Wanderlust Wednesday: Isn't Maltese a Kind of Falcon?

I sometimes get this question when I tell people my heritage, and that I'm part Maltese. Yes, it is. You've probably also heard of a Maltese Dog or the Maltese cross, but it's also a nationality used to describe the people that come from the small islands of Malta in the Mediterranean (Malta, Camino and Gozo). While I have never been there, I've always been very curious about the country, especially since I have a small connection to it. I do have family there, apparently, but Malta is still such a mystery to me, and I wondered if that's the case for other people outside Europe. Turns out, it is. But Malta has been stepping up its game lately in an effort to become more than just a vague dog breed reference.

Valletta, Malta's capital city © Wikipedia

According to TravelPulse, the Maltese Tourism Authority is working on an educational program for agents who can then spread the word throughout the U.S. about Malta. After all, it has a lot to offer. This culturally rich region is influenced by Phoenician, Roman, Greek, Arabic and North African cultures, thanks in large part to its location, right in the middle of the Mediterranean. It's packed with history, beautiful landmarks, stunning old-world architecture and breathtaking beaches and coastlines.

St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina © Wikipedia

Despite it's small size, Malta boasts eleven – yes, eleven – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta (the capital city), and seven Megalithic Temples. The main island of Malta is where most of the action is, and that's where many of the major churches and attractions can be found, including St. John's Co-Cathedral with chapels dedicated to each dedicated language division of the Maltese Knights, there are nine. Mdina is at the center of the island and is known as the silent city, since no cars run through it. I imagine the towns to have a similar look and feel as many of the European ones I've visited, especially in Italy.

Blue Lagoon Bay, Comino © Wikipedia

Most of the temples are located on Gozo, a tiny island known for its rugged landscape and lovely coastline. This would be a great place to take a trek or walking tour to experience the natural beauty of the countryside. Camino is the smallest island, sitting at only 1.3 square miles, but people still visit to spend time at the Blue Lagoon, with crisp, clear water that's perfect for snorkeling.

I'm excited to see if Malta can boost its tourism numbers, especially from the U.S. market. In 2013, the country attracted 19,052 Americans, up 8.2% from the previous year, so that's definitely an improvement. I think the biggest things to overcome are the lack of knowledge about the islands and the low number of direct flights. Educating travel agents is huge, since they play a big role in promoting destinations to travelers looking for something off the beaten path. They can also tout Malta cultural riches, which many Americans, I think, would be very interested to hear about. If the island can work with other European destinations and airlines, they should be able to offer more flights in and out of the country. But it would also be great to do some active marketing in regions where Malta gets most of its visitors, because return business is also important, and word of mouth is extremely powerful.

Malta is still a big mystery to me, even with my few hours of research. I believe a much more in depth look at the country is in order, and so I will be adding it to my wanderlust list of destinations.

Wanderlust Wednesday: A Spa Getaway

Work has been a non-stop stress-fest. Hundreds of emails, looming deadlines, last-minute projects, hours of editing and fact checking. It's enough to drive anyone a little crazy.

I am in desperate need of a spa day – or week. I was reading about a few high-end spa options in Las Vegas, including one at Sahra Spa in The Cosmopolitan with a private suite that includes a living area with TV and wet bar, personal treatment room with two whirlpool tubs, steam room and shower. Definitely sounds nice! I'm not sure it's within my price range, but when it comes to overall wellness, I think it's worth a splurge.

I'm not exactly sure where I would want to go on my spa vacation, but somewhere tropical or deep in the mountains sounds nice. A truly remote location where I can disconnect, relax and rejuvenate. The latest issue of Destinations Travel Magazine had a short article about the importance of wellness, and how vacations are essential to our health and happiness. I definitely agree, and maybe on my next trip, I will take part in some of this luxury…

All images credited to Destinations Travel Magazine

…But until that vacation comes, I will continue to power through work, eagerly awaiting the day I get to kick off my shoes and just let go.

Where would you like to spend a spa vacation? Share your thoughts! I'd love to hear them!

The Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

Boston Pops Fireworks Show © Kunal Mukherjee

Fourth of July is almost here. People are preparing their grills, filling their coolers, getting ready to celebrate Independence Day. But the holiday would not be complete without one essential thing: Fireworks.

