sammie: A banh mi-inspired sandwich that packs a late-night punch with perfectly seasoned beef, Asian slaw, sriracha aioli, and fresh cilantro. Grab that delivery and dress it up with delicious Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips. Triangle vibes incoming. 

Thank you to Team Doritos ® After Dark

DORITOS® isn’t just a chip. It’s fuel for disruption — our flavors ignite adventure and inspire action. With every crunch, we aim to redefine culture and support those who are boldly themselves. Are you ready? If so, crunch on.

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Where to DINE? 8 new Michelin stars awarded in LA County

Wondering where to eat for your next celebration? This month eight LA County chefs were awarded their new Michelin stars which is considered the ultimate achievement for chefs at a ceremony at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

#WilliamBradley of #Addison in #SanDiego is awarded 3-stars at the California #Michelinawards ceremony at the #PetersonMuseum Monday. 3-Star returnees included #DominqueCrenn of #AtelierCrenn in #SanFrancisco. #eatmichelin pic.twitter.com/IyEbyYtOSR

— David Crane (@vidcrane) December 6, 2022

In the ceremony awarding the Oscars of the culinary world, 18 new MICHELIN Stars are joining the California guide, including a 3 Star restaurant, Addison, in San Diego and two MICHELIN Green Stars. Twelve restaurants were awarded two stars (compared to 14 last year), while 70 restaurants received a single star, up from 65 in 2021. California is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other US state—New York comes second.

The tire company started the list as a travel companion for drivers looking to make roadside stops, but it has since become one of the most sought-after recognitions in the food world. One star is “worth a stop,” two stars is “worth a detour,” and three stars (the most a restaurant can receive) is “worth a special journey.” Michelin’s review process is mysterious with surprise anonymous critics visiting restaurants around the world.

In 2020, Michelin started a new category, green stars, an award that recognizes “culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments.” The green star is “a stand-alone distinction which can be awarded alongside other distinctions.” In 2022, California is home to nine restaurants awarded a green star, including newcomers Caruso’s in Montecito, and the Restaurant at Justin in Pasa Robles. 

Lisa Niver at California Michelin Star Reveal 2022 Los Angeles

*715 (Los Angeles, Japanese/Sushi cuisine)

Originally from Osaka prefecture, Chef Seigo Tamura came to the U.S. dreaming of becoming a pro basketball player. Thankfully for Los Angeles, the only points he’s scoring are with diners savoring his sushi. Together with his younger brother, the two have followed in their sushi chef grandfather’s footsteps. They source all seafood from Japan and age larger fish, such as tuna, in-house. Their blend of Hitomebore and Koshihikari rice is distinctive, and while Edomae-style sushi dictates using red vinegar for the rice, they add a little bit of sugar in a nod to their Osaka roots.

Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George at Camphor JOSH TELLES / CAMPHOR

*Camphor (Los Angeles, Contemporary/French cuisine)

Headed by uber-talented Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, Camphor plates seriously good French fare with a sprinkle of spicing from Southeast Asia. Creative cocktails, including the refreshing Saint-Germain, complete the experience. Bubbling hot rigatoni stuffed with artichokes, Swiss chard, and Comte delivers one satisfying bite after the next, and steak au poivre arrives resting in a pool of perfect sauce.

Chef Josiah Citrin and Citrin Restauarant CITRIN

*Citrin (Santa Monica, Californian cuisine)

Although located in the same building as Chef Josiah Citrin’s sister restaurant Mélisse, in lieu of its sibling’s tasting menu-only format, the offerings here afford more choice, with a modest prix-fixe alongside à la carte options. Chef Ken Takayama’s cuisine sends forth signature combinations of French technique with an abundance of California’s seasonal produce, focusing on updated takes on classically rooted flavors with modern, global touches.

Chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke at Gwen Restaurant GWEN / CURTIS STONE

*Gwen (Los Angeles / Steakhouse)

During the day, this enticingly arranged butcher shop sells humanely raised meats from local partner farms. By night, Gwen opens into a glowing dining room showcasing the same upscale cuts à la carte and on its multicourse tasting menu. Named for their beloved grandmother, this collaboration between Chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke conjures Art Deco glamour with crystal chandeliers and a roaring fireplace. The menu is concise and stars house-made charcuterie and wood-fired grilled steaks.

Chef Wes Whitsell and Hatchett Hall Restaurant ASHLEY RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY

*Hatchet Hall (Los Angeles / American cuisine)

This cool Culver West spot is a delight, thanks to the talented team behind it and Chef Wes Whitsell’s work in the kitchen. This is open-flame cooking, rendered with a Southern twang and seasonal focus, thanks to an abundance of local products. Rolls and biscuits should not be missed, while vegetable-based items, like collard greens with smoked turkey, speak of quality ingredients and delicious balance. Nuanced flavors and creativity unite in the likes of kampachi collar and pork belly. In short, there’s no going wrong here.

