We received a suggestion on our daily itinerary that it would behoove us to wake up early to witness our entrance. OK. Not wanting to miss anything that’s exactly what I did. I woke up early and just as the sun was coming up I went on deck to see what all the fuss was about.

We entered the Bay of Kotor at sunrise. And then there it was :: the most glorious 60-minute entrance to a city I’ve ever experienced! Kotor itself is surrounded by high mountains and old fortifications :: breathtaking beauty to say the least! Throughout our entrance I found myself without words as the sun came up on the mountainous fjords and water surrounding us. Quiet majesty. What a wonderful surprise to find out that the Bay of Kotor is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

We sailed by a manmade isle called Our Lady of the Rocks on our way into through the bay, jutting out majestically in the middle of the water, boasting a remarkable church which takes up the entire isle. This was definitely a first for me.

Once in Kotor we climbed the 1,355 steps along the ridges of the Castle of San Giovanni also known as St. John’s Fortress (7EU to scale the walls), opening up to unrivaled views over the Bay of Kotor. The castle itself wasn’t overly impressive but the vistas were absolutely breathtaking and absolutely worth taking the time to see.

Tips ::
1. Start early in the day, the sun will come up behind you
2. Bring plenty of water, you will need it, especially on a hot day
3. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours on your climb

Kotor’s main square has a selection of restaurants which give you a perfect view for taking in the beautiful views and architecture surrounding you. And it just so happens to be a great place for people watching. I sat for a while enjoying a refreshing drink (at much more reasonable pricing here than in Dubrovnik) under the shady awning of one such restaurant.

Then… I was blessed with yet another surprise :: I got to witness a Montenegrin wedding procession! The timing was perfect; it was really special to see.

This is Cathedral of Saint Tryphon which was consecrated in 1166 :: older than most, it holds a treasury of great value. This is also one of the largest and most ornate buildings in Kotor in Romanesque-style architecture.

St. Luke’s Church was constructed in 1195 as a Catholic church but it is told that from 1657 until 1812 Catholic and Orthodox altars stood side by side with each faith taking turns holding services here. It was then gifted to the Orthodox Church.

This is St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church of Kotor. It is said that this is the most import orthodox church in Kotor but I was unable to find any other information about it than that.

I’ll end my commentary here only to say that the atmospheric back-streets and cafes are truly something to behold. I found myself walking for several hours along these narrow paths and emotionally enveloped myself into the Montenegrin culture by taking in as many details as I possibly could. I’ll let you enjoy the remaining images of Kotor I captured ::

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I can’t decide if sailing into Kotor through the beautiful fjords was more captivating than the alluring ancient town itself. And although it is small Kotor really packs a punch with photographic opportunities around every corner.

And although Kotor is but a tiny coastal town, this city is no less than a walled jewel and truly left an impression on my soul. And come to find out Kotor is one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It all makes sense to me now.

I would highly recommend a stop in Kotor if you plan to be in or near the Adriatic Sea. You will thank me when you do.

The post Kotor in Photos :: You’ve Gotta See It to Believe It appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

And whether or not you are from Dutch decent as I am, you will find much of the charm of this adorable country throughout this beautiful island in a way you hadn’t expected. As part of the Dutch A-B-C islands [Aruba, Bonair, Curacao] there are hints of their culture everywhere. From the people to the lodging to the food… The Netherlands shows itself in Curacao for sure.

Curacao. Definitely a destination to be considered for the very near future. There are so many options to keep you busy for weeks on end but also many for just relaxing on her incredible beaches.

It was surprising to me that I didn’t realized what a treasure it was to have had so much time on an island with amazing weather, wonderful people, an endless number of truly outstanding beaches and memories to last a lifetime until I returned home. Of course my memories won’t have to last a lifetime because I plan to go back in the not-too-distant future!

Read more ::

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Accommodations in Curacao ::

For your convenience, here is a list of ACCOMMODATIONS IN CURACAO. Please consider booking your Curacao accommodations through this link. It costs you nothing extra and it helps support this website. Thank you!

