For years, luxury travel destinations have catered to guests seeking to boost wellness while on vacation. Today, that desire for wellness has graduated—travelers don’t just want to feel better now, they want to extend their healthy lifespan.
Enter the growing trend of “longevity travel,” where luxury destinations make intentional choices designed to support wellness for years to come, focusing on elements such as social connection, presence in nature, restorative sleep, and opportunities for movement that have been scientifically proven to extend our healthy years of life.
Yoga at Rio Perdido. Photo courtesy of Rio Perdido.
The properties highlighted below are creating opportunities for slower travel, deep personal connections, grounding in nature, and passive wellness.
While I haven’t personally experienced them yet, I have indeed been to Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad. It was many years ago, but I can attest that it’s a lovely property that has long been beloved by birdwatchers. The other three properties listed here are in Costa Rica.
Uniquely positioned at the juxtaposition of a preserved dwarf forest and hidden thermal canyon, Rio Perdido guests enjoy longevity boosts each time they breathe in the property’s hyper-oxygenated air or bathe in the healing waters of the ancient mineral-rich pools.
Accommodations at Rio Perdido. Photo courtesy of Rio Perdido.
However, knowing that quality sleep is crucial for living a long and healthy life, the team recently debuted a new group of stilted, forest guest bungalows uniquely designed for sleep support. These accommodations offer absolute privacy, expansive views of nature, and a biophilic design that mimics natural environments and uses natural materials, helping enhance and improve sleep along with overall well-being.
A key tenet of longevity travel, particularly in the luxury space, is that guests need guidance when it comes to maximizing the wellness offerings available at any given resort. At Tabacón, nestled in Costa Rica’s northern rainforest at the base of Arenal Volcano, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the healing power of bathing in the country’s largest network of naturally flowing, volcano-heated hot springs.
A private pool suite at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Photo courtesy of Tabacón.
While hydrotherapy can offer many unique health benefits, it’s not always clear how to get the most out of immersive experiences. To that end, the team at Tabacón offers a Balneotherapy Concierge program to inform guests of the thermal spring’s healing potential and to guide them through best practices that will maximize the benefits of these therapeutic waters.
Accommodations at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Photo courtesy of Tabacón.
Primed for longevity travelers due to its location in one of the world’s rare Blue Zones—where residents enjoy unprecedented wellness and longevity—the team at Nantipa runs a Blue Wellness program that promotes daily practices linked to longevity and health, including diet, exercise, social connections, and environmental respect.
An aerial view of Nantipa. Photo courtesy of Nantipa.
Key features of the experience include traditional dining menus highlighting local grains, eggs, produce, and dairy products to deliver a nutrient-rich source of minerals and vitamins; volunteering experiences at a local turtle hatchery; and the Blue Mind experience that guides guests to harness water’s restorative powers through sound, sight, smell, and ingestion.
Accommodations at Nantipa. Photo courtesy of Nantipa.
Having a sense of purpose has been identified as a key element of longevity, and guests of HADCO Experiences at both of their flagship properties find said purpose in their commitment to the practice of regenerative tourism.
Asa Wright Nature Centre. Photo courtesy of HADCO Experiences.
Stays with HADCO support initiatives such as a solar panel project at HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre that supplies 80% of the property’s energy needs; efforts to protect the leatherback turtle by installing turtle-friendly red lights in and around Mt. Plaisir Estate hotel; and at both Green Key certified properties, initiatives that support and strengthen the local communities, including sourcing produce, seafood, and goods from local vendors, hiring locally, partnering with community organizations, supporting nature tour guides, and refurbishing public spaces.
Accommodations at Asa Wright Nature Centre. Photo courtesy of HADCO Experiences.
I was recently sent a free sample of Repuls®, a water-based irritant self-defense spray that’s an alternative to pepper spray. It’s made up of water, ammonium propionate, propionic acid, ammonium citrate, and a surfactant, which causes painful eye irritation but doesn’t cause permanent injuries.
The Repuls product. Photo courtesy of the company.
It’s non-flammable and doesn’t create a blowback spray. It can also be relieved with water in minutes. The company says it’s safe to use in vehicles and indoors without contamination, and it leaves a blue dye on the offender that doesn’t stain permanently.
Repuls stats. Photo courtesy of the company.
