The poor waiter looks terrified as our group of 10 descends on what our tour leader assures us is a restaurant. The shabby building looks more like a motor mechanic’s workshop – a suspicion that’s reinforced when we have to carry in spare chairs and tables to make a place to dine. Still, a menu appears that we take turns reading, and we thirstily order drinks. A long time passes before they arrive, then the …
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Sushi is a popular Japanese dish, but if you’re visiting Japan, it’s important to know how to eat sushi the right way according to Japanese etiquette. There are many different types of sushi available in Japan, so understanding the differences between them can help you order what you like.
Sushi comes in several preparations: sashimi, nigiri, and maki among others. Nigiri is sushi consisting of a piece of fish or other seafood atop …
Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, is known for its picturesque canals, world-famous museums, and vibrant nightlife. However, one of the most interesting and unique aspects of this city is its culture of biking. For locals and tourists alike, riding a bike is the best way to explore the city. With its expansive network of bike lanes and paths, Amsterdam offers an incredibly convenient and enjoyable way to get around. And it’s no surprise that cyclists make …
With a population of 35,000 in town and about 100,000 in the region, Fairbanks isn’t a very big city. In terms of truly-unique experiences, however, it ranks up there with much larger cities. Only 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks makes an indelible impression on visitors.
It all started on August 26, 1901, when a man named E.T. Barnette founded a trading post on the south bank of the Chena River. Mr. Barnette …
Have you ever heard of a rock that can grow and reproduce? Rocks that grow and even multiply do exist and are called “trovants.” These geological wonders are strange and fascinating mineral formations that have puzzled scientists for decades. Trovants are found in Romania, near the town of Costesti, and attract tourists from all over the world. Trovants are similar to other rocks and the surrounding soil in composition. In appearance, however, trovants take on …
Religious travel to the Near Middle East has been a part of the fabric of faith for thousands of years. It is a region that encompasses countries such as Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, and Italy. These lands are steeped in spirituality and religious history. A pilgrimage to this area can be an extraordinarily uplifting experience for Christians, Muslims, and Judaism as it provides an opportunity to become connected with one’s spiritual roots in …
On the cusp of the Midwest and the South, Louisville is a city with a lot of personality. This shows in its history, food, arts, and drinks. This easy-to-get-to Kentucky town offers so much to do for a fun vacation it’s hard to decide what to include.
1. Check out the Louisville Sluggers
If you have ever been even an occasional fan of baseball, don’t miss the Louisville Slugger Factory & Museum. You can walk
… With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be wondering how to surprise your traveling special someone with a gift that will take their breath away as they pack their suitcase. Or, perhaps you want to treat yourself to your very own fun getaway this year, but either way, the rolling, olive tree-dotted hills of central Italy have a trip in store for you that’s bespoke just for the day of love.
Beyond the usual amorous …
From the Bahamas to the southeastern points of the Caribbean, small museums dedicated to special interests, people or significant events can become an engaging stop even on a busy itinerary. If your own interests at home include one of these categories, then consider including one of these noteworthy, smaller museums during your own local time in the destination. While some are off the beaten track or a drive out of town, others just as often …
Clothing-optional vacations are like all other vacations, except many of your companions will not be wearing clothing. Stripped down to its essentials, clothing optional means just that: clothing may or may not be worn at an individual’s discretion. The related term “nudist” has a somewhat different meaning. At nudist resorts, the expectation is that everyone will be unclothed most of the time. The more commonly accepted term is “naturist”, which is the practice of being …
If you don’t know any better, Iceland may seem like little more than a layover on the way the mainland Europe. But the rewards are great for those who dare to venture beyond Reykjavik’s Keflavik airport, even if only for a few hours. The small island nation’s tourism industry is in high gear—ready for the onslaught of eco-tourists and adrenaline junkies who have already made landfall— but the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just a …
Lately, I’ve had a lot of bad luck with my luggage while traveling on long-haul flights. My bags were delayed three trips in a row – reaching my destination only 1 to 3 days after I had arrived. After these three consecutive luggage mishaps, I was confident the airlines could not mess up a fourth time.
They didn’t – but my bout of bad luck did not end with that fourth flight. Arriving at Paris …
Australia shows up on more people’s bucket lists than most other destinations and for good reason. This continent-nation offers an amazingly wide mixture of landscapes, wildlife, and adventure, providing a veritable palate of opportunities for anyone wishing to enjoy an exhilarating travel experience in ever-changing locales: there is no single “Australian itinerary.” With that said, and knowing Australia has so much to offer, here are my five top reasons to visit Australia.
The variety of …
There may be no more diverse destination on the planet than Hawaii. Not only is the terrain amazingly varied – deserts, beaches and lush rainforests, mountains and oceans, deep valleys, and soaring volcanoes – but the climates there range from sub-arctic to tropical. The available activities are almost without end. The culture is a mix of Polynesian, Asian, European, and American. But perhaps the most varied aspect of the Islands is the way that this …