The quick…. luxury hotels, all meals on tour days included, all tours included, all transport to and from activities included, all activity entrance fees included, fun, luxury, small group – 12 hosted by yours truly, all single occupancy rooms, we will meet via zoom a couple of times so when the trip comes up, we will all be friends!
Took book and not miss out on this awesome, and kind of long, adventure, use the link below or scan the qr code. You can put 999.00 USD non refundable deposit down or pay for the whole trip.
Hope to see you soon, check out the site for upcoming trips in 2025 and early 2026 as well.
OMG, we are so excited! We are preparing for a trip to Australia for 2026. We stretched out to December so our friends can come right before the holidays! It will be 11 whole days of fun, luxury, leisure, and adventure!
Yes 7 plus 4 days! December 4 – December 15, 2026
Due to popular demand NEW TRIP ADDED! Dec 28 – January 9, 2027!!!
Don’t worry you will be with friends. We will meet up on zoom before the trip several times and if you are in Chicago, we can meet for dinner. My treat! The rooms are all single ocupancy so we can hang out when we want and have private time too. I will get there a day ahead so I can be fresh and able to meet and greet everyone at the hotel.
I am not sitting on a plane on and off for 1-2 days without the trip being the trip of a lifetime.
First leg of the trip will be Sydney Australia. The second leg of our jourey will be Nadi, Fiji.
Sydney: Friends, imagine Sydney – a city where luxury whispers on the breeze and adventure pulses in your veins. Picture this: you, overlooking the iconic Sydney Opera House, a glass of chilled Australian sparkling wine in hand, the sun painting the harbor in hues of gold and rose. That’s the kind of magic Sydney offers.
For the discerning traveler seeking a touch of indulgence, Sydney delivers in spades. Think five-star hotels with breathtaking harbour views, where you can pamper yourself with spa treatments and world-class dining. Imagine shopping in designer boutiques along Pitt Street Mall, or indulging in a bespoke experience at one of the city’s exclusive salons. Sydney is a playground for those who appreciate the finer things.
But Sydney isn’t just about luxury; it’s a city that ignites the spirit of adventure. Are you feeling daring? Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for an exhilarating perspective of the city, or learn to surf at Bondi Beach, feeling the rush of the waves beneath your board. Take a ferry to Manly and explore the scenic coastal walk, discovering hidden coves and breathtaking views.
And then, there are the experiences that showcase the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. A day trip to the Blue Mountains is an absolute must. Imagine yourself surrounded by ancient eucalyptus forests, gazing at the majestic Three Sisters rock formation, and breathing in the crisp mountain air. You can hike through lush valleys, ride the scenic railway – the steepest passenger railway in the world – and discover cascading waterfalls. It’s a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise. Many tour operators offer comfortable day trips, taking care of all the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Beyond the Blue Mountains, consider a wine tour in the Hunter Valley, where you can sample award-winning Australian wines and enjoy gourmet food amidst rolling vineyards. Or, for a taste of Indigenous culture, explore Barangaroo Reserve, a significant site for the Gadigal people, and learn about their connection to the land.
Sydney is a city that truly has it all – the glamour of a cosmopolitan hub, the thrill of outdoor adventures, and the richness of diverse cultures. It’s a place where you can create your own unforgettable vacation, whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or a little bit of both. So, pack your bags, darlings, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of Sydney. You deserve it! We will not hit all of the spots but I will make sure we do enough to want to come back!
FijiNadi Island in Fiji. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience curated for the person who appreciates the finer things, yet craves authentic connection. Think of it as your personal Fijian escape, where luxury whispers on the breeze and the vibrant culture embraces you like a warm hug.
Nadi, Fiji is the gateway to a luxurious South Pacific escape, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and refinement. Known for its upscale resorts along Denarau Island, Nadi attracts travelers who crave comfort without sacrificing cultural charm. Accommodations like the Hilton, Sofitel, and Radisson Blu offer spacious beachfront suites, infinity pools, private cabanas, and fine-dining options just steps from your room. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of champagne with ocean views or unwinding in a hammock under swaying palms, Nadi caters to those seeking a polished, sun-drenched retreat.
The culinary scene in Nadi is a flavorful celebration of Fijian, Indian, Asian, and Western cuisine. Food lovers can indulge in fresh seafood, tropical fruits, spicy curries, and gourmet international dishes at resort restaurants or local favorites like Tu’s Place and Nadina. For something more immersive, visit the Nadi Farmers Market to sample fresh pineapples, coconuts, and local sweets. Sunset dining at Port Denarau Marina offers romantic waterfront meals with a relaxed, upscale vibe, perfect for women’s travel groups or solo travelers looking for atmosphere and taste.
