A republic of five volcanic islands 1,134 kilometers (705 miles) out in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, and with a population of 1.3 million, Mauritius is one of the most gorgeous places you can visit, and known especially for its ethnic as well as ecological diversity. Here's a quick rundown of its islands and what each has to offer:
Mauritius Island
This country's main and most populous island (top and above), home to its capital Port Louis (pop. 147,000) and international ai
The USA's 19th largest city (pop. 693,000, metro area 3.1 million), and at 5,280 feet (1,609 meters) its highest-altitude, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1859 as a gold-rush mining town. Sleepy at first, much of the "Mile-High City's" growth didn't pick up steam until the 1890s, with the real boom not kicking in till after World War II. Today, this dynamic, high-tech bastion is a major business, cultural, and sports power which trends young and cosmopolita
Peter Kainz/MAKby Marita Acosta
As people get back to travelling, and summer approaches, many cities especially in Europe start blooming in more ways than one, easing into their estival splendour. Austria's capital is an excellent example - especially this summer, as the Wienerer again delight in social life and the outdoors after weeks of pandemic lockdowns and post-lockdown restrictions. With that in mind, here are some of the great spots and stuff to enjoy in Vienna if you plan to visit this
Jumbie dancers at The Bucanner's sugar mill
The Manor House, which is still in use today, was built in 1653 by the Knights of Malta. The sugar mill, constructed in 1733, now serves as a venue for weddings. Former slave quarters dating back 250 years provide lodging.
It’s not often a visit to a destination hotel includes a history tour spanning several centuries. But history permeates the grounds of The Buccaneer on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Just a ten minute drive from island capita
Shops fashionable and funky line Key West’s Duval Street ; photo by Dreamstime
Key West, Florida is more than a place. It's a spirit, a funky energy that enters your soul and takes residence in your worldview as well as your inner vision. A state of mind more than a city; a way of life more than a place to live. It’s a lifestyle as much as a destination. All expressed in the absurdist poetry that is Key west, a language not spoken anywhere else in the country.
But even recognizing all this, I di
Stig Nygaard
by Marita Acosta
Locals and visitors (as of 26 June, when the last of Denmark's COVID-19 restrictions on international arrivals are due to be lifted) alike luxuriate in this small Scandivanian country's lovely summer weather, with sunny days and an average temperature of 23° Celsius (73° Fahrenheit).
And its capital Copenhagen - cited back in 2019 as one of Lonely Planet's top ten cities to visit - is full of historic sites, cultural opportunities, and for hanging out, cool neighbo
Moving abroad can be both an exciting and daunting experience. The fact that you are exploring new places and cultures makes it exhilarating, but the fact that you are leaving your friends and extended family behind to start a new life elsewhere can be terrifying. However, starting off on the right foot is the only way to ensure you enjoy a good experience as a U.S. expatriate.
Some expats forget about their home obligations, and you don't want to be one of them. Ensure you stay in touch with
Stretching 1,650 kilometers (1,030 miles) from the Tonkin Gulf to the South China Sea, Vietnam is a land of ancient culture and staggering natural beauty, of lovely beaches and exciting cities, of enticing culture and cuisine. A visitor could spend years exploring all its fascinating places and peoples, but here's a list of the top ten, according to the website Touropia:
Up in the far northeast along the Tonkin Gulf, this beautiful bay - indeed, widely considered among the world's most
From Rolling Farmlands to Race Cars, Apple Orchards to Amish, this Empire State Road Trip Has it All
Mention New York and most people think the Big Apple They picture the massive, iconic urban center of skyscrapers, Broadway shows, the Statue of Liberty, and countless other attractions.
