Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.
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Safari Hotels in Tanzania
After my time in Kenya at Giraffe Manor, I headed to Tanzania for the next part of my African journey: safari! Here are the safari hotels in Tanzania (plus a few in Zanzibar) where I stayed during my weeklong trip! Olerai Lodge Formerly a family home, Olerai Lodge opened as a hotel in 2019. Set among an acacia grove this sun-soaked hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and is an absolute delight! This unexpected gem of a property was my favorite way to start my Tanzania trip! From sundowners at the circular fire pit to the cozy cottage nestled among flowers, the property was beautiful and the service was stellar!…
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Upendo House Stone Town: A Chic Retreat in the Heart of Zanzibar
Located in the historical UNESCO World Heritage city of Stone Town, Upendo House Zanzibar is an eight-room, adults-only luxury boutique hotel offering chic vibes and a unique take on Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. Opened in early 2020, this fully restored property combines contemporary style with traditional touches, making it a perfect escape for those seeking elegance and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a solo adventure, Upendo House delivers an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this stylish retreat. How to Get to Upendo House Upendo House is centrally located in Stone Town, making it easily accessible from Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International…
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Hawaii Quiz
Thinking about taking a trip to Hawaii, but don’t know which island or islands are right for you? Take this quick quiz to find out which Hawaiian islands you should visit on your next vacation!
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12 Travel Books to Read in 2025 | Virtual Book Club
Since I can’t always be traveling (boo, right?) I’ve made it my goal to add more travel books to my reading lineup in 2025. I’m a big fan of travel fiction and travel memoirs and thought it would be fun to start a little virtual travel book club to bring you all along on this journey with me! I’ve chosen the books for the first three months so that you can reserve them from your local library (or snag them from Amazon using the links below) but if you’ve got suggestions for future months, hop over to Instagram and DM me! Fun Fact: My first job ever was working in…
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Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Located on the northern tip of Nungwi Beach on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel is a beach lover’s paradise that’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and worlds away from the mainland safari circuit. How to Get to Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel Or take a two-hour ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Note that the ferry crossing can be rough depending on the season. Nungwi Dreams is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport and port in Stone Town. Fly to Zanzibar Stone Town Airport (ZNZ) from a variety of airports including Dar Es Salaam’s…
