In our early days in New York City, every corner felt iconic—from the miracles at 34th Street to Tina Feys domain at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and spontaneous Broadway show tunes. Yet, venturing into Brooklyns Williamsburg via the J train to Marcy Ave sparked unexpected alarm bells, evoking Jay-Zs Marcy Projects. Could this gritty spot truly host a vermouth revolution, flea markets, and artisan cheeses?Disembarking at Lorimer Street (or more directly, the L train to Bedford Ave from Manhattan), the

When I suggested to Jess that we walk the full length of Broadway, she looked at me like Id lost my mind. It sounded ambitious, but I was serious. Broadway cuts diagonally through Manhattan for about 15 miles (24 km) from south to north. Extending beyond, it spans another 18 miles (29 km) across the Harlem River through Yonkers to Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County. What better way to experience New York Citys diverse neighborhoods, architecture, and energy than by traversing Broadway from i

I live under the flight path of JFK Airport and am accustomed to the constant roar of planes descending over Brooklyn every few minutes. These days, however, the skies are nearly silent, with the rare sound of an aircraft startling me. This unprecedented quiet over New York City is just one stark change in our daily reality.Empty street in Brooklyn This is part of the profound shift as New Yorkers adapt to the new normal. When heading out for groceries, I no longer check for my wallet or lip

Reflecting on an unforgettable summer in New York City—where I extended my stay three times to fully immerse myself—Ive compiled 28 standout activities. Drawing from personal experience navigating the citys vibrant scene, this guide highlights mostly free or low-cost options, proving you can enjoy NYC without overspending. The Best Things to Do in New York City in Summer 1. Visit Nearby Beaches NYCs beaches are easily accessible from any borough via a $2.90 subway ride (or free with an unlimit

When I crafted my ultimate Australia travel bucket list in spring 2015, I never imagined it would take five more years to visit. Long-time readers will recall Australia was on my original 2010 round-the-world itinerary, yet it took a decade to finally book the trip. Im thrilled I did. What I often postponed as later, when the time is right proved perfect, especially with COVID-19 derailing 2020 plans elsewhere. I completed my Australia journey just as the pandemic escalated—check my 2020 travel

As I planned my epic trip to Australia, I curated this ultimate bucket list, featuring my top 10 must-dos. These are the best places to visit in Australia—quintessential experiences no traveler should miss. 10 Best Places to Visit in Australia 1. The Great Ocean Road One of the worlds most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking views, including the majestic 12 Apostles limestone stacks rising from the ocean (pictured above).   2. Street Art, Coffee, and Vibrant City Li

Back in New York, Im excited to share more of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots for capturing the citys stunning skyline. Visitors often ask for the best vantage points over Manhattan, and with its world-famous skyscrapers, its no wonder panoramic photos are a must. Here are my top five—most free, all unforgettable. 1. Pebble Beach, Brooklyn This intimate beach between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges has been beautifully revitalized. Brooklyn Bridge Park and the beach now feature stone s

New York City offers endless attractions, but with limited time, prioritize wisely. As someone whos spent months exploring the Big Apple, Ill share which iconic sights are worth your time and which to skip for a more authentic experience. On my early visits, I raced through checklists like MoMA, the Met, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Guggenheim, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Central Park, and Greenwich Village. But ticking boxes meant missing the citys pulse. Now, I recommend

The crisp summer air hummed with excitement, drawing Dani and me to the Brooklyn Promenade that afternoon. After weeks of working remotely from our Brooklyn Heights condo—where we housesat for nearly two months—the vibrant sounds of the city filtered through our open window. Stepping out for a break, we dashed down the stairs and strolled two blocks to a bench, soaking in the scene: cyclists and skateboarders zipping by, couples embracing, kids chasing each other with ice cream cones amid weary

Ten years ago, visitors to New York might have raised an eyebrow at the idea of staying in Brooklyn. Today, its often the cooler, more authentic choice over Midtown Manhattan hotels, offering a genuine Big Apple experience. Brooklyn is enormous—larger than cities like Barcelona, Boston, or Washington, D.C.—with over 70 neighborhoods. This vastness can overwhelm first-timers. While the cool factor draws many, affordability compared to Manhattan is a big draw. New hotels are popping up in Downtown

