Italy's business capital is also famously one of the world's top three fashion hubs. But for non-fashionista visitors, Milan may be less of a tourist magnet than the likes of Rome, Florence, or Venice, but still impresses with its culture, its dining, its nightlife, its shopping (of course), and a number of wonderful landmarks and attractions - several unique to the city. So I'm offering up three of my favorite spots to really get a sense of the history of Milan and its surrounding
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What’s my favorite part of Rio de Janeiro? Not at all easy to say, because there are so many cool parts of this city, appealing in their different ways. But (literally) high on the list, way above the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, on Santa Teresa hill close to the downtown, Centro, is an utterly charming neighborhood rather unlike any other in town, with winding cobblestone streets, a vintage tram, centuries-old architecture, and a small-town feel – think Rio’s answer to
Commonly known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is and for the many deserts that cover large masses of the state that are filled with the famous saguaro cacti as well as prickly pears. Fewer people, though, realize that a quarter of the state is covered in lush forests -including the biggest virgin Ponderosa pine forest in the USA.
With sunshine around 85 percent of the year, southern Arizona has been giving Florida and California a run for their money as a holiday destination. a perfect
Visit Omaha
I recently had the opportunity to attend the “Visit Omaha Steak Lover’s Virtual Media Tour” with fellow International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) members. This informative webinar was sponsored by Omaha Steaks and hosted by Tracie McPherson, director of communications for Visit Omaha (the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau). Three highly regarded local chefs shared their tips and techniques on how to cook the perfect steak – using steaks from the venerable
The most interesting island of the Dutch West Indies offers friendly people, beautiful beaches, fantastic snorkeling, fascinating historic sites, culture, delicious dining, and fun nightlife, along with yett other atttractions. Capital Willemstad appeals with colorful Dutch colonial buildings (below), with country estates outside the town built in the same style - like a pastel version of Amsterdam).
Also out on the island, other attractions include the caves of Hato, the neo-Gothic church of
Commercial aviation has certainly changed significantly as a result of the pandemic that has seized the world since this past spring, and Iberia has been changing with it; not only are we carrying passengers, but we've also undertaken a number of initiatives such as the opening of a special route with China for the transfer of medical supplies; the donation of thousands of items to hospitals; and the conduct of some 30 repatriation flights to get more than 8,000 people back home.
In addition, we
With its picturesque landmarks - a legacy of the grand Austro-Hungarian Empire - and lively rooftop bars, Hungary's handsome capital is a great experience for any visitors but is ideal for newlyweds, a diverse blend of attractions, landmarks, and restaurants/cafés from casual to top-notch fine dining and historic to cutting edge. Even more historic are its thermal baths, some dating back to the Middle Ages - which provide soothing soaks and luxurious couples' treatments. Various stylish Budapest
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 cal
normallens
In this souped-up digital age, the concept of a physical, brick-and-mortar space - and what's more, one meant for quiet study and contemplation - seems increasingly quaint. But for lovers of history, architecture, and culture, they still exert a powerful pull on the imagination - and the eyes (and in any case, some of the newer ones have also been upgraded and even re-imagined for our high-tech age). As a lifelong bibliophile and nerd, I always put libraries on my travel itinerarie
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
There is something so inherently romantic about canals, dreamily gliding across its idyllic waterways with the one you love. To celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, my husband and I chose Amsterdam; a capital of romance with its cobbled streets, bouquets of blooms and rich culture to commemorate our “pearl nuptials”.
We stayed at the famed Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam and in a stroke of pure serendipity discovered the iconic hotel was also celebrating its own milestone this year, marking its lege
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
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 of Santiago de
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
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
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.
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
