Is an African Wildlife Safari Right for You?

An elephant holding a branch in his trunk standing in front of the vehicle where the camera is in Namibia

Who doesn’t want to go on a trip of a lifetime? The question is, what does that mean to you? If you’re looking for a spectacular, otherworldly nature and wildlife experience, then an African safari will be a perfect fit. My first safari was in South Africa, but over the years I’ve safaried in Namibia, […]

Packing List for Cold Weather Activities

Susan Portnoy dressed in a parkaSeal River Heritage Lodge-Manitoba -Winter Packing List for Cold Weather Adventures

It’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve traveled in really frigid climates but. Visits .to northern Manitoba where the polar bears roam and mushing in the Yukon quickly taught me the value of a good winter packing list whenever taking a cold-weather vacation. Below, I’ve put together a list of essential clothing categories […]

Use This Pre-Trip Checklist for Stressfree Travel

Stree- Free Travel Image

Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” It’s doubly true if you desire stress-free travel. It’s the little things you do beforehand that make all the difference on your journey. While I can’t guarantee you won’t hit bumps along the way if you follow this pre-travel checklist you’ll […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Inspirational Images and Tales From Years of Life-Changing Travel

Expired Passport_10 years of world travel

It was as if I was saying goodbye to a dear friend. I plopped my expired passport–the one that has traveled with me on all my adventures over the last 10 years—into the waiting envelope.  The time had come for me to give up my faithful, dog-eared companion. It was the end of an era; […]