This has been two weeks of “FIRSTS.” I’ve just returned from a stint as a cruise ship speaker for the first time. I also visited the Azores for the first time, and below in Luxury Travel for Less, you’ll discover that a quick trip can become a Wellness experience.
It was also the first time that an airline lost my luggage. This was no joke as I was slated to speak on the ship four times and wanted to look my best. In News You Can Use, you’ll see how I managed and a few things I learned along the way that I wish I had known before.
This newsletter is chock-full of hints and tips on:
Ask Adriane: Hot Springs for Wellness All Around the World
News You Can Use: Lost Luggage Know How, Airline Delays, Traffic Control, the La Guardia Crash
Culture Vulture: One Perfect Day in the Azores
Luxury Travel for Less: Voluntouring for Hikers, The American Hiking Society
On this week’s podcast, I take you to Morocco with Saharai Morocco Tours…what an adventure!
Even after travelling to 140 countries, there’s so much to see and so much to know that my enthusiasm remains undefeatable. That’s why I’m taking a deep dive in planning for Japan, a country I have never yet visited, in 2027, and preparing for my first Galapagos trip this August. You can bet I’ll be covering my plans with you.
Never stop traveling
Cheers,
Adriane
P.S. Something New:
In the next 6 months, I’m gauging whether to organize trips for my readers. I need to know if that’s of interest to you and where you would like to go. Please get in touch with me HERE and leave a message. Most of you tell me you joined our Facebook Salon to go on trips…so I am expecting a good response… but if I don’t hear from you in the next two weeks, I will abandon the idea as not of interest to you.
P.P.S.
It’s time to book your cruise! Hundreds of discounted cruises are available through our affiliate CruisesIt. If prices drop below what you booked, you’ll be notified and receive the best price. Click here to select your trip. Bon voyage!
This Week’s Highlights
On Our Podcast
Morocco: Rich History, Stunning Landscapes and Diverse Culture
In the latest episode, we embark on a captivating journey to Morocco, guided by travel expert Semra Hunter, the founder of Saharai. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone considering a trip to this vibrant North African country, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture.
Morocco is a land of contrasts, from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene beaches of Rabat. Semra shares her insights on the best adventure travel itineraries, highlighting the incredible experiences awaiting travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring the majestic Atlas Mountains, riding camels through the Sahara Desert, or savoring the exquisite flavors of Moroccan cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
The AZORES, WAS A WHIRLWIND FOR ME. I HAD AN EVENING GALA PLANNED AND NO CLOTHES. The first night I discovered the wonderful fact that everything is open until 10 pm and was able to shop at Zaras for all the clothes I needed, including the gala costume, all for 160 Euro, with underwear and shoes. The Parque Atlantico is a great Mall.
The next day, I was up early and out. Here is a list of all I covered with the tours you can take. I request that if you go, please use our affiliate links. It gives me a little compensation and you the best discounts.
MORNING: HOT SPRINGS + BOTANICAL BLISS
São Miguel is one big volcanic garden. There are three botanical parks with thermal pools:
Terra Nostra Park – the grand dame. Lush, dramatic, and that famous iron-rich hot pool.
Note: The one you see in most brochures is the Caldeira… the pools are in the midst of jungle foliage, with mini waterfalls, in an all-natural setting. Terra Nostra has a resort-like pool and sells towels for $30 in its gift shop. All three are easy to reach, and I was able to visit all three cars in one morning.
Suppose you want an easy excursion, hop on a tuk-tuk tour, or the little tourist train out of Ponta Delgada. It’s easy, fun, and hits the highlights. Both tours also show you the town.
Do not skip the Tea Stop Café. Order the cakes—especially the traditional ones (think rustic, dense, old-world comfort… like Tulum-style cakes). The tea is free to sip, and inexpensive to bring home. I bought green tea with anise, another with peppermint, and a third with Bergamot. You’ll need a car unless you are on one of my suggested tours.
AFTERNOON: CITY + SHOPPING
Back into Ponta Delgada to
Walk to the historic center.
Pop into the local shopping areas
WHERE I ATE AND STAYED
Hotel Ponta Delgada Right in the center, easy, comfortable, and close to everything.
Restaurant:
O Baco Creative local cuisine, fresh, unfussy, and exactly what you want after a full day.
EVENING: CULTURE AT ITS BEST
Teatro Micaelense is a beautiful cultural venue right in town, hosting concerts, performances, and events.
And if you can time it right…
BONUS: GO TO THE FESTIVAL
I attended a gala for the Iberian Festival Awards—and here’s the takeaway: If you’re a culture lover, plan your trip around the Tremor Festival (March). It’s a multi-day explosion of music, art, and creativity across the island.
Luxury Travel for Less
I am so excited—I just discovered that the American Hiking Society is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and with it comes a lineup of Volunteer Vacations. These are not your typical trips; they are experiences where you spend about five days doing something that actually matters, like building a trail to a beach for dogs in North Dakota, advocating for better hiking lands in Washington, D.C., or working along the Pacific Coast, all often for under $500.
One volunteer said it best: “One of the best vacations I’ve had—challenging but with a real sense of accomplishment throughout,” and that really captures the spirit of it. You work hard, yes, but the reward is deep—you leave knowing you’ve helped restore something that others will enjoy for years to come. The one that has my attention is in Montana, where you combine fossil digging with trail cleanup on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla, Métis, Cheyenne, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Crow peoples.
It includes a day of sightseeing and five days of meaningful work, and the whole experience is wonderfully simple: campfires at night, sleeping in car tents, big skies overhead, and all for under $500. Now that’s a vacation with a story to tell.
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