Nadi is also a destination for wellness and self-care, with luxurious spas offering traditional Fijian massage techniques, coconut scrubs, and full-body rituals designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Many resorts feature full-service spas where women can indulge in facials, mani-pedis, and yoga sessions with ocean breezes as the backdrop. For those looking to mix leisure with activity, options abound—from a calming walk through the Garden of the Sleeping Giant to a mud bath experience at the Sabeto Hot Springs, offering healing properties and a good dose of laughter.
Shopping in Nadi is a blend of local culture and modern convenience. Port Denarau boasts chic boutiques, resort wear, handcrafted jewelry, and Fijian-made skincare, while the town center offers more traditional markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and pearls. Ocean lovers can take day cruises to the Mamanuca Islands, go snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply lounge at the beachside sipping cocktails. Cultural tours, cooking classes, and river rafting trips offer a deeper connection to Fiji’s warm-hearted people and natural beauty. Nadi invites women to explore, indulge, and unwind—all at their own pace.
No? We have a payment plan for the trip. We can invoice you equal installments via our paypal account. All payments are due 120 days before departure. You are worth it, the trip will be amazing and memorable, and we would love to see you there!
Ytteb Martin, Co-Owner Long and Short Travel Adventures, LASTA Club
2022 is opening up to all kinds of travel opportunities for anyone like me looking to get a new stamp on their passport. Have you ever thought about vacationing in Columbia? A lot has changed and now Cartagena is considered one of the most popular cities to visit in the Americas. December through April is actually the best time to visit this beautiful city because it is their dry season.
Cartagena actually has something for everyone with its enjoyable Caribbean climate, historic Walled City and its gorgeous nearby beaches. This city is home to some of the best high-end restaurants that serve some of the finest seafood or local market stalls that serve up delicious rustic stews. Not to mention their incredible range of fresh fruit juices available on seemingly every street corner. I would love to experience a guided street tour of Cartagena’s food led by a local insider.
Few people realize that this wonderful city is located just an hour away from the village of San Basilio de Palenque, one of the first freed slave settlements in the Americas. If you’re into history or great architecture, the Old City, which used to be a no-go zone for tourists, now boasts as one of the coolest neighborhoods in Columbia. It has tons of burgeoning art, hip bars, hostels and the lovely Plaza Trinidad. Every night’s full of locals, travelers, artists and street performers.
Cartagena boasts plenty of photo ops for the professional or Instagram devotee. Almost every street is filled with beautiful pastel-colored buildings and bougainvillea plants perfect for posting on social media. And let’s not forget the beautiful beaches and islands. You can visit the city beaches of the Bocagande neighborhood. Or you can jump on a boat to the national parks of Playa Blanca, Tierra Bomba or the Rosario Islands. There are plenty of places to bask in the warm sun on several nearby beaches. This is definitely one of the most romantic destinations to visit for a once in a lifetime vacation. Hope to see you there next year.
In deciding where to go on holiday one must consider many things such as budget, time, activities, and of course, Pics and Pans, which is a big factor. Careful thought goes into deliberating if you want to vacation for one to two weeks or just take a long weekend. Are you motivated to choose a destination because you want to party, learn about the culture, or soak up some sun and play in the ocean?
I am planning vacations to Bali and Hawaii for two different groups of clients. I want to go on both trips but time is not permitting. Believe it or not, getting folks to decide what they would like to do is often difficult. This is especially the case when visiting a place you have never been to before.
My humble advice is to research 3 things the place you choose is famous for. Do you like the activities they have to offer? Yes, great. Now add some guest dining and a club or two and the vacation is golden.
Maybe beachy is more your style? Can you swim? Let’s go snorkeling or whale watching. Perhaps exotic drinks tickle your fancy, most likely in a smoke free environment. You can have an Elevator Cocktail in Bali or a Mai Tai in Hawaii. Challenge accepted.