Repuls Defense Spray comes in a compact, keychain-sized tool. My only concern would be whether using it might cause you to be arrested, especially in foreign countries, if you can’t prove self-defense. But the fact that its effects are temporary to hopefully allow you to get away offers me more confidence. The product also won a 2020 platinum award in the Homeland Security Awards.
Sanjie door chime. Photo courtesy of the company.
I bought the other product, which is a Sanjie Wireless Door Open Chime. It installs by any door with adhesive and has a chime that you plug in nearby. It works, although I haven’t had anyone try to get in. It can also be helpful if you have a young child, a child with autism, or an elderly relative who might try to leave the house unsafely.
I do wish I’d had this a few years ago when I was in a hotel in Madrid without a safety chain on the door. Another guest was given my door key by mistake and entered my room late at night. It was terrifying.
I’m happy to have both of these products at my disposal for travel and otherwise, and I recommend them, especially for women traveling alone.
Don’t get banned! We’d all expect to get thrown off a flight and banned by an airline if we fought with personnel, but did you know an airline might also ban you for filming their employees or going barefoot on a flight? Arguing over reclining your seat could do it, too. So be careful out there!
Checked baggage scam. Airport workers around the world have been caught switching bag tags in order to smuggle illegal drugs across borders. If any bag is confiscated, it has a passenger’s tag on it so that the passenger is then arrested. Advocates suggest that you always take photos of your checked baggage with the flight tags clearly showing so that you can show authorities if this happens to you.
Suitcase with flight tags. Stock photo.
Earthquake in the Philippines. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8th and killed at least 55 people. It sparked a tsunami warning that, thankfully, did not occur.
Alaska Airlines fined. The FAA in the U.S. is proposing a $165,000 fine against Alaska Airlines for allegedly allowing drunk passengers to board 11 flights in 2024 and 2025.
Southwest Airlines reverses plus-size passenger policy. Plus-size passengers are no longer required to buy an extra seat in advance on Southwest. Agents at the airport can now offer these passengers an additional seat (when available) without cost.
American Airlines plane struck by lightning. An American Airlines flight from London to North Carolina was struck by lightning over Manchester, England about 30 minutes after takeoff on June 10th. The pilots returned safely to London, and there have been no reports of injuries.
Family stranded at Six Flags. The family of four was stranded for more than two hours on June 11th at 130 feet when a ride malfunctioned at Six Flags St. Louis. Firefighters rushed to get them down, as an electrical storm with high winds was looming.
Air New Zealand bunk beds. That’s right! Starting toward the end of the year (although already on sale), Air New Zealand will introduce Skynest – sleep pods in economy class. Passengers can reserve the pods for four-hour sessions during long flights. The pods will have privacy curtains and USB charging outlets, as well as amenity kits. They cost an additional $495 USD after you have booked your regular seat. The Skynest will only be installed in two Boeing 787 planes for now and are the first of their kind in the industry.
This is a destination that had me exclaiming, “Why didn’t anyone ever tell me about this before?” Chances are you’ve never heard of Pamukkale’s travertine slopes even though they tend to overwhelm first-time visitors. What appears to be a sheer cliff of snow rising above the plains of central Turkey is actually the “Cotton Castle” – a mountain coated with calcified carbonate and thermal hot springs bubbling through it.
The “Cotton Castle” cliff and thermal stream. Photo by Sharon King Hoge.
The ancient Romans and earlier civilizations recognized the region’s “curative” qualities and built the vast city of Hierapolis atop it. The remains of its boulevards, cemeteries, fountains, pools, and bathhouses have been designated a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Today, Pamukkale (pronounced pa-moo-ca-lay) is, as in Roman times, a destination for modern tourists who flock to soak and swim in its healing waters.
Doga Natural Hot Springs pool. Photo by Sharon King Hoge.
After soaking our feet in the springs atop the cliff, the travelers in our Gate 1 tour group chose to stay about ten minutes away in the authentic local village of Karahayit at the wonderful Doga Thermal Health & Spa, a contemporary elipse which encircles a series of indoor and outdoor chilled and steaming swimming pools and natural springs.
Ground floor reception is located on the third floor of the five-story building and is furnished with Barcelona chairs and seating nooks overlooking the azure-tiled pool, which meanders through the oval central lobby around the glass elevator. It encircles a central dome equipped with twinkling lights and bubbling water jets.
Doga’s reception area. Photo by Sharon King Hoge.
