Author: Beth Giffen


Fashion Runway with Models

If you are addicted to The Fashion Show, if you devour the fall fashion issue of Vogue, if you have an account with Bag, Borrow or Steal (a website where a monthly fee allows you to “borrow” designer handbags and jewelry), if you and your friends have arguments over the efficaciousness of skinny jeans (or boyfriend jeans, or low cut jeans, …), or if you simply love fashion and all that goes along with it, …

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High angle view over the seismic rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates

Situated in southwestern Iceland, just 49 km northeast of the capital Reykjavík, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a place of immense historical, cultural, and geological significance. The park covers 24,000 hectares, with 9,270 hectares constituting a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The powerful geological forces that have shaped this remote site are still at work today.

Central to Þingvellir’s historical importance is its role as the original site of the Alþing (Althing), Iceland’s parliament, which was …

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Tulips on display with windmills in the background at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

The Dutch say ‘April doet wat hij wil’ (‘April does what it wants’) to describe the weather in the Netherlands during the early spring. It’s true, the weather in April can be unpredictable, but for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for nature, Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands is a destination that encourages you to brave the weather, if not ignore it.  This horticultural wonder virtually explodes with color during tulip season, a …

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Alt text: "Travel healthcare concept with a medical professional wearing a lab coat and using a stethoscope on a colorful globe, symbolizing global health and well-being for travelers."

Embarking on an international journey is an exhilarating adventure, full of new experiences, cultures, and the inevitable stories to tell. But amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to consider one aspect that often gets sidelined until it’s urgently needed: health care. Navigating health care issues while traveling internationally can be a lot more confusing than trying to order a meal in a language you don’t speak. Further, decisions and considerations made during an emergency are often …

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Alt text: "Wooden gavel and metal handcuffs on a rustic dark wood background representing legal authority and law enforcement for an article on travel safety and legal awareness." This descriptive alt text is tailored to be relevant for a travel guide website that might

Excuse me.  Sir!  You there.  I have a request.  No, not you, nice man.  You go on about your day and enjoy your vacation.

I’m speaking to the other gentleman, who is so incapable of controlling his impulses that he just chucked that small boy overboard.  Oh!  That was your son, and you were playing?  I see.

Well, I’m also talking to that lady who thinks it’s funny to draw a picture of a bomb …

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Alt text: "Photograph of the iconic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks sign reading 'Tarpon Springs, Florida - Sponge Capital of the World' with a life-size diver statue and the Dolphin Gift Shop entrance below. Welcoming visitors to explore deep

Just a stone’s throw north of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast is Tarpon Springs—an enclave that, with a hint of imagination, mirrors the charm of distant Mykonos. The town’s fortunes started in 1887 with the arrival of railroad service north all the way to New York, but sprang to life at the dawn of the 20th century by the discovery of rich sponge beds just offshore. The arrival of Greek sponge divers in 1905 from …

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Cruise Ship - 3D Rendering

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 …

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Outdoor wedding at the beach

Ah, the glimmer of that new bling on your finger is only outshone by the sparkle in your eyes at the thought of a destination wedding! Tying the knot in paradise sounds like a dream. But before you sail into the sunset with your beloved, let’s navigate through the potential pitfalls of planning your dream day from afar, shall we?

1. Pro Planners: Your Wedding Whisperers

Still looking for the best possible outcome, though, right? …

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The Horseshoe Temple situated in the China’s Qilian Mountains

Situated in mainland China’s Qilian Mountains in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, the Horseshoe Temple, also known as Puguang Temple, is an expansive cave temple complex.  Within its walls is a treasure trove of grotto Buddha statues, showcasing the religion of the Northern Liang Dynasty up until the present millennium. The temple’s ambiance is enhanced by its coexisting Chinese Buddhist and Tibetan Buddhist temples, each displaying distinct architectural styles.

The Horseshoe Temple complex dates back to …

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Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica is a land teeming with the paradoxes of its geographical location, bridging North and South America and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The resulting climate makes it ideal for year-round travel. The forces of nature are at their spectacular best here, churning out rainforest and volcanoes, great beaches, and vistas. The animals and plants of the region are of two great continents. The diversity of flora and fauna, geography, and terrain all come …

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Ten Islamic rulers on painted ceiling of the Hall of Kings, the 14th century palace Alhambra

The Islamic Moorish tradition in Spain holds a remarkable place in history, leaving an indelible mark on Spanish culture, architecture, and society. Spanning over seven centuries, from the early 8th century to the late 15th century, this period witnessed a rich amalgamation of Islamic, European, and Jewish influences. The Moors, a diverse group of Muslims from North Africa and the Middle East, brought with them a vibrant intellectual heritage, contributing to the flourishing of arts, …

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