Chef Jonathan Yao and Kato RestaurantBERNARD OSEI/FORBES, KATO

*Kato (Los Angeles; Asian/Contemporary cuisine)

Chef Jonathan Yao steers the ship at Kato, deftly drawing from his Taiwanese background to create contemporary food that is at once simple and complex. He is unafraid of change and often tweaks the menu based on availability or just his own whim. No matter, since you’re in for a consistently creative and often quirky experience. The dishes (some of which are made by a local artisan) are as elegant as they are inventive.

Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke of Manske restaurant JIM DOBSON FOR FORBES

*Manzke (Los Angeles; Contemporary cuisine)

This eponymous fine dining concept from Walter and Margarita Manzke is in the same building as their more casual Bicyclette Bistro. Here, you’ll settle in for a 10-course tasting menu boasting a contemporary style that blends French techniques with Californian influences and Asian notes. Ingenuity is everywhere. The vintage cocktail program is a unique delight and a highly recommended start to any meal here. (also awarded the 2022 Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award)

*Sushi Kaneyoshi (Los Angeles; Japanese/Sushi cuisine)

This clandestine (read: frustratingly difficult to find) sushi counter is in the most unexpected of places, but step inside this serene, minimalist showpiece and be transported to Japan. Great care is taken with every detail, whether it’s the quality of ingredients or the artful plating — some of the pottery is even handmade by Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue. Highlights include stunning seared ocean perch tucked between a sheet of crisp nori, West Coast oyster braised in soy and served warm, and slightly smoked prawns coated in a lush egg yolk and soy sauce.

Chef William Bradley and Addison Restaurant ADDISON / FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAROrange County and San Diego

***Addison (San Diego; Contemporary/Californian cuisine)

Chef William Bradley has helmed the stoves at Addison since 2006, transforming this Southern Californian oasis into a world-class dining destination. Global inspiration and Californian sentimentality are at the heart of his approach, and no dish captures this better than sesame-seasoned Koshihikari rice finished with applewood-smoked sabayon and crowned with Regiis Ova reserve caviar. From chicken liver churros to a riff on chips and dip, dishes are playful yet polished. Opening bites such as Kumamoto oysters with pickled green strawberry or Iberian ham folded over a gloriously golden potato display finely tuned flavors. Shellfish-studded chawanmushi exemplifies masterful control over technique, flavors and textures. Meals conclude with a selection of stunning small bites.

Chef Douglas Keane at Cyrus Restaurant CYRUSNorthern California and Wine Country

*Cyrus (Geyserville; Californian cuisine)

Celebrated wine country chef Douglas Keane has returned to the fore with his re-launch of Cyrus in Geyserville. Dinner is an ebullient experience that progresses from canapes and Champagne in the lounge, to small bites in the kitchen, and concludes with substantial compositions in the dining room. Farm-fresh crudité to be dipped in umeboshi emulsion; Sonoma duck with turnips and hoisin; and black sesame financier with shaved plums are just a few examples of the impressive, globally accented cuisine.

Chef/owner Christopher Barnum-Dann at Localis LOCALIS / CHRISTOPHER BARNUM-DANN

*Localis (Sacramento; Californian cuisine)

Together with his tight-knit team, Chef/owner Christopher Barnum-Dann brings unusual warmth to this intimate setting. His enthusiasm is instantly palpable as he happily explains his inspiration behind particular dishes and even solicits feedback. This is especially true for diners who sit at the spacious counter. The cooking has a clean, modern simplicity, and its commitment to carefully sourced ingredients is thoroughly Californian. It also offers no shortage of personality, combining flavors while also drawing from various global cuisines.

Chef David Yoshimura at Nisei NISEI

*Nisei (San Francisco; Japanese/Contemporary cuisine)

“Nisei” refers to the American-born children of Japanese immigrants, which Chef David Yoshimura is; and the synthesis of that heritage forms the basis of this cuisine. The kitchen employs both boldness and subtlety in their cooking, which abounds with personality and technical finesse. The tasting menu is equal parts tradition and invention, where a classic matsutake broth sits in harmony with a wholly original dessert of Okinawan purple sweet potato. (Also awarded the 2022 Michelin Young Chef Award.)

Chef Seth Stowaway live fire cooking at Osito PHOTOGRAPHY BY @LEXMEXART

*Osito (San Francisco; Contemporary cuisine)

Chef Seth Stowaway puts his heart, soul and even his nickname (osito means “little bear”) into this rustic, lodge-like spot where live-fire cooking takes center stage. The multicourse tasting menu is served at an expansive communal table and changes with the seasons. The food is both elemental and elevated, with a subtle perfume of smoke wending through the various courses, seen in dishes like a lightly cooked king salmon with fennel and porcini, or a slow-cooked brisket brushed tableside with an intensely savory mussel BBQ sauce.

Chef Philip Tessier at Press Restaurant PRESS RESTAURANT

*Press (St. Helena; American cuisine)

This modern American dining room exudes all the wine country vibes, and just so happens to boast the largest collection of Napa wines in the world. Chef Philip Tessier is equally inspired by the location, delivering contemporary, Californian dishes such as Kusshi oysters with whipped horseradish, citrus-cured snapper with yuzu curd, and white truffle risotto that is simply sophisticated.

San Ho Won ERIC WOLFINGER

*San Ho Won (San Francisco; Korean cuisine)

Combining the prodigious talents of heavy-hitter Chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, here it’s safe to expect the exceptional. The kitchen’s assiduously refined technique deftly combines traditional Korean tastes with a sense of novelty, using impeccable ingredients to make for dishes of surpassing depth and purity of flavor, whether it be the humble kimchi or a rarefied cut of beef.

Ssal ADAHLIA COLE/SSAL

*Ssal (San Francisco; Korean cuisine)

Hyunyoung and Junsoo Bae have ample fine dining experience but were inspired to strike out on their own to fill what they saw as a void in San Francisco’s Korean restaurant scene. The result is this tasting menu that draws upon familiar flavors, but sets itself apart with a sense of refined simplicity. Meticulously prepared seafood shows a dedication to craft, as in black cod partially dried before being grilled to achieve a skin so crunchy it can be heard from across the room. Beef short ribs are something of a signature, gently cooked sous vide, then seared to form a sweet-savory crust.

Chef Massimo Falsini at Caruso’s CARUSO’SCentral Coast

*Caruso’s (Montecito; Californian cuisine)

The Rosewood Miramar Beach is its home, and contemporary Californian food with Italian leanings is the kitchen’s dictum. Housed in a separate structure and set back on the water, make the small walk to arrive at this elegant retreat. The dining room is beautifully attired with leather booths, linen-robed tables and white chairs, all of which afford views of the crashing waves. But make no mistake, the seasonal prix-fixe takes center stage along with a focus on regional products like California wheat milled in-house, and sea urchin procured from a local diver. (Also awarded MICHELIN Green-Star for sustainability)

Chef Rachel Haggstrom at Justin Restaurant JUSTIN

*The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles; Californian cuisine)

Make your way through winding roads to land upon the lush retreat, nestled within the JUSTIN Winery. This restaurant champions local product, sourced nearby and from the property’s own 150-tree orchard, edible flower fields, vegetable and herb gardens and apiary. Chef Rachel Haggstrom and her team flex their creative skills on a single tasting menu. Imagine asparagus with a soft quail egg, blood orange and duck prosciutto or artichoke tortellini with truffle and peas. As expected, theirs is an impressive wine list, replete with their own labels among other unique selections. (Also awarded MICHELIN Green-Star for sustainability)

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors also added 15 California restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: All Day Baby, Caboco, Chulita, Flavors from Afar, Good Good Culture Club, Hilda and Jesse, Ipoh Kopitiam, Jo’s Modern Thai, Lalibela, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, peasants FEAST, Pijja Palace, Pizzeria Bianco, Ramen & Tsukemen TAO and Saffy’s. How Learn more: These California Bib Gourmands Bring Flavor Under $50

Three StarsAddison, San DiegoThe French Laundry, YountvilleManresa, Los GatosQuince, San FranciscoBenu, San FranciscoAtelier Crenn, San FranciscoSingle Thread, HealdsburgTwo StarsHayato, Los AngelesProvidence, HollywoodSushi Ginza Onodera, West Hollywoodn/naka, Los AngelesMélisse, Santa MonicaCommis, OaklandBirdsong, San FranciscoAcquerello, San FranciscoCalifornios, San FranciscoSaison, San FranciscoLazy Bear, San FranciscoHarbor House, ElkOne StarJeune et Jolie, CarlsbadSoichi, San DiegoSushi Tadokoro, San DiegoKnife Pleat, Costa MesaHana re, Costa MesaTaco María, Costa MesaMorihiro, Los AngelesPhenakite, Los Angeles715, Los AngelesSushi Kaneyoshi, Los AngelesCamphor, Los AngelesKato, Los AngelesOrsa & Winston, Los AngelesQ Sushi, Los AngelesShibumi, Los AngelesKali, HollywoodGwen, Los AngelesOsteria Mozza, Los AngelesNozawa Bar, Beverly HillsMaude, Beverly HillsGucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, Beverly HillsManzke, Los AngelesPasta | Bar, EncinoShin Sushi, EncinoHatchet Hall, Los AngelesSushi I-NABA, TorranceCitrin, Santa MonicaThe Kitchen, SacramentoLocalis, SacramentoCaruso’s, MontecitoSushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito, Santa BarbaraSix Test Kitchen, Paso RoblesBell’s, Los AlamosThe Restaurant at JUSTIN, Paso RoblesKenzo, NapaAdega, San JoseAuberge du Soleil, RutherfordPress, Saint HelenaChez TJ, Mountain ViewPlumed Horse, SaratogaProtégé, Palo AltoSelby’s, AthertonSushi Shin, Redwood CityAngler SF, San FranciscoThe Shota, San FranciscoMister Jiu’s, San Francisco Sons & Daughters, San FranciscoO’ by Claude Le Tohic, San Francisco Kin Khao, San FranciscoOmakase, San FranciscoNiku Steakhouse, San FranciscoGary Danko, San FranciscoNisei, San Francisco Ssal, San FranciscoThe Village Pub, WoodsideOsito, San FranciscoSan Ho Won, San FranciscoSushi Yoshizumi, San MateoLe Comptoir at Bar Crenn, San FranciscoMarlena, San FranciscoAvery, San FranciscoThe Progress, San FranciscoState Bird Provisions,San FranciscoSorrel, San FranciscoSpruce, San Francisco Wakuriya, San MateoMadcap, San AnselmoCyrus, GeyservilleBarndiva, HealdsburgAubergine, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Congrats to the new MICHELIN Guide CA Stars! @visitoakland @discoverLA @dineLA @VisitBuenaPark @visitweho @visitsanjose @visitsyv @visitarroyogrande @travelpaso @seesantamonica@visitnapavalley @visitcalifonia #MICHELINGuideCA #MICHELINStar22https://t.co/tgZ8R6ZFCu

— MichelinGuideNorthAmerica (@MichelinGuideNA) December 6, 2022

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Want to scuba dive with sharks, rays and turtles? Meet me at Beaches Turks and Caicos

Do you want to scuba dive with sharks, rays and turtles? Are you ready to learn to Scuba dive?

PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) certifies one million new divers a year. PADI and Project AWARE teach divers and their families about the issues for our oceans. Beaches Resorts and Sandals Resorts were honored with the PADI Award of Outstanding Achievement for achieving more than 100,000 PADI certifications across both brands since Sandals Resorts International’s (SRI) membership with PADI began in 1997. “Issuing over 100,000 PADI certifications is a monumental accomplishment,” said Erica Wedepohl, PADI Worldwide, Territory Director for Caribbean & Latin America. “In fact, Sandals and Beaches Resorts are among the few elite resorts worldwide to accomplish this tremendous achievement.”

The Beaches Resorts professional PADI instructors are truly caring and incredible. Your entire family can get certified together, take a refresher or a specialty class. Once you are certified, diving is included at Beaches and Sandals Resorts.The PADI Junior Open Water Diver course is similar to the adult certification program but with smaller teacher-to-student ratios and shallower depth limits. To enroll, kids must be age 10-15 years old and able to swim. PADI Junior Open Water Divers automatically become Open Water Divers at the age of 15.

Scuba diving makes me happy and I love to dive at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Please enjoy the videos below from my recent adventure there. SEA you underwater!

Dive Beaches Turks and Caicos Grace Bay Nov 1 2022

Diving Nov 1 2022 in Grace Bay. My happy place is under the sea with the sharks! Come with us to Grace Bay! Thank you to the exceptional dive team who take such great care of every single diver!

Diving Northwest Caicos: Cathedral and Amphitheater

Join me UNDERWATER! We saw Black tip Reef Sharks, Southern Stingrays, Spiny Lobster, flamingo tongue snails, Queen Angelfish and Rainbow Parrotfish to name a few! REMEMBER Take only PHOTOS and Leave only BUBBLES! Come scuba dive with us at Beaches Turks and Caicos! Beaches Resorts have excellent professional PADI instructors and classes at all their properties Filmed 11/2/2022 at Cathedral and Amphitheater

Dolphin escort to our dive site!

Diving at Beaches Turks and Caicos is INCREDIBLE! On our way to the dive site, we were accompanied by JoJo the jumping dolphin! Thank you to Denroy and Captain Lancelot for the show.

Color correction by AquaColorFix. Which way is better?

Scuba diving with a turtle in Turks and Caicos

Thank you divemaster Arvin! We saw this TURTLE on our DIVE in Grace Bay. Color correction with AquaColorFix.

Will you like Beaches Turks and Caicos? The team WELCOMEs you!I will be sharing more articles about my recent stay. Please enjoy this article which has links to many articles and videos from several past adventures with Beaches and Sandals Resorts. Lisa Niver underwater with PADI Dive-In at Beaches Turks and Caicos 2020

The post Want to scuba dive with sharks, rays and turtles? Meet me at Beaches Turks and Caicos appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Happy Thanksgiving: Niver’s News: Nov 2022

Nov News 2022 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel: Sunset in Santa Monica–it looked like I was walking in a painting! Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your November has been full of friends and family and time to restore your soul.

Enjoy this video of my Uncle Stu carving up THREE Thanksgiving turkeys! I loved being back together with so much of our family for Thanksgiving dinner.

A Thanksgiving Prayer by Rabbi Naomi LevyFor the laughter of the children,For my own life breath,For the abundance of food on this table,For the ones who prepared this sumptuous feast,For the roof over our heads,The clothes on our backs,For our health,And our wealth of blessings.For this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends,For the freedom to pray these wordsWithout fear,In any language,In any faith,In this great country,Whose landscape is as vast and beautiful as her inhabitants.Thank You, God, for giving us all these. Amen.( Talking to God: Personal Prayers for Times of Joy, Sadness, Struggle, and Celebration) I will be speaking LIVE at America’s Favorite Travel Shows! Come see me at The Travel & Adventure Show in New York – January 28-29 at the Javits Convention Center and in Los Angeles— February 18-19 at Los Angeles Convention Center! 

“Discover endless vacation options from the top travel providers and destinations from around the globe. Meet one-on-one with thousands of travel experts who are on hand to help you find, personalize, and book your next trip. Uncover thousands of dollars in savings with exclusive travel deals and show-only specials. Receive expert advice and learn how to travel like an insider from dozens of educational seminars. Plus, meet Samantha Brown, Andrew McCarthy, Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, Patricia Schultz, LISA NIVER and more!”

Buy your discounted tickets for NYC:  www.eventbrite.com/e/403654440297/?discount=GOTRAVEL23 

for LA: www.eventbrite.com/e/403655453327/?discount=GOTRAVEL23 or

Use promo code: GOTRAVEL23 for $6 off regularly priced tickets. 

Thank you Savio P. Clemente and AUTHORITY MAGAZINE for interviewing me for their series: Becoming Free from The Fear of Failure Our day on the water at Beaches Turks and CaicosRecently, I was in NYC for the ITS travel conference, scuba diving at Beaches Turks and Caicos and speaking to students at my alma mater, University of Pennsylvania, as well as with my 1989 classmates to talk about TRAVEL! EVENTS are BACK!! I went to the inaugural Jewish Journal Gala “The Gift of Community,” a book event at Bloomberg for “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO” and an art opening of Together for Good: Caron Tabb and the Quilting Corner as well as Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories at Skirball Cultural Center. Videos below:Articles from my recent adventures in Toronto and Calgary: “Explore Toronto with CityPASS and me!” Click here for all of the videos. Would you walk around the OUTSIDE of the CN TOWER in the RAIN? I DID! Luxury Toronto: Fairmont Royal York, Shangri-La Toronto and Four Seasons TorontoWhat to DO in CALGARY, Canada?Where to EAT and STAY in Calgary?Thank you to the Jewish Journal for publishing my articles for twelve years!

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over 1.7 million views on YouTube! (Exact count: 1,715,000 views)

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 3,750 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.

Fortune Cookie SAID:

“You create enthusiasm around you.”

“Accept the next proposition you receive”

Sending health, happiness, hope and hugs from our family to yours for this holiday season!

The post Happy Thanksgiving: Niver’s News: Nov 2022 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Authority Magazine interviews Lisa Niver: “Becoming Free from The Fear of Failure”

Thank you Savio P. Clemente and AUTHORITY MAGAZINE for interviewing me: Lisa Niver of ‘We Said Go Travel’ On Becoming Free from The Fear of FailureAn Interview with Savio P. Clemente

Sometimes in order to move forward you have to ask for help. During my 50 challenges project, I was invited for a women’s ski weekend in Lake Tahoe. The team asked me to come back in the summer for Pumps and Pedals, a women’s biking project. I said, “NO! I am afraid.” My friend, Marcie, said, “I am scared too but we can do it together.” Step four is to find a friend so you can support each other and move mountains or at least ride them!

The Fear of Failure is one of the most common restraints that holds people back from pursuing great ideas. Imagine if we could become totally free from the fear of failure. Imagine what we could then manifest and create. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who can share stories and insights from their experience about “Becoming Free from the Fear of Failure.”

As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing  Lisa Niver . Niver is an award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries and six continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate worked for Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises for seven years and then backpacked across Asia for three years. Read her articles across the internet and social media everywhere from AAA & AARP to WIRED & Wharton Magazine as well as her site  WeSaidGoTravel . Named a #3 travel influencer for 2022, find her talking travel on broadcast television at  KTLA TV  Los Angeles, her  YouTube channel , with over 1.7 million views, and in her memoir coming out in Fall 2023.

Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?

Growing up I excelled at school especially in science. I thought I wanted to be a doctor and enrolled at USCF Medical School in San Francisco. I realized while I was there, that I was in the wrong place. Suddenly, I was not sure what to do next. I started teaching which I loved and learned to scuba dive in Monterey Bay, California. I could not afford exotic trips on my salary and started to brainstorm how I could travel more. If I had not listened to the little voice inside of me that said, NO MORE, I would have missed out on so much. Many people viewed my dropping out of medical school as a terrible decision, however, it was the right thing for me. I just took it one step at a time and have now traveled to over 100 countries on six continents.

Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘take aways’ you learned from that?

When I was teaching science to K-6th grade in Los Angeles, during one class of fifth grade science, I said, “I took all of these videos in Taiwan on Spring Break, but I do not know how to make a movie.” Hannah, one of my students, said, “Don’t worry, Ms. N, I will stay in at recess and teach you iMovie.” I had a 6-minute lesson which started me on my YouTube and television success. Over the years, I have taken many classes and worked with experts, but I never forgot the best reverse mentoring ever!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WeSaidGoTravel

KTLA: https://ktla.com/tag/lisa-niver/

You are a successful leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

I think the character traits that are most important to my success are being curious, kind, and passionate. When I was teaching and the students needed to work in groups, we always talked about how it was more important to be kind than smart. It would be better to be both, but people will always remember how you make them feel.

When I was traveling on my first safari in Kenya, we met a group of students studying tourism at the small local outdoor airport. I was so enthralled with speaking to them; I almost missed my flight. I am extremely curious. I have many questions. I wanted to know more about their project and their goals.

Due to my passion for education, the arts, and the environment, I am always focused on learning something new. I love to read books and go to classes and conferences.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of this interview. We would like to explore and flesh out the concept of becoming free from failure. Let’s zoom in a bit. From your experience, why exactly are people so afraid of failure? Why is failure so frightening to us?

Failure is frightening to us because we are taught that it is a win/lose proposition. Some people are winners, and some are losers. Some succeed and some fail. But that is not the entire truth. We can change our path and our goals and sometimes we learn much more when things do not go as planned.

What are the downsides of being afraid of failure? How can it limit people?

If you are afraid of failing, it is very challenging to try something brand new where you are a true beginner. We do not look at a baby who takes their first steps and falls and say, “That baby is a failure at walking.” We all need a chance to learn and grow and for those around us to be patient with us.

In contrast, can you help articulate a few ways how becoming free from the fear of failure can help improve our lives?

The fear of failure or the belief that failure is the end of the road is terrifying to most of us. But we are not getting graded on how we pack our lunch or our suitcase or on most of our life choices. We can try new things. We can begin again. We do not need to be good at everything or even like everything. But maybe we will find something that really sparks joy in our hearts.

We would love to hear your story about your experience dealing with failure. Would you be able to share a story about that with us?

I mentioned earlier that I left medical school and began teaching and then traveling full time. After 9/11 when my cruise company went bankrupt within seven days, I returned to Los Angeles and taught school again. I met a man who loved to travel and during an eleven-month international expedition, we got engaged. After our wedding, we took a second year long trip to Southeast Asia and things did not go well, and I came home alone. I felt like a complete failure.

How did you rebound and recover after that? What did you learn from this whole episode? What advice would you give to others based on that story?

I had tried so hard to make my marriage work and once I was back in Los Angeles alone, I had to work on myself to rebound and recover. During COVID, I signed with a book agent and sold my story of how I reinvented myself doing 50 challenges before I turned 50. My memoir will be out in Fall 2023!

Fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview. In your opinion, what are 5 steps that everyone can take to become free from the fear of failure. Please share a story or an example for each.

The first step to be free of the fear of failure is to cultivate a growth mindset. Another way to say that is “TRY TRY AGAIN!” Recently when I was at Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Sesame Street characters sang a song with advice: “I wonder, What if, Let’s Try.” This can help you have a new plan for most situations. When I was first back in Los Angeles getting divorced, I joined a salsa dance team as a way to meet new people. I was afraid I would not be good enough for the team, but everyone was supportive, and I got so much better. I was glad I was willing to grow into a better dancer.

This quote from Mark Twain can help us with step two: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” Every journey begins with the first step. Whenever I get overwhelmed that I cannot finish my book, that it is just too big a project, my friend Julie asks me, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is “One bite at a time.” If I focus on the next small task, I can move forward.

The third step is to evaluate the risks and benefits. When I was traveling in Indonesia, we heard about a place where you could swim with stingless jellyfish. We took a long boat ride to Kakavan Island and walked up several flights of stairs to a lake that had more jellyfish than I had ever seen. I was terrified. What if it was not true, what if they did sting? We were far away from any kind of help. I realized that my fears were trying to win. I thought about it and jumped into the lake. It was absolutely amazing! I was open to this unique encounter because I talked back to my fears.

Sometimes in order to move forward you have to ask for help. During my 50 challenges project, I was invited for a women’s ski weekend in Lake Tahoe. The team asked me to come back in the summer for Pumps and Pedals, a women’s biking project. I said, “NO! I am afraid.” My friend, Marcie, said, “I am scared too but we can do it together.” Step four is to find a friend so you can support each other and move mountains or at least ride them!

The final step is to find your happy! I often say, “Celebrate Early and Often.” We need to acknowledge our accomplishments so that we can see how far we have come and realize we are stronger and more capable than we think! If we only focus on things that “fail,” we will miss out on the joy of what is going well. We can give ourselves partial credit for all of our attempts.

The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle once  said , “It is possible to fail in many ways…while to succeed is possible only in one way.” Based on your experience, have you found this quote to be true? What do you think Aristotle really meant?

Aristotle wrote in the book of Nicomachean Ethics about the importance of good character and how happiness comes from achieving all the “goods” of health, wealth, knowledge, and love that leads to an enriching human life. I have found that being kind, helpful and supportive to your family, team and community does lead to a life of happiness and gratitude.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I would like to highlight what PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is doing to save our seas. Learning to dive changed my whole life and the PADI Torchbearers project is committed to creating ocean change and leading a powerful movement to take local action for global impact to save sharks. “Over a third of all species of sharks and rays are facing extinction in our lifetimes. The biggest threat to sharks is overfishing. Sharks play a critical role in marine ecosystems, so as populations rapidly decline around the world so too does the health of the ocean. But we have a chance to create change. CITES is a United Nations agreement that is binding in 184 countries and limits the international trade of identified animals at risk, like sharks.” Learn more here https://www.padi.com/aware/cites about how you can participate.

We are blessed that some very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them

I would love to meet Reese Witherspoon. Her work to promote books and create films with strong female characters is outstanding. Through her book club, I have met incredible authors who I now call friends.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

YouTube Channel: We Said Go Travel

TikTok: LisaNiver

Twitter: lisaniver https://twitter.com/lisaniver

Instagram: lisaniver https://www.instagram.com/lisaniver/

Pinterest: We Said Go Travel

Facebook: lisa.niver https://www.facebook.com/lisa.niver

LinkedIn: lisaellenniver (8,500 contacts) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaellenniver/

http://lisaniver.com/one-page/

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

Thank you so much for including me in your interview series!
Lisa Niver, We Said Go Travel

The post Authority Magazine interviews Lisa Niver: “Becoming Free from The Fear of Failure” appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Where to EAT and STAY in Calgary?

Welcome to Calgary, Canada! I loved my first visit. Lisa and Noelle at Deane House

Where to have brunch in Calgary? Deane House

Enjoy refined seasonal Canadian cuisine in the historic riverside home built in 1906 for Captain Richard Burton Deane, the last serving North West Mounted Police Superintendent in Calgary. The gardens are beautiful and the house is located in Inglewood, at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, in the heart of Blackfoot territory, once known as Moh’Kinsstis.

Meet me at Fairmont Palliser, Calgary

I loved my stay at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and was excited to see the Fairmont Palliser. I enjoyed drinks with friends at this beautiful property near the Calgary Tower. Thank you to Christine, Lindsay and Noelle for a wonderful afternoon.

Where to STAY in CALGARY?

The Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District has gigantic suites with full kitchens and stunning views of the Calgary Tower from sunrise to sunset. The breakfast buffet was enormous and the staff were extremely friendly, helpful and managed to keep all the tasty food resupplied constantly! The location was perfect for walking to dinner, downtown or all the best sites.

The living room and kitchen of my suite at Residence Inn by Marriott

Where to EAT in CALGARY? I loved Orchard Calgary

Thanks to Jen and Pursuit Collection for lunch at Orchard and amazing adventures to Denali, Alaska and Reykjavik, Iceland

Goodbye Calgary See my article: What to DO in Calgary here.

