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 see and be seen.
Visitors mingle with locals, and all night DJ-beat open-air dance parties rock the ships docked along its shore, while still respecting the culture of the country. This is evidenced by the serene soundscape of the melodic ezan call to prayer that echoes from the mosque minarets as a calming tonic over the buzz of activity.
The Peninsula Hotel’s rooftop herb garden adds flavor to delicacies at GALLADA. Photo courtesy of the Peninsula Hotels.
Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul
Set along the Bosphorus waterfront in the historic district of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul blends vibrant Turkish culture and exceptional modern hospitality within the happening waterside hotspot that is Galataport. The hotel’s three historic restoration digs (and one modern edifice) create an enticing vision for those arriving by sea, whether by ferry or cruise ship.
Globally-renowned Chef Faith Tutak creates a luxurious Silk Road gastronomic journey at fourth floor GALLADA, earning a nod from the Michelin crew. The hotel not only offers prime location for night views, with romantic outdoor rooftop seating at Topside Bar, but features The Peninsula Spa wellness center and pools both outside overlooking the boat traffic and in. The indoor pool in particular gets points for dramatic architecture with columns and domes expertly lit to create a Zen-worthy water escape.
Afternoon tea is a Peninsula tradition at any time of year . Photo courtesy of the Peninsula Hotels.
Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula
Internationally known for its extravagant and expansive afternoon tea menu, the hotel adds pizazz to an already impressive experience in the opulent lobby by offering themed menus and events. These can celebrate a season — such as the current Chinese New Year tea — or a local institution such as when the Istanbul Modern was honored with a tea taste menu mirroring many of its famous works. No matter which you choose, expect delectable delicacies and the attention to detail the hotel is known for offering its guests.
The Istanbul Modern. Photo courtesy of the museum.
Istanbul Modern
A centerpiece of creativity among tony boutiques and charming cafes and bars, this modern art museum reflects the new Türkiye. Istanbul Modern features permanent and revolving exhibits. Floating Islands is one that is permanently homed, presenting a chronological selection tracing the development and transformation of the post-1945 Türkiye art scene. The building itself is a striking work of art, something recognized by the permanent exhibit of “Renzo Piano: Genius Loci” which delves into its creation.
Roka offers uninterrupted views of the scenic Bosphorus Strait. Photo by Sascha Zuger.
Roka Galataport
Many eateries entice as you wander along the Galataport, but never has chilled fresh seafood tartare and maki so warmed a soul as at Roka Galataport, Istanbul. Delicately layered yellowtail sashimi forms a perfect flower of flavor explosion, courtesy of a yuzu-truffle dressing.
Drinks aim and succeed at meeting the palate pleasers on Roka’s multiple menus. Try the lychee gin gimlet or the delicate sakura 75 accented with cherry blossom, yuzu sake, and sparkling wine.
Bone marrow teriyaki with confit garlic skewers and miso buns. Photo by Sascha Zuger.
To be fair, Roka is far more than just a sushi restaurant. It’s a sense of visiting three different restaurants in one — each as satisfying and indulgent as the last, with the result ensuring every craving is crushed. A resident DJ keeps weekend nights popping as envious passersby peek into the earthtone-anchored sensory celebration of textures as rich as the bone marrow teriyaki with garlic confit skewers sizzling out of the open robata grill.
Smoked coconut parfait with passion fruit sauce, lychee, and raspberry. Photo by Sascha Zuger.
After painstaking discussion, we opted for the tasting menu so that we wouldn’t miss a bite. The first taste of the king crab, black cod, and prawn dumplings with roasted chili dressing reassured us we had not ordered astray. If only it came with a room steward bell to wheel us back to our ship. . .
The author was hosted for her meal by Roka Galataport, but as always, our allegiance is to our readers. Therefore, we always provide an honest assessment of our experiences.
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 collided near Córdoba, Spain. Officials say it’s Spain’s worst rail crash in more than a decade. Another crash happened within three days when a retaining wall collapsed on the track in Catalonia, killing a trainee driver and injuring 41 people. Spain’s rail service is now being investigated, although it’s believed the retaining wall collapsed due to excessive rainfall.
Sicily mud slide. The Italian village of Niscemi in Sicily has had several severe storms that started a landslide on January 27th. About 1,500 people have had to be evacuated, as some of the cliffside is on the verge of falling with homes and cars going with it.
Caribbean air restrictions. Flights to and from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands have been disrupted this week due to U.S.-Venezuela relations. So if you have plans for travel in these areas, be careful to double-check that all is well for your airlines and routes.
Middle East flight routes suspended. If you’re planning to fly to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Amman, India, Iran, or Iraq, be sure to check that your airline is still flying there. Some airlines are suspending flights due to security issues, and in some cases, they’re rerouting flights to avoid airspace closures.
Crew member gets stuck in plane cargo hold. On December 13, 2025, a crew member became trapped in an Air Canada plane cargo hold at Toronto Pearson Airport. As the plane started to taxi, passengers could hear banging and screaming from under the plane. They alerted the pilot, who turned around so that the person could be rescued.
Passport stamps. (Stock photo.)
