nicole smith's List: Travel and Places

What would your dream vacation entail? Playing golf? Enjoying a relaxing spa treatment? Fine dining just at your doorstep? Or how about a pleasurable day partaking in one of our many water sports? When you visit a resort destination, there are many options to choose from to satisfy everyone’s desires.

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world; with courses just about anywhere you look. Whether conducting business or simply enjoying a few rounds with friends, for many, there’s no better way to spend the afternoon.

As life becomes more hectic and daily schedules continue to overflow, the one thing many people forget to take care of is themselves. Children, spouses, jobs, bosses, and long commutes crowd our minds, leaving little room to relax and recharge.

Those lucky few who do manage to steal a few moments of peace unwind in many ways. For some, it’s a good workout in the gym. For others, it’s golf. And for many, it’s a luxurious spa treatment.

Celebrate Mother's Day at La Torretta Del Lago Texas Resort and Spa. And all Mother's who visit Chez Roux on May 9th and/or PRIME on May 10th will be invited to enter a drawing for a half-day at The Spa Giveaway!

Whether your passion for travel takes you to Africa, India, South America, or all points in between, there is one common thread that we all have - a curiosity to see the world and learn about other places, people, and cultures. With over four decades in the travel industry, Ker & Downey has seen first hand how tourism dollars support local and international economies and people. However, not all tourism dollars trickle down to those who need it the most.

Want to get away? Make sure you have every concern taken care of first so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the trip.

A culturally rich nation with ancient traditions, Oman is a traveler's delight. The legacy that has been passed from generation to generation, the art, the culture, the folklore, and the craftsmanship have to be seen. But, there is much more in the heart of Oman to explore: the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature.

Nestled serenely between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, Chile is a land of incredible diversity both geologically and culturally. Within its borders lays the Atacama Desert, the world's driest desert; the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine in the Patagonia region; the mysterious Easter Island; and the beautiful Chilean Winelands. This land has a wealth of natural offerings and is a favorite destination for travelers to South America. Known for its rich, volcanic soils, Chile has an incredible offering of gastronomic delights, and a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood make Chile a fabulous choice for the culinary traveler.

South Africa is the quintessential African experience. First time travelers and seasoned veterans of Africa will tell you that South Africa's diverse offerings are what make this destination a favorite. Our journeys into South Africa are legend and have won numerous travel awards from National Geographic, Conde Nast, and more.

The Galapagos Islands are widely known for being the subject of Charles Darwin's landmark work, The Origin of Species. Notably, the islands' fauna display a characteristic known as island gigantism, which is a biological phenomenon whereby the size of animals isolated on an island increases dramatically over generations.

A very relaxing place to unwind and with a gorgeous views, spacious, contemporary designs and only the most deluxe linens and bath accessories. Located near Houston, Texas.

The Amazon River is the largest river in the world, with a flow greater than the next eight largest rivers combined. Further, at no point in it's run is the river crossed by bridges. Because of its size and length the Amazon is home to a diverse collection of wildlife and fauna. More than one third of all species in the world live in the Amazon Rainforest, a giant tropical forest with an area that stretches more than 2.1 million square miles and is among the richest tropical forests in the world. The river has nearly 3,000 recognized species of fish, a number which is still growing. Notably, the river is one of the main habitats of the Boto, known as the Amazon River Dolphin.

Egypt wears her patina well. She is extraordinarily rich in antiquities, treasures, and history. During the Greek and Roman Empire, Egypt was the playground of the powerful and attracted many of the leaders of the first modern world. Today, Egypt is still a major destination and provides incredible experiences for the modern traveler.