The post Curacao :: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Whether you’re single or married or have a family there is no better time to be had than when you gather up your besties for Girlfriends Getaways. Whether it’s just for a long weekend or even better if you can manage an entire week, I highly recommend taking time in your busy life to slow down with your girls for a great time to breathe, re-energize and find yourself again.

In no particular order these are just some ideas to inspire you ::

#1 :: Eat Beignets in New Orleans

Of course there is much more to do in N’awlins than eating beignets but it sure is a great place to start! Cafe du Monde is iconic in the French Market and Cafe Beignet serving what they call the “original” beignets is competition for sure. But it doesn’t really matter where you go because You’re in New Orleans with your girls!

Go out for breakfast in one of the many adorable restaurants and cafes in town. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the Garden District and take in the history and architecture that IS New Orleans.

Have a muffuletta and red beans and rice for lunch and gumbo for dinner in that good ole N’awlins style.

Go out at night and listen to some really great jazz on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter…

…or go to a piano bar and sing along!

New Orleans. One of the great girlfriends getaways for sure.

#2 :: Go snorkeling in Belize

You may not know but Belize has the second largest coral reef in the world. And snorkeling it is pretty amazing. Unbelievable underwater beauty for sure.

There are lots of other options in Belize however :: visit the Mayan Ruins, eat some jerk chicken, snorkel with Manatees at Ambergris Cay, take a helicopter over the Blue Hole (way pricy at $500+ per person but if it’s on your bucket list I hear it is well worth it)…

Of course you can just as well lay on one of their beaches and soak up the sun…

…and enjoy a Belizian daiquiri… that won’t cost much!

And when you’re surrounded by your girlfriends it can be one of the best getaways ever!

#3 :: Tour Magnolia Silos in Waco

Even if you’re not necessarily into Joanna and Chip you will have so much fun at The Silos! Shop for the cutest housewares, get ideas for your own home…

…eat delicious delicacies in the Silos Baking Company…

…sit in the sun and listen to wonderful music while watching kids playing on the lawn. It’s all to be had here.

The town of Waco is bigger than just Magnolia although the town is on the map because of the Gaines’ but here are some of the things they recommend you see in Waco ::

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, Dr. Pepper Museum, Hippodrome Theater, Waco Mammoth National Monument. And if you want to live it up big and you’re lucky to get a spot, book one of the two Magnolia Stay Bed + Breakfast homes for your lodging!

#4 :: Take in the Shows in Las Vegas

Vegas may have a reputation for setting the perfect atmosphere for girls to get into trouble together. But if you’re anything like me that’s the last thing you want to do with your besties. Instead get all dressed up for a night out on the town to enjoy a concert or Cirque du Soleil show…

…dine at a fancy restaurant…

Rent a cabana at the pool…

…play Bingo together…

And just laugh until your sides ache!

There are so many great getaways to do with your girlfriends in Las Vegas :: but being together is the best.

 #5 :: Go Dunebuggying in Cozumel

What a blast you’ll have no matter how big or small your group… take dune buggies out for a spin around the island of Cozumel.

Drive out to Punta Sur…

…and out to the southern point to the lighthouse…

Take a dip in the ocean to do some amazing snorkeling…

…then duck out of the sun for some shade + some relaxation…

Exploring + snorkeling in Cozumel + then relaxing in the sun + the water. What better girlfriends getaways are there?

#6 :: Go Parasailing in Maui

You’re in Hawaii + surrounded by that beautiful blue water. And the weather is perfect nearly all year long. Perfect for parasailing!

Talk long leisurely strolls along the water + stop for stories + laughter…

Wake up super early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala

Spend all day on the beach, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) + enjoy the sun…

And attending a luau is a must!

The list of things to do (or not do) in Hawaii is endless. Isn’t this one of the best girlfriends getaways you can imagine?

#7 :: Keep it Weird in Portland

I used to live in Portland when I was younger + I have so many fond memories… But things have changed so much since those days! Portland has gotten so trendy over the last decade or more.

But the things I remember are still cool :: check out Multnomah Falls… so beautiful + glorious. Drive out there + spend time hiking up to the top or at least to the bridge. Amazing views.

Whether you’re a bookworm or not a visit to Portland is not complete without checking out Powell’s Books. Browse, sit + have a latte in the cafe.

