For tourists, there’s one key difference between national parks and national monuments: there are generally far fewer visitors at national monuments than at “full-fledged” national parks. National monuments can be just as beautiful, offer just as many hiking and camping opportunities, and you still get in free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Actually, side […]
Chiricahua National Monument: A Perfect Day Hike Read More »
American tourists in particular fall into the trap of trying to do everything when they travel. It makes sense: after a long, expensive flight from home, you want to make the trip worthwhile. A one-week trip to Spain might include Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, and even another stop or two. Don’t do that. When you arrive
A Contrarian Plan for Visiting Barcelona and Skipping Spain Read More »
Last week, I booked and cancelled a flight to El Salvador a total of five times while I was deciding whether to go. In the end, I cancelled on my husband’s request. Although I honestly believe El Salvador is a safe place to visit if you take proper precautions, Mike’s nervousness got the best of me. Not because
My husband is the one who convinced me to go to Macau. It wasn’t that I wasn’t interested; it just seemed like on an already short trip, there was no reason to squeeze in a third city. And Macau would just be shopping and casinos anyway. That was my first Macau mistake and probably one
When I travel, I try to fully maximize my time at my destination. As a mathematician, I refer to this as optimization. As a traveler, I refer to this as waking up in the middle of the night to make a 5 a.m. flight so you can land in time to explore the city all
All over the country, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture has become a part of Independence Day celebrations. I’m not sure how exactly it became a staple of the Fourth of July, but Richmond, VA might be the only place in the world where it’s performed as intended when it was written: with real artillery and carillon bells. Fewer than
Why the Fourth of July is My Favorite Time in Richmond Read More »
The Great Wall is the most recognizable site in Asia and hiking the Great Wall of China is an iconic experience. I had to do it, but I didn’t consider its history until I was in China. “Construction on the wall began in the seventh century B.C. It spread more than 21,000 kilometers over almost 2500 years of
Hiking the Great Wall of China from Jiankou to Mutianyu Read More »
Every city has its vices, but in Hong Kong, that’s part of what makes a visit so enjoyable. We gave in — to all seven — and I don’t regret a thing. If you’re going to Hong Kong, here’s what you’re in store for. Gluttony From cheap eats to three-star Michelin fine dining, Hong Kong
With eleven Finger Lakes to choose from, there’s no way I could single one out as my favorite. I grew up closest to Canandaigua Lake, always loved Cayuga Lake and Ithaca, and Seneca Lake holds a special spot in my heart. But Keuka Lake is the one I’ve spent the most time at. We have
When my sister invited me to New York City to celebrate her birthday, I knew I had to plan something special. For a girls’ getaway there are really only two options: spa treatments or desserts. And since it was a birthday, cake of some sort needed to be on the agenda. There’s never a bad way
The SoHo Sweeties and a Quest to Devour New York Read More »
