Marvel at the Majestic Beauty of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, captivates all who witness its awe-inspiring power and beauty. Located on the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws visitors from around the globe. I recently visited the falls and the site was more spectacular than you could ever imagine!

The Mighty Curtain of Water

Victoria Falls is renowned for its immense curtain of falling water, earning it the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” The Zambezi River cascades over a width of 1,700 meters (1.05 miles) and drops approximately 108 meters (355 feet) into the gorge below. Witnessing the sheer power and grandeur of the falls is a humbling experience that leaves an indelible impression.

It was still high season in June. The falls were roaring

Spectacular Vantage Points

Several viewpoints along the edge of Victoria Falls provide breathtaking vistas and unparalleled photo opportunities. The most famous is the Devil’s Cataract, offering a dramatic view of the falls as the water plunges into the Batoka Gorge. The Knife-Edge Bridge provides an up-close encounter with the falls, where you can feel the mist on your face and hear the thundering roar. Other viewpoints, such as Danger Point and Livingstone Island, offer unique perspectives to admire this natural wonder.

The Rainforest Experience

As you approach Victoria Falls, prepare to enter a lush rainforest enveloped in mist and filled with vibrant flora and fauna. Known as the Victoria Falls Rainforest, this tropical oasis is a haven for nature lovers. Take a leisurely stroll along the rainforest trails, and revel in the sight of exotic bird species, playful monkeys, and colorful butterflies. The rainforest also provides a natural shield from the sun’s heat, making it a refreshing escape on hot days.

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities

For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, Victoria Falls offers a wide array of exhilarating activities. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you plunge into the Batoka Gorge on a bungee jump, or experience the ultimate white-water rafting adventure through the rapids of the Zambezi River. For a unique perspective, take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, providing an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder.

Sunset river cruise and hippo watching on The Zambezi

Rich Cultural Heritage

Beyond its natural splendor, Victoria Falls holds cultural significance for the local communities. The region is home to the Tonga people, who have a deep spiritual connection to the falls. Engage with the local culture and traditions through guided tours, where you can learn about their customs, folklore, and the importance of Victoria Falls in their lives.

Ladies from The Lusumpuko Women’s Club

Victoria Falls is a testament to the raw power and breathtaking beauty of nature. From the thundering sound of the falls to the ethereal mist that fills the air, every moment spent at Victoria Falls is an enchanting experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, Victoria Falls offers it all. Plan your visit and prepare to be mesmerized by the grandeur and magnificence of this extraordinary destination.

This visit was part of a larger Southern Africa tour that included Cape Town, Soweto, Kruger National Park, and Zimbabwe. Do you have questions about Victoria Falls? Ask me below!

The Card I Always Travel With

The Wise Card is the perfect card for frequent travelers- especially if you will be hopping to several countries with different currencies. I have been using this card for a few years now and my only regret is not signing up for it sooner.

The process is simple. Go to the Wise Website and sign up for a card. You don’t have to initially put any money on the card, only pay the fee for the card itself ($9 at last check). Don’t worry, the card will pay for itself quickly. The beautiful green card will be mailed to you, so make sure you do this at least a month before your vacation.

Before vacay- Load the card up with your home currency. However much you want. You don’t have to spend it all and if you don’t, you can easily transfer what you don’t spend back into your account. If you are on vacation and you need to add more money, don’t worry! You can easily, INSTANTLY add more money by pre-linking your bank account. There is NO wait time and your money is immediately available for use.

Here is a snapshot of my account from my summer travels:

What I LOVE about looking at my statements online or in the app is that it tells me what I spent in the local currency AND in my home currency. There are NO ATM fees. As you can see above, I withdrew 1,000 EGP (Egyptian Pounds) from an ATM and it automatically gave me the BEST rate and tells me the USD equivalent. Earlier that day I was at the airport in Greece, hence the purchase in Euros. On July 2, I added $300 USD and there was only a 48 cent fee, You CANNOT best that! You don’t have to change anything in the app, just use your card as you would at home and everything is automatically converted.

I also love how it gives each purchase a category- Food, ATM, entertainment. This helps me out when I reconcile my receipts when I get back in preparation for tax time!

