Ciao Bellas Cruise the Canals of Burgundy

In March, our intrepid Ciao Bella travelers embarked on an adventure to the vineyard-covered hills of Burgundy, France.  We chartered a small canal boat to float along the still waters of the canals...

Bella Travel’s Favorite Reads for Summer 2023

Here at Bella, we take your adventures seriously, including the kind that whisk your imagination away. Whether it's a romance-and-rose-all-day or a tuck-me-in thriller, you'll love this curated...

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Last year, Susan and I (Becky) launched Ciao Bella, a Travel Club for Women.  Over the years, she and I had ongoing conversations about women we knew who had these amazing Wander Lists, but no one...

Mayakoba, Playa Mujeres, Maroma, and Cancun

Early in January, I (Becky) conducted site inspections with a few Travel Experts colleagues from the Southeastern region.  I just love hanging with these smart, savvy ladies who are...

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

Last year I my mother and I went on an adventure down the Mosel, Rhine, and Main rivers on a ten-day Uniworld river cruise. What fun we had gazing at castles, tasting the lovely Mosel wines, and...

Have you traded Efficiency for Adventure?

Efficiency for Adventure. How often do we make this trade?Do I trade the chance to grow and stretch myself for the need to just get stuff done? Do I quash the creative for the efficient? Am I too task-oriented in this season of life?

Your Own Personal Board of Directors

Accountability matters. Connections matter. Having someone to listen and give feedback on your crazy ideas is just....well...priceless. As a small business owner, you need good connections to keep...

Versailles, The Sun King, and All Things Golden

Last fall, my mom and I spent a glorious day exploring all things Louis. It was Mama's first time in France (really the first time anywhere in Europe) and I was looking forward to delighting in the...

Punt or Pivot – A Business Strategy for Post COVID Recovery

We have to allow ourselves space to breathe and think and to act with purpose not out of straight fear.Then it may be time to pivot. If you take some time to evaluate first, then you can pivot with purpose.

Armchair Traveler: Floating in Glacier Bay, Alaska

I was seriously unprepared for the beauty of Alaska.  Oh yeah, I heard about the glaciers calving—dramatically splashing in the water.  I saw the photos of the wilderness, and...

MOST POPULAR

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Ciao Bella–Your Travel Girl Gang

Last year, Susan and I (Becky) launched Ciao Bella, a Travel Club for Women.  Over the years, she and I had ongoing conversations about women we knew who had these amazing Wander...

ACROSS THE POND

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

The American cemetery in Luxembourg

Last year I my mother and I went on an adventure down the Mosel, Rhine, and Main rivers on a ten-day Uniworld river cruise. What fun we had gazing at castles, tasting the lovely...

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Have you traded Efficiency for Adventure?

Have you traded Efficiency for Adventure?

Efficiency for Adventure. How often do we make this trade?Do I trade the chance to grow and stretch myself for the need to just get stuff done? Do I quash the creative for the efficient? Am I too task-oriented in this season of life?

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

Mayakoba, Playa Mujeres, Maroma, and Cancun

Early in January, I (Becky) conducted site inspections with a few Travel Experts colleagues from the Southeastern region.  I just love hanging with these smart, savvy ladies who are...

Arm Chair Traveler: Shelter in Place at Hermitage Bay

So here is sit in my comfy chair overlooking my outside deck dreaming of the last time I experienced total Caribbean Bliss—at Hermitage Bay.

A Royal Getaway – How to Honeymoon Like Will and Kate

This blog post about honeymooning in the Seychelles by Becky Lukovic first appeared this spring on the Jones Crossing Banquet and Event Center website.  Jones  Crossing is a premier wedding venue in...

Introducing the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection!

Ritz Carlton is set to introduce its first mega yacht this Spring. Look for new innovations and the Ritz Carlton service standards you expect.

Your Punta Cana Honeymoon

Recently, I was invited to attend the Romance Travel Forum in Punta Cana.  The Forum is a by invitation only conference of high producing travel professionals specializing in Destination Weddings...

Toes in the Sand at Ritz Carlton Cancun

Like you, sometimes The Man and I need to get out of dodge…to have a frosty cocktail delivered to us in our private cabana…to wake up to the azure ocean water….and have some sand decorate our flip...

Hotel Review – Secrets Silversands

Sometimes you just have to get out of dodge...find a quick flight and get your toes in the sand and a margarita in hand--STAT!  The Man and I recently needed a break from the day-to-day grind...wear...

How to Set Your Destination Wedding Budget

It seems so easy….so clear cut….a FREE destination wedding with a certain number of nights in a certain type of room. Free is typically never completely free…there’s the fine print…the limitations...

Hotel Review: Secrets Wild Orchid & Secrets St. James, Jamaica

The beautiful waters of Jamaica beckon me from time to time. It was the very first Caribbean Island I ever visited and those crystal clear blue waters sing to me. Jamaica has been off my radar for a...

Top 5 reasons to have a wedding on Hilton Head Island

Recently, I attended a gorgeous wedding on a sailboat at Hilton Head Island.  The whole experience was just fab!  The views, the food, and the company pulled off simple elegance in the best way...

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA

S. EASTERN US

Dining at Staplehouse Atlanta

Dining at Staplehouse Atlanta

Sometimes you wonder if it's all worth the hype...you know...the fabulous new kid on the block restaurant with a hip vibe...  I've wondered this about Staplehouse for the last...

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

The Best of 2018

Wow 2018 just flew by—like at warp speed!!! Here at Bella, we are already in full planning mode for 2019 travels and beyond—but I wanted to take a moment this morning, sit by the fire, sip some...

Dining at Staplehouse Atlanta

Sometimes you wonder if it's all worth the hype...you know...the fabulous new kid on the block restaurant with a hip vibe...  I've wondered this about Staplehouse for the last year (although friends...

Dinner at 10 Degrees South Atlanta

South Africa has been hot hot hot this year! I've been planning South African itineraries for honeymooners, families, and wine lovers.  It's such a diverse destination offering winelands,...

Disney: The Good, The Bad and The Mousy: A Primer for Those with an Obligatory Mouse Experience

Disclaimer:  I am not a Mouseketeer Poohbah Status Disney Fan.  I like The Mouse.  I love Pluto.  I've even buried the memories of riding It's a Small World as a teen....somewhat.  But when the...

Restaurant Eugene – Atlanta

A few nights ago, we celebrated Junior's birthday with a tasting menu at Restaurant Eugene in Buckhead (Atlanta).  Junior has been working in fine dining for several years now and is working on his...