WIN A TRIP TO CROATIA!

  Are you planning to travel to Europe this summer? If so, book your trip with AmCro Travel, a US based travel company that specializes in organizing trips for Americans. Check out the giveaway they are doing for a free week in Croatia! Enter Here:  #WOWINCROATIA2019 Rules and conditions of the prize game: Booking through AmCro Travel is mandatory. A booking also can be made through your travel agents with AmCro Travel. Travel Agents can participate The booking for 2019 starts on 01 August 2018 and ends on May 30th by 12 pm UTC – 8, DST/PDT (UTC-7) Announcement of … Continue reading →

Sri Lanka- Land of cinnamon

To go or not to go, that was the question. When a travel advisory stated that Sri Lanka was on a political “lockdown” and full of unrest, the cautious person thought to cancel the trip, but the traveler in me knew I should do a little more research. The United States Travel Advisory will never advise someone to go anywhere where there has been some sort of conflict. For as long as the country has existed there has been religion unrest.   In a land where cinnamon and tea thrive, unrest was not evident in the day to day lives … Continue reading →

Widen your world with Turkish Airlines

As a world traveler living in Croatia, there is nothing that excites me more than finding out where I can go to next. Zagreb’s fairly new airport has already made me feel like I am living in a more international destination, but Turkish Airlines allows me to connect. With direct flights to Istanbul you can then literally travel anywhere in the world. On my recent trip back to the states, I extended my layover in Istanbul to explore this magnificent city that is just 2 hours from Zagreb. The comfort and service was more than I expected and I even … Continue reading →

Cruising through Florida and the Caribbean

While growing up, I was always told that the west coast is the best coast. San Diego and California’s diversity made this a statement that was hard to argue, that is until my recent trip to south Florida. It wasn’t my first time traveling to Miami, a city that I adore, a city that makes me feel like I am not in America. Full of culture, good food, amazing beaches and wonderful nightlife makes it one of the best cities in the USA. Miami airport connects the world and before boarding a weeklong cruise through the Caribbean, I decided to … Continue reading →

Becoming a Geisha

As the Land of the Rising Sun was always high on my bucket list, planning a trip there was nothing short of amazing. Magnificent temples, beautiful gardens, exquisite cuisine – all of those were crossed off the list as soon as I arrived to Tokyo. However, I still had one important thing to do – dress up as a Geisha. Knowing that Kyoto was the city where the first official Geisha were licensed, the decision was made quickly. Extensive research, a few e-mails and I had the best place in town – Aya Geisha Makeover. To all of those who … Continue reading →

Omis – A thrill seeker’s paradise

Omis, the town I believe has the most adventure in Croatia. Tucked in the mountains, where the fresh water of the Cetina meets the salt of the sea, is this charming town where one can easily spend a week.  Perfectly located on the seaside, the town is surrounded with beaches, yet offers an old charm feeling of Dalmatia that all travelers are looking for.  One thing that makes Omis more adventurous than any other town is the amount of sporting activities.  The Cetina rivers green color contrasted with the limestone mountains surrounding it feels like the movie set as it … Continue reading →

Croatia’s Gem, Skradin

There’s some places in Croatia where I feel like I really connect. It is some kind of feeling when you drive into the town and the sense of excitement is overwhelming, putting a smile onto your face. This is how I feel in the Skradin, a seaside town at the mouth of the Krka river, where the sea and fresh water meet. The town has a long history and is far more than just a launching point to Krka National Park. Blessed by nature, it is no doubt that the surrounding national parks of Krka and Kornati can’t be missed, … Continue reading →

Gourmet & Wine Night

There’s really no place like Istria, a land rich with soil, sunshine, coastal towns, hilltop villages and some of the best food in the world. Oh wait, maybe I should rephrase that, the best food in the world. One thing about Croatia that most would agree on, is there is not much diversity when it comes to the types of restaurants from other parts of the world. My theory for this is because why should there be? The creativity of the chefs can turn all their local spices, vegetables, fruit, meat and other delicacies into spectacular dishes that you will … Continue reading →