Another tip: Whenever you are abroad and the credit card machine asks if you want to purchase in USD or local currency, always pick local currency!!

Have questions about the Wise Card? Ask below!

Cartagena, Colombia, December 2020

Cartagena had been on my radar for years. I had been dreaming of going to South America and I thought that Cartagena would be the perfect “gateway city.” For me, the weather was perfect in late December. It was nice and hot- 90 degrees for the high and humid. Escaping the gross, cold Texas weather is always something I look forward to during that time of year.

I heard about a wonderful restaurant called Carmen where I had the chef’s seven course tasting with the wine pairing my first night there. I was looking forward to this possibly more than anything. I was NOT disappointed! I don’t know how I made it through all seven courses (I was stuffed, so toss out your feelings about small plates). It is one of the most delicious meals I have ever had. Compliments to the chef!

I took a boat excursion out to Isla Cholon. I love going out on the water and it was a chance to see some of Colombia’s secluded beauty. We snorkeled, stopped at Playa Blanca, saw Pablo Escobar’s old mansion.

Being a foodie, I took a Street Food Tour with Juan Ballena Tours. I was the only person on the tour, so it became a private tour! I had more food than I could handle! My guide also gave me a ton of information about the city and sites as we walked around. I highly recommend this tour.

• Take a tour of the Walled City to get oriented.

• Choose accommodations within the Walled City for convenience. Although Ubers are abundant, if I were to do it all over again, I would have stayed inside the Walled City versus outside near the beaches. However, if you plans revolve around lying on the beach and relaxing, you may want to do the opposite. Next time, I will stay at The Movich Hotel. I had a chance to go to the rooftop and it has amazing views!

• Skip Juan Valdez (a coffee shop). It is a chain, the “Starbucks of Colombia”, and there are much better coffee shops around.

• Carmen- A must try restaurant in the walled city.

• Taking a food tour, which also included an orientation and history of the city.

• Take a boat ride out to the islands and try some fresh oysters at sea. They will be selling them right off of the boat! They were some of the best I have ever had. We also saw a sunken plane that belonged to Pablo Escobar.

• Corozo juice. My food tour guide introduced me to this beverage. There was a man selling it out of this home in the Walled City. Just ask a local and they can point you in the right direction. It will change your life!

My Hammam Experience

I don’t really have a travel philosophy, but if I had to, I’d say I’m pretty much a “When in Rome” type of traveler. I don’t want to eat or do anything that I can back home, I want an authentic, local experience.

When I knew I was going to be in Marrakech for almost a week, I began researching local Hammams. The prices varied, but were still cheap by American standards. Much to my surprise, the riad I stayed at had a hammam and spa onsite with comparable prices to those I had researched.

The Welcome sign just outside the riad

From what I had Googled, I could see that everyone’s experience was a little different. And that was to be expected. You were getting a glimpse of this experience from the writer’s perspective, not knowing them and their comfort level. That said, I will let you know right now that I went into the hammam with my guard completely down. I was ready for whatever. I knew I would never see this person again. I tried to look at it from a medical stand point too. Just like when you go to your physician, they see so many bodies daily they’re probably not worried/looking at yours and they are a professional. Anyway, here is my experience. YMMV.

My riad’s spa was hidden away like most places weaving in and out of the Medina. It was small, but cozy. A very sweet younger lady led me into a small room with a jetted tub and asked to remove all of my clothing. “All?” I asked. “Everything?” I reiterated. She nodded. “Even….?” I pointed to my underwear, “Yes,” she smiled.

I just wanted to be clear. She didn’t speak much English, just French and Arabic. Okay, I thought. END OF AWKWARDNESS. I stripped down, hung up my clothes and stood there and waited for her to return. When she got back to my area she led me to the sauna. It was more of a wet sauna. She instructed me to sit on the bench and wait for about 5 minutes. I assumed the heat was opening up my pores. After what seemed more like 10 minutes she returned with some items which were my soaps and some exfoliating gloves. She poured fresh, warm (not scalding hot like I have read in some instances) water all over my body and hair and began to soap me up. I assume this was the “black soap” I had read about that is traditionally used. It was not black in color, however. I was given a throughout soaping and then rinsed clean.

