Love and chocolate just seem to go together. The love affair started more than 1500 years ago with the Maya and Aztec cultures. Believing the cocoa bean was an aphrodisiac, the Aztec ruler, Montezuma, allegedly drank several cups of a strong and dark chocolate drink known as “xocoatl” before visiting … Read more
This past week one of the world’s most awe inspiring natural wonders, the Aurora Borealis, made a rare appearance in parts of the northern U.S. The northern lights are just one example of the many magical sights on our planet that you have to see to believe. Everywhere around the … Read more
No matter how irrelevant social media sometimes seems, there are a lot of us who still feel the nagging compulsion to send a Tweet with ten hashtags or Instagram our half-eaten dinner because hey – why not? For travelers, social media is a great way to stay connected to the … Read more
I’ll be honest: if it were up to me, New York would top every arts-related list in just about every category. But contrary to what we who live here believe, the entire world does not revolve around New York City and in the U.S. alone there are many cities to … Read more
The Squire loves a good guidebook both for planning a trip as well as when he’s on the road. Usually, he never has less than two when travelling. Some guidebooks are great for finding out what to see and do, while others give you sound bites on hotels and restaurants … Read more
At the top of my travel bucket list, to use a way over-used term, Antarctica occupied the number one, two and three positions. So when I was approached about visiting the Great White Continent, I grabbed my passport, parka and camera and jumped on it. Travel to the bottom of … Read more
It’s funny how many things have to go right when you’re traveling, and how easily it all can fall apart. You made it to the airport but forgot your passport. Your luggage is too heavy. You get pick-pocketed. Any one of these could instantly turn a dream vacation into a … Read more
Here’s an idea for a summer destination: anywhere in Ishikawa. Bordered by the Japan Sea on the western coast of Japan, this prefecture perfectly lends itself to outdoor sports and relaxation. Just so you know what to expect, Kanazawa, the most well-known city in Ishikawa, rightfully boasts of Japan’s best … Read more
So, you’re planning a vacation. Maybe you’re still in the early stages of the process – you haven’t picked a destination, and you’re not clear yet on the exact dates. Maybe you’re not even sure who’s going with you or how you’re getting there. Maybe you’re weeping under a pile … Read more
On the easternmost tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the crown jewel of Riviera Maya basks in shimmering turquoise waters, the hot Caribbean sun, and the glory of being named the top international travel destination of 2012, according to Orbitz.com. But besides the white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and bottomless … Read more
Birds are a-chirping, sun is a-shining, and your summer is a-empty. No travel plans yet? We’ve got you covered, no matter what kind of vacationer you are. Hey, you might as well travel now—2012 just might be your last summer ever. The First-Class Flier: When cash flow isn’t an issue, … Read more
It’s not 2008 anymore: gone are the days of the “staycation”. This year’s travelers have got big plans in all corners of the globe. The summer of 2012 will mean the Olympics, and exotic locations that have undergone significant changes. Here are our top predictions for what savvy tourists have … Read more
Traveling may be one of your passions, but we understand you have other interests in your life. Why not combine the excitement of traveling with your zealousness for adventure, your passion for philanthropy, your fascination with art? The following passion points feature popular hobbies and interests that can be enjoyed … Read more
The holiday season is just around the corner and like 38.4 million other Americans I’ll be traveling for Thanksgiving. And like most boarding an airplane, I’ll be figuring out a way to put all my stuff in a carry on so that I’m not required to pay those insidious baggage … Read more
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … wait, no, it’s a plane. But not just any plane: flying from the award-winning Helsinki Airport, Finnair creates luxury and comfort thousands of feet in the air. To assure us of its quality, Finnair and the Helsinki Airport have selected seven “Quality … Read more