Travel
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Weekend in Austin itinerary
Living in Dallas, we make frequent weekend trips to Austin and each trip has a different focus so this is a snapshot of our weekend in Austin itinerary. In the past, we’ve explored the live music scene, food scene, hiking areas, coffee shops-all that Austin has to offer. Each time we go however, it becomes more clear that Austin is an increasingly popular place to live and travel to so we decided to plan out our trip sooner than we normally would and reserved an airbnb three months in advance. We also researched the many restaurants we wanted to try and made those reservations two months in advance. Believe it or not, this was completely necessary as even a few months out, we had a hard time finding resonably priced and located accomodations.
We drove out on Saturday with the plan to arrive by dinner time. We had an early dinner reservation at Lutie’s restaurant located on the exquisite Commodore Perry Estate grounds. The Commodore Perry Estate is considered the #1 hotel in Texas. It is truly a stunning and uniquely designed space with elements of old Western architecture and modern glam. A major perk of dining at Lutie’s is that it overlooks these grounds and you can explore them afterwards. The service, ambiance and the food at Lutie’s certainly lived up to the hype.
After exploring the Commodore Perry Estate, we headed back towards our airbnb and walked along Rainey Street. Rainey street is my favorite street in Austin. It is lined with bars, restaurants and other establishments that have been fashioned out of older homes. It has a unique vibe that I haven’t been able to match to any other city street.
The next morning, we had made reservations at a quaint restaurant called Josephine house. This popular place for brunch is located inside a cottage. The indoor space is small, but the patio has a good amount of space. They are well known for the baked goods so I ordered their pancakes, which were delicious. After brunch, we headed to Lady Bird Trail. A weekend in Austin itinerary is never complete without a trip to Lady Bird. This trail has many different entrances, but the one we like to venture along is closest to the water edge. There’s also a playground off the trail so we stopped there so that our 2 year old can run around and play.
We made dinner reservations at Comedor, a modern Mexian restaurant located in downtown Austin. The ambiance is very chic and trendy. They have a beautiful outdoor patio with fountains and a lush garden. The menu items are best described as a creative mixture of authentic and modern Mexican food.
The next morning, I wanted to get some shopping done so we walked down South Congress. South Congress is my favorite street to walk up and down due to the variety of shopping establishments and restaurants. We of course had to stop by the famous Jo’s coffee and order an iced turbo latte (do it, you won’t regret it). This is where the iconic “I love you so much” sign is located. You can’t miss it because there’s always a line outside of both people waiting to take a photo with the backdrop or waiting to get coffee.
On our way back to Dallas, we stopped by Rosen’s bagels. I got a lox and cream cheese on an everything bagel and it was pretty good, but you know I’m a major bagel snob thanks to my NY roots so I’ll leave it at that. Austin is always a vibe and each time I leave I wonder why I don’t live there….until next time #keepaustinweird.
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Malibu coffee shop guide (and more)
I’ve been visiting the Los Angeles area consistently since I was a child as most of my family and now many of my friends live there, but I never really spent an extended period of time in dreamy Malibu. To Angelinos, Malibu is often seen as the place to “get away” from the hustle and bustle of city life, a beautiful oasis awaiting one at the end of a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. It is also a celebrity hot spot especially it’s renowned Nobu Malibu famous for its beachfront location and exclusive clientele. The last time I ate at Nobu, I remember spotting a few major celebs within an hour of being there. Let’s dive in to my Malibu coffee shop guide (and more)!
My husband and I decided to do this particular LA trip different and spend most of the time enjoying the Malibu scene. We booked an airbnb, which boasted breathtaking oceanfront views (and it didn’t disappoint!). Unfortunately, as our weekend away approached, the Los Angeles area was making national news as “deep freeze” and rain was expected to land and muddle (no pun intended) our weekend plans. Alas, we took it in stride and figured it wouldn’t be as bad as some of the east coast winters we’d endured. Upon landing in LAX, the threat of cold and rainy weather was imminent and it quickly became apparent that many Angelinos were not going to brave the weather and stayed at home. The silver lining was that we dealt with virtually ZERO traffic, which if you know anything about LA, the traffic is notoriously horrendous.
As we drive to our destination, it also became apparent that there was a level of unpreparedness as traffic lights were down and people were just taking gambles, driving through them. As we had been unsuccessful in procuring a reservation ahead of time, we decided to take a chance and check in on Nobu. It was noon on a Friday at the most trendy restaurant in Malibu so we expected to be turned away, but the weather afforded us some luck! We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and even more enjoyable people watching and while the rain somewhat obstructed the beachfront view, it was still a win in my book.
After lunch, the next order of business was finding a coffee shop to beat the post-flight, post-prandial slump. First coffee shop stop on my Malibu cofee shop guide is Caffe Luxxe, a quaint little coffee shop with the tagline “artisanal expression,” known for “the best coffee” in the region (according to multiple sources), and I can attest it certainly deserves that title. Upon walking in, the scene felt a little haughty like if you weren’t a coffee/espresso conoisseur, you didn’t belong, but as I approached the counter, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I ordered their mocha latte and it was probably one of the best lattes I’ve ever had. Yes, EVER had. The actual taste of the coffee was perfect: smooth and creamy.
We then checked into our airbnb, which as advertised, had exquisite views-seriously, this place was unreal. As we walked in and entered the living room, the large windows peered out to crashing waves right under our feet. The bedroom also had a large floor-to-ceiling window view of the ocean, delivering all the melodic ocean sounds while sleeping. It was getting late and we had to put our toddler to sleep so the plan was to order pizza, which we got from “the best pizza place in Malibu,” D’amores pizza. As a native New Yorker, my “best pizza” scale is a little unfair so I’ll just say it was very good by California standards.
The next morning, the weather had cleared up and the sun was out-hooray! We set out to Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, another oceanfront establishment. Loved that this place had a dock behind the restaurant where you can walk out and take in all the serenity the beach has to offer. Next stop was of course another coffee shop. It was still raining on and off so we opted for a more sheltered coffee shop within a shopping plaze called Le Cafe de la Plage. This place is also well known for its ice cream, which is sold in grocery stores around the country. It has a cute, Parisian feel to it and a flower wall that’s insta-hype worthy.
We then ventured to LA where we spent the day with family and friends. While Malibu is only about a 30-45 minute drive from most parts of LA, it still feels like a far, remote destination, which I found very appealing if your goal is to have a relaxed vacation. The next morning, we went on a run along the beach. There are many beaches in Malibu, but we chose Zuma beach as it was near our airbnb. We then went to Duke’s Malibu for brunch. This establishment has roots in Hawaii and pays homage to surfing culture. They serve mostly seafood, but also have an excellent brunch menu.
After brunch, we checked out Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. This was probably my favorite ambiance for a cafe in the area. It is located on a dock and has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. The interior gives a botanical garden vibe with hanging plants and greenery. It is also one of the more laid back establishments we visited. I did not however get a coffee-based beverage here, but got a chai tea latte, which they brought in a kettle so I could keep topping off my mug! We checked out the Malibu Farmers Market, a small farmers market that sells organic local produce, pastries from family owned businesses and fresh flowers. That night we had dinner reservations at Moonshadows, another exceptional restaurant with great food and views.
On our last day in Malibu, we went to the Carbon Beach Club restaurant located inside the Malibu Inn. This place had a very sophisticated and classy vibe and again, breathtaking beachfront views (I think this is just commonplace for every restaurant in Malibu). I am still drooling over their nutella toast pictured below-just get it.
Overall, this was probably our most relaxed trip to the LA area. Partly, because Malibu is just such a serene environment and partly because the foreboding weather meant we didn’t have to deal with crowded beaches or retaurants. I left this trip feeling rejuvenated and inspired to make visiting Malibu a yearly goal.
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Fredericksburg TX Weekend Getaway
Who would have thought that the second largest wine country in the US, after Napa valley is right here in Texas??? Located about 4 hours outside Dallas and 1 hour outside Austin, this historic German town boasts a central location, making it a prime vacation destination for those all over Texas and the US. With over 50 wineries though, it’s hard to see it all in one weekend! We set out on our Fredericksburg TX weekend getaway with an ambitious list of stops on our itinerary. We booked an airbnb within walking distance of Main Street, which is where the restaurants, shops, cafes and historic landmarks are located.
Embarking on our Fredericksburg TX weekend getaway, we grabbed some lattes at Kaffe Haus on Main Street. This was probably my favorite coffee shop stop on the trip as its location is close to several of the main shops on Main Street and it was thoroughly decorated for spooky season. We then headed to our first winery, the Rhinory. This winery is unique in that it is located on a rhino reserve. We did the standard tasting menu where one can sample a selection of wines while watching Blake, the rhino play around on the grounds. There is also a “rhino experience” that includes a tour and more personal experience with the rhinos.
After this really unique experience, we set our sights on eating at one of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg, Hill and Vine. This popular restaurant spot has a large outdoor patio with live music on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. They do not take reservations so we put our name down and waited about 45 minutes for an outdoor table, but it was well worth it!
The next morning, I ran along main street (and met a little goat friend along the way) as the best way I get to know a city/town is by running it. Fredericksburg has a really unique feel as it feels like a small, quaint town, but doubles as a major tourist destination. I stopped by Caliche coffee after my run. This coffee shop, based in a historic building is in a more discreet area and appears small from the outside, but has a large outdoor patio whereone can enjoy a coffee and delicious baked goods.
That afternoon, we went to one of the best wineries in Fredericksburg, Barons Creek Vineyards. This is probably also one of the most beautiful wineries in Fredericksburg. We enjoyed several glasses of wine along with a fruit and cheese plate and took a lot of scenic pictures. After our visit to the winery, we walked around main street and did some shopping. I really love browsing the stores in Fredericksburg and I’ve managed to come across some really great finds from jewelry to Christmas decorations.
There are also some historical sites such as the pioneer library on Main Street that are worth checking out. The Japanese Garden of Peace is another notable place on Main Street that really does reflect its namesake and embodies serenity.
On our last morning, we did a hike on Enchanted Rock. This is a large granite dome that is the main attraction at Enchanted Rock Natural State Park. While the rock looks easy to scale from faraway, it is actually somewhat steep. We walked up it with my toddler strapped to my husband’s back and it was somewhat challenging for him, otherwise it is not a treacherous hike. We made reservations head of time because we read that they are typically needed on the weekends since the park can get pretty busy.
Next stop was to one of the best breakfasts in Fredericksburg TX at Emma + Ollie. Another popular spot, we had to put our names down and walked to a nearby coffee shop, Java Ranch while we waited to be called. This is a really cute coffee spot that has a western vibe and sells breakfast wraps and sandwiches. Emma + Ollie was a delicious brunch experience! Everything from the noteworthy beignets to the breakfast bowl to the avocado toast was delectable.
Our last stop before our drive back to Dallas was to Fischer and Weiser’s Das Peach Haus. This is a must-see! This establishment offers wine tasting and houses a shop that sells a large array of Fischer and Weiser specialty foods mainly, jams, sauces, and wines. They even have their own peach orchard and make baked goods out of their fresh peaches. Even if peaches aren’t your thing, this place is worth checking out just for the beautiful location situated on a serene lake with lots of instagram-worthy views!
Fredericksburg is truly a gem in the Texas hill country and a place I plan on returning to many times again in the future.
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3 Days in Denver
How does one spend 3 days in Denver and get a good feel for the city and its surrounding areas? It seemed like a daunting feat at first given the various neighborhoods spread out in the city that each have different personas and attractions. As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post on Vail, I have always had a strong predilection for the state of Colorado (even before I ever visited) so when it was announced that my medical conference was being held there, I was elated. We stayed at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora Colorado, which is where the conference was being held. This resort is incredible especially for families as they have an indoor pool, outdoor pool with a lazy river and a water park area for kids! They also have tons of restaurants and activites for families. The one drawback is that it’s about a 30 minute drive from downtown Denver.
Nonetheless, I wanted to make sure I hit all the essential Denver spots AND got some one-on-one time with nature on this trip. I started off by researching all the Denver-area neighborhoods and narrowed it down to a few areas with coffee shops that I wanted to check out during our 3 days in Denver.
Day 1
Downtown Denver
We spent the first day exploring the downtown Denver area. I made reservations at a brunch spot called Tupelo Honey, which probably wasn’t necessary as there was plenty of seating on a weekday around noon. This place advertises Southern brunch fare and their staple dish is the chicken and waffles, which my friend got and gave rave reviews. The whole experience here was a positive one. We then ventured to the coffee shop across the street Kaffe Landscap, which is adjacent to Union Station and ordered lattes, which we sipped on their patio.
After we enjoyed our lattes, we embarked on our walk through the downtown Denver area. We walked down 16th street, which is a long tree-lined street with shopping centers, bars and cafes. It was probably the most “city-like” area of Denver we visited during our 3 days in Denver. We then walked to Larimer Square, a cute historic area with boutiques and restaurants.
Washington Square
For dinner, we made reservations at Perdida Kitchen. This restaurant is located in the Washington Park neighborhood, which is more of a residential area, but is well-known for its famous park. From the street, one can see how lively and upbeat this restaurant is. It has a beautiful outdoor space and decorated indoor space that opens up to the patio. We had some margaritas and ordered some food items to share, which were all delectable.
Day 2
Capitol Hill
I read online that Capitol Hill is best known for its “hip” vibes and historic mansions and landmarks such as the Molly Brown House. Of course I had also investigated the best coffee shops and Hudson Hill was on my radar so we decided to spend day 2 of our 3 days in Denver in Capitol Hill. This coffee shop alone is reason enough to visit this neighborhood. Walking into this place, one becomes enamored with the botanical aesthetics and decor. There is a QR code at the entrance that you can scan, which allows you to place your order and pick it up at the bar if you’re not wanting to sit down. I ordered an almond vanilla latte, which was my favorite coffee beverage of the trip! It was the perfect amount of sweet and smooth.
Afterwards, we went right across the street to Jelly for brunch, another must-visit establishment. They have an outdoor patio, where dogs are welcome and the indoor space has a cool retro/old school diner vibe. We started off with their donut holes to share, which were delicious. I got the Haco Chilli Benedict, which was my favorite meal of the trip!
After brunch, we ventured around the Capitol Hill area. It’s more of a residential area, but if you’re interested in seeing some beautiful architecture and stately homes, this is the area to check out.
Day 3: Stepping outside the city
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
While Denver is a cool city to visit, I think the true beauty of Colorado lies outside Denver. On our last day visiting the area, we rented a car and drove to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This is an outdoor venue that is built into red rock mountains. It is a famous place for hosting concerts and other shows, but also for hiking enthusiasts and those trying to get in a strenuous workout (we witnessed several people doing bear crawls and running the stairs of the amphitheatre). We chose not to do a hike here because frankly, getting to the amphitheatre was a hike on its own and we wanted to explore more of Colorado.
Evergreen Lake
We drove from the Red Rocks to Evergreen Lake, which is a gorgeous drive and took about 30 minutes. The lake is a major spot for outdoor recreation and is located in the mountain town of Evergreen. We walked around the lake and were really lucky to see several Elk within the perimeters of the park, which apparently is a rare sighting. On our drive back towards our hotel, we saw so many beautiful mountain scenes and waterways along the main road. We even spotted a few people white water rafting along the road!
This trip once again confirmed for me that my obsession with Colorado is justified. The mountains, landscapes, hikes along with the nearby city life in Denver make Colorado my favorite US state to visit.
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Best Seattle Coffee Shops (and more)
Seattle is truly a coffee shop lover haven given it’s reputation for sourcing the best coffee beans and harboring some of the most esteemed coffee brands. While I am in no way a coffee bean connoisseur and basically just judge coffee based on how it tastes to me, I am more interested in the overall coffee shop experience. When I evaluate a coffee shop, I’m taking into account the ambiance, the energy, the beverage options (and taste of course), the customer service and the manner in which the shop is run. My focus is to assess the space and see if it inspires creativity, allows for moments of respite and conversations with friends (good people watching is also a bonus). Here’s my Seattle itinerary and Best Seattle Coffee shops based on that criteria:
Day One
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency and were in town for a medical conference nearby at the Washington Convention Center. All the coffee shops we visited were within walking distance (except for a bonus one we stopped at on our way to Mount Rainier). We spent the first day walking around the downtown area and Pike Place. Armistice is about a 5 minute walk from Pike Place. The coffee shop has a botanical vibe with succulents and plants peppered through the shop. I got a vanilla latte and I would rate it the best vanilla latte I had flavorwise (in general, my go-to order is a vanilla almond milk latte or mocha almond milk latte).
After we grabbed our lattes and spent some time soaking up the energy of the coffee shop, we set out to explore more of Pike Place. We ended up getting lunch at Maximilien located within Pike Place and snagging an outdoor seat on their rooftop. The restaurant has a romantic and formal ambience with French cuisine, but the rooftop felt a little more casual. The view from the rooftop is an absolute must-incredible views of Puget sound and Elliot Bay await!
After lunch, we continued our quest to locate the best Seattle coffee shops and ventured to a nearby coffee shop, Storyville, also located in Pike Place. This place really has it all. Starting with its inconspicuous location, hidden away on the second level of Pike Place, it’s alluring from the start. The staff there is noticeably friendly and welcoming, even apologizing for the long wait and compensating us with a free baked item! You know what else is free? MUGS-if it’s your first time there, they will give you one of their signature mugs. The vibe of the coffee shop is also welcoming and has a high coziness factor complete with a fire place. The mocha almond milk latte was my favorite of the entire trip!
That evening, we attended an event for the medical conference I was in Seattle for, which was held at the Museum of Pop and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. These two museums were a main highlight of our trip. The glass sculptures created by the artist, Chihuly are absolutely breathtaking. The pictures speak for themselves.
Day Two
The next morning, we rented a car and drove to Mount Rainier. Before our drive, we stopped at our next coffee shop on the best Seattle coffee shops list, Mr. West Cafe Bar. This place is located a block away from the Hyatt Regency where we were staying. Every morning, there was a pretty long line outside the shop, but it seemed to move quick. They also have excellent food menu items, which I didn’t get to try. In addition to being a coffee shop and eating establishment, they sell planters and gardening gear, giving the place an earthy vibe. I had a vanilla almond milk latte here and it met my standards.
We set out on our drive to Mount Rainier, which took about two hours. We did not anticipate what awaited us at the park entrance. When we arrived, we were told at the entrance that a blizzard was coming and we were required to have tire chains on our tires! Apparently, this is a requirement to get into the park between the months of November and March whether you actually need to use the tire chains or not. We were directed back about 6 miles to a shop where we could rent the tire chains. I’m glad we got to visit this shop as it provided my bonus coffee shop for this list! Although it’s not in downtown Seattle, I felt the need to support this gem of an establishment.
Paradise Village is a Ukrainian restaurant attached to a hotel that has Ukrainian cuisine, but also offers brunch menu options such as crepes and waffles. I had a scrumptious banana nutella crepe paired with a green tea. The ambiance is very cute and has a cabin-like feel to it. We rented our tire chains and headed back to the park. Sadly, we did not get to go all the way up Mount Rainier as some of the roads were closed given the impending blizzard. We walked a few simple trails to just explore and get a feel for the place, but it started snowing while we were there. Being completely new to this tire chain business, we decided it would be best to cut our time there short and head back to Seattle.
That evening, we were lucky to procure reservations at the famous Shiro’s sushi. The reservation however was only open for omakase, which we didn’t mind because we love omakase. I will say this was hands down the best sushi experiencve I have had and I’ve eaten A LOT of sushi. I really liked the omakase dishes, each course was delectable and unique from the prior course.
Day Three
The next day started off with brunch at Ben Paris where I had the baked eggs. The food was great and the ambiance was also a plus. I then spent the day attending my medical conference (because that’s what I was there for after all). After a day of conferencing, I went to the next place on my best Seattle coffee shops list, Monorail Espresso. I passed by this spot a few times when out and about in Seattle and there was always a long line, but this day, I got lucky and went at the right time. Coffee art seems like the norm here in Seattle and every coffee beverage I had donned some cool design and this one was no different. I had the vanilla almond milk latte and was satisfied.
Day Four
  On our last day in Seattle, we walked a little further out of from our vicinity and went to the Portage Bay Cafe in South Lake Union. This place had lots of reviews for excellent brunch and being that I’m definitely a brunch girl, I had to check it out. I ordered the rancher’s breakfast, which is perfect for when you don’t know whether to get a sweet or savory menu item as it comes with eggs, a choice of bacon or sausage AND french toast. They have a french toast bar where you can go and garnish your french toast with fruit, whipped cream and other condiments.
  After our meal, we walked a few blocks to the Peet’s Coffee located inside a Capital One, which was our final coffee shop on our best Seattle coffee shops tour. I ordered one of my usuals, the vanilla almond milk latte and explored the two-story workspace. This seems like a great place to come and work if you’re trying to be productive. The design and layout are conducive to creating a quiet work environment.
  Our last stop on our Seattle trip was to the Nest rooftop bar of the Thompson hotel. Reservations are advised here as it is difficult to get in especially on a weekend. We reserved a week day time for around 5 pm and I’m so glad we did. Seattle may not be the ideal city for rooftop weather, but we were lucky we had a good weather day (or a few good weather hours) to enjoy this beautiful space.
  There it is! The Best Seattle Coffee Shops (and more) guide. As someone who much prefers sunny, warm weather, I was a little concerned about the reputation of Seattle as a cold, rainy place, but I’m glad I got to visit and experience all the city has to offer. While the weather may be dreary most of the time, the city is radiant with a diverse culture and restaurant scene and of course an unmatched love of coffee!Â
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Thailand Travel Itinerary
Thailand is a country I have always wanted to visit and in February of 2018, we planned out a 10-day trip through the country’s best sites. I had done some research beforehand and came up with this Thailand travel itinerary, deciding the majority of our time would be best spent in Chiang Mai and Krabi. We flew into Bangkok from NYC and stayed at the Shangri-la hotel. I would highly recommend this hotel as it has a prime riverside location (along the Chao Phraya River) and the most memorable dining experience. The breakfast buffet is particularly praiseworthy and you basically have to see it to believe it. We spent two nights in Bangkok, which I think was enough to get a feel for the city and visit the most prominent sites.
On our first day in Bangkok, we visitied the Grand Palace, well-regarded as a must-see site. Made up of multiple intricately designed buildings that used to house the Kings of Siam, the court and the royal government, it is an incredible sight. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is also located here and is considered Thailand’s most important Buddhist Temple. Of note: proper decorum and dress is very important to Thailand culture and men and women are required to wear long sleeve shirts and pants as well as socks when visiting the Temples.
Across the street from the Grand Palace is the breathtaking Wat Pho Temple also known as “the temple of the reclining Buddha.” It is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. It houses one of the largest single Buddhas, the reclinig Buddha and contains the most Buddhas in Thailand. Wat Pho was also the first public university in Thailand. There is a school of Thai medicine inside, and traditional Thai massage is also taught there. After a busy day of visiting various temples and historic landmarks, we took a ferry from our hotel to Central Pier, a bustling area with lots of restaurants and shops.
We started our second day in Bangkok at Wat Traimit, another temple, which boasts the largest Gold Buddha in the world. Afterwards, we headed to the famous floating markets. There are many floating markets in Bangkok, all offering a variety of Thai delicacies. The second night was spent watching a Muay Thai match at the famous Rajadamnern stadium, which as the first Muay Thai stadium in Thailand is a historical landmark. As someone who is not particulalry interested in watching boxing or really any type of fighting, I was pleasantly surprised by what a great experience the show was.
Our next stop on the Thailand travel itinerary was Chiang Mai, which ended up being my favorite destination. All throughout Thailand, the warm and peaceful nature of its people is palpable, an observation that has left a a long-lasting impression on me, but I think it’s most palpable in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand has a lot of historical relevance given its proximity to major trading routes and over a hundred Buddhist temples. We stayed at Pingviman hotel, which I choose for its walkable location in the Old Town, a culturally enriching and authentic part of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is such a fun city to explore via walking. There are so many quaint eateries and local spots that add to the authenticity of the region. A main attraction in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep, a majestic temple on top of a mountain that requires a hike up a long staircase.
The main highlight of our time there however was visiting the elephant sanctuary. I did a lot of researching when putting together this Thailand travel itinerary to make sure we were going to visit a sanctuary that treated the elephants humanely because there are a lot out there that are abusive towards the elephants (you will hear some horror stories on your trip). The place that kept coming up as a humane destination was Elephant Nature Park, a rehabilitation sanctuary where previously abused and disabled elephants are kept. We signed up for the “pamper a pachyderm” experience where we got to feed the elephants, bathe them and hike with them. They also have a “no ride” policy to protect the elephants. It was such an incredibly peaceful and enlightening experience.
After 3 nights in Chiang Mai, we were off to the Krabi islands in Southern Thailand. When you start reading about where to visit in the South of Thailand, there are a lot of opinions about where to spend the majority of beach time. The biggest debate is the Phuket versus Krabi one. Of course, Phuket is the more popular destination and typically the one tourists flock to, but I’m really glad we chose to spend most of our beach time in Krabi for several reasons. While Phuket has more beaches, the beaches in Krabi are more aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. The Krabi islands are known for their famous limestone formations, emerald pools, hot water springs and rugged charm. Phuket is also A LOT more congested and touristy as noted earlier although there is more of an active nightlife, more shopping areas and fine dining. In Krabi, there is more nature and less people, traffic and noise. Phuket definitely has more hotels and more of a city feel, and Krabi is more remote, but my intention for the second part of our trip was to be in a more secluded setting.
Once we decided to spend 3 nights in Krabi, we had to pick which area we wanted to stay in. We chose to stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas in Ao Nang, which was an incredibly beautiful hotel with a private beach. One thing to note however is that we had to take a ferry to get to the hotel since it is on a remote private beach. Once you’re there, the only way to access the center of Ao Nang is via boat or via the Monkey Trail. We did the Monkey Trail hike for fun and it was short and easy, but sadly, we did not see any monkeys. We ended up doing a 4-island tour from the hotel, which included Railay beach, Poda Island, Chicken Beach and Top Island. I think this is the best way to explore Krabi and get a varied view of what the region looks like.
Our Thailand travel itinerary concluded with two nights in Phuket where we stayed at Le Meridien, a beautiful beach resort. We spent the first night in Phuket exploring the night life on the famous Bangla Road and it is definitely a sight to see! There are so many bars, lounges, restaurants and other “adult attractions,” but it has a more touristy feel. We spent our last full day and night in Thailand at the resort and enjoyed a fire show on the beach with a Phuket sunset backdrop. Thailand is by far one of my top 5 favorite destinations in the world. There is so much culture, history and an overall sense of calm and peace, which is what I was most captivated by.
With regard to COVID rules/precautions, here are some things to note:
- Thailand is currently reporting 20,000-30,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day.
- As of April 1, 2022, Thailand has relaxed its COVID-related entry requirements.
- All travelers will need a Thailand Pass to enter the country.
- There are 3 different entry programs-Test and Go, Sandbox and Alternative Quarantine.
- While a negative PCR test is no longer required within 72 hours prior to entry, it is still required upon arrival. Travelers will also be required to provide proof of a negative antigen test on day 5 of their visit.
- The Alternative Qurantine route was for unvaccinated travelers, which originally required a 10-day qurantine upon arrival to Thailand, which will now be reduced to 5 days.
- Fully vaccinated travelers can either participate in the Sandbox program where they will now be required to quarantine for 5 days as opposed to 7 days upon arrival or the Test and Go program, which involves testing on day 1 and day 5 without a quarantine.
- Masks are still required in both indoor AND outdoor settings in Thailand
https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
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Austin outdoors: the top hiking trails to visit
Since moving to Dallas, I’ve been to Austin several times and each time it feels like I’m visiting a completely different city. Either Austin seems to transform its image quickly or I’m always discovering novel sights and activities. The restaurant scene, the live music, the shopping, the overall feel of the city and the many Austin outdoor adventures that await are endless. I could go on about all the things I love about Austin, but I’ll save that for future blog posts.
On our last trip, we chose to focus on exploring some of the surrounding Austin-area hikes and get a better feel for the Austin outdoors. Having stayed in the city many times before, we chose this time to stay somewhat on the outskirts at a lake house on Lake Austin. We picked the location because it was easier to get to a few of the hiking areas I had scoped out online, but also easy to get to the center of the city for other outings.
We planned to visit Lady Bird Lake Trail, McKinney Falls, Hamilton Greenbelt Trail and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Now I use the term “hiking” loosely as we had a baby in tow and there’s only so much terrain we can cover (or rather my husband can handle when carrying him in a hiking backpack). Some of these spots allow for leisurely strolls and all of them have the option of taking easier trails.
Lady Bird Lake Running Trail
Of course Lady Bird Lake Running Trail is probably the most popular trail in Austin as it’s in the heart of the city and encompasses a range of recreational activities, merging nature and urban life. There are a lot of different entry points to this trail (also called the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail) and each time I’ve visited I’ve taken a different path. Some people use the dirt path, some use the boardwalk and others do a combination. This is where you will see tons of paddleboarders and kayaks especially on the weekends. They also offer pilates classes on top of paddleboards! Lady Bird Lake Running Trail is one of my favorite Austin outdoor spots to visit.
Typically after completing a lap around the Lady Bird Lake Running Trail, we head to one of our favorite brunch spots such as the Well ATX! Make sure to check out Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool while in the area as well! Barton Springs is fed from a natural spring and open all year round to swimmers.
Hamilton Greenbelt Trail
After spending the first day in the city, we drove to our airbnb on Lake Austin. Lake Austin is about a 30 minute drive from Austin and of course we had to stop to grab a latte from summer moon, a Texas Hill Country original. Well known for their special sweet cream called “moon milk” and their delicious coffee, summer moon has multiple drive-thru locations throughout hill country. We stayed at a beautiful home with lakeside views (views pictured below). The next morning, we drove about 30 minutes to Hamilton Greenbelt Trail to set out on a hike. The Hamilton Greenbelt Trail incorporates a diverse terrain with multiple paths and waterfalls one can chase. There are a lot of oak trees that shade the way if you don’t want to be in the sun. There is also a more “primitive trail,” which is a little rocky, but not very difficult.
After completing the Hamilton Greenbelt trail, we headed to lunch at the Oasis, a restaurant known as “the sunset capital of Texas.” The views here really are spectacular and worth taking in.
