In the heart of Antiguas Central Park lies the extraordinary Fuente de las Sirenas—the Mermaid Fountain. Crafted in 1738 by renowned sculptor Diego de Porres, this unique landmark features four mermaids on each side, gracefully spouting streams of water from their breasts. Porres drew inspiration from Bolognas iconic Neptune Fountain in Italy, blending European artistry with Guatemalas colonial heritage.

Two new Ford transporter vans pull up along a white cement road, and nearly 30 passengers disembark, regrouping into their small travel parties. Dani and I stand aside, observing the other tourists with mild surprise: Brazilians in tank tops, short shorts, and oversized sunglasses; young women in short skirts. While we opted for long pants, closed-toe shoes, and jackets—not out of prudishness—the tour agency had advised modest attire out of respect for the traditional Tzotzil Mayan villages ne

Antigua Guatemala, the nations former capital, has endured frequent earthquakes, with the devastating 1773 event causing widespread destruction. Today, dozens of church and convent ruins dot the cityscape. La Concepción Convent is a prime example—spend a full day exploring these historic sites and envision life in this enchanting colonial gem.

Volkswagen manufactured its legendary Beetle in Puebla, Mexico, from 1967 to 2003. Retaining its timeless 1950s design throughout production, the Beetle earned cult status across Mexico. These compact classics remain ubiquitous, often serving as taxis in cities—cleverly fitting up to six passengers.

. . Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua is the largest fresh-water island in the world. The name Ometepe means ‘two mountains’ and refers to the two impressive volcanoes that are the island’s characteristic feature. The Maderas volcano is on the right, Concepcion volcano on the left in the image below. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by the Nahuatl, and today by the local ‘Ometepinos’. These locals remained secluded from the rest of Nicar

This week, we finalized plans for our second trip to Seville. Our first visit in 2009 instantly made this southern Spanish gem our favorite city in the country. We were captivated by its unique vibe—a perfect blend of classic Spanish charm like exceptional tapas bars, fine wine, and passionate flamenco, alongside a thriving contemporary art scene. Highlights include a massive riverside wall adorned with some of the most inventive street art weve encountered worldwide. Were thrilled to retur

While a Great American Road Trip is typically measured in miles driven, today we covered over 12 miles on foot, urban hiking through iconic neighborhoods in New York City and Philadelphia. These authentic city rambles uncover the best hidden gems! NYC2NOLA Photos of the Day: NYC and Philly Departing New York, we packed in as much as possible, starting with Central Park at 8 a.m. It was serene—just us, joggers, dog owners, and their playful pets. Central Park is incredibly dog-friendly! Next, w

Memphis profoundly shaped American music, launching pioneers in blues, rock n roll, and gospel. Legends like B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis kickstarted their careers here in the 1950s and 1960s. The citys most famous son, Elvis Presley—The King—is celebrated everywhere, including this striking bronze statue on Beale Street. Graceland, the ultimate music mecca, ranks as Americas second-most visited home after the White House.

Escape the vibrant energy of New Orleans and embark on an unforgettable swamp tour with Cajun Encounters. Our intimate boat accommodated 12 guests plus Captain Mike, who expertly navigated the rushing river. We spotted alligators lounging lazily or perched on the riverbed before gliding into tranquil inlets teeming with graceful water birds and elusive wildlife. The highlight? Captain Mike introducing Brian, his tiny baby alligator mascot who joins every excursion! Six months old and rescued s

Discover Chicago through a locals eyes, blending tourist adventures with everyday strolls along downtown sidewalks—beyond just the famous skyscrapers. A must-visit is the legendary Chicago Theatre, whose stunning architecture and glowing neon marquee are world-renowned, immortalized in the film Chicago. Grandeur defined the Chicago Theatre from the start. Its grand facade arch, modeled after Pariss Arc de Triomphe, set the stage for this French Baroque masterpiece. Opening in 1921 as one of the

