Episode 32: Tokyo Travels Unleashed, Exploring the Best Day Trip Destinations

Posted on February 24, 2020September 18, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we continue our adventures in and around Tokyo with some of our top day trip destinations for exploring the area around Tokyo. As amazing as Tokyo is, the surrounding countryside, coastlines and rustic beauty of Honshu Island are in full display when you venture just a bit south and west of the city.

Some of our favorite destinations that are within an hour or two of Tokyo include Hakone, Nikko, Izu, and Kamakura. In this episode we break down all four cities – at most about a 2-hour train ride out of Tokyo – to give you a taste of what awaits just on the outskirts of Tokyo. From the majesty of the famous Mt. Fuji to the beautiful beaches, ornate temples and shrines to the numerous hot springs, adventure awaits with enough variety to suit any interest. What are you waiting for? Be sure to check out the Japan section of our Destinations page to explore even more of Japan. Enjoy!

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Episode 31: Insiders Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Posted on January 26, 2020September 18, 2024 by admin

With this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we start a much anticipated series on Japan with a special focus on Tokyo and the area around Tokyo. Tokyo holds a special place in our hearts and has been a frequent destination for us – both for pleasure and business – that covering all must-see and must-do activities can’t be done in just one episode.

For first timers or seasoned travelers to Japan, this episode provides first-hand tips and guidance on what to expect getting in and out of Tokyo as well as some of our favorite foods, shops and destinations. With so much to offer, Tokyo is a must visit destination and there’s never been a better time to start exploring Tokyo. We break it all down for you so you can maximize your stay in Tokyo. Be sure to check out all things Japan in our Destinations page for even more activities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Enjoy!

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Episode 30: The Best of the Yucatan, Mexico

Posted on January 20, 2020December 8, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we return to Mexico to continue exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Before we jump into exploring the area, we share some advice and things to look out for when selecting your next all-inclusive resort to ensure you maximize your stay and avoid any unintended surprises.

Next, we jump into some of the sights and sounds that we recommend for first-timers as well as seasoned travelers to the Yucatan, including the amazing Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum ruins. However, if water adventures are more your thing, we also talk about the amazing reef at Chankanaab Beach Park on Cozumel as well as the Dos Ojos Cenotes, Xel-Ha and Xcaret parks. Any way you slice it, there’s so much to do and see beyond the all-inclusive resorts. If Cancun or the Mayan Riviera are on your destination list, this episode provides some great tips on where to go to see and explore some of the best the Yucatan has to offer. Don’t forget to stop by our Destinations page for even more on Cancun and Mexico. Enjoy!

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Episode 29: Traveling without identification

Posted on January 13, 2020September 18, 2024 by admin

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we dive into a rather important topic we hope you will find useful; air travel without identification. We’ve all been there; rush to get out of the house, running a little late, holiday season craziness has us running around in circles, and on and on it goes.

Now, we’re at the airport about to go through security and we notice that we forget to bring our identification or worse, it sliped out of our bag or a pocket or it got stolen. That is the worst feeling and now we’re stuck – or are we? Check out this weeks podcast for some useful tips on how you can still make that flight without your identification. Don’t forget to also check out our Destinations page to find that next exotic travel spot. Enjoy!

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Episode 28: Cancun All-Inclusive Resorts, Your Ultimate Guide to Paradise

Posted on December 9, 2019December 8, 2024 by admin

In this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we travel south of the US boarder to one of our favorite areas of Mexico – Cancun. Located on the Eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun and the Riviera Maya region boast some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in all of Mexico.

If tropical beach settings, tons or water activities or archaeological excursions are on your to-do list, please be sure to include a trip to Cancun! Getting there is a breeze and with so many accommodations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know were to go or stay. Our recommendation for maximizing your stay is in an all-inclusive resort – and we highlight a few of our favorites for you to give you a taste of what to expect and how to plan your next stay accordingly. Be sure to check out our Destinations page for even more information on Cancun and other tropical vacation spots. Enjoy!

