The 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Art Museum are called the “Rocky Steps” after Rocky’s run up the flight in the movie of the same name. It became symbolic of the ability of an underdog to triumph. Today some tourists run up the steps in Rocky fashion.  Others walk.  The view at the top is great. A 10-foot tall bronze Rocky statue was originally at the top of the steps and then moved to the bottom of the steps where it became a popular attraction.  However, it was considered a movie p

In mid-September, France celebrated its cultural patrimony by opening buildings and gardens that are normally closed to the public. This year's theme was "Hidden Patrimony," and I profited from the occasion to visit a 600 m2 vineyard that is tucked away in the nearby town of Neuilly-Plaisance.

Getting there by public transportation was a challenge, but I was up to it: a metro ride to the Châtelet station, an RER train ride to Neuilly-Plaisance, a local bus ride to a spot several blocks f

Nick and Andrew, the newest Giants fan

As a  diehard San Francisco Giants baseball fan and native San Franciscan, if there ever is such a thing as a “sports bucket list” especially for a San Francisco native, mine was for the San Francisco Giants baseball team to win at least one World Series in my lifetime. The Giants moved to San Francisco after the 1957 baseball season. The great Willie Mays, quite possibly the greatest baseball player of all time, who roamed center field for the Giants, at wi

Most tourists to Costa Rica never see San José. They are whisked off from the Juan Santamaria International Airport outside the city to the “pretty” sights of the country; or they fly into the northern Guanacaste international airport at Liberia and don’t go anywhere near the Central Valley. That’s too bad. San José has a lot to offer … from museums to art galleries, plazas, walking boulevards, shady green parks, hidden architectural gems and great restaurants … you just have to know where to lo

A word of caution: The following material does not come from a lawyer nor is it meant to give legal advice.  Instead the information presented below is meant to stimulate thought.  Please do not make any legal decisions based on the information contained within.  Instead consult an attorney in your state or country before making any legal decisions.

The tourism world seems to become more complicated by the day, with both customers and clientele being aware of their legal rights and demanding sati

by José Balido

America’s famous “Windy City” might not be the first U.S. city to jump to mind when it comes to vacation travel, compared to, say, New York, Miami, or Los Angeles. But Chicago, the country’s third largest metropolis, offers a lot to the visitor – from Spain or anywhere else -  as I rediscovered on my most recent trip to the “city of the big shoulders,” as Chicago was dubbed by legendary 20th-century poet Carl Sandburg due to the industrial might that it built over the past cent

by Nellie Huang

It was his obsession with adventure that brought him to the interior of what was then known as Spanish Sahara, an overseas territory of Spain. In 1930, Michel Vieuchange, a French adventurer, set out on his journey to the largely unexplored region known today as Western Sahara. He removed his gold tooth and disguised himself as a Berber woman to sneak his way into the unknown. His goal was to discover the ruins of Smara, a walled city that was built centuries ago and then aband

When one thinks of paradise, Panama has to be near the top of the list.

In the 90s Costa Rica fast became the chic eco destination for Americans, Canadians and Europeans.  Many expats started buying land and relocating. In the last ten years, a new nirvana was discovered, Panama.

Countries with both beach and jungle are especially appealing. The world is full of small countries where you can view nature and perhaps surf in the same day. Panama fits the bill.

No, You’re not in Miami

The best means of

Fall is a beautiful time along New York St’s Hudson River. Plan a Columbus Dayate weekend at the historic hotel high above the Hudson. Savor the spectacular fall foliage as you boat, hike, take a carriage ride, mountain bike, play golf, or simply sit back and relax while savoring the view. The air is crisp, activities abound, and all that’s missing is you.

The Mohonk is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Check out its couple’s special (Nov. 30- Dec. 2),  perfect for couples who crave time

The year was 1998. There was a very small flow of visitors coming to Costa Rica, about 100,000 according to the official numbers. A decade later, that number has increased up to 2 million tourists per year. This $1.9 billion industry is mainly based on Eco-tourism and has been driven by the green buzzword.

