When I lived in West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, cities across the border in the Communist East Bloc seemed a world away. Any travel to East Germany was especially restricted, and the red tape required for visiting wasn’t worth the hassle. But all that has changed, … Read more
Barbados, situated in the southern Atlantic, is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, set off on its own as though wanting to be different. It surely is, this “Little England,” as some call it. After more than 300 years of British rule, Barbados, independent since 1966, is a delightful … Read more
Travel assumptions can often be misguided and my recent trip to Macau is one such example. But a happy surprise is a traveler’s true gift. Although I thought I knew the characteristics of this island, I was glad to discover a deeper and more complex, hybrid culture. While many of … Read more
If Lisbon is one of those places lower on your list of “must see in Europe,” re-think your rankings. Portugal’s capital city is a lively urban center chock full of attractions from medieval to modern. Whether you’re a history buff, a gastronome, a power shopper, or all three, you’ll … Read more
If you’ve been to Flanders—Belgium’s northern reaches—chances are you’ve explored Brussels, from its gourmet restaurants and chocolate shops to its Manneken Pis, or Petit Julien, one of the world’s most beloved statues. Possibly, you’ve toured Bruges, where mists rise moodily over canals plied by flat bottomed barges and lined with … Read more
So you’re going to Quebec City – now what? Luckily, here’s Quebec City Tourism’s new mobile app to the rescue. Remember the old craze for magic eight balls? Your questions about life, answered. Well, this new iphone app is definitely better than that, with comprehensive answers to your most important … Read more
Copenhagen is very much having its moment. Its culinary scene, led by Chef Rene Redzepi of top-ranked Noma restaurant, is world-renowned, and its design scene is always at the forefront of setting trends. But there’s plenty more going on in the Danish capital to entice visitors, especially in up-and-coming … Read more
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years – so much so that it’s now spread out over two weekends instead of one — and there’s nary a celebrity who would dream of missing the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California. You name them, they’ve been: Twilight’s Kristen … Read more
Looking to be the next Bill Cunningham? So is everyone else. Get a leg up on the competition and check out the best places to bring your camera in 2012. New York, NY When you’re walking in New York, one block can make the difference between a quaint, gentrified … Read more
It’s the perfect blend of east meets west. With the sounds and smells of the Middle East but the shopping of Western Europe, you simply can’t go wrong in Istanbul. Call it what you will – Byzantium, New Rome, Tsarigrad, Constantinople, or Istanbul – it’s a place where you can … Read more
Vancouver, Canada Thanks to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver now has an extensive transportation system (aptly named the Olympic Line) to get tourists to and from popular destinations. But since it’s also been named the Best Walking City in Canada, you can forget about public transpo altogether. While you’re there, … Read more
It’s ironic that one of America’s most up-and-coming-cities is steeped in a long and rich history. But over the last few years, our nation’s capital has become younger, more culturally relevant and more fun than ever before. Thanks to its non-overwhelming size, expansive green spaces and endless attractions, DC makes … Read more
In a country of extremes, where the Midnight Sun stays bright 24/7 in summer, and winter is grey for many long weeks, it’s no surprise that the inhabitants have devised a series of oddball activities to keep themselves amused, and possibly balanced. From culinary wackiness to one-of-a-kind crazy activities, Finland … Read more
The flight, the cab rides, and the water it takes to wash your towels every day at the hotel … vacations are great for relaxing, but even better for making an enormous carbon footprint. For those who’d rather be a little more ecologically conscious this travel season, here’s a list … Read more
A Date With Nature The term “Eco-Tourism” can trigger fear in many travelers. Sure, we all want to protect and celebrate the beauty of Mother Earth. But don’t worry, you don’t have to live in a tree house, drink rainwater and eat wild berries to enjoy nature on your vacation. … Read more