We stumbled upon the enchanting world of Hammam during our adventures in Morocco a few years back, and boy, did it leave us spellbound! We did it with our kids (8 and 9 yr old), and the rejuvenating treatments captivated us, making us want to experience it again. So, while in Istanbul, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this age-old tradition once again. This time, why not go for a bit of history? So we dive into the legendary Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan Bathhouse or the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami. It preserved its unique structure for 450 years, opened a new era in Turkish Bath architecture, and has the title of the first structure where women and men sections are on the same axis. Our experience was like stepping into history in a world of luxury and pampering fit for an emperor and/or empress!
Travel for Americans
To those who are thinking of traveling outside the U.S., please take a look below at the list of countries that opened up their borders to welcome U.S. travelers.
With its ever-changing international travel restrictions, we advise you to please always check with the U.S. Embassy and your destination tourism website for updates before finalizing travel plans. And, you are always welcome to send us an email to help you navigate through this strange new world.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Should I stay or Should I go?
I haven’t had the chance to write for my blog for the past months since I have been busy with other projects. But lately, I have got so many inquiries about travel amid the coronavirus outbreak. Friends, clients, and colleagues have been asking the question: should I go or should I stay?
I assumed here that everyone reading this blog is familiar with the current coronavirus epidemic making its way around the world. If you have plans of traveling or have booked your trip already, please do not panic as of yet! Well… unless you are going to certain parts in China. The news can be scary, and it can be difficult to recognize between facts and misleading information or hype. However, it’s true that staying properly informed is vital in making the right decision.
And here are a few things I suggest you should do:
Terrorism and Travel
The recent attack in Brussels shook the world and made everyone feel very hesitant to travel abroad. I have few clients changed their minds in traveling to Europe since the Paris attack and a lot asked me if it is still safe to travel. I am no expert in safety nor an expert to know what is going to happen next. BUT I do know that there is no “safe” place anymore in this world and we can’t be hiding.
The Paris and Brussels terror attacks are just two out of the many attacks that have happened around the world. Joining them, there were attacks in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Jakarta, Afghanistan, Somalia and a lot of other lesser reported ones. YES, we are living in dangerous times and if you call yourself a Christian and you believe in the Bible then this should not surprise you at all- “the last days” as it says. It sure does scares everyone including myself. But I keep my faith and lived life one day at a time.
Fall in Arkansas
Two years ago we discovered the beautiful state of Arkansas. It was summer time when my husband told me that he read an article in an airline magazine about Arkansas during the Fall. I am not just a sucker for colorful foliage but to new destinations and adventures as well. Thus, I immediately started researching about the place – when is the best time to go and where to stay. The Arkansas Fall foliage drives and destinations webpage is a great place to help you plan your trip. If you’re reading this in September or October you might be too late to plan for this season, but it is the perfect time to make a reservation for your next year’s travel. Seriously, there are limited camps, lodges, cabins, vacation rentals and rooms and people already start booking a year ahead of time. I swear, in August I probably called over 20 properties and they were all booked. We were lucky to get a booking with The Arkansas House that time since they had a last minute cancellation.
Our kids were only 3 and 2-year-old when we went so we didn’t do many activities; we went hiking, took pictures, watched some wild animals and we enjoyed every minute spent with the whole family. Here are some of the pictures we took during our stay. Hope this article will convince you to visit this state which rivals even those “foliage” states further up North.
Family Beach Vacations
We love the beach!!! Who doesn’t?!?
Beach vacations are perfect for the family. Perhaps the best type you can get especially if you have kids aged between 1 to 5 years – a great learning experience for the little ones and the big ones.
I totally understand that some parents get too discouraged to go on vacation with the kids. It’s hard – they are energizer bunnies that run around and can’t stay focused, they’re picky with their food, but they eat anything off the ground… I mean anything… and the hardest part is that they get sick so easy. However, you can’t be a hermit – not me at least. You have 2 options – 1) leave the kids with grandparents/friends/nanny 2) have them tag along and do something fun for everyone. Believe me, it’s NOT that hard as you imagine it to be.
We started traveling with our kids when they were only a few months old and looking back…. I wouldn’t change a thing.