On the other hand, let’s explore holy temples and museums and architecture galore but no gourmand eateries or clubs to party at. Finally, pick three fun activities that you would enjoy for every 4 days. Give yourself a half a day to relax upon arrival and realize 10am-2pm is usually check out time so that last day is a wash. But before you go, to get you started here’s some suggestions:
We used PPE and six feet of space, don’t worry. We journeyed to Mackinac Island Michigan. No cars and bikes and horses everywhere! Melissa lost 4 lbs because we walked or biked everywhere. I recommend it for a great short adventure. We looked at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac island, beautiful but pricey. You get there by taking the ferry to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City Michigan. It took 6-7 hours to drive from Chicago, but we will do it again, and next time take more folks along. Maybe we will stay at the Grand hotel in Mackinac Island.
Upscale Adventures in Sydney, Australia: Luxury with a Dash of Adventure
Sydney & Fiji: Your Luxe Escape to Culture, Calm & Celebration
Imagine stepping off a long flight into the crisp air of Sydney—sleek architecture glimmering ahead, harbor breezes whispering promise—and knowing that for the next two weeks, everything is arranged for you: no fuss, no schedules, no compromises. This is not just travel. This is your love affair with ease, elegance, and discovery.
From the moment your private transfer whisks you away from the airport, you’ll sense that this itinerary is designed for women who demand refinement, spontaneity, and soul-deep restoration. The pace is generous. The experiences are curated. And the whole journey is yours to inhabit—fearlessly, luxuriously, joyfully.
Serene Beginnings in Sydney
Start slow. After check-in to your boutique 5-star hotel (think polished rooms, impeccable service, and views ), enjoy your first afternoon strolling the sunlit promenades of Circular Quay. Pop into Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood with a glass of chilled rosé—and toast to the beginning of your reinvention.
Over the next few days, you’ll be guided through Sydney’s cultural heartbeat: a private walking tour through the rocks district, a behind-the-scenes peek at the Opera House, perhaps tickets to a performance curated for women travelers. Lunch comes in the form of dreamy, light meals—salmon nicoises, truffle-oil arancini—at stylish cafés where you’ll see women like you: bold, curious, and unapologetically generous with joy.
And in between, pockets of relaxation: linger at a day-spa for a bespoke facial or massage, or escape to the Royal Botanic Gardens with a picnic curated by your concierge. There is no rush. There is no comparison. Only your rhythm.
Escape to Fiji: Tropical Indulgence
Because the best escapes end with deep slumber, we cross oceans to arrive in Fiji—warm, luminous, island magic. Your resort is an enclave of privacy, luxury, and nature: over-water bungalows, wood-paneled villas, personal butler service. You’ll wake to the sound of waves and float in crystal waters before breakfast.
Days here are all yours. Engage in Fijian culture via village visits, Kava ceremonies, and storytelling by elders—but always returned to the cocoon of your resort when you choose. Lounge by the infinity pool, sip tropical fruit elixirs, dive into coral gardens, or get a private yoga session on the sand. Want a splash of connection? Join other solo women guests for snorkeling or sunset sailing—no pressure, just possibility.
Dining in Fiji becomes a nightly ritual of delight. Think candlelit beachfront tables, ceviche kissed by citrus, perfectly grilled swordfish, locally sourced produce, and patisseries whose desserts melt midair. Every bite is indulgent. Every moment tastes like ease.
Why This Journey Holds a Mirror to the Woman You Want to Be
You’re not here for a checklist. You’re here to feel renewed, to laugh at dusk with women who get it, to wander with curiosity and come home with new confidence. Because you still believe in your next great chapter—and this trip is your invitation to write it.
So come. Sail under Southern skies. Dive into turquoise depths. Dine by starlight. Let the waves lull you into deep rest. No decisions, only discoveries. No obligations, only pleasure. Designed for you: bold, independent, worthy of unapologetic indulgence.
I thought I would share some of the pics from this year’s fun. I am certain that next year will be even better! Remember L.A.S.T.A. club members get first dibs on our trips and we often sell out without promotion. Go to the website and join or email us at:
Balcony room on our Virgin cruise Barcelona – Nice and Florence, Rome and Vatican City, Cannes and Monaco, and Ibiza Spain then I joined another group and was off to Marrakech, Morocco. Oh yes, a time was had. And that is not a youthful glow, that is 95 degree heat in Europe and North Africa.
Vatican City after the big crowd
I have 3k pics from the trip. I will not get to them all! Next year, you should come and join me!
With half of 2025 behind us, we are preparing for 2026 and 2027 ( and to be honest 2028… trips require a lot of planning and forethought!)
