If the mere thought of visiting the hottest place on earth in summer freaks you out, think again. There are some great reasons to visit Death Valley in July or August. For one thing, there is the dearth of crowds. Unlike in winter, there are virtually no people anywhere. The few visitors you do encounter are most likely intrepid Europeans who have come to indulge in the desert at its most extreme. Also, unlike winter, days are significantly … [Read more...]
Exploring Paramaribo, Suriname the Fun Way!
After a nearly 13 hour car + van ride from Georgetown in Guyana which began at 4am and included a 4 hour border crossing (slow ferry a big part of this), I arrived in Paramaribo in the late afternoon. Exhausted after eating only an energy bar I found tucked away in my backpack given to me weeks ago by Jacki Ueng I checked into the Guesthouse Zin & Grand Cafe. For only $23/night it included a private room with AC and use of their pool. I soon … [Read more...]
Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma by Peg Melnik with Tim Fish
The latest edition (no 11) Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma is a detailed look at some of the best restaurants, wineries and experiences that the wine country in this part of the state has to offer. Written by husband and wife Peg Melnik and Tim Fish. Both are accomplished wine writers: Peg writes for the local Santa Rosa based newspaper, the Press Democrat and Tim writes for the Wine Spectator. Not a huge book but it is richly endowed with … [Read more...]
History, Mystery, Art and More in Boonsboro and Beyond
Last year, during the holidays, I spent some time in Sharpsburg, Maryland, where I enjoyed a lovely stay at the Jacob Rohrbach Inn. During that time, my travels took me through the small town of Boonsboro, where I noticed a cozy, cute little Inn all lit up for the Christmas season. I was pulled to it like a magnet and vowed to return to explore the area when the weather warmed. That opportunity occurred just this month, when I was able to … [Read more...]
Misadventures of a Gringo in Colombia
Upon leaving the unexpectedly small Cartagena airport, I was welcomed by a huge billboard featuring a Colombian Elvis impersonator. The other passengers who had also just arrived were poppin’ into little yellow micro-machine cabs and spinning off into their own assorted narratives. I stood and watched their numbers dwindle. Soon I was one of only a few prey left for the desperate transportation peddlers. A husky, determined Colombian man … [Read more...]
A Perfect Vibe, Koh Mak, Thailand
A number of islands in Thailand or beach destinations, especially in the southern part of the country can be over tourist-ed at times and or are destinations for travelers who want to party. For many years I've been attracted to some of the islands in the north closer to the Cambodian border including one of my favorite islands in Thailand, Koh Kood. However, recently I made the trip to Koh Mak, a tiny neighboring island accessible via one of two … [Read more...]
Time Spent on the Trans-Siberian Railway
The Tran-Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey: the longest in the world - possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year. A journey of almost mythical proportions that spans two continents while staying in a single country; without leaving your seat you clatter your way along almost a third of the globe. There are three routes that travellers can take to explore the Siberian expanse: The Moscow-to-Vladivostok route at over … [Read more...]
Items You Want in Your Carry-On for a Long Flight
Going on a long flight means you need to find out how to make time pass while staying as comfortable as possible. Some people can tough it out by entertaining themselves or by resting with the amenities provided by the airline, but having a supply of goods can make your flying experience much better. These are seven items you want in your carry-on for a long flight. Pillow The pillows provided by airlines tend to be pretty lackluster, … [Read more...]
Enjoying the Flavors of Your Travels at Home
Few things can outdo the sensation of tasting delicious meals and great wine while traveling abroad. Whether you have traveled to the Mediterranean and savored the rich flavors of Tuscany, sampled French delicacies at a boulangerie. or visited Vietnam for an authentic bowl of Pho, you now want to recreate some of these experiences at home. Discover how to treat your friends and family to some of the flavors you encountered during your … [Read more...]
An Off-the-Beaten-Track Island That’ll Blow Your Socks Off
Still hunting for beaches that you don’t have to share with any other foreigner? I know, the ticket touts promise you the moon. They show you leaflets with picture-postcard islands. White sands, abandoned shores, happy customers. They cajole you into going on a tour. You discuss it with your travel partner, eager to find Eden. And eventually, your urge to go on an adventure gets the better of you – you book the trip. The next day, the … [Read more...]
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