A handy gift shop sells tea cups, books, and swimsuits. The bar overlooking the pool is a place to play cards or table games.
Ascending two floors in the glass elevator to the top, I checked into room 501 furnished in comfortable contemporary shades of gray, including a throw across the foot of the queen-size bed. Convenient shelves on either side of the bed were topped with extra reading lights and plugs for recharging cell phones and electronics.
My bedroom at Doga. Photo by Sharon King Hoge.
Facing the bed, a handy console held a coffeemaker, glasses with a wine-opener, and a widescreen TV broadcasting the BBC and TCM in English, along with several Turkish channels. There was a safe and an extra pillow in the sleek armoire and a mini-bar stocked with basic beverages. Sliding glass doors opened to a balcony with city views and a table and chairs for lounging.
The bathroom was lined in matte gray with a modern stone slab sink providing natural hot water pouring at will from the faucet. The wall above the bathtub was a window looking into the bedroom with blinds that could be opened or shut for privacy. Offered on the counter were the hotel’s own name-brand amenities, along with a cotton bathrobe and slippers.
Elaborate buffet meals were served in the second floor dining room, furnished with brocade upholstered side chairs and white linens. On refrigerated cases decorated with charming food “bouquets,” chefs provided full selections of cheeses, meats, vegetables, and prepared salads that preceded the hot selections. One night, these included chicken roti, eggplant casserole, mushroom gratin, steak wrap, and “furnace” fish stuffed with lemon and grilled in parchment.
The buffet at Doga. Photo by Sharon King Hoge.
The spa and fitness facilities were located on the below-grade first floor. Besides the exercise room with fitness machines, the spa provided a full array of services: sauna, steam room, hammam Turkish bath. massages, facials, and other treatments conducted in spacious, dimly lit rooms with soothing music.
Swimmers meandered around the curves of the indoor pool, pausing within its bubbling dome. One standard outdoor swimming pool served for stroking laps and sunbathing. But the piece de resistance was the outdoor pool fed directly by three natural hot water thermal springs that gushed into a steamy central dome and heated the full-size swimming pool to the temperature of a bathtub.
Guests swam around the pool or sat on benches beside the flowing springs, savoring the same therapeutic waters that Romans basked in centuries ago. Divine!
For several decades now, El Salvador in Central America has been overlooked by many travelers for several reasons, most of them based on misconceptions. Many still believe the country is unstable and crime-ridden, while others assume it’s too small to offer much to see or do.
Some people aren’t even aware that El Salvador is a country, and they don’t know where it is.
I recently returned from a week in El Salvador and was genuinely surprised by what I found. My earlier impressions proved wrong. Instead, I encountered a country that has transformed dramatically from its violent past, while preserving its culture and modernizing its thriving capital of San Salvador.
Statue Of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
So, here are 7 compelling reasons why you should not only put El Salvador back on the map, but why you should go now:
#1: Safety (one of the world’s most dramatic turnarounds)
The Central American country of El Salvador is a small nation sandwiched between Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Nowadays, it’s a country that’s reinventing itself after a storied not-too-distant past of guerillas, cartels, gang activities, and third world infrastructure.
However, due to a government-led crackdown on gang activity since 2022, there has been a dramatic decrease in violent crime and homicides. The capital of El Salvador, considered the “Murder Capital of the World” in 2015, is now regarded as the safest in Central America, if not the Western Hemisphere.
El Salvador went from being one of the world’s worst countries in the Americas for crime to one of the safest countries in the region with dramatically reduced crime levels.
Santa Ana Volcano. Photo by Weninger Pezo.
#2: “Big experiences” in a small country
As the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is about the size of the state of Massachusetts. Yet, for its size, the country packs a powerful punch in terms of varied terrains and experiences.
Pupusa Mural. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
From world-class surfing beaches and towering volcanoes with high-altitude lakes to Mayan pyramids and pre-Colombian archaeological sites, the combination is unique. And let’s not forget the many vibrant colonial towns brimming with architecture and regional food favorites such as pupusas and volcanic-grown coffee.
Coatepeque Lake. Photo by Weninger Pezo.
Finally, the sophisticated allure of the capital city of San Salvador is something to savor for architecture, history, culture, cuisine, shopping, and even 5-star hotel comfort. Plus, it can easily be used as a home base while exploring the corners of the country, and it’s quite the value when compared to other Central American countries.