I sat the entire time and did not feel, for lack of a better word, “violated” at all. I was basically being washed by another person. In all my thoughts that were running through my head, one was: “I wonder if this is what happened back in Jesus’ time.” Well, I know they washed his feet, I don’t know about anything else. And don’t laugh because you weren’t there.

Next was probably my favorite part. She put on the exfoliation gloves and some more soap and exfoliated my entire body. You should of seen the dead skin that came off on the gloves! (I bought a pair from Amazon when I got back home).

Next was possibly my second favorite part (because I enjoy this when I get my hair cut). She washed my hair. I don’t know what she used, but it was just nice.

I put on a robe and then I was led to the massage room. Yes, I had booked the combination hammam/massage. I went in the massage room and immediately got comfy. There was no traditional spa music, but the sweet, sweet sound of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” was coming through the speaker. I didn’t mind at all. It was nice for a change. I zoned out. This was pure bliss. I was in my happy place.

When everything was over I was given all the time I needed to put myself back together (dress, blowdry hair, put on makeup, etc.) before exiting the spa. I honestly felt like a new woman. My skin was soft, my muscles were relaxed. It was the perfect ending to my time in Marrakech.

I hope this helps you decide to try out the hammam expereince! Trust me, you get over the “naked and afraid” part pretty quick. The spa staff are professionals and they do this every day.

I did not take any pictures of the interior of the spa, as I was being respectful. I stayed at the Riad Palais des Princesses in the heart of the Medina. The rooms were some of the loveliest I’ve ever seen and I will post about them soon!

Questions? Ask away!

I needed help from a local to find this place!

The Truth About Getting Into Vatican City

While in Europe last month, my husband and I made a last-minute decision to fly to Rome. We actually ended up visiting Vatican City twice while we were there- The first day, we made our way into The City through the walls, and returning to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

Since the trip was so last-minute, I didn’t have time to research anything. We got off of the metro line at Ottaviano and with only my smart phone app map, started to wander aimlessly. It was no issue. We had no time constraints. Getting “lost” is a great, wonderful part of travel. There were many shops to keep our attention in this beautiful area, and we were not in a hurry.

It was what was being constantly asked and told to us that was the issue. Dozens of tour reps lined the streets and continually asked us if we had our tickets to the Vatican Museum yet. When we said no, they proceeded to tell us that a ticket with a tour guide was the only way to get in without standing in the long queue (the queue WAS wrapped around the building). One rep even told us that the ONLY way into The Vatican at all was with a ticket (through his company). Also, we were continually told we were going the “wrong way.”

Now, I wasn’t that uninformed  gullible. I did start to feel hounded- As if I was in Mexico, but instead of being offered jewelry on the beach, I was being offered a tour of the Vatican Museum. I later found out from others that these tours were going from anywhere from €75-90 per person. Even online, I see website sites selling “skip the line” passes for $72 per person. I’m going to give you some great advice in a minute. However, we found our way into the walls of Vatican City (for free, yes, you just walk right in, no ticket or guide needed)….And behold St. Peter’s Basilica!

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​It was after we returned to our hotel and doing a bit of networking and research that I discovered that For €30 per person (18 and up; €21 ages 6-18), you can skip the long line, walk right up and enter the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. You won’t have a tour guide (honestly, I don’t want to know how long that tour would be). If you have the time and if you are a huge history buff, a tour guide might be AMAZING for you (you can upgrade this special purchase ticket to include a guide if you’d like). The museum is massive and I couldn’t ever see myself doing a guided tour. To see this museum’s immense collection would take days. As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow. I loved it and I loved being able to come and go as I pleased. My husband and I spent a few hours there on our own. I thought we’d never get to the Sistine Chapel! If you think a guided tour is for you, then go for it!

If you would like to take advantage of this pricing, e-mail us at bluegrottotravel@outlook.com. 

 

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The Spa at The Linq Las Vegas

One of the highlights of my most recent jaunt in Las Vegas was going to the spa to have a little “me time.” I find it essential to have some alone time on any trip I am on, whether I am with family or friends, big groups or even just on a trip with my husband. Since I was staying at the hotel, I bought a spa pass for $20 and went during the last 2 hours of the day (5-7 pm). There are separate spas for men and women. I was the only woman there that Thursday evening, besides two others who were finishing up a salt cave session (more on that later).

