Blogs

Zazen Meditation at Rinnoji Temple, Nikko

In these times of stress and uncertainty, it is relieving to know that once we can travel again, there are places in the world that offer the healing qualities of reflection, tranquility and mindfulness. Japan is one of those places.

Practicing Zen in Japan

In Japan, the school of Zen involves practicing Zazen (meditation) and mindfulness, which can be achieved by the act of Shakyo (hand copying of Buddhist sutras. Both Zazen and Shakyo may help calm

OUTDOOR_MEDIA

by David Escribano

Ecuador, a country embedded between tourism powerhouses Colombia and Peru, is sometimes overlooked by the average traveller. But even apart from the inimitable Galápagos and colonial gems like Quito and Cuenca, it's also got some quite cool adventure offerings around the city of Tena, 3 1/2 hours south of Quito. The capital of Napo province is located in the valley of the Misahuallí River, which starts on the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains and is surrounde

You might have a feeling that Vietnam is a bit too far and too much of an "adventure" destination to bring your kids, especially if they're young. But these days at least that's definitely not so. Your entire family will love the cultural experience as well as the beaches, history, and ecotourism this fascinating Southeast Asian country has to offer, and  here are five reasons why your entire family will feel comfortable and welcome here:

It's Quite Safe

The Vietnam War was a long time ago, an

After months of coronavirus lockdown, the South Carolina resort city Myrtle Beach - as well as the long and famed stretch of beach called Grand Strand, along which it sits - are back. Sun seekers are hitting the sands; golfers are working on their drives and putts; and visitors are generally once again enjoying the appeals that each year attract some 20 million people. 

Like other destinations around the United States, which are gradually returning to "the new normal,” there are differences fr

“Well, I’m planning on flying up to Portland, Maine next week,” I told my friend. Dead silence. Clear disapproval. I understood that. It’s early July still in the midst of our much misunderstood pandemic and I was doing something crazy. Getting on an airplane.

But how else was I going to get to the summer cabin in the small town of Rangeley in western Maine, where my husband and I have spent the last 25 years? He was driving up earlier with a packed car – and I tend to commute back and forth fro

unmillondeelefantes

by Jorge Tejada


It’s that time of year again. In Spain, practically every day is the “feast day” of at least one Catholic saint. But the most famous of all is today, the Feast of Santiago (St. James the Greater), a disciple of Jesus Christ whose relics after his martyrdom tradition says were transported to Galicia (today, northwest Spain). Entombed and forgotten, they were rediscovered in the early 9th century and a cathedral was built around them, around which grew the city

Cyntia Motta



If you’re planning on choosing a holiday with a whole new sense of adventure, there seems to be a huge number of places still available to surprise - even shock and stun - the most jaded traveler. Yet while the temples of southeast Asia, vast canyons of North America, and unmistakable coastlines of Europe are all fantastic places to lose yourself for a week or two, one continent stands out from all the rest as a partygoer’s dream: Central and South America.

We’ve all heard of the bl

StoriesofKabeera

In the heart of Rajasthan state's Thar Desert, the historic city of Jaisalmer (pop. 78,000) is known as India's "Golden City" because the yellow sandstone of which its old quarter was built (mostly in the 12th century) imbuing it with a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets. And it's notable for its beautiful temples of the Jain religion, one of the world's oldest. But Jaisalmer's main claim to fame is Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Quil

Deerfield Rretreat

Admittedly, I'd never heard of Lo-Wei, a unique exercise class that combines yoga, strength training and flexibility that stretched my body in ways my mind never thought possible. But it is only one of almost three dozen fitness classes, all part of the dawn-to-dusk workout, weight loss, and education focus of the one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive Deerfield Health Retreat and Spa in East Stroudsburg, in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania, where my friend Kathy and I spent three

Chris 73



Last month I posted on this blog about Africa's six tallest peaks, so I thought I'd follow up with more about the highest and most famous of those: Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro (dubbed "Kili," for short). And reaching a maximum 5,895 meters (19.341 feet) in height, not only is it Africa's tallest but also one of the tallest freestanding mountains (i.e. not part of a larger range) in the world.

Chris 73

The Snows of Kilimanjaro


Located 320 kilometers south of the Equator, in

David Paul Appell



by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

 

Across the world, throughout the spring of 2020 we've all been living through a global public-health emergency unprecedented in our lifetimes. But now, after the extraordinary measures due to the coronavirus and COVID-19 which closed borders and shut down tourism in most countries of the world, Spain is among those which have flattened the pandemic curve enough to return to "normal" as of 1 July, welcoming back foreign visitors - from most other c

You’re enjoying an adventure for the senses as you journey through the soaring Alps Mountains in Switzerland.  You immediately understand why the magnificent view that surrounds you in Colorado inspired the words of “America the Beautiful.”   You channel Harry Potter during a ride over the towering viaduct that the Hogwarts Express crossed in the popular film series.

These and other equally dramatic, experiences can be yours while you travel no farther than the chair in front of your computer. 

Daniel Schwen

Back before, during, and after the American Revolution (1776-1983) and the years leading up to it, New York City was as now the largest and one of the most important cities of the nascent United States of America – and in fact even served as the independent country’s very first capital, from 1789 to 1790. So it goes without saying that the Big Apple is home to a number of military and political landmarks that were absolutely key to the beginning of the USA’s national history. So

viennetta

Virtually every country distills its own brand (or various brands) of high-proof aguardiente (firewater, often a type of brandy) from various crops. But in South America, few have established a mystique as potent as pisco, the artesinal grape brandy of Peru. And though it's widely exported these days, there's nothing like experiencing this smooth spirit on its home turf - distilled here since the 17th century - including a swing through the areas where it's produced, several hours sou

Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel restaurant

The Mount Fuji Mishima Tokyu Hotel is about to open at the south exit of Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen - Hikari and Kodama lines. About 45 minutes south of Tokyo and just under  than two hours north of Kyoto, it's an easy stop between these two other bucket-list destinations in Japan.

The hotel offers a great location, with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and a 20-minute drive from Mishima Skywalk - the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Ja

GNTO

With much of Europe about to open up their borders in July to visitors from various other countries, the message is clear. Yes, it may take some spunk to leave the safety and comfort of your home, but during these past three-plus months of stay-at-home life, much of the world has adapted to a “new normal” and the principles of how to stay healthy even during an an ongoing  pandemic - including traveling in as safe a manner as possible.

Those eligible should consult the new European Union

Tijon.com

There I was in my white lab coat, examining 40 vials and trying to determine which combinations to mix to get the best outcome. Admittedly, I wasn’t performing some important scientific discovery or creating a medical breakthrough, but it felt almost that significant. What if I screwed up, made ridiculous choices as to the most effective ingredients and came away with an awful smelling product. Yup, I was making perfume at the Tijon Parfumerie & Boutique on the French side of the Car

Nabin K. Sabkota

At a height of around 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) up in the Himalaya Mountains, the capital of Nepal (pop. 2.5 million) remains an exotic magnet for travelers from all over the world looking to quench their wanderlust, whether they visit independently or with Kathmandu tour packages. And for very good reason this is dubbed "the city of temples" - most of them of the 80-percent-majority Hindu religion but also sites very important to Buddhism, especially as this region is hel