“Two strangers from opposite sides of the world—an American grandmother and a Kiwi with a guitar—on their very first date in Portugal, with the Atlantic sparkling at our feet.” A magical day on Madeira Island that set the tone for …

Our First Date: From the Cruise Ship to Madeira Island…Romance in Portugal: Steam Rooms, Ocean Views, and My Racing Heart Read more »

Watch Grandma Wendys Trip to Cook Islands https://theladybugtravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cook-Islands.mp4   The Cook Islands: Paradise in the Pacific Just a four-hour flight from New Zealand, the Cook Islands offer a tropical escape full of turquoise waves, golden shores, coral reefs vibrant with color, and the warmest island hospitality. Crossing the International Dateline adds a special touch—New Zealand is the first to welcome the New Year, while the Cook Islands are among the last. So in a way, you’re traveling through time! For me, it was romantic, adventurous, and unforgettable. Here are just a few of the highlights you can experience in this Pacific paradise.   Whales, Waves & Ocean Magic From our private porch overlooking the ocean, I saw my very first whale rise from the water—a breathtaking moment I captured on …

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https://theladybugtravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Bali.mp4 Explore deeper. Travel with meaning. Come with me beyond the guidebooks… 🏡1. Discover the Hidden Wonders — Authentic Village Life in Bali with Runi Bali has truly captured my heart, and not only because of its breathtaking beauty but …

Bali: A Journey of Heart, Healing & Human Connection Read more »

Love, the Sounds, and the Lockdown That Changed Everything into an Unexpected Twist in New Zealand “We thought it was just another adventure on the sea—until we stepped off the ship and into a world that would never be the …

Love, the Sounds, and the Lockdown That Changed Everything into an Unexpected Twist in New Zealand  Read more »