Destination Spotlight: Machu Picchu, Peru

If you're looking for an adventure, this one is definitely for you. Named one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is a magical city with rich history and breathtaking views. My mother has had the privilege of seeing this beautiful place in person and she tells me that the experience was one that absolutely took her breath away.

In researching this little vacation getaway, I found many tour and hotel options at almost every price range. Many people recommend the guided tours and insist on opting for the train instead of the hike, which seems to be very treacherous. Visitors to the magical city typically leave from Cuzco, a nearby city, and make their way to the ruins.

Machu Picchu is located at about 8,000 feet and is often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas." There is only one hotel that is actually in the park, called the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and is extremely expensive. If you are absolutely set on staying overnight in the park this is the only option but many choose to stay in Aguas Calientes, another nearby city.

This luscious paradise is just calling my name! If you're as set as I am on embarking on this adventure, don't forget to pack your sunblock, comfortable walking shoes, and camera of course!

Happy Travels!

Destination Spotlight: Lantern Festival Chiang Mai, Thailand

If this is not one of the most beautiful and romantic sights you’ve ever seen than I honestly don’t know what is…

Floating lanterns are released into the sky all over Thailand on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, (sometime in November) creating this unbelievably magical display of lights. This year the festival falls on November 11^th so you might want to book your plane tickets to Thailand now! (Check out Eden For Your World for great travel offers.)

From the first time I heard about this amazing spectacle on last season of ABC’s The Bachelorette, I can’t stop thinking about how incredible this event would be to witness in person. On the show, the couple is seen decorating their lanterns by writing personal love wishes before sending the lanterns off into the night sky. Sounds picture-perfect right?

The Loi Krathong Festival, or locally known as “Yi Peng”, is said to be one of the most charming events in all of Thailand. The event is celebrated nationwide, from the capital city of Chang Mai to the quaint countryside villages.

Tens of thousands of visitors and locals are known to participate in the event, which also offers decorating contests, bamboo raft races, fireworks, cultural performances, and so much more.

One day I’ll make my way to Thailand and be able to share with you my own personal experience…but until then, these pictures will just have to do.

Happy travels ya'll!

Destination Spotlight: Boat Hotel on Cocoa Island, Maldives

I hope ya'll are enjoying your week! Sometimes in the craziness that is our lives we need a little break...a little inspiration.

Most all of us live busy and stressful lives whether you're like me and running to class, trying to balance a social life, school, work, working out, the list can run on for days...but take a moment, take a deep breath, and just close your eyes.

Transport yourself about 9,000 miles away to an island sunbathing in the middle of the ocean and welcoming you with open arms. An island where the water is unbelievably crystal blue, the sun simply kisses your skin and brightens your whole day, and the soft white sand feels like clouds on your toes as you take a sunset stroll.

Sounds like a dream right? But what if I told you this little slice of heaven actually exists?

Welcome to Cocoa Island. Welcome to paradise on earth.

Really, have you ever seen water so blue? Lying in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Cocoa Island is an intimate private island that promises some of the world's best beaches, snorkeling, diving, cuisines, and more.

Enjoy your private suite, which on this island means an adorably picturesque boat to call "home", equipped with a personal sundeck, chaise lounges, and a dining table to admire the gorgeous sunsets while enjoying tastes of the local cuisine.

I don't know about you but I could seriously live here. The simplicity of life is just calling my name! These past few years have really taught me to appreciate the simple things in life: having the time to sit down with family for meals, taking evening walks, the beauty of a sunset, and just enjoying being healthy, blessed, and alive.

So wherever you are at the moment, take a deep breath and remember to enjoy the journey :)

Until next time,
Cassie


* For more information on traveling to Cocoa Island, visit here. To find out more about visiting the Maldives, visit here. Photographs and information from cocoaisland.com and visitmaldives.com.

Destination Spotlight: Tree Camping on the Pacific Coast; Elk, California

Have you contained your excitement yet? If you're any bit like me, you're still in awe of the beauty of this photo, the concept that you can actually camp in a tree, and that this would be one of the greatest dates ever! (Ahem, future husband I hope you read this someday.)

Welcome to the world of Tree Camping. A fast-growing adventure that, if you can believe, has been tracked all the way from beautiful California across the world to Japan, South Africa, and many other countries. Not to scare you away, but as I looked into this amazing adventure, it is a lot more complicated than this serene picture implies. Renting all of the necessary equipment and the process of actually getting up into the tree seems to be a little on the tricky side.

I wasn't quite able to find the price of this adventure either, which usually isn't a good sign but I'd like to think that the experience would be beyond worth it. The "Treeboat" bed is designed to hang from branches and comes with a mosquito net, blankets, and a pillow. Just add a nice glass of wine and a good book and I'll be a happy camper! (pun intended)

Life is incredibly beautiful, don't you agree?

*For more information on Tree Camping, visit here. Information and picture taken from Psihoyos.com.