When I first traveled to Japan, I was ready. I knew all about the astronomical prices (yet still experienced mild sticker shock when I actually saw them with my own eyes on everything from menus to taxi meters to lipstick).  I learned the right way to get onto a subway. I practiced my business etiquette.  [...]

When I had heard that there were plans to open a new hotel in the shadows of Ground Zero I was intrigued. I mean it has been nearly nine years since the tragic events of 9/11 and barely anything has been built where the World Trade Center once stood. I was given a complimentary stay [...]

Just about an hour south of Basel and Zurich, and boasting absolutely jaw dropping mountain views, a charming old quarter and lake cruises, Luzern (spelled Lucerne in French and English and Lucerna in Italian) is one of Switzerland’s most  heavily visited small towns. However this destination is definitely not a typical “tourist trap” by any [...]

I love taking the train in India. I have many memories of watching India’s sun-baked landscape slide by, but here are my two favorite train ride stories. New Delhi to Jaisalmer My first clue was the difficulty I had in finding my bogey. Normally, India’s antiquated, seemingly chaotic train system always proves to have a [...]

Thought to be one of the most photographed castles in Ireland, Dunguaire Castle, located in the country’s fastest growing city of Galway, is a spectacular 16th century sight to see in person. Built in 1520 by the Hynes clan, the castle would later be transferred over in the 17th century to Oliver Martin, where it [...]

With it being 119 degrees outside every day since TBEX here in New York, I have been hiding inside my Brooklyn abode pumping the air conditioner 24/7 and enjoying many cold adult beverages. So with more time in front of the glow of my laptop’s screen, I have reading many blogs and stumbled upon a [...]

Off the northeastern coast of Scotland, within the chain of islands known as the Inner Hebrides, lies the legendary Isle of Skye. While popular for UK travelers, Skye is not always on the tourist route for non-British visitors, although it should be. The cliffs and mountains of Skye have been the stuff of legend for [...]

Chicago, Dublin, London, Montreal and New York. All great city names that really need no explanation. But from time to time when I am traveling, I will come across a city name that really stands out. I mean I grew up in a city called Rockaway. While I do not know the real origin of [...]

Low and slow is usually the way I walk down the street on a hot and humid summer day in New York. But it is also the best way to BBQ according to experts. Whether it is a pulled pork sandwich or a rack of meaty ribs, there really is nothing like pigging out in [...]

Now that summer is in full bloom, I’ve found myself enjoying some outdoor activities here in New York to escape the heat and boost my spirits. I find having picnics at parks and riding out to a waterfront are not only fun and cheap, but also make for great day trips. Hang Out at Parks [...]

I am back with another Travel Blog Rewind, which cuts through the clutter that can sometimes be the blogosphere. Below are a few travel blog posts that caught my eye recently. Enjoy them, stumble them, digg them and share them with your friends. Have an interesting blog article you think needs to be featured in [...]