Where shall we meet?  It’s an age old question that can have varying results.  Most preferable is the halfway point.  We just stumbled upon a clever website that promises to serve up the most ideal “meet me halfway” spots.  Punch in your postcodes and meetmehalfway.com recommends venues that are easiest for both parties.  Now if only everything had a "meet me halfway" option, life would be peachy. 

And, he strikes again.  Legendary designer, Phillipe Starck has waved his creative wand over a 16th century Grand Canal mansion in Venice.  And as expected, the transformation is no less than extraordinary.  Backlit mirrors, custom Murano glass chandeliers, reclaimed bricks, mirror tables and walls, glass wardrobes, and Carnival masks beckon the design conscious near and far.  The Palazzina Grassi’s website flashes “Many things seem incredible before you see them.”  Then the previous words fade out and the following appear, “Few things look incredible even after you have seen them.”  We are intrigued.  Venice anyone?

Whether you want bragging rights via your Facebook albums or you actually care enough to print your pics for keepsakes, traveling certainly instigates one’s inner photographer.   Be it a striking sunset or a bustling marketplace, destinations far from home promise the makings of inspired photo-ops.  Whether you are a professional photog or a measley wanna-be, we’ve stumbled across the sweetest one-size-fits-all camera that’s perfect for capturing your travel memories and taking the quality of the pics to a whole new level.  Enter Lomographic, makers of the equal opportunity camera.  These geniuses transformed the iconic Holga camera for you and me…and her…and her…and her.  Add the color wheel to tint the flash with yellow, red or blue or use the “B” setting to hold the shutter open leaving you with dreamy, natural backgrounds.  Use the tripod nut to steer clear of the dreaded blurry photo.  The kit also includes “The World Through A Plastic Lens” so if you’re not inspired enough by your surroundings you can consult the work of others.  Give it a shot and arm yourself with this fab new find.  Now there is no excuse for not sending us your picture perfect pics!

When you’re planning a vacation there are several at-risk-of-slipping-under-the-radar-things to know about the destination, a biggie being gratuity etiquette.  Too much?  Too little?  Already built into the bill?  As Americans, tipping is a big part of our culture, but not so much for everyone else around the globe.  You’re far from home and your google search box (is that possible?) and sit down to experience the local cuisine and culture.  As you are presented with the bill, you realize you’re at a total loss of what the tipping customs are.  You glance around the table to shrugging shoulders.  Really?  Ignorant Americans!  Of course, tipping at high percentages like an American will never be frowned upon, but be honest, you don’t want to leave double what would be customary.  You just don’t.  Of course, tipping too little and insulting the chef, making a dent in your waiter’s salary, or god forbid, looking cheap really isn’t really optimal either.  To the rescue is the UK's Times Online who recently published an article with some helpful tips on tipping in some of the most popular tourist cities.  Here is a quick run-down.  Restaurants in London typically add a 12.5 percent gratuity to the bill, however if they haven’t done so, add 10 to 15 percent.  Pubs in London don’t expect tips as long as you request no table service.  New York City is infamous for its tipping statutes.  Most waiters rely on tips for their salary so 15 to 20 percent is expected, which is higher than most cities.  Paris is more lax on tipping as most Parisians will only tip if they really enjoyed the food and service.  Barcelona peeps agree with the Parisians and feel tipping isn’t mandatory and you’ll find it really just depends on the place and your overall experience.  As a guide, most people may leave 5 to 10 percent.  In Hong Kong most restaurants add 10 percent to the bill, but you should still leave a further 5 to 10 percent tip in cash that will go straight to the wait staff.  As a general rule, it’s always good to err on the higher end.  We are firm believers in treating the hospitality industry well.  They make what we do so great.  Check out the article for the full scoop and research your destination to avoid this tragic tourist faux pas.  At the end of the day, you really don’t want to be “that” girl.   

There are so so so many tempting destinations for travelistas today.  Thus, we are all too familiar with option overload.  You spend even a few minutes daydreaming about potential vacays and your mind jumps from oiling up on a serene beach to sipping champagne on a romantic getaway in Paris to cozying up fireside in Aspen, and before you know it, you are panicking about where to go and how to make it happen!  If this sounds familiar, relax.  You, too, have experienced option overload.  We are here to help.  Let us introduce you to a great resource for inspiration and itineraries that will help take the edge off and offer up some knowledge and entertainment to boot.  Being list lovers (hello, MDIL from a recent post), we came across the Ten Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers written by two very savvy jet-setters, Nathaniel Lande and Andrew Lande.  These authors compiled a book of lists of the ten best of literally everything, from islands to perfumes to the best things to do on Sunday afternoons.  Fret not, this isn’t just a boring listing of lists, each entry is accompanied by commentary, background info, savvy tips, personal stories, and a bit of trivia (we kind of love being know-it-alls).  Experts even weigh in with random fun facts like Arnold Palmer’s advice on the best golf course location in the world or Luciano Pavarotti’s take on the best opera house venues.  Obvi, when you travel, you should do, see and experience the “best.”  You deserve it after all.  In the likely case that the book only amplifies your destination inspiration, check the back of the book (you know you like to read the end first anyhow) where more than 30 fabulous trips are outlined just for you and your sanity.