The Sydney trip is selling nicely and we would love to see more of our friends there. It is a long trip but worth every vacation day! We originally had it as Sydney Australia and Fiji as an extra side trip. We decided, with the folks who have already signed up for the trip that it should be one trip. That makes the focus on relaxation, getting to know each other, enjoying some of what the cities have to offer – in the forefront. It also means a better “white glove” experience for all of our travelers.
We love small groups. We love getting to know each of you and want to create a circle of friends who travel globally together! After signing up, we will meet via zoom four times before the trip. This will help us get to see and know each other. It will set up expectations for the trip and give everyone little insights on what to expect. We have been doing this for a few years now and it works out nicely. We do large, party type trips where we would like 100 people to show up, but this is smaller and more intimate with the goal of making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
We are planning to go to the Paris Olympics! I even applied to be a volunteer! I doubt it will happen though because I am unfamiliar with the area and everything will be at my expense. I would love to volunteer for 2-3 days but they want a 10 day commitment and right now those hotel rooms are more expensive than a new car with a full tank of gas.
On the LASTA agenda: A cruise to Belize, Honduras, and Mexico with a free weekend in Miami because – why not? Then some mischief in the California mountains ( I am from Chicago, snow does not scare me… much), and then we plan and scheme for Paris. I wanted to take 20 people but no one could agree on the date. It’s the week of my birthday, July 28th – duh? Decision made. Put those kiddies with the grand parents and come party in the city of light for a week! It should be a blast and a once in a life time blast at that. I plan on dining on sumptuous meals and wine, walking around museums and gardens and the Seine river, and drooling over fit athletes who are way to young for me.
I am not above crashing a party or two. I am looking forward to playing the ” I’m sorry I didn’t know, I don’t speak French…” card and seeing if it works. If you know where the 40 and up grown and sexy people will be hanging out please let me know. Please don’t have me in Paris trying to ruin someone’s son…
Are you familiar with Paris? Do you live in Paris or in a cool town where one can commute to Paris daily? Let me know about it. We are planning on doing France 3 times a year for club members so I want to think outside the city. Maybe go to the south during the Cannes Film festival… or right before or after it. Maybe a wine tour? This year, I am itching to do a River cruise starting Paris and going to Switzerland.
Give me some ideas on what to do in France near Paris. Expensive luxury items as well as cheap stuff. I have half a mind to rent a house and rent out the rooms. Yeah the prices are that crazy. I’m still going!
…and I want you to come along
-Melissa at M.Mitchell@longandshorttraveladventures.com
Time again to hit the open water with family, friends, or even your favorite travel “bae”
Now is the time to get ready to set sail on 2023 or 2024 cruises. Here at Lastaclub we have been to busy to even post! The hot cruises are always Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii. However, we are seeing a lot of interest in other cruises as well.
I am looking forward to my first river cruise aboard one of Viking’s river ships. I love the idea of cruising the Danube river and walking around a different town and maybe a different country, everyday – only to go back to my room and relax after it is all over. Gourmet dinners, nice concerts, in a classic adults only contemporary European atmosphere. I just have to figure out where to put it in my schedule!
For the more adventurous, there are cruises to Antarctica, down the Amazon River, up the Nile ( so on the must go list) and many other places. The key is to pick where you would like to go. After that, pick all of the activities you want to enjoy. Then, (ahem) pick your budget. Contact me or your favorite travel agent and let them know what the parameters of your trip are and they will find something as close to what you want as possible.
I enjoy luxury and being pampered. I want high thread count sheets, champagne and strawberries, a beautiful view, gorgeous food, high end service, and great activities. Since I am not rich yet, I do this by planning out big trips. I can go on short adventures by car or quick air plane ride – like Vegas or Miami or New Your for the weekend. A long weekend a ski resort nearby is great. A 2 day spa weekend with some friends is awesome and relaxing. However, for the big adventures, I plan. I plan well in advance.
For cruises this is a good thing. You can put almost everything in a package with the cruise line and then make payments for 6 months to up to 3 years in advance, often interest free. I am working on a big trip for my 55th next year and a super big trip for my best friends 55th in 3 years. In one year I am thinking maybe Alaska in the summer? In three years, I am thinking the west coast of Africa on a chartered yacht with a trip to South Africa, fly over to Egypt ( with Nile river 3 day cruise) and maybe end it all in Dubai. Sounds expensive but for once in a lifetime trips for us ordinary folks, it is worth it. From the excitement building up to the first day of the trip to awesome stories you’ll have for years to come, a great vacation is always worth it.
