http://http://www.examiner.com/article/nyc-s-central-park-has-something-for-everyone-1

There is something to tickle the fancy of everyone in New York City’s Central Park. Visit Belvedere Castle. It was…

Five cardinal rules of travel

When traveling, especially with one or more people, there are certain rules that one should keep in mind.  It makes travel easier and causes less angst.

1. Stay together.  This is especially true when boarding a mode of transportation.  Nothing is worse than having the train or subway pull out of…

Malta is a group of islands in the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa. Its location means that it has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including the Roman, Moors, French, and British. When John and I visit a location for a week or more, we like to mix up our stays. While…

Myanmar (aka Burma) is changing fast and is now one of the "gotta-visit" places before it is too late.  Tourism is now booming and things are changing fast.  One are that is still of the radar of most tourist is the Irrawaddy Delta. Only Pandaw cruises can provide a comprehensive tour of the area.…

Is Executive Club level worth it? It depends. The first thing to do if you are considering it is to join the hotel’s customer loyalty program.  There are certain benefits such as free internet, preferred check-in, late check-out and often “member-only” rates.  One of the very best Executive Club Levels I have had the pleasure to enjoyed have been at the Pan Pacific’s Pacific Club and Park Royal’s Orchid Club. Their Executive Club level is well worth it extra…

The luxury river cruise line, Pandaw, now offers travelers the best way to explore Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. Named for the river it plies the newly refitted vessel joins the Pandaw family in February 2017. Borneo is the next big thing for Pandaw aficionados. In fact, nearly all 2017 Borneo cruises are fully booked, completely with Pandaw regulars.

Explore deep into the heart of Borneo on a river expedition on the Kapuas River system, the largest in Borneo…

Exploring the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar

Tourists are visiting Myanmar in greater numbers each year but few visit the southern part of the country.  The Mergui Archipelago with its 800 islands is one of those areas that remain almost totally unvisited by foreigners. Though now some live-a-board dive boats and yachts venture with special permission into the southern islands from their bases in Thailand, the bulk of the archipelago has remained unvisited since colonial times. During…

Pandaw River Expeditions has become the first Western operator to reach China’s Yunnan Province via the Mekong River, when the RV Champa Pandaw moored yesterday at Guanlei.

The Champa Pandaw, which has 14…

Looking for something different to do during the holiday season? Get away from the tinsel, stress and routine of the traditional Christmas, and seek out the company of like-minded travelers in the breath-taking surroundings of the great river valleys of Burma. Single travelers, couples, friends and relations will love the special - but Santa-free - on board atmosphere of Pandaw’s holiday season expeditions, though all…

What you should know about Pandaw cruises. The RV Mekong Pandaw was designed especially for the Mekong. The most spacious ship in the Pandaw fleet, she has a 750 square metre teak deck equipped with a full size billiard table, wider promenades, a larger dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat. Refitted in 2013, she is equipped with a professional spa, gym, small cinema, library and lounge.

Pandaw founder Paul Strachan has…

There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. Pandaw's Classic Mekong's cruise passes from the vibrant French colonial port of…

Yes, it is a great deal for families.

Having fun at the beach.

Have you ever considered a vacation rental property?

HomeAway, AirBandB, FlipKey, and VRBO are some of the most popular sites for booking holiday rental properties.

It makes a perfect option when friends and…

Visitors to Hong Kong Island know about the iconic Victoria Peak and other tourist favorites, but here are three fun things to do when staying at downtown's 550-room Ibis Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan Hotel.

1. Take the tram for a step back in time and explore the bustling north corridor of…

When I was 10, on my first trip to NYC, my parents took me to Radio City Music Hall.

I was brought to tears when the organs came out the side…

Learn about the history of the Academy and what life is like for those who have the honor of attending. The tour starts in the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center where there are several interesting displays. The fee is $10.50 for adults, less $9.50 for seniors and…

Walking tours are wonderful especially if they have a specific topic and cover only a small area.  Thus it is with “Burgh Bits and Bites” tour of Pittsburgh’s Strip District.  At one time the Strip District, located along the Allegheny River, was home to many mills and factories that later became an area of wholesalers of…

Shanghai is an amazing city with more skyscrapers than New York City and many more being built. Also amazing is the luxurious The Peninsula Hotel. The Peninsula Hotels are considered some of the world’s best hotels. They have a program called The Academy whereby people can learn about the local culture and food. When it is scheduled guests can participate in private…

Summer is the time to take a road trip for a day or two.



There are so many places in New York State that it is impossible to…

Bánh Xèo With Prawns and Pork



½ (one-half) cup rice flour pancake mix

2 tsp turmeric powder

2 eggs

½ (one-half) tsp salt

2¼ cups water

1 cup coconut milk

3 stalks spring onion, diced

2 prawns, cooked and peeled (or 4 large shrimp)

2 oz cooked pork, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper as desired…

Xian was the start of the Silk Road and at one time the largest city in the world.  Today the city of eight million is booming, and still home home to the famous "Terracotta Warriors" and other great attractions. Here are its do-not-misses:.

1. The Terra Cotta Warriors: The sight of thousands of life-size terra…