As novice travelers, local markets can feel intimidating with their shocking displays, grimy floors, and chaotic energy. Yet, for seasoned explorers like us, theyre often a top priority upon arrival in any city, heightening all senses—sometimes thrillingly, sometimes overwhelmingly.The San Pedro Market in Cusco stands out as exceptionally clean, well-organized, and primarily serving locals, offering tourists an authentic immersion. Stroll its vast open-air aisles past vibrant fruits and vegetabl

When planning our round-the-world trip, we originally intended to cross from California into Mexico at Tijuana by land, then travel north to south through the country before entering Belize and Central America. However, we faced strong warnings against this—not just crossing the northern border, but visiting Mexico at all. This prompted a key question: Is Mexico safe for travel? Everyone we spoke to cautioned us about the dangers: killings, kidnappings, and drug-related crime. News headlines re

When I arrived at Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem, it took just ten minutes to feel completely at home. During the quick, smooth check-in, I was invited to the Shabbat dinner that evening. Excitedly, I said yes! Having experienced a family Shabbat dinner the previous Friday, I was eager to join this one. After settling into my room, I headed to the communal lounge for some writing. Happy Hour had begun, so I enjoyed a glass of excellent local Israeli wine while soaking in the vibe.Guests chatted in

After exploring the Negev Desert, Jerusalem, the Lower Galilee, the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Timna Park, I was ready for some well-deserved relaxation in Eilat.This southern resort town offered the perfect recharge before continuing my Israel journey northward, including the West Bank. Eilat is a vibrant resort destination. I was surprised by its lively tourist atmosphere upon arrival at sunset, strolling the promenade lined with grand hotels, restaurants, and shops—reminiscent of Europe

Part I: The Negev Desert Sweat poured down my forehead, legs, and stomach, dripping from my elbows as I fought the urge to collapse. Deep in the Negev Desert, with another day and a half of relentless sun-baked hiking ahead and no shade in sight, I pushed on, one foot in front of the other, navigating the rocky, sandy, and gravelly terrain.Temperatures hovered around 100°F (37°C), the sun at its zenith. Glancing back, the vast distance wed covered since the minibus dropped our group that morni

Last week, I visited Jerusalem, Israels capital and one of the worlds most significant religious cities, for the first time. Though not part of the National Trail I was hiking, we detoured for a brief tour of this vital site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The profound religious aura is indescribable. Orthodox Jews, devout Muslims, and faithful Christians coexisting in such close quarters is unparalleled, and I was captivated by each faiths distinct quarters.The Dome of the Rock, with its gle

Last week, I arrived in Israel and dove straight into the National Israel Trail. After one night in Tel Aviv, our group drove south to the heart of the Negev Desert, where we were dropped off to hike solo for days, unlikely to encounter another soul.The journey began tougher than expected—the midday sun blazed without shade, intensifying the heat. Yet, the stark beauty of the barren ocher landscape captivated me. I relished hours of walking over sand and rocks, amid a vast expanse devoid of tree

Read about the first part of this epic trek on the Shvil Israel (Israel National Trail) here. Part II: The Lower Galilee On the third day of our hike, the scenery shifted dramatically from the vast, ochre expanses of the Negev Desert. We entered the verdant Judean Lowlands, where rolling green hills, aromatic pine forests, and chirping birds replaced the barren silence. We ascended Tel Azekah, offering panoramic views of the Jerusalem Mountains and the Valley of Elah—the biblical site of David

San Franciscos Chinatown is one of the largest outside Asia. The Sing Chong Building (shown in the photo) was among the first structures rebuilt after the devastating 1906 earthquake.

Intended as a quick stop on our Malaysia tour, Penang revealed its captivating, multi-layered urban charm that instantly resonated with us. A standout surprise was the seamless blend of cultural enclaves like Chinatown and Little India. Turn a corner to encounter the lively beats of Hindi music and enticing scents of cumin, coriander, and coconut. The very next turn brings wafts of musky incense from towering joss sticks at a Chinese temple. On a peaceful evening walk, we wandered Chinatowns t