Destination: Down Under

April 13, 2026April 13, 2026 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Four Days in Australia: Gold, Coastlines & Barefoot Adventures

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Australia, it’s this: you don’t do anything halfway even when you only have four days to explore it.

We hit the ground running (quite literally) when we landed in Sydney on April 10th… and instead of easing into vacation mode, we hopped in a car and drove. And drove. And drove some more. Our destination? Australia’s Sunshine Coast. A trek that can only be described as “ambitious” (and by ambitious, I mean LONG). Three days later, we did it all over again in reverse. Let’s just say… we got very well acquainted with Australian highways.

Our 1000km trek (both ways) brought us along some gorgeous coastal towns, eucalyptus forests and thoughts of the California Coast.

Striking Gold in the Most Unexpected Way

One of the absolute highlights of our trip so far was heading to Gympie: a town with a rich gold mining past. Back in the 1860s, Gympie quite literally saved the economy of Queensland during a financial downturn thanks to its gold discoveries. Naturally, we decided to try our luck.

We secured a prospector’s license and made our way to Deep Creek for a little fossicking (which, for my fellow Americans, is Aussie-speak for gold hunting). And guess what? We actually found gold! Now, before you picture us retiring early… it was a tiny nug, but still! There’s something wildly exciting about holding even the smallest glimmer of gold that you found yourself.

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Coastal Views That Felt Like Home

We also spent time at Kings Beach, and I have to say it gave me serious California vibes. If you’ve ever driven through Monterey or Big Sur, you know exactly what I mean. The dramatic coastline, the rolling waves, the relaxed beach culture… it felt both familiar and completely new at the same time.

Australia’s eastern coastline (at least the part we saw) is absolutely stunning and surprisingly reminiscent of the U.S. West Coast, just with a slightly more laid-back, flip-flop-all-day energy.

A Few Observations from Down Under

Now let’s talk about the things you don’t necessarily read in the guidebooks:

Speeding? Not really a thing.
Australians are very well-behaved drivers – at least in the speed category. We’re convinced it has something to do with the ever-present cameras. Big Brother is definitely watching, and everyone knows it.
Shoes and shirts are… optional?
I’m not kidding. We saw people barefoot in grocery stores, rest stops, and even at Australia Zoo. And shirts? Also negotiable. It’s a whole new level of casual that honestly made me question all my life choices involving footwear.
Meat Pies. We were told we had to try them – so we did. We had a croc meat pie and a kangaroo meat pie. The croc tasted like chicken (surprise) and the roo tasted like a cross between pork and beef.
Camping is practically a national pastime.
There were campers everywhere! And these campers were BEEFY with high chasses and bigger wheels – perfect for Outback exploring. Australians seem to love camping just as much as we do in the States, if not more.
Life on the lighter side. I love the playfulness of the Aussies – from fun chip flavors to clever marketing on spices and toilet paper rolls, the Aussies don’t seem to take life too seriously. Don’t sweat the small stuff, right?
Gas pumps are lightning fast.
This might sound random, but it’s worth noting that fueling up here is impressively fast and efficient. This is something us New Englanders would appreciate in the dead of winter. Also it’s important to note that gas is between $5USD and $6USD per gallon here.
The vibe feels… familiar.
At the end of the day, Australians remind me a lot of Americans. There’s a shared spirit; friendly, adventurous, casual, and always ready for a good time.

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Final Thoughts

Four days was nowhere near enough to fully experience Australia, but it was more than enough to fall a little bit in love with it.

From chasing gold in creeks to cruising along breathtaking coastlines (and adjusting to barefoot grocery shopping), this quick adventure gave us just a taste of what makes Australia so special.

Would I do the long drive again? Ask me after I’ve recovered for a few days on a cruise ship with nothing to do but chill.
Would I come back? In a heartbeat.

What’s in Your Bucket?