Why Every Guy Should Date A Girl Who Travels

Traveling around the world is hard to keep up with, but surely there’s someone out there to do it alongside you, right? I know lots of women (including myself) who are always getting asked this question, “Why are you single?” My response is usually, “Does it look like I am having a bad time?” Here are 7 reasons why every guy SHOULD date a girl who travels. 1. We aren’t needy– Having a routine is very rare so being able to adjust to every situation is what becomes our routine. 2. We eat everything – Traveling the globe means eating … Continue reading →

Traveling with Mom on the East Coast

  My mom is the best and traveling with her is like going on a getaway with a best friend. Recently we decided we needed to brush up on our history here in the U.S. and explore more of the East Coast. We flew east and then traveled with Amtrak from Boston to Washington D.C. Mom and I loved traveling by train because there was no stress of getting there super early, no long security lines and you got to pick your seat when you were onboard. The trains were always on time and there’s freedom in walking around, you … Continue reading →

Zagreb- A European Delight

When it comes to European hotspots, no place can beat southeastern Europe’s prized jewel, Croatia. The quaint capital city of Zagreb is the perfect blend of old world charm and modern sophistication. Centrally accessible from most major airports in Europe, Zagreb is a great weekend getaway or stop on your way to the Adriatic Sea and islands. The coffee culture is unique in Zagreb and is full of cafes in the squares and on the side streets. I fell in love with the city during my first trip to Croatia in 2009 and I have been going back each and … Continue reading →

My Adventure Through Mexico Cantimplora Travel

  I’ve traveled around the world and back again, but it’s amazing that such a beautiful country is right across the border. I had the pleasure to have an authentic tour through Mexico with Cantimplora (which means canteen in Spanish) Travel. Cantimplora Travel specializes in adventurous and unique excursions through some of Mexico’s most off the beaten path destinations. Here’s the thing, I was told to NOT bring my camera on the trip (yes, this was so hard for me to believe!) because with Cantimplora you travel with a personal photographer. Imagine: never taking out your phone or camera and … Continue reading →

HA LONG BAY- Vietnam

The first few days in Vietnam took our breaths away. After spending about five days in the country, it was finally time to visit a place that I had wanted to visit for quite some time, Ha Long Bay. After a short trip from Central Vietnam, we landed in Hanoi and got picked up by a private driver to take us to the loading dock for our Ha Long Bay adventure. Ha Long Bay, about a four hour drive from Hanoi, is a Unesco World Heritage Site that features thousands of limestone karsts and isles scattered as far as the … Continue reading →

Visiting Vietnam

SE Asia has been on the top of my travel bucket list for quite sometime. 2016 started off with a bang, as I was able to escape to SE Asia for three weeks and finally check it off my list. After months of planning the trip, my SE Asia adventure to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia became a reality. The next few blog posts will take a closer look at some of the most memorable experiences from my Southeast Asian adventure that I took with my brother. First stop on the journey: Vietnam After 18 hours of flying time on … Continue reading →

Traveling Solo at an All-Inclusive

If you haven’t been to an all-inclusive resort, you are missing out on the meaning of vacation.  As the host of GOGO Vacations web series, Paradise Found, I have had the opportunity to experience several all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico.  While each has its own individual touch, the best part is there are SO MANY to choose from that surely one will satisfy what you want as a family, couple, or even solo traveler. Working and having an all-inclusive office for 5 days is a dream come true, but since being introduced to this luxury I’ve become the biggest … Continue reading →

Cruise Like A Norwegian!

