Happy Spring & Recent Articles
Spring is my favorite time of year…the flowers are blooming, baby animals are being born, the weather is warming up, the skiing is great. I love hitting the hiking trails and being surround by colorful blossoms. It’s a time of transition and renewal. Clean out your closet, buy some tulips, pull out your pastel dresses, and take a drive with the top down.
Where I’ve Been
Grindelwald, Switzerland






I was lucky enough to attend a group press trip to the charming Swiss town of Grindelwald. It was my first time to Switzerland and, as an avid skier, I was so excited to ski the breathtaking Swiss Alps. But there’s so much more to do on the slopes, like sledging (sledding)–which I found a bit scary since you use your feet to brake, winter hiking, and velogemeling (riding a wooden bike down the mountain). We skied in the Jungfrau region, which includes three mountains: Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Muerren-Schilthorn. One of my favorite parts was taking the scenic train up the mountain to the resort. Of the slopes, there are also some amazing activities, such as taking the train through the Eiger Glacier to Jungfraujoch–the Top of Europe–at 11,332 feet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the highest railway station in Europe, and features the longest glacier in the Alps–Aletsch Glacier. But that’s not all. There’s also a beautiful Ice Palace to explore (with a hidden ice bar), the highest Lindt chocolate shop in the world, a restaurant, an outdoor terrance to take in the glacier views, and a viewing area on the actual glacier. I stayed at the luxury Hotel Bergwelt that had a gorgeous restaurant, comfortable and chic rooms, and a wonderful indoor pool and spa. And the food in Switzerland was amazing–fresh, seasonal, creative cuisine. We had fondue at fondue in the Berghaus Alpiglen (a must), a gourmet meal at Hotel Fiescherblick, and an unforgettable dining experience at the award-winning Glacier Restaurant.
Quebec City, Canada






For more winter fun, I headed to Quebec City for another group press trip. This time, it was all about the ice. I went ice fishing, ice canoeing, ice skating, took the ferry across the ice-covered Saint Lawrence River, and stayed in the Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace). I love the Old World charm of Quebec City with it’s cobblestone streets and historic architecture. While there, we also went to Montmorency Falls, visited the Strom Spa (a must!), went tobogganing (so fun), stopped at the indigenous Musée Huron-Wendat in Wendake, and attended the energetic Igloofest music festival featuring DJ Tiesto. I was also able to stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which has the most elegant afternoon tea. Quebec City has no shortage of fine dining options, including Bistro L'Orygine, Bistro Le Sam, ARVI restaurant, restaurant La Traite, and Hôtel de Glace restaurant by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Hotel Spotlight: Malibu Needs You!
With the recent L.A. fires, Malibu has been cut off from the greater L.A. area due to Pacific Coast Highway being closed from Santa Monica to Malibu because of fire damages–with no idea when it will reopen. You can get to Malibu by taking the 101 freeway and then going down to the coast via Malibu Canyon Road, but it takes twice as long. It appears that many people aren’t willing to make the trek. Therefore, the businesses are hurting. If you’re in the area, I highly encourage you to make the drive to Malibu. It’s a beautiful community that’s worth the drive. Make it a staycation by spending the night at these hotels that I recently visited.
Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club



If you’re looking for a rustic luxury getaway, the Calamigos Guest Ranch is a sprawling property in the hills of Malibu that offers modern accommodations, locally-inspired cuisine, and beautiful grounds with ponds, pools, and pickleball. I loved the connection to the nature–beautiful trees lit with string lights, resident cows, waterfalls everywhere, and a vineyard. There’s also an amazing spa (try the chakra massage or reiki), several pools, and an indoor/outdoor fitness center. The kids will go crazy over the play area (located near the restaurant) that features rolling grass hills, yard games and play structures. If that’s not enough, the resort also provides complimentary transportation to their nearby Beach Club with a spacious, rustic chic clubhouse with casual dining, a bar, outdoor pool, kids play area, sand volleyball court, and access to the beach.
Surfrider Malibu



Located on Pacific Coast Highway, across from the beach, The Surfrider Malibu hotel offers boutique accommodations with a BoHo beach vibe. The rooms on the second floor have balconies with hammocks and ocean views. There’s a beautiful rooftop deck that is the perfect place to end the day with a cocktail while watching the sunset (the restaurant service is currently limited due to PCH being closed). Beach chairs, towels and surfboards are available to borrow. It’s walking distance to Aviator Nation, Malibu Farms, the Malibu Pier and just down the street from Malibu Country Mart with various shops and restaurants. The hotel is a wonderful place for a romantic escape. Good to know: Rooms only have one bed and there is no pool.
Call for Content:
I don’t currently need any broad pitches. Some outlets I write for have been requesting specific content that I don’t typically cover (bachelorette parties, budget travel). I’ve been working with specific DMOs for recent content rather than send out a call for pitches. If I need anything specific before my next newsletter, I’ll send out a call for pitches through this email list and post to TravMedia.
Recently Published Articles:
U.S. News & World Report:
National Geographic Travel:
Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany
AAA Traveler Worldwise magazine (cover story):
Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Two Cities, One Unforgettable Experience
Westways magazine:
Out & About: A Century of Thrills
Fodor’s Travel:
200 People Pay Millions to Live on a Luxury Yacht. Here’s How They Spend Their Days
NUVO.com:
Exploring Rarely Visited Destinations From a Megayacht
USA Today 10Best:
Fit check: 8 wearable technology devices for wellness on the go
Laguna Beach magazine:
Newport Beach magazine:
7x7:
Tahoe's spring ski season is hot with concerts + events.
To read all of my articles, visit Sharael.com.
Social Media:
Since my daughter is graduating college this May, I am no longer covering family travel. That being said, I’ve changed my branding on my social media from @FamilyTravelChannel to @SharaelTravels – you can follow me on the following platforms. Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Pinterest.