Pamela Jacobs 
Lazing poolside at the San Juan Marriot, I watched grown adults having what looked like the most fun in years. All afternoon kids gleefully lined-up to slide down the pool’s waterslide. But all of a sudden an unlikely group approached the top—three college-aged guys, three 20-something gals, and a group … Read more
If you’re like me—or the countless others hailing from the Northern U.S.—you grew up taking winter trips to Florida. It was always exciting, that voyage down south to visit grandparents in Miami or Mickey Mouse in Orlando. However, here’s the thing: Florida is a big state with a little secret; … Read more
Every year, beer lovers from around the globe descend upon the town of Munich in Germany’s Bavaria for Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of the great German love of suds – with 2013 marking its 180th anniversary. Of course this gigantic festival (the world’s largest fair) serves up more than just … Read more
The turquoise blue coastline of Clearwater, Florida has much to offer its residents and visitors, but perhaps the beach’s most celebrated aspect—beyond its water, which really is clear—is its sand. Affectionately called “sugar sand” by the locals, it’s been lovingly rolled in, sunbathed on, and walked along for ages. But … Read more
I’d been to Barbados before, and counted it as one of my favorite Caribbean islands. Now having recently been there again, I have to say that it’s not just one of my favorites; it’s my absolute favorite. Credit of course has to go to the island itself—its warmth, its beauty, … Read more
The shoreline of Lake Como, Italy, like the lake itself, is nothing short of overwhelming—the green of the untouched mountains, the centuries old villas, the hidden, almost magical grottos—it’s almost too much to handle. Taking in all of the beauty and majesty, you can’t help but wonder why anyone would … Read more
Setting Sail for French Polynesia If you’re like any seasoned traveler – the kind of globetrotter who collects passport stamps and does not consider Disneyland a vacation destination – then you’ve probably rolled your eyes at the thought of a cruise. I get it. Until recently, I was decidedly anti-cruise. … Read more