El Rosario Church in San Salvador. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
#3:World-class surf beaches
Known for its world-class surf beaches along the Pacific coast, El Salvador is rapidly becoming known as a global surfing hotspot. Beach culture is a bonus at places like El Tunco, El Zonte, and Punta Roca.
But it isn’t just about surfing, as black-sand beaches and sunsets beckon photographers, as well as beach lovers.
What’s truly amazing for those with a tight schedule is that you can surf in the morning and hike a volcano in the afternoon. Not too many other places can boast that contrast. If adventure is what you seek, you can find it in El Salvador without long travel times.
#4:Ecotourism and nature: a core strength with amazing biodiversity
Strongly associated with ecotourism and nature, the country contains a resplendent variety of climes that include rainforests, cloudforests, volcanoes, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves, and pristine beaches. It packs a punch with its dense concentration of nature and wildlife experiences.
Hiking signs. Photo by Weninger Pezo.
The country also has a strong network of national parks and protected areas such as Cerro Verde, El Imposible, Montecristo, El Boqueron, and El Pital. Activities might include hiking volcanoes, wildlife sightings, and experiencing waterfalls, caves, and forests.
Ceiba Tree Trunk. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
The unique biodiversity of Montecristo, with its rare cloudforest ecosystem, is home to species like quetzals and monkeys. Find mangroves and endangered sea turtles in Jiquilisco Bay, while El Imposible showcases hundreds of tree species that harbor tropic wildlife.
Heliconia (Lobster Claw). Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
#5:Pyramids and colonial towns: a journey of culture, food, and authentic experiences
The country is rich in history, heritage, art, food, culture, and local traditions with colonial towns like Suchitoto, Apaneca, and Juayua. Even Santa Ana, the second largest city after the capital city of San Salvador, will amaze you with its local cuisine, architecture, and churches.
Neo-Gothic Santa Ana Cathedral. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
Or experience the Mayan legacy at Tazumal, located in Chalchuapa, one of the country’s most significant ruins. Joya de Ceren, a recently unearthed and UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Pre-Colombian and Mayan city perfectly preserved by volcanic ash.
Tazumal Pyramid. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.Joya de Ceren. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
#6:Authentic, affordable and underrated without mass tourism
El Salvador feels refreshingly authentic. Its culture is warm and genuine, untouched by the over-commercialization common in many tourist destinations. Visit its charming colonial towns to explore lively markets, local food, handmade crafts, and rich traditions. At times, it can feel like stepping into another era.
Mint lemonade that’s common in El Salvador. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.An agriculture mural. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
#7:High value, low crowds
The country is considered by many to be more affordable and less crowded than its neighboring competition like Costa Rica and Panama. Plus, it’s more compact and perhaps easier to experience because you don’t have to spend so much time going to different locations.
Barcelo Hotel in San Salvador. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
El Salvador offers a premium experience that’s easily customized to reflect specialized interests and various price points for international visitors.
Angel statue. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.An artifact in the Tazumal Museum. Photo by Karin Leperi Pezo.
The Bonus
The country uses the U.S. dollar, and it’s geographically located in the Central Standard Time zone, which means there’s only an hour or two difference from most North American locations. Forget about jetlag!
Plus, at the time of this writing, there are no Visa Requirements for visitors with U.S. passports.
But one warning: according to the U.S. State Department: “El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving.” Basically, don’t drink and drive.
The Bottom Line
Experience surprising El Salvador now before the rest of the world finds out about this secret gem. What makes it unique is the combination of experiences that include nature, adventure, culture, heritage, and cuisine in a compact country that holds the lowest risk level issued by the U.S. Department of State: Level 1 U.S. Travel Advisory.
A May 2026 report on destination duplicates found that travelers can enjoy Zanzibar just as much as the Maldives, while paying 80% less. With millions of vacationers planning their summer breaks, a new study by the small-ship cruise company Sail Croatia reveals the cheap alternatives to luxury destinations.
Zanzibar offers the same travel experience as the Maldives, but saves couples $500+ daily on accommodation and meals.
Tourists eyeing Capri should consider Procida instead, as its 60% cheaper and has the same Mediterranean vibes.
The Azores are the best alternative to Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and beaches, costing visitors half as much as Maui.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Stock photo.
The research looked at 20 popular vacation spots to find cheaper alternatives that offer the same experience. For every location, the study calculated what couples spend daily on hotels, meals, and drinks. These figures were then compared between the original destination and its lookalike to show how much travelers can save by choosing the budget option.
