“Where would you go to hear great classical music and opera that is different from the usual, preferably in a city where the music was written?” That is the question I’m asked more times than I can count, by people who know I spend much of my time in the … Read more
The Czech Republic is noted for its amazing historic charm and has become a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience one or more of Europe’s summer festivals. Every year since 1987 The Chamber Music Festival has been hosted in Cesky Krumlov, a small city in the south Bohemian region … Read more
A trip to the Czech Republic is amazing in any time of year—whether it’s for May Day festivities in the springtime, the not-too-hot weather during summer or the magical holiday season. But if you’re looking to experience Bohemia like a local, plan your trip during one of these events, happening … Read more
It’s worth going to the Czech Republic just for the eggs. Not poached, fried, scrambled, or whisked into omelets. I’m referring to the beautiful colored eggs, decorated specially for Easter and sold year round at souvenir shops as lovely examples of Czech folk art. The decorating of eggs is a … Read more
As little girls many of us dreamed we’d one day meet a prince and live in a castle like Cinderella. There was a sense of mystery and melodrama connected with all that. And even though meeting a royal isn’t completely out of the question today and some royal families do … Read more
Once upon a time, Dresden, Germany was a cultural mecca … then along came World War II. Dresden seemed to have a bull’s eye on its back and suffered greatly toward the end of the war with horrific bombings. Next the Iron Curtain fell and the once highly touted cultural … Read more
I have so many fond memories of Okemo Valley, many of which naturally involve skiing. This winter wonderland boasts some of the best ski trails with long, cruising runs as well as snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling and every other activity for a perfect winter getaway. However, since one of … Read more
My guide, Beatrice, collects me at the Marseilles airport and we head an hour north to the village of Gordes, which is said to be between “the sky and the stones.” Technically, the village is in Provence, but Beatrice sees it differently. “I compare Gordes to New York. New York … Read more
Cheese and chocolate – as much a part of Switzerland as banks and watches. But, those are not edible and tasting local favorites is one of the highlights of traveling. A great destination in Switzerland for savoring the best of both cheese and chocolate is the Fribourg region in the … Read more
Breathing in the crisp morning air, I grab my camera and begin snapping photos of the landscape – miles and miles of Rocky Highveld grassland, stream fed rivers and feeding antelope. I can smell burnt grass as local farmers make fires to help underground bulbs bloom. This probably isn’t what … Read more
To celebrate another new year of skiing, I ventured down British Columbia’s Powder Highway for the first time to see if it truly was the skier’s ultimate pilgrimage. The numbers make a strong case: the circular route links 8 ski resorts in interior British Columbia that average 50 feet of … Read more
Mesmerized by the thousands of warm bubbles surrounding me as if I were sitting in a giant glass of champagne, I settle slowly into one of several underwater hot tubs—heated geothermal springs created by volcanic gases released from the sea floor. I snorkeled here at Dominica’s Champagne Reef on a day excursion … Read more
It was a hot, humid February 13th in Fajardo, a port town on Puerto Rico’s eastern shore, the day I boarded the 1:00 PM ferry to Vieques Island with my friend Gillian. The last time I’d been on the open sea was during a family vacation to Mexico when my … Read more
Haven’t decided on a place to celebrate winter yet? Look no further! Even though Switzerland is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, there’s still many activities to choose from that don’t require goggles. Here are ten good reasons why your next vacation destination should be Switzerland! 1. The Matterhorn You’ve seen … Read more
Rising out of the sand of the Mojave Desert is a fantastical oasis, one of neon and bling, entertainment and indulgence; a city of sin where gambling and extravagant nightlife are king. It’s a place where world class restaurants and designer shops are found practically around every corner. Year after … Read more