I was warmly greeted and pointed in the direction of the lobby/lounge area where I was told to wait for Bobbi. The lounge area was tranquil and soothing. The walls seemed to dance as they softly changed colors.

Bobbi was an absolute gem. When you go there, ask for her. If she’s not there, wait for her. You won’t be disappointed. She gave me a tour of the quaint facility, showed me how to operate the lockers and then left me to relax on my own, coming to ask if I’d like some fresh squeezed juice a little later while I was in the jacuzzi. She asked if I’d like to put my name down for a 45 minute salt cave session. Of course, I jumped at the chance. The Linq Spa website says that the Himalayan salt therapy cave is available to those who book a treatment and must be booked in advance, but it must have been my lucky day!

The salt cave is unique to the hotel spas on the strip, however, there is not a sauna in the Spa at the Linq. There is a steam room, and as I mentioned, a jacuzzi (whirlpool). I visited the spa several years ago when The Linq was the Imperial Palace, and I do believe that they turned the sauna into the salt cave. There is room for 4 in the salt cave and Bobbi mentioned that they would be getting ottomans soon. Since I was alone in the room, I used one of the other chairs to prop up my feet.

Another unique feature to the Spa at The Linq can be found in the refreshment area. The “harmonize water bar” caught my attention. I honestly cannot explain how it is supposed to work, so hence the link. Always one to try anything at least once, I added 5 drops of the digestive heath water to my bottled water before I headed to my salt cave session.

If you are staying at The Linq, $20 for a half day, or even in my case, 2 hours at the spa, is well worth it. Especially if you can get a salt cave session in. In my area (Dallas-Ft. Worth) salt cave sessions alone run about $30 each, regular price.

Leave me your questions or comments about The Spa at The Linq below!

Bermuda Pool Party

If I’m not choosing a hotel based on the fact that it has a whirlpool tub, I’m most likely choosing it based on its amazing pool. What about location, you say? On the roughly 20.6 square mile island of Bermuda, location is a non-factor. No matter where you stay on the island, sweeping views of lush blue hues are merely a hop, skip and jump away.

These gorgeous colors, combined with an infinity pool is just what the doctor ordered for some ultimate R&R on your next Bermuda getaway. Here are two of my favorites.

Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa

A cruise ship leaves the harbor, as I relax poolside after my massage

Minutes from the center of town, and thus overlooking the harbor, is the beautiful infinity edge pool at Newstead Belmont Hills. I had a fabulous deep tissue massage at the spa and went down to the pool to check it out. It was a gorgeous June afternoon and tourist season was in full bloom, but you couldn’t tell it here. The pool scene was quiet and serene. The pool is breathtaking and actually has a good depth to it, unlike most hotel pools.  I think I’ll actually stay here next time I come to Bermuda.

Shrimp wraps from the pool bar

Inside the spa

 

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess

On a partly cloudy day, this pool is just what the doctor ordered  

The makeover of the Fairmont Hamilton is utterly impressive. Not only do they now have this jaw opener, but they have kept their original salt water pool as well. Even on a cloudy day, this perfectly placed pool is a wonderful place to relax. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas at this larger resort.

Oh look! The sun came out!

The Fairmont is within walking distance to town and is a larger resort than Newstead. Add to that the on-site marina and all of that said, the pool crowd can get a bit noisy at times. I still love this pool for its modern, fresh style and abundance of seating options.

 

No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll find yourself staring out into the harbor: Watching cruise ships come and go, party boats crank up the latest reggae and soca mixes, and children learning how to sail.

If “worse comes to worse” and you choose to stay elsewhere, the beautiful pink sand beaches are merely a hop, skip and jump away.

The Belize Zoo

My kids and I met another mom who was traveling without her hubby on the cruise. Neither of us had a shore excursion planned for Belize and we had heard on Tripadvisor that the Belize Zoo was the #1 attraction in Belize City. Here are my tips for making the most of this excursion.

