As much of the northern hemisphere tackles winter in the early months of the new year, some residents dream of tropical vacations. Instead of hitting the beach, how about a desert destination for a winter getaway? Scottsdale, Arizona enjoys daily average temperatures in the low 70s during winter. Clear, sunny … Read more
Between the European capitals of Madrid and Lisbon lies a region of rolling hills with Medieval castles that have found new lives as “Game of Thrones” locations, villages that are honoring Spain’s Jewish history and 2,000-year-old Roman architectural marvels that are still thriving today. The Extremadura region of Spain is … Read more
While it’s unlikely you’ll see any 10-feet tall, blue-skinned, sapient humanoids (aka Na’vi), the picturesque, awe-inspiring movie Avatar was filmed here on earth in the Hunan Province – not in Pandora. Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is the magical land of sandstone pillars and jagged granite peaks … Read more
I’m gazing at downhill racers traversing beautifully down the lower “Little Nell” run from a ringside seat inside SO Café, an aerie-style eatery on the rooftop of the Aspen Museum. I’m thinking the stubby lower trail looks a bit on the steep side but upon studying one skier after another … Read more
The small town of New Paltz, founded in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1678, is home to historic Huguenot Street. It’s also the site of the State University – New Paltz campus and has an astounding number of international restaurants. Steeped in the lore and legend that attends a place … Read more
Peru suddenly popped onto every culinary traveler’s map in the last ten years – its exciting cuisine and incredible variety of ingredients propelling the city of Lima into the limelight. So how did Lima do it, and more importantly, where should you eat? Internationally Influenced Cuisine Anyone who has visited … Read more
When it comes to dreamy vacations, it’s hard to compete with sailing on a chartered yacht. And the Croatian coastline offers a course that’s ripe for discovery. Home to more than 1,000 islands, islets and reefs strewn like sparkling jewels off its coast, Croatia provides an Adriatic paradise for adventures … Read more
With deep narrow fjords flanked by majestic mountains displaying ribbons of cascading waterfalls—there’s no question Norway’s landscapes are spectacular. Beyond the landscapes, though, Norway’s cities offer a blend of culture, luxury and culinary excellence. Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city, exemplifies this. The cultural center of the Trøndelag region, this picturesque … Read more
When temperatures drop, the Caribbean’s trifecta of sun, sand and surf are a balm for the winter-weary. But how do you decide which tropical island is right for your getaway? With so many beautiful beach destinations, is finding the perfect match as difficult as finding true love on Tinder? One … Read more
There’s nothing better on a cold winter’s night than discovering a new favorite wine while sitting around a roaring fire in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just a short drive from Asheville, visitors can taste local wines, tour production facilities, and even spend the night at a cottage in a vineyard. … Read more
I’m in the northernmost reaches of Italy, my sights transfixed upon the Dolomite mountains, which are part of the southern Alps. The sun is beginning to sink behind dramatic peaks, and it’s then that I witness the special phenomenon I was told about—enrosadira, or “turning pink” in Ladin, the ancient … Read more
We recently announced our Top 28 destinations for 2020 zeroing in on unique destinations with intriguing sites and experiences. Our list breaks down into four categories, both domestic and international, with the complete list here. We’ve shared our Newsworthy Destinations, our picks for Nature & Culture and Urban Destinations for … Read more
Nestled deep in Waikiki off Kalakaua Avenue (the famous shopping street) and close to the Aloai Canal, you’ll find the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, considered one of the best hotels in Oahu. It’s a refreshing find in Honolulu where vintage 1960’s kitsch meets 2020 cool. The hotel celebrates Hawaiian … Read more
When visiting a foreign country, it’s best to have an open mind … and that’s even more important when visiting China. So, leave all the government rhetoric about tariffs and trade wars behind, and focus on the historical sites, the fresh food, how life has progressed, and the eager acceptance … Read more
When scientist and humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer made his one and only visit to the US in 1949, where did he go? It was a place with an elevation so high that the revered Nobel Prize winner said it was “just below heaven.” Welcome to Aspen, Colorado. Formerly a silver … Read more