During the last few years, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis have been more in the news, as the lights have been more prominent, frequent, and even showing up in the southern U.S. This has increased the interest in "skywatching" travel or "astrotourism." I have...
Eneko Atxa is a chef who is deeply rooted in the regional traditions of classic Basque cookery. His culinary inspiration were the dishes of his mother and grandmother, yet his current dishes reveal an inventiveness and imagination that go well beyond any constraints...
Flights cancelled in Middle East. After the U.S. attacked Iran this morning, many flights across the Middle East have been cancelled, and airspace has been shut down. If you're planning any trips to the area, check with your airline before going to the airport. Unrest...
Looking for the next great place to eat out? These choices by the James Beard Awards can give you great ideas in your home or vacation locale. (The finalists will be announced March 31, 2026.) Outstanding Restaurateur Elizabeth Blau, Blau + Associates (Buddy V’s and...
Round Hill Villa Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica could easily be pictured in the dictionary next to the word “luxury.” Spending a few days at this resort was definitely an experience of the proverbial good life, so it’s no surprise that Round Hill caters to the likes...
Editor's Note: We'll certainly continue to write about wine and spirits, but some of the information below might be interesting to you. I have cut down on alcohol intake, even though I've never been a heavy drinker. On my trip to Africa last fall, I didn't drink any...
Editor’s note: While our focus is on luxury travel, we also champion travel that gives back. If you have participated in charitable travel, please tell us about it in the comments. As an itinerant travel writer and photographer who has set foot in some of the most...
Experts say stronger jet streams and winter weather are making flights feel bumpier. “Strong jet streams, winter storms, and sudden changes in air pressure can make flights feel more unstable, even though they remain extremely safe,” says Jessie Chambers, Travel...
Bed bug registry. Orkin has a registry where people report on hotels and other accommodations that have had bed bugs. It's a good idea to check it before booking your next stay: Bed Bug Registry. Winter storms in Spain and Portugal. Southern Spain and Portugal...
When the opportunity to visit Oklahoma City came my way, I had no idea what to expect. My first night involved an event at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – not exactly my cup of tea. Suffice it to say, I did not have high hopes that I would enjoy...
Here are some traditional Italian wine ideas and a few unconventional suggestions for a toast on the most romantic day of the year. A couple enjoys a wine toast during a romantic meal. Stock photo. ANDREOLA (VENETO) NAZZARENO POLA - ETICHETTA DEL FONDATORE – DIRUPO -...
According to a January 2026 report on seaside winter getaways, Dubai is the best coastal destination to visit during this cold season. The study by the digital entertainment platform JB examined 30 waterfront cities across the world based on climate, affordability,...
Last-minute winter travel often gets a bad reputation. Many travelers assume that booking late means overpaying, settling for inconvenient flights, or staying in less-than-comfortable accommodations. In reality, winter can be one of the best seasons for spontaneous...
Did you just book a last-minute winter getaway to escape the cold? When travel plans come together quickly, it can be easy to overlook your home’s needs amidst all the packing, booking flights and accommodations, and planning activities. Taking a few intentional steps...
Many visitors to Istanbul flock to explore the Grand Bazaar and gorgeous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural history. Decidedly less about ancient times as fresh glam modernity, Galataport on the Bosphorus waterfront is the place to...
Global Entry revoked. Multiple reputable news outlets are reporting that as U.S. ICE agents use facial recognition technology to identify protesters, their Global Entry memberships are being revoked. Spain train crashes. On January 18th, 40 people died when two trains...
Revered for upholding culinary tradition, the esteemed Rosebud Restaurant Group debuted its Mia Rosebud restaurant location in the heart of Downtown Boca Raton, Florida in 2024. This addition signifies a tasty achievement for the group as it represents their first...
In 2017, I had the opportunity to partake in a 6-day Latin Trails yacht cruise in the Galapagos Islands. It was an extraordinary top-tier experience that I wrote about here. I was also the very first guest at the brand new Latin Trails 5-star hotel in Quito called the...
These days, most U.S. airlines and many international airlines will allow you to take your pet in the plane's cabin with you depending on their age and size. The following international airlines will allow this: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Vueling...
I needed assistance to be “tied” into my corset-style brocade dress with petticoat and layers of skirts. I was even provided with a hairdresser to give me an up-hairdo to go with my new … I mean, old look. I was among a small group of journalists visiting Quebec City...
