This one looks delicious, I thought as I swirled the wine around in my glass and took an indelicately large slurp. “Ah yes, a definite aroma of diesel and a lingering taste of salami. Is that normal for a Malbec?” I wondered as I eyed its odd neon hues. “No,”…

From Bizet’s Carmen to Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra, the lure of Spain’s Andalucía region has captivated travelers from around the world for centuries.  There is something captivating about the dry, arid region, where grandiose centuries-old cathedrals in Seville are surpassed in beauty only by the even older Islamic…

After experiencing what the UN World Tourism Organization called “the worst year in tourism history,” the global tourism industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024. International tourist arrivals have fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant turning point for one of the world’s most important economic sectors. The…

Few passengers careening between tube stations know there is an underground city beneath London. In the 19th century, digging deep-level underwater tunnels was hazardous. Numerous attempts to cross the Thames underground had failed, with many lives lost. Today, the East London Line uses Brunel’s Thames Tunnel, being the first successful under-Thames…

Not all Caribbean treasures wait to be discovered in chests hidden in long-forgotten sites – a visit to the Dominican Republic can also provide a  fascinating glimpse into the world of semi-precious stones to be found around this island nation.  In fact, the island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic…

There are many nicknames for the city of San Francisco, including “The City.” There is “415” – the area code, “San Fran” – (don’t use this one), “Fog City” – self-explanatory, “Golden Gate City” – for the bridge, and even “Baghdad by the Bay” – with reference to the cosmopolitan…

Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena is situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia and was Spain’s gateway to its new empire. Trading in gold, silver, tobacco, and, regrettably, enslaved people, the city boomed. These days, Cartagena draws tourists from all over the world, many of them arriving…

I lolled back in my pool side lounge chair, opened my eyes, glanced out at the navy blue strip of ocean I could view through the railing slipping silently past as we cruised to our next gorgeous Caribbean port, and lazily mulled over whether to apply more sunscreen, move into…

Lake Tahoe is a destination perfect for a getaway, provided you appreciate skiing or hiking or nature, golf, shopping, gambling, fishing, boating, or dozens of other outdoor activities.  Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal clear waters,…

Airport security checkpoints have long been a source of stress for traveling families. Between managing carry-on bags and keeping track of children, the screening process can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. Recognizing these unique challenges, the Transportation Security Administration has launched a new initiative designed to make air travel…

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited destinations. It is deemed one of the largest capital cities on the globe, with a population of over 11 million people. As the capital city of Thailand, the appeal is easy to see with its spectacular temples, exotic sites and a variety…

I used to take an exorbitant amount of clothing when I traveled. Used to car trips where we had plenty of room and no weight restrictions, I crammed everything in just in case I might change my mind about what to wear. So when I began to travel more often…