As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural history and heritage. There’s a fun mix of Native American, Hispanic and Latino cultures blending together, to create a hip and vibrant city. For visitors, there is nature, history, architecture and good food. The city has also grown over the past […]
Not many people have heard of Nosara, a small village on the western coast of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. This quaint town is in the Blue Zone, which is one of the rare places in the world that supports longevity and good health. People who live in the Blue Zone often live over the age […]
Getting your tooth pulled or having oral surgery while on vacation is something that you may have not ever thought about. But with increased costs of quality healthcare, more Americans are traveling abroad for dental tourism. In the past few months, I needed some very expensive dental procedures, which sent me researching for the best […]
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. […]
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 […]
You may have heard of Napa Valley Wine Train or the upscale Sonoma Valley in California. But what if I told you that you can get a similar wine country and fine dining experience at a fraction of the price just south of the border? “Valle De Guadalupe” is an affordable upcoming wine valley of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Continuing from my last post on uplifting travel stories, here are a few more that will make you believe that people are good everywhere and restore your faith in humanity. Thank You For You! One of my first solo travels abroad was to Morocco. I spent three weeks volunteering at a women’s empowerment center in […]
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 […]
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 […]
If you are looking forward to seeing spectacular Fall colors, engaging in winter sports, or planning a family summer vacation, Colorado is an all seasons destination. This beautiful state is filled with mountains, valleys, rivers and plain fields that will do good for your body and soul. And after a great day of hiking, biking, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Comments and photos provided by the Refugee Center in upstate New York… The Heart of a Community Albany, New York is both the center of the capital region and home to a number of diverse communities. Organizations like the West Hill Refugee Welcome Center (RWC) work tirelessly to create opportunities for its members, as well […]
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 […]