Paros, Greece. Stock photo.
Here’s a look at the top 10 destination dupes where travelers save the most:
Destination
Average Daily Cost
Dupe
Average Daily Cost
Save (%)
Maldives
$687
Zanzibar, Tanzania
$122
82.22%
The Hamptons, NY
$1,135
Outer Banks, NC
$348
69.34%
Capri, Italy
$757
Procida, Italy
$284
62.52%
Maui, Hawaii, USA
$580
Azores, Portugal
$236
59.25%
Portofino, Italy
$527
Camogli, Italy
$303
42.60%
Amalfi Coast, Italy
$392
Cilento Coast, Italy
$238
39.33%
Dubrovnik, Croatia
$325
Kotor, Montenegro
$205
36.83%
Venice, Italy
$412
Trieste, Italy
$276
33.09%
St. Tropez, France
$557
Cassis, France
$373
33.06%
Mykonos, Greece
$382
Paros, Greece
$259
32.24%
You can access the complete research findings here.
1. Maldives > Zanzibar, Tanzania
Original daily cost: $687
Dupe daily cost: $122
Savings: 82%
Monthly search volume: 1.07 million
Zanzibar is the closest thing to the Maldives, while costing 82% less. The Maldives are one of the most hyped destinations, with over 1 million people looking it up every month. But it’s also overpriced, costing couples nearly $700 daily. Meanwhile, Zanzibar offers the same white beaches and turquoise waters for just around $120 per day, including hotels, meals, and drinks. So travelers choosing this Tanzanian island over the Maldives can actually save up to $4K on a week-long vacation.
The Outer Banks in North Carolina. Stock photo.
2. The Hamptons, New York > Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers the same Atlantic beach vacation as the Hamptons, but costs 69% less. The Hamptons are where wealthy New Yorkers go for the summer, and this drives up local prices, as couples going there end up spending over $1,100 daily. At the same time, the Outer Banks offer identical oceanfront vibes for under $350. Hotels alone cost around $840 nightly in the Hamptons versus $270 in North Carolina, and even restaurants charge three times less.
Procida, Italy. Stock photo.
3. Capri, Italy > Procida, Italy
Tourists planning vacations to Capri might want to consider Procida, as it’s 63% cheaper. Both sit in the Bay of Naples with colorful buildings and coastal cliffs. But booking a room in a Capri hotel costs nearly $600 on average, pricing out many travelers, while Procida charges under $115 for similar seaside accommodations. Plus, Procida sees far fewer tourists than its famous neighbor, so visitors get quieter beaches while spending around $470 less each day.
The Azores in Portugal. Stock photo.
4. Maui, Hawaii > Azores, Portugal
The Azores are Portugal’s answer to Hawaii, offering the same volcanic landscapes and beaches for 59% less. Maui is one of the tourist hotspots these days, with over 1.4 million people looking up hotels there every month and spending $580 daily. The Azores, on the other hand, offer black sand beaches and green mountain hikes for under $240 per day. While staying in Maui costs around $350 nightly, the same-grade hotels in the Azores charge $139. Eating out is also way more affordable, with Portuguese restaurants offering meals at half the price.
Camogli, Italy. Stock photo.
5. Portofino, Italy > Camogli, Italy
Camogli is a 30-minute drive from Portofino along the same Italian Riviera coastline, but costs 43% less. Portofino is an elite travel destination with equally high-end hotel rates at $333 nightly. But those who want to experience the same vibes can just visit Camogli and book a local hotel for around $130 per night. While staying in Camogli for half the price, you can still visit Portofino during the day, plus keep $225 extra that you can spend on a nice dinner in an Italian restaurant.
A tourism expert from Sail Croatia commented on the study:
“Social media drives demand for specific locations, which then raises prices artificially. Everyone wants to photograph Santorini’s blue domes or Mykonos’ windmills these days. But Greece has dozens of islands with the same white buildings and sunset views. You see this with Croatia, too. Dubrovnik became a tourist magnet due to Game of Thrones, but Kotor across the border has the same stone streets and bay views. If you prefer staying in Croatia, then there is Šibenik, which has the lookalike old-town atmosphere without Dubrovnik’s crowds.”
I fell in love with Flamenco in the late 1980s when I was introduced to the robust artistry of Maria Benitez and her company, Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco. It was with great excitement that I looked forward to her annual performance at the Joyce Theater in New York City.
