Travels with Tam

Fab Photos Friday: Cozumel Above and Below

June 16, 2016 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

There is no doubt that Cozumel is a one-stop vacation destination! You can even pose with Bob Marley at the Rasta Bar on Punta Sur (the south point of the island)! Cozumel is always fun, and there are cool places on the west, east, north and south sides! I never go to the island without checking them all out! For Fab Photo Friday, here is a synopsis of my latest trip.

cozumel, rasta, fab photos friday — The Rasta Bar!

we b divin, cozumel, rasta, fab photos friday — My cousin and I headed out to dive on the Yucab III, owned by We-b-divin’ Cozumel! They are fantastic! Great boat, breakfast and lunch, and the best dive master on the island, Yasser! If you are headed to Cozumel, dive, or learn to dive, with We-b-divin’!

scuba, cozumel, diving, we-b-divin' — My cousin and I below.

scuba, cozumel, we-b-divin' — Cool shoes, girls!

cozumel, rasta, fab photos friday, we-b-divin' — I am not sure what this is….a decorator crab? A shrimp? If you know, tell me!

cozumel, scuba, dory, fab photos friday — A strange fish, indeed! A member of my scuba tribe says I am the Dory of the group! In a nice way, of course.

cozumel, scuba, we-b-divin' — Four eyed butterflyfish

Haven’t been to Cozumel? You MUST go! Head to My Favorite Travel Sites and book it now!

**(The dolphins you see in the above video live about a mile down the road. They are penned, and I visit them when they are not “working”. They always seem happy to see someone new. I believe, however, that dolphins should never again be captured from the wild, and I am unsure about breeding in captivity. I mean, really, what is so great for these incredibly intelligent animals to spend their lives in a pen the size of a fish bowl? Yes, when the kids were young we swam with the dolphins, but I doubt very much if we would do it today.)

On my Wednesday Wish List: Outrigger Resorts in Hawaii!

June 7, 2016 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

outrigger resorts, hawaii, travels with tam — Aloha!

I cannot believe I have never been to Hawaii, but when I go, I plan to go with Outrigger. Outrigger Resorts is synonymous with warm hospitality in iconic beachfront destinations, where local culture meets world class hospitality – like Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu where there are only seven true beachfront properties and two of those resorts proudly fly the Outrigger Resorts banner. The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort offer guests the perfect beachfront setting and heartfelt hospitality in The Outrigger Way, with each providing a multitude of opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, offering a compelling guest experience and distinctive sense of place.

VOYAGER 47
Outrigger Resorts has opened its first branded Voyager 47 Club Lounge in Hawaii. Located at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, the Voyager 47 Club Lounge is available exclusively to guests staying in the resort’s Voyager 47 Club suites or Voyager 47 Club oceanfront rooms. The premier club lounge is located on the 3rd level of the resort’s Diamond Head building with both indoor and outdoor seating available and an expansive deck that overlooks Waikiki Beach with spectacular views of the blue Pacific, iconic Diamond Head and colorful Hawaiian sunsets in the evening. Premium refreshments and elevated amenities are available that allow guests to discover specially curated localized experiences. Club level guests are invited to start their day with a “Sunrise Invitation for Exploration,” a locally inspired tasting menu, including premium Kona coffee, as they review expert advice for their day’s travels. Before leaving the lounge, guests can take a local snack to-go.

The “Signature Sunset Celebration” is an early evening reception that welcomes guests back to the resort for a night of rejuvenation and relaxation. Guests can enjoy light snacks, cocktails, and a specialty draft bar by Kona Brewing Company that features seasonal brews, other spirits by local distillers and mixology specialties created for Voyager 47. In addition to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, current lounges at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand and Outrigger Guam Resort will soon be rebranded, with more premier club lounges to come at other Outrigger Resorts properties.

