Lonely Planet named Colombia 2nd best country to visit in 2017. I first visited Colombia a few years ago, when I set foot into the walled city of Cartagena. I had just finished reading Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera, and as I moved through the old town in Cartagena, pages of his novel came to life, setting the tone for that trip. I discovered a colorful, romantic city where Latin music and dancing greeted me … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2019
6 Rules of Dealing with Injury and Illness Abroad
When you go off on a trip, you think more about the good stuff that might happen and less about the bad stuff. However, accidents and illnesses can occur at all times – and it does not care whether you are on a vacation or not. This is even more troublesome if you are abroad in an unfamiliar country, one that is far more costly than where you came from. Plus, there’s a high chance that you won’t even be treated – simply because you don’t have … [Read more...]
11 Things About Everest Base Camp that will Amaze you
Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular and adventurous trekking destinations in Nepal. This trek will take you to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Following the footprints of Tenzing Norway Sherpa and Edmund Hilary, the first ones to climb the Mount Everest is itself a matter of gratitude. Trekking along the waterfalls, Buddhist Monasteries, and Sherpa Communities will make your journey to the Everest Base Camp … [Read more...]
The Faroe Islands Declare a Weekend of TLC: ‘Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism’
Nordic nation restricts tourists for one weekend in April and invites 100 visitors to join locals in caring for their 18-island archipelago in the North Atlantic New York, NY -- March 2019 -- The pristine Faroe Islands – a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Norway – welcome approximately 100,000 visitors each year, attracted by the country's dramatic scenery, including rugged cliffs, sea caves, … [Read more...]
The California “Poppypalooza”
“It’s everywhere,” he whispers to himself as he finally puts down his tablet and looks out the car window. For once, nature has won over my son’s attention. He puts the electronics aside and sweeps his gaze across the rolling hills surrounding Lake Elsinore. Expansive blankets of orange and yellow paint the otherwise green hills and canyons, with blotches of purple and white laced in between. After months of drenching winter rains, southern … [Read more...]
Behind the scenes of Turkey’s hair transplant industry
Nearly 5000 patients from around the world cross seas and borders every month to seek hair restoration treatments in the Eurasian city. Istanbul has excelled in the field to gain the title of the world's hair transplant capital. An achievement that does not fall short of extraordinary. However, there is not much that the public knows about the how's and the why's, and that is precisely what we will address today. Read along to learn the key … [Read more...]
Cycling Trails in the USA: Where to Go for Cycling?
Inspired by the Tour of France of 1978, some fella called Freddie Mercury used to chant on how much he wanted to ride his “bicycle, bicycle, bicycle”. The truth is you do not have to be an expert for riding a bicycle, to go from one place to another on two wheels, you do not have to be a scholar; everything is learned on the way. The route strengthens us as people and even sometimes shows us facets that we did not believe we had. In any case, … [Read more...]
American Shield Granite Series Backpack
Stylish, lightweight and functional, the America Shield Granite Series Backpack is an ideal day pack for both urban and rural use. While this is an attractive pack, it certainly is also versatile. We like the fact it has a separate liner inside that one can use to hold either a tablet or a laptop. Made of canvas with leather front straps both for the primary space as well as the smaller front pocket. The primary space is also easily … [Read more...]
Biggest Super Bloom in Decade Blooms at Diamond Valley Lake
Hemet, CA (March 2019)—The largest super bloom in over a decade has finally arrived at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet, California. According to officials, the most jaw-dropping views of the super bloom, caused by record rains, are from the Wildflower Trail, accessible from the Diamond Valley Lake Marina. Park officials recommend coming mid-week to avoid crowds, and ask visitors to please stay on the trail to protect the flowers. "While our super … [Read more...]
Exploring Wine in Switzerland’s Lake Geneva Region
As a wine enthusiast, I seek to sample wines from lesser-known regions. While I appreciate the supple richness and velvety texture of a Pomerol from Bordeaux and the complex fruit concentrations of Southern Tuscany’s great Brunello di Montalcino, it’s the pours from destinations that are not yet written on the wine lover’s map that really get my palate going. I recently visited Switzerland’s Lake Geneva Region. It’s a gorgeous part of one the … [Read more...]