Visit Duba Explorers Camp: One of the best in the Okavango Delta

The fire pit on the main deck overlooking the bush - Duba Explorers Camp Okavango Delta, Botswana-978201

It’s mid-morning, and I’m crossing the long, raised boardwalk leading to the island, my excitement building with each plank left behind. I’ve come to Duba Explorers Camp in Botswana, part of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio, one of the best camps in the Okavango Delta, and one of my first stops on an eight-day safari. […]

A Helpful Guide to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx

Orchid in New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx = NYBG_Orchid_Singapore-900B146820190308

I love Manhattan, but when I need a break from the concrete canyons I head to the Bronx and the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). One of the country’s most beautiful historic landmarks, the garden is filled with lush flora, intriguing exhibits, and exciting family-friendly programs and activities. The botanical garden in NYC’s Bronx is […]

Holland America’s Alaska Cruise Land and Sea

View of the Eurodam from the Westerdam

I was about to embark on the second half of my Holland America Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Adventure—the “sea” portion of my journey––and I all I could do was gape at the 10-deck Westerdam rising above the Seward pier. In the cruise industry, the Westerdam is considered a mid-sized vessel and carries a maximum […]

Swimming With Whale Sharks in Mexico (Video)

Whale shark under a wave

The idea of swimming with whale sharks made me nervous. I wanted to, a lot, but I couldn’t forget my bizarre reaction to a spinner dolphin in Costa Rica a few years ago. I was afraid I’d humiliate myself again. At the time, I’d been completely and utterly irrational. I was in the water near […]

How to See the Big 5 in Kenya and So Much More

Two elephants -

The Big 5 in Kenya has drawn animal and photography lovers for decades. I’ve been to the country four times on safari and loved every minute of it, but on my most recent trip, I explored facets of the country’s culture and wildlife I’d never experienced before. Over 5 days, I spent time in Nairobi, […]

How to Plan An Amazing Kenya Wildlife Safari

Giraffe silhouette in front of rising sun - Kenya Wildlife Safari_-201

You’ve been dreaming about going to Kenya wildlife safari. Good choice. There’s no better time to go. Kenya Airways now has a direct flight from New York to Nairobi, which means the usual 22-hour journey, including a layover, is now a 14-hour direct flight. Trust me, even though it’s still a long-haul it’s so much better than going […]

Finding Comfort and Camaraderie on a Maine Windjammer Cruise

View from the bow of the J & E Riggin Windjammer Cruise in Maine. -Windjammer cruise in Maine-715620180706

Except for the gentle lapping of water against the hull, all is quiet and I am as content as I could ever hope to be. I’ve spent the afternoon dining on lobster with new friends, on a deserted beach no less, and now we’re being treated to a beautiful sunset. Susan Land, another guest — […]

Review: Kenya Airways’ Direct Flight to Nairobi From JFK

The Windows on the inaugural flight of Kenya Airways JFK to Nairobi

When traveling to long-distance dream destinations, the time you spend getting there is often a nightmare. Anything that cuts down on transit time is worth its weight in gold. I’m not one to write about specific flights or airlines per se, but as a self-confessed safari addict, Kenya Airways’ (KQ) direct flight from New York’s […]

Global Entry: The Best Travel Investment You’ll Ever Make

Global Entry Kiosks

If you’re an international traveler and don’t have Global Entry (hence, a Known Traveler Number, you’re making travel way too hard. My membership is one of the best investments I’ve made…..ever. Does this sound familiar? A few years back, I flew 20+ hours from Asia. There were over 300 people who deplaned from my flight […]