Every city has their own fireworks show to honor the holiday, and each one is unique in its own way. I love watching the fireworks in Chicago from my rooftop, because not only do I get to see the official show from Navy Pier, but also the dozens of other personal fireworks shows people put on around the city. It's like a panoramic display of colorful pyrotechnics just for me.

However, when it comes to my favorite Fourth of July fireworks show ever, that's a close tie between Boston and Frisco, CO. I know what you're thinking, how can those two places even come close when it comes to patriotism? Well, Frisco holds a special place in my heart, since my family used to go up to the mountains every summer for Fourth of July. Most of the time, we would climb the trail behind our condo to this clearing that offered the perfect view of the fireworks over Lake Dillon. But one year, my parents reserved a boat, where we sat in awe as huge bursts of red, white and blue exploded right above our heads, and streams of glittering light looked as if they would fall right on top of us before they vanished. It was magical.

My Boston experience, on the other hand, is also very special, because it brought me together with my closest friends from high school for a weekend of true American pride. I mean, Boston is steeped in revolutionary history and the city takes this holiday very seriously. Perhaps that was why it was such a memorable trip. We watched the fireworks from the Mass. Avenue Bridge, a perfect viewing spot as more than 10,000 fireworks launched from barges in the middle of the Charles River. Music played throughout the show, adding that extra touch that made it truly spectacular. Some of my friends even cried it was that good, and I have to admit, I was moved by the event. Definitely one of the best places, in my opinion, to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

New York City Fireworks © Kathy Kmonicek AP

If you aren't in Chicago, Frisco or Boston, then check out some of these suggestions from Travel Pulse and USA Today and the best Fourth of July fireworks shows in America. You'll find some of the big ones on there: Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia and Boston, as well as some others that are a little surprising like Columbus, Ohio and Portland, Oregon. I guess I'll have to put those on my list.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Hitting the Courts at Wimbledon

Everyone has World Cup fever right now – and who could blame them! But there's another major sporting event that got underway this week, and it's one I've been dying to attend ever since I picked up a racket over 20 years ago.

Wimbledon Logo. © Wimbledon

Wimbledon. The oldest tennis tournament in the world, and arguably the most popular of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The major has been held at the All England Club in London since 1877. Every June, I remember my parents turning on Wimbledon first thing in the morning, eager to see who would advance to the next round. For two weeks, we'd cheer and scream at the television as the sport's best athletes took to the grass in the hopes of raising a trophy at the end of it all. I've watched from a distance for years, tuning in when I can and envying all those lucky fans sitting in the stands, and even the ones able to watch on the grass hill outside the grounds.

I have actually been to the All England Club, but it wasn't during the tournament. My aunt and uncle used to live in the neighborhood, and I visited them when I was very young. I don't even remember what it looked like, and I'm sure a lot has changed since then. If I can't manage to get tickets to the event itself, I would definitely be interested in visiting the grounds again and taking a tour of the facility. What a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at where it all happens, where the players prepare to take the court, where the crowds watch in silent anticipation during every point. It seems almost magical to think about.

Obviously, my biggest goal is to make it there during those wonderful two weeks of tennis bliss, and take part in all the excitement. I would love to enjoy some traditional British strawberries and cream and a Pimm's Cup (although I could make that at home). But mostly, I'd just love to be in the crowd, take in the energy of the event and experience a true piece of British and sports history.

Aerial View © Bob Martin/AELTC

Day Two of Tournament © Chris Raphael/AELTC

Aerial view of Grounds © Bob Martin/AELTC

View of Grounds © Tom Lovelock/AELTC

It has long been a dream to attend Wimbledon, and I know one day I'll make it there. But for now, I'll settle for experiencing it through the television. I'm curious to see if Andy Murray can defend his title from last year, and by the looks of his performance so far, he's going to be tough to beat. But I think he'll have some intense competition, so it should make for some very entertaining tennis. On the women's side, I don't really have a favorite in mind to win, but I'm keeping my eye on Petra Kvitova (Czech) and Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland). We'll see who makes it to Centre Court and ultimately raises the silver gilt cup (men) and the "Rosewater Dish" (women).