Make your way out of the cruise terminal area and past all of the tour operators that will be trying to get your business (usually in bright colored shirts). You will pass through a well air-conditioned building that will have shopping to the right and more tour companies on your left. Just ignore or politely decline their services and go out of the other side of the building. Here, you will get more bang for your buck. There will still be tour operators on this side, but you will have more room for negotiating. Find an operator who will take you to the zoo, stay there with you (taxis are hard to come by while at the zoo) and bring you back to the cruise terminal. Agree on a set fee (NEGOTIATE!). We had 5 people in our party and didn’t pay more than $25 a person. The zoo is about a 40 minute drive from the cruise terminal.

None of the animals in the zoo have been taken from the wild. The have either been injured, born there, given as gifts, or orphaned. Entry is $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children. (Hint: If you have a large family, you can purchase a family membership for $35 and get a year’s free admission, plus a cool bumper sticker!).

The Belize Zoo is small, yet uncrowded. Some of the animals you will see include the king vulture, black spider and howler monkeys (my personal favorite), puma, macaw, ocelot. Some of the lesser known animals you will see include peccaries, agouti, paca, and coatimundi.

The zoo also provides animal encounters and even accommodations. My kids, ages 6 and 15 had a great time. Grab some lunch at the gift shop/cafe. Try the hot sauce on the table and if you like it, purchase some to take home in the gift shop. (I wish I had gotten more).

Have you been to the Belize Zoo? Are you thinking about going? Post your questions in the comments below, and be sure to like my page on Facebook.

The Disney Wonder

“Mommy, it was magical!”

Can any words be sweeter to hear from your child about a family vacation? From top-notch food to better-than-Broadway shows, you will find it on this ship!

Disney has made the check-in process painless (for adults anyway). The food was wonderful and there was always an abundance of characters around the ship. While I never write a full, lengthy reviews on the cruise ships I’ve been on, I will point out some tips to having a more-than-magical time on the Disney Wonder.

• Unless your child wants to hunt down all of the characters for their autographs, you can take up to 4 items per stateroom to guest services to get signed. Place your items and permanent markers in a ziplock bag. Guest services will fill out a form with specifics (your room number, which characters you want, etc.) and will return it to your stateroom at the completion of the cruise.
• Get to the characters meet and greet EARLY. Especially the Princesses!
• Arrive at the main show at least 15 minutes early to ensure a good seat.
• When arriving on embarkation day, eat at Parrot Cay (Deck 3, aft) instead of the main buffet on deck 9. You will be served your drinks and it’s a nicer, less crowded environment.
• Some items in the gift shop will be marked down on the last night of the cruise. It’s better to wait to see if that shirt you want will go on sale.
• For the pirate party, we brought glow necklaces and glow bracelets. We also wore them to the shows. All the kids wanted one!
• If your child participates in the end of cruise show with the kid’s camp, they will get a free t-shirt.

I will be happy to answer any questions about the Disney Wonder if you would like to leave them in the comments section.

Stingray Sandbar, The Cayman Islands

Ah, the stingray. Fear of these little guys shot up about 1000% after Steve Irwin’s unfortunate death. Alas, the most popular thing to do in The Cayman Islands is the stingray sandbar tour. The boat ride out to the sandbar was nice but felt like it took forever- even on the “speed boat” we were on.

When we finally arrived, we peeked over the edge of the boat, watching these marvelous creatures seem to anticipate our arrival.

I have to admit I was quite fearless upon getting into the water. The crew will stay with you while you are in the water. You have the opportunity to feed the stingrays, pet them and hold them. We even got snorkel equipment. No one was stung on this tour. I have to admit, my fearlessness diminished when these majestic creatures started sliding under my feet and around my legs. It kind of gives you that creepy feeling when their velvety skin touches yours. After all, you are in their habitat. Their territory.

Nonetheless, this was a great experience- one I will never forget! I highly recommend the stingray sandbar for adults and kids who are not fearful of stingrays or swimming with ocean life. My 4-year-old daughter and I are stopping in The Caymans next month on a cruise itinerary and are opting to swim with the dolphins instead. She would be quite freaked out by the stingrays. However, there are life jackets provided for everyone and I saw kids younger than my daughter on this tour, so only YOU know your children and what they will tolerate.

Cruise line excursion rates can be high. I can get you this tour PLUS an additional snorkel stop for only $49 per person. E-mail me at bluegrottotravel@outlook.com and ask me how!