Would You Rather Spend Your Last Hours of Summer in the Hamptons or Cape Cod?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Richard and I have not yet traveled to either of these destinations. They both involve beaches, picnics, cottages with white siding, and lazy mornings. If you live in a place that has four distinct seasons like we do (Ontario, Canada), than you know that embracing each warm and sunny day by the water is important. Both the Hamptons and Cape Cod will fall victim to winter soon enough, so which location would you choose to embrace in its last minutes of summer?

Our choice? 

The Hamptons. Why? Likely because it's been glamorized and I especially love following celebrity footsteps and visiting their favorite local haunts. 

Would You Rather Fly at Night or During the Day?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Photo: @conciergecouple

Night

      If you are lucky like me and can sleep throughout a flight than this may be the obvious choice for you. You hop aboard after a delicious dinner and your belly is full. You get out your sleeping accessories (we bring full size pillows, airline blankets we received on a past flight, and sleep masks) and you snuggle in for the duration of the flight. You miss nothing where you left (everyone is also sleeping) and when you arrive at your next destination (depending on the time change), it may just be early in the morning and you have a full day of sightseeing ahead. You wake up feeling almost as fresh as a peach. The only downfall is, when you wake up you MUST brush your teeth before you interact with anyone. 

     So other than the perfect opportunity to sleep and rest up for your next stop, some people prefer to fly at night because they do not like to see what lies below. I am talking about nervous fliers here (shout out to Richard), sometimes not seeing the deep dark blue ocean below or the dark rain clouds and rain drops on the window can remove some stress for people. Some people have an illogical fear that the pilot may get tired during an overnight flight and jeopardize their safety as a passenger. 

Day

     This is great in my opinion for a short flight. You get to enjoy the view going up, nibble some snacks for the duration of your flight and see the landscape as you come in for landing. Again, if you are a sleeper like me you may use this time to catch a small "cat nap".

   When you arrive at your destination, locating your hotel or finding transportation may be easier if its during the day or early evening. 

   The sun on the window and the bright light may provide nervous fliers with reassurance and a glimmer of positivity. Our conscience tells us that the pilot is likely well rested and aware for a day flight. 

Our choice:

   Night flying. I can sleep so it leaves me feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to go when I land. It makes napping feel cozier too when it's all dark, and usually quiet in the cabin. Richard prefers it because if its evening he doesn't feel guilty sipping some drinks to ease his nerves before boarding the flight. He also is able to place more focus on the movie or download he is watching, rather than stealing frequent and nervous peeks at what is outside. 

      Some people with children may have a completely different perspective. Please share! 

Would You Rather Collect Shot Glass or Magnets as Souvenirs?

Would You Rather Wednesday! 

Okay so when you go on a trip and have such an amazing time, you will do anything you can to take a little piece of that trip with you when you go home. Sure we take pictures, we have our experiences, but sometimes that is just not enough. So what do some of us do? Buy souvenirs as reminders of our trip that we will likely never do anything with ever. But rest assured you are not the only traveler out there doing this. According to an article by "First Research", in the U.S alone the revenue form souvenirs and novelty gifts is about $17 billion dollars. So if we know we shouldn't, but we do it anyway which is the lesser of  two evils: shot glasses or magnets?

Shot Glasses

I can hear the arguments for shot glasses right now: "at least I can use them", or "I can display them, and they are conversation starters", etc. Sure, you can use them when you are making cocktails. Sure, they likely are conversation starters. But they take up an awful lot of cupboard or shelf space. The displaying of shot glasses reminds me of a college house or dorm. However, I will never say never because I as well love reminders of my travels.

Magnets

Magnets clearly state the country or location you have visited. They can be smaller and are capable of being stored discreetly. I say capable of being stored discreetly, but most often you will see the multi-colored collection of magnets staring you straight in the face when you enter the kitchen. Richard is a magnet collector, and the truth is I do love that we have them. We always try to pick a magnet with a small image that directly reminds us of an experience we had. However, we just moved to a new home and I refuse to place them all over the fridge. It's unfortunate but they are currently sitting in a zip-loc bag until we find a suitable and low key way to display them. If you have any suggestions please pass them along. 

