Category Archives: travel

October 31, 2012 · 8:22 am

i’m a winner & you can be a winner too!

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oui, i’m a winner & i’m tickled pink

sante lola – you are heading back to tres fantastique PARIS!

WHY? because i’m a winner of a FANTASTIC PRIZE even though i didn’t actually win! how is that possible, you ask?! well…

Go with Oh is putting on their TRES FAB Blogger Competition again and i suggest you join in the fun of attempting to win one of their amazing prizes. there are loads of winning opportunities through Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter contests as well!

i can honestly say that last April was one great ride during Go with Oh’s Spring Blogger Contest. between writing a creative piece about what i would do in Paris if i won the contest to promoting it in every way i could think of – it definitely kept my life lively AND got me dreaming about all things Paris! (who couldn’t l’amour daydreaming about that!)

i got a sidekick for photo stunts to promote my entry – lil french can can lola

plus, there were extra unexpected bennies too. like introducing me to a whole lot of other talented travel writers AND growing my own audience on my social media platforms. if you are really clever – like someone i know 😉 – you will partner up with an amazing writer and strike a deal to help each other. you may recall, i didn’t actually WIN this contest yet somehow i’m still getting the prize of a month’s accommodations for free through Go with Oh! may i suggest that you be SMART, WITTY & CREATIVE in your entry, your promotion & in your alliances! HAHA

give me 5 lil lola! we did it…we are headed back to Paris!

keep in touch, s’il vous plait, while i’m on my Eurotour with Leah Travels from November 6 though December 5. we’ll be in Prague, all over Italy, Barcelona, PARIS & London. you can enter the Twitter Bonanza Contest & give us city tips or photo dares.

you see, i’m a WINNER & you could be a winner too! wishing you the BEST OF LUCK on your blog post entries, tweets, Facebook posts, Instragrams, Pinterest boards, etc.

XO – lola

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Filed under europe, italy, london, paris, prague, travel

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October 29, 2012 · 8:54 pm

top romantic European destinations

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ooo la la romantic places, tres bien!

lola mixing cocktails with a cute bartender

i know i’m all talk about flirting with the bartender to score a free cocktail but really lola is a romantic at heart. even though i’m going on a Eurotour with my travel partner in crime, Leah Travels, and don’t have any romantic plans per se with her (HAHA) there is NO DENYING Europe is a tres romantic place!

whether you’re planning your honeymoon or just want to spoil your love interest, it’s hard to beat a romantic getaway to the charming streets of Europe. Paris, Prague, Venice and the Amalfi Coastline are just a few of the most romantic destinations in the world – and you can find them all in the breathtaking surrounds of Europe!

Venice, Italy

one of the most romantic cities, throughout the entire world, Venice is a lover’s paradise. winding canals and historical buildings set the scene for romance in Venice. St Mark’s Basilica is a popular destination amongst all tourists and provides a charming backdrop for the city. while the accommodation in Venice includes the finest lavish features, all of your senses will be delighted during this getaway, with some of the best food & wine in the world. whether you decide to take a leisurely stroll past the Grand Council Chamber or a romantic river cruise through the city, you are sure to enjoy your time in Venice.

the mysterious & romantic Venice

Prague, Czech Republic

imagine walking hand in hand, passing breathtaking sculptures and historical landmarks, as delicate snowflakes brush past your cheek. romantic elegance is the name of the game in Prague, with high-end fashion & chic boutiques lining charming lanes. dining options are virtually endless in Prague, particularly for couples who enjoy fine wines and world-class service. if you’re looking for the perfect place to pop the question, how could they possibly say no, in a city so passionate.

the city of light & l’amour

Paris, France

commonly referred to as the ‘city of love’, Paris is a truly the most romantic destination in Europe, if not the world. cobblestone pathways and historical buildings ooze romance and charm, as you get lost in the streets of this captivating city. if you’re planning to spend a romantic day, exploring the breathtaking sites of the Eiffel Tower & the Louvre, be sure to research Paris holiday deals, for packages that often offer the best prices. exploring the city, hand in hand, or snuggling up beside a crackling fireplace is the picture of ideal romance in beautiful Paris.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

carrying on with the beautiful regions of Italy, a list of the most romantic European destinations would not be complete without a mention of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Moorish-style architecture can be seen covering the coastal cities and towns of the area, providing breathtaking views for travelers. the luxury resorts, which cover the cascading mountainsides, are a popular attraction for couples & honeymooners who want to experience the finer things in life.

traveling BFFs heading off to 3 out 4 romantic destinations! MWAH!!