We spent the afternoon in Austin doing some shopping. We like to put out names down at one of our favorite Austin patio’s Perla’s while we shop around as there is often a long wait to get in. This seafood and oyster bar is an absolute must when visiting not only for the food, but the atmosphere and vibe.
McKinney Falls
The next morning, we drove to McKinney Falls. McKinney Falls is best known for its waterfalls and cypress trees. It surrounds Onion Creek and Williamson creek and people can be seen fishing or swimming in the creeks. Our visit here was short as we only walked to the McKinney Falls lower falls as it is a short walk from the parking lot. There is also a McKinney Falls upper falls path, but based on my reading it was more rugged and not as easily accessible.
Austin is only about a 20 minute drive from McKinney Falls so we spent the rest of the day walking around Austin with a stop at Mozart’s coffee, a coffee shop on Lake Austin. Something I just love about Austin is the plethora of places that boast lakeside views. For dinner we ventured to another favorite Austin patio, Aba restaurant. They have great quality mediterranean food and an eclectic drink menu, but the ambiance and scene is really the main draw of this place.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
On our last day, we planned to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, the furthest drive we did from our airbnb at about 45 minutes. This was probably my favorite hike of the trip and the only hike that required reservations in advance. Hamilton Pool Preserve reservations can be made here. We were able to make Hamilton Pool Preserve reservations for a 9 AM slot the day before, but it was also a week day so reservations may be required earlier for a weekend. The Hamilton Pool Preserve contains a historic swimming hole where people can swim, but I would also check in advance if you’re looking to swim as there are dates when swimming is not allowed (determined by water temperature and bacteria level in the water). The hike to the pool is about 30 minutes from the parking lot and can be a little rugged at times, but overall feasible. It is a really pretty hike and the pool preserve itself is beautiful too.
After our visit to Hamilton Pool Preserve, we drove back to Dallas. On our drive back to Dallas, we stopped at Bidermen’s deli, a delicious Jewish-inspired deli for some bagels. As a New Yorker, I am always searching for the best bagels. I have yet to find a NY equivalent bagel in Texas, but this place is pretty good.
Austin has something for everyone, but the Austin outdoors are Texas Hill Country’s best kept secret. It is truly a magnificent place with so many outdoor adventures that await!
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Spain in Summer: A Wondrous Visit
In July 2019, during a major heat wave that overtook most of Europe including Spain, I set out on an 8-day Spanish excursion with my mom. It was the first international trip we took-just the two of us and the decision to go was somewhat impulsive. Summer may not be the most ideal time to visit Spain especially when walking is the major mode of transportation, but alas, I soon realized that Spain is always a good idea. We started out in Madrid where we planned to stay a total of 4 nights. We would venture to Seville via train from Madrid on one of those days. The trip would end in Barcelona where we’d stay 3 nights. Madrid, Seville, Barcelona-three very different regions that would provide a well rounded overview of Spain culture and life.
Madrid: A city as chic as its people
The energy of Madrid reminds me of that of cities like New York and Paris (my two favorite cities in the world) so it was no surprise I fell hard for Spain pretty quickly. We stayed in the Salamanca neighborhood, known as the ritziest neighborhood in Madrid at the Hospes Puerta Alcala Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel situated in a prime area that is walkable to many tourist attractions including Retiro Park, El Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor. We spent the first day walking around the Salamanca area where there are a lot of restaurants and shopping. Madrid is a very fashionable city and most people look runway ready; the voguish shopping experience certainly reflects this as well. We had dinner at El Paraguas and sat in their beautiful outdoor space; the service and food here were impeccable.
Plaza Mayor The next morning we walked around El Retiro Park and then headed towards the El Prado Museum. After exploring the museum, we went to Plaza Mayor and walked around Sol Gran Via (the city center). In the evening, we made our way back to our hotel and took a cab to La Latina neighborhood for dinner and a Flamenco show. I had looked up several restaurants and Flamenco experiences in the La Latina area and a tapas place, Juana La Loca came up a few times in my search. In general, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance as it’s a very popular spot, but we were lucky and when we walked in, the manager was kind enough to find us a spot for a quick dinner before our show. After dinner, we went to Corral de la Moreria to see the Flamenco show, which started at 9:30 PM. I highly recommend seeing a Flamenco show while in Madrid-such a unique and culturally enriching experience!
La Latina neighborhood La Latina neighborhood A Day Trip to Seville
The next morning, we took the train from Atocha station in Madrid to Santa Justa station in Seville. When we arrived, we headed to a nearby brunch spot called Torch Coffee Roasters. We had booked a tour through the Tiqets app for the Cathedral de Seville cathedral and Alcazar Palace at 2:30 PM. The Cathedral de Seville is the largest cathedral in the world and the third largest church! It is a work of perfection that incorporates both Muslim and Christian architecture as it’s built around a mosque. The Alcazar Palace is the oldest royal palace in Europe that’s still used today. This palace is famous for its mudejar architecture and remnants of Renaissance, Moorish, Baroque and Gothic elements. We finished both tours around 5 pm and then made it to our 7:15 PM train back to Madrid.
Cathedral de Seville Seville Alcazar Palace Alcazar Palace We spent our last day in Madrid walking along Madrid’s most famous street, Gran Via and doing more shopping. We visited the Templo debod, which is an outdoor display of Egyptian sculptures best visualized in the evenings. The next morning, we took an 11 am train to Barcelona and arrived at 1:30 PM. We stayed at Hotel 1898 located off La Rambla, which is the main street in Barcelona near the gothic quarter. I knew immediately this was where we were meant to stay as the lobby had a Magnolia’s, the NYC bakery.
Templo debod Madrid A Gaudi (but definitely not gaudy) experience
We spent our first day in Barcelona exploring the Gothic quarter. Often referred to as a medieval city, the Gothic quarter is a coalescence of old Roman architecture and modern buildings, merging both old and new. Charming shops, cobblestone roads, narrow alleys and tall, looming buildings all add to the unique vibe of Barcelona. After exploring the area and taking in some of the street culture, we walked down La Rambla avenue to find a restaurant for dinner. With so many options and an eclectic range of cuisine, we decided on a delicious tapas restaurant called Ciudad Condal, located near the Obama bar.