So make plans. Get your feet wet. I have booked cruises from $500 to $27k. I am dreaming about a world tour for 190 days at 125k pp. If you want that, please get in touch! Quickie cruises from Florida and New Orleans can be 3 days to 21. The short cruises are great for beginners to see if you are comfy on the ocean. There are even American river cruises going down the Mississippi in style.
Do you want to go one a cruise ? Let me know!
I’m at M.Mitchell@longandshorttraveladventures.travel
Melissa Mitchell Co-Owner Long and Short Travel Adventures, LASTA Club
You deserve a trip.
Yeah you do! 18 months with those darlings of yours, juggling work from home, home schooling, home cleaning, home all day every day…whew! Even with the kids back in school, there is still a lot of stress. You worry about your kids, your job, your sweetheart, your waistline (COVID-15 is a real thing, its like the freshman 15 without the freshman metabolism to get it off), so much stress…
Trips are now more affordable! Why? The last 2 years have sucked in the travel industry. Airlines were canceling flights willy nilly (speaking of SW and others). Hotels were running on empty, stocks are down, things hit the bottom. But now they are looking up. Deep discounts on lower cost brands like Frontier and Spirit and even the big boys like United and British Air are coming across my email everyday. Again, you ask why? They need “butts in seats” so a full plane of $300 a head beats an empty one at $700 a head. Larger hotel chains and airlines are striking deals with travel companies so they can get people out and about again. The hotels are eating some of the costs so they can have people at their resorts and can keep their staff. The sales folks need to worry about end of year numbers (and of course shareholder value and stock value) for the bigger, publicly held companies especially. Many would rather book $1 million in travel with $10k in profit and have higher numbers rather than $30k in travel and $10k in profit. It seems silly now, but nothing is better than repeat customers.
Are you vaccinated… no? Go get vaccinated. Most countries do not want you if you are not. It is safe comparably. You do not want to get your family ill. Even as a vaccinated person I can still get COVID, but I will lessen my chances significantly, and lessen how ill I become. Think of it like a flu shot or maybe the MMR shot everyone has had. Heaven forbid you go to luxury vacation spot X and get ill. A 14 days stay, hospital, etc., etc. Get insurance for that, but getting vaccinated is the best insurance.
Use all of those sick days you have accrued while working from home. Use the PTO days. Use the vacation days. Some companies practice “use it or lose it” with the sick time so… get a 6 day runny nose in December and come to Miami with me. (Or head to Christmas in Costa Rica or where ever you want to go!)
It will be fun. You will meet people outside your bubble. You will be Zoom and Skype free. People in person, food at cafes, coffee outside looking at the ocean or a mountain or a hot waiter… Fresh air! Live your best life through travel!
The kids need a break too. Disneyworld is expensive so maybe let’s do that next year… (if you want to do it this year let us know, we have you covered!) However, a family trip to the mountains, camping somewhere warmer, skiing somewhere cooler, making good memories and relaxing together is a good thing. My friend and client, Angela took the kiddies to Disney World this past week. They LOOOOVED it! Now the kids are with her sister and she and hubby are off to Mexico for quality parent time. She says all she wants is a few nights of good rest, a tan, and maybe catch up on some casual reading. Her son Roger said he wants a little brother. Angie, those kids aren’t stupid.
You have me to help, my travel bestie and business partner Ytteb and I will help you plan a trip that is right for you. Or if you just want to pack and go, we have some prepackaged trips we are putting together under the LASTA club so you can just come with!
For December 2021, we are Miami bound at LASTA club. It is time to get our wings wet again. The trips to Starved Rock, Oklahoma, and the Great Smoky Mountains were awesome! We decided that plans can once again be our friends. With the great trips we are in the process of planning for 2022 and 2023, we want our members to get reacquainted with the joys and hardships of plane travel.
For 2022 and 2023, we have European river cruises on our list of places ( starting or ending in Paris), a Greek Isles cruise, Dubai, Sidney Australia with a side trip of Fiji, Bali, Singapore with a side trip to Malaysia, and of course Hawaii and Disney World Florida. We would love to host 20 people each trip. Tat will bring the costs down for everyone and give us plenty of folks to enjoy the adventures with.
We are small but growing bigger every month. Our goal is to have 200 Chicago area members and 2000 national members. We love travel and traveling with folks who share our obsession!
Long and Short Travel Adventures Club Blog 