OUTRIGGER RESORTS JOINS GLOBAL HOTEL ALLIANCE
Outrigger Resorts has joined Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 33 brands and more than 500 hotels spread across 76 countries in its portfolio.The integration of Outrigger Resorts into GHA will be completed by early fall, at which time DISCOVERY members will be recognized and rewarded across the Outrigger Resorts portfolio of premiere beachfront properties located in some of the world’s most iconic beachfront locations, including Hawaii, Guam, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius and the Maldives.

OZONE – OUTRIGGER RESORTS’ GLOBAL CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
OZONE, which stands for Outrigger’s ZONE, is the hospitality company’s global conservation initiative centered on preserving coral reefs around the world and specifically waters fronting its nine premier beachfront resorts. Outrigger works with like-minded partners on OZONE to protect and preserve coral reef systems by promoting conservation initiatives and public education. Outrigger’s OZONE partners include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (U.S.), Polynesian Voyaging Society (Hawaii), Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (Hawaii), Waikiki Aquarium (Hawaii), Underwater World (Guam), Mamanuca Environment Society (Fiji), Reef Conservation Mauritius, Best Dives Maldives and The Phuket Marine Conservation Biological Center (Thailand), including the Waikiki Aquarium and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

OZONE ECO ADVENTURE PACKAGE
Outrigger Resorts has introduced an exclusive OZONE Eco Adventure Package at its two Waikiki beachfront properties in Hawaii – Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, to encourage guests to get into the water and experience the wonder and beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The OZONE Eco Adventure Package features a buy one get one free Snorkel Eco-Adventure Sail Tour, two admission tickets to the Waikiki Aquarium and an in-room welcome gift that includes reef-friendly sunscreen, swim goggles to provide swimmers a clear underwater view, a dive mesh bag to help with collecting plastics and other manmade materials found in the ocean or on the beach and a 2017 OZONE Ocean Life calendar. Pricing for the OZONE Eco-Adventure Package starts from $239 USD per room, per night (taxes and fees not included). Reservations can be made online at outrigger.com/ozone, by phone at 1-800-688-7444 or by contacting your preferred travel professional.

HAWAIIAN VOW RENEWALS
Lovebirds traveling to Waikiki can renew their vows in a unique Hawaiian ceremony, with the rising sun, the ocean and the beach as witnesses, during a beachfront vow renewal ceremony available exclusively to guests of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The unique cultural ceremony opens with a traditional Hawaiian chant to cleanse the past, present and future so that love may reign. Couples then exchange vows in the Hawaiian language and a gentle sprinkling of seawater preserves their love everlasting. Sealed with a kiss, the ceremony concludes with a performance of the beautiful Hawaiian Wedding Song, accompanied by a hula. A commemorative certificate is presented to each couple as a memento of the special memory. Couples can sign up to participate at their respective hotel’s concierge or front desk by 3 p.m. on the day prior to the ceremony or they can contact the hotel prior to arrival to get their names onto the list. Space is limited so early registration is recommended.

BE PART OF OUTRIGGER’S SOCIAL OHANA
Join Outrigger’s social network to Find Out. Find Outrigger!
Twitter: @OutriggerResort
Instagram: @OutriggerResorts
Facebook: facebook.com/OutriggerResorts.

I LOVE MY ONESOLE SHOES!

May 30, 2016 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

As a frequent traveler I always have problems deciding on which shoes to take. Shoes are bulky and heavy, and it is so frustrating trying to fit them all in. Those days are over for me, as I have discovered the solution: Onesole!

Onesole, Onesole shoes, travels with tam — My Onesoles arrive!

Dominique McClain Barteet, RPh. invented Onesole shoes when she bought three of the same shoes in different colors. Onesole–Quick Change Artist is her brainchild, and I only wish she had discovered it sooner! I wanted to try some for myself while traveling, and Onesole was kind enough to allow me to review them. They are fabulous!

The way it works is this: buy one or two soles, and as many tops as you want! I chose black, seastars, glitter, and leather strappies. Four looks and only one sole. As you can see above, they are packaged perfectly for traveling. I wore my seastar tops on the plane and tucked the other three tops in my luggage. Easy!