April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

What makes a “Bucket List” trip for a travel professional? We do have LISTS. These consist of destinations, activities, people to travel with and special journeys we wish to undertake as our lives and experiences progress. I image this list morphs through time; when you’re young, you want the party, the adventure, the crazy things to do like skydiving in Switzerland or hiking to a remote village in Chili. When you have children, you list includes fun things you can do together or your own childhood experiences you wish for your OWN children to experience. Or maybe that special adult trip without the littles. I am in that “empty nester” stage – my kids are young adults, and while I still LOVE traveling with them and experiencing the world with them, I feel like I have the ability now to place my own lists first and foremost.

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I have had the great fortune to take bucket list trips before. Perhaps it comes with the territory; I am a travel agent for a reason – I LOVE travel. It would be a logical sequence to imagine that I do it often – and I do!

But THIS bucket list trip is extra special – because I am going on the ultimate type of travel – – TIME travel. OK, that might be a little dramatic, but I am going so far BACK in time that I will arrive in the FUTURE! How does this work, you might ask? I’m going to Australia!!!

We depart on Day 1 and travel BACK in time (west) so far that we cross the International Date Line and end up in TOMORROW (we land on Day 3). That is pretty RAD!!!

We will only have 4 nights in Australia (you’ll have to check back in to see what we do), then we board a cruise bound for Hawaii! What an adventure it will be. I hope you will join in the fun and follow along!

It’s Been a While

March 27, 2026March 25, 2026 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

I’m still here. Still booking amazing, bucket list trips for the best clients on the planet, still living the dream. But it has been a while since my last blog. A LONG while!

Why, you might ask? Well, in October of 2021, we decided to sell our new build house and buy one that needed a rescue. And that’s what we did. In December of 2021, we moved into a literal disaster and began a bucket list project that is still a dream! We are still working on this old home revival, but as you can see from the photo above, our house “Delilah” has come a long way!

In the meantime, the travel business is booming, my husband retired, my son entered the workforce and my daughter went to college. We said goodbye to a sweet old kitty and doggie, said hello to two new kittens and a rescue pup from Arkansas, and taken some pretty EPIC trips along the way!

We explored ancient Egypt!

We renewed our wedding vows on our 20th anniversary in St Lucia.

We acted like kids again at Disney (a few times).

We “safaried” in Kenya – talk about EPIC!

We camped, road tripped, cruised and relaxed on beaches. The best part about the past 4.5 years has been the memories made with so many loved ones! That is why we travel and I why I do what I do. I am blessed beyond measure and I would like to share my experiences with others once again.

That’s a glimpse into my life for the past 4+ years! And I wanted to revive my blog because I am practicing what I preach and getting ready to embark on my own bucket list trip in a couple of weeks. I want you to come along with me. Check back soon to find out all the details, some packing tips and what it looks like when a travel agent travels!

It’s great to be back!

A Summer in Review

October 5, 2021September 29, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Maine is a beautiful place to celebrate summer, and I happen to live here! Every summer seems to arrive late and leave too soon, but for those few short months of bliss, we grab the sun by its rays and try to pull it closer! Here is a look at our summer in pictures….

Our son graduated this June, became an Eagle Scout and our daughter turned 15. We were busy people!

Our daughter started working this summer – two jobs in fact….one doing barn work and another bussing and hosting at one of our iconic seacoast restaurants in Perkins Cove called Barnacle Billy’s. I worked there as a younger woman and in fact, the last summer I worked there I found out we were expecting…and thus, Charlotte is affectionately known as the “Barnacle Baby”. Both of her work locations lend to some beautiful photos – I hope you enjoy them.

We celebrated my mom’s 70th birthday in July and took a fun touristy trip off the coast of Maine for an authentic lobster bake! My mom’s cousin joined and we had a fabulous time together on a rainy, windy July day!

We undertook our annual family camping week at Long Lake this summer. This trip is always such a joy – spending it with my mom and step dad, my sister and her family, and next year, my other sister and her girls will be joining us once again! This week is full off memory making experiences, camp fires, tubing, boating, great food and lots of laughs. It is a week I cherish and look forward to every year!

My “second daughter” came to visit and we took a little road trip to Philly to bring her to the airport. We had a blast in our short visit there!

In August, Charlotte and I undertook a mission trip to Mexico with our church. We grew as people and as daughters of God. Our mission there is dear to our hearts and we were able to also meet one of the children we sponsor – we are blessed by knowing these wonderful people!!

