I once told my Mom that traveling with her was like traveling with myself. She pursed her lips and cocked her head and shot me a look that said, “really?” I meant to say that we had so many similar likes and dislikes that if I suggested an outing, restaurant, or museum (or vice versa) nine times out of ten it was something that we both wanted to do. She willingly agreed to my suggestions with nary a complaint, although getting her to approve of a harebrained adventure in the first place was the more challenging part of the proposition.Â
Whilst I am accustomed to being awoken in the middle of the night by roaring lions, howling coyotes was new. Had it not been for the coyotes, I doubt I would have stirred because the bed at Collective Vail was that comfortable. Collective Vail is located on a working ranch outside of Wolcott Colorado, a mere 30 minutes from Vail and perfectly positioned with magnificent views of the Sawatch mountain range in the Colorado Rockies.
Growing up in the Midwest, vacations entailed visiting far-flung relatives, or perhaps a weekend at a family friends’ lake house, but in my child-like mind vacation meant staying in a hotel (with a swimming pool, of course) and eating all of our meals at restaurants. No making your bed, no picking up after yourself, no chores, and no cooking. And then there were the restaurants, usually chain restaurants where the food was less than stellar, but that hardly mattered. I could choose whatever I wanted to eat. It was all so glamorous.
With a slew of friends and family members planning safaris to South Africa later this year (some for the first time) I decided to highlight eight safari tips to maximize your time in the bush. These eight safari tips are hardly exhaustive, but I hope they will adequate prepare anyone for an incredible experience.
After extensive renovations, &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge has reopened and no expense has been spared at this expansive property situated along the Zambezi River. There is something about the wide, tranquil Zambezi River that is hypnotic and instantly puts your soul at peace. The lodge, the flowing mighty river left us mesmerized and a tad speechless. These are the moments in life that I find enthralling and rare. Being present and in the moment is something I strive for and rarely obtain. Yet, within 20 minutes of arriving at Matetsi this was exactly the feeling that had overcome me.
Upon arriving at Somalisa Camp, I knew this would rank as one of my favorite Southern African camps. Actually, the photos on the website convinced me that I would love this camp long before I arrived. The camp is stunningly beautiful. You will almost want to skip a game drive to fully luxuriate in the space.