Dominique has been on Shark Tank with her Onesoles, and the product is sold in over 80 countries and features over 3000 different tops and over 20 sole bases! The online store is www.onesolestore.com. Your choices are amazing! And one of the very best reasons to buy Onesoles? They are made in the good old USA, and we all know how rare that is these days!

And here is the funny thing: my cousin met me in Cozumel for a week of diving, and I excitedly showed her my new shoes. She showed me her shoes…they were Onesole! We both wore our Onesole shoes all over Cozumel! She said she’d had them for several months and whenever she travels, they go with her! Great minds think alike.

Whether you are a traveler or not, you really do want to try these shoes! They are incredibly versatile. The soles are so comfy, and conform to your feet as you wear them. In 3 weeks I will be off on a month long journey, from chilly Sydney, Australia (it is winter there) to Nusa Penida and Seminyak, Bali, to Komodo, to Cairns, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef! You will see photos of my shoes all along the way! I’m serious, so FOLLOW ME on Twitter (@TravelwithTam), Instagram (@TravelswithTam) and Facebook (Travels with Tam). And don’t forget to FOLLOW @Onesoleshoes on Twitter, @Onesoleshoes on Instagram, and Onesole Quick Change Artist on Facebook!

Fab Photo Friday: Let’s Dive Cozumel!

May 27, 2016 By Tam Warner 2 Comments

Diving in Cozumel is always a wonderful experience. For the most part it is relaxing (unless there is a very strong current), always colorful, and there are plenty of animals to look at, especially small macro animals. I was so excited to have my cousin diving with me on this trip as well. Now that Randy is not diving due to his double lung transplant 2 and 1/2 years ago, I am always looking for a buddy! We had a terrific time, come and see!

Cozumel, fab photos friday, underwater photography — A beautiful French Angelfish on Santa Rosa Shallows

cozumel, fab photos friday — My cousin, Lisa!

The OC Bucket List Challenge: Visit Buena Park!

May 25, 2016 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

I think everyone knows how much I love the OC! (Orange County, California, of course). When I received word about the OC Bucket List Challenge for Buena Park, I had to copy it down and share it with you right away!!!! These Challenge activities have something for everyone, so pack along the kids and grandparents if you’d like, or just run off by yourself, or with someone for a romantic getaway. Any which way, this trip is a winner!

Buena Park, CA – Immerse yourself in the ultimate Orange County vacation by exploring hot spots that the locals don’t want you to know about. Our bucket list has something for everyone from cruising scenic harbors, hiking to breath-taking vistas and getting sworn in as a pirate to discovering hidden restaurants and splashing around one of the longest water park lazy rivers. Go to VisitBuenaPark.com/Challenge to take the challenge this summer and see how many you can check off your list!

Buena Park, Orange County, CA — Scenic Harbor Cruise

1.) Get Launched 83 Miles-Per-Hour in 2.3 Seconds on Xcelerator

Enjoy over 30 exhilarating rides including the famous Timber Mountain Log Ride, visit the loveable Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang at Camp Snoopy and pan for gold at the only authentic 1880’s Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. Save $33 on adult and $7 on kid’s admission at VisitBuenaPark.com/deals.

2.) Be a VIP at the West Coast’s Largest Shopping Center

South Coast Plaza is Southern California’s premier shopping destination and home to over 250 boutiques, personal shopping services and upscale amenities. Stop by the California Welcome Center in Buena Park to pick up a free carousel ride and VIP Passport, full of exclusive offers.

3.) Hike Past Ancient Oak Groves

Irvine Open Space Preserve invites visitors to hike past ancient oak and sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops in Bommer Canyon; conquer the three-mile Orchard Hills loop for a breath-taking vista from Loma Ridge that consumes the coastal ridge; and explore Irvine’s southern wilderness via the Quail Hill Trail, the only trail that allows dogs.

4.) Cheer on Your Favorite Knight

At Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Buena Park, visitors are transported back in time to an era of jousting, sword fighting, brave knights and a meal fit for a king. You might recognize the dinner show from several television shows and feature films including the 1996 movie, Cable Guy with Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. Get a free Royal Upgrade: VIP seating, cheering banner and more at VisitBuenaPark.com/deals.