Our choice:

I would caution travelers to buy neither, but since I already discussed how even the most accomplished travelers purchases novelties, our final choice would be magnets. 

Would You Rather a Language Barrier Make You Order a Horrendous Meal or Get You Lost an Hour Away From Your Hotel?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Getting Lost 

Language barriers are expected when travelling to new countries. I have mentioned before that Richard and I like to take the time to learn common phrases, introductions, and pleasantries in the languages that we will be immersed in for a trip. We have also been lucky enough to manage to navigate, communicate, and ask questions with minimal language skills. The only time we have had an issue with language is when we visited Morocco. Many citizens do not cater to the tourists, speaking English and French interchangeably. This meant that we did get lost in streets that are not labelled, and had great difficulty finding help. We got very frustrated in the heat and with a little arguing and effort we finally made it back to our hotel. 

Ordering Meals

Richard and I are not picky eaters. If we happened to pick food off of a menu by accident, we would likely eat it and enjoy it anyway. When we were visiting Hong Kong last summer our server spoke no English. The menu was of course not in English, so we were forced to point and with the nod of the servers heard ordered four main mystery dishes. Three out of four were delicious, so we couldn't complain. However, for someone with allergies or for those that are picky eaters you could end up with a pricey meal that you do not enjoy. 

Would You Rather Dine Al Fresco With a Glass of White or Red Wine?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

I have mentioned many a times that Richard and I enjoy "beverages" on vacation. Years ago neither of us liked wine at all. Over the years we have warmed up to it, especially white. We have not yet developed the palette for red wine...but we are told it will happen with time.

White

My wine exposure started with white. There were (in order of introduction to my palette) the sparkling fruit wines, the Rieslings, the Pinot Grigio's and the Chardonnays. I am still not a fan of Chardonnay, but I do enjoy many Pinot Grigio's. Heck we even enjoy champagne. We have visited several wine countries: Napa Valley, Niagara on the Lake, Traverse City, Tuscany, etc. We have usually planned our tours so that we get to sample mostly whites. Below are some of our favorites and recommendations:

Napa Valley: Mumm Napa (sparkling white wine)

Niagara Falls, Canada: Between the Lines  (the Gewuerztraminer is amazing!)

Traverse City: Bonobo Winery (Pinot Gris was our fave). Beautiful seating area and patio to enjoy                            small plates as well. 

Bonobo Winery, Traverse City
Photo: @conciergecouple

Red

Red is a little to rich and deep for me. I have had some I have liked don't get me wrong, but nothing good enough to make me crave or order a glass. There was a few times in Spain that we managed to enjoy a glass of red. Well I should be more clear, a glass of red topped with...gasp...sparkling lemonade. Call it a spritzer, a crime to red wine, or a poor persons sangria. All I know is, it was delicious with our tapas as we enjoyed a delicious summer time meal in Madrid. The restaurant had a great ambiance and barrels as tables, along with an extensive wine menu. But when the waiter suggested "tinto de verano" we were sold! Don't knock it till you try it. 

Madrid, Spain
Photo: @conciergecouple

Our choice: 

White

We enjoy a chilled glass of white wine before or with dinner. It's light and easygoing...it embodies vacation!

Would You Rather Have Hot Dogs and Champagne or Hot Dogs and Soda?

Would You Rather Have Hot Dogs and Champagne or Hot Dogs and Soda?

I love hot dogs. I wish I didn't. I know what they are made of, I know they are not the healthiest choice for someone who tries to "eat clean" most days, but I can't help what my mind and mouth wants. The hot dog is often associated with North American culture and they are often found at campsites, BBQ's, picnics, kids birthdays, and sporting events. 

Hot Dogs and Soda

When Richard and I were in Toronto, we went for a long bike ride by the Harbourfront. On our walk back to the hotel we realize just how hungry we are after the long ride. There is a Toronto Blue Jays game scheduled for that day, so as we weave our way through the crowds of blue and white we see hundreds of people with a ballpark hot dog in one hand and a giant cold soda in the other. Yum! If we didn't have plans to visit the St. Lawrence market for something more "sophisticated", we would have caved right there. 