The next morning we had brunch at Caravelle near our hotel and did some shopping along Passeige de Grà cia, one of the main shopping and business areas in Barcelona (also the most expensive street). I had purchased la Sagrada Familia tickets for the guided tour through the Tiqets app, which we took at 2 pm. This Antoni Gaudi masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site remains unfinished, but is still a must-see! Along with the tour, you have the option of purchasing an additional ticket to go up in one of the Sagrada Familia towers, the Nativity Tower and the Passion Tower, which overlook the city. I had read that the Nativity Tower offered more picturesque views so I opted to do that one.
I had also gotten Casa Battlò tickets ahead of time so we went there next. This is another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and probably my favorite structure that we visited. It’s really difficult to capture just how unique and original this building is so highly recommend visiting. For dinner, we went to Oasis Natural Cooking, which I had picked out beforehand when looking for a healthy spot. We spent our last full day in Spain visiting Park Güell. We purchased Park Güell tickets through the Tiqets app ahead of time and did the guided tour. I do think the Park Güell guided tour was worth it as the stories behind the architecture are just as captivating as the architecture itself. We then explored the Gothic quarter on our last night. The next morning we flew home from the Barcelona international airport.
Spain in a summer heat wave can be a daunting proposition and we spent A LOT of the time walking in the hot sun with temps as high as 110 F, but the heat did not take away from how magical Spain is. Spain is such an incredible country with rich history and architecture that visiting once is just not enough. I look forward to returning and trying out all the seasons of Spain in the future.
COVID-related information
With over 80% of its residents fully vaccinated and almost 90% with at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, it is clear that people in Spain trust their public health experts. Spain also has an indoor mask mandate that is strictly followed and until very recently, had an outdoor mask mandate.
As of February 1st, 2022, United States citizens can travel to Spain for non-essential travel if they are full vaccinated and the last dose of the COVID vaccine was given more than 14 days before travel and no more than 9 months prior to travel. If more than 9 months have passed since the last dose, visitors are required to get a booster shot as well. The booster should also be done at least 14 days before landing in Spain. A negative test is not required to enter the country, but there is a health screening process in the airport. Visitors from the US must also get a QR code from the Spain Travel Health Portal. For more information, visit the embassy site.
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Greece Travel Itinerary
I visited Greece in May 2018, about two months after I got engaged (having thought all along that my then boyfriend/now husband would propose during this trip to a beautiful oasis, but he surprised me and proposed earlier). I put together a Greece travel itinerary and planned a visit to Athens, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. We flew into Athens from NYC (JFK) to spend the first two nights of our trip exploring some of the history. We stayed at King George, a luxury hotel in Constitution Square that is within walking distance to many of the main attractions in Athens. The hotel is beautiful and has a restaurant on the 7th floor with stunning views of the Acropolis and the city. We were able to walk over to the the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Zeus, the old city (Plaka). We spent two nights in Athens and then took a flight to Crete.
Crete is a large island and it’s hard to see it all in a few nights. We stayed in Heraklion, the capital of Crete for two nights. Heraklion is a beautiful port city and is close to the Palace of Knossos ruins, which is referred to as “Europe’s oldest city.” We visited the Palace of Knossos ruins on our second day and then stopped by Agapi Beach for some beach time after a morning of exploring archaeologic relics.
Palace of Nossos Ruins Agapi Beach We took a high speed ferry from Crete to Santorini, which I think is the most convenient way to travel the remainder of the islands we visited. It was about a 2 hour ferry ride and there are some beautiful views en route. There are 3 main areas in Santorini where one can stay-Oia, Fira and Imerovigli. I did my research on the different areas when putting together this Greece travel itinerary. I determined that Oai was where I wanted to be as it embodies a lot of that picturesque white and blue dome-like architecture one typically sees when coming across images of Greece. We stayed at Mystique, a luxury hotel situated within the Caldera Cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Mystique It is of utmost importance that you catch a Santorini sunset in all its splendor when visiting the island so our next task after exploring the surrounding area and enjoying some pool time was finding a dinner spot where we could have an ideal sunset view. I think we accomplished that feat! Sadly, I don’t remember the name of the place we dined at, but there are tons of restaurants in the area that boast a great sunset view: Sunsets restaurant, Kastro Oia, Meze Meze.
Next on the Greece travel itinerary was Mykonos! Once again, we traveled by high speed ferry. This trip took about 2.5 hours. We made reservations at a brand new hotel (like literally opened the week we were there) Bill & Coo Coast and it was an unreal experience. There was a little bit of confusion because there are actually two hotels with the same name in Mykonos and we originally went to the older one (Bill & Coo Suites). The staff at Bill & Coo Suites was kind enough to transport us to Bill & Coo Coast. There was a limited number of guests staying here given it was opening week for the hotel, which gave it a very exclusive feel. The room we were given was incredible and even had its own private pool. The service was even more incredible. The hotel actually gave us a cordless phone to carry with us when we went out so we could call them and they would pick us up from wherever we are. This definitely came in handy because there weren’t really any ubers in Mykonos or anything similar that would enable us to get between the hotel and the town efficiently.
Bill & Coo Suites The aesthetics of Mykonos Town were my favorite-vibrant colors on all white backdrops and flowers lining all the streets and entryways. The vibe of Mykonos is also different than the other islands we visited as it’s more of a “scene.” Lots of high end restaurants, bars and lounges with an upbeat feel. After spending 3 nights in Mykonos, we headed back to Athens via ferry and flew back to NYC from there.
The total trip for this Greece Travel itinerary was about 9-10 days taking into account the time change and flight time. We spent the perfect amount of time on each island with the exception of Crete, which I think requires more than 2 nights if you’re expecting to cover more ground. Greece is a romantic haven brimming with culture and history with exquisite views at every turn. I didn’t get engaged there, but I can see why so many do!
*As of December 19, 2021 anyone over age 5 traveling to Greece is required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival to Greece regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Also, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID is required to enter most public spaces such as museums, restaurants, athletic facilities etc. For more information, check out the US Embassy in Greece website.
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A New Zealand Adventure
This New Zealand adventure was the last international trip we took before the COVID pandemic (or possibly during the start of it depending on how you look at it). My husband and I traveled to Australia and New Zealand in February 2020 right when COVID was mentioned as a possible threat, but not yet recognized in the United States as a serious one. I recall a distinct memory from our trip when we landed in the Sydney airport and saw many people wearing masks and thought “hmm maybe this is more serious than we are being told…” (more on that later).