I use olive oil on a practically daily basis to poach vegetables to finish soups and grilled fish, for sautéing, and dressing salads. Like any food product, olive oil has a finite shelf life. It's quite extended if the product is kept under the right conditions, but...
Although not a native New Yorker, I have lived in NYC for decades. For travelers, it can be an intimidating place. It's fast, dirty, energetic, and exciting. This article includes my tips for not pissing off New Yorkers, for getting by unscathed, and for making the...
Bottled water caution. Did you know this? I didn't. Apparently, bottles of water in some countries are resealed after they're filled with contaminated tap water. From now on, I will be much more careful to make sure the caps look fully sealed. I recommend you do the...
One of the first things to notice is the stunning surroundings with the tall Wasatch Mountain Range as a dramatic backdrop to Salt Lake City. These mountains with their white capped peaks have been a historic thoroughfare for many individuals seeking a better life out...
It didn’t surprise me at all that the venerable Sunset Magazine recently featured an article on the newly restored Murrieta Hot Springs Resort (including a cover story and inclusion in its travel destination list and travel directory). It’s a thermal spa...
Editor's Note: Even luxury travelers don't mind saving a few bucks, right? Traveling in 2026 doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, savvy travelers can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on airfare by taking advantage of error fares. These are...
Marrakech (aka Marrakesh) is an ancient city located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in the center of Morocco. It has the largest and oldest medina (walled city) in the country which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the narrow,...
Get some insights into what motivates you to travel and the type of travel best suited to your personality number. The way we travel can be impacted by who we are: In other words, your personality type. Whether a Perfectionist, Expressionist, Analyst, Adventurist,...
First of all, Happy New Year! Wishing you wonderful travels in 2026. New tourist fees in Rome. The fees continue to pile on, but I think they make sense. To improve congestion around the Trevi Fountain, Rome will charge a 2 Euro fee during daytime hours if you want to...
It is with profound sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved founder, Manos Angelakis, on December 3, 2025. We will all miss him immeasurably, and we will continue to honor his work by republishing his articles in this magazine that he created with his...
Vienna is one of the most regal of Europe’s great cities. The mostly Baroque architecture creates high drama throughout the streets with imposing statues, green patina domes, and intricate detail work. In fact, the word “grandeur” in the dictionary should be...
In September 2025, I left New York City for a dream trip to Kenya and Madagascar. Before leaving, I alerted the U.S. State Department of where I would be, which meant I would receive emails about issues in either of those countries. Well, shortly after arriving in...
Ron Bronfman is the Sommelier at Claro Restaurant in London's St. James area. Serving Mediterranean cuisine, Claro was recently added to the Michelin Guide. For December, Ron has launched a regionally focused wine selection from the Rhône Valley, designed to introduce...
For your holidays, we have the ultimate source of stress-free entertaining advice: the winemakers of Temecula Valley in southern California. Pros from Wilson Creek, South Coast, Baily, and more offer their recommendations below for host-worthy bottles, their go-to...
Fee without Real ID. The TSA in the U.S. will start charging air passengers $45 as of February 1, 2026 if they don't have a Real ID. So if you don't have yours, get on that! Travelers into the U.S. will need to disclose their social media history? Five years of it, to...
If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’ve probably heard about (and perhaps saw) the famous Ladyboys. Commonly referred to as "Katoeys" in Thailand, Ladyboys are individuals assigned male at birth who present themselves in a feminine manner and may identify as female or...
Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood, just a short five-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, the AAA Four Diamond Casa Velas stands as a serene, adults-only boutique resort exemplifying standards in the luxury all-inclusive sector....
In 1958, I found that my grandfather had left money in his will for my higher education at a European university. At the time, I was living in Athens, Greece with my family, finishing high school and preparing for a future life of adventure. My father insisted that I...
Visiting the San Diego Zoo is an experience that blends adventure, education, and pure enjoyment. From the moment you step through the gates, the atmosphere is alive with excitement and the promise of discovery. Our day at the zoo was filled with unforgettable...
The Hotel Alfonso XIII is not only considered “the” place to stay in Seville, Spain, but it’s listed as a historical site for non-guest tourists as well. And there’s a good reason for this: architecturally, the building looks like a Moorish castle. Built for the...
In the summer of 1870, no visit to New York was complete without a trip to see the city’s newest marvel, a pneumatically-powered subway that ran for 300 feet under Broadway between Warren and Murray Streets. Built by Alfred Beach, publisher of Scientific American...