As congested beaches and theme parks continue to lose their novelty and decline into the inevitable "fad" categorization, the world's natural attractions are thrust into the spotlight, front an

In a previous post, New Media Travel  asked “Why Is Hotel Content So Boring?”
The point was that hotels, airlines, and often the entire travel industry, are inclined to present images of the perfect family: a leggy blonde mother, two gorgeous light-haired kids and a handsome, fit dad playing in the blue water.

Or, lest they offend anyone, their glossies and web images are full of empty hotel pools, empty dining rooms and empty lobbies.

Why?

Hotels report that showing a racially mixed family o

Preparing the first chapter of our new e-book, Golden State Eating, we did much first hand research. It's a tough job...I know...hitting bars from Sacramento to San Diego, searching for the perfect margarita, but someone's got to do it.

Along the way, we've had some pretty unspectacular versions. I swear, the one we had at a nationally famous rib joint had to have been poured from a bottle of pre-made Jose Cuervo Margarita bought at the local supermarket. Another one, a high-end restaurant overlo

por Cristóbal Ramírez

Hollywood la retrata como lugar de espías con microchips, políticos conchabados, guardaespaldas como armarios empotrados y conspiradores varios. ¿Miedo? Para nada. Relájese, porque la ficción no le hace justicia a Washington, la capital de Estados Unidos y, por tanto, la del planeta (con permiso de Nueva York). En ella todo es gigante: edificios, parques, monumentos. Una capital a la medida del poder global que ostenta.

Hay que empezar a admirar su grandeza en el Memoria

Kayaking is one of the best adventurous water sports enjoyed all over the globe, and when you are planning a trip to California you have to visit these kayaking spots. It's a great experience for tourists, and you will enjoy the paddling sport. Here are the top kayaking spots in California.

Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe is one of the best places for kayaking. There are numerous tours offering services for those who want to paddle in Emerald Bay's calm pristine waters and enjoy the peace tha

Poland is one of the countries where autumn plays beautifully with a landscape. If you are wondering where to spend your autumn holiday, Poland offers many gateways as well as cultural events for an affordable price.

The most picturesque place in Poland during autumn is Bieszczady Mountains. Located in the extreme south east corner of Poland, Bieszczady are perfect hideaway for those who seek a retreat from an everyday rush. Easy to hike, with the highest peak Tarnica reaching 1,346 meters, these

Tired of the some old greasy burger, boring sandwich, and looking for something other than a pizza slice?  Tired of antibiotic -fed chicken. Should you be in New York City's Greenwich Village,  there is a unique food opportunity that is gaining fans from all walks of life, Sticky's Finger Joint.

What is Sticky's? Chicken strips or chicken fingers. The freshest organic chicken that you will find. Juicy and tender pieces of chicken. So, what's so special about chicken, you ask? The creative flavor

Adventure beckons at the exceptional and exciting Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel in Costa Rica’s northern Pacific province of Guanacaste. Lying at the base of the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Hacienda Guachipelin is a working horse and cattle ranch celebrating Guanacaste’s cowboy heritage in the heart of the savanna.

An average day at Hacienda Guachipelin … ride Costa Rican ranch horses to natural volcanic thermal springs, bounce down the fun rapids of Rio Negro on a rafting inner tube, hike

Sapa is one of the most tourist-attractive destinations in Vietnam, one that any visitor to this country should not miss. September to November is the best time to visit this marvelous town in Vietnam's northern mountainous Lao Cai province.

Followings are ten most attractive destinations in Sapa that you should not forget to fill in your trip:

1. Conquer the top of Fansipan Mountain - "The Roof of Indochina"

Fansipan Mountain- "The Roof of Indochina"

2. Ham Rong mountain

Ham Rong Mountain

3. Old Cath