U.S. passport-holders are now banned by other countries. In retaliation for the Trump administration’s banning of travelers from many countries, some are banning Americans from entry. So far, these include Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. But that number could grow. We’ll keep you posted.
AI travel article sends people to a place that doesn’t exist. Be careful even when reading travel articles! An Australian tour company’s AI article sent people to a hot spring in Tasmania that isn’t there. Just so you know, we do NOT use AI and write mostly from personal experience with a destination.
Elon Musk threatens to buy Ryanair. The Ryanair CEO said he had no interest in Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi provider because of the cost, which precipitated an online argument between the two as they threw jibes at each other. This culminated in Musk threatening to buy the airline.
Bolivia and Uzbekistan institute visa-free travel for U.S. citizens. People with U.S. passports can now travel to these countries without a visa.
Heathrow Airport changes. We can now go through Heathrow with containers of up to 33 ounces of liquid in carry-on bags, and it’s no longer necessary to put liquids in clear plastic bags. Laptops can also be left inside checked bags. This is due to new high-tech scanners. I’m not sure what they do, but there you have it. Just remember that this only applies to Heathrow for now at least.
Former Canadian flight attendant arrested. Just when you thought Catch Me If You Can-style frauds couldn’t happen in the computer age, a former Canadian flight attendant used a fake employee ID to get free flights from three U.S. airlines for four years before he was caught. Yikes!
Hiking in the mountains of Val Di Funes in Italian Dolomites. Stock photo.
Restrictions in the Dolomites. The Italian town of Funes in the Dolomites will put up road barriers in May to deter day-trippers from reaching its viewpoint that has gone viral on social media. Now, only overnight guests will have road access to the spot, but it looks like day-trippers can still take a 15-minute hike to get there. Town officials are trying to reduce the crowds.
Hotel fee warning. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott warns travelers to watch out for added fees at hotels, especially those that purport to be for your “convenience.” He even had a $5 per day charge added as a supposed charitable donation without his consent. ALWAYS check your hotel bills carefully, as you can usually get these removed, but you have to ask. if you don’t, you might be paying for bogus charges without realizing it.
Take your own blanket on a flight? Christopher Elliott also recently reported that on a flight from Doha to Delhi, a passenger said that the crew turned the cabin temperature down to 65 degrees and then upsold everyone with blankets at $10 each. A flight attendant confirmed it was deliberate. Wow!
Crash investigation. According to NPR, “After a yearlong investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board blamed multiple systemwide failures for the midair collision of an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines regional jet that killed 67 people.”
Plane passengers arrested in Miami. On January 9th, two OnlyFans models were arrested at Miami Airport when they got drunk, sat in the wrong seats on the plane, and refused to disembark. Both women are in their thirties.
Snow leopard. Stock photo.
Tourist mauled by snow leopard in China. A skier in China’s Xinjiang region spotted a snow leopard, got out of her car, and approached it too close while trying to get a photo. The leopard then attacked and bit her. She survived and is reportedly in stable condition, but it just proves once again that people need to be wary of approaching wild animals.
New water park in Florida. On Captiva Island at Florida’s South Seas Resort on the Gulf Coast, a 330-acre year-round water park opened in December with heated pools, water slides, and restaurants.
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 location outside Illinois, bringing the celebrated eatery’s beloved dishes to this lively South Florida locale.
Originally established by restaurateur Alex Dana in 1976 in Chicago’s original Little Italy section, the Rosebud Restaurant Group has consistently pleased patrons with its family recipes passed down through generations served up in hearty portions.
“We are excited to expand our footprint and open our doors to the city of Boca Raton,” said Dana—a Boca Raton resident for over 40 years. “As our first-ever location outside of Chicago, the opening of Mia Rosebud is more than a new chapter; it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and the lasting legacy of Rosebud Restaurants. We aim for Mia Rosebud to become the go-to restaurant in the area that is perfect for any occasion or night of the week.”
This Mia Rosebud restaurant—the restaurant group’s 10th culinary destination—boasts an atmosphere that seamlessly merges an indoor area with an inviting outdoor terrace. This environment sets the stage for a variety of gatherings from intimate meals to lively celebrations.
Mia Rosebud’s diverse menu contains authentic, century-old family recipes and offers a variety of fan favorite Chicago dishes alongside some Mia Rosebud exclusives. Guests can enjoy choices like Stuffed Mushrooms, Eggplant Stack, and Rigatoni Alla Vodka.
The menu also includes a range of top quality steaks and chops, ensuring it caters to different tastes. “Our recipes are age old, stemming from 50 years of Italian-American cooking,” Dana noted. “All of our dishes are made to order, ‘al minuto’ in Italian. Nothing is pre-cooked or done ahead of time in order to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the best imported ingredients.”
As for Dana’s personal menu favorites, Mia Rosebud’s famed Homemade Pappardelle and Crispy Brick Chicken top the list, along with the eatery’s Steak Italiano with vinegar peppers. “If you are really ‘in the know,’ ask about our grandma’s basement Eight Finger Cavatelli,” he reveals.
A dish at Mia Rosebud Restaurant in Boca Raton. Photo courtesy of Mia Rosebud.
