China was not on my bucket list – full disclosure, as I previously visited for about 72 hours, for work.  As a Celiac, a FODMAP follower, and not eating meat, China poses substantial challenges for my dietary restrictions.  The past few years have been easier for these restrictions, and the advent of nutrition bars makes travel easier.  

After my visit to Angkor Wat in Cambodia in 2016, I began tracking sites I wished to visit throughout the world – my “must sees.”  The Great Wall was on my “must see” list, with the goal of spending a full day hiking the wall.  

That pesky Scott’s Cheap Flights sent me an unbelievable fare from DEN to PEK, on United Airlines, for a mere $500 round trip. (J/k Scott’s – I LOVE you!!) Simply an offer I couldn’t refuse.  I booked two tickets, and dreaded telling my husband, Matt, that he was going to China.  It was not on his radar whatsoever.  

This is a picture taken atop The Great Wall – an unforgettable experience, with a talented guide.  I hiked 10 miles that day, and cherished every single step.  

A day I will never forget.  My good friend Brooke and I have talked about traveling together for about 9 months.  We would often trade emails on travel deals, time frames, destinations – a fun exercise in dreaming.  Apparently the percolation ended, and Brooke called me on her way to work.  She gave me specific dates, in either October or November 2019.  I told her I’d check Google Flights, and get back to her.  

Within 20 minutes I found an incredible deal from DEN to SFO to SIN, a 2 day stopover, then SIN to DPS for 4 days, back to SIN for 1 day, then home, via SFO.  The icing on the cake was the flights were all on my preferred airline, United, and Star Alliance partner, Singapore Airlines.

I snipped a screenshot of the itinerary, sent it to Brooke and waited.  Less than two minutes later, she called me screaming  “yes, let’s book this!”

I booked my flight, called the 1K desk and booked her flight (so she could get my benefits.)

Then, we both went back to work like nothing happened.  Until that night when it finally sunk in.  I booked a trip to the #1 place on my Bucket List (Bali!!)  And, it was happening THIS year.  Not on my vision board, but hey, I added it.  I’m still shaking – this is real, and we are GOING!!

I’ve never met an ocean view I didn’t like – and Bora Bora was no exception. 

The crystal clear waters in varied shades of blue – a glimpse of the colorful fish, all off our little bure, perched over the ocean.  

I loved the experience of waking up in the mornings, throwing on a bikini, and diving off my deck into the ocean – all before an impressive buffet breakfast.

The Conrad was exceptional – from the service, to the bure, and the food.  

It is difficult to get there, though.  We spent a few days in Moorea before heading to Bora Bora.  Once again, I figured if we went all the way there, that we needed to see as much of French Polynesia as possible.  

Since the only flight from Moorea to Bora Bora was sold-out, we had to take a ferry from Moorea to Tahiti, then hop a flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora.  Once we arrived in Bora Bora, the hotel had a representative (Caroline) meet us to take us to the Conrad, via speed boat.  Except, it was pouring rain.  It was a wet and bumpy ride, but we arrived in one piece.  We were greeted in style with warm towels, a drink, and shown around the hotel property by Caroline.  The upgrade to a larger bure was icing on the cake.  

Well, it’s official.  I’ve been hoodwinked by Scott’s Cheap Flights, AGAIN!

Not that I’m complaining… it just feels a bit impulsive.  

So, where to this time?  CROATIA!!  

I nabbed a killer SUMMER deal from DEN to ZAG (Zagreb, Croatia) for $572.  

I booked my ticket and used miles for Matt’s.  

 We’re slated to travel June 2019!  A nice 10-day getaway.  He’s excited to see Dubrovnik, the whole Game of Thrones thing…never seen it (gasp, I know.)  Little does he know, we’ll need to cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to get from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.  What other countries can I squeeze in??