Maria Benitez’s performance was raw with energy and passion, and after many of her complex rhythmic cycles, I realized I was holding my breath. That is how spellbound her performances left me. I eagerly awaited her annual return to immerse myself once again in that breathtaking experience.
Before each performance began, Benitez’s husband, Cecilio, cofounder/producer of the company, would take center stage to explain Flamenco’s intricate rhythms and techniques. In great detail, he would attempt to demystify this complex art form for American audiences. I must admit that his educational interlude was greatly appreciated and enhanced the theatrical experience.
Baile Sonoro. Photo by Krystal Pagan.
I have seen dozens of Flamenco performances since then, and I have unabashedly loved them all, although I admit to loving some more than others. But I have never been able to recapture that sublime enthusiasm until I saw Olga Pericet’s “Baile Sonoro” recent performance at Repertorio Espanol on East 27th Street in New York City.
The Repertorio Espanol venue was the shared vision of Gilberto Zaldiva and Rene Buch, who joined forces in 1968 to enshrine Hispanic culture in the expanding North American Spanish-speaking population. Neither visionaries are still with us, but their dream lives on in the many productions premiered at the site and the awards and accolades it has received.
Baile Sonoro. Photo by Krystal Pagan.
Pericet’s “Baile Sonoro” began with three people entering the darkened stage to silently and theatrically face the audience. Singer Mercedes Cortes entered first, with dancer Olga Pericet in the center, and composer/guitarist Jose Manuel Leon entering last.
Slowly, they separated, and Pericet began a passionate Farruca, which is a form of Flamenco dance usually associated with male Flamenco dancers. This probably accounts for the unassuming dark pantsuit she wore, as well as her intense demeanor. Her footwork was electric and some of the best I have ever seen, with flashing feet and an appropriately stiff back.
Next, Manuel Leon and Cortes took center stage, and Manuel Leon began strumming a stirring song that accompanied Cortes’ authentic coarse voice and wailing notes. Cortes’ voice was strong, expressing the de rigueur throaty visceral passion required. Flamenco song or cante is considered the soul of Flamenco, and Cortes played her role exceptionally well.
This break gave Pericet a chance to change into a long, black mourning dress for a dark and dramatic entrance and dance. She changed costume and dance styles frequently to represent the many forms of Flamenco.
Baile Sonoro. Photo by Krystal Pagan.
In one dance, she appeared with castanets, while in another she appeared with the long fringed shawl. Yet another included two fans in a tour-de-force with Manuel Leon in a point/counterpoint to his musical accompaniment. Another was a face-to-face dance with Cortes – dancer to singer – encouraging each other to greater and greater heights.
Baile Sonoro. Photo by Krystal Pagan.
It’s hard to say which of Cortes’ songs were traditional or of Manuel Leon’s creation, but one thing was certain, his solo performance left no doubt of his authorship. I’m not exaggerating when I say that his solo was a masterwork – a mesmerizing guitar performance of the highest order.
Baile Sonoro. Photo by Krystal Pagan.
The serious tone that opened the performance lightened considerably as the evening progressed, which give Pericet an opportunity to show off her humor and sexy playfulness. For me, she captured the essence of Benitez and an authentic style of dancing I had not seen in years.
Once again, I thrilled to a Flamenco performance that left me breathless. Kudos to Pericet, Manuel Leon and, Cortes, and to Repertorio Espanol for bringing “Baile Sonoro” to New York City.
Egypt … a land of mystique and enigma … with one foot firmly anchored in the past and the other seeking a secure footing in the future. Egypt is home to a treasure trove of monumental structures. The construction techniques for some are known, but to this day, many others remain shrouded in mystery.
Did the Pharaohs and their architects imagine even in their wildest dreams that the tombs and colossal architecture they built – with the back-breaking labor of their faithful minions – would draw millions from around the world to stand in awe of their accomplishments thousands of years later?
Where did these people come from, and how did their civilization rise so rapidly? This is one of the many questions that makes Egypt utterly fascinating and calls you back time and time again.
The Pyramids of Giza. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The Pyramids on the Giza plateau are the only structures remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They are so massive that they can distinctly be seen from space, and they, along with the mighty Sphinx, must surely be at the top of your must-see bucket list when visiting Egypt.
