Top 10 Reasons to go on a Backroads Trip – Enhance Your Life With Active Travel Recently, I went on a weeklong journey with Backroads, the world’s #1 active travel company. Their California Winter Fit Multisport Trip took our small group from the snowy mountains of… Melissa Curtin , April 29, 2013
Top 10 Reasons to Stay at Hotel Monaco San Francisco 1. Stylish, Hip, Gorgeous Decor The Hotel Monaco has been recently renovated thanks to the inspiration of the Founder Bill Kimpton. This luxurious boutique hotel is one of my favorite… Melissa Curtin , April 19, 2013
Koh Lanta, Southern Thailand’s Secret Gem My boyfriend Peter and I had no idea what to expect. We felt beaten down by the previous major cities like Tokyo and Bangkok, and were relieved to find… Melissa Curtin , February 1, 2013
Aloft Brooklyn Hotel, a Vision of W Hotels Since I had such a fabulous experience at the Aloft Bangkok, I thought it was time to try an Aloft hotel in my own country to see if it would… Melissa Curtin , November 7, 2012
Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands – Getting To “The Beach” I’ve been dreaming about “The Beach” ever since I saw the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio around 2000. I always dreamt I would make it there some day to see what… Melissa Curtin , November 6, 2012
Make the Most of Tokyo: What Not to Miss Fireworks… Subway system by Jackson Pollock… Monkeys make most sense as pets… Cats are very good luck… Udon, Sushi, BBQ, tempura, yes please… No garbage cans anywhere = No garbage… Melissa Curtin , September 10, 2012
Top Reasons to Stay at the Aloft Bangkok If you are looking to be in the nuttiness of it all in the city that feels like an assault on your senses, then Aloft Bangkok should be your first choice…. Melissa Curtin , August 21, 2012
Mazatlan, Mexico – A Cultural Surprise Mazatlan, Mexico is not just miles of beaches, but a thriving cultural destination. We found ourselves both day in night in the heat of the dynamic colonial style “Old Mazatlan,”… Melissa Curtin , July 9, 2012
Dreaming of Mazatlan food Shrimp ceviche, beer battered shrimp, coconut shrimp, cockroach shrimp, grilled shrimp, bacon wrapped shrimp, barbeque shrimp, peel and eat shrimp, shrimp tacos, shrimp quesadillas, and garlic shrimp. Images of Tom… Melissa Curtin , June 29, 2012
Ziplining in Mexico, a Mazatlan Memory After a 45 minute drive from Mazatlan we arrived in a humid desert-like area filled with agave plants. Six other guys and I were strapped in our gear and safety… Melissa Curtin , June 19, 2012
An Interview With John J Curtin, My Dad, The Cape Horner: His Journey Sailing Around South America I wanted to interview my dad, John Curtin about his 16,000 mile sailing excursion in 2002-2003 because even though it is almost ten years later, he still talks about this… Melissa Curtin , June 17, 2012
Cultural Highlights of Medellin, Colombia Medellin pronounced “Meda-jean” in Colombia, South America is a vibrant city located in a valley about 626 miles northeast of Bogotá and about an hour and a half from the… Melissa Curtin , May 14, 2012
Where to Eat in Medellin, Colombia The most memorable dining experience I have ever had in my life occurred at El Cielo in Medellin, Colombia. Literally, the night was a sensual feast for all senses. We… Melissa Curtin , May 8, 2012
The Artist Botero in Medellin, Colombia The Botero Collection is the main exhibit at the Museo de Antioquia containing 108 paintings in different media by Medellin’s own Fernando Botero. Twenty-three monumental sculptures surround the Plaza Botero, a… Melissa Curtin , May 8, 2012
Top Reasons Vieques Island, Puerto Rico Should Be Your #1 Caribbean Destination Vieques Island is located just eight miles east of Puerto Rico and is definitely the place where you should head to get away from it all. Escape everyday life stressors… Melissa Curtin , March 22, 2012