Dream Destination: The Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia

Day dreaming is a huge part of travel. How else would you know where to go next? I'm always thinking about where my next adventure might be and all the delicious food and drinks I'll consume when I finally arrive. My latest fantasy? The recently opened Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia.

This view makes me long for warmer weather. How about you?

Just to give you some background, The Landings is a beachfront AAA Four Diamond property that comes complete with a 7,000 square-foot spa, 85 suites and its own private yacht marina. But let's get to what's really important: The Turquoise Beach Bar. Every traveler knows that the only thing better than a beach view is a great cocktail. And this bar combines both into one great package.

Colorful, mixed cocktails are the perfect companion to a killer beach view.

Guests can order wine, beer or liquor. But since this is an alfresco, ocean-side bar, nothing goes better with a great view than a fantastic mixed drink. One true highlight here is the "Sweet Euphoria.” Each glass of this special drink is a unique blend of vodka, mixes and garnishes. Every bartender here has his or her own recipe. The staff doesn't share their creations, so you're guaranteed to get a delicious, surprising beverage. 

Although I've never been there, perhaps a trip to St. Lucia is in my future. And with any luck, I'll be sitting at The Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia with a sweet cocktail in one hand. I don't know about you, but I'll drink to that. Cheers!

All photos by Mikkel Paige

An Ode to the Lost Art of Train Travel

As a traveler, I appreciate the journey just as much as the destination. Some of my best memories are of looking out the window of speeding trains, airplanes and automobiles. The best way to see Italian countryside is via train. I'll never forget the beautiful views I took in when I was driving on the Snoqualmie Parkway as I left Washington state. OK, so I don't love airline travel (who does, really?), but I'll always relish being upgraded to business class when I flew from London to D.C. The first words out of the flight attendant's mouth when I sat down: "Champagne or tea?"

Train views of Virginia countryside. 

And I love the train. It's romantic. The WiFi's always free. You actually have room to move around. The rocking is reassuring. The occasional train whistles break up the monotony. I will admit that some trains are a little outdated, and the food is way overpriced. But there's something about train travel that can't be beat. Whenever I'm on a train, I feel like it could be straight out of a scene from a black and white flick. It's old school and under appreciated in so many ways. I just wish Humphrey Bogart would swoop in and buy me a drink.

I'll admit this isn't the best photo, but doesn't it look like a scene from a really old film?

An editor I worked with once remarked that it's nice to have time set aside where you just have to sit. I find that I get more done. Maybe knock out those latest assignments or make some serious headway on the book I'm reading. I guess the writer in me appreciates that. It was no surprise to me when Amtrak debuted its residency program. The train is the best place to catch up on work and admire your surroundings. Be sure to take the train at some point, put it in your list. And get ready to be transported.