I Tried It: The Bellagio Spa & Salon in Las Vegas

On a recent trip to Las Vegas (always one of my favorite destinations), I had some extra time so wanted to try a spa, something I’ve never done in the city! After reviewing a few options, I settled on the Bellagio spa, which was absolutely the best choice if you have some time to kill. As soon as you walk in, there are four bubbling hot tubs you can use before your treatment. The waiting rooms are also gender-specific, so the spas also have a clothing-optional policy. Since I didn’t have a swimsuit on me, I definitely took advantage of…

Fall Equinox Adventures in Vail, Colorado

I’m a once-a-year skiier at best so I don’t make it up to the ski resorts much during the winter season. But I absolutely love visiting during the shoulder seasons in Spring and Fall. I recently returned to Vail for the Autumn Equinox and got to see how much the fall colors could transform in just one week’s time. If you’re looking for fall leaf peeping in Colorado, Vail is a great first stop. Thanks to the fabulous Vail Stables I got the chance to ride through an Aspen grove, which was like nothing I’ve ever seen… Even as a…

An Abandoned Airport Turned Skatepark

As travelers take on the skies again, airports across the country are as busy as ever. But at the once bustling old New Orleans airport, the only sound that can be heard is the wheels of skateboards screeching down an old escalator.  The abandoned airport, which ceased operations in 2019 when the new MSY opened just north of the old building, has just been transformed into a skate park like no other. For the second year in a row, the Red Bull Terminal Takeover has transformed the airport, constructing ramps and jumps at the entrance, baggage claim, and check-in desks…

Hawaiian Island Hopping Made Easy

hawaii-travel-tips

Home to pristine beaches and spectacular surfing, Hawai’i has no shortage of sights. Yet each of the state’s six islands has something special worth seeing. With a bit of island hopping (which can be done by air or by boat), the best of Hawai’i can be seen in one long trip. On top of the world in O’ahu   Many direct flights to Hawai’i land at Honolulu International Airport on O’ahu, the most populated of the islands, which makes it an easy place to start any vacation. Waikiki, the southern neighborhood of Honolulu, houses most of the resorts on O’ahu.…

Best 48 Hours in Miami

With ships docking and departing daily, the Port of Miami holds the title of cruise capital of the world. But more than just a departure point for exotic locales, the city of Miami has waterfront fun, nightlife parties, and cultural attractions worth enjoying before or after an ocean journey.  Here’s how to enjoy it in just a few days.  Day 1: Afternoon/Evening The western side of Miami houses many of the city’s immigrant neighborhoods, including Little Havana where thousands of Cuban immigrants have made their home. On the last Friday of every month, check out Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays) on…

Did Betsy Ross Really Sew the First American Flag?

At one of my very first magazine jobs at U.S. News & World Report (back when they actually had a print magazine!!), I worked in the Features department and we were putting together a package on history’s famous firsts. Betsy Ross had seen some tough times in the 1990s, with a single Wall St. Journal article discrediting her story as something entirely made up by her grandson. It was already tough enough out there to find something resembling a female founding… person… and now Betsy was out of the picture? I was eager to dive in and see what held…

When Travel Styles Collide in the Air…

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Loving this article by The Wall Street Journal on the travel compromises couples must make when they have different styles or frequencies of flying: “She’s a Frequent Flier, He Checks Bags.”  Great headline, but the article is full of stories any business traveller can relate to. “For Ed Pizzarello, a Reston, Va.-based venture capitalist who spends 100 nights a year on the road and is also a co-founder of InsideFlyer, a site focused on miles and points, traveling with his wife meant convincing her not to check a bag. Michelle Pizzarello used to love to pack with amenities like a…

Travel Gear: Microsoft Surface Book vs. Apple Macbook Air

surface book vs macbook air

Though I was raised as a good Windows girl, my first Apple Macbook Air I got for work changed everything. Seriously, this 1.5 pound machine was a literal weight off my shoulders after lugging my 6.5-pound Sony Vaio on and off of planes in a big ugly bag. Not only that, the machine stayed cool (no burning off my legs), the battery lasted forever, and the keyboard was super responsive. Plus the machine just looks sleek. I really haven’t looked back. Until now. I had the chance to try out the Intel-powered Surface Book for the annual gift guide I put…

What Business Travelers Really Think Compared to What Companies Think

I’m betting real-life business travelers can relate to these scenarios, recently put together by American Express, especially “Wi-Fi or No Fly.” I’ve heard some company expense policies still treat airplane wi-fi as an un-reimbursable expense. That $7.99 really is going to break the bank for the three plus hours of productivity it will pay for… Denied! Check out some other myths versus realties below: