Check-In: Review of The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
A full review of the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa including activities, dining and room information. Is it the right resort in Phoenix for your family?
Author: Elaine Schoch
Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.
Looking For Places To Stay, But Not Play: 5 Non-Gaming Hotels in Las Vegas
There are a lot of places to stay in Las Vegas, even more places to play. A short list of non-gaming hotels in Las Vegas.
Interview with a Winemaker: Paul V Bonarrigo, Messina Hof
Carpe Travel sits down with Paul V Bonarrigo of Messina Hof for its series, Interview with a Winemaker.
11 of the Best Road Trip Apps
How many apps do you have on your phone? Do you use them all? I did a little test on our recent road trip to see which road trip apps we would use – really use – and which ones just took up space on my phone. I was surprised by how many were redundant,…
Great Times in Grapevine: Things to do in Grapevine, TX with Kids
Looking for things to do in Grapevine TX? Click through for a list of the top things to in Grapevine – with kids.
Featured | Pennsylvania | wine
Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine Trails
Sipping in all that the Pennsylvania wine trails have to uncork Guest Post, by Kayla Matthews Did you know the state of Pennsylvania has more than 300 wineries? It ranks 5th nationally in the amount of grapes grown and 7th in the production of wine. Pennsylvania’s moderate growing climate and ideal terrain means that it…
Interview with a Winemaker: Greg La Follette
Carpe Travel sits down with Greg La Follette for its Interview with a Winemaker series.
13 Tips to Help You Avoid Hotel Room Thefts
Ever been locked out of your hotel room, poked your head into the room next door where housekeeping was cleaning and asked them to let you into your room? I have and guess what, they let me into my room. I was beyond happy to not have to spend 10 minutes going back down to…
Tips for Planning Bike and Wine Tours in Mendoza Argentina
I’ve visited several wine regions but there are still soooo many I want to try. Mendoza Argentina is one of my top five I still want to get to. My fellow travel writer and wine lover, Claudia Tavani has visited Mendoza on multiple occasions and has shared a few tips and things to know if…
To Tip or Not to Tip? Tipping Etiquette Guide For International Travelers
Click through for a tipping etiquette guide that lists the services for which tips are expected, the percent and how to deal with awkward tipping situations.
California | Interview with a California Winemaker | Interview with a Winemaker | Sonoma Winemaker | Women Winemakers
Interview with a Winemaker: Theresa Heredia, Gary Farrell Winery
Carpe Travel sits down with Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Winery for its Interview with a Winemaker series.
Nine of the Best Medical Apps for Travelers
What happens when you’re in the middle of the mountains and your daughter has a 104-degree temperature. Or your mother-in-law falls off her bike and hurts her hip? Better yet, you’re in Mexico and you need to call an ambulance? When you travel you have to keep in mind the realities of life – accidents…
12 Tips for a Stress Free Family Vacation
Ok, having a stress free family vacation might be a stretch but reducing the stress is definitely possible. I’ve made my share of rookie mistakes when traveling with my kids but I’ve learned a lot along the way. Things that have helped make traveling easier and allow for an almost stress free family vacation. I…
Five Family Friendly Hotels in Phoenix
Click through for an in-depth review (and photos) of The Wigwam Resort in Phoenix Arizona.
Napa and Sonoma | Napa Valley | Oregon | wine
So what wine region is the most affordable to visit?
Not all wine regions are created equal, including hotel pricing for visitors. Here are some of the more affordable wine regions to visit based on hotels pricing.
20 Drinks From Around the World
To know a country is to know its drink… Have you ever had a Pimm’s Cup or an ice cold Abita Amber in New Orleans? Perhaps a Pina Colada in Puerto Rico – where the drink originates – or Champagne in France? When I travel, I love to try the local wine, beers and drinks…
Fun Things to Do in Phoenix
Phoenix sits within the Sonoran Desert, the hottest desert in North American but also the wettest based on its annual rainfall. The combo creates a haven for year-around outdoor activities and things to do in Phoenix. I would suggest if you’re planning on visiting you plan for November through April as the weather is generally…
Check-In: The Wigwam Resort
Click through for an in-depth review (and photos) of The Wigwam Resort in Phoenix Arizona.
Travel Trivia: 25 Things to know about Phoenix
Try quizzing your travel companions – or better yet – the locals on these 25 fun facts about Phoenix.
Interview with a California Winemaker | Interview with a Winemaker | Napa Valley | Napa Winemaker | Women Winemakers
Interview with a Winemaker: Renée Ary, Duckhorn Vineyards
Carpe Travel sits down with Renée Ary of Duckhorn Vineyards for its series, Interview with a Winemaker.
Snowmobiling Along the Spine of the Continental Divide
Thirty-five miles an hour never felt faster…or colder. Racing up hill on the back of the snowmobile to catch-up with the group brought tears to my eyes. Not because I was scared or sad we were behind, but the mountain wind was slapping my face with its massive force. I held on and leaned right,…
Two Below Zero Sleigh Rides
The horses came around the bend, kicking up snow as they ran toward the lodge pulling the sleigh. Squeals of excitement came from behind me and both girls began running ahead, eager to pick the sleigh – and horses – that would carry us to a backcountry tent for a secluded dinner. For the last…
Stress free travel, can it exist? Maybe with these 5 tips…
I don’t believe stress free travel can always exist, but these tips from the “stress expert” can help reduce stress so you enjoy your vacation more.
Planning a wine tour in Italy? What the experts have to say on wine tasting in Italy.
Planning a wine tasting trip isn’t as easy as it may sound, especially if you’re planning one in a wine region you are unfamiliar with. I have learned this the hard way… When it comes to Napa Valley and Paso Robles I can map out at least a weeks worth of wine tastings but put…
12 Tips for Traveling with Seniors
My grandfather ran five miles a day and played golf until his mid 80’s. My cousin, in her mid-70’s skied ever week in Aspen during the winter months and hiked 14rs in the summer. They are two of my physical inspirations and what I want to be when I’m older. So I run. I spin….
16 Online Safety Tips When Traveling
This list of 16 online safety tips for traveling will help you ensure your data and online privacy is safe when you’re on the road.
Interview with a Winemaker: Sergio Germano of Ettore Germano in Piedmont
Carpe Travel sits down with Sergio Germano of Ettore Germano, in the Piedmont wine region for its Interview with a Winemaker series.
Colorado Spotlight: Hammonds Candy Tour
Hammonds Candy tour isa sweet piece of Denver history that has forever changed my thoughts on the art of candy making. Full review.
Inspirational Travel Quotes for 2015 – One for Each Week of the Year
As we bid farewell to 2014 and welcome in the New Year, I wanted to pass along a few inspirational travel quotes. Ok, there’s more than a few, more like 53 – one inspirational travel quote for each week of the year. If you like these and want to stay inspired throughout 2015, make sure…
Travel Trivia: 15 Fun Facts About Breckenridge
Click through for 15 fun facts about Breckenridge – one of America’s favorite ski resorts. Travel Trivia can be great ice breakers for those long ski lifts!
25 Travel Hacks Every Parent Should Know (& use)
How do you pack for two kids and yourself in one carry-on? And should you take a stroller and a car seat? Traveling with kids can be hard. Ok, it can be exhausting and expensive but, it’s worth it…especially when you have a few travel hacks up your sleeve. Over the last six years I’ve…
5 Tips for Preparing for a Family Cruise
To avoid problems and ensure the best holiday possible (or try to anyway), here are five tips and tricks for preparing for a family cruise.
Cheers to the wide world of wine snacks
We have enjoyed many different wine snacks during all of our travels and are working to do some interesting combos at home – toasted almonds with rosemary.