One of my fave places to meet with friends is Salt + Straw. Ice cream at its finest.

Portland is a fun place to meet up with the girlfriends :: with such a variety of things to do to catch up you can start planning one of your getaways today.

#8 :: Hang out in LA

LA has lots to do + see. And with the girlfriends you’re sure to have a great time! The Getty Center is an awesome place to start!

Maybe stop at Grand Central Market for a bite to eat…

Joining an audience of a talk show is always a fun time with the girls!

It’s not too far to the beach for some relaxation.

LA is a fun town + a great place to have some time with the girlfriends!

#9 :: Take a California Coast Road Trip

I feel pretty blessed to live in California. I have the best of all worlds here. I’m not far from the beach, the mountains, the river + the desert. There are a plethora of absolutely amazing things to do + see in California. But when you take the time for a road trip along its beautiful coastline you get to know California in a whole new way.

Malibu is a wonderful place to stop :: the views of the ocean are pretty awesome + there are lots of little restaurants along the way

Stop to see the elephant seals just north of San Simeon

Hearst Castle is a cool place to visit :: you can even stop to see some zebras on the property!

Morro Rock up in Morro Bay is such a beautiful place :: take a walk + enjoy watching the surfers + otters. You’ll find clean restrooms here also

Depending on how many days you have you can include tons more things to see + do along the California coast!

A road trip with the girls is one of the best ways to get to know each other better + to enjoy each other’s company. Blast the radio + sing at the top of your lungs, stop wherever you feel like it for as long as you want, a spontaneous trip up the coast can provide memories that you can’t make any other way.

#10 :: Take a Cruise

Just decide where you want to go + when. Then let the cruise line do all the leg work for you! Just relax (or not) + have a great time together!

Whether you want to see places you’ve not seen before or lay under the sun all day…

…or get crazy on the dance floor or sing karaoke with abandon or take on Casino Night…

Taking a cruise with your best girlfriends is one of the best ways I know to catch up + have fun without having to really plan much. You can do as much or as little as you want. Your lodging + meals are all taken care of. You just need to decide what onboard activities you want to participate in + maybe sign up for an excursion or two. The rest is easy peasy.

Spending time with your girls is the most important thing. As women we need this more than we know. But once you start planning a trip or two you will realize it is a necessity that all of us girls not only want but absolutely need!

Take all the time you need with your besties! You won’t regret it!

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How To Pack For a Cruise in a Carryon in 10 Easy Steps

The post 10 Best Girlfriends Getaways in 2019 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Having gone on at least two dozen cruises I’ve learned a few tips that will make your traveling so much more enjoyable. A little planning ahead will help you confidently venture out into this big beautiful world! How to pack a carryon for a cruise will make your life so much easier!

I’ve included links for some of the suggested products because they are what I use + they are all tried + true. Hopefully those links are helpful to you when choosing the best for yourself.

Before I start, I have to warn you that you may roll your eyes a couple of times in the beginning. I know what you’ll be thinking: this girl is Type-A. Ok, you’ve got me there. But if you look beyond that you will see that there is a method to my madness + it will keep you from going mad as well! Hey, you may even learn a few things about yourself in the process…

1 :: Start with a spreadsheet (or a list)

OK, I saw you roll your eyes already! It does sound a little daunting doesn’t it? I mean, who makes a spreadsheet to go on vacation? Well, I’ve found this to be the most efficient way to assure myself that I’m not forgetting anything + that I will pack only what I absolutely need and in a carryon at that. Say what you will, it works for me + I know it will work for you if you just give it a chance.

I’m actually gonna make it super easy on you by including my spreadsheet here for you. Feel free to print it out. This way you can follow along without too much pain.

OK, if a spreadsheet isn’t going to work for you just make yourself a LIST. Get out a piece of paper + start writing.

List your days on the sides + the times of day at the top like I’ve done, breaking out each portion of the day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening). Now fill out all the boxes with your cruise itinerary.

You will see this list is designed for a woman. Yes it is, because it’s MY list. HA! For a man this list is very easily converted.