Later in August, Charlotte, Kelly and I visited Jamaica on the tail end of a tropical depression and enjoyed some family time there (missing Kelton, who was holding down the fort and working). We enjoyed the beautiful waters, wonderful people and steamy hot weather!

To wrap it up, my mom and I celebrated her birthday again on the cruise ship Carnival Horizon. We had a wonderful time, talking about our family history, laughing and trying new things! A time for making great memories!

I can’t even believe we had all this fun in three months! Along with our ups, we did have some downs, but life happens every day – and like Carnival Cruise Line, we Smiths Choose Fun. Make the memories. Fulfill the dreams. Love.

Perks and Recreation – Episode 6 – Touring Day 3 & 4 – Sandals Royal Plantation and Beaches Ocho Rios

September 27, 2021September 21, 2021 / Denise Smith / 2 Comments

We wrapped up our touring with Sandals Royal Plantation and Beaches Ocho Rios. Sandals Royal Plantation is a boutique style, ALL BUTLER, ultra luxury accommodation. The fortunate folks who stay at this small but stunning resort can party at their neighbor, Ochi Beach (but the poor saps from Ochi Beach cannot visit the Plantation).

The views from Royal Plantation were amazing – they were getting ready to set up for a wedding while we were there and MAN! I can’t even imagine what those pictures will look like. This even more exclusive offering from the Sandals brand hones in on the opportunities presented by having a small and more private experience. Each guest reservation is assigned not one, but TWO butlers – your Beach Butler and your Room Butler – Say What??? Talk about service!!!

Our last stop (other than a pretty fun golf cart tour of Sandals Gold Club in Ocho Rios) was the Beaches Ocho Rios Resort. This family friendly resort boasts a wonderful kids club and of course, Sesame Street characters! Beaches specializes in vacations for all families, with special training in autism and special needs, making the Beaches brand the perfect family vacation. Another cool fact – most resorts and resort brands begin to offer kids clubs at age 3 or 4; Beaches is from birth – with a 3 to 1 ratio for babies. Families will not find a more amazing opportunity for rest, relaxation, and memory making than a Beaches resort.

I loved the water park at this Beaches resort, and the service was fabulous and fun – but the resort itself was a bit run down and outdated. Its quirkiness was interesting, but it lacked continuity. It was created out of three different resorts in the 1980s and that is evident in the differing styles. Interesting facts – the Gift Shop is the place that used to house Liz Taylor when she came to visit the part of the resort that USED to be the Playboy Resort back in the day. In fact, the penthouse of this Beaches resort was Hugh Hefner’s penthouse. Kind of ironic, I think!

Strangely enough, there are NO Butler suites at this resort (not even the penthouse) – which I find a bit strange – but it is the lead in resort in this brand.

Overall – it is a fun resort but not one I would feel comfortable recommending unless certain criteria were met.

I know there are people that wonder what the heck I am doing traveling all over the place during a pandemic. Well, it boils down to the fact that this is my job and I believe there is still no better way for people to bond and have memory making experiences than through travel. I cannot and will not PERSONALLY live my life in fear. I will not allow What Ifs to determine my quality of life. I do not judge people who have other opinions – but these are mine and I stand by them.

Life is short. Make sure you are living it!

Perks and Recreation – Episode 5 – Touring Day 3 – Sandals Ochi Beach Resort

September 24, 2021September 21, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

After touring South Coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay, we hopped on our bus and headed two hours to the Ocho Rios resort area for our three night stay at Sandals Ochi Beach.

This resort is different – it has a beachfront or seaside area and a hillside area. 95% of the Butler Suites are on the hillside and all with either private or semi-private pools. In fact, the Sandals Ochi Beach property has 120 pools! THAT is pretty cool!

The Seaside Area – a beautiful waterside area with private dining gazebos over the water that double as spa treatment areas during the day – and the ocean here is gorgeous!!!! Now, the beach leaves a lot to be desired – it is small, pebbly and not very appealing in the middle section – but the left and right beach areas of the resort are lovely!

