I love to travel. Whether it’s for work or pleasure, I’m eager to hit the road, especially if it’s an opportunity to explore a new place. As the old adage goes, bring half as much stuff and twice as much money. I wish! Over the years, I’ve gotten packing down to a bit of a science. (My trick is starting early and that way I don’t forget anything.) And while my wardrobe changes depending on the season and the locale, there are a few essentials that I never leave home with out.

Going through some boxes this week I came across some old photos of a trip I took many years ago to Israel. It made me recall some great times traveling the globe, before the task of traveling itself became onerous. (Like when airlines served meals on china to people at the back. Can you remember those days?) It also reminds me of some of the absolute dives where I have stayed. Whether it be a seedy hostel or roadside motel while driving across the country, I have laid my head at some dodgy establishments. That’s part of traveling in your twenties and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It’s true what they say about Paris in the springtime: there’s something magical about it. This was my third trip to the City of Light and this time I saw it in a whole new, well, light. In the five years since my last visit, the place seems to have developed a new attitude.

Palm Springs is becoming my go-to haven for some R & R. The weather is reliable, it’s a relatively quick jaunt from Vancouver, and it’s got the whole mid-century modern vibe that I love. After spending almost a week there, I have three must-stops to recommend:

If you find yourself anywhere near Marrakesh, Morocco, be sure to visit Atika Shoes!

I’m off to Hawaii. The Island of Kauai to be precise. After several visits to Maui over the years, I am pumped by the prospect of exploring new Hawaiian horizons. Maui has endless resorts, world-class shopping, and A LOT of places to eat. It’s also where most people go. I’m told Kauai is decidedly relaxed, low key, less commercialized, lush, and still has enough choice of places to stay and play for even the most discerning traveler (me). It sounds perfect.

Last summer, I escaped to Bellagio on Lake Como in the northern lake region of Italy. It is famous for being the most beautiful lake in Italy – and for its celebrity inhabitants like Mr. Clooney! If you find yourself on these breathtaking lake shores (or just dreaming about them), I’ve got some recommendations for you!

Last summer, on my way to Croatia for my annual visit, I stopped for a few days in the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

I usually like to head to tropical climates for some post-Christmas sun and relaxation. But this year, I had less time at my disposal so I decided to stick a little closer to home instead.

For me, time off means the opportunity to read, to retreat, and in this way, to rejuvenate. Once your holiday festivities die down, you may also want to seek refuge in a book or two. Here are a few of my favourite reads of 2011, though some were not new to the bookstore shelves, just new to me.