Everyone knows I love running around the world (which you can see the big list here), so of course, I needed to try running on this island since all the good and shaded pool chairs are “taken” by 6:00 AM every day!
So instead of getting up early to reserve a pool chair, why not go for a run and check out the local wildlife? (lots of baby chicks everywhere)
There are actually decent sidewalks and routes along the main roads that can all find on Strava as well.
I do admit it is VERY hot in the mornings and in the middle of the day, the sun is so scorching, it would be dangerous. But in the early hours, many people will join you and it is very safe to explore.
It has been few years since I was last year, but I wanted to go diving again and check our some more sights. This was my previous dive posting when I was able to stop on a day trip and check out the famous “Wall“.
This time, it was a shallow dive, but I was able to catch (sight) a few cool local inhabitants off the coast of the island. I am not sure on what this squiggly fish was, as I have never seen one before.
It was cool to actually find and see a lobster hiding!
The best one was the sighting of a Caribbean Reef shark…it might have been 6-7 feet long. It was a little tense for a few moments, and I know the video does not demonstrate it, but he was headed right for me before veering away!
We decided to try a new adventure this summer and head to the Caribbean.
Saturdays are pretty popular with the vacationers, so be ready for long lines at the airport. This was TSA pre-check in the International terminal in Atlanta.
and long lines when you arrive waiting for shuttles to hotels and resorts.
I admit paying the “fast rack” for customs and immigration can be beneficial on heavy travel days.
It was a little unusual being in a country that most cars have steering wheels on the left like in the US, but also drive on the left like in Britain. Here we are passing a car on the right that was driving too slow for us who want to get to the hotel as fast as possible!
The resorts are great, but they are strict about no early check ins before 3:00 PM…so be ready to chill and have a local iced drink!
With a little patience, you will be settled in and have a hard time staying inside with the air conditioning when you can just enjoy the vacation atmosphere.
The beaches are amazing
and the water is so blue, it is amazing!
But warning, the sun is SO hot, you need lots of suntan lotion every hour until it is sunset, which seems like it lasts for hours, which is great for seaside dinners!
Stay tuned to this channel for more exploration of this island!
Guest posting this week from Carlos Huerta who is the visionary founder of PositiveGrowthGuide.com, a website dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential and lead their best and brightest lives. With the inspiring tagline “Guiding You to a Brighter, Better You,”
Wherever you live, odds are that you have some potentially rejuvenating road trips within easy driving distance. Whether you’re seeking the culture and excitement of cities, the fascinating history of older sites, or wilderness areas where you can relax and camp, you can get a mental health boost. There is nothing that compares to a change of scene for refreshing your perspective. When you feel rundown, David Cross Travel Blog encourages you to get the boost you need by taking a trip and visiting places you don’t normally go.
Visit Historical Landmarks
All the states formed from the original thirteen colonies abound with history, and the other 37 states have their own fascinating stories, too. Visiting historic landmarks can be educational as well as fun. There are plenty of destinations for relaxing day-trips to give you a much-needed break from the stresses of life.
Take a Train
Historic tours, living history events and re-enactments, and museums can be great places to go. Consider taking a trip on a vintage train. Many of these provide meals and visits to scenic areas and restored villages you can explore. If you’d prefer more somber reflection, there are battlefields, monuments, and military parks.
Go See the Mouse
Taking a trip to Disney as an adult can do wonders for your mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking a break to enjoy the magic of Disney can be just what you need to recharge and reset. From the fun attractions to the delicious food and beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone at Disney.
Relieve Travel Anxiety
Many of us who experience travel anxiety find THCa is a useful remedy. Its non-psychoactive properties help reduce anxiety without the high associated with THC. It also offers anti-inflammatory and mild sedative effects that can soothe the mind and body during stressful travel situations. Explore our solutions and learn more about THCa here.
Go to the Water
Being in, on, or near the water may be one of the most relaxing ways to spend time. Going to the water may have mental health benefits. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but options range from lively to peaceful. If you prefer something active, you can enjoy water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or tubing.
