To say that Costa Rica is a country of stark contrasts is an understatement. I mean, how can a country roughly the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined, offer such diversity? Two distinct coastal regions, 12 microclimates, three major mountain ranges, dense rainforests, 500+ species of flora and fauna, … Read more
People travel for all sorts of experiences, some of them recently giving rise to new classifications like “voluntourism” (volunteering for a cause or organization) and “architravel” (traveling to study the architecture in a destination). But, until now, no organization has thought to trademark a classification. After noticing a growing number … Read more
Regardless of all the hoopla over a new Pope being elected, the Eternal City will always be home to a tourist trifecta: historical attractions, inspiring views and delicious food. When it comes to a well-trodden destination like this, there’s not much that hasn’t been said, but what we can say … Read more
When the “Winter Party” people plan an end of winter party every year in Miami Beach, the word “party” is taken seriously. This year no less than 12 parties were planned over a 5 day span. That’s an average of more than 2 parties a day in case you flunked … Read more
Stephan Fortier’s Tosca, new on the dining scene in Miami’s ever evolving South Beach, feels like a private club. This is a good thing in a destination that’s a magnet for everyone and anyone sporting LV’s and inverted double F’s, but not a lot of clout. Here, a new restaurant … Read more
There are some destinations where you can practically hear the music as you step off the plane. Whether it’s the steel drums of Trinidad or Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue playing during the opening sequence of Woody Allen’s Manhattan, there’s practically a soundtrack for every trip. Here’s where music lovers want … Read more
It’s finally Spring (well, technically) which (in theory) means blooming flowers, budding cherry trees and brighter sunshine (note this is completely hypothetical, and if the past few weeks are any indication, “Spring” might just as well be a mythological concept). But if the proverbial groundhog hadn’t seen his shadow this … Read more
While trying to plan a girls’ getaway for a milestone birthday, we came to a crossroads … we wanted to make the most of our time off but our busy lives had made it so difficult to get away. Everyone agreed a spa weekend was the answer to escape from … Read more
There are many different kinds of trips: a luxurious weekend at the spa, business trips to an urban metropolis, a couples’ getaway to a tropical island … and then there’s the kind you take when you’re visiting the exotic destination known as “Your Hometown.” Boasting the movie theater where you … Read more
If you’re thinking about heading to Canada this summer, learn your ABC’s … Alberta, Banff and Calgary. It was July and I was searching for my cowboy boots, which hadn’t been on my feet since that wild Halloween night when I dressed up like a cowboy. But this time it … Read more
It’s been 25 years since the first chandelier crashed from the ceiling of Broadway’s Majestic Theater onto the stage in front of a stunned crowd at the macabre show, The Phantom of the Opera. Back then, the composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wife and muse Sarah Brightman played the starring role … Read more
As if a stay in London’s absolutely fabulous Chelsea could get any more fabulous, the Draycott Hotel, a romantic town house property around the corner from Chelsea’s Slone Square, is currently offering guests an experience that combines personal shopping with a celebrity stylist. I mean does it get any better … Read more
Sometimes small can be a good thing … like in smart phones, petits fours and hotels, of course. Nestled on a charming cobblestone street in historic Old City, Philadelphia, within seconds of Penn’s Landing on the riverfront and with a view of the baby blue Benjamin Franklin Bridge over the … Read more
The winds of change have been blowing steadily through Miami’s Design District ever since it put itself on the map some five years ago. I can recall touring empty streets at one time or another in the short span of a few years; sometimes reminiscent of a stroll through … Read more
I think we can all agree that getting to a place is the worst part of traveling. No matter how carefully you plan, changes often occur so it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected and roll with the punches. But what about when your feet are on the ground … Read more