To elevate the dining experience, Mia Rosebud also provides a curated selection of beverages and wines. This includes twists on Italian cocktails such as the Mia Rosebud Cosmopolita, Blood Orange Deliza, and Chilled Biscotti Brulée.
“Our goal has always been to bring Sunday dinner to life at each service,” Dana continued. “Bocciolo Di Rosa was the original name of our restaurant, which brings guests back to a time in life having good times and making beautiful memories with the people in life that mean the most. Our restaurants have and will always be about the people that make them happen each day. Our chefs and managers have been with us for decades, which is a true testament of what the Rosebud family is all about.”
According to Dana, celebrity guests throughout the years have included Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesce, Tom Hanks, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Tommy LaSorda, Lady Gaga, Jim Belushi, and Anthony Quinn, just to name a few.
With its welcoming ambiance, coupled with fine Italian fare offered in impressive portions, Mia Rosebud is now a Boca Raton hotspot. This venue brings the flavors of the Windy City to the Sunshine State with a hospitality approach promising an unforgettable and special dining experience.
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 Illa Experience Hotel & Spa, which I wrote about here.
Latin Trails’ Sea Star. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Marcel Perkins, the CEO of Latin Trails, personally took my companion and I on a stroll/tour of the historic part of Quito. He’s genuinely interested in promoting his beloved country and using tourism as a force for good. (Incidentally, Latin Trails also has a lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon called Hakuna Matata.)
Recently, Marcel posted the following on LinkedIn, and I asked him if I could republish it for your benefit:
In the inspiring interview below, David Grefa, General Manager of Napo Wildlife Center, and Oscar López, Business Development, share the story behind one of Ecuador’s most iconic community-led luxury lodges in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Napo Wildlife Center. Photo courtesy of Napo Wildlife Center.
They reflect on how Napo Wildlife Center was born as a community initiative, the challenges of developing a luxury lodge in such a remote and pristine environment, and the values that continue to guide their vision today.
Throughout the conversation, they explain why they chose to trust Latin Trails as a long-term Destination Management Company partner and how this relationship has grown over many years. United by shared values—such as conservation, respect for pristine ecosystems, and responsible tourism—this partnership has played a key role in strengthening Napo Wildlife Center’s international positioning.
Perkins goes on in the post to say the following:
At Latin Trails, we believe tourism has the potential to be far more than movement from one destination to another. When done with intention, it can protect ecosystems, strengthen cultures, and create long-term opportunity for the people who call these places home. That belief is what guides how we select the partners we work with—and why our partnership with Napo Wildlife Center is so meaningful.
Located deep in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, Napo Wildlife Center is not just an eco-lodge. It is a community-owned and community-led project created by the Kichwa Añangu people. Every decision—from conservation policies to guest experience—is rooted in protecting ancestral land while creating sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
Kichwa Añangu people. Photo courtesy of Napo Wildlife Center.
In a time when “sustainable travel” is often reduced to a buzzword, partnerships like this remind us what the concept was meant to represent. Tourism can help keep forests standing. It can support languages, traditions, and knowledge systems that are under threat. It can offer travelers something increasingly rare: meaningful connection and perspective.
This is not about perfection. Responsible tourism is a continuous process of listening, adapting, and improving. But it starts with intent—and with choosing partners who are aligned not just in business goals, but in values.
If tourism is going to play a role in addressing global challenges—from biodiversity loss to economic inequality—it will be through collaborations that respect people, place, and purpose equally.
That is the kind of travel we believe in. And it’s the kind of partnership we are proud to support.
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 Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Iberia, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Check with yours ahead of time.
Every airline has its own rules that you must check, but generally speaking, the animal and carrier must weigh no more than 8kg and remain under your seat throughout the flight. Some will allow you to take your pet out and keep it on your lap for a short time, but always ask first. You must also book in advance, and make sure you use a carrier that’s approved by your airline.
Here are some more tips to make the journey easier for both you and your pet:
Be honest with yourself about your pet’s resilience. If you pet is prone to a lot of anxiety or motion sickness, it may be best to avoid air travel if you can.
Visit the vet before the trip. Get a check-up with the vet beforehand, get a health certificate, and make sure your animal is up to date on all vaccinations. Take the paperwork to prove that, too! Ask for anti-nausea meds, advice about feeding before and during the flight, and ask for calming treat recommendations. Also, make sure your collar, tags, and microchip are all in place.
Cat in carrier. Stock photo.
Acclimate your pet to the carrier. Whatever you do, don’t get an airline-approved carrier and put your pet in it the day of the trip. Buy it well in advance so that you can allow your pet to spend quality time there to get comfortable in it. Then, on the day of the trip, fill it with plenty of pee pads, a blanket that your pet loves, and favorite toys.
Tips at the airport. While you’re waiting for the flight, it helps to give your pet some exercise, if possible, so that they’re tired and able to sleep when the plane takes off. Also, make sure to take them for a potty break (where it’s allowed) just before you board.
Choose your seat carefully. Spring for a spacious seat on the plane to make sure there’s plenty of room, and make sure you’ve chosen a seat that’s allowed for bringing a pet on board.
Be prepared. Bring a familiar food bowl, poop scoop, plastic bags, and favorite treats. In your carry-on, pack a day’s worth of food for your pet in case your flight is delayed. Also, be sure to buy enough water after you pass through security for both you and your pet.