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The post appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

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What to DO in CALGARY, Canada?

Thank you to my friends who shared their city with me! I loved my first trip to Calgary.

Nicole and I worked on cruise ships together decades ago and we had a reunion in Banff in 2018. She took me strolling to see her favorite spots in the Mission and Inglewood. The trails and parks in Calgary are stunning! I also loved swimming at MNP Community & Sport Centre. What an incredible complex. I could swim there every day!

I loved wandering through living history at over 180 attractions and exhibits from the 1860s to the 1950s at Heritage Park.

My favorite place in the park was the Little Yellow Prairie Synagogue, which served a Jewish community in eastern Alberta from 1916. In 1910, Romanian Jewish farmers left Europe as under the Tzar, Jews could not own land. Canada offered ownership of a quarter section of farm land for $10.

I learned so much from my guide, Eli Kogut! The Ark and lions were donated from Winnipeg and the Torah is from Prague, it is 250 years old and the oldest artifact at Heritage Park Calgary. The Torah was stolen during the Holocaust and rescued from Hitler’s Museum of Extinction where it now can be used for Bat Mitzvahs! I love how this building was rescued and brought here to share the resilience of our people!

Do you love cars? You need to see Gasoline Alley! With cars from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s including a Shell station.

Do you like heights? Join me at the top of the Calgary Tower with views of the Rocky Mountains, foothills, and prairies! It is 626 ft tall and was built to celebrate Canada’s centennial of 1967. When it opened it was the tallest structure in Calgary and the tallest in Canada outside Toronto. I also loved climbing outside of the CNTower on Edgewalk in Toronto! https://www.calgarytower.com/

I walked all around downtown Calgary and photographed The Famous Five Statue– Emily Murphy, Henrietta Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Nellie McClung– about their extensive legal battle in the 1929 ‘Women are Persons’ Case.’ Walking in Olympic Plaza which held the medal ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics as well as City hall and the stunning Central Library. Thank you to Tourism Calgary, Travel Alberta and especially Noelle Aune for helping me discover your vibrant city.

Thank you to Calgary’s top travel writer, Petrena, for spending the day with me at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. We learned about wolf conservation and the problems of backyard breeding of wolfdogs as exotic pets. 40 wolfdogs live on property in 16 different packs. Take a tour, volunteer, donate at the ONLY wolfdog sanctuary in Canada.

What is your favorite thing to do in Calgary? Next visit, I will meet you at Calgary Stampede, TELUS Spark Science Centre and for go-karting! Thank you Travel Alberta and Tourism Calgary! See you next time.

See PART TWO of my Calgary adventures for where to stay and eat!

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Happy Birthday: Niver’s News: Oct 2022

Oct News 2022 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:This is 55.

Happy Birthday! As you celebrate another voyage around the sun, we hope today is as wonderful and extraordinary as you are. Wishing you a memorable day and that your life is filled with love, harmony and good health during the coming year. Enjoy the adventure and stay amazing!

Thank you for your birthday wishes and for your ongoing and amazing support for my writing and videos! PLEASE comment, like and subscribe to my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@lisaniver I hope to get to 2M views by Dec 31st! Thanks for helping make my birthday wish come true!!

This summer I had great adventures in Toronto and Calgary!Read or watch what we did in my article: “Explore Toronto with CityPASS and me!” Click here for all of the videos. Would you walk around the OUTSIDE of the CN TOWER in the RAIN? I DID!Looking for a LUXURY STAY in Toronto? Read my article: Luxury Toronto: Fairmont Royal York, Shangri-La Toronto and Four Seasons Toronto

Sometimes the journey is very challenging. I am lucky to have a very supportive team of family and friends. Do you need some encouragement? I love these cartoons from Liz & Mollie–and this Ahavnu prayer about recognizing our accomplishments from Stephen Wise Temple High Holy Day Worship.

I will be speaking on a Penn Travel panel Nov 7, 2022. Click here for details! Thank you to the Jewish Journal for having me in PRINT 24 times in 5782 (Sept 2021-Sept 2022! See the latest ones: Click here and here Thank you to Princess Cruises for including me in the premier party for the REAL LOVE BOAT reality TV show on the Discovery Princess. I loved living onboard and traveling around the globe with you!

Thank you to Rabbi Yoshi and Stephen Wise Temple for the honor of lighting the Shabbat Candles for my birthday!

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over 1.6 million views on YouTube! (Exact count: 1,685,000 views)

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 3,690 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.

Fortune Cookie SAID:

“You will be rewarded handsomely for taking the road less traveled.”

“Your sense of humor is a tremendous asset.”

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