As appeared on The Huffington Post Travel, June 2014 Volunteer vacationing, or voluntourism, is a relatively new phenomenon that includes a service component built into a short-term vacation. Don’t confuse it with a mission trip, which is a trip designed specifically to work on a charity project or spread the philosophy of a religious […]

As seen on The Huffington Post travel, June 2014 Italy is the most visited country in the world. Like other tourists, I have visited Rome’s Colosseum, Vatican City’s chapels, Florence’s Duomo, Venice’s canals and Milan’s shopping centers. While all of these sights are notable must-sees, they are also overwhelmingly crowded with visitors from around the world. […]

Traveling to Galapagos Islands has been on my bucket list for a very long time, and I was finally able to cross it off last month. The Islands are undoubtedly the most unique place I have ever been to, and here’s why it needs to be on your bucket list, too. 1. The Galapagos Islands […]

As you consider a spring getaway, make sure to take note of one of the country’s best-kept secrets, The Blackberry Farm located in East Tennessee. The 4,200-acre private estate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is surrounded by lush green scenery, unparalleled luxury, Southern hospitality and gourmet cuisine. The Blackberry Farm is actually a family […]

As seen in Cuisine Noir magazine Spring 2014 print edition Picture yourself at a 4,200-acre private estate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounded by lush green scenery with unparalleled luxury at your fingertips. You have arrived at Blackberry Farm where Southern hospitality, gourmet cuisine and cherished experiences await you. Blackberry Farm is actually a […]

 Published on Huffington Post Travel and Huffington Post Travel Canada Maybe your cruise ship docked for only a day in Belize, which didn’t allow you the time to explore much of the local culture, jungles or coral reefs. Or perhaps you stayed at one of the all-inclusive resorts and didn’t venture out beyond the sun, […]

No. 1 Featured Blog Post on Huffington Post Travel I took my first 20-plus hour-long flight when I was 16-years-old. Since then, I have been on countless transcontinental journeys, traveling to almost 50 countries across six continents. The longest flight I took was 26 hours from Atlanta to Singapore. Having family in India, I fly […]

As seen in Khabar Magazine January 2014 print issue Bali: exploring hinuduism outside India while also enjoying pristine beaches, dive sites, all-inclusive resorts, and year-round temperate weather. I arrived on the island of Bali, Indonesia, during an auspicious time. Palm trees adorned homes and businesses, colorful offerings for deities sat on doorsteps, and locals, dressed in traditional white garb, carried […]

The moment I landed on the island of Bali in Indonesia, I sensed a peaceful energy take over me. As I made my way out of Denpasar airport late in the night, tropical heat and humidity awakened my senses. People were out and about, waiting for family members, snacking on satay and carrying grocery bags […]

I am not a winter person. The first time I witnessed snow was when I was 16 years old. My grandmother and I had just flown 24 hours from New Delhi to New York and we woke up to see a winter wonderland outside our window. From the heated room at the Hilton Hotel, it […]

Uruguay is the most European-influenced country in South America. Once colonized by the Portuguese and the Spanish, 88% of the country’s 3.4 million inhabitants are of European descent. Driving through the countryside, you will come across German towns, Italian communities and even street signs in foreign languages. Nestled between Brazil, Argentina and the Atlantic Ocean, […]

What comes to mind when you hear about Republic of Macedonia as a tourism destination? Unless you are from this region, a history buff or extreme travel junkie, you probably know very little about one of the newest European countries in the south Balkans. In fact, less than handful guidebooks have been written on Macedonia […]

One of the best kept secrets in upstate New York is the city of Lake Placid. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid offers picturesque scenery, unique culture and plenty of outdoor adventures. Historically, an American physician named Edward Livingston Trudeau put Saranac Lake on the map in the late 1800s as an […]

According to a survey by Foodista and Zephyr Adventures from February 2012, The prototypical food blogger is a married woman in her 30s or 40s living in the United States. While she is either a parent or perhaps on the way to being so, she is likely to be employed full time, part time, or working in her […]

Delegal Dining Room at King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort 201 Arnold Road St. Simons Island, GA, 31522 912- 638-3631 www.kingandprince.com Price: $$ After a visit to the Delegal Dining Room at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, it is easy to see that executive chef Jeff Kaplan has made it his mission […]

Dakota Thyme 502 Main St Rapid City, SD 57701 605.716.3354 www.dakotathyme.com   Price: $$   A new deli, market and bakery in downtown Rapid City, S.D., Dakota Thyme exhibits a strong commitment to the environment and the world. Attention to detail has been given to every aspect, from the ingredients and serving ware to the merchandise and […]

Recently the death of American traveler, Sarai Sierra in Turkey made headlines and started a global conversation about whether or not women should travel solo. Many experienced globetrotting women chimed in engaging in dialogue from both sides of the debate. I was closely following these discussions and taking notes on latest safety tips given by travel pros. […]

Summer is the perfect time to take a family road trip and explore the majestic landscapes of the U.S. From canyons and glaciers, to beaches and national forests, road trips are a fun way to experience nature and countryside in all its glory. No matter where in U.S. you live, there is always a scenic […]

Keywords such as green travel, ecotourism, sustainable tourism and responsible travel are becoming increasingly popular in the tourism industry, but what do they really mean? Underlying all these concepts is protection of nature and culture. It means when you visit a destination, you don’t destroy the local resources; you respect cultures and ways of life […]

Cumberland Island is a 20-mile-long natural barrier island off the coast of Georgia. It is known for its untouched beaches, feral horses, natural marshes and maritime forests. The island is largely inhabited by wildlife, indigenous plants and marine animals, barring few privately owned homes and absolutely no commercial businesses.   Cumberland Island is also rich in […]

Almost exactly halfway between Europe and the Asia Pacific region, the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, British Columbia is located only 24 miles north of the U.S. border. While Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is well connected, flying into Seattle is relatively cheaper as you avoid paying international fees and taxes. The drive is approximately three hours and offers […]

Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., is Disneyland, a Caribbean cruise and a spectacular resort and convention center all rolled into one. It is the perfect destination for the entire family looking for a little break during the holidays. Nine acres of botanical gardens, 50,000 tropical plants, a quarter mile-long indoor river and cascading waterfalls are all […]

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a charming town that is off the beaten path for most tourists. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, this UNESCO-designated cultural city is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers 320 days of sunshine a year. With a picture perfect backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, ponderosa forests and […]

Many Americans who see veganism as downright unappetizing may be in for a surprise to learn of the richly flavorful Indian vegan dishes. Exotic aromas and finger-licking flavor may not be the first associations that come to mind when most people think of vegan food. But forays into Indian cuisine, especially through a cookbook like […]