Explore State and National Parks
If picnicking on the shore or fishing is more appealing to you, those are possible at many state and national parks, as well as local waterways. If you’re hanging out on the beach, be sure to pick up a beach umbrella. Renting a paddle boat is a good option for lakes and rivers, and one that can be done with limited experience. You can take pictures of the wildlife around, go swimming, wading or simply enjoy the gentle rocking of your boat while out on a stunning lake.
Volunteer
Consider taking a volunteer vacation where you get to visit a new area at a low cost and also assist on a project. Possibilities range from sea turtle conservation to archaeological digs to working with children. Some of these are scattered around the world, but many are also available closer to home. Helping with a worthwhile project can add a positive dimension to travel and remind you how interconnected humans are.
Taking a break from your routine can positively impact how you manage the stresses and strains of modern living. So, whether you’re visiting historic landmarks, enjoying a boat trip, riding a vintage train, hiking, fishing, or volunteering, you can give yourself some much-needed respite. Let some time away help you boost your mental well-being.
Where do organizations go for offsites that help them escape the normal routines and think creatively?
Recently I was invited to attend a cyber security summit that was hosted at 1440 Multiversity.
What does 1440 stand for? It stands for the number of minutes in a day and how you are thoughtful and attentive of your focus areas.
The goal of this location is to disconnect and there is no television in your escape rooms. It is all about escape!
The turtles are always quick to escape as they like to remain secluded and not talk technology with humans.
I must admit the grounds are gorgeous, quiet and very supportive of an inclusive, green and sustainable learning environment.
You will be surrounded by 1000 year old redwood trees and still have mobile connections to upload pictures 😉
They have large open rooms as well as small places to effectively meet as teams or groups.
They also have secluded and inspirational amongst the deep forest to hold talks.
Given our very high profile and sensitive audience, we even had undercover security everywhere. They were on top of all threats and risks 24×7!
One of the amazing highlights was the food services. It was bulk service and hand constructed plates that was very quickly served even when everyone entered the “kitchen” dining hall.
The flavors were amazing and it felt like a Michelin Star restaurant!
All the food was freshly sourced and many things local. and if you are a wine aficionado and need a great pairing for a meal, they can accommodate and delight with some of their gems in their collection.
Of course…everyone is going to ask: Can you go running?
Yes, the trails are amazing but warning it is very hilly, but equally scenic!
I was very excited to try out the latest instance of the Mercedes AMG Driving Academy this year with the first availability being held at the Sonoma Raceway in California!
It has been a few years for me since my latest training down at Laguna Seca, but as you can see from my blog posting, there are always an amazing experience to achieve!
2024 AMG Driving Experience
So what was new this year compared to previous years?
2024 AMG Driving Experience
This year they have off-road training with the G63!
But of course, I should mention that we have to get training and safety briefings before headed out from some famous race car drivers and professionals.
It was lightweight, but clear hands on training with all the dimensions of the G-Wagon’s capabilities to climb, traverse, steep angles, slip, etc. using low gearing and traction capabilities of the military grade SUV!
You know you are successful when you are digging deep in the mud and not getting stuck!
2024 AMG Experience On Track
Next, it was time to hit the track!
It is always heart pounding when you hit the gas and take off on to track,
We started with the classic SL63 which is amazing convertible,
You also get to try out the new EQE AMG electric car on the track!
It is amazing how different they feel and handle. The electric car’s speed is out of the world and it is so smooth, it is scary. But at the same time, you just do not “feel” the road and feel as in control as you do with the traditional engine, transmission and gearing.
2024 AMG Experience On Track
Tired yet? How about some drag racing?
You get the opportunity to compete side by side between the AMG EQS and the AMG GT63-S type.
This may not be the best little video I took as the competitors did not start at the same time, but it shows how fast the competition unfolds in only a few seconds!
Guess which car won (if the driver was skilled)? Yes, it was the electric car…
If you thought that could be fast excitement, how about some drift training?
2024 AMG Experience On Track
I looked all relaxed, but 1 minute of drifting, your heart will be pounding in your chest.
2024 AMG Experience On Track
It is amazing the difference between having traction control turned on and what you can do when disabled!
Here is one video (not the best) on showing how people learn to drift by starting with wet pavement.
and was the best music to listen to when drifting? Some Beastie Boys of course!
Conclusion and finale?
Recorded performance with 3 loops on the track in a AMG GT-R!
