Story & photos by Barbara Beckley A cellist as bar entertainer. World-class marine sanctuaries. Million dollar waterfront homes and laid-back beach bars. The most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. Am I in Hawaii? South Florida? No. I’m on South Padre Island in Texas! I didn’t know what to expect when I recently visited Texas’ largest …
Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton of the Yellowstone Ranch, is now one of the most popular shows on television. It may have just wrapped up the current season, but it made an impact—and not just television watchers—it created a demand for luxury guest ranch vacations. In fact, discerning travelers across the globe …
More than a century after it was last spotted – its last confirmed sighting was in 1906 – a female Fernandina Giant Tortoise was ‘rediscovered’ earlier this year on Fernandina, the youngest and third largest of the Galapagos Islands. Listed until recently by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as ‘possibly extinct’, the 100-year-old …
There’s plenty to do in Jungle Island, from “Superflights” to Adventure Bay, but early October to early January offers a truly magical experience. Jungle Island, South Florida’s popular eco-adventure attraction, reinvents an ancient Buddhist tradition with a Magic City twist through the debut of Luminosa, Festival of Lights. In partnership with Zigong Lantern Group and …
California’s 15th official “Wine Month” is happening all September. It is that enticing time of the year when juicy ripe grapes hang heavy on the vines, and the air is filled with fruity aromas that signal harvest time. This month, those of us who delight in the harvest’s newest creations may choose from more than …
If you love freshly baked, homemade pie, this could be your ultimate “sweet dreams.” The historic Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York is offering guests a slice of pie on their pillow this September as the popular turndown service returns for the sixth year in a row. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast …
More than 14 million viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of “Game of Thrones” on HBO. But while the show may have ended, tourism based on its many real-life settings continues to grow. With the country of Spain one of the show’s most popular locations, tour operator Hidden in Spain has announced a …
Rubbing elbows with local residents can offer visitors a unique look at a destination, but knowing where to go can be tricky, especially when locals want to keep their favorite hangouts a secret. Amid San Diego’s vast and varied landscape – ranging from a bustling city center and colorful neighborhoods to 70 miles of sparkling …
Being the most expensive anything isn’t always a selling point—unless you are talking about English tea! Brit tea-lovers are the first to brag about this time-honored experience, afternoon tea. The Rubens at The Palace hotel serves its Royal Afternoon Tea in London’s most regal location, overlooking The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Adding to this …
Among the many miracles of nature, it’s difficult to match the marvelous and mystifying migration of the monarch butterfly. Recognized by their vivid, orange-and-black wings, these slight insects (weighing less than a dime) are better known for an instinctive internal compass that guides them on an ancestral migration from the shores of Pacific Grove, CA …
If you’ve ever pondered whether we’re alone in this vast galaxy, you have lots of friends. In fact, a recent Facebook page is inviting the extraterrestrial-curious to convene Sept. 20 at the Area 51 Alien Center in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, about 90 miles from Las Vegas. Whether a joke or a real event, more than …
A new seven-day polar bear photography adventure just begs you to capture the beautiful white bears kissing, snuggling and sharing their time with foxes, marine life and snowy owls. And, best yet, top off your day of eco exploring with a fantastic show of northern lights and so much more! Gondwana Ecotours has just announced …