5.) Check Out the World’s Largest Surfboard

Huntington Beach offers 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline and an International Surfing Museum. The free museum is home to a 42-foot surfboard that holds the Guinness World Record as the ‘World’s Largest Surfboard’ and an artifact exhibit honoring Hawaiian surfer, Eddie Aikau.

6.) Explore a Presidential Helicopter

At the Richard Nixon Library and Museum, history buffs can step aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter that traveled the world with Nixon as well as Kennedy, Johnson and Ford. Visitors to the museum will also find an exact replica of the White House East Room, Nixon’s childhood home and the memorial sites of the President and First Lady.

7.) Graduate from Skipper School

Secret tip: After riding the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland®, ask the skipper for a map as you disembark. The maps are given to sailors who complete skipper school by making animal noises from some of the creatures that are seen along the ride.

8.) Salute the Martini Flag and Enjoy the Sunset

Every evening since the 1930’s the bugle is sounded and the “martini flag” is raised at 5pm to signal the end of a work day and time to relax at The Beachcomber Café. Located on Crystal Cove Beach, the restaurant offers outdoor patio seating for watching spectacular sunsets and dolphins playing in the waves.

9.) Brave 63-foot Waterslides on Old Man Falls

Knott’s Soak City, a 13-acre California beach themed waterpark in Buena Park, features one of the world’s longest lazy rivers, a rolling wave pool, dozens of waterslides and kid’s splash area. Save $12 at VisitBuenaPark.com/deals.

10.) Get Sworn in as a Pirate

At Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, Captain Sebastian the Black is seeking new recruits for his crew. Young landlubbers to the “World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show” may be called aboard to take the pirate’s oath and join the crew on their adventure. Save some treasure with a buy one-get one free offer at visitbuenapark.com/deals.

11.) Dine Aboard A Floating Restaurant

Well-known for their delicious brunch and dinner cruises, Hornblower also offers a two-hour Sunset Cocktail Cruise during the summer. The scenic boat ride in Newport Beach includes complimentary appetizers, music and cash bar. Save a boatload with a buy one get-one free deal at Visitbuenapark.com/deals.

12.) Uncover the Hidden Door to a 1920’s Speakeasy

The Anaheim Packing House is a foodie’s paradise, with a collection of unique restaurants, outdoor activities and live music. Hungry patrons will find fresh seafood, made-to-order popsicles, gourmet grilled cheeses and authentic southern food. Want a refreshing cocktail? Well, you’ll have to find it first. Behind a non-discreet wall of sake barrels with a small black rabbit on it lies a speakeasy appropriately named, the Blind Rabbit.

13.) Bonus Challenge – Pig Out on Award-Winning Ice Cream

Take a step back in time to a wildly fun, turn of the century ice cream parlour and restaurant awarded “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” by the Food Network. For over fifty years, Farrell’s has been serving up splendidly oversized ice cream treats like the Pig’s Trough, Hot Fudge Volcano and the mother of all desserts – The Zoo! See if you can devour the oversized sundae, which includes 30 scoops of ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, strawberries, marshmallow, whipped cream, cherries and bananas.

VISIT BUENA PARK
Located just 5 miles from Disneyland®, 10 miles from beaches and 20 miles from Los Angeles is the charming town of Buena Park. A vacation hot spot, the city is home to world-famous entertainment, interactive dinner shows and one-of-kind shopping. For more information contact Visit Buena Park at 800-541-3953 or www.visitbuenapark.com.

Don’t miss out on the Challenge, hurry and book today! They have special offers and deals on just about everything at http://www.visitbuenapark.com/visitors/special-offers/!!!

Being a Mother is the Trip of a Lifetime!

May 13, 2016 By Tam Warner 17 Comments

In many ways, I cannot believe I am a mother. These tiny creatures arrive, and all of the sudden you are responsible for a human life. It can be overwhelming, but there is no doubt that being their mother was the most important thing I have ever done.

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