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Is it really possible that less is more? If you are talking about small ship and niche cruising, the answer is a definitive “Yes”! Whether you want to cruise on a tall-masted ship, sail the Amazon, visit small, secluded islands, or see Antarctica up close and personal, niche cruising offers a fantastic alternative to mega-liner cruise ships. Because most niche cruise lines are operated by smaller companies, their itineraries and even their existence are often …

Bangkok is a city that reveals itself one street, one alley, and path at a time. After two weeks, I continued to venture further each day, walking and taking tuk-tuks to different sections of the city, keeping my bearing by knowing where the Chao Phraya river was situated relative to my location at all times. The Chao Phraya was my main transportation route each day as I visited by water taxi the many temples in …

Located in the northeast of Scotland is the port city of Aberdeen, home to over 250 castles and ruins of castles. The epic scenery brings to mind scenes from the silver screen, such as Harry Potter, James Bond 007 films, the Kingsman, and Outlander, to name a few. The hidden forests, green meadows, moors, and castles are a traditional part of Scotland. Aberdeen’s castles vary from the whimsical 16th-century fairytale-looking Crathes Castle to the stately …

With almost perfect temperatures the whole year, the Canary Islands are a popular getaway for travelers. Particularly Tenerife, the most populous island in the chain. Picturesque sand beaches stretch along the coasts surrounding cloud-covered mountains, and small villages once lost to volcanic explosions have been born anew. A flourishing culture with art, delectable food, and tasty wine… the Tenerife life is rest and relaxation immersed in naturally stunning views with a healthy helping of adventurous …

The most common mistake travelers make is NOT taking a camera when cruising. “After all,” they say, “a smartphone is all use when I’m home. Why should I also bring a heavier camera?”

Cruises represent new challenges most of us don’t face in everyday life. We don’t spend as much time outdoors; we don’t need to contend with never-ending glare, and our subjects are usually within eight feet of us. Also, …

For three days each year in August, more than 20,000 people converge on Killorglin in Kerry in Southwest Ireland for the coronation of a goat. But not just any goat. No sir. That is King Puck on the stage in the center of town overlooking the river Laune. It is best to be full of good spirit in the King’s presence because everyone else is! A three-day event commences amidst traditional Irish music. Saturday is …

Americans mark autumn with two major holidays: Thanksgiving in late November, and Halloween on Oct. 31. The latter is a personal favorite: Ever since I watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! as a  child, Halloween has been one of my anchor points for the fall season. Halloween as we know it, with the trick-or-treating and funny costumes, is for all intents and purposes a strictly Western practice. Though it has in recent years spread …

Hidden in the Baztan Valley near the southwestern French border and a few miles away from the pristine shores of the Bay of Biscay, sits a little village with a big secret. Removed from the bustle of the Basque Country’s San Sebastian and the glitz of Biarritz, Zugarramurdi is a tranquil town where not too much has happened in the last four hundred years.

This lush area of Navarra is an ideal blend of French, …

These days, if you’re looking for a spiritual retreat, the possibilities are endless. You can meditate in an ashram in India, explore the wilds of Iceland searching for sacred herbs, do yoga in Cartagena, or embark on a gastronomic tour of Tuscany. In Sedona, Arizona, you can sign up for a Vision Quest, a Soul Healing or even a Spiritual Vortex tour. Thanks to an alchemical amalgamation of our ever-present desire to expand and our …

Most visitors to Mexico head straight to the country’s stunning beaches, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. However, there is an abundance of delights in store for those who venture beyond the beaches to Mexico’s beguiling magic towns. The Mexican tourist board has selected 132 pueblos to be included on a list of so-called ‘magic towns’. The towns are chosen for a combination of characteristics, including culture, architecture, natural beauty, cuisine, and indigenous history. …

In February of this year, Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth closed the Waipio Valley Road to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, for all but residents. Access is now being restored with the partial reopening of the road to more traffic effective September 19th.

Officials cited the hazardous conditions present due to the deterioration of the steep roadway. Since that time, road crews have been working on safety improvements for the only vehicle entrance into the …

When travelers think of the most romantic destinations in the world, they always name warm, tropical destinations with sugar-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It’s no wonder: who wants to shiver on a freezing ski slope or trudge through crowded European streets on a charming getaway with their loved one? The Caribbean offers couples plenty of opportunities to find space to be alone and reconnect, and no Caribbean island calls to the passionate at heart more …

Savannah, Georgia, is best known for its historic squares surrounded by moss-covered oaks and horse-drawn carriages. If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere, a peek into the south’s history, and excellent cuisine, consider Savannah, GA, as your next destination

This coastal Georgia city has much more to offer than the cobblestone streets lined with canopy trees. The setting for the novel and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Savannah’s glass brims …