I love cruises. All the food I can eat, activities for days, and free shows to watch, what’s not to love? I’ve taken about 30 cruises in my life, and most of them have been to the Caribbean.
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Mary Chong is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A food and travel writer, and founder of Calculated Traveller, when not working as a freelance graphic designer, Mary is either travelling with her husband Ray or planning the next big adventure.
Nine Dishes in Nine Cities as Recommended by Nine Food Writers
I reached out to a few of my fellow International Food Wine and Travel Writer Association food writer friends and asked them to share one dish in one city that has been particularly memorable for them. I hope you enjoy our tasty memories.
The Ultimate Souvenir – Passport to your National Parks
Souvenirs, trinkets, T-shirts and tourist trash; how many of these things have you purchased while on vacation for yourself or your family that ultimately ends up in the garbage or the donation pile?
A Pleasure House Oyster Tour in Lynnhaven Virginia
I’m not a lover of the oyster — especially oysters raw on the half shell. Today’s adventure was all about the raw oyster, and since they’ll be served fresh straight out of the water, I thought that I would challenge myself to finally eat one.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway Puerto Vallarta Bliss
I knew I was about to have the experience to last a lifetime when a welcome letter arrived via email from the Butler of the Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway presenting me with a “pillow menu” and a “scent menu” that I could select from before my arrival.
My (Almost) Private Tour of the Vatican with Walks of Italy
Read about our experience on a Walks of Italy Pristine Sistine Tour of St. Peters & the Vatican Museum where we found minimal crowds and quiet moments.
Sleepy Nights at Sheraton Tysons Hotel in Fairfax Virginia
Located in the Tysons Corner suburb of Fairfax Virginia the Sheraton Tysons Hotel provided a very comfortable stay in an upscale environment. With easy access to local tourist attractions, it proved to be a great home base for my visit to Virginia.
A Daring Date with the Bats of Austin Texas
Every summer evening at dusk the bats of Austin Texas leave their nest under the Congress Avenue Bridge to feed. But what all my sources didn’t explain is where, when, how and why I HAD to see the bats. Here’s what I discovered.
Princess Cruises — A Caribbean Princess Review
Caribbean Princess first set sail in 2004 and is a sister ship to the Crown, Emerald and the Ruby, but it surprisingly doesn’t look or feel it’s age. Sure it doesn’t have a rock climbing wall or a waterslide but what it does have is a relaxed charm, excellent service, delicious food and great entertainment.
An Historical Stay on the River Walk in San Antonio Texas
The River Walk in San Antonio Texas is one of the most romantic places to stroll. With mariachi bands serenading the couples walking hand-in-hand along the water’s edge, the cool summer breeze, the dimly lit walkways, the benches to sit and rest, and the stone bridges to cross.
Tips for a Working (and NOT Working) Vacation
There is a sense of satisfaction when you activate that “Out of Office” message on your email and voicemail at work isn’t there? I kind of wish that “happy dance” music played once you hit that submit button!
Sweet Dreams at Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel VA
Located a mere 2 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport, the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, Virginia is a great stay for business or pleasure.
A Bloody Blue Big Al Breakfast at Bay Local Eatery Virginia Beach
It’s 8:30 AM and the olive eyes of the Bloody Blue Cocktail are blinking at me. I’m at Bay Local Eatery in the Chesapeake Bay Area of Virginia Beach, Virginia having breakfast and it’s a bit early to drink a Bloody Mary with cheese filled olive eyes even for THIS Mary!
3 very different adventures in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
There are 3 options for adventure in the Yucatan when your cruise ship stops in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Find out which one is best.
Sweet Smoky Goodness at Iron Works BBQ Austin Texas
The words Texas and barbeque go hand in hand (or perhaps hand to mouth), but it’s tough to figure out which restaurant is worthy of the calories and the sticky, saucy fingers when there are so many barbeque joints to be found in one large state.
Street Art Photo Essay of Deep Ellum Dallas, Texas
Dallas Texas is known for the football team, the cheerleaders and the TV show but did you know that Dallas has a huge graffiti and street art scene in the area known as Deep Ellum?
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation Pow Wow, Orillia, Ontario
My experiences at The Chippewas of Rama First Nation Pow Wow Grand Entry August 2015 on a weekend adventure in Orillia, Ontario
Buffalo NY Boys Trip Adventure Plan
OK, Men, the next time the women in your lives say they are getting away to Buffalo, NY for a little cross-border shopping at the outlets I urge you to say that you are coming along for the ride.
Discovering Flyers and History in Dunnville Ontario
On a day trip to small town Dunnville Ontario, an aviation theme emerged as I visited the No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum and dined at Flyers Bakery and Café — all without ever leaving the ground.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown Texas – Perfect for Work and Play
Located in downtown Houston Texas next to the Minute Maid Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center is the newly renovated Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown.