Travels with Tam

Amazing Women Wednesday: 4 EmptyNest Travel Bloggers

May 4, 2016 By Tam Warner 18 Comments

Since I have been blogging I have met some amazing women online! I attended the Women In Travel Summit in Irvine, Ca in March, put on by Wanderful, and had the good fortune to meet some of these fabulous women in the real world! Four of us have decided that since we are four midlife, emptynest women travel bloggers, it would be four times the fun to work together, support one another, and travel together. So, let’s meet the team!

First, there is Suzanne Stavert of Adventures of Empty Nesters. Her purpose? “What is life without adventure? Now that our kids are grown and happily living on their own, it is time to focus on what we want! I started AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com in January 2014 to help bring together a global community of people who don’t plan to spend this valuable time in life sitting on the couch! As it turns out… Empty Nesters are very creative and interesting people. We write about subjects that affect all types of age groups. Share the website with your kids as well, I bet they will love it! This blog has been a springboard to my freelance luxury travel and lifestyle writing career specializing in midlife experiences. My geographic locations of special expertise: Maui, Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, Napa Valley, New York, Seattle, San Diego, Orange County, Italy, France, Curacao and Costa Rica.” Check out her website to follow Suzanne on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat!

Sara Broers, of Travel with Sara, is a co-founder of the Midwest Travel Chat, and a lover of the midwest. “A Disney Enthusiast, Universal Orlando Enthusiast, Colorado Enthusiast (a Gulf Coast Beaches enthusiast) and Too Many To List Here! So- If You Appreciate This View~ You Have Came To The Right Place!” Sara travels often, and is a cruise lover as well. “I have grown to adore the beaches and people of the Alabama Coastline. Mountains, beaches and the Caribbean are also favorites. I do still hold a special place in my heart for the midwest. The midwest is home to me and I can guarantee that I can find you a unique place to discover, right in the heart of America. If you appreciate this view, you have come to the right place!” The grass isn’t growing under her feet, she is always traveling. Adventure is around every corner! Check out her website to follow Sara on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat!

Sunny Melody Pittman is the author of Wherever I May Roam blog and loves luxury travel, culture and eats. I say sunny because not only does she have a sunny personality, she likes warm weather and sunny days. She especially loves going on cruises! A part time ex-pat in Panama, she splits her time between traveling, the USA, and Panama. Melody brings her college daughter Taylor to the mix as well! “We love cruising, football, cruising, Broadway, cooking, family, and traveling. We would love to share our journey with you.” She has many restaurant reviews on her site, and practical travel tips as well. Check out her website to follow Melody on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat!

And…there is me! I love luxury as much as my partners in crime, but I am also an adventurous traveler (maybe more than adventurous) who is very conservation and volunteer tourism oriented. I am an avid diver and love trips where I can perform citizen science, whether I am doing fish surveys, photo IDs, or assisting in the field. You can also find me jumping off cliffs (I did have a paraglider), snowmobiling, swimming with whale sharks, cage diving with Great Whites, and enjoying African safaris…the list goes on. I do have the challenge of a husband who had a double lung transplant in 2013, an unexpected journey which has changed our lives, but we are adaptable, and constantly renewing, revamping and reinventing life!

What a team! I do believe almost every type of travel is included, and we are all empty nesters, enjoying this wonderful stage of our lives by traveling, seeking exciting experiences, and meeting new people! We all want to encourage women and midlifers to get out and see the world. By partnering, we are 4 Bloggers who can reach 4 times the audience while having 4 times as much fun! Be sure to follow these fabulous blogs…you’ll enjoy them immensely! If you would like to explore working together, we are at [email protected]!

Make Your Quick Getaway to the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Now!

April 24, 2016 By Tam Warner 17 Comments

Nassau, Bahamas, Junkanoo — Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival in Nassau May 5-7, 2016!

Ready for a quick getaway? Head on over to Nassau, Bahamas for the Junkanoo Carnival!