Hot Dogs and Champagne

We, I mean I, spend a lot of time researching restaurants before we travel to a new city or destination. I make reservations where necessary and hope for the best at others. We often do not gravitate to fancy restaurants, unless the scenery is incredible or we are looking to celebrate. When we were planning to visit London, England there were so many restaurants to choose from. It's a "foodie" city for sure. I came across a little restaurant called: Bubbledogs. It is exactly what it sounds like, a restaurant that serves hot dogs and champagne. In fashion they call it mixing high and low, in food culture its just a fun yet surprising combination that works.

Photo: @conciergecouple

There are five champagnes to choose from if buying by the glass. If you are in the mood for a bottle, there are more than 58 types to choose from. We each ordered a glass of Rose and began to view the hot dog menu. Again, there are 17 different choices and then some sides to choose from. Each hot dog is about £8.  Between us we sampled 4 hot dogs with a side of togarashi tots and coleslaw. Overall a great and unique casual dinner. 

Photo: @conciergecouple

Our choice?

Hot dogs and champagne. 

Would you rather chicken feet in Thailand or a Mezcal Worm in Mexico?

Would You Rather Wednesdays!

Richard loves to eat. He also loves new experiences, and challenges. Neither of us are picky eaters so more often than not, we will try new foods. 

Chicken Feet

We had the pleasure of visiting Thailand. We did some travelling around Thailand and spent some time on Phi Phi Island. One day trip you can do from Phi Phi island is to Maya Beach. Maya Beach is famous for being the movie location for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Maya Beach is actually a small island itself, with a small inlet for boats to enter throughout the day. It can be quite crowded at times. We heard you could spend the night on the island and we were intrigued. There is only one company that takes you out there overnight, so we booked it. 

We arrived at the boat in the early afternoon. We met all of the strangers we would be spending the evening and night with. The crew was animated and quite an eclectic mix of characters. All genuinely nice and capable. We arrived to the island with our lightly packed overnight bags just as the mass of tourists were leaving. As dinner was prepared later that evening but a wonderful cook, we were told chicken feet were available. Some of the locals were eating them, and Richard figured if he likes chicken wings, he will likely also like chicken feet. 

Photo: @conciergecouple

He nibbled on it, chewed it, and stretched the skin with his teeth. There were still claws attached. I did not even want to think where those feet had walked and what they had walked on. He said it was chewy and rubbery. The foot was white and wrinkly as he held it in his hand. I forgot to mention that before he ate this, the entire crew and the passengers had been invited to enjoy the signature Thailand cocktail: rum and red bull.

Mezcal Worm

We often travel with my sisters and brothers in law. When we all get together, there is a lot of craziness, boldness, and partying. We were staying in Los Cabos for Spring Break. It was just another usual day by the pool; tanning and enjoying cocktails. Being as we were in Mexico, we were enjoying a little tequila here and there. One long and sunny afternoon, the bartender suggested we all have a shot of mezcal. It reminds me of tequila, but it is apparently considered very different. Both tequila and mezcal are made from the heart of agave plants. Tequila in particular can only be made from the blue agave plant, whereas mezcal can be produced from several varieties of agave that grow wild in Oaxaca.

Okay enough teaching...             

     

 

So we all enjoy a shot and swim away....so we think. Richard and my brother in law decide to have a few more shots, and as they work their way towards the bottom of the bottle. The bartender dares Richard to eat the worm. He not only accepts the challenge, but places it on his tongue and lets its big, plump body hangout before swallowing it. 

His choice?

The Mezcal worm! Sure it has been said to possibly cause hallucinations but some people also believe it has positive psychological effects. Let's hope you get to wash it down with a shot of mezcal when you try it and the positives will outweigh the negatives. 

Bonus: They both give you bragging rights! 

Would You Rather go on a Gelato Tour or a Wine Tour in Italy?

Would You Rather Wednesday! 

