Photo Friday: Malololailai, Fiji

I've seen a lot of sunsets on my travels around the world, but hands down, the best ones I've ever seen were in Fiji. They were absolutely otherworldly and my husband and I made each one an event. We were staying on a sleepy island called Malololailai. Every day was the same: sleep in, late, quick breakfast, swimming in pool, lazy lunch on the terrace overlooking the ocean, snorkeling in the afternoon, a shower, and then we'd set up our beach chairs to take in nature's greatest show...

The scene was set on our island paradise.

Spectacular!

It was like stepping into a painting. 

I will never forget these sunsets. Fiji is one of the most romantic places I have ever been. It would make an amazing honeymoon destination!

Photo Friday: Cambodia...and the reason we travel

Recently, I came across this video about a guy who decided to hitchhike from Venice Beach, California to Portland, Maine, meeting over 1,000 kind and helpful strangers along the way. The reason he decided to do it? He LOVES people! Meeting people is one of the most enriching parts of travel. It takes us out of our normal routine and allows us to open to the experience of others and garner new perspectives. 

One of the most life-changing travel experiences I have ever had was in Cambodia. My husband and I were visiting the amazing Angkor Wat temples by tuk-tuk when we came across a sign that read, "Come and see our kid's paintings!" We had to stop. That's when we met Cheat, a man in his 20s who had grown up at the same orphanage in which he worked. It was little more than a concrete building and a couple of huts, but he was so proud of the school he helped run for the fifteen orphans that lived there. We ended up buying a painting that one of the kids had created and Cheat invited us to come back the next day and hang out. We were honored to spend the next day playing games with the kids and reading to them. Here are some of the highlights...

Their little faces were so priceless!

This little girl's name was Sunshine and she loved books. 

Hwa, one of the orphanage's newest additions, simply refused to wear pants. 

Who could say "no" to a face like that?

A view of the modest orphanage grounds. 

The open hut on the right was their classroom.

Playing bouncy ball with the older kids. 

Bill, age 12, was such a sweet boy. 

After my husband taught the kids to play tic-tac-toe, they were hooked!

What a special day. I will never forget these kids.

Photo Friday: Costa Rica

If you're interested in wild jungle adventures and fantastic wildlife watching, then Costa Rica is the place for you. Rugged, almost impassable roads lead to a slew of rare bird and animal sightings. My husband and I took a week-long road trip across the country last year and here were the best parts...

Hiking waterfalls near Lake Arenal.

The surf scene near Jaco.

One of my favorite things about Costa Rica was the amazing breakfasts: fresh pineapple, fried plantains, gallo pinto and whole wheat toast with guava jelly. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it...

The roads were pretty rough, but the treasures at the end made the jostling all worth it!

Waking up to a burp from Volcan Arenal. 

CR is a bird watchers paradise. 

So many miles of empty coastline...a perfect place to get lost with your lover.

Taking in a sunset at Calle Caletas. 

 Uh oh!

 This photo was not taken with a zoom - they really were this close!

There were monkeys all over the jungle at the 

Manuel Antonio National Park.

Costa Rica is a great introduction to Central America. If you're ready for an adventure filled with jungles, beaches and wildlife, let Golden Key plan you an unforgettable trip!

Photo Friday: The Amalfi Coast, Italy

If I had to pick my all-time, hands down favorite country in the world, it would have to be Italy. The culture, the architecture, the language, the food...oh! It can't be beat. There are many regions I love, but it's hard not to fall in love with the Amalfi Coast. My husband and I were lucky enough to spend our first year wedding anniversary there last October. We stayed in Positano and Amalfi. Here are some of the highlights...

The stunning view from the top of Mt. Solaro on the island of Capri.

Overlooking Positano from its most famous hotel, Le Sirenuse.

Though we couldn't afford to stay there, we still got to savor the 

panoramic view as we had a drink on their terrace. This is a great 

way to enjoy some of the best views in the world without the expense! 

A snapshot of daily life in Amalfi.

The view of the southern coast from the town of Ravello.

The island of Procida, where they filmed parts of The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Photo Friday: Queenstown, New Zealand

There's no doubt in my mind that I could live in Queenstown, New Zealand. Surrounded by mountains so gorgeous that they call them "The Remarkables" and filled with young, energetic thrill-seekers and delicious international eateries, this adventure capital is a dream come true in my book. Plus, it's stunning lakeside location is enough to make you want to pull up a chair at one of its laid-back cafes and leave it all behind. I am completely smitten...

Chilling out enjoying the scene near Queenstown harbor. 

People watching on a sunny summer's day is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Taking a ride across Lake Wakatipu on the antique TSS Earnslaw was a great way to take in the views.

Queenstown proudly wears the badge of "Adventure Capital of the World."

So, it wouldn't be right to leave without having done some extreme sports! 

Paragliding was first on my list. 

Watching the sunset from The Remarkables was the highlight of the trip!

As if you needed more motivation to go to France...

The most visited country in the world wants you to come on over! 

They received 78.6 million tourists last year, but this summer the government of France launched a new tourism campaign called "Rendez-Vous en France" to rebrand itself as a welcoming nation. Unfortunately, the French have gotten a reputation in the past for being arrogant and inaccessible, but now they're really reaching out to visitors. They have a lot to be proud of in their country and they hope to share it with you! 

Check out their new website and be inspired: http://int.rendezvousenfrance.com/en.

Golden Key would love to help you discover why France is the most visited country in the world. Contact us today and get started planning your dream vacation!