2 :: Catalog what you will need

Decide on items of clothing + footwear you will need for each portion of the day. Count them up + list them on the right side as I have done. And do follow my suggestions because you won’t need more than that especially if you plan to pack only in a carryon because it can be done if you just follow my lead.

Make your list + grab your items. Double check to make sure you have everything. But when you’re finished… Don’t Add to it. Trust me, this is a huge step in getting you organized + taking only what you need. It will help keep you from overpacking. And remember, you’ll be schlepping your suitcase behind you. Save your back!

3 :: Mix and match your clothing

Lay everything out on your bed + start planning your outfits. Plan to wear shorts, skirts + shoes at least 2 times each. Refer to my Spreadsheet. Choose a neutral color palate so that all items coordinate with each other. Patterned items don’t mix + match well so try to choose solid-colored shorts + skirts so that they will all work with the patterned tops you may want to bring. Keep your colors neutral + that will help everything to match.

Another thing to think about is wrinkles. Try to pack as many wrinkle-free items as you can in that carryon. Staterooms do not allow for irons so your only recourse will be to steam your clothes in the shower. You’re going on this cruise to have a great time, not to worry about wrinkles!

Tip: If you do have a few wrinkles that simply don’t go away by hanging up your clothes, use your flat iron to do some touch ups! Works great!

4 :: Take into account formal dinner nights

If you can work in separates rather than dresses they will serve you really well. You can always accessorize to glam up your outfit. If you really need a dress go ahead + bring one but make it black. Accessories can change your look so you can wear it more than once.

And it can get chilly onboard so don’t forget a light sweater or at the very wear sleeves.

I have a standing date with my besties every other year for a Girls’ Cruise + we always have so much fun! So that’s us! Check on my post on the most beautiful ship we are taking :: RCCL’s Symphony of the Seas.

5 :: Wear your heaviest clothing while traveling

I just couldn’t help using this picture. We all know The One Where No One’s Ready, right? LOL! Well, I just read somewhere that a man was arrested for wearing all of his clothing on a plane to avoid paying to check his bag. LOL! Ok, that’s not what I’m saying here.

If you wear your jacket, sweater + walking shoes while traveling you won’t have to pack them! Makes sense, right? The airlines let you carry on your outerwear + don’t count it as hand luggage so you can always carry it over your arm if you prefer not to wear it.

When I travel I love wearing my SCOTTeVEST specially designed with lots of inside pockets. This one is so lightweight that I don’t even realize I have it on + all the pockets come in really handy for anything you might need at a moment’s notice. It may even eliminate the need for a purse altogether. They also make a SCOTTeVEST jacket with the same type of interior pockets design. One of my most favorite travel hacks of all time.

When going through TSA just take off your jacket + lay it on the conveyor belt. You won’t have to even think about what’s in your pockets + setting off that embarrassing alarm.

6 :: Leave your jeans at home

Jeans are too heavy to wear in the sun and there’s no room to pack them in a carryon anyway. Think about taking lightweight items made of linen or cotton (blended with microfiber, polyester or lycra that prevent wrinkles). They will take up less room in your luggage + will work much better for you in the tropics.

7 :: Pair your beauty products down to a minimum

You’re only gonna be gone for a week, girl! One of the biggest problems for us women is not to bring too many beauty products. Take only what you need! I have a couple of rules for myself in order to pack light and use only a carryon, especially when it comes to going to the tropics:

1. Bring a good leave-in hair product that covers all your bases :: natural is key here. It will make your travel experience so much simpler. And you won’t have to bring any other products. Think of wearing your hair in a pony tail or bun sometimes. And wear a hat. You’re in the tropics, girl!
2. Put whatever you absolutely need into small (this is my fave set) travel-size containers [contact lens cases work well for foundation, etc.] because all liquids must fit into no more than a 1-qt size ziplock. Click here for TSA’s 3-1-1 rule on liquids.

Because I travel so much, I keep one set of toiletries + beauty products in my my toiletry bag ready at a moment’s notice. All I have to do is grab it + put it into my carryon + I’m ready to go. When I get home from a trip I refill everything + have it ready for the next trip.

8 :: Everything should fit

I recommend getting a four-wheel, hard case carryon. Having a hard case really helps keep all of your belongings safe + secure PLUS it is much easier to pack.