Bottle of water. Stock photo.
Dietary Considerations
According to UK fresh pet food brand, Years, diet plays a major role in how dogs cope with air travel, particularly when it comes to digestion, anxiety, and motion sensitivity. This is also true of cats and most any other kind of animal, including birds.
A spokesperson for Years says, “Flying is unfamiliar for dogs. Changes in pressure, temperature, and routine can all affect digestion. The goal is to keep the gut calm, stable, and predictable before travel.”
Best foods for dogs before flying include:
Light, easily digestible meals (lean proteins with simple carbohydrates)
Pre- and probiotics, which support gut balance and reduce gas
Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate inflammation and stress responses
Small meals, served several hours before departure rather than right before boarding
“Calm digestion often equals a calmer dog,” the spokesperson adds. “A settled stomach reduces discomfort, restlessness, and excessive panting during flights.”
Foods to avoid include:
Rich or fatty foods
Large meals close to departure
Dairy products
High-fibre vegetables such as beans or lentils
New or unfamiliar treats
Human leftovers, which can ferment in the gut at altitude
“Gas expands at altitude,” the Years spokesperson explains. “Foods that might seem harmless at home can become very uncomfortable in the air, leading to whining, restlessness or distress.”
A dog in a carrier on a plane. Stock photo.
With more airlines adapting to pet-friendly demand, and owners increasingly treating animals as full travel companions, experts expect pet travel to become more regulated, not less.
“Airlines are setting clear boundaries around size, weight and behavior,” says the Years.com spokesperson. “For owners, preparation is everything, from booking early to feeding correctly. When done right, flying with a dog can be calm, safe and surprisingly straightforward.”
Do you have any special tips for air travel with a pet that you can share?
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 for its annual New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France), held in August, which includes reenactments, parades, and lots of people dressed in 17th and 18th century costumes.
People go all out for the New France Festival. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
We began our foray into times past with a special Lords and Ladies Ball in the beautiful Camille-Roy Pavilion of the Salle des Promotions of the Séminaire de Québec built in 1854. The banquet room has a second floor balcony that overlooks the dining area below on all four sides and is filled with stark white, ornately carved moldings and columns.
The old part of Quebec City looks very much like a village in France. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
We got there by horse and carriage, while people waved and took photos of us in our period finery. For fun, we pretended to be confused by the strange motorized vehicles and the “peasants” dressed in odd, dusky blue pantaloons.
The Lords and Ladies Ball was filled with people dressed like us, including a woman in a tall, white Marie Antoinette wig, and included entertainment and a full dinner.
Quebec City’s Funiculaire. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Old Quebec is the perfect setting for such festivities because the historical buildings make it look like it’s frozen in time. This part of the city consists of Upper Town and Lower Town. To get from one to the other, you have to either climb many stairs or take the short Funiculaire ride. During festivals, the lines for the ride can take a few minutes, but it’s certainly preferable to the climb up during warm weather (especially when wearing heavy brocade skirting.)
The New France Festival in Quebec City. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
While a bit hilly, Old Quebec is wonderful for strolling. The architecture does indeed look just like the villages of France, and there are sidewalk cafes everywhere. If you get tired of walking, take Le Bus Rouge, Quebec’s hop on-hop off bus.
The New France Festival in Quebec City. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Most of the New France Festival’s activities, including an impressive evening fireworks display, take place close to the St. Lawrence River. Near the boardwalk, actors were set up at booths to show off what life was like when the French settled in Quebec.
Swashbuckler demonstration. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
There was a gentleman lecturing us about his job as a “physician” on a ship. With a lot of humor, he explained his lack of training and gave us a good idea of just how painful it must have been in the 17th and 18th centuries to receive medical “care.” At another location, ladies in their period dresses created lace using traditional methods, while a couple of swashbucklers battled each other with swords nearby.
Lace-making. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Of course, you don’t have to dress in period clothing to participate in the fun. If you want a costume, however, the website for the Festival provides you with information about local costume makers.
Lace-making. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
While in the city, you can also take a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, walk the old city wall Ramparts of Quebec (the only remaining fortified city walls north of Mexico in North America), or visit several museums. These include the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec and the Musée de la Civilisation, which has a great restaurant on site, 47e Parallèle (47th Parallel), with an inspired chef.
While the Montmorency Falls are well-known, many people don’t know about Canyon Sainte-Anne. It’s a beautiful hiking area with 74-meter waterfalls and observation points, open to the whole family except in winter and with wheelchair accessibility.
If you enjoy church architecture at all, the Basilica is definitely worth a visit, especially since it’s only 19 miles outside of Quebec City. Constructed in 1926 after the previous basilica was destroyed in a fire, this shrine is set in a village with interesting shops and restaurants.
Basilica Sainte-Anne de Beaupré. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Sainte Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus, and the Basilica includes stained glass windows dedicated to other places with shrines devoted to Sainte Anne. It also contains an unusual set of arches depicting the 12 astrological signs of the zodiac.
