Nancy McLaughlin

Oahu, the third-largest Hawai'ian island, is famous for its capital city Honolulu, historic Pearl Harbor, the renowned surf of the North Shore and attractions like Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay. Its mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty and historical landmarks makes it a popular destination. But be sure to allow time to leave Honolulu to explore the island's diverse landscapes — from lush rainforests and scenic coastlines to rural towns and secluded Oahu beaches — providing a more immersive experience of its natural wonders.

I fell in love with Hawaiʻi the first time I visited. Each island has its own personality, from Oʻahu’s vibrant energy to Kauaʻi’s wild beauty. Mornings might start with a paddleboard on calm waters, afternoons with a hike to a hidden waterfall, and evenings with a sunset cruise or night swim with manta rays. And the food, fresh, local, and full of flavor, is an experience of its own. From poke bowls and plate lunches to world-class tasting menus, every meal connects you to the islands. Hawaiʻi is more than a beach escape—it’s where nature, culture, and adventure come together in the best possible way. I can VIP your stay when I book your hotels through my preferred partners, with exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and possible room upgrades, depending on the property and availability.

Alaska is one of the few places that truly takes your breath away. I knew it would be beautiful, but seeing it from the water—the glaciers, the wildlife, the scale of the landscape—was beyond anything I expected. It’s a destination that feels wild and untouched, and much of its beauty is only accessible by sea.

From your private balcony or a quiet corner on deck, you can watch whales breach, glaciers calve, and eagles soar—all without ever packing a bag between stops. Cruising offers a seamless way to explore remote towns and pristine coastline, with immersive excursions that connect you to the culture, food, and adventure that make Alaska unforgettable.

I plan Alaska cruises with care and intention, selecting cruise lines and itineraries that align with what makes this destination so special: its wild beauty, rich heritage, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. If Alaska is on your list, there’s no better way to see it than by sea.

In January of 2023, I did a site inspection while staying at the beautiful new Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxché Resort and Spa in Mexico's Riviera Maya. The attentive staff took great pride in welcoming us to this adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a nod to nature. I would to stay here again and highly recommend it to my clients. 

Choosing the right cruise involves considering various factors like destination, duration, budget, ship size, amenities and onboard atmosphere. Cruise lines offer diverse experiences, ranging from expansive ocean liners with an array of activities and entertainment to intimate river cruises that prioritize personalized service. There are also expedition cruises, which focus on adventurous itineraries to remote destinations, often featuring specialized excursions and educational opportunities.

Denver, Colorado is known for its spectacular mountain views, crisp air, cool culture and laid-back attitude. The city has a vibrant arts scene, fantastic museums, hundreds of craft breweries and endless outdoor activities. You can explore the city on foot, bike or hike the beautiful parks and trails.

Colorado is known for its spectacular mountains, cool culture, laid-back attitude and low humidity in the summer. You can explore the state on foot, bike, car, raft and even a gondola! It's a beautiful state to enjoy year-round, but here are my top things to do in Colorado in the summer.