Hovering 15 meters above the streets, Chicagos famed L—the elevated metro system—snakes through the city skyline. Its eight lines radiate from the historic Downtown Loop, much as they have since opening in 1892. Serving 750,000 daily commuters, the L earned a spot among Chicagos 7 Wonders, with locals fiercely defending it against demolition threats over safety concerns, including a dramatic 1970s derailment. Though the trains chug slowly along steel tracks on wooden trestles, their path amid

Traveling through Canada and the U.S. this summer, what did we miss most? Street food, hands down. Central America, especially Mexico, boasts incredible food stalls and markets. North Americas food trucks come close, but they cant match grabbing local grub and sharing a plastic stool with the locals. For street food enthusiasts like us, Thailand is a true paradise. Daytime brings vendors to markets and roadsides; at night, streets transform into vibrant open-air kitchens with the freshest ingre

During our Great American Road Trip, Washington, D.C. started as a mixed experience. We arrived with high expectations—a key stop coinciding with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial unveiling and inspired by Dan Browns The Lost Symbol, eager to visit its real-life locations. Instead, we encountered a sprawling city of monumental government buildings, edgier northern areas, and eclectic neighborhoods disconnected from the core. Without a central heart, it risked feeling disjointed. Enter Capital

Our three-week road trip from New York City to New Orleans (NYC2NOLA) has been an unforgettable adventure, with the Crescent City as the ideal grand finale. Time flew amid the excitement, leaving us with a packed list of must-see spots. To maximize our final day, we rented bikes from the American Bicycle Rental Company and set off under brilliant blue skies. We powered through the 90°F heat and humidity to our first stop: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home to the tomb of legendary Voodoo Queen Mar

We kicked off our second day in New Orleans by venturing beyond the city limits to the Louisiana swamps. Joining a thrilling Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters, we spotted incredible wildlife—alligators, turtles, water birds, and snakes! En route, we admired unique architecture: local Camps in the swamp and bayou regions, elevated on 7- to 10-foot stilts to withstand flooding. Upon arriving at Honey Island Swamp, we boarded boats and delved into Louisianas mesmerizing wetlands. It wasnt long befor

Welcome to the Big Easy—NOLA, Nawlins, whatever you call it. Weve reached New Orleans, the thrilling finale of our NYC-to-NOLA road trip! After eight unforgettable stops (New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta), just 24 hours here have us completely captivated by this vibrant city. Following the footsteps of countless travelers, we headed straight to the iconic French Quarter upon arrival, landing on legendary Bourbon Street as dusk fell.

At noon on a Thursday, a roadside diner in Alabama buzzed with nearly 15 locals at six tables, devouring chicken fried steaks, Angus beef burgers, hash browns, and Cokes. Conversations flowed from family health concerns and recent business deals to chatter about tractors. We savored a waffle and grilled cheese sandwich while absorbing the scene. As the only out-of-towners on our NYC to NOLA road trip, we felt distinctly different, yet the super-friendly servers and upbeat atmosphere made us fee

Road tripping presents its challenges! Navigating massive detours around Hurricane Irene and driving through severe thunderstorm warnings made for an intense few days, yet weve savored incredible experiences along the way. Yesterday in Charlotte, North Carolina, we explored the vibrant downtown, the charming NoDa neighborhood, and the tree-lined boulevards of Dilworth lined with stunning mansions. The impressive outdoor sculptures downtown were a highlight. We met Andi from My Beautiful Adventu

We feel fortunate to have sidestepped the destruction from Hurricane Irene and extend our deepest sympathies to those impacted. This detour led us to Asheville, North Carolina—a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains we might never have visited on our New York to New Orleans road trip. ‘Keep Asheville Weird’ captures the spirit of this vibrant city, home to independent shops and a creative community dedicated to preserving its unique character. After passing endless chains on the road, stumbli

When our day began with a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and ended amid the vibrant lights of Times Square, there was no mistaking our location: the unforgettable New York City. One of our favorite cities worldwide, NYC captivates us more with every subway ride, yellow cab hop, and endless Manhattan exploration by day and night. NYC2NOLA Photos of the Day: New York City Recognize this eternal flame? We kicked off with a visit to the Lady of the Harbor—the Statue of Liberty. Key facts: She g