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5 North American Castles That Are Open to Hosting Weddings and Events

Biltmore Estate

Castles induce the perfect nostalgia: of sweet childhood memories spent flipping through storybooks and seeing princes and princesses, of verdant estates and imposing architecture sequestered from the world with moats and drawbridges. Even though the predominant reign of monarchies in North America is fairly nonexistent, this doesn’t mean these charming fortresses do not exist! Matter of fact, there are plenty of places around the country that are certified castles, and are even open to hosting your dream events! And who knows? If you fall in love, some of these castles…

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How to Treat Nice Wines Well

We all know I dig wine. Like here and here. Over the years my palate has matured and I try not to waste money (or calories) on sub-par bottles. I’m no sommelier or snob, but as I really do love a glass or two most evenings, I figured it’s time to invest in some higher-end accessories that compliment my new hobby. I also tend to pass bottles on that aren’t as good to my little brother, who is still happy to drink just about anything! Here’s some ideas to truly elevate…

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Cancer is an Ugly Word: Prevention and Help Tips

There’s no easy way to talk about it. Cancer is just one of those pure evil things that affects everyone in life, one way or another. Nearly 40% of people will have a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Last year I lost my grandmother. Her and I were close, as we shared a love of travel and old movies. While she lived until she was 97, in her 80s she had a bad case of breast cancer. She has a double mastectomy and carried on though in remission for another…

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A Walk-through Paradise: The Club, Barbados

the club barbados

I love the holidays up in the winter-y north, but I’ll take a jaunt to the islands any day. The trip to Barbados was a wonderful escape form the cold both in the UK and the US, especially when I saw where we’d stay for a few days. Down a long road lined with trees and Rhianna’s hometown mansion is The Club. All-inclusive, catering toward an adult-only crowd, this property is one of the Elite Island Resorts’ more laid back and relaxing spots for vacation. Rather than drone on about…

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A Hands-On Experience in the Algarve region of Portugal

Men and women dancing a traditional Portuguese dance in Loule, Portugal

The woman looked at me warningly as I hacked away at my bamboo reed. The attempt at making a bag clip was not going smoothly. Everyone else seemed to gracefully cut a long slit through the reed and had already begun sanding. I still was wedging my sharp blade bit by bit into the tough material, coming dangerously close to my thumbs. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t survive very long in rural Southern Portugal. Memories of the Algarve often included lots of fruity drinks, beach time with optional flocked…

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How to Survive The City in the Fall: What to Wear

woman in front of subway in jacket

It’s one thing to gear up and brave the outdoors on purpose, but fall and wintertime means a whole other animal to city dwellers. The streets can get pretty precarious as the temperature drops, which means the winter weather gear has to surface. Choosing clothes that are warm, sturdy and can handle almost any conditions for those who often commute by foot or brave the elements on a daily basis is essential. It’s time to shop for these types of clothes on https://csd.shop/shop/women/clothing/dresses/. For occasions which require you to look…

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An Escape on Captiva Island, Florida

tween waters beach captiva island florida eileen cotter wright

Winds threw the ocean around while we tried to have a conversation over the noise. It was the first day of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands trip off the gulf coast of Florida, and I’m being hit with a storm. There’s a riptide advisory against swimming, but it went ignored as my husband was determined to get in the water. We has endured months of freezing London weather, then an additional two snowy weeks in Boston. It was time to vacation no matter what. Growing up, my family often migrated…

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Best Things to Eat Along Spain’s Costa del Sol

Spain has so many wonderful destinations on the Mediterranean coastline and in the south, it’d be a shame not to see all of them! A good place to start is the Costa del Sol and Andalucia, which makes for a great road trip route for you and your travel crew. Grab some beautiful seaside places to stay, sip some sangria and just relax. And what’s the most perfect part about exploring Spain’s sunny spots? The FOOD. Now some of Spain’s cuisine can be wonderfully complex and beautifully presented, but I…

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Planning a Giant Flight Abroad – You Can Do It!

I’ve endured some long, long flights. Six hours, ten hours, a dozen and more. Some of these were brutal, especially if you throw in a nasty layover in an airport with less-than-clean bathrooms. For me, the flight endurance challenge is just what come with the territory when you want to see far-off places. Due to competing airlines, great backup compensation services (like SkyRefund) and point incentives, these types of long-haul trips are within reach more than ever before. So you want to take a wild trip. How do you start?…

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Finding Romance on the Shores of Loreto, Mexico

Lantern ceremony at villa del palmar in loreto, mexico

Ashley, my features editor at Pure Wander, recently went on a colorful and sultry trip to Loreto, Mexico. She shares her experience below! Is there anything more romantic than walking hand-in-hand on a private beach next as colors burst overhead during the sunset? Pinks, yellows and oranges paint the sky until the sun almost disappears, then purple hues arrive and slowly fade to black. But the beauty doesn’t end there—so many stars appear that you’re sure the Million Star Resort nickname is apropos. Villa del Palmar in Loreto, Mexico whispers…

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