Don’t let the name Norwegian Cruise Line deceive you, as there’s nothing but sun onboard Norwegian’s Getaway. Sailing out of Miami, the weeklong journey towards the Bahamas stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas and the Bahamas. Since my jet setting days started, I’m often asked if I like cruising and the answer is YES. While filming this episode of Paradise Found, I have to admit there is nothing better than floating out in the open sea while having to work. However, even when I’m not working I enjoy the floating city lifestyle, the diversity of people the ships attract and … Continue reading →

Taking a risk was my best decision

Four years ago, I was the most anxious I have ever been as I boarded a flight to Croatia.  For about five months prior to my departure I was planning the production of “Wonders of Croatia,” my first TV series that I would own and distribute worldwide as Ashley Colburn Productions.  I had planned 7, one hour episodes highlighting the various regions of the country and the series would air on the National TV station, HRT in Croatia upon completion, followed by other networks worldwide.  I am happy to say that all 7 episodes were filmed in 3 months, but … Continue reading →

The Backseat- A new perspective on traveling

I thought that I knew the best way to see the world, then I got on the back of a motorcycle. Bold statement? Well, try it and then get back to me and maybe you will also agree that it was one of the most fascinating feelings in the world. So you might ask, “Were you experienced?” The answer is no, not at all- in fact I had never been on a motorcycle before. It was completely safe,  even though I will admit I didn’t tell my mom what I was doing. Geared up from head to toe (literally), Moto Adventure … Continue reading →

Share Istria with the WANDER WOMEN

  It’s where the rolling hills meet fairytale towns. It’s where the wine flows right up to the sea. It’s one place in the world, I can return to time and time again and get lost in the mystic vineyards, sparkling sea and medieval towns. I’m a fan of the entire country of Croatia, but in Istria there is special feeling that fills my heart. I grew up in the countryside of San Diego raising lambs and pigs for the county fair, my uncles are farmers and my father is a veterinarian so this farming region full of rich soil, … Continue reading →

Champagne- An Inland Paradise

We often think of that sparkling glass of goodness during moments of celebration or perhaps that rare occasion when upgraded to first class.   During my recent travels to Reims, France, I learned that the word Champagne is so much more than an aperitif. The names Taittinger, Moet, or Veuve might ring a bell and all of these prestigious names come from the northeastern region of France. Also home to the burial site of the father of Champagne, Dom Perignon, the beverage is served all around the clock as this is of course the regions drink of choice. You also will … Continue reading →

HUNTING THE LIGHT

Trying to fill a bucket list most often involves a lot of money and traveling for most people, but in order for me to check another off the list, it meant taking a big chance. Visible during a winter’s night, in what I like to call the top of the world is where I went to search for the Northern Lights. From Alaska to Canada to Scandinavia, you can take the chance in many places, but my route was technically guaranteed – which made my “chancing it” maybe a bit more like cheating (which I wouldn’t change). The Hurtigruten Cruisers … Continue reading →

10 Things that will “WOW” you about Croatia

Istrian Truffles – There’s only three places in the world where you can find the white truffle- France, Italy, and the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. The season is from mid-September to January and while black truffles can be found year round, the white is the real prize, earning up to 2,000 Euros per kilo. The Guinness Book of World Record holder GianCarlo Zigante found a truffle weighing 1.310 kilos near the town of Buje. Istria’s forests full of oak trees are home to the unique mushroom, and if you visit you can go on a hunt with the dogs and … Continue reading →

A Cultural Journey

We all know that Europe is full of history and it could take 5 lifetimes to see every corner, monument, sculpture, or trail. The beauty of Europe is that this allows every journey to be a different and unique experience, there’s truly something for everyone. For the first time in my 20+ trips to Europe I had the opportunity to explore one of Europe’s cultural routes. Cultural routes were launched by the Council of Europe in 1987 and are spread throughout Europe as a way to explore Europe’s past and future regarding human rights, cultural democracy, cultural diversity and identity … Continue reading →

Viking River Cruise- GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR

If not now, when? Many people love to travel, but finding the time, money and company can sometimes put a strain on making a dream a reality. On my recent trip to Europe my mom, Karen, and I decided to experience a river cruise for the first time together. Both fans of cruising, we were excited for all that we would see during our 15-day trip starting in Budapest and finishing in Amsterdam. Traveling through 3 rivers, 5 countries and 68 locks, it was the trip of a lifetime that we will cherish forever. Check out the video below!   … Continue reading →