My first impression of Vancouver was that the general vibe is less hectic than in most U.S. cities. People are friendly, and when they ask “What do you do?” it seems they’re more interested in …
February 8, 2010
Travel: Must-See
Vancouver, B.C.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Our one-week journey takes us to an archipelago in the Puget Sound, just off the United States’ northwest corner: the San Juan Islands. It’s a perfect trip if you don’t mind taking on a cooler …
February 3, 2010
New York City Weekend
New York City was more than I expected this time around; however, it was colder than my feet at night. My numb fingers fumbled for my MetroCard, dollars in my pocket, then a beanie for …
Regal Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
“If you have a problem that annoys you, then you have two problems. Knock one of them out.” This local man’s statement lived with me during the week I spent in Brazil’s second-largest city (and …
January 26, 2010
Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite day trips in Southern California. The Spanish architecture and beautiful setting between the mountains and ocean creates an atmosphere that never fails to regenerate my spirit. …
January 21, 2010
Purification on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
If you thought life in the Caribbean was laid back, Vieques, an island municipality to the east of the Puerto Rican mainland, takes it to the extreme. Most of the island looks and feels like …
January 8, 2010
World-class Oslo, Norway
Before visiting Oslo, I viewed the city as primarily a gateway to the fjords, but upon arriving I was pleasantly surprised by the attractions it has to offer. Be prepared for steep prices, as it’s …
December 18, 2009
Charleston, South Carolina: Sea to Shining Sea
Charleston, South Carolina, is on the Atlantic approximately 2,500 miles east of San Diego. My favorite haunts there are Folly Beach, a six-mile long barrier island, and neighboring uninhabited Morris Island. Folly has a Holiday …
December 13, 2009
Highway 1: San Simeon through Big Sur to Carmel
Fill up the car with gas and travel up the coast through Big Sur on Highway 1 to Carmel, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Starting at San Simeon, site of the …
December 8, 2009
Dubrovnik, Croatia
"I hate Dubrovnik," my friend Amila hissed. "We go there every year. To us Bosnians, it's boring. All the tourists. Too expensive. I hate it." Perhaps. But to this American, no place is more epic, …
November 30, 2009
Cosmopolitan Copenhagen
Copenhagen may lack the glamour of London, Paris or Rome, but the discerning traveler can find just as rich a travel experience in this cosmopolitan city. If arriving by train, you’re within walking distance of …