Menu

Asia

Kyoto: Chasing cherry blossoms in the land where the sun did not rise

9567570f-4586-430e-be33-75fbca5da98b

I waited 45 years to see cherry blossoms again and when I came to Japan last month I was greeted with the worst spring weather the country’s seen in 10 years. However, I found three places in beautiful Kyoto where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It was the highlight of Japan’s most star-crossed city, one battling for balance in the world of tourism.

More

Japan’s bullet train puts travel in the fast (200 mph) lane

Japan’s bullet train puts travel in the fast (200 mph) lane

One incentive to spending my birthday last week in Japan was riding its famed bullet train. Called the Shinkansen, it’s the fifth-fastest train in the world at 200 mph. The train stations are confusing but once you settle into your comfy seat, the Japanese countryside goes by in a flash. Don’t blink.,

More

Japan: A travel tale from hell on a journey too short

5850a6d3-1d26-4ca4-98d8-768993796f04

We went to Japan for a week to celebrate my birthday Friday. On our way to Kyoto to see the cherry blossoms, we had two nights in Tokyo which were spoiled by a horrible cough, terrible weather and worse views. Our tiny hotel room with a rooftop bar consisting of a vending machine didn’t help.

More

Baku: The war is over and the city’s flames rise again

IMG_9270 (1)

On our way to Tbilisi for a travel bloggers conference, Marina and I stopped off in Baku, Azerbaijan’s gleaming capital. It’s a fascinating mix of Middle Ages antiquities with leftover Soviet drabness and 21st century architecture. It lived up to its hype and our hotel in the heart of Old Town only helped.

More

My 10 favorite trips: From Nepal to French Polynesia

GetAttachmentThumbnail-19

Being a former sportswriter, I’m into top 10 lists. Top 10 restaurants. Top 10 wines. Top 10 travel tales from hell. With my annual trip to Skopelos, Greece, approaching, I thought I’d do my top 10 trips of my life. I’ve traveled for 45 years and been to 110 countries. This lists stretches from Ecuador to French Polynesia.

More

Traveling in Muslim countries: Today’s trip to Istanbul reminds me of what lures me back to land of Islam

IMG_0555 (1)

I’m going to Istanbul today. Turkey is one of 17 Muslim countries that I’ve traveled in, much to the chagrin of many Americans. I love traveling in Muslim countries for a variety of reasons, from the history to the architecture to the fact that they are just so different. I give 10 reasons why I’m lured to the land of Islam plus some travel tips for worried travelers.

More

Asia: Three countries you have to visit before you die

Singapore

Asia is not only the world’s biggest continent, it’s also the most diverse. Cross a border and you’re in a totally different world. It has something for everyone: foodies, budget backpackers, adventurers, history buffs. Guest blogger Elizabeth Long talks about three of her favorites: Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

More

India journey: From the Taj Mahal to the Himalayas

River,At,Turtuk,Village,,Diskit,,Jammu,And,Kashmir,,India

India is world’s largest democracy and within its borders lies some of the most diverse landscapes and cultures in the world. Indian guest blogger Arpit Jain offers some suggestions on what to do and where to go.

More

My 10 favorite islands in the world: Your dream list for the post-pandemic 2021

Tobago

Let’s face it, folks. It’s time to punt 2020. You’re not going anywhere. Americans have been banned everywhere from Poland to Pluto and even here in Italy our curve has spiked a bit after a flatlining summer brimming with optimism. It’s time to plan for 2021. Well, at least dream. That’s all many of us […]

More
‹ 1 2 3 4›»