One of the frequent stops in this region outside of the city is the Albert Gilles Copper Museum. Although Albert Gilles has been dead since 1979, his work has been continued by his family. Both a shop and a museum, you can buy a piece of original copper art made on site using the dying technique of repoussé (metal embossing). Some of the pieces are left with the copper color and treated so that they won’t turn green, while others are painted in bright colors.
Albert Gilles Copper Museum. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The store also includes an exquisite collection of 50 silver panels of repoussé work by Albert Gilles depicting the life of Christ. Called the “Christorama,” it took him 15 years to complete all 50. While at the museum and shop, you can have a hands-on experience of repoussé and take home your small square piece of artwork.
Make your own copper panel at the Albert Gilles Copper Museum. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
You can also have a cup of tea with a famed canelé cake – a custard and rum pastry with caramelized crust that originated in France. It’s made in a small, copper, fluted mold.
For lunch, we had a special experience at Cassis Monna et Filles on the island of Orleans. Their La Monnaguette restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking the family’s black currant orchard. All menu items – both sweet and savory – feature black currants in some way.
Dessert at La Monnaguette restaurant at Cassis Monna et Filles. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
At the shop, I purchased nougat candies with nuts and currants, currant-flavored marshmallows, and a bottle of black currant vinaigrette, sold among a host of other products and wines.
As for sleeping, I stayed at the Hôtel Château Laurier Québec, a property that may show as 3-star on some websites, but is definitely 4-star quality. While my room didn’t have a minibar, it had everything else you would expect of a luxury property, including a plush bathrobe, plenty of bath amenities, a large flatscreen television, and a large buffet breakfast.
Located on the Grande Allée with its rows of sidewalk cafés in summer, the hotel is also near the Plains of Abraham, the historic area within The Battlefields Park.
Beautiful Quebec City in summer. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Whether you visit Quebec City for a special occasion like the New France Festival or just to take in the European ambience, it’s steeped in 400 years of history alongside modern art, music, and food. Even as it was a bit crowded during the festival, there was a relaxed and civilized feeling throughout the streets.
It was a welcome change from my beloved but chaotic New York City, and only about an hour in the air between the two cities. If you live on the east coast of the U.S. and can’t make it to Europe this summer, Quebec is a wonderful alternative that feels and looks like France.
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 quite short if not.
I found that it’s very important to keep extra virgin olive oil under the proper conditions. There are factors that actually speed up the aging process and turn the bottles rancid.
Olive oil, and especially extra virgin olive oil, should be always kept in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Oil is usually sold in tin cans (for larger quantities) or dark green bottles for that reason.
Temperature is also very important. Too high an ambient temperature would render your oil rancid before its time. But it goes just as bad at low temperatures, so keep your oil away from the refrigerator. Another factor is tight closure of the container. Air causes the oil to oxidize and go bad faster.
If extra virgin oil is properly stored, it will normally have a shelf life of a little over one year in a bottle or 1-1/2 years in a larger tin. My bottles are usually finished in 3 to 4 months, so I don’t have to worry about their long-term freshness. Whenever I buy larger 3-liter tins, they’re still finished within less than a year.
The longest I have kept olive oil was when my cousin in Greece gave me a 5-gallon tin from the olive grove at her summer home on one of the Greek islands. It was pressed and fined 2 days before she gave it to me. I kept using it for almost 2 years without loss of taste, and early on, I gave a number of gift bottles to friends who loved its freshness and aroma.
In Italy, Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified as such and has to be tested so that it meets or exceeds certain requirements.
Capatriti olive oils. Photos courtesy of Capatriti.
One of the olive oil purveyors whose oils I have had a chance to taste and use is Capatriti. We received 16-oz. samples of Extra Virgin and 100% Pure.
Both are blends of high quality olive oil from a number of countries. In the extra virgin case, the blend is of first pressed oils from Argentina, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Turkey. The100% pure is a blend of Greek, Italian, Spanish, Tunisian, and Turkish oils. Both styles are bottled in a facility in Hauppauge, New York.
We tasted them first and used them in salads, then cooked with them. They are both good for everyday use and are affordable. Yes, they are blends of oils from different oil varieties from different countries, which is done to create a specific “house profile.” This ensures that all of the oils of this particular brand, whenever purchased, will retain the best specific flavor profile.
Fresh, authentic extra virgin olive oil is bright with a peppery bite at the back of the throat. That occurs because of the polyphenols in the oil. Ignorant internet trolls have labeled oil blends as “fake oil.” Don’t you believe it!
Fake olive oil is one that has other, much cheaper oils like vegetable oil, soy, or peanut oil mixed in it to increase the producer’s profit or is mixed with oil from low quality olives (i.e., olives that are overripe and have fallen on the ground or that have been badly damaged during transport to the mill but still labeled as superior olives). A fake olive oil will taste dull and greasy, and it will have a waxy taste if it has begun to get rancid.
A high-end blend is produced to retain the best taste characteristics of each olive variety in the blend, while less desirable characteristics are minimized. These are geared toward a larger consumer base.
I personally use olive oil from a single olive variety on salads, grilled fish, and for finishing. I then use mostly blends for general cooking. High quality extra virgin oil should be used exclusively in salads or grilled fish.
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 most of your visit.