Booking.com cautions. A woman booked a stay in Montreal for the Grand Prix before the website updated its rates to reflect "event pricing." Due to Booking.com's terms of services, the hotel had the right to demand she pay the event price anyway, which meant an...
Long ago, my wife Roxie and I made a short visit to Portugal’s Silver Coast, a spectacular stretch of beach on the Atlantic, famous for its big waves. We stayed in an old 19th century hotel turned into a guesthouse, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. In our room,...
Those looking for a SoFlo escape exuding art, culture, and timeless sophistication need look no further than the National Hotel Miami Beach, where the city’s vintage glamour meets contemporary coastal luxury. Perfectly situated in South Beach’s iconic Art Deco...
Istanbul was called just “The City” or the “City on the Seven Hills” when it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It's indeed a very ancient city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. This both modern and ancient city has expanded along the...
The lush, picturesque Valle de Guadalupe in Ensenada, Baja California, has come into its own as one of the leading wine destinations on both sides of the border. The valley is located 80 miles from San Diego, California, making it easily accessible by car to Southern...
Ian Cauble, MS of The Caubleist was kind enough to provide us with the following article containing his 10 holiday wine recommendations: The holidays are a time for celebration and enjoying those closest to you. There is no way better than connecting with someone than...
California's own museum heist. The Louvre isn't the only museum to lose some valuable artifacts recently. The Oakland Museum of California's storage facility had more than 1,000 items go missing in mid-October. UK train stabbing. On November 2nd, multiple people were...
As millions of us book Airbnbs and private rentals this summer, private investigator John Eastham at Private Investigations UK is warning travelers to watch out for security risks you won’t see in the listing. From disguised surveillance to dodgy...
Travelers rush to Japan in spring to see the cherry blossoms, and for good reason. They are truly stunning. But the crowds at that time of year can be particularly oppressive. In fact, if you haven't made plans already for late March to early April 2026 when the...
We believe the products in this article should be part of the well-stocked bar of anyone who takes their holiday spirits seriously. Bad Stuff Tequila. Photo courtesy of the company. “The Bad Stuff Tequila” is, in our opinion, a rather unfortunate name for an...
The city of seven hills offers the most picturesque “leg day” in the world, with endless charm and equally endless inclines. Fortunately, transportation via cable car, funicular, Uber, taxi, and local-ride service Bolt make exploring each unique neighborhood anything...
You might have heard of puppy yoga. Generally, you spend 30 minutes on yoga exercise and another 30 minutes playing with puppies. These puppies usually come from breeders, so each event features a specific breed. Puppy Yoga Club holds these in a number of cities,...
Athens, Greece is one of those must-see cities that truly does make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a time capsule. Here is my photographic tribute to this city like no other. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Photo by...
More cheese, NYC? Pick & Cheese from London is coming to NYC next year to the new food hall within the old Lord & Taylor store on Fifth Avenue. It will be called Shaver Hall, and while the cheese venue won't yet be there, the hall itself will open this...
Long had I coveted taking a river cruise, and my dream was realized when we sailed the Legendary Rhine & Moselle (Mosel) with the top ranked UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruise Collection. The 13-day itinerary was aboard the River Queen, one of...
I discovered Amarula on a trip to South Africa back in the late 1990s, and I've loved it ever since. It's now available throughout the U.S. and many other countries. Amarula is made from the marula fruit, which is a yellow, plum-sized fruit with white flesh. it's rich...
I recently spent a little time in Nairobi on my way to Maasai Mara. (I was supposed to visit Madagascar as well, but political unrest there caused me to cancel that part of my trip.) Nairobi is a vibrant, busy, and cosmopolitan city with much to offer the visitor. If...
During my recent visit to Kenya, I stayed at three different 5-star hotels in order to be able to report on them. Here is my assessment of each. The lobby of the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Sarova Stanley Hotel. This historic property is...
Lake Nakuru is a three-hour drive from Nairobi in Kenya and is famous for its flamingos. You have to be there at the right time of year to see huge flocks of the flamingos, however. By the time I was there in early October, many of them had already migrated away from...
Airline News Iceland's PLAY Airlines. The low-cost carrier in Iceland ceased operations at the end of last month and cancelled all upcoming flights. Akuyeri in northern Iceland. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Delta plane collision. Two Delta planes collided at low speed at...