What is the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival? It is a destination event for Bahamians and visitors to immerse themselves in the music and culture of The Bahamas! Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is not a single event: it is a collection of celebrations, concerts, cultural shows and street parades that pull from all aspects of Bahamian culture and heritage, bundled together over one epic season. If you love music, dancing, festivals….this is it! You can even order your costume ahead of time by clicking this link http://bahamasjunkanoocarnival.com/.

Opening Series and Junkamania, May 5: The festivities begin at the Da Cultural Village for the Opening Ceremony, which will be followed by Junkamania – a concert of Junkanoo orchestras – and the Genesis Concert, featuring home grown Bahamian talent, Elon Moxey, Willis & the Illest and Qpid; and international performers, Kerwin Dubois, Farmer Nappy, Rupee, Fada Fox and Ricardo Dru.

Music Masters, May 5: Music Masters is not only a concert, but a journey. It starts almost a year before, when Bahamian musicians are invited to submit original songs for the Music Masters Song Competition. The top 20 songs are selected, mastered and released on the official Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Compilation Album

Road Fever, May 6: For the party animal in you, we’ve planned a series of all-star concerts, street parades and Junkanoo parties for you to let loose on the streets of Nassau and across our islands. Road Fever is the original Bahamian masquerade street party that closes out the annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. It is a costume parade incorporating a unique mix of live and recorded music with masses of people “Shaking up the Streets”.

Ready to book? With direct flights on American Airlines from DFW to Nassau, it couldn’t be easier!

Expedia.com https://www.expedia.com/g/pt/ms-dest-bahamas?langid=1033&

American Airlines https://book.aavacations.com/travel/landing_page_hotels.cfm?searchkey=Bahamasministry

Hurry up and make reservations for your quick getaway to the Bahamas! Be sure and post your photos when you are there, and use the hashtag #TravelTamStyle!

How to Savor Laguna while you are in Orange County!

April 15, 2016 By Tam Warner 8 Comments

A guest post from Suzanne Stavert of Adventures of Empty Nesters! A dream come true, a foodie walking tour in Laguna Beach!

The view from the deck of the Wyland Gallery, downtown Laguna Beach, CA.

Our fun group of foodie travel bloggers standing in front of an amazing Wyland tile painting.

While attending the Women in Travel Summit, we were invited by Savor Laguna to experience one of their super-fun, guided walking food tours in downtown Laguna Beach. The Women in Travel Summit is the first and only travel blogging event by and for women, organized by Wanderful.

The iconic Hotel Laguna was the first hotel in Laguna and the first substantial business building.

We began the tour at the historic Hotel Laguna and finished about 3 hours later smiling ear to ear with happy memories of the delectable local food we had just tasted! It began with pizza on the beach and ended with divine gelato… with a sassy margarita and authentic Mexican food in the middle. We managed to enjoy a fabulous sampling of some of the tastiest foodie finds of Laguna Beach. Thank goodness we were walking, it did help us digest a bit before the next stop!

Here is Jeanne, sharing all of her great stories. She is so friendly and knowledgable and makes the tour extra enjoyable!

It was so enjoyable and easy to let Jeanne take us through the idyllic downtown streets, pointing out important landmarks, exquisite views, unique shops and some innovative bites of food! So yummy!

No trip is complete without a local Laguna Beach t-shirt or sweatshirt!

Our first stop was the Pizza Lounge where we sat just a block from the beach enjoying a slice of fresh pizza made especially for us! For all of their customers they are happy to deliver right to the sand! Just imagine chillin’ on your beach chair waiting for your delicious Pizza Lounge pie to arrive! Love it!

There was a lot of ground to cover so we quickly moved on the to next stop on our tour, the beautiful Wyland Gallery where we were captivated by Wyland’s extraordinary vision and talent. Since 1978, Wyland Galleries has been the art community’s preeminent showcase for the finest in marine life paintings, sculpture and photography. We also had a chance to walk by the famous Main Beach of Laguna with picturesque views and the charming lifeguard tower. A perfect stop for a group photo!