A Quick Jaunt Down Under
Australia is a place that is very dear to me as I lived there for 6 months when I studied abroad in the beautiful city of Perth as a college student. Perth, which is in Western Australia is known for some of the most pristine beaches in the world (you can literally exfoliate your skin with the sand there). While living in Perth, I spent about a week in the Eastern cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but the majority of my time abroad was spent in Western Australia.
On this trip though, our focus was on New Zealand so we spent two nights in Sydney en route to New Zealand. We stayed at the Shangri-la hotel after reading some glowing reviews online. We spent the first day in Sydney hiking along Bondi Beach, which is an iconic beach spot. The next day was spent touring the Sydney opera house and walking around Darling Harbour. I highly recommend touring more than Sydney if you do find yourself planning a trip to Australia as every city has a unique identity and offers something completely different.
The one thing that I never loved about Australia was the food. While there’s a lot of Asian influence infused throughout the cuisine, which I typically enjoy, much of the staple dishes are actually pretty bland and flavorless. My husband who enjoys all his meals slathered in cholula sauce had a hard time getting access to any form of hot sauce. After getting a good sense of what Sydney is all about, we were off to New Zealand!
Kicking off our New Zealand Adventure!
New Zealand consists of a North Island and a South Island. I had done some research beforehand and looked into what each island has to offer and decided we wanted to spend the majority of our trip on the South island as the topography is unrivaled. We flew into Auckland where we stayed at the Cordis hotel for one night. I had read online that while Auckland is a beautiful city, time in New Zealand is best spent exploring the more scenic parts of the country so we only spent one night there on the advice of other blogs and I’m glad we did it that way. We spent our one full day in Auckland walking around the city and going to the observation deck at the Sky Tower. For dinner, we went to Viaduct Harbour where there’s a stretch of outdoor resturants and bars. We had dinner at Frida Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar, which was pretty good Mexican food, but we mainly ventured there for the scene and the Frida Kahlo theme.
Queenstown: A place as regal as its name
The next day we took a flight to the South island and landed in Queenstown where we started the more adventurous part of our vacation! We rented a car from the airport (we had read that driving the South island is really the only way to do it). Queenstown is an incredibly scenic place, which offers a plentitude of hikes and has lots of restaurants and shops. We stayed at a hotel a few minutes from the main town called The Rees Hotel. On our first day, we perused the shops in town and took a gondola to the top of the mountain to take in the views. The second day, we embarked on what was described as an “easy” hike, Queenstown hill walk trail, but honestly I would rate it as moderate given it was pretty steep most of the way through. We then spent the evening at Amisfield Winery where we had to make reservations ahead of time. This place is a culinary dream. We enjoyed a 7-course chef’s tasting menu that included dishes like venison, quail, and duck.
Milford Sound Day Cruise
The next day, we embarked on an unforgettable excursion when we took a small plane to Milford Sound/Fiordland National Park often referred to as “the eighth world wonder” and then hopped on a boat to explore the gorgeous Fiords. The experience of getting on this small plane was harrowing, but the views from both the plane and the Milford Sound day cruise are so worth it! The Fiords are like nothing I had ever seen before-monstrous rock formations created by glaciers and waterfalls cascading off cliffsides. This was one of the main highlights of the entire trip and I highly recommend everyone do this!
The next day, we did the one hour drive to Wanaka of course to visit “the most famous tree in the world.” We also stopped at Glenorchy and took in some Lord of The Rings-esque sights (apparently a lot of Lord of the Rings was taped here). Every minute of the drive through these parts of the South Island is breathtaking and surreal. There are a lot of hiking trails, nature preserves and bodies of water such as Lake Hawea and the Blue Pools, which we also stopped at on the way. We took this route as our final destination on our New Zealand adventure was the majestic Mount Cook.
Mount Cook Glacier Hike
We made our way to Mount Cook National Park, which was about a two hour drive from Wanaka. Besides experiencing the Fiords, the Mount Cook glacier hike we embarked on was the most memorable experience of the trip! We stayed in the main Aoraki Mount Cook lodge in Mount Cook as we wanted to be as close to the mountain as possible. The day after we got there, we had booked a helicopter ride, which we took to the Tasman Glacier and then set out on a glacial hike! As you can see in some of the photos below, there is a lot of soot (brownish material) covering the snow, which was a result of the far reaching effects of the Australian forest fires of 2020. Another devastating consequence of climate change is the rapidly melting Tasman Glacier. Since the 1990s, it is estimated that Tasman has been melting about 590 feet per year. As a result, a lake was even formed at the end of the glacier. As parts of the glacier break off and fall into the lake, there are potentially catastrophic repercussions such as the creation of avalanches.
The day after our celestial hike, we started the journey back home. On our uber drive to the airport, our driver coughed and then immediately said “don’t worry, I don’t have COVID-half the country has already been tested for it and we haven’t had a case yet!” I glanced at my husband with a look of concern-little did we know what would await us back home a week later….
New Zealand is an extraordinary place with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a scuba diver or a nature enthusiast or a fearless adventurer, the diverse terrain of New Zealand accomodates all kinds of visitors. It’s definitely in my top 3 favorite destinations in the world and I feel so lucky to have been able to experience this New Zealand adventure right before the US went into lockdown.
COVID Policies
Notably, New Zealand has often been referred to as “the poster child” with regard to containing COVID and adopting a zero-COVID policy. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has been lauded for effectively utilizing a science-informed approach since the start of the pandemic. To date, New Zealand reports 53 deaths and about 80% of the country is fully vaccinated. Currently, travel to New Zealand is restricted (as it has been throughout most of the pandemic) and only New Zealand residents are able to enter the country with some exceptions.
Those granted permission to enter the country must be fully vaccinated and present a negative COVID test within 48 hours of travel (this rule also applies to New Zealand citizens). They must then enter into a mandatory quarantine, which was originally 14 days, then decreased to 7 days for vaccinated individuals and then recently increased to 10 days again. Everyone also needs to book their quarantine lodging ahead of time and show proof of this prior to boarding.
https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/nz
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-zealand-travel-covid-19/index.html