From the island of Hispaniola, the home-base for some of the most notorious pirates - Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack, and Bartholomew Roberts - came a very enjoyable rum that would have been great booty for any privateer of the 16th or...
My time in Kenya's Maasai Mara was nothing short of sublime. I hope these photos and videos will give you a taste of what it was like. Also check out my review of Entim safari camp in the Mara. A leopard in Maasai Mara. Photo by Melanie Votaw. A superb starling in...
A 30-minute flight with SafariLink from Wilson Airport in Nairobi dropped me at an airstrip near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where my guide, Jamlick, picked me up and drove me to Entim Camp, a luxury safari accommodation within the Reserve. We drove through some...
The scent of sweetgrass wafted past my nose as the wolf raced excitedly down the path. I was hiking in a forest in Golden, British Columbia with two wolves – a singular experience if ever there was one. The wolves are two of six captive animals at...
In Bergen, standing in one of the narrow alleys of Bryggen, gazing up at some of the old Hanseatic League warehouses, I recalled that this was once the biggest cod-packing facility in all of Europe. Then, as I lowered my gaze, I could almost catch a glimpse of the...
The Merchant's House is the only 19th century home in New York City that has been preserved intact with the family's original furniture and objects. I have lived in NYC for decades, and I only recently found out about this place! How did that happen? A staircase in...
Fewer tourist rentals in Spain. Spain has removed more than 50,000 tourist rental apartments from the market and is converting them into long-term rentals for residents. Can't blame them when tourist rentals cause permanent housing shortages. Air taxis. The FAA in the...
Made mythical by John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row,” Monterey, California is now a tourism mecca on the unforgettable California coastline. Just outside of the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the world, I saw the circle of life unfold right in...
Jamaica Inn, a hotel that sits on a six-acre beachfront garden, is an institution in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The iconic Inn has been around since 1950, and the same family (the Morrows) has run it since 1958. Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller stayed there in the 50s, and...
Some exceptional wines using mostly indigenous grapes are made in the Portuguese Alentejo DOC. What is interesting is that many of the wineries retain their ancient marble cisterns, where grapes are still foot-pressed and then aged in very large concrete vats or...
William Reid was a true entrepreneur. He knew from personal experience that Madeira offered the perfect year-round destination for people requiring a warm climate for health reasons. Summer temperatures rarely rise over 27°C (87°F), and in winter, never fall below...
After an initial visit 35 years ago - when we had a great time and great food - we returned to Madeira, the island in the North Atlantic that was “discovered” in 1419 by the Portuguese navigator João Gonçalves Zarco, the one eyed. Even though João Gonçalves...
Funicular crash in Portugal. On September 3rd, 16 people were killed when the Gloria funicular in Lisbon crashed. What a horrible tragedy. Airport Wi-Fi alert. Scammers are creating bogus Wi-Fi networks to trick travelers into signing on and giving away their data....
Anne Frank: The Exhibition is a full-scale recreation in New York City of the authentic Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. It opened on Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, 2025, and was originally only to remain for a few months. First, it was extended into October,...
Thailand's culture is what draws most visitors, and there's good reason for that. But beyond the beaches, I think a lot of people miss the beauty of nature in the country. The following images provide an overview of at least some of what Thailand has to offer the...
Tucked away in the Bahamas Out Island of Eleuthera is Yellowbird Estate - an expansive private villa that stands as a beacon of coastal charm and tranquility. With its idyllic oceanfront location, this unique vacation rental captures the essence of island living,...
Tucked into the ever-evolving culinary corridor of Manhattan’s Murray Hill, Leonetta is reshaping the narrative of what Mediterranean dining means in New York City. This refined, design-forward restaurant - opened in late 2024 by acclaimed chef Ed Cotton - delivers a...
I recently tasted an exceptional Prosecco made in the classic méthode champenoise, not in the usual Martinotti-Charmat autoclave method that most Prosecco is produced today. The Charmat method allows the production of dry and sweet sparkling wines that retain the...
In Florence, street vendors sell boxer shorts with an image on the crotch of the genitals of Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture. In Rome, vendors sell shorts with the same image, but enhanced with additional length. For me, these images comically sum up the...
Travel Advice Beware phone scams! It turns out that even on Google, you might do a search and get a bogus phone number for an airline or other business. So to avoid being scammed, go to official websites to get phone numbers! Watch upgrade prices! Word is that...