Every year I go to the RSA Conference in San Francisco and share my experience. I have had many great experiences like this visit in 2019.
I can definitely say it is conference season as the airports are packed with waves of business travelers all with carry-ons and jamming up TSA pre-check lines!
The real question is whether downtown San Francisco has recovered or has homeless, crime and trash been a major blocker from people visiting?
I will first say the views have returned.
And the fancy shops are open and people are visiting them again.
You can tell when a Rolls Royce pulls up to the Tiffany shop in Union Square, people like shopping here again. The downside is most of these shops close at 5 PM and are not open at night.
The downside is cars get broken into even in front of hotels! No fun…
So, I can only recommend taking ride share and not renting a car. In San Francisco, you can even get rides in Waymo drivers cars! Except it did make a left turn through a red light which was scary…good thing it was later at night!
and lots of cool activities happening around the city. Rappelling down the Grand Hyatt as an activity was a fun choice for some people.
Did I go running early in the morning?
The views are always great. and I am not just talking about Alcatraz. Look closer in the picture at all the “homeless” sea lions 😉
Of course I did, the San Francisco waterfront is one of the best and popular with runners and absolutely safe!
This is a guest article written by Catherine Workman.
“Catherine Workman always wanted to see the world. As soon as she was old enough to travel on her own, she began taking trips to new destinations, far and wide. She created Wellness Voyager with some of her travel mates as a place to chronicle her adventures and inspire others to leave their comfort zones and embrace all the world has to offer.”
Life’s journey is winding, marked by milestones and moments of reflection. As we find ourselves at the midpoint, pausing and pondering the path ahead is natural. The midlife phase often brings a sense of introspection and a longing for something more.
Yet, amid the uncertainty lies an opportunity for profound growth and self-discovery. This introduction from David explores how embracing travel can serve as a guiding light in navigating the complexities of midlife transitions, offering a pathway to renewal and exploration.
Reflect on personal and career achievements.
Reflect on your personal and career achievements to gain clarity and direction during midlife transitions. Celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the milestones that have shaped your journey. By recognizing your strengths, you’ll gain confidence in pursuing new goals and aspirations, setting the stage for a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Go back to school online to change your career.
In today’s digital age, online DBA programs offer boundless opportunities for career reinvention. Through these accessible online platforms, you can expand your skill set and explore new career paths without neglecting your other life commitments.
Whether pursuing certifications, mastering a specialized field, or learning a new language, embrace the journey of lifelong learning to unlock your full potential. For example, a doctoral degree in business administration can equip you with invaluable skills if you hope to forge a fulfilling career as a business owner or leader.
Explore new hobbies or rekindle past interests.
Rediscover the joy of exploration through new hobbies or revisiting past interests like painting, hiking, cooking, or photography. Embrace the freedom to pursue activities that ignite your passion, fostering creativity and personal growth beyond your professional life. Engage in hobbies as avenues for self-expression, reconnecting with what brings you joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Plan a solo travel experience.
Embarking on a solo travel adventure is inherently liberating, providing a chance to break free from comfort zones and immerse oneself in diverse cultures. Whether navigating vibrant cities, tranquil landscapes, or remote villages, solo travel offers unparalleled self-discovery and personal growth opportunities. Embrace the freedom to wander, follow instincts, and forge a path toward newfound resilience and resourcefulness amid the journey.
Practice mindfulness or meditation.
amid the travel excitement, nurturing your inner world is crucial. Integrate mindfulness practices like meditation into your daily routine to foster calmness and presence. Whether through deep breathing, gratitude, or mindful observation, these practices help navigate midlife transitions with grace and resilience, fostering clarity, peace, and renewed purpose.
Seek professional counseling or therapy.
If deep-seated issues or emotional challenges arise, seek support from a qualified therapist or counselor without delay. Therapy offers a safe space to delve into thoughts, gain insights into behaviors, and develop coping strategies. Embrace this opportunity for healing, growth, and self-discovery to thrive on your journey toward self-care.
Create a financial plan for future stability.
Prioritize your financial well-being as you navigate midlife transitions. Assess your situation, set realistic goals, and develop a plan for stability and security. Whether budgeting, saving for retirement, or investing, financial planning offers peace of mind and the freedom to pursue passions. Embrace this opportunity to take control and build a solid foundation for the future.
