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 […]
Alaska, Cruises, Destinations, Top Posts, United States, Wildlife Adventures
Holland America’s Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Adventure
01
Mar
Mar
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 […]
Cruises, Destinations, Mexico, North America, Travel Stories, Wildlife Adventures
How to Swim with Enormous Whale Sharks in Mexico (Video)
08
Feb
Feb
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 […]
Africa, Destinations, Kenya Safaris, Safari Tips, Safaris, Travel Tips, Wildlife Adventures
How to See the Big 5 in Kenya and So Much More
28
Jan
Jan
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, […]
Africa, Destinations, Kenya Safaris, Safari Tips, Safaris, Travel Tips, Wildlife Adventures
How to Plan An Amazing Kenya Wildlife Safari
06
Jan
Jan
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 […]
Cruises, Destinations, Maine, North America, Travel Stories, United States
Finding Comfort and Camaraderie on a Maine Windjammer Cruise
11
Dec
Dec
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 — […]
Africa, Destinations, Kenya Safaris, Safari Tips, Top Posts, Travel Tips
Kenya Airways Review: JFK to Nairobi Non-Stop
19
Nov
Nov
When traveling to long-distance dream destinations, 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 JFK airport to Nairobi, […]
Alaska, Cruises, Destinations, North America, United States, Wildlife Adventures
Dive Into The Unexpected – Try Snorkeling in Ketchikan, Alaska
01
Jul
Jul
I’m trying desperately to pull on a 7mm wetsuit but it’s clinging to me like a surgical glove. We’d been warned it would take some effort but it’s so absurdly difficult that the other women in the dressing room and I can’t stop laughing. I’m convinced there’s a hidden camera and we’re being filmed for […]
Cruises, Destinations, Peru, South America, Wildlife Adventures
This Amazon River Cruise Will Make You Yearn to be on the Water
05
Feb
Feb
He looked at us with a mischievous grin and then said it, the phrase we’d learn to finish for him. The phrase that Juan—one of two local naturalists on our Amazon River Cruise in Peru with International Expeditions’ —would say every time we began a new adventure. “My friends, you’re not going to like this … […]
Canada, Destinations, North America, Wildlife Adventures, Yukon
Don’t Miss Dog Sledding in Whitehorse Yukon
16
Jan
Jan
It was mid-morning when we arrived at Sky High Mountain Ranch for our dog-sledding adventure in Whitehorse Yukon about 20 minutes from downtown. A sea of magnificent pines bordered a large lake shining silver in the sunlight. Everything glistened topped with four inches of freshly fallen snow as if straight out of a fairytale. We […]