Walking the right way. Yes, in New York City, there’s a right way and a wrong way to walk. That’s because sidewalks can get quite crowded, and if someone who lives in the city is in a hurry to get to work or elsewhere, you’ll be on their bad side if you’re in the way. So PLEASE, if you’re in a group, don’t spread out on the sidewalk and stroll slowly. No more than two across, and best to stay on the right so that speeders can pass you on the left.
Pedestrian safety. (1) Don’t expect cars to wait for you to cross before they turn. Drivers do this elsewhere, but not always in our city. (2) Watch the bike lanes! Bikers should but don’t always follow the lights, and they’re going fast. If they hit you, they can do some damage. (3) Never follow someone crossing against a light without looking first. We sometimes time our crossings by the second. (4) We jaywalk in the city legally, and you can, too. But do it carefully!
The 34th Street subway station. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Subway tips #1. You no longer need a Metrocard. You can just tap your credit card as you go into the subway or bus. But mind your subway etiquette – don’t stand in front of doors whether you’re entering or standing inside the subway car, and ALWAYS grab hold of something (same on buses). Our trains (yes, we call them trains) are fast, and you won’t be able to stand up. I don’t care how big you are. Plus, the bigger you are, the more it will hurt when you fall on somebody else. Oh, yeah: that empty subway car is probably empty for a reason, and you don’t want to know why.
Our subway system is called MTA, and unfortunately, even the MTA’s own app is inaccurate. I think this is because we have an antiquated signal system. The cost to upgrade would be astronomical, so we might be stuck with it for a long time. Just today, as I write this, the app told me a train had come and gone while I was standing on the platform, but the train didn’t actually arrive for another minute or two. So take the app’s notifications with a grain of salt.
An NYC subway car. Notice the savvy people holding on. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Subway tips #2. Local trains generally make all the stops on the line, while express trains skip some of the local stops for a potentially faster ride. Your train’s sign will mention the last stop on the line, but don’t expect every train to always go to its last stop. Sometimes, they stop sooner, so always check. A train going toward Brooklyn will go downtown in Manhattan first because Brooklyn is south. A train going to the Bronx will go uptown in Manhattan first. Queens is mostly east of Manhattan.
An NYC subway sign. These trains travel toward downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn in one direction and toward uptown Manhattan and Queens in the other direction. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Downtown and Uptown. Unlike many cities in the U.S., “downtown” in NYC doesn’t mean where the action is or where the businesses are. In that respect, pretty much all of Manhattan is a “downtown” because there are businesses and action everywhere (although some areas are decidedly more “neighborhoody” than others). But in Manhattan, downtown and uptown are meant literally. Downtown is the lower/southern part of the island, uptown is the upper/northern part of the island, and midtown is in the middle.
Travel time. Give yourself extra travel time, both underground and above ground. The trains also encounter traffic, as well as signal problems, sick passengers, and all sorts of other things that can delay a train. That said, the subway can be a very fast way to get around the city. But if you’re here just on a layover at the airport, you will need HOURS to come to the city. I mean a good half of the day to make it worth your while and ensure you get back to the airport in time for your flight. It can take a long time to get to and from the airports!
Mind your stuff. If you have a backpack, PLEASE take it down in the subway or bus, or at least be mindful of hitting the person behind you. Men, don’t keep your wallet or phone in your back pockets (and please don’t man-spread). Women, a crossbody bag is ideal with the zipper toward you in front. Never get on the subway with your bag behind you. A friend of mine did this, and someone unzipped it and grabbed her wallet just before the doors closed behind her, leaving her inside the subway and her thief outside the doors.
Just one of the many architecturally beautiful buildings in NYC. This one was once a mansion and is now an apartment building even though the name on it says “U.S. Senate.” Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Enjoy the architecture. NYC has countless beautiful buildings. Even some tiny building on a side street can have gorgeous architectural flourishes. So be sure to look!
Don’t assume all New Yorkers are mean. I always try to be very courteous to tourists. I want you to walk away with a good impression of my city. Some people will be cross, but I have found that the majority of our citizens are helpful and nice. I have witnessed countless New Yorkers coming to the aid of strangers, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions, even if you have to ask more than one person to get an answer.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Contrary to Sex and the City, New Yorkers don’t dress up that much. While fine dining might require something other than jeans or shorts, theater is even casual (sometimes a bit too casual, in my opinion). But NYC is a walking city, so you’ll need a good pair of comfortable shoes with excellent foot support. Our beat-up sidewalks will destroy your favorite Manolo Blahniks.
If all you see is Times Square, you haven’t seen New York. Times Square is a particular stretch in NYC of just a few blocks, and it’s unlike the rest of the city. So if you only see the Times Square area (named after The New York Times, by the way), you haven’t seen the REAL New York. PLEASE venture to at least other parts of Manhattan, and if possible, other boros like Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. (And yes, we say “the” Bronx, but we don’t add “the” to the names of the other boros. Don’t ask me why.)
Please don’t just eat at chain restaurants. NYC is a restaurant mecca. Unless you absolutely have to placate kids, please take advantage of our great eateries. And if you MUST eat in the Times Square area, I recommend walking just a little bit farther west to Ninth Avenue, where you’ll find much better places than directly in Times Square.
