TRAVEL NEWS

Is A Cashless Trip the New Travel Normal?

Imagine an overseas trip without spending a single Euro, Pound, Yuan, Yen, or Peso – at least not in the literal sense. I recently returned from a 3+ week trip to Stockholm and several Baltic nations, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with a quick stop in Poland.  The entire time, not a single coin…

Introducing Zipolite, Mexico’s Free-Spirited Beach Town

The small town of Zipolite lies on Mexico’s southwestern Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. A far cry from the concrete jungle of Cancun, the jungle surrounding Zipolite is real. Devoid of high-rise hotels and huge resorts, the beach is lined with cabanas and palapas and a scattering of lodgings unobtrusively tucked away in…

24 Hours in Edinburgh: The Eccentric Jewel in Scotland’s Crown

Not only is Edinburgh a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also Scotland’s capital city and home to phenomenal festivals, which have the city buzzing with a sense of excitement all year round. Packed with medieval tenements, narrow streets through the Old Town, and a sweeping elegance that swathes the Georgian New Town, there’s no question…

Ways to Save Big on Hotel Bills

Dear Travel IQ: Do you have some good ways to save on my hotel bills that doesn’t involve camping out or a hostel? Signed: Cheap, cheap, really, really cheap Dear Cheap: Goodness, let’s not put cost above value. Cost is what you pay for something, but value is what you get in return. Think about…

This is how to experience Niagara Falls

The worst thing one can do at Niagara Falls is to simply stop and look at the falls. Niagara Falls might be an iconic North American destination, but there is so much to do here than stand and watch. The best way to experience Niagara Falls is to explore the scenery, to become part of…

Whales: The hottest blood of all

They say the sea is cold, but the sea contains the hottest blood of all, and the wildest, the most urgent.Whales Weep Not, D. H. LawrenceWe carry with us a special feeling for whales. From childhood on, we are fascinated by their size and intelligence and seek out opportunities to see them whenever we travel…

Island Flavors: The Diverse Cuisines of the Caribbean

One of the best ways to get to know a culture is to spend some meal time with the locals. Food is an integral part of culture and identity. It’s no surprise that writers like Anthony Bourdain and Phillip Rosenthal have explored how regional cuisines reveal the history, influences, and values of the destinations they…

Slow Travel: How to Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Every destination has its distinctive charm, hidden aspects, and traditions most travelers miss in the rush to check off the popular sites listed in travel guides. However, to travel is not merely to see but to experience, understand, and connect. Here are a few ways to experience your destination in greater depth.

Halloween Around the World

Halloween as we know it, with the trick-or-treating and funny costumes, is mostly a Western practice. Though it has in recent years spread to South America, the Far East, and Eastern Europe, some of these places have their own traditions that resemble our own Halloween. Here is the way Halloween is celebrated in other countries.

Travel IQ – How can I safely eat street food?

Dear Travel IQ: I love to watch shows like Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and I enjoy eating new foods when I travel.  I’ve always been afraid to try street food, however.  It’s tempting, but I’m worried about sanitation and catching some type of bug that will ruin my trip.  How can I safely join…