Stepping into a Postcard Machu Picchu ends up on most of our “someday” lists at one point, and I just got to check it off mine. Though my husband and I didn’t hike to it via the Inca Trail, we still worked up a trip full of adventure and magic, … Read more
When Detroit, the Motor City, morphed into Motown, the automotive capital of the world became Hitsville, U.S.A., as the phenomenon of the pop-soul sound was unleashed on the world. Today Detroit is on the cusp of a 21st-century transformation, as urban agriculture puts down roots in this post-industrial landscape, a … Read more
U.K’s Little Secret Photos © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales Being of Irish descent with family both in Ireland and England, I’ve been to those countries on many occasions, each time seduced by the beauty of areas like Connemara or the Cotswolds. Over the years, I’ve also visited Scotland and … Read more
A Red Star is Reborn “Are you ready to get into the time machine?” Zsófi our tour guide said.“Look around you and we will soon discover what Budapest used to be like, but before we start what year do think it is?” she continued.Everyone in the group answered “the 50’s, … Read more
What’s New in Belgrade Let’s get straight to the point: there are certain things that could happen only in Belgrade. In many capital cities, a usual meeting point is by a monument of a local historic figure. Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia and Montenegro, is no different. However, instead of … Read more
It is a city full of mystery, full of life, full of history. When one sees Prague for the first time, you might even say it’s hard to believe that it’s a real city — not some movie backdrop of a made up fairy tale European wonderland. While most cities … Read more
Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia province, is the country’s second largest city and a prime tourist destination for lovers of art, architecture, and fine food. Located on the northeast coast of Spain, Barcelona also boasts several sandy beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, which attract thousands of swimmers and sunbathers … Read more
Ulf Hinds – Stockholm Visitors Board: Parts of Gamla Stan, the oldest part of Stockholm, date from the 13th century. Winter Charms I didn’t realize it when I made my plans and still didn’t realize it a month later when I landed at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. Rushing through customs and … Read more
Cover Image by Tarquin Gemstone at Flickr I didn’t realize it when I made my plans and still didn’t realize it a month later when I landed at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. Rushing through customs and boarding the express train into central Stockholm, there were clues. “Hmm … the skies are really … Read more
A Royal and Bucolic London Getaway ‘‘Richmond’s great for walking,’’ says a patron named Bruce, raising a glass of ale to his mouth. ‘‘It’s best for seeing real history, without running into crowds,’’ counters Alan, who shares a wooden bench with him near the crackling fireplace in the cozy Victoria … Read more
A Sweet, Swiss Surprise Tell your friends that you’re going to Switzerland, and they immediately think snow-covered Alps, cheese fondue, and yummy Swiss chocolates. Tell them you’re going to St. Gallen, and most likely they’ll look at you strangely and ask, “Where?” Everyone has heard of Geneva, Zürich, and Zermatt, … Read more
The sounds of stamping feet and lustily strummed guitars burst from every corner of this radiant city during the Bienal de Flamenco, which takes place this year from September 15-October 9. Day and night, in 16th-century plazas and Art Deco theaters, top-flight dancers and musicians celebrate the art over a … Read more
Savoring the Heart of Soho “Soho is a bit like the Times Square of London. Everyone passes through here at some point,” remarked our cabbie Frank, his jolly, ruddy face a welcoming beacon after a long day of travel. “But there’s much more to it than most tourists ever see. … Read more
A Bagel’s Humble Beginnings Krakow is the ideal getaway for tourists seeking a European vacation off the beaten path. Dating back to the 7th Century, Krakow’s streets are teeming with history: from fairytales incarnate, complete with castle, royalty and dragon lair, to darker tales of mass extermination. Though people … Read more
Anything but Italian On the surface, Venetians fit the Italian profile. They speak the language, eat pasta, dress impeccably and love opera. And yet, they are different. They are less religious, have built no walls around their old city, have sacrificed cars for gondolas, and generally look outward rather than … Read more