Antarctica

Whales, Penguins, Oceans and Ice. Welcome to the Seventh Continent

Central & South America, Travel

Tours to Antarctica appeal to curious minds, nature lovers and adventurous spirits. They began in the late 1950s when a few scientific research ships began allowing some paying passengers. Today, as many as 100,000 tourists will visit the world’s seventh continent during the austral summer. There are many options from massive vessels that serve canapés while cruising past the continent to smaller ships staffed by marine biologists and ornithologists who prepare passengers to meet seals, penguins and whales on zodiac excursions after crossing the Drake Passage.

Turkish coffee TGA

Turkish Coffee Enjoy!

Culture, Europe, Middle East, Travel

By Cynthia David My first Turkish coffee arrived dark and steaming hot from an electric coffeemaker at Espressolab on Istanbul’s historic Istiklal Avenue. The Espressolab had a long, curved marble bar, high ceiling beams and an Art Deco espresso machine. The 20 and 30-somethings around me chatted and sipped their cappuccinos and pumpkin spice lattes…

Catalina Winter

It’s Cool, Damp and Cloudy on Santa Catalina. That means no crowds, friendlier locals and hotel discounts

America, California, North America, Travel

Why visit Santa Catalina Island at the onset of winter when it’s too cold to swim and clouds often blanket the resort town of Avalon? Because in the off season Southern California’s favorite weekend escape offers gourmet restaurants without crowds, colorful bars where it’s actually possible to meet locals and hotels glad to provide deep discounts since only 30% of the town’s 1,051 hotel rooms and vacation rentals are occupied.