Why the Zipline at Hunter Mountain is one of the Best in North America

View from the 1st Hunter Mountain Zipline

One of the most memorable experiences you’ll ever have is one that frightens you at first and then ends up being tons of fun. Such was the case with the SkyRider, the zipline at Hunter Mountain in New York’s Northern Catskills, the fastest, highest and longest zipline in North America. I hate the sensation of […]

What It’s Really Like on a Safari Game Drive

Lion stretching in at tree in the Masai Mara, Kenya, The Insatiable Traveler

If you’ve never been on a safari, chances are you’re not really sure what takes place a game drive is like. Sure, you know you go out into the wild looking for animals, but there’s no way to say exactly what happens, mainly because it’s never the same. And THAT’S what makes the experience so […]

The Ultimate Downloadable Safari Packing List

Duffel bag - Safari Packing List

What to wear on safari requires thought. Some colors are betters than others, there are seasonal considerations, and you have to keep things minimal because of luggage restrictions and weight limits on domestic flights into the bush. Below I’ll explain the nuances, and when you’re done, be sure to download my safari packing list detailing […]

Photography Workshop or Tour: Which is Right for You?

Learn the difference between workshops and tours; what to expect, and how to find a photography workshop or tour that's right for you.

One of the best ways to improve your photography is to take a workshop with a pro. But workshops cost money, require commitment, and only provide value if you’re serious about learning. Is a Photography Workshop Right For You? Let’s start with a little Q & A to provide some context. What is a photography […]

Cruise the Sea of Cortez on This Great Small Boat Adventure

Sarah, our guide, snorkeling up toward the surface

“Here they come!” Racing toward us was a huge pod of dolphins eager to play in the cruise ship’s bow waves, their dorsal fins slicing through the Sea of Cortez like hot knives through butter. Propelled by the swell, they weave in and around each other with the deftness of a con man’s shell game. […]

Savor a Luxury Botswana Safari at Selinda Explorers Camp

A lion peeking through some leaves

There are moments when the stars align and everything comes together and this is one of them. Above us, lounging in the crook of a sprawling jackalberry tree, an adult female leopard is bathed in golden light and to my delight, she knows how to work the camera. I can tell, it’s going to be […]

Celebrating the NYC Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival

No one would ever mistake Manhattan for being a touchy-feely city. People mostly keep to themselves and the pace can make even the most type – A personality long for a breath. But now and then a holiday comes along and the city softens. Crowds brim with laughter and smiles and the only goal is […]

A Guide to Philadelphia’s Abandoned Prison: Eastern State Penitentiary

‘s Forget Alcatraz, Al Capone Was Here First If you’re like me, fascinated by the criminal mind, fading ruins, and history in its most infamous, Philadelphia’s once abandoned prison Eastern State Penitentiary will make your day. It was Al Capone’s one-time residence and an icon of the world’s early penal system. You may recognize its […]

Marlon du Toit: Life on Safari Leads To A Career In Wildlife Photography

Marlon du Toit, wildlife photographer in Timbavati, SA

On a trip to Africa, my mission was two-fold: I needed to escape my A.D.D., a necessary evil if you want a career in Manhattan (Africa, I found, is one of the few places on earth I can truly relax and be present), and to improve my wildlife photography skills. I have a seemingly infinite […]

Swim with Sea Lions in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez

Sea Lions swimming near Isla Espiritu Santos?

As the sea lions swim past me––banking, rolling, diving, zooming around in loop de loops like Hotwheels on a track––I am sure of one thing, even if this UnCruise adventure sucked (which it doesn’t), the trip would be worth it for this one hour. The Island of Los Islotes We are at the base of […]