Founded in 1158, Munich has been the capital of Bavaria since 1506 and therefore boasts of grandiose palaces and royal heritage. The city is impossibly energetic and it’s easy to see why it is southern Germany’s most popular destination. Beer mugs and high-tech cars, contemporary art museums and dirndls – … Read more
It’s morning aboard the Scenic Opal, and I lazily roll out of bed, put on my plush robe and dial my butler. “Good Morning, Ms. Marshall. Are you ready for your tea? Yes, please.” Slipping on a cushy pair of slippers, I wander out to my private terrace to see … Read more
Tokyo is a city always on the move and forever changing. It had been three years since I last visited and I wanted to get out of the grid of the usual neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza. I was looking to go deeper, to explore non-touristy neighborhoods that join … Read more
Bayreuth, the capital of Upper Franconia in Germany, is beautifully laid out with sandstone streets, baroque architecture and impressive palaces. Arguably, it’s one of the great cultural centers of Europe. The foundations were laid in the 18th century by Margravine Wilhelmine, the favorite sister of King Frederick the Great, who … Read more
It’s our last morning at Tweedsmuir during prime bear watching season and so far, no bears. So, we’ve set our alarms and are heading down the path to one of the lodge’s two wildlife viewing stations. We climb a treehouse-like structure overlooking the Atnarko River in an area that doubles … Read more
Tanzania showcases the circle of life like nowhere else. Millions of wildebeest and zebras roam the expansive Serengeti plains during the Great Migration accompanied by a host of species including elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, monkeys and lions. Wildlife spotting, exploring the three-million-year-old Ngorongoro Crater, interacting with local tribes and stunning sunsets make Tanzania a bucket list destination.
Tokyo is a city always on the move and always changing. This wasn’t my first trip there, but it had been three years since my last visit. I was most familiar with the Shibuya neighborhood where I had visited numerous times. But Shibuya is much more than a neighborhood; it’s … Read more
Located near San Francisco in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Benicia is one of the oldest cities on the West Coast. It was once the state capital. This bustling arts community sports a beautiful waterfront and top-notch shopping and dining. Hundreds of artists live and … Read more
Charming Füssen, the southern end of the Romantic Road, is framed by snow-covered peaks and an idyllic lake district. Only an hour south of Munich, many travelers stop here to visit the royal palaces of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau a little over two miles away. While the stunning Königsschlösser are arguably … Read more
Few places in the world are as intrinsically tied to a beverage as the Scottish island of Islay, home to the world’s finest collection of peated single malts. Sure, you can visit Champagne and pop into the esteemed maisons, but it’s no major challenge to get to that region just … Read more
Central Norway’s Trøndelag county is home to an abundance of culture and charming communities. From the timber-built fisherman warehouses flanking the sides of the Nidelva River in Trondheim to the spectacularly scenic coastal islands of Hitra and Frøya, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Røros, there’s much to discover.
The Serengeti is world famous for the wonderful wildlife, and in particular, the annual migration of the animals, specifically millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara river with crocodiles and other predators ready to pounce on the opportunity to catch abundant prey. An Adventurous Journey To get to this … Read more
Arguably Germany’s most famous federal state, Bavaria’s image is that of men in Lederhosen, cowbells, fairytale castles, and picture-perfect mountain scenery. Yet, this is only a tiny snippet and travelers who care to go beyond the cliché will discover so much more. Bavaria is made up of four distinct regions, … Read more
When I told my friends that I was planning to visit Colombia, the question I kept getting was “Why?” Most asked if it was safe enough and one or two reacted with a ”How interesting.” Had I said Rio or Buenos Aires, I think the reaction would not have been … Read more
They say St. Lucia is shaped like a mango, and certainly it is ripe with natural riches. Two majestic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton (Big Point and Little Point), tower over the lush landscape on the southern end of the island, rising out of the ocean like natural sentries. … Read more