I never consciously thought about what I've accumulated from my travels over the years or how my souvenir style has evolved over time until I read a recent NYT article and blog post regarding souvenirs (links below). I used to be an avid collector of shot glasses,...
Travel Well
Travel Tip #2: If traveling to London, arrange for a private pre-booked taxi, instead of getting a black cab at the airport.
London is expensive. There is absolutely no doubt about that. But there are certain ways to save money, such as arranging a pre-hired taxi beforehand, instead of using a black cab at the airport. The first few times, not knowing the difference between the two, I ended...
5 Facts About Thanksgiving (USA)
Though the first Thanksgiving is commonly believed to have been celebrated by the Pilgrims in the 17th century, the holiday is still entangled in endless myths and legends. In the United States, Thanksgiving has evolved into a secular holiday that is associated with...
The Best Hamburger in California…
is waiting for you at In-N-Out, a delicious, amazing, fabulous, regional fast food chain that is the pride of the West Coast, particularly California, and that often leaves tourists or East Coasters pining for more. A bold statement, I'm fully aware, but it's the one...
Travel Tip #1: Let your credit card company know that you’re traveling, especially if you’re going overseas.
I have had endless issues abroad with my credit card companies in the U.S. If I don't let them know beforehand that I'm traveling, they always end up putting a block on my card, thinking it's transactional fraud. While I appreciate the high level of security, it's a...
Berlin: 3 Favorite Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Berlin are simply magical, and really the only reason to visit during the bitingly cold winter months. Starting in early November, the city shines in all its festive glory, transforming pockets into quaint, romantic, and...
[Infographic] Another Reality for Women in Developing Countries
Yet another reason to be thankful for what we have. Just something to think about...
The Best Macarons in Paris…
can be found at the original 1862 Ladurée bakery, located on Rue Royale. Famed as the creator of the double-decker macaron, Ladurée not only offers the elegant dessert in a rainbow assortment of flavors, but it also holds as one of the oldest tearooms in Paris,...
November 13, 2012 :: Diwali in India
What: Diwali, or Deepavali literally means "festival of lights." It is the biggest celebrated holiday for Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. It's a 5-day festival that usually falls during October/November, marking autumn as the festive season. Modern practice has been...
Photo Essay: California’s Chocolates Through the Lens
America may not be known for churning out the finest in chocolate, but it still has its share of chocolatiers and artisan brands that are worth exploring. And two of those brands hail from California! That's a proud moment for this native Californian. 🙂 If you're in...
Palaces, Vineyards, and Beaches: Day Trips from Lisbon
From palaces to fishing villages to beaches to vineyards, the neighboring countryside of Lisbon can satisfy any palate. Within just an hour or two, you can experience completely different worlds. This is after you’ve exhausted the star attraction, Lisbon, of course....
TGIF! Playlist: Friday, You’re Music to My Ears…
Oh, Friday. You're the peanut butter to my jelly. You're the frosting to my cake. You're the text to my book. You're the mac to my cheese. You're the sugar to my spice. Dear Friday, I hope I've made it clear how much I love you. In your honor, I've put together a...