Traveling with the Stars: Bridget Marquardt
— -- Model, reality TV star and Playboy Playmate Bridget Marquardt's show Bridget's Sexiest Beaches airs May 14 on the Travel Channel. She shares her travel highlights and tips with USA TODAY.
Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
A: Amsterdam. It is so cute and quaint. I rode bicycles around the city and through the tiny little streets, rented a paddleboat and had a picnic lunch on the canals. I also toured museums — specifically the Rijks and Van Gogh Museum. Of course, I had to walk through the red light district and check out the coffee shops.
Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?
A: Tabacón resort in Arenal, Costa Rica. It is a resort town at the base of a volcano. It is supposedly the only five-star resort in Central America and it was amazing. There is a huge river with gorgeous waterfalls throughout the resort and each of them has varying temperatures. The hottest one is around 90 degrees. You can have massages and facials, as well as, other "volcanic" skin treatments. You can take yoga classes and be on a special healthy diet or you can dine at the five-star restaurant, eat from buffets and have a drink at the swim-up bar. Don't forget to do the waterslide! It looks little and amateur, but it is a lot of fun and worth at least one go!
Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you've ever visited?
A: That is a toss up between Morocco and Dubrovnik, Croatia. I think I will go with Dubrovnik. It is absolutely beautiful. I loved it there. I really had no idea what to expect, but when I got there I found it was rich in history, culture and friendly people. The old city walls still surround the main city and you literally walk over a drawbridge to get in. Dubrovnik is still a thriving, bustling city with modern day shops, restaurants and bars yet still has the old city charm of street vendors, performers and women hanging laundry outside the windows. Although you won't find many sandy beaches, the water is crystal clear and is becoming a hot vacation spot.