Gelato

I have a sweet tooth. Actually we both have a sweet tooth. Some places we have travelled are not known for their desserts....Asia. So when Richard and I visit somewhere where the sweets are good, we are in heaven. Italy had a variety of yummy desserts, but nothing beats their Gelato. We had Gelato each of every 21 days we were in Italy. Does that make us Gelato connoisseurs? Not likely, but we are the experts on our blog :)

First of all beware. There is Gelato everywhere! Not every stand or store that sells it, sells the authentic stuff (handmade and natural flavours). Gelato is made with milk, not cream and don't be fooled by the bright neon colours or slices of fruit on top. These disguises may mean it is not natural or homemade Gelato. I tried mango in Venice, strawberry in Sorrento, and so many more kinds. They were all wonderful. But one place had us coming back not just for seconds, but thirds. And anyone who has ever been to Europe knows that a lot of walking is involved to get most places, unless your hotel is right beside it.

*Side note: this may be a good idea. Richard and I should look into finding accommodations right beside this place so we can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We were sightseeing with another couple and felt like we needed a snack before getting ready for dinner. We stopped at a place called: Gelateria Frigidarium. Like always, there were so many choices and decisions to be made. They have a self named signature flavour. It is a combination of homemade cookies, caramel, and chocolate. Let me tell you....it was delicious! It was love at first bite. The following time we came back I trued black cherry, which was also incredible. The third time I caved and got a repeat of the signature flavour. It was our last day there, and I had to get another when I finished it. Trust me, it's that life changing. If you are not stuck on tradition, there is even an option to get the whole thing dipped in chocolate and topped with whip cream. Really!? It's insane.

Amazing Gelato in Rome
Photo: @conciergecouple

Wine

Yes, we love to drink as we have reported numerous times. So when we visited Florence we had to do a wine tour if not for our love of booze but because its the expected thing to do in Florence. We took a nice drive out into the countryside to an old castle. The landscape was stunning. The castle was perched up high on an emerald, grassy hill and the vineyard running in lines of stunning green and purple. One of the first things we did, was take a picture perched on a rock looking out over the small town below.

The tour was educational, relaxed and enjoyable. As a bonus we also got to learn about the family that lived in the castle many years ago as well as olive oil tasting and producing. We got a chance to walk through the wine cellars and of course sample the wine. It was a delicious chianti and as we sipped we learned (perfect for 2 teachers) about when and how its best to consume it. When you visit you just have to buy a bottle, if not to drink than at least as a souvenir.

Tuscany Wine Tasting
Photo: @conciergecouple

Our choice?

It has to be the Gelato. You can special order some wines from around the world to your doorstep. Even if its not the exact vineyard you visited in Florence, you can still spend the money to find a good quality Chianti to enjoy in your own home. But you cannot do that with homemade Gelato. Trust me, we would spend a good $30 to get a cone shipped to our house if we could.

Which would you choose? 

Gelato or Chianti?

Would you rather sit beside a "larger" person on a flight or a crying baby?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Luckily for us neither of these situations have happened to us. I love a window seat so that I can sleep during a flight. And boy do I sleep. I slept nine out of the eleven hours last summer. Yes, I know I am lucky. Okay back to the point. I usually get the window seat, and Richard takes the middle. He generously realizes he will be up anyways watching movies, so he might as well let me enjoy a good rest if I can.

If anything he ends up beside the strangers. He hasn't had too bad of luck though so far. Sure a middle aged man may have almost fallen asleep on his shoulder, but it could be worse. Richard gets restless, so he is beginning to prefer an aisle seat. We either compromise: I get window one way and he gets aisle another or when it is a longer flight we have even sat separately once. Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable, squished by a stranger, or listening to crying for hours on end while being stuck in an already tight space.

We are not completely insensitive, we get it people have to travel with their little ones sometimes. Sure there are "bigger boned" people out there. But lets not pretend that when you see a baby or "larger" person walking towards that empty seat beside you, that your heart sinks a little and you all of a sudden are dreading the long flight even more.

