Category: Travel

Here's Part 2 in my series on Argentina. Mendoza enjoys a dry climate that is not unlike that of southern California in the summer but colder in the winter. It offers different experiences depending on what area you choose to stay in – close to the mountains, classic Mendoza, the city center, and Chacras de Coria where the "old money" and artists live. Chacras is a leafy, residential area filled with hidden villas and cobblestone streets and a small town. We chose Chacras because of a wonderful hotel, the Relais et Chateau Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House and Spa Suites. Here are my picks of things to do in Mendoza.  If you missed Part 1 on Buenos Aires, click here.
If you haven’t been to Argentina, the 8th largest country in the world,  it’s well worth a visit. Go to Buenos Aires, the capital, and then add on a trip to the province of Mendoza. Reasons to go? It doesn’t suffer from overtourism, great value for the dollar, you eat really well, enjoy wine tourism, cultural offerings, soft adventure (Mendoza). Now it’s summer time so we in South Florida feel right at home climate wise. Here's Part 1 on Buenos Aires in a two part series.  Part 2 is on Mendoza.
Now here's something new and special for you foodies. How would you like to go behind the scenes with a Michelin star chef and learn about the creative process? Or participate in an interactive workshop on the presentation of any dish, where the Chef shares practical tips and creative insights? Then feast on a seven course menu with paired wines and an oh so elegant cocktail party to experience the real deal? That's all in store at "The Essence of Cocina de Autor" culinary getaway at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Mexico April 9 -11, 2026.
This time of year I look ahead to travel trends which is part of my real job in luxury travel marketing. I thought you'd appreciate reading about what we can see in new offerings that could be helpful to you in your travel planning. There are also some tips to help you save money and make your trips more hassle free. Love to hear if you have any questions or comments.
This winter season 2026 is the best that I can remember in recent years for things to do in Palm Beach. You've recently read here about the Rembrandt exhibit at the Norton Museum and the Degas prints at the Society of the Four Arts but here are some new "finds" you won't want to miss. And then there are the "tried and true"  which I just updated in case you want to check them out while you're there.  Here are my  finds, places to put on your list of things to do. Wondering about the best restaurants in Palm Beach? Check out my updated list by clicking here.
As a major European capital, you’d expect Berlin to have top standout hotels which indeed it does. But what it also has in abundance is solid quality, reasonably priced hotels with popular amenities. Besides all of this if you want off season, you’ll find lower prices even at the five star hotels compared with Rome, Paris or London. We tried out a hotel in each category, staying for a few nights at each, and here’s what we found. The standout hotel is the Waldorf Astoria Berlin and the other, IHG's Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre. This is part 2 in a 3 part series on Berlin.For Part 1, what's happening in Berlin, click here. Part three will be Berlin Fashion. 
Berlin hadn’t been on my “go to” list this year, though we really enjoyed it when we went before. After attending a presentation by Visit Berlin tourism delegation in Miami and hearing all the new things to do in Berlin, it was so compelling, it went to the top of my list and off we went this summer.  What grabbed us? The energy from the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 11 in Europe ; the Humboldt Forum, formerly the Baroque Berlin palace, center of the Prussian monarchy and now home of the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and the Museum of Asian Art plus temporary exhibits, all alongside Museum island; a fashion tour with a look into the edgy styles that Berlin is known for; and the terrific value between Berlin pass, the Berlin Welcome Card and hotel rates off season. And then there’s the incredible ethnic food scene and coming up this fall, the Festival of Lights in October,  Berlin Freedom Week in November  and the Hip Hop Ball also in November.  This is part 1 in a series of three posts. Others on Berlin fashion and where to stay are coming up. 
Now is a good time to go to Naples, when the crowds have thinned, hotel rates are lower, restaurants are more relaxed and the beaches and nature preserves are just as beautiful. Here's a just updated list with what's new added by Kathy Prutos, an in-the-know resident. This includes   top things to do in Naples, Florida, including shopping and best restaurants, from a Staycation I took.  It's a short drive from Miami (about two hours), very different in tone,  low key, and affluent (median income is about double that of Miami  ). It also has a Midwestern cultural vibe, and it's friendly. We were surprised at how small the population is of Naples Itself -- about 20,000 -- so most places you want to go are within a convenient 20 minute drive.  Stay tuned at the end of the post for where to stay.
The Region of Crete in Greece has officially been named the European Region of Gastronomy for 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). The title "celebrates Crete’s culinary excellence and strongly validates the Cretan diet’s  global relevance and  health benefits". On this occasion and because it's travel season now, I thought you might want to relook a blogpost I did a few years ago on Crete, updated, with tips on foodie activities and local products as well as other things to do and where to go in this, the largest of the Greek islands. It's the result of our having spent several weeks each time there for the past four years.
Five years ago I discovered Anatomie's travel clothing,  and even had a reader event there. I got a pair of their travel pants and a dress which have taken me all over the world with style and comfort. Since it's travel season for many of you plus I have a big trip coming up, I decided it was time to revisit and see what new styles they have and also for Mr. W as they expanded their men's line. And here's the update: