The Savvy Traveler :: Marc

[trip style = active & adventure + beach + wine tasting]

Panama hat, check. Linen suit, check. Hairy and extraordinary travel tales, check. Marc, aka Marc Passion, calls himself an ordinary guy seeking extraordinary travel experiences, but I think you have to be more than ordinary to get into some of the off-beat and outta sight situations he's captured. With a filming partner, Marc---always wearing the Panama hat and linen suit---records his travel adventures on video and uploads them to his website, Marc Passion Travel. I met the Aussie adventurer in Vancouver last year and was wowed by his work-play balancing act and h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s travel stories from parts of the world other travelers wouldn't dare go. With this, meet May's Savvy Traveler!

1/ Your top three trip styles and why?
This is a hard one because my lifestyle allows me to pick any trip style at any time. I work in a gold mine in Tanzania and my roster is six weeks on, four weeks off, so I can pick short bursts here and there, or focus on longer and genuine experiences. As I get older, I prefer the luxurious approach.

[trip style = active & adventure] Lately I've been into adventure/sporting trips, snowboarding in Beaver Creek, Colorado. I'm also going to hit-up the indoor ski facility, Ski Dubai, for a day on my way back to Tanzania.

[trip style = beach] A beach holiday is always good. I'm actually writing this on my brand new iPad, overlooking the sun-drenched coastline with a nice cold Asahi beer from the pool bar at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast.

[trip style = wine tasting] Last week I visited the Hunter Valley wine region. It produces 2% of Australia's wine. It's luxury to the max at Spicers Vineyard Estate, a beautiful accommodation that's tucked into the vineyard's rolling hills.

2/ What's the stickiest situation you've been in while filming a travel video?
I've been in a few funny situations in the past whilst filming. But then again, I'd say funny simply because I couldn't believe what was happening in front of my eyes. I was with a friend in Vancouver during the Stanley Cup finals when the Canucks lost! Some people rioted in the streets, and on our way home we got caught in the tear gas.... not enjoyable.... but certainly a situation to look back on and laugh. Another was in Vietnam trying snake blood: my reactions in this video say it all. The stickiest situation was in Cambodia with the army. We found a place to buy some large guns to shoot in the middle of the bush, an hour from Phnom Penh. It was only after the day finished, we realized how easily we could have been robbed or kidnapped.

3/ The destination that has/will make you a return visitor?
Vietnam! Absolutely. I spent a month there traveling from top to bottom, and stayed away from most tourists. The people, scenery, food and culture are simply amazing and I'm planning another trip soon---hopefully before tourists have completely taken over.

4/ Last trip, next trip and what destination{s} are on your radar?
I'm currently home for the first time in seven months, but I'm not going to count this as a trip. My last trip was to Denver and Boulder for just over three weeks. I visited Strawberry Springs in Steamboat for a thermo pool session, Colorado Springs for an mouth-watering breakfast burrito and hiked up the Flatirons in Boulder. Colorado is definitely the place to be for fresh air and a cold beer from microbreweries aplenty. It has a ton to offer and I plan to keep on exploring the destination in June when I return to North America, and likely add on a trip to the sand dunes in southern Colorado as well as venture into Yellowstone in Wyoming or Moab, Utah.

5/ You're from Oz, what are your top three suggestions for travelers seeking a local experience in Australia?
I was born and bred in Sydney, so anything to do with the water makes me feel right at home, and that does NOT mean hitting up Bondi Beach! Instead, try: Maroubra Beach, quieter and just as nice, or head up the coast to Lennox Head for locals surfing spots. Hanging out on Sydney Harbour is another favorite pastime. I've been lucky enough to have a cousin who operates Morpheus Cruises, and I can't remember how many times I've floated past the Opera House or the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Lastly, let's talk beer and meat! A true Aussie experience wouldn't be complete without a massive steak on the barbecue and an ice-cold beer in hand. I've only been back a week and I've already cooked up three barbecue dinners with more to come... Cheers!

More Savvy Travelers
Marissa, 30 By 30
Jason, Living To Travel
Marissa, Vacation Time Escapist

{If you know anyone who should be featured in our once-monthly The Savvy Traveler series, drop us a line!}

[photo c/o marc]

KinderHop :: Family-Friendly Big Island

[trip style = sun + beach]

{KinderHop is published on the third Monday of every month and written by Trip Styler’s Seattle-based kid ‘n family writer Keryn.}

The Big Island of Hawaii isn’t known for its nightlife or high-rise hotels, Mother Nature’s playground is day-centric leaving plenty of time for a family to explore. Parents will fall in love with the food, diverse activities and endless escapes far from the hectic pace of everyday life. Kids will be thrilled to try their hand at boogie boarding, swimming with tropical fish and building black sand castles. Here's a few of our family's top spots:

Beaching It Kahalu’u Beach Park just south of Kona boasts the perfect playground for small children: rock-protected pools. Bonus: parents can take turns snorkeling at one of the best spots on the island. On the east side of the park, be sure to check out the Wai’opae ponds. Toddlers can peer into the tide pools while mom or dad take older siblings into the deeper pools.

Your little ones will be screaming for more at Kua Bay where the surf is just big enough to do some boogie boarding. Inexperienced swimmers should stick close to an adult. The undertow can be fierce.

For the much younger set, head south to Ho’okena Beach Park for some gentle waves to introduce young riders to the art of boogie boarding and wave jumping.

Hiking Trekking through Volcano National Park is a must whenever you are on the island. If you can spend the night in the area it will give you even more time to fully explore this seismic wonder. Kids will love creeping through the lava tubes and walking around the top of Kilauea Crater. Make sure you stay after dark to see the crater’s smoke glowing bright orange.

Up Close with Nature For a peak at the island’s famous black sand beaches drive down to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach to say hello to sea turtles taking a siesta in the sun. Keep your distance though; state law protects these creatures from sticky fingers {and adults are the worst culprits}.

Eat Let your taste buds take over at Island Lava Java, a breakfast hot spot with a view. Don’t’ be fooled by the beach-bum coffee shop interior; the menu is anything but. Weekends feature a guava bread pudding French toast, which is a hit with diners both young and old. For a little more romance head back after dark to dine by candlelight.

Shopping/ Meet the Locals Stock up on exotic fruits and local wears at any number of farmers markets around the island. The Kona Farmers Market is the easiest to find, but for a true peak into local life head to the Pahoa Farmers Market on Sundays.

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More KinderHop Making Hotel Rooms Work With Kids KinderHop – Meet The Columnist

[photos via keryn of @walkingontravel]

Roam+Board :: Hotel De La Paix

[trip style = beach + sun + affordable luxe]

{Editor’s Note :: April’s destination focus is Thailand. Last week we featured a modern, all-villa resort 3.5 hrs from Bangkok, and today Hotel De La Paix! PS – I just left this resort on Monday and it’s ultra TS approved!}

What Without a big brand name or travel editors' hot pick location, Hotel De La Paix is grandiose-chic with big-picture pizzaz. Upon arrival you are met by massive white marble stairs, which lead to a modern, open-air lobby looking over a reflections pool covering the vast length of the property.

At every turn this swish stopover is refreshing and edited, knowing its target market with p-r-e-c-i-s-i-o-n. Catering to the younger jetsetting crowd {not a lot of seniors here}, each room has its own wifi router, Apple TV, ambient chill music and 12ft ceilings with a 2 x 3ft rain shower cascading from above {<-- somewhat shaky video, but hopefully you get a refresher}.

Foodies will love the international breakfast buffet with its carrot muffin shooters, fresh honeycomb, and grilled bananas with coconut sauce, in addition to all the regular brunchy suspects. And don't even get me started on the resort's tropical vanilla signature scent gently permeating from the hallways right through to the in-room shower amenities.

Keep Hotel De La Paix on your Thailand radar. This luxe, meticulously kept property is manicured like a Thai Royal.

Where Just before Hua Hin, Thailand at Cha-Am Beach, two hours from Bangkok. A one-way car transfer costs $115.

When High season spans November to February with cool and balmy weather {33 degrees C “feels like” 45}. Shoulder season is mid-September to October and mid-March to April with hotter weather and less predictable precipitation. Low season is May to August due to ultra-hot and rainy conditions, but usually you get a bit of warning before a short-lived torrential downpour!

Who/Why You're an international vagabond who likes the taste of Thai city life, but doesn't want to be stuck between bars and massage parlors in the middle of town. You bring your iPad to the pool with you and appreciate the small touches, like oversized loungers with enough space to put your beach bag and scatter your beach paraphernalia.

Cost Rooms start at $140/night in high season. Includes comet-fast wifi, an elaborate breakfast buffet, a shuttle into Hua Hin, mini bar {with beer} and morning yoga.

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More Roam+Board X2 Kui Buri - Thailand Ecopod Boutique Retreat – Scotland The Saguaro AZ – Scottsdale Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix Llipimpac Guesthouse – Cusco, Peru Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle – Florida Keys Nira Alpina – Switzerland From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos by @tripstyler---see additional shots of Hotel De La Paix via Trip Styler's Instagram]

Roam+Board :: X2 Kui Buri

[trip style = beach + sun + affordable luxe]

{Editor’s Note :: April's destination focus is Thailand, and this is the first of a few features we'll post this month. PS - I am at this resort RIGHT now and it's TS approved!}

What Sun-bleached and wind-swept boardwalks connect X2 Kui Buri's 23 villas with an inky mosaic-tiled pool, open-air restau-bar and sweeping unmanicured beach with a fresh catch of fishing boats dotting the shore. Seriously secluded, it's raw, modern and its brand of chic is unravelled sans jewels, hairdos, resort wear and this season's it lip shade.

The X2 zigs where other resorts zag. Check-in and check-out times are flexible. Instead of a big bouquet of flowers at reception, there's a floor-al arrangement of green stems arranged in alternate directions. A beach bag with two oversized yellow towels awaits guests in every room.

Rectangular concrete villas are constructed of local stone, each with private, outdoor rain showers and apropos touches like in-room issues of Wallpaper* magazine {Thai edition}. Bring all your essentials because this place is off the charts--and the grid.