Our choice(s):

If I had to choose, I would choose the crying baby. Why? Because I am betting on them being quiet for at least some of the flight.

If Richard had to choose, he would also choose a baby as well. Who knows, maybe the flight attendant warms a bottle for the little loud speaker a puts a drop of bourbon in. Night, Night little one. Finally I can get back to binge watching a series during the flight!

Photo: @conciergecouple

Would You Rather an Amazing Bedroom or Bathroom at Your Next Hotel?

Now showers and bathtubs. Hotels are doing some amazing things with showers these days. They can be all glass, have multiple shower heads, marble floors, and so much more. Same with bathtubs, Jacuzzi tubs run in all shapes and sizes and with multiple jets and speeds they are like having a hot tub in your room. In the summer nothing beats a cool shower with numerous streams of water hitting your body. In the winter when I am frozen to my toes, nothing beats a warm bubbling Jacuzzi tub in the privacy of my own room where I can light candles, play music, and enjoy a drink.

Our choice:

A great bathroom…We have seen some ridiculous bathrooms during our travels. We have been blessed to stay at hotels or villas with bathrooms that have blown our minds and made our stay that much more memorable. Although a great bed with a view are close behind, the bathroom has become a make or break for us.

We have seen bathrooms designed in unique ways and with great amenities that we just don’t have in our home. They can design hotel bathrooms with creativity and luxuries that the average income home could never include. Sometimes the climate helps out, allowing hotels to build outdoor showers and more.

Our favourite hotel bathroom would be at Ubud Padi Villas. The bathroom had two main areas. The first area was inside, with double sinks, ambient lighting, and storage shelves made of bamboo. If you continued to walk, a step down would lead you to the outdoor portion of the bathroom. There was an outdoor Jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower, and outdoor toilet. Let me reassure you that this did not an out-house feel. There were flowers and simple décor to finish off the space. Palms reached over the walls from the outside gardens and soft rocks, gentle enough to walk on covered the grounds. It was a perfect mixture of nature, luxury, and function.

Ubud Padi Villas, Bali
Photo: @conciergecouple

Ubud Padi Villas, Bali
Photo: @conciergecouple

Hotel bathroom runner ups:

- Hotel ICON : modern and luxurious with a built in television above the tub in prime location in Hong Kong

- Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta: if you are lucky enough to get upgraded to the penthouse or governors suite, not only do you get 2 bathrooms but the main ensuite has 2 closets inside!

Grand Fiesta Americana, Puerto Vallarta
Photo: @conciergecouple

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Please note: I have over the years grown to love a good robe. Nothing beats slipping into a soft robe after a shower or bath and wandering around your room as you get ready for the day ahead or evening out. This may play into my love of bathrooms.

Would You Rather Your Hotel Offer You Free Happy Hour or Breakfast?

Isn't it wonderful when you book an amazing hotel, only to find out it also includes breakfast or a free evening cocktail reception? Unfortunately this does not happen as much as we travellers would like, or as often as it used to with the cost of everything on the rise. But when it does, it is often one or the other, but we have been lucky enough to stay somewhere that included both....more on that later.

Happy Hour:

Some hotels offer a happy hour, or evening reception for their guests. Often each guest room is given a drink or two in the early evening in the hotel bar or lounge. No one enjoys an evening beverage more than Richard and I, so an evening reception is always a draw or wonderful surprise for us. We have experienced several. One that stands out is the Kimpton hotel in San Francisco. They had a managers reception that focused on Napa wines. The wines changed during our stay, and there was even a house made sangria with fresh fruit one night. It is a nice touch when the beverages from the area are highlighted or featured

Free Breakfast:

Okay so there is free continental breakfast, and then there is free breakfast...We have stayed at some hotels that include incredible full, healthy, and cooked to order breakfast. If you like to indulge in eggs, freshly squeezed juice, and other savoury delights then Southeast Asia hotels are for you! When Richard and I stayed in Bali we had the best breakfasts ever! When we stayed in Seminyak, Indonesia and stayed at Sun Island Villas, we were given a menu each morning with numerous choices. There was traditional North American breakfast fare to choose from as well as Indonesian dishes such as savoury noodles topped with an over easy egg. Richard tried a new item each of the 5 mornings we stayed. To accompany your meal there was a light buffet of breads, sweets, and fruit. I also have to share that we have never been coffee drinkers until we had a latte made for us each morning with Balinese coffee.

One other breakfast hot spot for us was when we stayed in Ubud, Indonesia. First off let me tell you that this hotel is amazing. Words cannot describe it. So of course the breakfast was special for us too. The staff at Ubud Padi Villas brought us a menu each evening, allowing us to select which breakfast items we would like for the morning. The menu varied each day. We could choose to have it delivered to our villa, cabana, or enjoy it in an outdoor bungalow on the hotel grounds (picture below). They made coconut sugar and palm sugar filled crepes among many other great items.

Ubud Padi Villas, Ubud Bali
Photo: @conciergecouple

Best of Both Worlds:

Yes, we are not blind to the fact that our room rate likely covers the cost of the breakfast or happy hour, but when you get a great deal on a great hotel and there is a bonus, why would we go to the competition? Example: The Kinzie Hotel in Chicago. Not only do they have an evening cocktail reception in their upper floor bar, but they even have created their own signature cocktails if you are interested. Even once your 2 drinks per night vouchers are finished, the prices of additional drinks are fair. Please note: Richard and I never ran out of vouchers...we simply asked for more and they gave us more at the front desk! During this reception they also have major appetizers and small bites. I am not talking about fried appetizers, they are snacks like: charcuterie trays, dips and veggies, mini sliders, spicy meatballs and fresh bread, even some desserts. Okay I am getting off topic..

Breakfast here is very innovative and centered around a fresh idea. They deliver breakfast to EVERY floor EVERY morning. Yes, you read that correct. Each room has a serving tray for you to bring out into the hall and gather the food items you would like. They encourage you to wear your robe, and don't feel embarrassed because everyone is. You gather boiled eggs, yogurts, fruit, bagels, cereal, cheese, and so much more on your train and then....Enjoy it in your bed. Ahhhh.....Isn't this concept so simple yet amazing?! We think so. I tell you, we barely eat out at restaurants in Chicago when we stay here...but we still do :)

Would You Rather Food Poisoning While on Vacation or Bring Back Bed Bugs?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Richard and I have had some experiences with food poisoning, but now that I think about it , it usually happens to me. Once when we were in the Dominican Republic, I was sick in bed for an evening after eating salad at the buffet. We had been warned not to eat any produce that may have been washed with local water, I did not listen. This was one of our first resorts ever, so let's just say it wasn't the swankiest place and there are much higher standards now.

In Bali I was sick in bed for 24 hours. I had to stay in the cool air conditioned room in the dark while Richard was out sightseeing. I had intense stomach pain and a small fever. The strange thing was, I think it was the North American, BLT I ate that may have caused the sickness. In the Philippines this past year I was bed ridden again. After a day out on a 7 island tour I fell quite ill again. Sleeping and cool air were the only things that made me feel slightly better. Could it have been the "fresh" fish that was barbecued for us on the boat trip? The all day sun? The waves rocking me side to side? Or the large amount of alcohol I consumed? It very well could have been a combination of all these things, or food poisoning. Although I do love vacationing, being sick is the only time I wish for my own bed and home.

We have luckily not seen, heard of, or "caught" bed bugs in any of the hotels we have stayed at. Maybe it is all the reviews we read on TripAdvisor that have saved us! We have had friends who slept on a boat overnight in Australia and woke up with little bites all over their bodies. Thats right....they confirmed it was bed bugs. Now bringing them home would be another whole nightmare. It makes me think of the chaos that used to ensue when me and my two sisters had head lice in elementary school. And that is just head lice!

Our pick: Food poisoning. It usually only lasts 24 hours, and if you are anything like us, your body probably needs those 24 hours of rest after too much partying, late nights, or jam packed schedules of sightseeing.

Puerto Vallarta Street Food
Photo: @conciergecouple