But upstate, to New York City's north and northwest, lies a very different side of NYS which, while less well known, lies a sprawling region of countryside - rolling farmlands, dense forests, and tiny towns - i
Located in southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region - about an hour 15 minutes east of the closest air gateway, Geneva and a six-hour drive from Paris- this charming village of a bit over 1,200 permanent residents also happens to be one of Europe's top mountain-biking meccas. Les Gets boasts some 650 kilometers of marked tracks and 25 ski lifts also open all summer long to easily get from one place to another. Les Gets has also repeatedly hosted the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup (below)
A fair number of factors need to be taken into account when planning a vacation, from picking a destination to deciding upon your dates, putting together an itinerary, and booking transportation. And of course you also need to figure out where to stay - and this can be especially challenging if you are traveling to the destination for the first time.
Making the Most of Hotels & Resorts
If you go the hotel route, in order to keep unpacking and repacking to a minimum on a trip to one place, choose
boraboraphotovideo.com
As an ex-flights attendant for 25 years, Bonnie is well traveled. Today, we both enjoy tying work and leisure working in the U.S, where I am from and Hong Kong, where we have been visiting Bonnie’s family and friends several times a year, pre-Covid.
Over the years operating here, we have met couples and people from all all over the world – As far as Siberia! We have met client’s who were not given the best information and their trip could have been better. For those of
The authors riding an ATV at Primland
“You want me to go where?!” my mind shouted as I barreled down a 90-degree embankment leading into a wall of mud -- and gravel-encased woods. I was driving – or more accurately surviving – an ATV excursion at the Primland luxury resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
On the hourlong ride, when I was willing to unclutch the steering wheel long enough to wave at an occasional wild turkey, pheasant or deer (I was disappointed we didn’t see any of the black b
Spain's explored third largest city is a splendid choice for student trips from primary school through university - even if it's just a long weekend - as it mixes a wonderfully preserved historic core with modern neighbourhoods (including dramatic contemporary landmarks), fabulous dining, and appealing cultural opportunities - much of it concentrated in a relatively compact centre, making it easy to take it without too much walking. Valencia is especially recommendable to visit in t
If you want to give your holiday with family and friends an especially fun and unique dimension, then choosing a private sailboat or motorized yacht is an excellent option, both for the experience in itself and the flexibility it gives you. Many of these boat charters are based on various European coasts (especially in southern Europe), while others can be found in the Caribbean, elsewhere in the Americas, and at other locations across the world, at rates ranging from $400 to more
by Miguel Martínez Rabanal
The Dominican Republic is of course well known as a destination for marvelous beaches, cool adventure sports, and the historic corners of its capital Santo Domingo. Much more "under cover," if you will, is what's underground: thousands upon thousands of caves, the most of any Caribbean country. It's a subterranean world filled not just with amazing formations and even lakes, but also the artifacts of ancient civilisations.
The DR averages one cave for each
Spring is here, and summer's already around the corner! If you’re a flower gardener - and the National Gardening Association estimates that members of over a third of U.S. households are - you already may have begun to till soil and plant seeds. And those who like to travel as well as garden (as well as those who enjoy gardens more by watching than working), now is time to plan a trip to take in some of Mother Nature’s bountiful beauty.
Gardens come in a variety of types, sizes and offerings. S
Photo: Pesto a la Mexicana © John Lamkin
Genoa is believed to be the birthplace of pesto. France has a similar sauce called pistou. Mexico is the birthplace of the avocado, one of the healthiest fruits known. Substituting the Mexican avocado for the Italian olive oil in this recipe makes healthy and tasty sense.
Recipe
2/3 cup packed coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (mix with Romano, if you wish)
1/3 cup avocado and garlic oil (I use Ahuacatlan brand)
2 or 3 t
With a population of around 10,000, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a winemaking town in the fabled Rheingau scenic and wine region, and less than an hour's drive from Frankfurt. Our river-cruise ship docked here where a land train - which Germans call by the delightful name of Bummelzug - picked us up and took us to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. This is one of the quirkiest, amusing and entertaining museums I’ve been in for a long time. Mainly it exhibits pianolas and barrel organs, which produce