Of course, the country is more than mighty monuments and beautifully painted art still visible on burial tomb walls after thousands of years. The River Nile is the greatest mystery of them all.
The Nile flows out of Africa, north into the delta at the top of Egypt, until its nourishing waters come to rest in the Mediterranean Sea. So Lower Egypt is actually at the top of the country, while Upper Egypt connects to Africa and the lands south of the Tropic of Cancer.
A felucca on the Nile. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
There are many ways to travel the Nile, and each one offers a uniquely different experience. First, there is the small sail-driven single-operator felucca that plies the waterway, initially as transport for locals, but now as a major tourist attraction. As a special treat, the group I was traveling with arranged to have breakfast on a felucca.
Our party enjoying our felucca cruise. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
The morning dawned bright and beautiful with a clear blue sky and gentle winds, which was perfect sailing weather. Our felucca was awaiting our arrival with a table set with linen and china and a 5-star breakfast of fresh squeezed fruit juices, hot coffee, pastries and breads still warm from the oven, platters of cheeses and meats, fruits, yogurts and cereals, as well as a waiter ready to serve us.
Breakfast on our Felucca. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
We pushed off from the dock, and the wind caught the sails as the helmsman deftly tacked to and fro, while we enjoyed our meal, the warmth of the sun, and the company of our companions.
Our felucca on the Nile. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
For an extended visit on the Nile with stops along the way at the ancient temples of Abydos, Dandara, Luxor and Karnak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the High Dam at Aswan, there are dozens of luxury cruise ships to choose from. Or you could do what I did and enjoy the Nile from a dahabiya, which is a boutique sailboat much like a private yacht.
The Sonesta St. George ship on the Nile. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Dahabiyas are some 50 meters long under sail power. The downside is that when the wind isn’t blowing in the right direction, you must be pulled by a tugboat, which unfortunately is powered by diesel fuel.
Our dahabiya was a spacious, beautifully polished, wooden boat with comfortable deck couches and an open bar. Lounge chairs and an outdoor Jacuzzi with shaded zones for dining al fresco completed the upper deck area.
Our dahabiya on the Nile. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
The dahabiya had 8 large, air conditioned sleeping suites with wide-window viewing of the passing scenes, a queen sized bed or two singles, flat screen TV, mini bar, safe, a travertine-tiled bath with full shower and roomy washstand, Egyptian cotton towels, and an amenity package that included fresh flowers.
The top deck of our dahabiya. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
Because the Nile doesn’t produce waves, there’s no fear of becoming seasick, and we were all able to comfortably eat the appetizing meals prepared for us. Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, while dinner was a sit-down, waiter-served, full course meal with the chef happy to accommodate our food requests.
Every meal started with appetizers and salads that were fresh and delicious. This was indeed a treat since on prior trips to Egypt, it was a no-no to eat uncooked food, which could have produced food poisoning. Things have changed a lot in the last few years, and while I still use bottled water even for brushing my teeth, the easing of food restrictions means that using tap water can’t be far behind in terms of safety and taste.
A belly dancer entertains on our dahabiya. Photo by Barbara Angelakis.
Every night after dinner, we were entertained by local groups or titillated by belly dancers who were especially well-received and rewarded by the applause of our male companions.
One soft balmy evening, we had pre-dinner cocktails on the deck when out of nowhere, a huge wind came up, and sharp flying sand assaulted us. We were calmly ushered downstairs while the wind blew mercilessly. It was a Khamasseen or Chamsin, which loosely translates to “the fifties” because this sandstorm can arise anytime during a 50-day period.
That night, the howling wind lulled me to sleep as I imagined myself a character in an Agatha Christie novel, gliding down the Nile while trapped on a boat in a sandstorm. Very exciting!
Sunrise on the Nile with an egret flying past. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
When we awoke, we were invited to enjoy breakfast in the dining room while the crew removed the thick sand deposits that had been left by the storm. In a short while, we were back on deck where we were greeted by a blue sky, bright sun, and the sail fully extended to take advantage of the breeze.
Whether you choose to cruise the Nile in a felucca, a dahabiya, or a luxurious cruise ship, stopping along the way to visit each of the awesome temples this amazing culture has created is an experience of a lifetime and one not easily forgotten.
Our writer received complimentary accommodations while in Egypt, but as always, we’re devoted to providing you with honest assessments of our experiences.
