Category Archives: Leaps (travel-related stories)

Wine Lovers Guide to East Coast Beaches

by Jack
I love wine and as I came to appreciate it more and more the concept of “terroir” gained a firm role in defining what I love about it. A French term, terroir is the combination of grape varietal, soil and climate that together produce a unique and distinct wine. This is integral to the prominence of celebrated wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany and Napa where each are heralded for wines of a recognizable character from varietals well suited to their specific conditions. The ripe velvety Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa, the crisp, steely Chardonnays of Chablis, have their own special characteristics not found in Cabs or Chards from other regions.

Which brings me to Garrigue, another French term. Garrigue refers to aromatic mix of resinous herbs and shrubs in the rocky hills of southern France. Lavender, thyme, cedar and salt air combine on the warm ocean breezes to create an unforgettable perfume. Many say these transfer into the wines of the region as well. I was reflecting on this during a recent beach vacation and thought I could identify a “Garrigue” for each of my favorite seaside venues along with a wine or two that share it. Continue reading →

The Family that Travels Together…

Stays in the Same House Together!

The Looks and Leaps family recently traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a week. The weather was fantastic and the ocean was beautiful – but part of the fun was living together in an awesome beach house! We’d like to share some of our favorite things and recommendations as you plan your summer getaways! Continue reading →

Zip it. Zip it good.

by Wendy
I have friends and work colleagues who look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I pack carry-on only. “But what about your toiletries?” they ask incredulously. I think they’re wondering if I become a hippie when I travel, packing a zip-top bag full of patchouli and little else.

No, that is not the case. Would a hippie throw out that excellent Devo-inspired post title? At the same time, you generally can’t be super high-maintenance for this to work. You may have to compromise on brands and your usual routine. And of course, sometimes carry-on only is not ideal for certain long trips, or if you’re packing a lot of sports equipment, or traveling with kids.

I really like to travel light, but give it a try and decide for yourself. For anyone who feels like toiletries are an impediment to carry-on only, here are some tips that may help.

Continue reading →

Life in the Carry On

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

I am not a faithful “carry on only” traveler.  I usually check a larger piece of luggage and then take a small carry on for the plane.  When traveling stand by with my 5 year old, this is the best option for me.  To make my life easier when it comes to packing and traveling, I have certain items that “live” in my carry on all of the time so that I don’t have to remember to pack them from trip to trip. Here is a quick peek into life in my carry on.

Continue reading →

Disneyland versus Disney World

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

Remember the game “versus” that April highlighted in her recent Enjoy the Journey post?  (If you haven’t read it yet, click here!) For a die-hard Disney fan the ultimate versus lies in this quandary: Disneyland or Walt Disney World?

I am going to give you my list of why both are great as well as tips and suggestions for visiting each resort.

Continue reading →

Looks and Leaps Sisters Interview

by April, Sunny and Wendy
We were so excited to participate in the Travel Fashion Girl interview series! Do you know about this amazing website? Travel Fashion Girl is an awesome resource – packing lists for practically every destination or type of trip, product reviews, beauty tips, and tons of style and travel inspiration – all topics the Looks and Leaps sisters love. Be sure to check it out!

And a big, warm THANK YOU to Alex and Travel Fashion Girl for the interview! Very fun!

The French are Charming. And so are You.

by Wendy
Even though Paris is one of the most popular destinations on the planet, some travelers worry they will encounter icy or disdainful attitudes from the French. But we know better, don’t we! We know one of the rewarding things about travel is dispelling stereotypes and kicking unfair generalizations to the curb. We protest the descriptions of rude French and ugly Americans. We realize people can be annoying in every locale, but they barely register as a blip compared to all the nice people we know.

For anyone still feeling skeptical, here are a few tips on getting to know France a little better. Quit being the kid in school who teases France because you secretly have a crush. Find your courage and invite France to prom already. Use these suggestions at your own risk. I’m not liable if you start watching Amelie every weekend and reserving your entire travel budget for trips to Paris. Continue reading →

Stories from Salzburg and The Sound of Music Tour

by Wendy
This year is the 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music – the beloved, iconic film with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. You know you love it. The romance, suspense, technicolor scenery – and of course, catchy songs. April and I were kids before VHS tapes were ubiquitous, and it was a special event when The Sound of Music was on tv. We got to stay up late and enjoy fresh popcorn with melted butter (no microwave stuff) and during commercial breaks, likely twirled around in our nightgowns like Liesl. So when April and I went to Europe as college students, we decided to go on The Sound of Music Tour. Really. A bus tour of various locations in Salzburg that were used in the making of an American movie classic that we were told Austrians have either never heard of, or can’t stand. What fun! Continue reading →