I’m well-traveled enough to know that a city like Tulsa, Oklahoma is cosmopolitan, but I admit I had no idea how much culture and history is available in this part of the country. An art deco sign in Tulsa. Photo by Melanie Votaw. If you’re like me, you’ll be...
I love good soups, and I often make them in my kitchen. Through the years, I’ve added numerous soups to my repertory, and Tom Kha Gai, a Thai chicken soup, is one of them. One of the recipes I use is from the kitchens of the Spice Market, the Thai restaurant of the...
On my way to Churchill, Canada (see my article on that trip), I stopped over in Winnipeg. I didn't have much time, but I wanted to visit Fort Whyte Alive, a 660-acre reclaimed urban green space in the city with hiking/mountain biking trails, paddle lakes, a visitor...
In the fall of 1967, I wanted to finish writing a novel I had been working on for several years. So I found a two-bedroom apartment to rent for a dollar a day on the Balearic Island of Menorca. Over the years, a number of things have happened to me, but I have always...
Born from the Union Stock Yards where cattle cars rumbled into the city like thunderheads, Chicago’s steakhouse tradition has evolved from feeding industrialists who built this city on beef into something far more sophisticated. Chicago's carnivorous temples have gone...
As I begin to write this, it has only been a couple of days since I returned home from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, and so far, I'm still high. I don't often write in such superlative terms, but wow, what an experience! First of all, Churchill is like no other place...
This autumn, there will be lots of film and TV stars doing plays and musicals on and off Broadway. Here are the ones you can see if you visit NYC: Tom Hanks. This is probably the biggest star to grace the season, but Hanks won't be on Broadway. He'll be at a...
In 1998, Yè Shanghai opened in Pacific Place, and a new taste was born in Hong Kong. This Elite Concepts restaurant earned acclaim for its distinctive cuisine and stylish ambiance. Elite Concepts is now operating four Yè Shanghai high-end restaurants in Hong Kong,...
Grand Canyon fires. The fires continue to rage in the Grand Canyon and have grown into what's called a "mega-fire" and the largest fire in the U.S. this year. New Amtrak high-speed trains. The NextGen Acela high-speed trains will launch August 28th between Washington,...
The jaguar has long held a mystical and magical presence in American folklore and the spiritual realm, particularly with various cultures and indigenous tribes like the Maya and Aztec. Sightings are rare, but the symbolic power attributed to this elusive creature...
While traveling through the French West Indies, my final night in St. Martin culminated in one of my most memorable dining experiences at Le Pressoir in Grand Case. (See my review of Grand Case Beach Club.) Entering the beautifully restored 1871 Creole house that is...
With throngs turning to their air fryer to knock out easy, healthy, and delicious meals, there are some key mistakes to avoid. Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers” with nearly 730,000 social media followers and 35,000 copies sold of her air fryer cookbook, “Easy Air...
Nestled in the embrace of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sits Snaresbrook Manor, an impeccable luxury vacation home in the Governor’s Harbor of Eleuthera, Bahamas. Perfectly situated on a panoramic pink sand beach and with premium appointments from top to...
U.S. TRAVEL NEWS One-Stop Security. The U.S. is unveiling a new program starting with American Airlines for passengers from London Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth, which will allow them to clear customs at the arrival gate and go straight to their connecting flight...
Surrounded by mountains and dotted with patina domes and regal statues, Salzburg is, without question, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A river snakes through the center, a fortress castle watches from above, and horse-drawn carriages trot through the...
Olive oil has been produced and consumed in the Eastern Mediterranean since time immemorial. In the Cairo museum, a collection of papyri dating more than 5,000 years ago from Pharaonic Egypt talks about the olive oil and preserved olives trade between Minoan...
The Italian peninsula sends to the rest of the world far more than just great wines and cheeses, fast cars, sultry actresses, and temperamental tenors. It’s also the source of some of the most complex and sought-after liqueurs. If you are partial to summer spritzes,...
Tucked just steps from Times Square and the bright lights of Broadway, Gallaghers Steakhouse stands as more than just a restaurant - it’s a living piece of Manhattan history. Having originally opened in 1927 as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the iconic 52nd Street spot...
The day began as many perfect days do - with the scent of sea salt in the air and the soft sound of waves lapping the shore. A refreshing sea breeze, just enough to ripple the surface of the water and stir the anchored catamarans offshore, wafted gently through the...