Where Just past Hua Hin, Thailand, beside a small fishing village, 3.5 hours from Bangkok. A one-way car transfer costs $150.

When High season spans November to February due to cool and balmy weather---by Thai standards---{33 degrees C "feels like" 45} with lower humidity and clear skies. Shoulder season is mid-September to October and mid-March to April with hotter weather and less predictable precipitation. Low season is May to August due to ultra-hot and rainy conditions, but usually you get a bit of warning before a short-lived torrential downpour!

Who/Why You like to be connected while away from it all---your version of getting off the grid. Dwell magazine takes center stage on your iPad and "clean lines" are your only architectural lines. Scenesters beware, this ain't no Koh Phangan full moon party; nightlife includes watching the sunset, waiting for the stars to appear and dining al fresco.

Cost Villas start at $130/night in high season. Includes wifi, a champagne breakfast and a jazz-meets-chill-meets-elevator-music soundtrack.

—————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader, AND interact with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! ——————————————————

More Roam+Board Ecopod Boutique Retreat - Scotland  The Saguaro AZ – Scottsdale Arizona Biltmore – Phoenix Llipimpac Guesthouse – Cusco, Peru Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle – Florida Keys Nira Alpina – Switzerland From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos by @tripstyler]

The Savvy Traveler :: Marissa

[trip style = active & adventure + wine tasting + beach]

Marissa is a loyal student of any task she takes on---be it fashion design, tai chi, triathlons or travel. After a recent e-introduction to this 29-year-old traveler, I was impressed by her energy, drive and the personal challenge she set to visit 30 countries by the time she's 30. A serious athlete her whole life, she doesn't let jetsetting slow down her pace, in fact, the local forms of working out she picks up along the way only add to her active lifestyle and fuel ideas for her business. Nine to five she's a fashion designer who studied in Italy and at the Parsons School of Design in NYC, and has since founded her own line of activewear. Now at the helm of BORELLI Design she creates apparel inspired by her life on the go. Meet April's Savvy Traveler, Marissa, and find her online on Twitter and Facebook!

1/ Your top 3 trip styles and why?
[trip style = active & adventure] I have trouble relaxing, even when I’m on vacation. The best places I’ve visited so far for fitness and adventure are New Zealand; Moab, Utah; Vietnam {hiking the rice patties in the hilltop village of Sapa is a killer workout} and Lake Tahoe, California.

[trip style = wine tasting] I never pass up a wine tasting trip. In Napa we stop by two to three wineries post spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn or Indian Springs Resort.

[trip style = beach] Out of the 29 countries I’ve visited, so far 23 have involved a day or week at the beach. Anguilla and Captiva Island {off of Florida} have the softest sand I’ve ever felt. My mind is clearer and more creative when I’m near the water. I run or walk along the beach daily in San Diego.

2/ How do you stay in shape while traveling?
I stretch while waiting to board my flight or do squats in the hallways. My favorite way to see a new place is to explore on a run or a hike. I see getting lost in a destination as a good thing, and often find local gems off the beaten path. I refuse to go to the gym while traveling. Instead I try out the local workouts, for example, in India I took a yoga class and attended Laughing Club {works all the muscles in your belly while teaching you why Indian people are so happy}.

3/ What is the ONE THING, you won't travel without?
A Borelli scarf. It's the most versatile accessory I own. On the plane I use it as a scarf or a blanket---airline blankets are useless and scratchy. If I'm at the beach, its built-in SPF 20 provides sun protection. Post hike or waterfall jump I throw it on as a skirt or dress and it dries in minutes! While I'm away, I wash it in my hotel room's shower or sink and lay it out to dry. The more you wash it the softer it becomes!

4/ Last trip, next trip & what destination{s} are on your radar?
Last trip: Cabo San Lucas. We stayed at the Villa La Estancia for a week. I took the SUP (stand up paddle board) out daily and we celebrated my 29th birthday dancing on a boat at sunset.

Next Trip: Belize. Four days in a resort, three days at a yoga retreat. I will be researching textiles for Spring/Summer 2013 and attempting to relax.

On my radar: Completing the 30 by 30 challenge in Iceland. I’m excited to hike a glacier and volcano in the same day.

5/ Either/or...
Beach or pool? Beach, no question. The perfect combination would be a hot tub in the sand after a swim or wakeboarding session.

Mojito or margarita? Mojito. We grow our own mint because we like as much and mint and lime as the tongue can handle, with just a pinch of sugar.

Big or boutique hotel? Boutique. The smaller the better. In Mykonos we were the only people at the hotel and were invited to dine with the owners! It felt like our own home.

Walk or cab? I rarely take cabs, even when I lived in NYC.

Checked bag or carry-on? A bright red Swiss Army carry-on I picked up in London. I spent five weeks in New Zealand, Australia and India with only a carry-on!

More Savvy Travelers
Jason, Living To Travel
Shaun, Packing Like A Rock Star
Christina, Taking Care Of Biz

{If you know anyone who should be featured in our once-monthly The Savvy Traveler series, drop us a line!}

[photo c/o marissa]