Opening in 1973, the Baros Maldives was only the third island destination resort in the Maldives. It’s gorgeous beauty and proximity to Male were among the primary reasons for it’s opening. Even though such history is fairly recent – things were significantly different back then. There were no banks on Male, fishing was still the primary income source for the country, the population was less than a 1/3 of what it is today and on Baros the original accommodation was thatched roof huts framed with coral walls – and no air conditioning. 

Resorts clustered around Male continued to open based on the fact one could reach these islands in a relatively short time via power boat – at most a few hours ride. “Remote” Maldivian resorts did not exist even 20 years ago. However when commercial seaplane service arrived and began offering daily flights; it became feasible to build resorts much further away from Male.

It’s human nature to want to feel a part of something. That’s one of the main reasons people join clubs and organizations. When I made the transition from full-time nursing to full-time freelance travel writing, I realized that as exciting as my new life was, I wasn’t part of a team like I had been at the hospital. Much of the work I was producing was now being done in my home office, practically in solitude.

So, I began to venture out. I joined my regional Travel Massive group. Next, I became a member of IFWTWA. Before I knew it, I was reaping the benefits of these formed relationships and my affiliations with other groups as well. Let’s look at the way professional organizations like IFWTWA can benefit travel writers and bloggers from an insider’s perspective.

The Tri-Valley is home to nearly 60 wineries, a craft beer trail with 23 stops, the first ice cream trail, California’s largest premium outlet shopping center, a world-class mall, one-of-a-kind boutique shops, hiking and incredible restaurants. From beer & wine tastings, to Dim Sum brunch, regional lunch and dinners, and a tour of the Blackhawk Museum, our media trip participants came away with an inspiring, hands-on experience and stories to share with their readers.

Our group spent one day touring four wineries in Livermore Wine Country. The wineries ranged from small to large. The wines were consistently good and show the time, talent and focus the vintners are putting into their craft. See IFWTWA social media posts at #IFWTWA #livealittlemore @VisitTriValley @LVWineCountry

IFWTWA is an acronym for the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. Our members make up a global network of storytelling content creators: writers, bloggers, travel journalists, photojournalists, podcasters, videographers, radio and television hosts, who report on the travel and hospitality industry. Many specialize solely in one area of food, wine, or travel reporting. Others pursue niches publishing on communications, historical, cultural or other specialty topical areas of interest to the public.

Industry professionals join with us to promote their venues. They run hotels, public relations firms, theme attractions, convention and visitors bureaus, destination management organizations, and tourism boards. They contribute the regional and local area knowledge and expertise so vital to fulfilling the mission of our Association. 

When you are a guest in someone’s home, you try to be respectful. When you’re in the distinguished James Beard’s House, you are very respectful. It was nearly 7 p.m. and we were led into a plain brownstone with a simple plaque at the entrance stating it was the James Beard House.

James Beard was the catalyst for showing people how to cook American food at a time when TV dinners were all the rage. In 1946, he had the first cooking show on NBC. Never one to sit still with so much culinary knowledge to share, his prolific cookbooks and magazine articles dominated the cooking world from the 1940’s until his death in 1985. His word about cooking with locally grown fresh foods was regarded as gospel and people wanted to hear and read the truth about cooking. And still do to this day.

Vermont is best known for maple syrup, skiing, fall foliage, and Ben & Jerry’s. But, in the past decade agriculture and food as well as the craft beer movement have positioned Vermont as best in class for foodies and beer connoisseurs, with travelers from across the globe coming to Vermont to taste our award-winning double IPAs, cheeses, ice cream, and, well… just about everything is great in Vermont!  #ExploreVTFood

IFWTWA member journalists explored the largest city (Burlington) and smallest city (Vergennes), the largest lake - Lake Champlain, and the mountains (Stowe, Vermont’s Highest peak)! We met with some of the regions tastemakers who are making waves nationally, and learned about up-and-coming food and beverage trends. Enjoy our stories of Vermont >>  

Rest and relaxation aren’t the only things you get from vacation. If you aren’t careful, you could end up with a lot of debt. A recent survey by Learn Vest of vacation-going Americans found 74% went into debt to bankroll their getaway, spending $1,108 on average for a single trip. Of those surveyed, most spent about 10% of their annual income on one trip, and most of them did not budget for the trip in advance.

The good news is that vacations don’t have to be such an enormous expense. There are ways to rein in spending and still have the vacation of your dreams. Check out the following eight ways to do so:

"The wine world has its share of eponymous regions; so famous, that just the mere murmur of their name evokes a sense of wonder.  Chateauneuf-du-Pape is one of those regions. The rich, bold and sensuous red wines that are created from this parcel of land in the south of France have been renowned for hundreds of years. For those of us who love wine Chateauneuf-du-Pape is practically a place of pilgrimage.

It doesn’t matter from which direction you approach the village. Whether it’s from the rocky plateaus to the north and the city of Orange, from the east and the medieval town of Courthezon, or from the flowing Rhone River to the west – the omnipresent ruins of the famed chateau acts as a beacon to the wine-lover.

"For whiskey enthusiasts, a visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a premier trip to make. For bourbon fans, it’s Mecca. Ninety-five percent of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky where the limestone encrusted spring-fed waters contribute to the flavors of these delicious whiskeys."  Nancy Zaffaro

Nancy Zaffaro, Confetti Travel Cafe is a long-time bourbon fan. This was not her first visit to the region, but on this trip, she was traveling solo, arrived in Louisville during very heavy rains and had only one day to spare. Taking one of Mint Julep Tours’ all-day Bourbon tours was the way to go. Find out more: Tour the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Mint Julep Tours 

"If the Middle East is on your bucket list, Qatar is a country you won’t want to miss. Aside from being one of the wealthiest economies and the country with the highest per capita income in the world, you’ll find this destination teeming with culture, uber-luxurious hotels and some pretty amazing food."  Beth Graham

Beth Graham is featured on BlendRadioandTV.com, in the weekly Big Blend e-Newsletter, and her article appears in the February-April issue of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine. Beth shares travel tips and chats about travel to the Middle East with Big Blend's hosts Lisa & Nancy. Listen in at your leisure: