For the past 50+ years, the idea of traveling to Cuba on an American cruise line has been unfathomable. Then, in May of 2016, that idea became a reality – it became fathomable. Justifiably so, the first cruise line granted access into Cuba’s mesmerizing culture is named Fathom. Fathom Impact + Travel, a subsidiary company of Carnival Cruise lines, was created in 2012 and been in business since 2014. Fathom Impact + Travel is the answer to the … [Read more...]
The Cubans by Jay Seldin
Everything Cuba is on the tips of traveler's tongues from the states these days with the thawing of decades of strained relations. Photographer Jay Seldin's timely book of black and white photography documents an intimate look into the lives of Cubans. Cuba is cursorily known for vintage cars, futbol, older buildings, images of Castro and Che but his photographs in this book are exclusively of the Cuban people. They represent young and old; … [Read more...]
Staying With the Locals in Cuba
As the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba strengthen, Americans are beginning to flock to the country to get a glimpse of the beauty that Ernest Hemingway famously described. We weren't any different. Once we arrived, we wanted to make sure that we didn't stay in hotels to get a better feel for the local lifestyle. We walked around for nearly 3 hours through the neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and asking for an open room with our … [Read more...]
Street Foods Of Cuba
What’s one of my favorite parts about traveling? Street food. It's one of the best ways to deliciously see what locals eat in their daily lives (plus it's always best budget option). Like most countries, street food is available all over Cuba, sold from stands, windows, wheelbarrows and carts. Now, before I arrived in Cuba, I already had my doubts on the food because of what other travelers have said in the past. So I didn't arrive with high … [Read more...]
11 surfers’ paradise spots in Sardinia to be visited as soon as possible
Surf junkies travel the world to ride the perfect wave. A few countries have the reputation for being a real paradise for surfers – Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Australia, South Africa, Hawaii. Others, such as Cuba and Uruguay, are becoming more popular destinations to surf. However, not many know that at the very heart of the Mediterranean there’s an island that is rich in lush nature, mountains, beautiful small cities, unique archeological sites, … [Read more...]
Why I’m going to Burma (Myanmar)
When word got out I was thinking of taking a group to Burma this November, I received this email: Dear Mr. Bangs: I strongly advise you to drop travel to Burma. The treatment of the Rohingy minority is so appalling that I feel that no one should be visiting that country... This is not the first cease and desist-style communication I’ve received about travel to a destination whose politics are at odds with our own. When I received a permit … [Read more...]
Three Fabulous Colonial Cities in Mexico
Mexico is a huge country, that well deserves a visit. I have been there 3 times and for as much as I try to explore a bit more every time, I am never quite done with it. It is one among the few countries I keep going back to, like Peru or Cuba, because it just has everything I can possibly look for when I travel. Amazing archeological sites, lush nature, beautiful beaches, deserts, interesting indigenous communities, delicious food and gorgeous … [Read more...]
Cyclepaths in Cuba
My father, usually a quiet man, burst through the door and hustled the family in front of the television set. He said we were on the verge of something terrible and we needed to see and understand. It was October 22, 1962. My father, a career officer at the C.I.A., seemed distressed with things he knew that others did not. We then watched in horror as John Kennedy described the Russian missiles west of Havana, capable of reaching our home in … [Read more...]
Should I stay or should I go? Bonaire
I mean you can’t beat hanging around a great Caribbean resort like Harbour Village Beach Club on the island of Bonaire. It’s got a great restaurant, stunning sunsets, a long puffy sliver of silky white sand for a beach, and tons of stuff to do, from diving to snorkeling to kayaking and more. There are also the super comfy ocean-facing rooms set amid tropical gardens, and an ever-gracious staff, never leaving you wanting for … [Read more...]
9th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Returns
THE 9TH ANNUAL LOS ANGELES TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW® RETURNS TO THE LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FEBRUARY 8-9, 2014 Rick Steves, Travel Channel's Samantha Brown, Todd Carmichael, Don Wildman, Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, Patricia Schultz among exclusive featured speakers (LOS ANGELES, CA) - L.A.'s favorite and the country's largest travel show will return to the Long Beach Convention Center on February 8 and 9. Named as one of Southern … [Read more...]