Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland’s glorious landscape often conjures up visions of an extraterrestrial planet. With a geographical roadmap that runs the gamut from geothermal springs to glaciers, a bounty of one-of-a-kind adventures in Iceland activities awaits adventure travelers. From hiking and ice climbing to scuba … Read more
Bern’s charms are blatantly obvious as I arrive in the Swiss capital, built as it is on top of a steep peninsula and nestled in the bend of the aquamarine Aare River – the characteristic color of glacier lakes. It’s almost picture perfect with narrow cobblestone streets framed by sandstone … Read more
It’s the stunned, awestruck expression on their faces that makes Tulip Fest first-timers stand out in the crowd. All around them masses of tulips planted in wide rows stretch across the landscape to either side, unspooling across the rolling fields in ribbons of color. As they gape, for a long … Read more
Editor’s note: For updates on tourism policies post-COVID, consult Visit Portugal’s website. As with other destinations, Portugal felt the brunt of COVID-related impact during much of 2020. Yet, this country’s tourism industry is getting ready to welcome back international travelers now by implementing a variety of health and safety protocols. … Read more
Born in a North Georgia hospital with Confederate cannons on the porch, I never imagined I would one day live in Harlem just blocks from Grant’s Tomb. Being southern and white, I also never imagined I would one day marry a black man. Life takes unexpected turns, doesn’t it? And … Read more
Last year was a challenge to say the least, and what better rewards a trying time than a made-to-order getaway? Matching one’s post-COVID comfort level with a destination can be complicated—even daunting. But a visit to Montana’s Glacier Country provides the perfect prescription for peace. Ready? Let’s explore Montana’s open … Read more
I’m in Lake Placid, in New York’s northern Adirondack Mountains, on opening day of the gleaming new Nordic Center. “This is the origin of winter sports in America,” says Kris Cheney-Seymour about the area, which first played host to the Winter Olympics in 1932 and then again in 1980. Kris … Read more
Editor’s Note: Although travel remains limited for now thanks to Covid, exploring beautiful destinations keeps our wanderlust alive. We hope these Interlaken winter activities inspire you to book future travel. “Do you need a penguin?” a Swiss woman shouts at me as she elegantly whizzes past. For a moment, I’m … Read more
With the recent release of the COVID-19 vaccine, hope looms on the horizon. But for now, many are choosing to stay close to home. However, for intrepid wanderers road trips, nature tourism, glamping and RV-ing continue to attract. Another 2020 travel trend we’ve noticed is micro traveling which we expect … Read more
Editor’s Note: Currently, Abu Dhabi is open to tourists, but COVID-19 necessitates the following: International travelers are required to be under self-quarantine for 14 days; tourists with negative COVID-19 test results are required to remain under self-quarantine for 14 days and to undergo a second test on day 12. For … Read more
Everyone loves a good animal story, right? But first, let me ask you … “Have you ever been to an animal sanctuary?” Even if you answered “yes,” come follow me on a trip to the 93-acre Lions, Tigers & Bears Animal Rescue and Education Center—a no-breed, no-sell state and federally … Read more
It’s no secret that Italians love their cuisine and even live for it. With the global pandemic putting a big dent in our ability to travel abroad, I’m dreaming of all the delicious Italian food I am missing. What I wouldn’t give for a plate of bucatini all’Amatriciana topped with … Read more
After months of COVID-induced lockdowns, travelers are anxious to begin exploring the world again but with social distancing as a priority. While some international destinations are gradually opening to American tourists, the ever-changing rules and uncertainty continue to be somewhat overwhelming. If you’re not up for stepping foot on foreign … Read more
There’s a happening and it’s in Mexico – specifically in Los Cabos. Here’s the deal. To be pampered, really pampered, head south of the border to that duo of towns, San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, located on the combo of coasts that border the Sea of Cortez … Read more
City of “Witch Trials” Hosts One of the World’s Biggest Halloween Celebrations The city of Salem, Massachusetts was settled in 1626, its name derived from the Hebrew word for peace, “Shalom.” Ironic that such a tranquil moniker would be chosen for a community that would go down in history as … Read more