Be careful of Airbnb. Most Airbnbs in the city are illegal, so you’re much better off staying at a hotel, expensive though they may be.
Broadway theaters in the Times Square area / theater district. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Avoid buying Broadway tickets from your hotel concierge. Unless it’s a show that’s impossible to get tickets for otherwise, buy directly from the box office or an app like TodayTix or Theatr. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying way too much. You can also check out the TKTS line in Times Square at West 47th Street.
Learn the grid. If you’re spending more than a weekend in the city and venturing beyond Times Square, do yourself a favor and learn the order of avenues. Fifth Avenue is the dividing point between the east side and the west side. From Fifth Avenue, the next avenue going east is Madison, followed by Park, then Lexington, then 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Avenues. There are other avenues farther east in some parts of Manhattan, but you probably won’t go there unless you’re going toward the East River or visiting a friend in one of those neighborhoods.
From Fifth Avenue going west, you’ll first find 6th Avenue (aka Avenue of the Americas), followed by 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Again, there are some other streets on the western fringes in some parts of Manhattan. Obviously, it’s the east avenues that are the hardest to remember since many are named rather than numbered.
But what about Broadway, the street? It’s a bit of an anomaly because it snakes through the city and might be right next to Fifth Avenue in one place and right next to Seventh Avenue in another place. But if you learn the other avenues, you’ll be able to navigate well. That’s because through most of Manhattan, the streets going north to south are numbered. This is only not the case in the lower and upper parts of the island. If you venture into Soho and the East Village or Greenwich Village, for example, you’ll need your GPS because many streets are named rather than numbered. They also are often curved rather than in a straight north-south/east-west grid.
St. Marks Church is an important historic building in Manhattan, as it is the second oldest church in Manhattan. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Please take advantage of all the city has to offer. Again, I urge you to venture beyond Times Square. Central Park is truly a wonder, and we have tons of historic locations that are important to our early American and revolutionary history (watch for my article coming soon about these spots throughout Manhattan – there’s more than just Alexander Hamilton’s gravesite), as well as other periods. And while you’re at it, check out our many museums and rooftop bars!
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 same!
Watch for scams. I have mentioned before that there are scam websites that look exactly like real websites for travel companies, so always check the URL. But there are also bogus phone numbers for companies in search engines, so always go to the real website of the company to find their actual phone number. Travelers have lost money to these scammers.
Flights in Caribbean disrupted. Earlier this month, flights to and from most of the Caribbean were disrupted after the U.S. government forcibly removed the president of Venezuela. The disruption lasted about a day.
Revamped air traffic control system. The Federal Aviation Association in the U.S. is planning to upgrade the air traffic control system to “reduce outages and improve efficiency.” This won’t be finished until late 2028. I don’t know about you, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Worst U.S. city for bedbugs. The winner is: Chicago according to Orkin, followed by Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. Always check your hotel rooms and Airbnbs, and know that bedbugs have nothing to do with cleanliness. So a 5-star hotel can experience an infestation just as easily as a hostel. The only real difference is that upscale hotels do more to clear these infestations as quickly as possible than lower rated properties do.
Snowfall in Europe disrupts travel. During the first week of 2026, snowfall, ice, low temperatures, and high winds caused flight cancellations and train travel disruptions in parts of Europe, including Amsterdam and Paris.
Paris in the snow. Stock photo.
Tourists stranded on Socotra Island. Hundreds of travelers were stranded for at least several days on the remote Yemeni island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean due to political unrest in Yemen. All ports of entry were closed after a state of emergency was called. The tourists were reportedly evacuated by January 10th to Saudi Arabia.
Were you in Newark Liberty Airport on Dec. 12th? If so, you might have been exposed to measles. I recently got my immunity tested to make sure I’m in the clear. I am, but if you aren’t, be careful out there, as measles cases are increasing rapidly.
New lounge news. A huge Capital One lounge will be completed in 2027 or 2028 in Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. It will be 14,000 square feet in Concourse A near gates 21-29 on the mezzanine level and will be the largest Capital One lounge, dwarfing the current largest at New York’s JFK airport, which is 13,500 square feet. Meanwhile, a Delta SKY360° has opened in the Sphere in Las Vegas, and Cathay Pacific is opening a new lounge at JFK’s Terminal 6 later this year.
The Las Vegas Sphere venue. Stock photo.
U.S. rolls back airline regulations. Well, I saw this coming. Unfortunately, this means that consumers will have less recourse when an airline doesn’t treat them right.
Bond program to get into the U.S. Speaking of the U.S. administration’s continued effort to destroy the travel industry, it plans to add another 25 countries (by the end of this month) to its current list of 13 countries, requiring that tourists and business travelers from these places post bond payments of $5,000-$15,000 to visit the U.S. The bonds are refunded as long as travelers leave the U.S. before their visa expires or if their visa is denied in the first place.
Water quality on U.S. airlines. Delta Air Lines got the top score for best water quality, while American Airlines got the lowest score according to the Longevity Airline Water Study.
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 west.
Originally a Mormon pioneer outpost, this thriving city is now a premier destination with access for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. From humble beginnings, this gateway has evolved to a dynamic urban destination preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics. A major feature is its growing tech scene near the hub of the city.