Check-in: NH Santo Stefano in Turin, Italy
I think Turin is one of my new favorite cities in Italy… We only had a day to spend here but were able to see and do so much in just a short period of time, mainly because our hotel – NH Santo Stefano – was perfectly situated in the city. If you’re heading to…
11 Things to do in Steamboat Springs…Besides Skiing
There’s more to Steamboat Springs than being a winter destination for skiing, although that is a top activity on my list… But activities thrive year round and you only need to take stock in order to see all the things there are to experience in Steamboat Springs. Following is a list of the top things…
Italy | Piedmont | travel tips
10 Things to do in Turin, Italy
There are endless things to do in Turin, Italy’s fourth largest city. This guide helps narrow it down to 10 things to do in Turin on your next visit. Enjoy!
Check-in: Hotel Prince De Galles in Menton, France
On our recent visit to the the French Riviera, we visited the town of Menton and stayed at Hotel Prince De Galles much to the thanks of the reviews on TripAdvisor and ratings on American Express Travel – two of my go-to resources when booking hotels. There were a few things the reviews didn’t share though,…
The French Riviera: A Short Guide to Menton
Located on the French Riviera, along the Franco-Italian border Menton has been nicknamed “The Pearl of France” and it’s very apparent as to why. Nestled in between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Menton provides a slower pace to life all while giving its visitors much of the wonders its neighboring towns – Nice, Monaco, Monte…
Top Three Things to Do in Glenwood Springs
What are the top three things to do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado? Click over to find out.
Check-In: Hotel Glenwood Springs
This summer the family did a little Road Trippin’ in Colorado with Glenwood Springs being one of the stops. With it being named “America’s Most Fun Small Town”, how could we pass it by?!? There are several hotels in Glenwood Springs to choose from, however all you luxury travelers take note – none of the…
Travel Trivia: 16 Things About Glenwood Springs
Visiting Glenwood Springs? Here are 16 fun facts to know before you go!
Interview with a Winemaker: Ryan O’Connell, NakedWines
Carpe Travel sits down with Ryan O’Connell for its Interview with a Winemaker series to share his story, how his French winemaking is unfolding in the US.
Best Family Friendly Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Looking for easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park? This list outlines seven family friendly hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Happy National Piña Colada Day!
Did you know today is National Piña Colada Day? When I visited San Juan, Puerto Rico my family stayed at the Caribe Hilton hotel. Upon doing my research I realized a bartender at THIS hotel was responsible for creating the infamous Piña Colada. Apparently Ramón ‘Monchito’ Marrero Pérez is said to have made the FIRST…
The Fourth of July Photo Essay: Celebrating Independence Day
The immigration officer stood up from his desk, waved us forward yelling, “NEXT!” The Husband handed him our two blue passports, a stack of papers and Princess Two’s red, Russian passport. The two blue passports were opened, checked and set aside. He turned to the red passport, it was opened and held with one hand…
20 Things to Know About Paso Robles
It’s Wine Wednesday! Time for a little wine trivia for you wine lovers – and those traveling to Paso Robles. The Paso Robles wine region is California’s third largest and fastest growing wine region and it’s becoming quite the wine destination for travelers. Here are 20 fun facts, try quizzing your friends on your next…
Check-In: YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center
When I think of the YMCA, I tend to think of Carolina, my spin instructor who likes to push me to my limits every week. I have never thought of the YMCA as a vacation destination, until now… Living in Denver, I’ve made my way to Estes Park on several occasions to hike, fish and…
Travel Trivia: 25 things to know about Rocky Mountain National Park
Twenty five fun and interesting facts about Rocky Mountain National Park. Quiz yourself or your friends the next time you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Check-In: Sand Castle Inn Seaside CA
The few motels I’ve stayed in have not been somewhere I could shower without wearing flip-flops. Think Spring Break, college, $25 and five people sharing a room. I’m past that stage in my life…and prefer to stay in higher-end places. With that said, on a recent press trip to Monterey County in California we stayed…
California | Central Coast | Interview with a California Winemaker | Interview with a Winemaker | Monterey
Interview with a Winemaker: Scheid Vineyards
David Nagengast, Scheid Vineyards winemaker chats with Carpe Travel for its Interview with a Winemaker series to discuss wines in Monterey, CA.