Remember Leonardo DiCaprio in that late-'90s flick The Beach? You’re in luck, because The Beach is not only more realistic than you thought, but more accessible and more affordable than you’d imagine. Here’s where to …
Go Abroad!
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Caffetteria Italia, Rome, Italy
Chill out at Caffetteria Italia, to the east of the massive Victor Emanuel Monument in Rome’s busy Piazza Venezia. Just walk behind Palazzo Nuovo on top of the Campidoglio, southeast of the monument. It's a …
August 20, 2009
Egypt (Cairo, Giza, Luxor)
Camels, pyramids and mummies, oh my! This ancient civilization features some of the most famous attractions in the world. Consider these tips from my itinerary and you’ll be walking like an Egyptian in no time. …
August 16, 2009
Osaka-jō, Osaka, Japan
Osaka Castle (or Osaka-jō) has a long, interesting history, and what remains of it is a feudal reminder sitting proudly in the middle of a modern Japanese city. The charming park surrounding the main tower …
Sri Lanka: The Prosperous Island
What’s in a name, you ask? Well, quite a bit with Sri Lanka. In the Sanskrit language, Sri Lanka translates roughly to “prosperous island.” This island nation, the size of West Virginia, offers over a …
Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy
Grosseto, in the Maremma area of Tuscany, dates back to the 7th-century B.C. Etruscans, the “first great people of Italy.” Local attractions include remains of two important Etruscan cities, Roselle and Vetulonia. Massa Marittima (51 …
August 6, 2009
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos, the islands that inspired Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, are a tropical mecca of unique wildlife. My journey there was unforgettable; here are some tips on how you can …
August 6, 2009
Breathtaking Santorini, Greece
Greece without Santorini is like a Greek salad without Kalamata olives – it just doesn’t taste the same. Santorini’s awe-inspiring Caldera, a sea-filled crater, and its vineyards and unbeatable nightlife make it a popular vacation …
Pico Island, Azores
Looking for a unique vacation? Visit the island of Pico, the second-largest and one of the most beautiful of the Azores’s nine islands. Whether you hike, bike or drive, be sure to explore the lush …
August 3, 2009
Essential Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a bustling, balmy city that stretches along both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Thailand’s capital has much to offer; here are some recommendations on what not to miss (and what to avoid): …
July 29, 2009
Myung Dong Eating Paradise, Seoul, Korea
The ultra-urban city of Seoul is best experienced gastronomically. One first realizes this while stepping off the jetway and catching a whiff of the unmistakable aroma of Seoul – a sort of kimchi-and-spices medley. Seoul …
July 25, 2009
Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan
In Japan, there are three major urban Chinatowns: in Kobe, Nagasaki and Yokohama. For travelers staying in Tokyo, the Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai) is the most accessible. You can check out the festively lit Chinatown …
July 25, 2009
Yamazaki Distillery, Yamazaki, Japan
Nothing beats a fine dram after a hard day. The Japanese are aware of this too, and have more than a few of their own oak-soaked nectars worth mentioning. Japanese beverage giant Suntory has been …
July 24, 2009
The Acropolis, Athens, Greece
For about $37 a night, you can stay next to the historic Plaka district. The clean, Australian-owned, air-conditioned Athens Backpackers hostel offers free breakfast, communal kitchen, free coffee all day, laundromat, WiFi, movies and tours. …
July 21, 2009
Hofbräuhaus, Munich
No visit to Munich, Germany would be complete without a visit to Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. Dissatisfied with the quality of beer being brewed in Munich, Duke Wilhelm V established …
July 21, 2009