Embrace the process of aging with grace.
Confronting the realities of aging is a natural part of life’s journey. Embrace this process with grace, recognizing the beauty and wisdom it brings with each passing year. Focus on nurturing your overall well-being and celebrate the unique journey that has led you to this moment, embracing opportunities for growth, learning, and connection with gratitude, positivity, and a spirit of adventure.
Put it all together.
In the tapestry of life, midlife transitions represent a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal. By embracing travel as a catalyst for exploration and self-discovery, you can navigate this chapter with resilience, curiosity, and an open heart.
Whether reflecting on past achievements, embarking on new adventures, or nurturing your inner world, travel offers endless growth, connection, and renewal opportunities. So pack your bags, dear traveler, and embark on a journey of midlife rediscovery. The world awaits, ready to reveal its wonders and wisdom to those who dare to wander.
Business travelers, when visiting Hyderabad, India, like I have done several times in the past where I have blogged before, I now have a new recommendation.
You cannot resist going “wow” as soon as you arrive and enter the interior.
The paintings felt like you were entering a traditional European museum.
The library is amazing with so much history and books of different languages.
Can you imagine visiting and eating in this massive dining room?
So many antiquities and collected treasures from many places around the world.
From the time you arrive, to the moment you leave the grounds, they treat you like a visiting celebrity or diplomatic VIP. Highly recommend a dinner reservation and a tour which they conduct several times a day.
Let’s talk a little about the different airport lounges. Let’s start with the AMEX (American Express) Centurion lounges.
Here is the latest review from August 2025!
SAS
I was overdue for a new lounge review, so here is the latest review after checking our the SAS lounge in Copenhagen.
The self service entry was very convenient and easy. It was very fast to enter and it was nice to see how they recognized that I was Delta Diamond Medallion and could bring in guests if I liked 🙂
It was very spacious and convenient for groups of business travelers as well as families travelling together.
Thwy also had some quiet areas and lots of meeting rooms for business travelers.
The food selection for breakfast was a little meager though. The fresh bread and cheese were delicious, but if you were looking for something hot (western) breakfast, this lounge is not for you!
Air New Zealand
I tried this one out in the Sydney airport which take a little time to find as you have to walk through all the duty free shops first!
But I found the lounge to have lots if space
Pretry quiet and comfortable
The food was limited
…but the cheese selection was excellent
Many chairs to sit and watch the planes arriving over the countryside
A decent alternaitve when trying to escape the airport noise and crowds!
American Express Centurion
I must admit, the AMEX lounges are my favorite…but they are also the favorite of everyone else. They are also US only (as far as I know).
They are usually crowded unless you get in early. Las Vegas always has a line based on my experience.
In the Seattle airport, they built a huge one on the second floor or the main concourse.
The coffee is great and first thing, there is plenty of seating. But as I warned before, just like the Centurion lounge in Las Vegas and San Francisco…they fill up fast!
I think the AMEX lounge has the best food choices and I can never can complain.
and it is great when you can find one of the little cubby holes in the back in the quiet area which is perfect for waiting out your boarding time.
The Silver Kris Lounge
These are the Singapore Airlines lounges in Simgapore.
Yes, they are HUGE. Similar to the Emirates lounge in Dubai.
I must admit, they are much more relaxed than many other airlines. Lots of space, lots of food choices. It does not feel rushed or cramped.
They have all kinds of fresh soup, dim sum, and many other choices. No long lines.
They even have everyone’s favorite McDonalds Chicken Nuggets!
They have great bathrooms and showers. Very large and clean with complimentary toothbrushes, etc. But I do have to admit, their bar service is very limited and wine choices are not that desirable.
The Club Lounge
These are primarily Priority Pass Lounges which makes them convenient and a good alternative to the normal terminal seating…but they are also very limited,
I have used them in both Seattle and San Jose airports. Surprisingly, these are the lounges that Singapore Air, Emirates and Qatar use in Seattle for their business and first class passengers.
There is plenty of seating and not too noisy.
But if you are looking for gourmet snacks and premium drinks…good luck with that one!
Oh I forgot, there is a special “First Class” section in the Club Lounge. Premium service for sure!
