We are back! These past few weeks were chock full of travel, drama, and a few unexpected incidents – all of which we’ll be sharing throughout the next few weeks so stay tuned! One of the most significant events we’ll be sharing was our latest COVID-Coping technique; a road trip across the Western United States (starting in California then off to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona). So strap yourselves in as we hit the road for a COVID-inspired 2020 road trip! We kick off this weeks episode right where it all began; Day 1 of our road trip for a quick over-nighter in lovely Mammoth Lakes, California on our way through Las Vegas and onto Utah. We’d never been to Mammoth before, so we thought this would be a great way to break up the first leg of our journey and get out on some of the many trails all over the Mammoth area. What an amazing first stop and an incredible way to begin our journey! We’ll uncover it all in this episode, including some of our favorite spots both for hiking and eating. Enjoy!

Pure Life Family Travel Podcast

Episode 42: 2020 Road Trip Day 1 – Mammoth Lakes

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest episode – Episode 41: Skin Nourishment and Piña Coloadas! We kick off this weeks episode with our “drink of the week” – the perfect piña colada cocktail. With summer right around the corner, beach vacations and tropical settings dominate our thoughts. Well . . . the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means travel to the beach isn’t likely anytime soon. So, let’s bring the beach to us with a perfect piña coloada cocktail. This satisfyingly refreshing recipe is sure to set the perfect tone for a relaxing shelter-in-place stay-cation! Be sure to check out our latest blog for step-by-step instructions! Next, we start a discussion on some new nourishing skin care products we’ve been researching lately. With the current pause in travel, it’s a perfect time to do some much needed research and one of our focus areas has been skin care. With such a dizzying array of products to choose from, it’s hard to know what just works and what is all hype. We break down some recent all-natural skin care discoveries from Drunk Elephant, Ursa Major and CeraVe, giving an honest assessment of our top picks from these amazing brands. Enjoy! The post Episode 41: Skin Nourishment and Piña Coladas appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 41: Skin Nourishment and Piña Coladas

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest podcast – Episode 40: Mojito Madness Virtual Happy Hour! It has been quite an emotional week – well month actually so far – and we’ve witnessed some truly sad but also very hopeful events. With all this and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like a good opportunity to celebrate hope and reconnecting with each other – practicing social distancing of course. So grab your glass and plenty of ice, because it’s time for a virtual happy hour! This week, we kick off the happy hour with our “drink of the week” home-made cocktail. Our drink this week is the Mojito – a perfect spring and summer cocktail that goes down smooth and compliments just about any finger foods. We provide not only our own twist to the Mojito recipe but also introduce a variety of our favorite snacks. From chips and salsa, big soft pretzels to spring rolls and more, our eclectic recommendations provide the perfect compliment to our refreshing and easy-to-make mojito, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable virtual happy hour. Cheers! The post Episode 40: Mojito Madness Virtual Happy Hour appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 40: Mojito Madness Virtual Happy Hour

Pura vida and welcome to our latest podcast – Episode 39, Travels, Tribulations and Bramble. It’s been a grueling couple of weeks since our last podcast and much has happened . . . so let’s get right to it! We kick off this weeks podcast with our “drink of the week” segment. This weeks concoction is a delicious and delectable cocktail called the Buffalo Bramble. Made with Vodka, Creme de Cassis and fresh blackberries, it’s a refreshing addition to our coping cocktails series, packing an equal punch of potency and flavor! Next we shift gears and dive into our latest findings on all things travel, including which countries are starting to lift travel restrictions, which ones aren’t, and how to deal with cancellations and refunds. We also talk about some of the changes to airlines and hotel cancellation and rescheduling policies affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as our experiences handling changes and cancellations. It’s a jam-packed episode, so strap in, grab your favorite cocktail (and be sure to check out this weeks Buffalo Bramble recipe) and enjoy the ride. Cheers! The post Episode 39: Travels, Tribulations and Bramble appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 39: Travels, Tribulations and Bramble

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest podcast! We hope you all are staying healthy and safe throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic. As we welcome the slow re-opening of business and long for a return to “normal” it is important to face each day with patience, positivity and plenty of adult beverages (the three “p’s”). To that extent, this weeks recipe is a slight twist on a Peach Punch. A simple and refreshing cocktail, this version is a great way to take the edge off all things COVID. Salude! Next, we dive into a true gem nestled about two hours south of San Francisco, California; Monterey. Known for it’s famed cannery row, amazing aquarium, Pebble Beach golf course and ambiance galore, Monterey is a perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway or a more relaxed extended stay. Many of the shops and restaurants are soon to be re-opening, so now is the perfect time to start planning where to stay, what to do and what to eat. We break it down for you this week with some accommodations, attractions and restaurants that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. Enjoy! The post Episode 38: Monterey California and Peach Punch appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 38: Monterey California and Peach Punch