The Delsey Hard Case Carryon with 4 wheels + outside compartment is the one I have + I absolutely love it. After having tried many styles + brands of carryons over the last 30 years, this is it. It has 4 wheels so it is very easy to maneuver through the airport. It also has an exterior zippered compartment that gives me access to my computer + other important stuff without having to open my entire bag. Click here to see all the features.

Now that you know what carryon I use, I have three very important tricks to make sure everything you need for this trip will fit every time:

First Trick: Roll your clothes! By rolling your clothes you will find packing so much easier. Separate your delicates, tops + bottoms into piles. Then get to rolling. Pack a carryon.

Second Trick: Invest in some packing cubes! Have I not shared them with you yet? OMG using my eBags Ultralight Travel Packing Cubes are game changers. They keep you organized + cut your packing/unpacking time in half. They come in a variety of colors + sizes. There are lots of different brands to choose from but my very fave is the eBags packing cubes.

The eBags set includes two small, two large + one slim cube. I find that this set is perfect for me. Stack them on top of each other to perfectly fit the dimensions inside your carryon.

Place your delicates in the slim cube, tops + shoes (HACK: put shower caps) in the large cube, bottoms + sandals (HACK: put in shower caps) in the other large. Use the two small to fit your non-liquid toiletries. This is what I do but feel free to arrange them however works best for you. I cannot even tell you how packing cubes have changed my life on the road. Seriously, check them out + tell me if they aren’t the absolute best travel hack ever!

Third Trick: There are 3 easy steps to this third trick.
1. First, before you start packing, unzip the expansion zipper + expand your bag to its largest capacity.
2. Secondly, fill it up + zip it up.
3. And for the last step, squeeze down on your bag while zipping up the expansion.
Voila! It works like a charm every time!

Remember I said packing cubes would cut your unpacking time in half? When you go to unpack just unzip your cubes + lay them inside your cabin drawers. No need to take anything out! Your clothes stay right inside your packing cubes + exactly where you put them. And when you’re ready to pack up you know exactly where everything goes back!

9 :: Bring a large hand-carry bag aboard your flight

I would suggest you bring a tote big enough to hold:
1. a change of clothes + underwear [you never know]
2. electronics/books [to keep you entertained while you wait]
3. your purse [I suggest a very small cross body purse for only your money, ID, tickets, phone + passport. This happens to be my very favorite cross body by Laga]
4. your 3-1-1 rule ziplock bag for TSA [click here for more deetz]
5. anything else you might need on your flight [portable charger, earbuds, snacks, a pair of socks]
If you don’t have room for #4 in your tote, I suggest you put it in the exterior compartment of that great carryon in case TSA wants to see it.

This is my very favorite hand-carry bag by Laga. The proceeds go to providing employment + education for tsunami survivors in Indonesia. What a great cause, right? It fits right under the seat in front of me on my flight + I get compliments on it everywhere I go! I take it with me on every trip! And you can pack a lot in this carryon bag.

And if you have room, put your swimsuit + coverup + sandals in there. That way, while you’re waiting for them to deliver your bag to your stateroom, you’ll have everything you need to go down to the pool + start enjoying the sun!

Speaking of sandals, I found a pair of flip flops that are so comfortable I can walk in all them day. They form fit my feet + I feel like I’m walking on a cloud. Seriously. So, unless I’ll be in cold weather where it is imperative I wear closed-toed shoes, I bring these flip flops with me everywhere I travel. Great footwear find!

10 :: Leave the kitchen sink at home

Think about what the ship provides: hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, towels :: you don’t need to bring these items. All they will do is take away valuable real estate in your carryon. Don’t second-guess what else you’ll need because you’ve already worked that out. If it’s not on your spreadsheet you can live without it for a week!

I hope this list will help you travel lighter + more efficiently. By adopting these easy rules your cruise will be so much less of a headache I promise you. I’ve stayed true to each + every step above + cruising has been so much more about the fun and way easier because I can pack really light using only a carryon bag. Easy Peasy!

Now go out there + have a fantastic cruise! You deserve it!

The post How to Pack a Carryon for a Cruise appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.