Encalm Lounge
This is an aggregate lounge in the Hyderabad India intentional terminal.
It can be a little bit of a zoo and get a little crowded. It supports many airlines (including Emirates which I was flying) and also Priority Pass customers.
In the end, I found it was easy to get a seat and people do not stay in the lounge for long periods of time,
The food was very local, and I admit was quite tasty.
The bar was a disappointment. Only 1 red house red wine choice and it was almost $10 with tip.
United Polaris Club
I did not have an opportunity to visit the Polaris Club in San Francisco airport this time, but I have had the delight to visit this lounge a few times in the past. You can check out my previous review here.
It has one of the best food choices, but it sometimes gets a bit crowded in the time when all the international flights are leaving around the same time from SFO. It just means there are not as many free seats as you would like.
Emirates Lounge in Dubai
The Emirates lounge in Dubai is probably the largest airline lounge in the world. I did review it once before when I completed my Emirates Air review. It literally can take you 5-10 minutes to walk the entire lounge.
You can always find a seat and you can always find a spot that is not crowded and packed next to other people. One of the best attributes is all the different cuisine types and areas throughout the lounge.
They also have the largest and cleanest bathrooms and showers!
Bathrooms
Since I mentioned it above, I thought I should discuss this topic. This is one of the good and bad things in the lounges.
They are a little cleaner and and a little more private, but…they are very small and often there is long lines to use them during peak periods.
Airport Hotels
Let’s conclude with one final topic: airport hotels.
These are basically very expensive airport lounges. They have food, comfortable chairs, places to work, great WiFi, etc.
But the major perk/benefit is you get a full /comfortable room to have bed, television, desk, peace and quiet!
Full bathroom and shower are way better than the airline lounges. Sometimes when you very long flights and 8+ hour layovers, these are the best choice. I give kudos to my wife for finding this option in my latest itinerary and it was a huge benefit to survive and work during a 10+ hour layover.
I tried out the Dubai International airport hotel in Terminal 3 and it was awesome!
We decided to take a short break during the winter holiday period and we found there is some amazing good deals in Las Vegas in advance of the Christmas holidays.
So we
The Hilton Resorts World is the newest property in Las Vegas and had some amazing deals, so we decided to try it out.
It has huge rooms that are very quiet and have great views of the strip.
It is actually three hotels: Hilton, Conrad and Crockton. Their amenities and prices scale up from left to right. We chose the Conrad which had some amazing suites.
The good and bad of the resort is it is not very crowded and not many people, but the bad is there is very few shops and activities.
but you can get into some great spots in the evenings like Alle 66 lounge which has amazing views, leather couches and entertainment with no extra charges. 🙂
So what is the hot activity to see in Las Vegas right now? The Sphere. As you can see the Sphere is best seen from a distance, and when up close, you just see lots of big dots while waiting in line to enter,
You do not have to wait very long to enter and get in even when there are large crowds. But there are many long escalators, so get ready for that. Don’t worry, the robot is protecting you.
Now, before the show, they basically have a set of exhibits and activities to get you to spend and hour buying drinks and food. Without question, the design is very cool and incredible, but do you really need to wait around an hour for this?
The most popular activity, which takes 15-20 minutes of waiting is to create an Avatar movie which you can then download. What do you think?
Now the big attraction is the concerts or movies. Since there was no concerts this week, they have a 60 minute show call Postcards from Earth which is a pseudo-fiction documentary.
It is hard to describe how steep and ominous it feels when you go up all the escalators to get to your seats at the top of the Sphere. I am shocked many people do not slip or trip as the stairs a very steep and very small.
Now, when you first start watching the movie, you are not impressed. You start to wonder if you are just watching a big screen IMAX movie.
and then the screen explodes and the entire Sphere is the screen. Everyone says “oooh” all at once and it was impressive. It feels like you are flying.
I can definitively see how attractive this venue would be for a concert or any audio-visual performance and experience. It is a 16K projection and highly computerized. But what happens if something goes wrong with the Windows 11 computer controlling the projectors?
“We are encountering technical difficulties…” 🤣
How do you recover from a technical failure? Have a nice British High Tea at the Waldorf! 🙂
It is hard to get in, so make reservations early and the sandwiches, sweets and tea are awesome!
David Cross Travel Blog 