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On most tiny tropical islands, the activities for the day predictable: snorkeling, diving, a spot of swimming, and cocktails served in coconut shells. If that’s all you require, the non-stop action at Club Med Kani in the Maldives can feel rather disconcerting. I was dubious about the enforced jollity of zumba classes, aqua-aerobics, sunset yoga, cookery lessons, a stage show every evening, and even a disco until the early morning hours. But on the second …

I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain.  Leading the way are four hyped-up dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa, and Enea; hot in their heels are truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.

Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition, a daily event which, for the dogs and their handlers, is a time to demonstrate their kinship, their bond. These …

Deep inside the jungles of Colombia, archeologists have discovered an extensive array of ancient rock paintings, hailed as the “Sistine Chapel of the Ancients.”  These glyphs represent a significant milestone in the study of pre-Columbian history and offer a new window into the lives of people who lived during the Ice Age. This discovery, made in the Serranía de la Lindosa and nearby areas, including the Chiribiquete National Park, was led by a British-Colombian team …

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often involving hours of travel across multiple time zones. Fear not.  With the right preparation, long-haul journeys can be more comfortable and even enjoyable. Here are a few salient tips for the next long-hour flight on which you find yourself.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

The seat you choose can significantly impact your comfort. Consider opting for an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom or an exit row for …

Cruise vacations offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Unsurprisingly, a significant part of the cruising experience is the time spent in your cabin. While most cabins provide comfort and serenity, certain locations on a ship can detract from the overall enjoyment due to noise, excessive motion, proximity to public spaces, or obstructed views. To ensure a pleasant cruise experience, avoiding certain cabins and working with a knowledgeable travel consultant to select the …

The first thing you’ll notice as you get closer to the Northern Idaho town of Coeur D’Alene is the ethereal beauty of the mountains, lakes, and forests surrounding it.

And the first thing you’ll notice as you enter the town is that this place is different.

Coeur D’Alene (pronounced kor duh·layn), in fact, seems delightfully stuck in another era. As you enter town, for example, you’ll find plenty of authentically restored, early-1900s Craftsman and Queen …

Costa Rica is, of course, a paradise for nature lovers. It, therefore, makes sense that many people only wish to spend a minimal amount of time, if any, in the gritty capital of San Jose before heading to the beaches and tropical rainforests.

Surrounded by volcanoes, coffee plantations, and cloud forests and situated in the central valley, San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. If you travel independently in Costa Rica, …

In the rapidly evolving world, digital nomadism has become more than a trend – it’s a lifestyle gaining its momentum across the globe. Digital nomads blur the boundaries between living and working, and that impacts their requirements for accommodations. 

This lifestyle is driven by the desire for flexibility, exploration, and the freedom to work from anywhere. Central to their needs is housing that not only provides comfort and security but also caters to the demands …

Saturnia Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Known for its therapeutic properties, the springs are steeped in history and geological significance. An easy day trip from Rome or Florence, Saturnia is open and free to the public. The waters here originate from deep within the earth’s crust, heated by geothermal energy. As the water makes its way to the surface, it absorbs minerals and sulfur compounds, which many …

Not only is Edinburgh a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also Scotland’s capital city and home to phenomenal festivals, which have the city buzzing with a sense of excitement all year round.

Packed with medieval tenements, narrow streets through the Old Town, and a sweeping elegance that swathes the Georgian New Town, there’s no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world.

Sightseeing in Edinburgh …

The small town of Zipolite lies on Mexico’s southwestern Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. A far cry from the concrete jungle of Cancun, the jungle surrounding Zipolite is real. Devoid of high-rise hotels and huge resorts, the beach is lined with cabanas and palapas and a scattering of lodgings unobtrusively tucked away in the jungle. Zipolite is a laidback, open-minded place and Mexico’s only clothing-optional beach. It’s a magnet for hippies, LGBTQ+ travelers, …

Imagine an overseas trip without spending a single Euro, Pound, Yuan, Yen, or Peso – at least not in the literal sense.

I recently returned from a 3+ week trip to Stockholm and several Baltic nations, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with a quick stop in Poland.  The entire time, not a single coin or bill passed from my hands to a restaurant or store owner.

OK, fair disclosure — I did spend one …

The worst thing one can do at Niagara Falls is to simply stop and look at the falls.

Niagara Falls might be an iconic North American destination, but there is so much to do here than stand and watch. The best way to experience Niagara Falls is to explore the scenery, to become part of it, to meet nature head-on. If you don’t get wet here, you haven’t gotten your time or money’s worth out …

Dear Travel IQ: Do you have some good ways to save on my hotel bills that doesn’t involve camping out or a hostel?

Signed: Cheap, cheap, really, really cheap

Dear Cheap: Goodness, let’s not put cost above value. Cost is what you pay for something, but value is what you get in return. Think about the hotel’s amenities, location, cleanliness, and reputation. All of that matters and should be taken into account …