Smartphones, notably the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, are photographic miracles. They can see in the dark and rise to nearly all photographic challenges. If you’re within 10-15 feet of your subject, the newest smartphones are almost infallible in their ability to provide a bright, sharp photo—even if you make no adjustments and press the red button on the screen. When you are this close to your subject, smartphones can rival larger, dedicated cameras in …
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In 1990 I living in Italy as part of the US contingent of NATO. Strangely, I began to hear consistent rumors of an underwater city near Naples, Italy. Local Italians told me conspiratorially that it was their own Atlantis, but few knew much else about this fabled town. The legends grew over time amongst the locals and the US military stationed just a few miles away. Was it a town built by the Romans, or …
Children. They are our bundles of joy until they start making a scene on a plane or squabble in the car during a journey. Some portion of our childhood memories are fondly remembered family vacations. But you probably also remember those threats from the front seat when you and your siblings distracted yourself by picking on each other. It is possible to be strategic in your family trip planning. How do you ensure a peaceful …
Ah, the glimmer of that new bling on your finger is only outshone by the sparkle in your eyes at the thought of a destination wedding! Tying the knot in paradise sounds like a dream. But before you sail into the sunset with your beloved, let’s navigate through the potential pitfalls of planning your dream day from afar, shall we?
1. Pro Planners: Your Wedding Whisperers
Still looking for the best possible outcome, though, right? …
It seems appropriate that the legendary French beauty Empress Josephine, known for her sense of style, spent her early years on the island of Martinique, where travelers today can still encounter an abundance of fine design, craftsmanship, and style. In fact, Martinique nowadays is home to a range of merchandise, local handicrafts, and personal apparel that reflects an enduring appreciation of style. Around city streets, suburban enclaves, or at points out into the countryside, a …
New Mexico can’t claim the invention of tequila. That distinction belongs to old Mexico, where Spanish conquistadors and their enterprising priests learned to double distill fermented agave juice into something more palatable than the pulque they received from Mexico’s indigenous population. But New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, have perfected the art of the margarita, and the aptly-named Santa Fe Margarita Trail gives visitors the chance to sample the best of the best.
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The exotic land of Rajasthan is a showcase for India at its finest. From palaces and forts to tigers and temples, it bursts with color, history and incredible landscapes. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited states in country. I first fell in love with Rajasthan when I traversed the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Although my first visit was a mere taster (Jaipur is the only one of …
Something about festive Christmas lights twinkling and blinking in the night enhances entire cities at once. Thousands of decorations, LED light displays, oversized ornaments suspended high above busy shopping areas, and magical state-of-the-art lighting that transform everyday streets into an extravaganza. Some destinations around the world are well known for their festive lighting displays that attract visitors from near and far to stand in awe of inspiring themes.
Close to home for American readers …
Some of the challenges in choosing river cruises in Europe are the rivers themselves. Unless you’ve frequently traveled to Europe, you may not be familiar with geography of the rivers. Even for those who are familiar with the lay of the land, the list of rivers can be daunting. A quick glance at Wikipedia shows hundreds of rivers coursing through the European continent, including quite a few that I’ve never heard of, the Oise, for …
CLEAR lovers will lose one benefit of the program in 2025, as the TSA says it will begin requiring them to produce a REAL ID or passport at airport checkin.
The CLEAR program is based on two premises: it takes you to the very front of the check-in line, and its biometric check-in process means you do not have to pull out your ID. But beginning in May, 2025, that second advantage seems about to …
“Paradise Valley” is the perfect description for the town where you’ll find Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. It is an oasis between the mountains with all you need if you are looking for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
The 53-acre complex is a backdrop for an adventurous or laid-back vacation – or maybe a little of both. Picturesque doesn’t even begin to explain this stretch of land you will never forget.
Luxurious Accommodations
The majority of accommodations here …
Virgin Voyages has indefinitely delayed the launch of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, citing staffing, supply chain and construction issues.
Brilliant Lady was supposed to set sail in December; but Virgin now has canceled its two festive inaugural sailings, a five-day roundtrip Christmas cruise from Miami and a seven-day New Year’s Eve from Miami, and its regular sailings from San Juan in January, March and April and the April 20 repositioning cruise from the …
The two biggest cities in Nebraska (by far), Omaha and Lincoln, hug the eastern border. And as the land rolls out toward the West into the Nebraska Panhandle, the landscapes, history, lifestyles, and stories change dramatically. The Nebraska Panhandle houses some of America’s most historic – or unusual – spots.
The town of Ogallala, named for the Native-American tribe that’s been on these lands for centuries, has a population of about 5,000. And Ogallala has …
The older man in a wheelchair had found the perfect spot to catch the crowd. After a security check, he was positioned on the path as people excitedly entered Parque O’Higgins in Santiago.
A sign on his lap said he was disabled, unemployed, and seeking support. He was intelligent, too, since he was selling sachets of Eno’s indigestion powder, precisely what people would need after the hours of over-indulgence that lay ahead.
Every year, Chile …