By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea…

Spent a weekend in Daytona Beach doing research for my Explorer’s Guide series. The best part about staying in an oceanfront room is the natural soundscape generated by the waves and the sounds of gulls wheeling in the background. Followed by the sea breeze… and, if you’re lucky (or willing) enough to wake up in time, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. We stayed in the century-old Plaza Hotel, which has undergone an extreme makeover to make these oceanfront rooms some of the best on the beach, and this will be a new (and very welcome) addition to the book. Result? A restful and relaxing stay, despite the time stresses of a research trip.