Have you ever heard of Clam Chowder Fries with Bacon?? Oh my goodness! “SLAPFISH brings you real American seafood, redefined with simple flavors and a healthy slap of FRESH. No white tablecloths or fancy silverware, just a boatload of deliciousness in a fast-casual setting.”

SLAPFISH offers a new perspective on “boat to plate” dining by serving the freshest fish and shellfish sourced from well-managed, responsible suppliers of sustainable seafood. This type of careful attention to the ocean and sea life is quite admirable and I am happy to support restaurants like this!

Clam Chowder Fries with Bacon from Slapfish – So innovative and delicious!

The “Lumberyard” contains some of the oldest buildings in Laguna Beach. Check out the artistic brick patterns.

If you are not familiar with the artist and sculptor, Richard MacDonald, a visit to the Dawson Cole Gallery and sculpture garden will take your breath away. His genius and masterful techniques are unparalleled. How lucky were we to be able to spend time enjoying the sculptures as well as the paintings and sculptures inside the gallery as well. This is a wonderful addition to the food tour. Savor Laguna captures the essence of Laguna Beach and offers rich history and access to art that tourists may not be aware.

This piece is a smaller version of one he created for the Olympics in Atlanta. The detail is unbelievable.

Authentic, warm pita bread and three kinds of hummus from GG Cafe And Bistro – So Good!

Time for a libation… at Tortilla Republic!

Authentic Mexican food and a fine margarita!

Tortilla Republic sets the bar very high by serving bold, fresh flavors of updated and modern Mexican cantina fare. The House Made Margaritas are made with freshly squeezed juices – Cheers!

Sweets for the sweet! It was nearly impossible to choose from these flavors of Italian Gelato from Gelato Paradiso. These were only HALF of the options in the case!

I opted for my two favorites: Double Chocolate and Stracciatella (Chocolate chip with vanilla)

Although I was quite full from tasting the menus of these fantastic local restaurants, there is always room for gelato!

Savor Laguna offers great tours that will please the locals from Orange County and tourists from around the world. Check out their schedule and register early, summer is coming and Laguna Beach is the happening spot.

Thank you to Jeanne Lange and Savor Laguna for your generosity. I had a blast learning more about a city I have visited for years and tasting some great food! It is such a fun and delicious way to spend an afternoon.

The next time you are in Orange County I recommend you take in Laguna Beach! Your tummy will thank you!

15 Photos to Make You Want to go to Cozumel!

March 28, 2016 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

The Mexican Caribbean is stunningly beautiful, and nowhere will you find more colors of blue than Cozumel! Cozumel’s blue waters are often referred to as the seven colors, or Cozumel de Siete Colores. I find the blues and greens on the island to be mesmerizing. Check out these photos and you will be ready to make a reservation!

Cozumel, Villa — Hammocks on the roof of Villa Coronado, our vacation home on Cozumel. The view of the blue waters and skies is incredible. Click Here for Availability!

Cozumel, Cozumel Blue — Cozumel Blue. Looking up at a snorkeler while on a dive.

cozumel, diving — The diving is fantastic.

cozumel, east side — Cozumel has different ecosystems…the East Side of the Island is beautiful with strong waves, blow holes, and sandy beaches.

Cozumel, snorkeling — Cushion Sea Stars abound at Cielo, a favorite snorkeling spot toward the southern point.

Cozumel, queen angel — The Queen Angelfish on Paradise Reef, Cozumel

cozumel, cozumel diving — Cozumel’s dive spots have mountains of coral structures and walls.

15 tam and margarita — The margaritas are available everywhere!

cozumel, la cocay restaurant — Of course, Cozumel has world class dining as well!

cozumel, la cocay — My favorite Chocolate Torte at La Cocay. Each plate is a different piece of art!

