Start by driving up the NY thruway to Exit 18 – New Paltz, stop for breakfast in this quaint college town, pack a picnic lunch and head up to the…

It appears that my last post Professional Photo Tips for Travelers started some discussion on the use and types of

tripods. So for those unfamiliar with this three-legged companion I offer the following:

Tripods are used to steady a camera for a variety of reasons:

1)  Allowing for slower shutter speeds without blurring stationary objects

1. Low light
2. Night…

Nothing throws a wet blanket on a vacation faster than dropping your phone or camera into the water.

You hear the dreaded “Ker plop” as you lean over a railing to get a better view, or you step out of taxi into a rain puddle, or worst- positioned over a toilet bowl. Whenever or however it occurs, it dampens your spirits immediately.  Your…

St. Augustine’s distinction as oldest U.S. city combined with an extensive heritage featuring Ponce de Leon‘s quest for perpetual youth just happens to closely parallel Greece’s reverence of top quality olive oil. Ancient Greeks believed that olive oil, particularly when infused with flowers…

There are many great cities in the world either on or near rivers. During my lifetime of travel, I have had the pleasure to visit the many picturesque cities situated on winding rivers. Here are my favorite cities to visit on a River. The cities and the rivers that define them. Because these rivers lends charm, ambiance and culture, and provide the rhythm and soul to these ten out of this world cities.

 …

Consider the following:

>> Small companies operate the majority of business aircraft. Most companies with business aircraft have fewer than 500 employees.

>> Business aircraft users have a major presence in the business world. On average 92% are amongst the most innovative

>> Charter operators and general aviation serve over 5,000 airports in the USA. Commercial carriers serve about 400 which number is…

by Maryann Virack

I love the ocean. Growing up in NJ, my parents had a summer home on Long Beach Island and every summer, weekend, and holiday was spent at “the shore”. With dad in California again for the summer, I am always looking for new destinations. This year we decided on an adventure to the mountains – a far cry from the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.

Lake Arrowhead, at 5100’, is within an hour’s drive; (90 miles east of Los Angeles) but I had always thought of…

Manuel Antonio is cataloged as one of the main tourist destinations in Costa Rica. One of the most usual itineraries chosen by tourists is the Arenal-Monteverde-Manuel Antonio, having this last one as the perfect choice for their beach part of the trip.

This popularity has been gained thanks to the number of elements composing this very favorite…

There came a point when the routine of my life began to annoy me. Don’t get me wrong. It was a lovely routine that involved the blessings of children, but with that came dishes and shopping carts and lots of time in a car. I understood the need and comfort of it all and even thanked God for it, usually on Sundays at ten o’clock.

I began to regard this ordered…

The news about the apparent end of the 42-year regime of Col. Mummar Qaddafi has me remembering about the last time I visited Libya.  Actually, it was the only time I visited Libya, just before he led the military coup led that deposed the ruling family of King Idris.

My trip to Libya included visiting the incredible Roman ruins at Leptis Magna (pictured…

The smallest national park in Costa Rica has something big to brag about: it was just named in the top 10 national parks in the world Forbes Magazine.  Manuel Antonio is a pristine rainforest park and includes five secluded beaches.  During a visit, you…

The Hottest Party in Spain.

Fires are burning all over Valencia. I cannot glimpse an intersection that is not ablaze. 

Bombaderos , firemen dressed in black turnout, stand by just waiting with tanker…

by Maryann Virack         

My dad’s summer visits to California have often forced us to join in the “traipse of the tourists” visiting every theme park and attraction, including casinos, within driving distance.  Some have been extraordinary adventures; others much more ordinary. This year I opted for culture and a very different kind of destination. The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach runs for one month in the summer…

 Bear Hole, The Beauty of Upper Bidwell Park

Chico, California just cannot rid…

I've only begun to travel alone in the last few years. Major changes in the autumn of my life have forced me, not unwillingly, to embrace my independence. Once I wrote about family travel destinations and unique ways to save money and have a great time with your children. Now I find myself addressing the 'Baby Boomers". Just so you know I have decided to be a "Bloomer" not a Boomer! I feel as if my life has just begun to blossom. 

Life cannot get any better than spending a week in…

Hello everybody!!

Today I'm very excited because we are not so far from on of the most emotional and exceptional events of the year that we are going to live tomorrow in the afternoon at five p.m., the GIostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracens).

By the way, last Sunday morning I was walking across the historic street ot our city center, I have been admired some beautiful medieval…

I am not Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern or Tony Bourdain. I am Jersey.  I am a Baby Bloomer…64 years old, divorced, still teaching and just starting to blossom.

                In the last few years, I have gone sky-diving, zip lining, swimming in Mexican ceynotes, snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking, off-roading, swimming with dolphins and drinking Hurricanes on Bourbon Street. All for the very first time…and all alone!!!!

                I do not eat cow eyeballs or testicles, I…