Venturing through the mountains, we traveled to Alta that is renowned for its pristine powder snow. On our recent visit, we were excited to ski in some great snow conditions, with a 13-inch+ snowfall the previous night. (As a skier’s haven, Alta remains one of the few resorts restricting snowboarding.)
With a diverse terrain, this mountain resort attracts skiers of all abilities with gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates, as well as challenging options for more advanced skiers.
Skiing in Utah. Photo by Deirdre Frost.
Alta’s appeal is its high level of service and friendliness that creates a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At the ski rental shop, Manager William Travis took time to ensure that we had proper boot fitting and high quality ski equipment that would provide optimal performance.
Providing personal service is extremely important, as noted by Communications Manager Lexi Dowdall, who took time to help us navigate the different base areas. “If you are an intermediate skier, I would definitely suggest starting from the Albion base area,” she told us. “That one is further up the highway than the Wildcat base area, which you will see first when pulling up to the Albion base area.”
At the Albion Lodge, a sign is posted showing its elevation is at 8,695 ft (2,650 m), and rises to 11,068 ft (3374 m), which gave us plenty of terrain to test our skills.
Apart from the thrill of schussing down the slopes, we were impressed by the personal service that provided us with a pleasurable and exhilarating experience.
Park City, Utah. Stock photo.
Park City’s Deer Valley Expansion Underway
In the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is an exciting resort that draws Hollywood celebrities and notable figures to its iconic destination. Locals and visitors come to this old mining town to experience the luxury and relaxation of a first class resort that’s full of high-end shops and restaurants. It also includes the top ski destinations of Deer Valley and Park City.
As we drove through mountain canyons toward Deer Valley, we felt energized by the forest surroundings and the fresh crisp air. The recent snowfall effectively settled like a white blanket that enhanced the winter colors and the contours of the Wasatch Mountains that surrounded us.
Exciting news abounds regarding the expansion plans at the resort. This includes the East Village that stretches from a new base area near the Jordanelle Reservoir up to Park Peak and beyond, connecting Bald Mountain by the new East Village Express Gondola. This massive terrain now spreads all the way to the South Peak.
In our eagerness to experience the various terrains, we were 6,570 ft (2,003 m) at the base altitude, with a vertical drop of about 3,000 ft (913 m). From this elevation, it was possible to take a chairlift ride up Silver Lake Express from the base and then board Sterling Express to mid-mountain to access Bald Mountain.
We could then summit one of the highest points by taking the East Village Gondola to the newer Park Peak. Atop this summit, we enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, the Jordanelle Reservoir, Heber Valley, and other distant peaks.
To our delight, we experienced a variety of skiable runs, ranging from wide and classic groomers to off-piste and back country skiing. With more open space, there was also access to more lifts that enhanced our visit.
Noting this expansion, Deer Valley is fast becoming one of North America’s largest ski destinations. Largely responsible for this transformation is Todd Bennett, President and COO, who takes a hands-on approach to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
When asked about some of the most outstanding features at the resort, he described how the mindset is the same whether it’s snowmaking, food and beverage services, or customer interaction. “It’s attention to detail. It’s exceptional service. And it’s genuine care,” he claimed.
With this expansion, the skiing experience is ever-changing. It might have been another working day in the mountains, but for us, it was a defining moment of experiencing a world-class destination.
Just across from the slopes, we stopped at the Snow Park base lodge to dine at one of the mountain eateries. What’s ideal is its convenient location to the ticket booths, ski school, and ski rentals.
Skiing in the Wasatch Mountain Range. Photo by Deirdre Frost.
They’ll “valet ” your skis overnight at the base of the hill, so you don’t have to carry them all the way to and from your hotel room.
Alternatively, another place for ski rentals is at Aloha Ski & Snowboard Rentals Shop in Park City. With nine locations, we opted to be fitted for our ski equipment at the Bahnhof Sport location on lower Main Street. Manager Adrian Recinos provided excellent service in helping us choose what we needed.
A great feature, he said, is using their Elite Delivery service to bring ski equipment to a skier’s hotel or lodging. This extra service includes custom boot-fitting and local pickup and delivery.
Exploring Park City
Park City fascinates individuals who enjoy the bustling Main Street to visit the shops and dine in fashionable restaurants. Starting as a rich silver mining town, its special claim to fame is its Olympic legacy from hosting many events during the 2002 Winter Games, as well as Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival.
This mountain town is an ideal base to seek accommodations that offer convenience and accessibility to Deer Valley and Park City Ski Resort. The area offers both comfort and a wonderful woodland setting, as well as a perfect backdrop to many exclusive and upscale properties.
Staying in a self-contained condominium is also an option that often feels like being at home. The complimentary shuttle service in Park City is a convenient way to travel around town.
Fabulous Mountain Setting
The Wasatch Mountains retain their beauty and continue to attract the power moguls and sports elites who enjoy spending time in the open space and natural landscape. The major ski resorts boast wild and rugged land in the mountains that provide some of the best backcountry skiing spots.
The terrain creates a wonderful area for outdoor adventure that is still pristine and largely remote. This place offers plenty of opportunity to spend days out in the mountains that’s carefree and exhilarating, and no doubt a much needed respite from the mundane.
