For CheapOAir. May 2016. Eating out in one of the world’s most expensive cities can be quite daunting at first. In Oslo, Norway, a pint of beer can set you back $8 and a basic lunch (sandwich + coke) about $25. Even a Big Mac combo meal is $12! A nice dinner for two at an […]

Cover Story for Khabar Magazine. May 2016. Our Druk Air plane makes a slow descent into Paro, maneuvering the aircraft through the deep valleys between tall dry mountains as high as 18,000 feet. Passengers hold their breath as we descend upon the only runway of the country’s sole international airport. I’m a bit on edge—and […]

For CheapOAir. April 2016. I had seen countless pictures of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, the iconic igloo hotel, but being there was surreal. Even in April, the town of Ivalo was white as far as the eye could see. In forests covered in snow, reindeer peeked out from behind the trees, and the faint sound of barking Husky dogs […]

For CheapOAir. April 2016.  Before I headed to Israel, I was forewarned by family and friends. “Is it safe to go there?” they investigated with caution, influenced, of course, by what they had heard in the media. Nevertheless, once I started traveling through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa, those worries were easily put to rest as […]

For Khabar Magazine. April 2016   South Asians are a large and growing market for cruise vacations. What do they look for on such trips? And how are cruise companies catering to this booming category of travelers? This past summer, my husband and I took a twoweek Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Anthem of the […]

For Creative Loafing Atlanta. March 2016. With deep brown backdrops, country safari furnishings, and a vibrant bar menu, Biltong Bar feels like an old world cigar room with a contemporary twist. Open since early February, Biltong is one of the newest additions to Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall. Restaurateur Justin Anthony (owner of Cape […]

Chef Hector Santiago’s Latin sandwich shop lives on at Ponce City Market By Sucheta Rawal @suchetarawal. For Creative Loafing Atlanta. Jan 2016. Photo by MIA YAKEL. MIDDAY DELIGHT: Medio Dia sandwich made with pork, chicharrones, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and pineapple habanero mustard EL SUPER PAN OLD FOURTH WARD675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. Suite N137  404-600-2465 www.elsuperpan.com Mon.-Sat., […]

The Huffington Post Style, November 2015. Before you hit the Black Friday rush, or join thousands of other citizens on a month-long shopping spree, browse through this meaningful holiday gift guide. These products will not only bring happiness to your friends and family, but also impact someone in need. From chocolates, toys, pet supplies, jewelry, […]

The Huffington Post. Nov 2015. “There is no such thing as Israeli cuisine,” said Chef Roy Sofer at the hip Italian Bindela Restaurant in Tel Aviv. Over the next ten days, every person I spoke to in Israel gave me a similar answer. Just like the U.S., Israel is a melting pot of cultures and […]

For Atlanta Journal Constitution. October 2015. The idea of Go Eat Give came mostly from friends well versed with my love for food and travel. They asked me to share my experiences and help them plan their trips, where they could also have meaningful travel experiences like mine. I founded Go Eat Give as a […]

October 2015 Do you know the difference between ecotourism, sustainable travel, responsible travel and volunteer vacationing? While there is a lot of overlap with each of these terms, they all have one common theme – that is to improve lives through travel and tourism. On a recent Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia through international nonprofit, Go Eat […]

Khabar magazine. Print issue. October 2015 A thousand years ago, the Kunisaki Peninsula, tucked away on the western end of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, was one of the country’s main centers of Buddhism. Even today, life in Kunisaki is a drastic contrast from Tokyo, with its sleek skyscrapers, neon lights, and high-end luxury malls. Time […]

Elegant Hotels offers a unique collection of five luxury hotels beautifully situated along stunning beaches on the west and south coasts of sun-soaked Barbados. With 99% of the on-island staff hailing from Barbados, Elegant Hotels created an exclusive “Elegantly Bajan” program where they feature the island’s true culture and cuisine. Crystal Cove is located on the west […]

August 11, 2015 North Americans need not spend hundreds of dollars to cross the Atlantic Ocean for a European getaway. With its historic architecture, booming gastronomy, and cutting edge cultural scene, Mexico City now offers the same charm as any big city in Europe. Mexico City is a destination greatly undermined by its public perception. […]

August 4, 2015 Over 16 million Americans have practiced yoga or pilates in the last 12 months (source). Yoga studios are popping up in every neighborhood, and more travelers are choosing to go on yoga retreat to exotic destinations such as Costa Rica, Bali or India. Accept it – working out is more fun when […]

Global Atlanta. July 2015 Often Tokyo overpowers our images of Japan. The automotive and electronics capital boasts sleek skyscrapers, busy intersections with neon lights, and high-end luxury malls dotted with hundreds of Michelin-star restaurants. But there is another face to the country that offers pristine landscapes, ancient history and a rapidly fading culture. During my recent visit to […]

CNN – July 2, 2015 There’s never been a better time to be a tourist. Whether it’s a cool new app helping find the best flight deal or a website to help book an authentic meal in a stranger’s home in a foreign city, travel tech has made it easier than ever to make the most of […]

  June 2015 Turquoise blue water, picture perfect sunsets, Dutch Caribbean architecture, landscapes that vary from lush green hills to barren desserts, and not to forget some of the best dive sites in the world – Bonaire is a dream destination for nature lovers. Located south of Aruba and 50 miles East of Venezuela, Bonaire […]

June 2015 As you are getting ready to pack for your summer getaway, shopping for father’s day gifts, or simply want to add to your collection, make sure to check out my favorite travel accessories this year. Each one offers a creative way to solve a travel challenge. From access to clean water, coping with […]

Cover Story. May 2015 Print issue. Whether you are new to the area or a seasoned pro of the region, these 12 day enticing getaways from Atlanta are sure to uncover some hidden gems. This lineup from award-winning travel blogger SUCHETA RAWAL offers something for everyone—lush green valleys, blue shaded mountains, white sandy beaches, crystal clear […]

As more people turn to veganism, there is a growing demand for restaurant menus to include plant-based foods beyond raw salads and smoothies. In Jenkintown, a neighborhood of Philadelphia’s suburbs, a 16-seat enterprise has become the city’s new favorite vegan spot. Flora Vegan Restaurant was the vision of four high-school friends, Dan Brightcliffe and Patrick […]

  The 2015 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., is currently underway. Each year, locals and visitors celebrate friendship between the United States and Japan during this four-week spring festival. The history of the festival dates back to 1912, when Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. […]

Carnival season is marked by parades, costumes, music, dance, and parties. From New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro, every city has its own unique charm when it comes to carnival festivities. Last week, I attended a few of the celebrations on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. On a bright warm Sunday afternoon, the city’s […]

Want to escape the cold winter chills this season? How about trading in those snow flurries and cranked up heaters for blue skies, white sand beaches, cool ocean breezes, rum punches and lobsters? While there are lots of options in the Caribbean, the islands of Turks and Caicos (TCI) remain a popular choice among the […]