The seaside area has much of the entertainment and dining areas – including Soy Sushi and Kimonos hibachi style dining. The seaside has the watersports area and also a large stage where Sandals puts on some super fabulous shows!!! The grounds are mature, lush and absolutely breathtaking! The resort is well laid out and the staff is attentive, helpful and FUN!

The Hillside Area (which you must take a shuttle called the Hop to reach – and you can go between the two areas freely all day and night) is more recently renovated and I loved the large pool area. We arrived very late on our second day of touring and ate dinner at the Southern Kitchen (think fried chicken, grits and comfort food) and had to check out the party on the pool deck outside. This was the night of the week (Wednesday at this resort) that the resort partied in their White Clothes (known as a white party) and danced to the beat of their own drum at a silent disco. Guys, this was so fun to see!!! People dancing with headphones on the blacklit pool deck – and it was quiet!!! So cool!

Since we stayed at this resort for three nights, I’ll just say that overall, I didn’t mind going back and forth between the seaside where I stayed and the hillside, where I enjoyed visiting. Sandals Ochi Beach has a fun, party vibe with couples of all ages – oh – and another cool, one of a kind experience at this resort – a SPEAKEASY – with a secret password and everything!

As much as I loved Sandals South Coast for its layout, its size and its overall feel, I really enjoyed Sandals Ochi! It was fun. It was fresh (even though I had folks tell me they visited in the late 80s) and it’s fun (I know I said that already – but it IS)!!!

Perks and Recreation – Episode 4 – Touring Day 2 cont… – Sandals Montego Bay and Royal Caribbean

September 21, 2021September 12, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

After departing South Coast, we took a bus across the island back towards the Montego Bay area to tour the flagships of the Sandals’ brand in Jamaica – Montego Bay and Royal Caribbean.

Sandals Royal Caribbean – just 15 minutes from the airport makes this Sandals a very popular destination, especially for quick 4 or 5 night trips. The proximity to the airport also leads to the occasional very loud plane noise, but some people can easily over look this. Folks staying there told me that after a day or so, they really didn’t notice it any more!

Just at the lobby of Sandals Royal Caribbean was an adorable French Bistro – Café by day – Romantic eatery by night!

Sandals Royal Caribbean boasts not only the only private island resort in Jamaica, but also those gorgeous Over the Water Bungalows – and I got to tour one!!!!! So cool!!!! Look, here’s the thing – these Over the Water Bungalows are ELITE Butler service accommodations – they are EXPENSIVE (think approximately $1500/day PER PERSON) and the SELL OUT two years in advance!!!! I’m not kidding!!!!!

Sandals Montego Bay – another smaller resort with a nice beach and well appointed rooms. I LOVED the ones that were closest to the ocean with the swim out rooms and large soaking tubs! Our tour guide said that when these soaking tub upgrades were complete, they hadn’t put any type of screens of curtains up on the patios and balconies. Needless to say, privacy curtains were added quickly to all the patios and balconies!

These pools have a bit of a darker finish and I love contrast with the crystal blue of the sea.

Sandals Montego Bay is literally right next door to the airport – again – the jet noise bothered me enough that I do not think I would like to stay at either Montego Bay OR Royal Caribbean -but that’s me! However, the Montego Bay property had a SUPER fun and party vibe! We saw games being played, music on the beach, volleyball, lots of visiting and friends making and an overall joyful and fun atmosphere! I loved this! Oh and the Over the Water Chapel!!!

Perks and Recreation – Episode 3 – Touring Day 2 – Sandals South Coast

September 18, 2021September 12, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Folks at Sandals South Coast call it “Sweet, Sexy South Coast” and after touring this property, I can totally see why! Let me say that I fell in love with this property! It was VERY different from the Sandals Negril property in not only its size but also its privacy and overall feel. Let’s begin!

We departed Sandals Negril and drove south west to White House and Sandals South Coast. The drive took us about 2 hours and it was twisty, turny and ever so interesting. (The drive from Montego Bay airport is about 1.5 hours). Our arrival on the South Coast property was stunning! It instantly reminded me of a Mediterranean resort with its distinct architecture, open plazas and well laid out eateries.

