Growing up in India, I was fascinated by fireflies wandering around my backyard on warm summer nights. Over time though, I have seen fewer and fewer fireflies, not just back home, but even in the U.S. Many of my friends agree that they don’t get to see as many fireflies now that they used to. […]

Have you heard of Cabo and Cancun, but don’t care for the 20-something party scene? Here’s an alternate beach destination for you in Mexico that offers character, luxury and nature. With a number of upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and a new airlift into Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is positioning itself as a new capital of […]

Instead of confetti and candy, why not fill your Easter baskets with these colorful locally-produced culinary gifts? I have picked a few unique foods and kitchen accessories that will remind you of bright spring colors and will come in handy even after the holiday is over! Shop from the small companies that produce them, and […]

Savannah is a charming historic town on the coast of Georgia. Though it’s located only 4 hours drive from Atlanta, many big city dwellers have never been there. In the recent years, Savannah has attracted lots of students, retirees, investors and entrepreneurs. As a result, there are more restored buildings, trendy hotels, and chef driven […]

Here are some of the best national parks in the USA that I visited during the pandemic. I have included some tips on how best to avoid crowds, be safe and have a memorable experience. One good thing that came out of 2020 was a desire to get outdoors, and having all the time in […]

Many of us are pursuing more nature, activity and adventure during our travels. This year, most of my travels have revolved around visiting America’s National Parks. And while doing so, I discovered Red Mountain Resort catering to those looking for an active getaway. Nestled in Southwestern Utah’s red rock bluffs, Red Mountain Resort is a […]

It’s been months since I stepped inside the mall! With ongoing lockdowns, online shopping has become second nature. Now that its time to shop for the holidays, most of you would look to your web browser for ideas. So, how about helping each other out by giving meaningful gifts that also give back? One thing […]

In March 2020, I was scheduled on a Mekong River cruise to Vietnam and Cambodia with AmaWaterways. I had booked my cabins, received my visas, and cleared my calendar. Then the world shut down. Countries closed their borders and cruise ships came to a halt. Eight months later, I still have no idea when my […]

Travel is the best teacher there is. This saying is used in many different contexts. When we travel, we step back in history, discover a new culture, try different foods, but most of all, encounter all kinds of people. Through my travels, I have realized that there is goodness in everyone, no matter how different […]

Do you have a love and hate relationship with chocolate? You love the sweet indulgent taste of chocolate. It is satisfying in the moment. However, you’re allergic to sugar and dairy. Or do you feel the candy you eat is too addictive and doesn’t help you with your diet goals? Now, there’s good news! Whether […]

I have always been a proponent of exploring cities by walking. By taking guided walking tours with locals, you get to see many of the hidden sights, hear about the cities’ secrets, and learn about the non-touristy places to eat at. When was the last time you walked around a new place without a map, […]

Here’s your Los Cabos travel guide. I took my first international trip in September 2020 since the COVID-19 lockdown. It was to Mexico – one of only few countries that is currently allowing US citizens to travel for tourism. I had never been to Los Cabos before and was curious to learn about where to […]

Large gatherings have seem to become a thing of the past. Most conferences, festivals, events and weddings are now cancelled, as the pandemic looms. It was surprising then, to discover that the city of Columbia, South Carolina held a socially distanced Food and Wine Festival in August 2020. “We decided to host the festival despite […]

If you want a luxurious and sustainable experience on your Midwest wilderness vacation, head to Jackson Hole. With the recent travel restrictions, it seems that everyone is returning toward a 60’s style travel format. Before, families use to do more road trips, visit the national parks, spend time outdoors, set up camps and rented cabins. […]

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) comprise of 3 main islands – St Thomas, St John and St Croix. I traveled to St Thomas and St John in July 2020 for an extended weekend getaway. The islands are hit hard from the pandemic, and from its economic impact. Many of the businesses I spoke to […]

If you are still searching for moments of excitement and discovery but in socially distant destinations much closer to home, plan a vacation in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are an archipelago of 1700 tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of mainland Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of […]

In the USA, there are approximately 941,000 individuals employed as chefs. How many of these chefs can you name off the top of your head? You may have heard of famous figures like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Wolfgang Puck. However, can you name any celebrity African-American chefs?  Even though every one out of five […]

Coming from a family of at-home gardeners, we have always planted a summer garden. Typically, we grow herbs and vegetables such as basil, sage, tomatoes, and of course, cucumbers.  Every summer, we plant cucumbers so we can make our family’s favorite – refrigerator pickles. Never heard of refrigerator pickles before? Essentially, they are homemade bread […]

When you are planning a trip abroad with sustainability in mind, it can sometimes be complex and hard to execute. You may think of options like a  group trip, head to a particular destination you think is more sustainable, or look for ways to make a positive impact when you arrive. Thankfully, some travel organizations, […]

Like many others, I filled my quarantine time with baking goodies, making ice cream, and binge-watching all my streaming subscriptions. However, with school starting in a month, I’ve decided it’s finally time for me to start working out and eating healthy again. Luckily for me, summer is the best time to explore new recipes because […]