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The word is out about Sarasota, Florida, and other communities within Sarasota County! Its 40 miles of gorgeous Gulf of Mexico coastline and  barrier islands or “keys” — Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key — have been recognized again and again. Recent Honors and Accolades: Sarasota was chosen …

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Every part of the Florida Gulf Coast has its own personality, its own vibe. After recently visiting the Bradenton area with a small group of travel writers, I can wholeheartedly embrace the tourism bureau’s tagline. “Real. Authentic. Florida.”  Very few resorts have more than three stories; many are small and family owned. Rental homes and …

Tropical Travel Girl “Talking Tahiti” on Travel Itch Radio I had a great time “Talking Tahiti” with Dan Schlossberg on Travel Itch Radio! You can listen anytime at the link above! Learn more about my Windstar Cruises 10-day Tahiti-Tuamotus cruise, our stay in an overwater bungalow at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, as well as …

Do you have a favorite photo? I’ve taken thousands of photos over the years in exotic locations throughout the world, but this is one of my all-time favorites — taken in December 2017 at Four Seasons Bora Bora, one of the dreamiest locations in the South Pacific. That made it all the more special to …

Windstar Cruise Tahiti Banner Image

Our 10-day Tahiti and Tuamotus cruise aboard Windstar’s Wind Spirit began and ended in Tahiti, largest of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia and largest of the Society Islands that include Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a.

Tahiti Tuamotus Bora Bora Banner

Ah, Bora Bora! Tales of the South Pacific author James Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world,” and I heartily agree. It had been seven years since my first visit to this small island (less than 12 square miles) dominated by two volcanic peaks — Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia — …

JJ-Blog-Post-BannerNATJAFinalist

“The New, All-Inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun: A Welcome Addition to Cancun’s Hotel Zone,” my article posted on JohnnyJet.com, received Finalist honors in the 2016 (NATJA) North American Travel Journalists Association’s awards competition. The category was Special Focus Travel Articles – Internet: Resorts. This awards competition, now in its 25th year, honors the “best of the …

A look back at 2016 travels banner

Springtime is a glorious time of year to visit California’s central coast. I spent the first nine days of April 2016 in a roughly 200-mile area within Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties, venturing as far north as Paso Robles…

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Thinking of traveling to Cancun? The all-inclusive resort, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, is worthy of adding to your list! My blog post about this special place, posted on Johnny Jet’s website – johnnyjet.com, several months ago, will give you a full report on its rooms, restaurants and activities.