While there is unrest in the Middle East as of this writing, most governments consider travel to Egypt to be generally safe.
Travel voucher for a canceled flight? Christopher Elliott says no way! The Department of Transportation in the U.S. says airlines must give you a refund for a flight they’ve canceled or substantially changed. But airlines will try to get you to take a voucher instead, and once you’ve said yes, you’re bound by that and can no longer get your refund. The airlines count on you never getting a chance to use the voucher before it expires, so just don’t do it!
New CLEAR arrivals service. CLEAR is starting a new service that meets you at the gate and takes you to your connection or your ride home, including help with baggage. It costs $199 for up to eight people in a group, but right now, there’s a special at half off. Unfortunately, it’s only operating in seven airports so far: Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, Miami, Northwest Arkansas, Palm Springs, and Seattle. You also have to already be a CLEAR member to take advantage.
The Big Island of Hawaii. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Earthquake in Hawaii. A 6.0 earthquake struck the Big Island of Hawaii on May 22nd, causing some structural damage. While there was no tsunami threat, officials believe the Kilauea volcano may erupt soon.
Sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport. A sinkhole appeared on a runway at New York’s LGA airport on May 20th. Only about 20 flights were delayed while repairs were made, but yikes!
European Union short-term rental crackdown. A new EU regulation requires that short-term rentals go through a registration process before they can be advertised. This means a lot of unregistered properties will have to be swept from websites like Airbnb and VRBO.
United Airlines under fire for stranding adolescent. Christopher Elliott has reported that a travel agent booked connecting flights for a 13-year-old traveling solo because an airline representative supposedly overrode the policy that anyone under age 14 must fly non-stop. The teen’s mother even paid an additional $300 fee for this override, but when the girl got to the airport, she wasn’t allowed to board. United then said overriding the policy wasn’t possible, while the travel agent said the flight wouldn’t have gone through the system without the override by a United representative. Plus, the family paid the extra fee. After many attempts to get a refund, it took Elliott’s team to get satisfaction for the family.
Hikers killed in Indonesia. Three people died and five were injured early this month when Mount Dukono erupted on a remote island in Indonesia’s archipelago. They were hiking in a restricted area.
Divers die in underwater cave in the Maldives. Five Italian cave divers died in an atoll in the Maldives. They were diving in the innermost part of the cave and are believed to have succumbed to underwater decompression sickness.
Thailand is a very colorful place. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Thailand Tourist Visa Changes. Thailand has had a 60-day visa-free policy for quite some time, but since many people have abused it, the country is now only allowing visitors to stay for 30 days without a visa. Besides tourists, the new rule also applies to students and digital nomads.
New rule on California’s Laguna Beach. Beach-goers will be fined up to $500 if they violate a new city ordinance that no longer allows tents, canopies, or any other covering that’s larger than a standard beach umbrella. Larger shade coverings impede lifeguard visibility, causing a safety hazard.
Ebola outbreak. By now, you’ve probably heard about the outbreak of a deadly strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, Africa’s CDC has named 10 countries that have a high risk of exposure to the virus: The Republic of Congo, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. This is very concerning. I have friends in Kenya and South Africa, which is quite close to Zambia, and I was just in Kenya last fall. I hope this doesn’t turn into something widespread.
There is nowhere in the world like the Galapagos Islands, and they are best experienced via a small yacht cruise. The Ecuadoran government monitors how many visitors can go to each island, which helps to protect what many call “a natural zoo.”
This is because the animals on the islands have no predators, which makes them very trusting of humans. While you are advised to stay at least a few feet away from animals, you will see from my photos that they often come close to you. Below are some of my favorite photos from my experience in this amazing and remote place on our planet.
A zodiac full of yacht passengers with a pelican overhead. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A member of our party photographs a frigatebird. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A member of our party photographs a friendly Espaniola mockingbird. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A frigatebird chick. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A frigatebird. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A male frigatebird expanding his famous red throat. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A land iguana. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A marine iguana. Photo by Melanie Votaw.There were many newborn sea lions when I was there. Photo by Melanie Votaw.An albatross chick. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A Nazca booby and chick. Photo by Melanie Votaw.Red crabs on the volcanic rock of the Galapagos. Photo by Melanie Votaw.The famous finches of the Galapagos hang out at the Baltra island airport, trying to eat leftovers. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A scene in the Galapagos. Photo by Melanie Votaw.A Galapagos hawk. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
