It is truly easier on the streets of Berlin to buy a bottle of beer than one of water. And no matter what time of day it is, you'll observe someone sipping a cold one, …
April 7, 2011
Travel: Must-See
Beer-lin, Germany
The Emerald City: Seattle, Washington
Seattle is called the Emerald City, and that designation is not a misnomer. Greenery, trees, parks and flower gardens abound in this sophisticated Pacific Northwest city that seems perpetually drenched in a misty rain. Though …
March 15, 2011
La Paz, Bolivia: At the Top of the World
In the fast-moving modern times of the travel business, how does one decide between, say, the Bahamas or Singapore? One brochure boasts luxury in Honolulu and another calls you to Paris. One hotel has a …
March 6, 2011
Chicago Times
It’s midday and my friend and I have gotten off at the wrong stop. Chicago’s “El” train costs only $2.25 for one-way fares, and if used correctly (the key idea here) you can get anywhere. …
Underrated Taipei, Taiwan
Many Americans don’t know where Taiwan is or mistake it for its Southeast Asian cousin, Thailand. However, for those of you unsure of Taiwan’s location, you’re missing out. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a …
Cambridge, England – Brilliant
I’ve always loved university towns: the spirit, the energy, the combination of youthful, bustling enthusiasm and quiet intellectual reflection they exude refreshes me. Most university towns have a keen sense of place and radiate a …
February 24, 2011
Budapest, Hungary: An Old World City
Arriving on the tarmac at the Budapest airport, I walk down the steps of the airplane to an awaiting bus. It’s a grey, wintry day, and people are wearing heavy long coats and big fur …
February 22, 2011
Powder Times in Vail, Colorado
“Come out here. I can hook you up with a free massage, a place to stay, a snowboard and discounted lift tickets.” My sister then told me of her masseuse position in the luxurious RockResort …
Essential L.A.: Getty Center and Getty Villa
A visit to the Getty Center in Los Angeles makes a lovely day trip for Southern Californians. The Getty is quickly becoming the cultural heart of L.A.; for many out-of-town and international visitors, it’s now …
February 11, 2011
Splashing Out at Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
After several months of lodging in hostels throughout Brazil, we (my wife and I) decided to let our cash cascade into the Hotel das Cataratas Iguassu — a beautiful, if somewhat corporate, upscale resort with …
January 31, 2011