07Dec

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: Prague’s Paris Hotel

parishotel

On my recent visit to Prague, I stayed at the Paris Hotel. Uniquely decked out in Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau decor, the hotel has a certain charm that took me back to a time long gone by, which I fully appreciated. It was right out of the 2011 film Midnight in Paris and i expected authors like Ernest Hemingway to walk in. From its high ceilings in the lobby to gold statues and sweeping staircases and chandeliers in the lobby, the hotel offers a very Parisian vibe.  The exterior is especially welcoming and beautiful, filling us with wonder upon Read More

30Apr

A Taste of Wine & Hollywood at Carmel Valley’s Holman Ranch

holman5

This is a cross-post from Go Girlfriend, a site I contribute to that focuses on girlfriend getaways. Alaina Yoakum is a Marketing, Communications, Social Media and Event Planning expert with over 20 years’ experience. When she’s not traveling the world or spoiling her two children at home in Northern California, she loves to help clients promote their brands more effectively through winning strategies, catchy copy, dynamic designs, and unforgettable events.  If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to grab your favorite gals and Read More

23Apr

My Rejuvenating Trip to Kauai

kauai

Do you ever stop to think about the life you've been given? The legacy that has been passed onto you? Do you ever think about the fact that you were blessed with beauty and you can find this beauty in every moment, no matter where you look? On my recent rejuvenating trip to Kaua'i, where I traveled for the first time, I came into contact with a woman named Puna Kalama Dawson, Hawaiian Cultural Guide to Wellness at The St. Regis Princeville Resort. She reminded me to remember: How important it is to take the time to appreciate what is directly in Read More

16Feb

A Solo Trip to Hawks Cay Resort

hawkscaypalmtree

Solo travel can be so... Empowering. Restorative. Enlightening. My recent trip to the Hawks Cay Resort was all of those things and more. For just a few days, I left my family at home, well taken care of, and went to cover the new renovations at Hawks Cay Resort. The resort is on Duck Key, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Key Largo is 46 miles north, and Key West is 61 miles south. It was a 2-2-1/2 hour journey from Miami, where I flew into. For a few days, I'd explore the hotel with a group of writers and have experiences Read More

13Feb

A Mom in Pursuit of Solo Travel (Sans Guilt)

floridakeys

I've just spent a few days in the Florida Keys at a resort that's ideal for families. While I'm here, I've experienced several activities my kids would love - from fly fishing to jet skiing to a sunset cruise to a bike ride beyond the property. Only there's one catch - my kids aren't here. I'm on my own after a pursuit of solo travel. I'm actually covering the resort. It was recently renovated and I'll reviewing its new features for several publications I write for. I'm on a press trip with four other journalists. Some have kids, some don't. There Read More

26Mar

How to Have a Sublime Midlife Crisis Trip in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Temple

Last year I went on a trip to Asia with a really good girlfriend of mine. I wrote about my travels primarily on gogirlfriend.com and you can go back and read my stories there. The trip was everything that I'd hoped it would be...and then some. For two weeks, we ventured into the unknown - truly, as neither of us had been to this unique part of the world - and it was sublime. Before we went, we created this amazing document on Google Docs, which we titled "Holly & Alaina's Midlife Crisis Trip 2013" which we referred to constantly during our Read More

10Sep

Traveling On A Budget on CityPass

Sponsored Post: Traveling On A Budget- To And Within New York City

After having lived in and near NYC for many years, I certainly know how cost prohibiting a visit may seem to some people.  But as I’ve mentioned here on this blog many times, there are tricks of the trade to explore the best of NYC without breaking the bank. I've partnered up with CityPASS this month to shed light on a few ‘underground tips’ when it comes to conquering the concrete jungle. Choosing the Right Hotel Although, NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, you will find yourself wanting to lay your head somewhere comfortable. Before Read More

01Aug

Blissing Out at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort

arabelle vail

Disclosure: My visit was sponsored by Vail Summer but all opinions are my own. During a recent stay at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a Rock Resort on a weekend getaway, I was completely transported from every day life. From the minute I walked into the lobby, just me and my bags (no kids in tow), I knew I was in for a treat. Clearly I knew that in the winter, the hotel is a winter oasis for skiers, but I really didn't understand how nice it (or Vail) would be in the summertime. Between the service, decor and proximity to central Vail, I was set. The Read More

31Jul

Summertime in Vail

summertimevail

I just spent a marvelous few days in breath-taking Vail, Colorado.  It was amazing - a dose of culture, wonderful cuisine and lots of outdoors activities in the mountains including cycling and fly fishing. Before I settle down to write all about it, I wanted to share photos. A Photo Journey           Summertime in Colorado is something special, alright, who knew?  Posting about the trip here and elsewhere shortly. Disclosure: My visit was hosted by Vail Summer but all thoughts expressed are my own. Read More

19Jul

A Transporting Mother-Daughter Weekend at Ocean Edge Resort

ocean edge resort

Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Ocean Edge Resort.  However, all commentary and opinions expressed are my own. Last weekend my daughter and I jumped on the Amtrak train in NYC, took it to Boston and drove the rest of the way to Cape Cod.  It took a chunk of time, but we both had a feeling the end result was worth it so we both sat back and enjoyed the journey. A visit at Ocean Edge Resort in a town called Brewster awaited the two of us. We had eagerly anticipated this trip for weeks prior upon further investigation of the hotel's web site, and Read More