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Episode 27: Livermore Wineries of Northern California, Off-the-Beaten-Path Vineyards

Posted on November 24, 2019September 25, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we take a detour from international travel and focus on the U.S. as we discuss the wine country in the Livermore Valley of Northern California. Just a short hop east from San Francisco or north east of San Jose, Livermore is nestled in a small valley of rolling hills, natural beauty and really good wineries!

Livermore is home to some of the oldest wineries in California. It’s warm, arid climate is ideal for red verities such as Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as well as other reds and blends. Unlike the hustle and pomp and circumstance that seems to imbibe Napa, Livermore is a real hidden gem where you will find an inviting, relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery and delicious wines! In this episode, we cover a few of our favorite wineries and give you a virtual “taste” of what to expect at each. Be sure to visit our Destinations page for even more wineries. Enjoy!

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Episode 26: Charming Costa Rica, Eco-Tourism Adventures

Posted on November 10, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

In this podcast episode, we uncover the origin of our site and podcast name – Pura Vida or Pure Life – from an eco-tourism jaunt to Costa Rica. Located just north of Panama, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round that makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking beach, jungle or other tropical activities.

If you love nature and rustic adventures, then Costa Rica is a perfect destination! Enjoy the lush rain forests, plentiful rivers and tributaries as well as volcanoes and natural hot springs – not to mention the wildlife! From toucans to three toed sloths, howler monkeys and American crocodiles, there’s something waiting around every corner to explore. We break it all down for you here and provide some tips on how to maximize your adventure. Be sure to also check out our Destinations page for even more info on this and other exciting destinations. Enjoy!

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Episode 25: Exploring Bora Bora, the Jewel of the Pacific

Posted on November 3, 2019September 17, 2024 by admin

This week we continue exploring French Polynesia with a trip to beautiful Bora Bora. Located about 143 miles north west of Tahiti in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is best known for its tranquil turquoise lagoon and numerous over-water bungalows and resorts.

While in Bora Bora, we took in a variety of activities, including the not-to-be-missed shark feeding and sting ray excursion, a two-tank scuba dive, a jeep 4×4 tour of the main island, and even a visit to the turtle sanctuary at the Le Meridian resort. In this podcast episode we break it all down and provide expert tips on how to get the most out of your time in Bora Bora. And since it is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth, we even provide tips and advice on how to plan and what to expect for weddings or vow renewal ceremonies – which we also did for our milestone anniversary. Be sure to check out our all of pics from French Polynesia on our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 24: Exploring Exotic French Polynesia

Posted on October 29, 2019September 11, 2024 by admin

In this episode we set out to explore the South Pacific on an exotic get-away to French Polynesia. As a young couple, especially before kids, we couldn’t think of another place more romantic than the islands of French Polynesia, so we booked a vacation on the islands of Tahiti and Mo’orea.

Tahiti is probably better known than Mo’orea but only because to get to French Polynesia you have to fly in and out of Tahiti. But, just a scant 11 miles north-west of Tahiti is the island of Mo’orea and wow – what a wonderful way to get introduced to the warmth and beauty of the Polynesian culture. In this episode, we break down the accommodations, activities and all the “wish I knew before I went” topics that make Mo’orea a must visit destination. Be sure to check out more of the behind the scenes in our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 23: Highlights of Portugal

Posted on September 22, 2019September 10, 2024 by admin

In this episode, we complete our European road trip with a quick four day excursion in Portugal. Driving from Spain to Portugal is a breeze, so we set off from Seville, Spain to our first stop in southern Portugal – an amazing beach-front town called Burgau.

After a quick overnight in Burgau we drove up north to Lisbon to stay for the next three days to explore the Portuguese capital along with the towns of Sintra and Evora. Along the way, we picked up some useful tips and tricks on where to go, where to eat, how to get around (especially with a large family) and how to make the most of your time in these amazing cities. If you are a fan of Portugal and looking for some new recommendations or planning your first trip to country, this episode is a must listen. Be sure to catch the sights as well on our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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