Last year was a challenging year for the Caribbean, as Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria pummeled many of the primarily eastern islands in one month, causing extensive damage and devastating loss of life and property. Tourism is the life-blood of the Caribbean islands, with revenue generated from cruise ship … Read more
The Doomstone. That’s its name, and it’s the best relic I’ve ever seen. Aside from sounding like something Indiana Jones might off a few Nazis for, it depicts a typical day in Hell: fiends, demons and a cauldron full of the damned — Bon Appetit! A picture is worth 1000 … Read more
“Are you boys going to watch some football today?”, our hostess coyly asks as she seats us. We’re still a little groggy from the short flight to Manchester from Philadelphia and coffee more than football is what’s on our minds. In the ensuing days in this compact metropolis, however, we’ll … Read more
The official expression might be, “When Pigs Fly,” but in Exuma, Bahamas, it’s actually, “When Pigs Swim!” A bucket list item of mine was always to swim with the pigs … which to some might not sound like the adventure of a lifetime, but once I heard about indigenous swimming … Read more
Museums, Restaurants, Nightlife & Art Fairs Chicago is a city you can visit all year with cultural events, exhibitions and art fairs to suit every taste. The city LITERALLY lights up during the holidays. Christmas Tree 2017 marks the 104th year of Chicago’s official tree and the third year it’s … Read more
By Thom Meintel With twenty-four countries having legalized same sex marriage to date, it’s safe to say that gay friendly honeymoon destinations are on the map. Let’s face it. The holidays are the perfect time to get hitched and gallop off into the sunset together. And there’s never been a … Read more
Everyone knows Phoenix boasts indulgent spas, fabulous resorts and great golf. The arid desert climate offers a year-round escape and more than its fair share of cloudless, blue-sky days. And for those of us who prefer an active vacation, one that balances poolside lounging and ferreting out the city’s best … Read more
Like wine in Italy, tequila in México, and vodka in Russia, beer is an integral part of the culture and heritage in many European cities. Behind every amazing stout, pilsner, doppelbock, lager, and pale ale, you’ll find historically rich undertones of flavorful ingredients, brewing processes, and traditions. So, saddle up … Read more
Traveling across a broad swath of America to view the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, we stayed true to the artistic theme by staying at three unique Hilton hotels, each in their own way complementing the themes underlining Wright’s work—an art-world beacon in Indianapolis, the eponymous hotel of a historical … Read more
Tis the season for twinkling lights, choirs caroling, warm mulled wine, decadent sweets and plenty of holiday cheer. And there’s no better way to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the season than with a visit to a Christmas market. While Germany is renowned for its markets and totally … Read more
KANSAS TO ARIZONA and BACK HOME Taliesin West Scottsdale, AZ 1938 After a 3-month break, I (sadly) ended my road trip solo with a visit to Taliesin West in Arizona, where Wright died at the age of 91. For relief from the desert heat, I took the road … Read more
More than a few notable people besides Frank Lloyd Wright have called the Chicago suburb of Oak Park home, namely Ernest Hemingway and Betty White. It’s easily accessible from downtown Chicago and contains no less than three historic districts for the historic homes there: Ridgeland, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Seward … Read more
I needed to get away but a drive clear across the US was not what I was thinking about. So, as I embarked on what turned into a 3,700-mile road trip I had no idea it would be just what the doctor ordered. Flashback to my last road trip with … Read more
We recently chose our top destinations for the upcoming year in travel. The list is divided into 4 segments and includes something for every travel style – from urban destinations to cultural and foodie hotspots, to places ripe for exploration and adventure, and locations that are maybe new on your … Read more
The fourth largest city in Canada and the second largest urban market in Ontario, Ottawa is home to the first Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute outside of Europe. Ottawa’s thriving food scene, with its local and international chefs and its multicultural and multilingual sensibility (you will hear English and … Read more