When the Belize Tourst Board offered me a press trip to Belize. I jumped at the opportunity. When they told me that upon arrival I would be whisked off to the Belize Zoo, I was skeptical if this first stop would be worth a visit. My feeling is that zoos are mostly depressing places. I figured that there would be imported Lions, Tigers, and Giraffes. I could not have been more wrong.…

Being a native San Franciscan makes me somewhat of an expert on the events, the people, and the pulse of one of the most traveled cities on the planet. In the month of June, in the “City By The Bay,” marks the beginning of what I call “Street Fair Season.” Almost every week in June in San Francisco neighborhoods celebrate the arrival of summer with blocked off streets, arts and crafts, and just about every imaginable type of  succulent street food. Get your groove on at these “San Fran”…

Often perceived as a remote holiday destination, World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is surprisingly only three hours drive from Darwin. Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and contains one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world, some dating back 50,000 years; the most famous examples at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr.

Whether you take a guided tour or self drive out to Kakadu, all key visiting spots are manned with local tour guides…

Many travelers traverse the planet in search of unique adventures, places to eat, and the out of the ordinary places to stay. One adventure, only a lucky few will ever get a chance to experience is to stay at a hotel made of ice, Every winter in Sweden, Norway, and in Quebec, Canada you can go to sleep on a bed made of ice. But you better get there fast before the snow melts your hotel away and you have to wait 9 months, as Ice Hotels are open for business for around three months. Hotels…

Winery sign post , Old Redwood Highway , Road to Healdsburg

Just a short drive from San Francisco from and you've entered a new world. In fact, drive 45 minutes north, over the Golden Gate Bridge, and you'll be in Sonoma County. Not sure if I've traveled across the Atlantic and landed in Tuscany. No, but Sonoma Counties wine country, rivals any in the…

Welcome to the Ibo experience. The mystery, the magic, the culture and beauty of Ibo Island beckons. Nominated for World Heritage status, and the head quarters of the Quirimbas National Park, Ibo has been described as one of the most unique and atmospheric islands in the world.

Built with the community, today either directly or indirectly, Ibo Island Lodge benefits a large part of Ibo's population. Here your visit really does make a difference. Beach excursions, guided cultural and…

Placed in colonial Fort Cochin, the historical part of present day Kochi, the backwaters and the plantation hills, each of the Malabar escapes gives you a distinct experience & flavourwe pamper all your senses with our signatory blend of art, hospitality and fine dining

Our hotels showcase the best of our contemporary and traditional South Indian art, culture & heritage

Our restaurants offer you our acclaimed gourmet cuisine, a culinary dialogue between Mediterranean…

This two-floor bar-lounge has a wooden and brick ground floor lounge with a  circular cocktail bar, DJ and reversible daybeds. Further up a spiral case on  its terrace, you get unsurpassed views of the Bund (the hotel is a five-minute  walk from this waterfront area in central Shanghai) and Pudong. A marble Jacuzzi  is surrounded by daybeds and armchairs, and these all fill up early in the  evening (including the Jacuzzi). The result is a go-to chic drinking  establishment for the expat…

I’ve been lucky to spend my time in three cities, San Francisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Los Angeles. One of my favorite things on earth is a hot pastrami or corned beef sandwich from Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles. Canter’s Deli is the closest thing to a true New York Deli on the West Coast. breakfast, lunch, and dinner all served 24 hours a day. Beef brisket, Canter’s reuben, lox, gefilte fish, roast turkey, burgers, tuna melts, and more.  Try Canter's bakery as well. I’ll bike miles…

Just the word Jordan captivates the mind and soul. An open and welcoming nation allowing the traveler to experience both culture and adventure, combined with the vibrant capital of Amman. No matter what your passion is, you will find it in the Kingdom of Jordan. Afwan! A warm welcome to Jordan.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,…

In this 37 square mile area, you will be amazed by the breathtaking landscape, fluttering butterflies, blue turquoise waters, beautiful white sand beaches, delicious food, delightful Duty Free and Tax Free shopping, glorious Caribbean sunshine during the day, and a vibrant nightlife at night... St. Maarten/St. Martin offers a broad array of entertainment for everybody, from families to honeymooners.

During the evenings, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of tropical…

Getaway at the Claremont Resort & Spa

Sometimes, we all need an escape from the big city. Cross the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and enter another world. The home of the University of California at Berkeley is more than just a college town. For a perfect getaway head to the Claremont Resort and Spa in the Berkeley Hills, but actually situated in…

Think you’re in Dubai, not this time. You’ve entered a land that only can be called “so Japanese.” Who else, outside of the United Arab Emirates,  could create the world’s largest indoor beach, complete with surf and even a man-made volcano that erupts in fake flames. Why the Japanese, of course. Travel a mere 1200 miles south of Tokyo, on the island of Kyushu, and you’ll hit it. Yes in Miyazaki, Japan there lies an amazingly beautiful beach, where you can…

A luxury cruise down the Amazon River in Peru gives you a feeling of being completely transported to a new natural world. Every day of your Peruvian luxury cruise experience will be packed with new discoveries as you explore remote places along the Amazon by water and on foot, spot unusual wildlife, and meet with local native people. We know the ideal way to experience Peru’s Amazon is by water, traveling in comfort, deep into the Amazon rainforest and jungle.

We offer three, four and…

There can be few natural wonders as synonymous with Africa's raw wilderness as the great Chobe River. These waters divide Namibia's Caprivi Strip from Botswana's Chobe National Park, and its exotic banks boast one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Teeming with life, this National Park sprawls across some 11 000 m of lush African bush, and is home to the largest populace of elephants in the world – currently estimated at roughly 120 000. Along with the…

Photo by Nick Kontis

We San Franciscans are blessed breed. On any given winter day one can ski and surf on the same day, which I have actually done before. We are blessed with many wonderful activities with amazing scenery, from the beaches of the California coast to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe and Death Valley.  One place locals and visitors alike flock to…

Bay to Breakers is the Mardi Gras of the West Coast.

Kegs of beer in shopping carts being pushed for seven miles.

Tiki bars on wheels.

Themed “floats” such as pirate ships, prisoners, outdoor BBQs and beer pong tables.

Bands playing on street corners.

Continuous block parties.

And all part of an organized event.

Some 75,000 people…

Kennebunport is the summer home of former president George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbabar Bush, as the Bush their children, including former president, George W. Bush.

The Bush compound (originally Point Vesuvius, then Walker’s Point), is the summer home of 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush. Located adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean in southern Maine, near the town of Kennebunkport, the property has been a family…