Jasper

We spent three nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge tucked within gorgeous Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage. The lodge is a scenic village of cabins with adventure and wildlife right outside your door.

There is so much to do here – hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, golfing, paddleboats, canoeing –  and truly something for everyone. We got to experience a beautiful hike, challenging bike ride, white water rafting (brr!) and a host of other amenities that the lodge has to offer. Jason enjoyed a round of golf while Joey and I lounged at the pool and took a stroll around the lake.

 

A highlight of our stay was a fabulous dinner on the lake, exclusive to Tauck guests. It reminded me a bit of having a bush breakfast while on safari. The kids had a ball playing ladder golf and soccer while the parents sat back with a cocktail. They even had a fire pit for all to enjoy s’mores!

Virtuoso Amenities, compliments of McCabe World Travel, offered at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge:

·         Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

·         $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

·         Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

OH CANADA!

For my family’s summer vacation, I elected to explore Canada with Tauck Bridges, a tour product that Tauck offers geared toward families. After landing in Calgary, we enjoyed a two hour drive to the Fairmont Chateaux Lake Louise. The scenery is breathtaking – worth every minute of the drive. The Chateaux sits on breathtaking Lake Louise which boasts colors that you’d expect to see in the Caribbean: combinations of blues and greens.

On our first day, we enjoyed a wonderful hike with our guide who was great interacting with the kids making the experience both educational and fun. A little Canadian Wildlife Trivia: We learned about a tiny animal called the Shrew. In the winter, a Shrew will shrink their body size and brain mass in order to survive with lower energy intake. Average body mass will decrease by 19%!

 

After a fantastic first day at Lake Louise, we drove on the famed Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. This gorgeous stretch of highway is one of the most  scenic drives in the world. Every time we turned a corner, we were treated to another spectacular sight: majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, massive glaciers and thundering waterfalls. You absolutely cannot miss this drive if you are in the Rockies!

 

Another fun fact: the Canadian Mountain Peak feeds three different oceans – Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic. They say the only other place in the world that this happens is Siberia!

Stay tuned for our adventures in Jasper!

Virtuoso Amenities offered at the Fairmont Chateaux Lake Louise

-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

-Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guest in restaurant

-Souvenir personal portrait session with professional photographer during their stay with picture frame.

-Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

Insider’s Tip - Take time to sip one of the superb ice wines and enjoy the fondue specialties, including bison and the traditional Swiss cheese.

Istanbul - The Spice of Life

I recently returned from Istanbul and was blown away. I had always dreamed of visiting this enchanted city and it truly lived up to all of my expectations. The city boasts history, culture, cuisine and some of the kindest most genuine people I have ever met.

While I visited many of the must-see sites including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, it’s not surprise to those who know me that the highlight for me was a visit to the Spice Bazaar.

This bazaar is the home to both locals and tourists who are in search of spices, dried herbs, nuts, teas, dried fruits and plenty of souvenirs. I walked away with three types of tea and spices that will last me for many meals to come. I have already enjoyed a number of new recipes and flavors thanks to my various purchases!

 

Fun facts about this beautiful city:

-Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents: Asia and Europe.

-Tulips, the symbol of Holland, originated in Istanbul and were sent from Istanbul to Netherlands.

-The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered bazaar in the world, with over 3.000 shops

-Istanbul was the European Cultural Capital City in 2010, but has never hosted the Olympics.

Istanbul is a fabulous city to visit on its own, in combination with a full land tour of Turkey, or pre/post cruise.  Please contact me at jessica@mccabeworldcom for more details. 

Oahu - Sights & Tastes

Our first four days in Hawaii were on the island of Oahu, often called "The Gathering Place." This island offers a significant contrast between the ancient and modern. From the big city of Waikiki to the small towns of the North Shore, there is something for everybody and an island that shouldn't be overlooked.

 

The island boasts some incredible hotels and resorts, including The Modern, Kahala, Halukulani and Disney's Aulani. We enjoyed hiking Diamond Head; boating with dolphins; and of course experiencing the beach and resorts.

 

I must admit that one of my favorite reasons to visit Hawaii is the food. A long-term foodie dream of mine was to eat at Morimoto and I finally had the opportunity at The Modern in Waikiki. It was one of the best meals of my life. Somewhere between the tuna tartar and the Wagyu beef, I looked up and saw the legend himself... Morimoto! In his own restaurant! It was so exciting to see him and I must thank my friend and colleague Whitney for giving me a signed copy of his cookbook. I won't bore you with every meal I've had so far, but between the brunch at the Halukalini and lunch at Rainbow Drive-In (featured in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives), I'm in heaven. After all this food I just might have to hike Diamond Head again.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Cameron House on Loch Lomond

The drive to Cameron House was an easy 40 minute drive from Glasgow on Loch Lomond. There are loads of activities - biking, golf, boating, clay shooting and much more to keep you busy. The hotel has fabulous facilities complete with a large gym and pool with a waterslide (Joey was a fan).

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park covers 720 square miles. It's popular destination for locals and had a wide variety of natural attractions from lochs to rivers.

We took an hour drive into Sterling which which is a small university town.

The Stirling Castle is the major highlight and is one of the biggest and most impressive castles in Scotland.

You must enjoy a local beer at the Settlers Inn which is the oldest pub in Stirling. 



 

Glasgow

 

 

We arrived Glasgow after an easy flight on Iceland Air. Connecting in Iceland is extremely easy as the airport is small and very manageable.

We made our way to the Hotel Du Vin, an extremely charming hotel that is made up of 5 old town homes. Every room is unique, warm and friendly with each named after a winery. The Hotel is in the West End part of Glascow which I would compare to Georgetown with trendy shops, pubs and restaurants.

You have to make sure you have a drink at the Oran Mor, formerly Kelvinside Parish Church. I have to say it's the first time I have been in a bar that formally was a church.

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens is perfect for garden lovers. The gardens were created in 1817 and is the home of a large variety of plant collections.

Glasgow is definitely a city to see and the perfect way to start a Scotland adventure.

One & Only Bahamas – Back in Time

I was recently fortunate enough to revisit an old favorite, the One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas. It had been a number of years since my last trip to this beautiful resort and I was instantly reminded of why I love it.

 

The brochure cannot describe it any better: “The secret escape of the world's elite, this island resort exemplifies tropical colonial elegance, reflecting the refined qualities of an elegant estate. The terraced steps of the Versailles Gardens with 12th-century Augustinian cloisters, lead down to the finest beach in the Bahamas, Ocean-view dining and all manner of water play.”

 

When you walk into the lobby you are talking a step back in time. The resort is simple yet elegant with traditional Bahamian décor and hospitality at its best. You can venture to Atlantis for the day with their complimentary shuttle and enjoy all of the activities Atlantis has to offer; but at the end of the day, you are able to return to a tranquil paradise.

 

This resort is perfect for both couples and families. They offer one adults-only pool and a second pool that allows children with a gradual entry, perfect for little simmers.  There is also a complimentary KidsOnly Club that welcomes younger guests, ages 4-12.

 

If you are looking for a quick and relaxing getaway, think of the One&Only Ocean Club. 

 

When you work with McCabe World Travel you will also receive:
-Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
-Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
-Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
-$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay

Contact me to plan your One&Only Vacation – Jessica@mccabeworld.com or         703-762-5056