15 sunset stunning — Cozumel’s sunsets have to be seen to be believed. I took this photo while I was snorkeling.

2015 sunset at Villa coronado — Villa Coronado is an amazing spot to watch sunsets! I took this photo from the pool deck.

So…ready to make your reservation? Head on over to Skyscanner and check airfares! Skyscanner is a great tool to use to find the best fares! See you there!

You Will Find that the OC is Spectacular!

March 27, 2016 By Tam Warner 21 Comments

laguna, theoc, california — Laguna Beach from Heisler Park

I spent last week in theoc. What is theoc? Orange County California! Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Crystal Cove, Balboa Island, Irvine, Orange, Anaheim…so much to see and do! Shopping, beaching, whale watching, eating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a million other activities await you in Orange County. There is something for everyone.

Staying at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach was a good decision, not only did I love everything about the iconic hotel, but the location was perfect. On my first day I headed over to Balboa Island (it is walking distance from the Hyatt) and decided to either paddle board or kayak. I chose a sit on top kayak at Island Paddleboard for a specific reason. Next January I am headed to Antarctica, and there will be a lot of kayaking and walking. My spine, which is fused from L-2 through the sacrum complete with titanium rods and eight pedicle screws, does not like kayaks very much, so I have to get comfortable with kayaking prior to my trip. The sweet folks at Island Paddleboard set me up and set me loose. I wish I had seen a sea lion, but alas, they just weren’t around that day. I spent two hours paddling around the island, and enjoyed every moment of it. I did have to lie back once in a while, and switch leg positions, but all in all it went very well. I paddled against the wind for ninety minutes, so I certainly had a great workout.

paddle, theoc, Balboa Island — Trying to paddle and take photos or movies did not work out too well!

kayaking, balboa island, theoc — My selfie with my gopro stick. Check out my muscles, thanks to Pilates!

The next morning I was up bright and early to go Whale Watching with Captain Dave’s Dana Point Whale Watching. When you are in California, you have to go whale watching. I went on the early morning cruise, hoping to see the animals active. I was not disappointed. Gray Whales were in season, and these animals very rarely breach. We saw two breaches from a momma Gray Whale! There were many bottlenose and common dolphins along with sea lions and plenty of birds. The most exciting animal was a Fin Whale! Fin Whales are baleen whales, and are second in size only to the Blue Whale. They can grow up to 90 ft in length…a huge animal. It came close to the boat, but did not breach (I’m not sure it could it is so huge!). The Fin was an amazing sight.

whale watching, sea lion, california — Sea Lions were out and active

gray whale, breach, whale watching — The Gray Whale breaching!

gray whale, whale watching, captain dave's Dana Point Whale Watching — They make a large splash!

16 lb heli — Helicopters were overhead, an exercise! Camp Pendleton isn’t far away.

These two days, spent in Orange County, were incredibly fun. As everyone knows by now, I love water, so two days spent on the ocean was marvelous, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I highly recommend the tour companies mentioned, and of course, the wonderful Hyatt Regency Newport Beach!

Have you ever been to Orange County, California? What activities did you enjoy?

Fabulous Photos Friday: The Best of the Revillagigedos Archipelago

March 24, 2016 By Tam Warner 10 Comments

As I have said before, the Revillagigedos Archipelago is (so far!) the most exciting place I have ever dived. The big pelagic life is not only thrilling to see, but it is the only place I know of where Giant Mantas and Dolphins actually seek out humans for play. Mantas love diver’s bubbles, and dolphins like the camera flashes and the movement, they love games. I’ve been to this dive destination twice now, and I can honestly say I will go back. Here are the highlights of a great trip, taken with fun and engaging divers who are no longer strangers, on the Somar V, with the best crew and staff in Mexico!

Travel Adventures!

City Pass is the Best Way to Tour a City