Ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world, taking photographs, working for National Geographic? What sounds like the best job in the world, is actually one of the most difficult ones personally and professionally. I recently attended an exhibition on Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment at Fernbank Museum of Natural History […]
During my recent Food and Wine Tour to Israel, I got a crash course in the cuisine that has spanned a few thousand years. I spent most of my days wandering around local markets, meeting chefs, taking cooking classes, drinking at bars and wineries, and dining at all kinds of restaurants (some had no name, while […]
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a well-kept secret that I am about to reveal. Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center is a pristine destination for those who want a short getaway. We were so excited to find this secret retreat; it was the perfect wholistic experience […]
I first discovered NOVICA a few months ago while researching for an article I wrote for CNN. A partnership with National Geographic, NOVICA is a online shopping portal that connects buyers with artists all around the world. The basic philosophy is that you don’t need to purchase fake souvenir items and haul them back in your […]
As you begin to stock your pantries with chocolates and candies, pay attention to the list of ingredients listed on the package. Depending on the brand and quality of chocolate, it may be a product that is harmful to your own health, as well as to the environment and wildlife. However, there is a chocolate […]
Do you know the difference between ecotourism, sustainable travel, responsible travel, and volunteer vacationing? While there is a lot of overlap with each of these terms, they all have one common theme – that is to improve lives through travel and tourism. On a recent Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia through international nonprofit, Go Eat Give, I […]
Rough estimates by fitness instructors show that most cruisers gain an average of 1-2 pounds a day. If this statement scares you from taking your next cruise vacation, read this article first. On my recent 2-weeks cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of The Seas, I interviewed Maurice Van Rijthoven, a 30-year old fitness instructor from […]
A cruise vacation doesn’t have to be only about eating, drinking, and hanging out by the pool. Travelers can choose to participate in high adrenaline activities offered on board, that are safe for all ages. Here are some of the coolest adventures one can experience on the new Royal Caribbean ship, Anthem of the Seas… […]
Allow us to introduce you to the KarmaRu ($89) from GoRoll™, the first portable, lockable and waterproof foam roller that ensures a secure place for valuables. A standout feature is GoRoll’s lockable lid fastens to the bottom of the foam roller, allowing for the storage of larger items, including a yoga mat! The KarmaRu features […]
Barbados is a British island in the eastern Caribbean. It is very popular among European tourists looking to enjoy sun, sand, warm waters, good food and nightlife. The official language is English and US dollars are accepted everywhere. The name “Barbados” comes from a Portuguese explorer named Pedro Campos in 1536, who originally called the […]
On July 20, 2015, the Cuban embassy in Washington DC was reestablished after 50+ years. Meanwhile, US intersection opened in Havana, Cuba on the same day. I happened to witness this historic moment with some Cuban artists at their studio in Havana. Their reaction to the events was overwhelming! They were singing, clapping and in tears to […]
Located south of Aruba and 50 miles East of Venezuela, Bonaire is a small island in the Dutch Caribbean. It is part of the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao. Bonaire is the smallest of the three, and the least developed when it comes to tourism, which is why it makes for a perfect travel […]
When I was a teenager, my doctor told me I may have a sleep disorder. As an adult, my primary care physicians confirmed it. I have always had trouble falling asleep and wake up in the middle of the night to anything louder than a pin drop. My restless thoughts have kept me up for […]
If you like products that have a story behind them, you need to get a pair of canvas shoes from BucketFeet. The company has found a new innovative way to connects artists with consumers. They take a pair of ordinary canvas and create pieces of original art. Each graphic imprinted on the canvas is created […]
Before I even recovered from my 12-hour time change, I headed to a Japanese Cooking Class on my first day in Tokyo (because that’s what I do when I first arrive in a new country). After an intense walk through the crowded Tsukiji Fish Market, where “tuna fish” is more of a prized commodity than food, I arrived […]
Himeshima meaning “Princess Island” is a village island located in Ōita Prefecture of southwest Japan. The sleepy little town of 7 kms is easily accessible by Imi Port. From here you can get nice views of Kyushu, Honshu and Shikoku mountains, where we had been trekking for the past few days. The island has its own laws, […]
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style hotel or inn, with its own customs that guests must follow. These are mostly found in the countryside or small towns all over Japan. If you choose to stay at a ryokan, which may be your only choice of lodging in some locations, then you need to know few things […]
This is a romantic “boy meets girl, moves to an island and starts their own enterprise” story. South African, Charlene Bosch met Italian, Gabriele Tixi aboard Queen Mary 2, where they both were working at the time. They feel in love, got married, decided to quit living at sea, and moved to Bonaire in February 2011. Charlene always […]
On my Huffington Post article Say Goodbye to Jet Lags With These Easy Tips, I had briefly listed what I pack on the plane with me. Recently I discovered a few new products to add to my carry-on, especially on those transcontinental flights. Never see me without these three essential on board! Red Eye Hoodie […]
Gone are the days of plastic ponchos and ugly gumboots! Companies have taken note and are making some stylish rain boots these days! It’s a great thing really. Two of my new favorite items will make you look fashionable in rain, especially if they’re paired with some affordable and on-trend Gucci Replicas. These all make […]