This resort boasts ALL Ocean View rooms (except for the NEW Rondovals – which really do not need an ocean view – they are so amazing). The resort is similar in its layout to Beaches Turks & Caicos, with an Italian Village, a French Village, a Caribbean Village and at South Coast, the recently renovate and dynamic Dutch Village.

Ground level renovated Dutch Village Swim out Suites

These stunning Rondovals are so beautiful!

Something else I loved about this resort was that they have OVER the Water Bungalows! Oh, and an amazing overwater bar – Latitudes – and they sure know how to make a dirty martini!!!

The one evening I stayed there, I enjoyed sushi for my dinner and took some time to wander around the resort and marvel at the beauty. Many of my travel agent friends who accompanied me on the trip enjoyed the late-night circus-like show and the martini bar – but alas, I treasure my sleep more that entertainment and turned in around 9:30pm.

The next day we had our official walking tour of the resort – the eateries – the SPA – and also a number of the rooms. They were all beautiful, well appointed, and with lovely ocean views. Oh, and did I mention the Over the Water Wedding Chapel???? Stunning!

Imagine walking out to the beautiful chapel with the Caribbean breeze gently swirling your wedding dress as you glide towards your happily ever after!

If I were forced to come up with something I didn’t totally love about this resort, it might the beach – it wasn’t as powdery as Negril and the water was not AS serene – but that would NEVER keep me from staying at this resort. If I had to personally pick one of the eight Sandals and Beaches resorts to stay at during my own vacation, I would pick South Coast (second choice coming up).

Here are some of my favorite grounds photos from this beautiful resort – Enjoy!

I love the romantic feel of this resort!

Perks and Recreation – Episode 2 – Touring Day 1 – Sandals Negril

September 16, 2021September 11, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

I want to start off by saying that I am going to present my PERSONAL points of view based upon my own observations, likes and dislikes. I very much enjoyed each of the eight properties I toured – but for different reasons. I believe that each of them have positive attributes – but some have negative attributes as well. So here we go….

Sandals Negril is a beautiful property, and I would argue, after touring what felt like half the beaches on the island, that the Negril area has the nicest beaches – beautiful, azure waters and powdery sand! The Sandals Negril property feels more boutique like in its set up. It feels quaint, intimate and well laid out. The swim out rooms we absolutely my favorite and I also loved the Barefoot eating area! It really felt like a tropical paradise!

I can’t say there were any real NEGATIVES about this resort – it was a bit on the small side – which some people would consider a PLUS! It was small but still not too small. It was VERY well kept and the grounds, as with all of the properties I saw, were absolutely gorgeous! Lush, mature tropical gardens and plants really augment the natural beauty of the sea and the build beauty of the architecture.

As with all Sandals and Beaches properties, so many water sports are included in your Ultra-Inclusive pricing. Diving, sailing, kayaking and even tubing and water skiing in some locations. Look at these gorgeous sail boats and dive boats! Talk about a fabulous groups opportunity!

Finally, the Negril resort area is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) – this is a colorful and enjoyable ride around Jamaica’s coastline and the opportunity to see small towns and villages along the way is a fabulous way to learn a bit about a county and her people.

While the topography and waters of Jamaica look similar to other Caribbean islands, there is something special about Jamaica. Her people say they don’t have problems, but situations. They believe in their “One Love” moto and live life to the fullest!

I heard a number of time that if you visit Jamaica three times, you ARE Jamaican. Well, I have one more trip to earn my “ya, mon”!

Perks and Recreation…Episode 1

September 14, 2021September 11, 2021 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

To say that my summer has been busy would be a gross understatement – and I will be sharing a picture journal of my summer in the next couple of weeks – but today, and for the next week or so, I will be sharing some of my experiences on what travel professionals call a FAM – a Familiarization trip. I did one of these in April to Beaches Turks & Caicos and you went along on that journey with me! This time, I am in Jamaica touring the two Beaches Resorts and all six of the Sandals properties on this beautiful, history filled island. Hold on….it’s going to be a wild ride!!!

So, a little background – a Familiarization trip is available to travel agents who either meet certain criteria (sales in the brand, for example) or are invited to join. Some FAMs are at a discounted rate. Some, you have to pay just to get there (airfare), but ALL of them have the purpose of getting to know a brand so that you can sell it more effectively! Personal experience. Last year, I missed out on a Disney Cruise FAM (super bummer) and an AMAWaterways FAM (even MORE of a super bummer) – but in 2021, I have had the great opportunity to be invited to TWO Sandals and Beaches Resorts FAMs and this time, in Jamaica.

One Love – Jamaica – here outside the super fabulous Red Lane Spa!!

My family and I (minus my hardworking adult son who is now in the workforce!!!) arrived at Beaches Negril on the tail end of what was a tropical depression, soon to be named Hurricane Ida. She did some damage here, and when we arrived it took three hours to get to the resort from the airport (usually a 1.5 hour trip) and the resort took a bit of a beating. Flooding everywhere, the beach was in rough shape and our room had a leak at the minisplit (AC unit) due to the heavy rain. We took it i n stride, realizing the folks’ homes probably were in a lot worse shape than this beautiful resort and we needed to have some grace and give some time to get things squared away.

The next day, we still had periods of rain, but crews were out in full force on the beach and on the grounds. First thing, a maintenance person came to look at our leak (again, it was specifically because of the heavy rain, not an enduring problem). The standing water all over the resort had receded a LOT during the night and the pools were being over-filtered and all surfaces were being bleached and sanitized (something we saw OFTEN here).

As the weekend went on, we began to see what this resort typically looks like (it takes time for a community to clean up after a big storm) and it is lovely! We saw a number of beautiful weddings, birthday parties, family groups here enjoying the last wisps of summer vacation, and couples enjoying each other. The wedding sites they have here and the services offered by Sandals and Beaches are just BREATH TAKING and absolutely special. We saw THREE Re-Tie the Knot ceremonies and one first time wedding and each were beautiful.

We also got to take part in all the other fun and adventurous things included in an Ultra Inclusive resort like Sandals and Beaches. Kelly went diving two days and did the requirements to earn his Advanced Certification from PADI (diving is always included on property – advanced certification was extra), Char and I went snorkeling (I was really impressed how well the reefs have been managed right off shore with how many people visit daily), we went in a glass bottomed boat, rode a banana boat (towed by a speed boat), Char and I went water skiing (which was BEYOND cool in the ocean!), paddle boarding, sea trike riding and kayaking. We loved the two waterslides and little lazy river, and Charlotte found so much joy in snorkeling right in and near the swimming area – she found star fish, we saw stingrays, small fish pretty little shells. We loved it!

Reserve a cabana for a day – with your own personally assigned care taker, a fully stocked cooler and a great view!

Other seen wildlife on this highly touristy area were sandpipers, a pair on pelicans we named Edward and Edwina (they fished right off shore often), the BIGGEST hermit crab I have ever seen, lizards, kitties (pest control), and the craziest thing…..crabs that live in the hedges on propery….at night, they slowly skitter out to forage, but during they day, they sleep under the hedges – it was pretty cool to see!!!!

A resort “review” would be boring without talking about the food – and let me tell you there are tons of great options here – from Mariachi – the Mexican flare restaurant, to Stewfsih – the gorgeous breakfast and dinner place on the beach, to the Venetian – Italian delights, to Kimonos – hibachi grill and SOY – my favorite – the best sushi in town!!!! Notable mentions – the Mill – the resort buffet, Dino’s – WONDERFUL woodfired pizza place – WOW! Great pizza there! BBQ – your typical BBQ with a Jamaican jerk flare, and Yo-Yos – frozen yogurt bar with all the fixins! To wrap it up, Café de Paris…crepes, sweets and COFFEE!!!!!

Overall, we had a wonderful time enjoying this fun and adventurous resort as a family. But, all good things must come to an end and my family went home and my FAM began with a cocktail party meet and greet and a review of our blistering resort tour schedule. I will report all the beautiful sights back to you and hopefully give YOU some ideas about where you would like to spend your next vacation!!!

Mrs. Smith Travels

One Woman, One World, One Adventure at a Time!