From the moment you jump into Marrakesh’s labyrinth of alleyways buzzing with snake charmers, potion merchants, and donkey carts, you’ll be in a trance of stimulation and fascination.  The Medina and its Jemma El Fna Square are an experience all their own.  But, definitely get your wits about you, bid adieu to your sense of direction and venture off into the muddle of market streets. Marrakesh’s shopping is fabulously diverse from the infamous souks to Guéliz's chic boutiques.  The same goes for the array of accommodations and dining options.  Opt for one of the exotic boutique hotels and sample the food at the stalls in the square as well as the restaurants in Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle, Marrakesh’s modern district.  You’ll be amazed, entertained, enlightened and likely the owner of a new rug or two.  Just get your game face on and dive in. 

Competing with Australia’s most well known destinations like the bustling city of Sydney and the gorgeous Great Barrier Reef is a tough feat, but the country’s sunniest capital can totally hold its own. Perth, located in WA (that’s Western Australia for you out-of-towners), is world-renowned for its friendly, chill pace and unbelievable weather. Without the chaos of a major city, Perth is the perfect relaxation destination. Nestled next to the Swan River and only a few kilometers away from the Indian Ocean, indulging in delectable seafood is a no-brainer. Spend a day strolling and shopping in the city centre and in Fremantle. After you shop, drop into the vineyards to experience local Aussie wine at its finest. Perth gets an average of eight hours of sunshine daily so you’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the quiet beaches like Cottlesloe or Scarborough. And if you have the time, take a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, the local’s favorite getaway. The whole island is full of pristine beaches and free of cars. Sit back, relax, and maybe even extend that trip a few more days, with all this relaxation it’ll be hard to resist.

With the civil strife nearly over, it’s high time we turn the focus on Sri Lanka’s distinct beauty and culture.  This tropical tear-drop shaped island just off of India’s southern coast invites you to experience adventure (wildlife safaris), history (ancient Buddhist temples and fort towns), landscapes (mountains, beaches, rainforests, bamboo groves, and more), luxury (exclusive boutique hotels and top notch restaurants), and relaxation (breathtaking beaches and spas).  In light of monsoon season, plan your visit between December and April.  As it’s going to take you a while to get there, plan to stay well over a week, two is advised.  And, be sure to save up and splurge for this one.  It’s like nowhere you’ve ever been…and likely ever will be.

Since no woman should be denied her beauty products just because she has to sit on her suitcase to get it closed, we have to formally declare Sephora the mecca of easy, affordable packing solutions that simply must be known and never forgotten.  Now, off you go to the motherland of inexpensive travel-friendly cosmetics.  Whether you prefer the low-key sun-kissed look or the look of a sultry smoky-eyed temptress, you’ll def find a cute little must-have to fit in your carry-on.  With Laura Mercier’s Flawless Face Kit complete with foundation, tinted moisturizer and all the tools to apply it for $65, you can be sure your face looks…well, flawless!  Philosophy serves up their own sweet petite set, cleverly called The Travel Agent, for all your shower needs.  It runs for $35 and is on limited edition so snatch it up now before it’s too late.  Lest we write a list of heavenly travel products that will go on and on and on, just remember, whatever your plans, hit the store or surf the site and make Sephora a pre-departure ritual.

Are you a sucker for movie scenery?  And no, we don’t mean that celebrity hottie who’s steaming up the screen.  We mean the actual scenery.  You watch.  You fantasize.  You decide you must go there.   Wherever there may be, movies are a great source of destination inspiration.  Our intern very cleverly suggests keeping your own MDIL (movie destination inspiration list).  Here are a few of her faves to get you started.  “As if you needed a movie to inspire a visit Japan, but if so, Lost in Translation features Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray running around in the bustling city of Tokyo.  Under the Tuscan Sun is definitely one that tempts ticket booking.  The movie features Diane Lane escaping to Tuscany after a divorce and fulfilling all of our romantic notions of living in Italy.  She lives in her own villa, learns how to cook and of course, meets the man of her dreams.  And to really get you enthused, take in a viewing of The Motorcycle Diaries.  The film takes you all over the beautiful South American landscape with a pair of talented, not to mention, gorgeous actors.  Just consider it a bonus in your travel education.”  What’s on your MDIL?

In Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare wrote a description of Cleopatra, saying, “age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety.” Appropriately, the same goes for Egypt's beautiful city of Alexandria where Antony and Cleopatra’s stormy & passionate romance took place. The “Pearl of the Mediterranean” is full of history and things to do.  From the Citadel of Qait Bey and the Roman Catacombs to the Montaza Palace and the Corniche, take time to do some serious planning to make sure you fit in all that the city has to offer.  If you have the wonders of the world on your bucket list, Alexandria is the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  Definitely sample the renowned seafood and local ice cream and spend an afternoon lounging on one of the beaches.  Indeed, Antony and Cleopatra’s tempestuous romance may have made this destination famous, just make sure you only channel the fairytale of their relationship in the dreamy setting, leaving out all the unnecessary drama.

This post is for two types - the veteran NYC travelers who have already been to New York City, survived the oodles of tourist traps and are in need something new; and it’s for those who simply don’t want to fall victim to the clichés and crave something diff.  Alright, and let’s be honest, it’s really for anyone who can’t live without celeb gossip mags and their DVR.  For those who know what SATC means without thinking twice and who now sign all of their correspondence “xoxo,” this out of the box NYC tour is for you, all of you.  Brace yourself for a totally novel view of the big apple.  On Location Tours, Inc. is New York’s only TV and Movie Tour Company that will show you NYC like never before…and totally let you live out your celeb obsessed guilty pleasure.  The tour guides will give you the scoop on the city’s television and movie secrets, as well as your favorite characters.  Did you know that the Plaza Hotel is the most filmed building in New York City? (We had no idea!)  Hop on board one of the general tours that visit hundreds of movie locations, or pick from a few of the specialized tours like Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, or The Sopranos, that hone in on all the shows’ hot spots.  Whether you want to sip cosmos like Carrie from SATC or grab a slice from the pizza place featured in Men in Black II, you can easily wine and dine in the exact spots as your fave celebs and be in on all the lights, cameras and action.  Go ahead and indulge your psycho-celeb-obsessed self, you’ll be glad you did.  BTW, On Location Tours, Inc. just announced they are now in D.C. too!  Sign us up!

We love mini things.  Whatever it is, when there is a bitty version of it, we feel the need to have one.  We use adoring words like "cute" and "compact" to describe the miniature replicas of our day-to-day necessities in life.  From mini MilkyWays to mini Coopers, we're suckers.  And since the trend in travel is to be petite and compact, we feel justified in our love of little.  Our latest micro find just so happens to embrace yet another passion we have in life.  As firm believers that you should never be left high and dry without a stiff drink on hand should you feel the need for one, we hit the lottery with the all-encompassing Mini Travel Bar.  Yes, you heard right...Mini Travel Bar.  Whoa!  The insulated case dons a corkscrew, flask, stirring stick, ice tongs, collapsible shot glasses, and a funnel (how thoughtful!).  Stock up on the mini bottles on the plane and pack your Mini Travel Bar, so when a flight's delayed, the luggage lost, or a train missed, you'll only have a mini-breakdown and then go back to smaller and better things.

Cambridge, nestled in the English countryside, seems to be Oxford’s quieter, more relaxed younger sibling. Centered around several universities, the town is perfect for a quaint, peaceful getaway.  The city center is totally pedestrianized so bring a good pair of walking shoes.  Many of the great attractions are centrally located, so don’t worry about wearing yourself out.  This is your relaxing getaway remember?  When you are in Cambridge there are some things you must be sure to do, including taking a stroll by the River Cam to catch all the tourists “punting.”  You can laugh as they get stuck in the mud but get ready to hop in the boat yourself and join in the fun.  Punting is quintessentially Cambridge so don’t even think about leaving without giving it a go!  All you have to do is propel yourself in a long wooden boat by pushing a pole against the shallow river bottom.  It may sound easy, but we would advise some strategizing before you jump in.  People watch and pre-game by eyeing out the mud patches, punt away, then refresh with champagne and strawberries (offered with some of the punting specials!), so no matter what happens you’ll have a great time. 

If you want to experience the California good life at its finest, head to Big Sur & Monterey. Not only is the area absolutely breathtaking, laid-back and fun, it's got rich history, top notch wineries and world class golf too. BS&M is the perfect get-away from San Fran and is a must-stop for the big Cali coastal drive. From amazing hikes, delightful horseback riding and engaging kayaking experiences to fab day trips like Hearst Castle, Pebble Beach and the many surrounding wineries, you will not tire of things to do. The array of charming places to stay and dine add to the romance of it all and only make it more appealing to visit...and once you're there, you'll likely contemplate leaving the real world to set up permanent digs. No doubt, Big Sur & Monterey will leave you California dreamin' long after you've come and gone.