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest episode! The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least. We’ve been adjusting to all that is COVID-19 including the on-going shelter-in-place as well as living more of our lives online. It’s taken us some time to get back into a “normal” routine but we’re finally getting our feet underneath us and are finding our rhythm. This week, we kick off the podcast with our “drink of the week” featuring one of my favorite bourbons called Basil Hayden’s. Basil Hayden’s is a light-bodied small-batch bourbon that goes down smoothly either neat or on the rocks (especially with Whiskey Ball ice cubes), and compliments any occasion. Cheers! The episode continues by addressing some alarming aspects of the current pandemic: the latest wave of online scams associated with COVID-19. Strap yourselves in as we explore some easy ways to keep you safe online – which is a great compliment to our recent blog. Enjoy! The post Episode 37: Bourbon, Bad Guys and Cyber Vigilance appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 37: Bourbon, Bad Guys and Cyber Vigilance

Pura Vida and welcome to our latest episode! With the on-going pandemic that is COVID-19, we could all use a break from the news to focus on more enjoyable distractions. And one of our favorite distractions is doing research on traveling. So this week we continue our discussion on the best credit cards by diving into research we have been doing on airline specific rewards cards and programs . Before discussing the best airline credit cards, we start off this weeks episode with what we hope will be a favorite segment of the show: our weekly cocktail. And this week we break down a deliciously drinkable espresso martini! Refreshing, bold and packing a nice punch, an espresso martini goes great with any dinner or as a relaxing way to wind down an evening. The show continues with a discussion of some of the major airline credit card rewards programs that we have had experience with. With world-wide travel restrictions currently in place, now is the best time to research that next destination for when things returns to normal and to start racking up those rewards miles. Enjoy! The post Episode 36: Best (Airline) Credit Card Rewards Program: Part 3 appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 36: Best (Airline) Credit Card Rewards Program: Part 3

This unprecedented COVID-19 virus has affected all aspects of our lives. From toilet paper hording to infection rates, it seems each day brings more and more bad news. We are saddened and devastated by these ongoing developments and our hearts go out to all those affected. We have spent the past two weeks adjusting to working and schooling from home, cancelling upcoming trips and activities and trying to maintain a positive outlook. Thus we’re going to venture away from our normal format for the next few weeks and dive into some topics we hope you find helpful during these times. In this episode, we will break down a simple but satisfyingly delicious margarita. As we’ve mentioned before, we are known to enjoy some libations! And one of our favorites is a margarita, but not just your run-of-the-mill syrupy sweet concoction. We like the top shelf variety using our favorite margarita base; Don Julio Tequila. Join us as we break down bar kits essentials and precise measurements for making the best margaritas. Salud! The post Episode 35: Tequila and Corona appeared first on Pure Life Podcast.

Episode 35: Tequila and Corona

In the last episode, we provided some tips on how to identify the best credit card rewards program for your travel needs. In this episode, we go a bit deeper and explore some of the cards we personally own that have worked well for us. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, there are some great programs to satisfy where ever your travels take you. With the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s a perfect time to start doing some research on how to maximize your next hotel stay. And credit card rewards programs are a great way to earn immediate status at some of the top hotels and properties across the globe. What’s more, they are offering even more incentives to entice new subscribers. Many of the cards we cover in this episode offer: up to 3x’s rewards points towards stays, cash-back rewards for certain purchases as well as discounts for a variety of other amenities. We break it all down in this episode and share our favorite credit card travel rewards programs to help you maximize your points accumulation. Enjoy! The post Episode 34: Best Credit Card Rewards Program – Part 2 appeared first on Pure Life Travel Podcast.

Episode 34: Best Credit Card Rewards Program – Part 2

Every day we see ads for various credit cards. Whether it’s Capital One, American Express, Chase, or Discover, they all offer attractive rewards programs geared toward travel. But that begs the question: which are the best credit card rewards programs for me? Choosing the right travel rewards program can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. In this weeks episode – Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1 – we break down the questions you need to answer as well as share some tips to help guide you through the maze of choices to maximize your travel rewards. Don’t miss our next episode where we’ll provide additional guidance as well as uncover some of the “gotchya’s” to avoid that we learned along the way. Enjoy! The post Episode 33: Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1 appeared first on Pure Life Travel Podcast.

Episode 33: Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1

We’re back! Apologies for the two-week hiatus as we were battling colds, work, travel, and other minor distractions. This week, 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. And 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? Let’s go explore some of the best day-trip destinations around Tokyo. Enjoy!

Episode 32: Top Day Trip Destinations from Tokyo

This week 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 with the 2020 Summer Olympics being hosted in Japan, 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. Enjoy!

Episode 31: Insiders guide to Tokyo, Japan

Eri is back in studio to conclude our experiences and recommendations in and around Cancun Mexico. Before we jump into exploring the area, Eri shares 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, check out this weeks episode to get some great tips on where to go to see and explore some of the best the Yucatan has to offer. Enjoy!

Episode 30: Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Happy 2020! We hope you had an enjoyable holiday season and are so happy to be back with you as we kick off our second year at Pure Life Podcast! This weeks episode dives 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 due to check in for a flight and 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 trip by air without your identification.

Episode 29: Traveling without identification

In this episode, 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. Enjoy!

Episode 28: All Inclusive Resorts, Cancun, Mexico

A Site for Vacation Planning, Food and Leisure

hubhopper

Pure Life Family Travel Podcast

hubhopper