Leah & i will be hitting 3 out of 4 of these fabulous places. as much as we love each other, there will only be funny moments shared between us! 🙂 having said that, Europe truly is one of the most magical destinations in the world. historical buildings and intricate architecture provide old-world charm that is undeniably captivating. if you’re planning a romantic getaway, jump on a plane to one of these wonderful destinations, for a vacation you’ll always remember.

XO – lola

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October 25, 2012 · 9:36 am

where to party in Europe

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did someone say par-tay?!

party buckets o lola!

most know Europe has an undeniable reputation for being one of the wildest party destinations in the world. whether you’re planning a bachelor party or a girl’s weekend that you’ll never forget, you shouldn’t overlook considering a getaway to one of these – not to be missed – party cities of Europe. AND you know i’m somewhat of a party expert – right? 😉

Ibiza, Spain

claiming the infamous title of the world’s largest party destination, millions of travelers flock to the notorious party island of Ibiza. located of the coast of Spain, this Mediterranean delight hosts some of the biggest and craziest dance parties in the world. while i’ve never been to Ibiza, it is up there on my party scene to-do list. i mean seriously, it’s got everything lola loves. music, drinks, dancing, beaches & blue water! they say if you’re heading to Ibiza for the party of a lifetime, be prepared for many late nights and very early mornings. the before party festivities start from around 11pm, with most of the real action not taking place until 2am, at the earliest. lola better rest up then! during the hours of sunlight, you should plan to rejuvenate those dancing feet on the pristine beaches of Ibiza, along with thousands of other partygoers. well, DUH!

shake that – dancin’ queen!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

often referred to as the party capital of Europe, Amsterdam is a favorite party destination for travelers from all around the world. the ‘anything goes’ vibe of Amsterdam is what entices many young travelers, with most holiday-makers simply looking to have a good time. this is another party destination that i’m dying to hit! some of the world’s best nightclubs can also be found in Amsterdam, hosting the best DJ’s from around the globe. LOVE IT! if you’re looking to find flights to Amsterdam, be sure to check out vacation packages that include accommodations near some of the hottest night spots in the city. i’d be down with a sweet getaway for a deal! Amsterdam is the city that never sleeps, making it a haven for lovers of dance music and endless nights. SIGN. ME. UP.

fire this party up!

Berlin, Germany

now this is one i can actually speak to since i have spent time in Berlin! while it may not be the first place that comes to mind when determining the best party places in Europe, Berlin definitely does make the list of the cities with the best nightlife. with a large student population overflowing onto the streets, partying is the name of the game for most nights in the city of Berlin. what makes Berlin one of the best partying destinations in Europe is that it continues to evolve. unlike many other destinations, which are stuck in the days of fist pumping and go-go dancers, Berlin offers travelers a diverse range of nightlife options. who doesn’t like having choices?! gaining an ever-growing reputation as the cosmopolitan hub of Germany, Berlin is home to a radical art scene, electronic playground and never before seen architecture. if you’re looking for a new place to party, you’ll be amazed by what’s offered in Berlin. i’m ready to return to Berlin myself & have my buddy Travels of Adam show me the hotspots because, you know, he’s a hipster – YEAH!

no party is complete without a good drink!

the list of ‘where to party in Europe’ destinations is virtually endless, but these are three that should definitely not be missed! whatever party scene you’re looking for, you’ll certainly find it in the captivating streets of Amsterdam, the ever-changing city of Berlin or the breathtaking shores of Ibiza.

XO – lola

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Filed under germany, netherlands, spain, travel

October 24, 2012 · 5:38 am

livin’ la vida expat – my expat life

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they say i’m a dreamer – but i’m not the only one (John Lennon)

lola is always the dreamer

soon i’ll be embarking on my longest time away from home in a LONG LONG TIME. i feel this time away will be like a small taste of living the life of an expat. this is something i’ve always dreamt of doing AND, while i think the dream is still a possibility, it DEFINITELY won’t be quite the way lola envisions it. let me tell you why!

in l0la’s dream expat life, i don’t need to work. i can just flit about traveling here and there from my home base. i can shop all the latest & greatest fashions. AND i can eat & drink everything and not gain a pound.

[READ] yeah…that month away in August/September without working out & eating everything in sight. YEP, i’m a good 10 pounds overweight right now.

i can stay up til all hours of the night & still function like i’m 20 the next day.

[READ] tried this, too, in August/September. it’s no longer working. this body needs it’s beauty sleep!! SHUT UP and let me call it that!

anywho… it’s my dream! AND in my expat dream, i will live in PARIS!

i know the first you are thinking is how on earth could lola afford such an extravagant expat life? is she an heiress of some kind or did she win the lotto? she always jokes about needing a sugar daddy so maybe she finally found herself one or perhaps 2! surely this lifestyle would require a couple!!

no matter the details of how i have my small fortune that keeps me traveling on without a care in the world. i suppose i should consider an international bank account to put money into so i can get my hands on it from anywhere. that should make things easier for my trustee too. goodness knows dealing with me isn’t always an easy job. just ask my sugar daddies 😉

BUT i digress, i know living in Paris might be nightmare for some people but for me it seems like a dream come true. (i’m SO excited that i will have over a week in Paris in one month’s time. Cinderella moment for sure!)

what would lola do in Paris…well, i referred to things i will do on my Eurotour BUT as an EXPAT, well, that would be another thing.

like i said, i would make Paris my home base and would certainly explore other parts of France that have LONG been a dream of mine! like the Champagne region – because, well, i wanna go where the birth of the bubbly began! AND i’ve always wanted to see Mont Saint Michel with my own eyes. then there’s the French Riviera. yes, i’ve driven that gorgeous coastline but haven’t done the whole yacht/beach/party scene and that is something lola should do in her lifetime.

then there’s all the other FAB countries in the EU waiting for a visit from moi. of course, i’d be doing a few repeats BUT there are many that i’ve never visited waiting to be ticked off my to-do list. LIKE Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden & Croatia – just to name a few!

can you imagine all the wine, cheese & chocolate i’d be eating?! it would be fantastic and i would still look super model skinny-ISH 😉 AND what of all the shopping i could do?!?! i’d have to use steamer trunks to get it all home after my stint of expat life.

BUT alas, this is just a dream – not reality & i must wake up and get ready for my real little expat tour next month. be on the lookout – your princess is on her way, petit prince!

bonjour! XO – lola

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October 23, 2012 · 8:05 am

cambodia starts with the letter P

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PCAMBODIA

i know what you are thinking… either there’s a silent P in the word Cambodia or lola has lost it and no longer knows how to spell! there’s NO silent P. the ‘lost it’ part, well, the world can be my judge!

when i reflected on so much of what i saw and learned in my two and half weeks in Cambodia many of the adjectives and objects, as it turned out, began with the letter P. of course there are plenty of other words that describe this fascinating and wonderful place too.

here are some P Cambodia words:

PHNOM PENH – the capital city of Cambodia.

POOLS – little sanctuaries of water can be found throughout the country.

PASSION FRUIT – found in cocktails, smoothies and salads everywhere.

PAJAMAS – not just for nighttime! pajamas are a daytime fashion statement in Cambodia.

PRAYERS – incense & candles burning everywhere for the spirits that have passed on.

PIGS – crossing roads, hanging from street carts, served as an offering to ancients in prayer for rain.

PEACEFUL – quiet soft-spoken people. buddhist monks are everywhere in Cambodia.

PHOTOGENIC – beautiful people with gorgeous smiles who enjoy having their photo taken.

POSITIVITY – despite their difficult past and slow path forward, people have an overall positive attitude.

PEDICURES – fish pedicures are a common practice in Cambodia.

POOR – people are living in poverty.

PRETTY – once you get over the culture shock you can see through the differences in lifestyle and find the beauty. the beauty of the thatched roofed houses and hammocks swinging. the painted cement block houses. the brightly colored scooters. the multiple different tuk tuks. the store front after store front offering the same things that suddenly become pretty.

POLLUTED – not only are there trash pollution problems but the trucks and scooters everywhere burning god knows what kind of gas certainly doesn’t help with air quality.

PALACES – from the royal palace in Phnom Penh to the temples of Siem Reap, there is beautiful architecture everywhere in Cambodia.

PALM TREES – it is tropical, let’s not forget, and this added bonus only made lola love Cambodia more.

PENANG CHICKEN – a meal i frequently had & loved while in Cambodia – yum.

PEOPLE – people everywhere. sprinkling the streets, sidewalks, country roads. sitting in their thatched houses – smiling & waving back at you.

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Filed under cambodia, phnom penh, siem reap, travel

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