Smartphones, notably the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, are photographic miracles. They can see in the dark and rise to nearly all photographic challenges. If you’re within 10-15 feet of your subject, the newest smartphones are almost infallible in their ability to provide a bright, sharp photo—even if you make…

In 1990 I living in Italy as part of the US contingent of NATO. Strangely, I began to hear consistent rumors of an underwater city near Naples, Italy. Local Italians told me conspiratorially that it was their own Atlantis, but few knew much else about this fabled town. The legends…

Children. They are our bundles of joy until they start making a scene on a plane or squabble in the car during a journey. Some portion of our childhood memories are fondly remembered family vacations. But you probably also remember those threats from the front seat when you and your…

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…

It seems appropriate that the legendary French beauty Empress Josephine, known for her sense of style, spent her early years on the island of Martinique, where travelers today can still encounter an abundance of fine design, craftsmanship, and style.  In fact, Martinique nowadays is home to a range of merchandise, local handicrafts, and personal apparel that…

New Mexico can’t claim the invention of tequila. That distinction belongs to old Mexico, where Spanish conquistadors and their enterprising priests learned to double distill fermented agave juice into something more palatable than the pulque they received from Mexico’s indigenous population. But New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, have perfected…

The exotic land of Rajasthan is a showcase for India at its finest. From palaces and forts to tigers and temples, it bursts with color, history and incredible landscapes. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited states in country. I first fell in love with Rajasthan…

Something about festive Christmas lights twinkling and blinking in the night enhances entire cities at once. Thousands of decorations, LED light displays, oversized ornaments suspended high above busy shopping areas, and magical state-of-the-art lighting that transform everyday streets into an extravaganza. Some destinations around the world are well known for…

Some of the challenges in choosing river cruises in Europe are the rivers themselves. Unless you’ve frequently traveled to Europe, you may not be familiar with geography of the rivers. Even for those who are familiar with the lay of the land, the list of rivers can be daunting. A…

CLEAR lovers will lose one benefit of the program in 2025, as the TSA says it will begin requiring them to produce a REAL ID or passport at airport checkin. The CLEAR program is based on two premises: it takes you to the very front of the check-in line, and…

“Paradise Valley” is the perfect description for the town where you’ll find Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. It is an oasis between the mountains with all you need if you are looking for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. The 53-acre complex is a backdrop for an adventurous or laid-back vacation – or maybe…

Virgin Voyages has indefinitely delayed the launch of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, citing staffing, supply chain and construction issues. Brilliant Lady was supposed to set sail in December; but Virgin now has canceled its two festive inaugural sailings, a five-day roundtrip Christmas cruise from Miami and a seven-day New…