I frequently refer to Thailand as “Backpacking for Dummies.” You don’t come to Thailand in hopes of ditching the beaten track. You come for the ease. And perhaps the pad Thai. The first time I ventured to the infamous sandy beaches in the south of The Land of Smiles, I was meeting my boyfriend after months apart. We’d both been…
November is a pretty wonderful time to travel abroad. The big summer crowds (and sky-high summer temperatures) have calmed down a bit, and tourists may even benefit from shoulder season pricing. But being away from the States for Thanksgiving can be bittersweet for Americans. Sure, it might seem like missing out on your great uncle’s political rants is a bonus……
The holiday season is characterized by parties, shopping, gift wrapping and family gatherings. You can also argue that this season is also notorious for waiting in line, spending, traffic and crowds. This is especially true when it comes to traveling during the holidays. Thanksgiving especially is when the traffic and crowds associated with travel hit an all-time high, with people…
Cosmos (my discreetly hilarious tour guide) squeezes a quick double beep from the van as he weaves around the tight corners leading from the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the waterfall-strewn rainforest, only 40 minutes apart on this tiny island. There is a subtle but important distinction between the quick “honk honk” meaning “what’s up brother!” and the slightly…
This delicious and decadent tasting dip is savory, smoky, sweet, and delicious on everything from crackers to sandwiches to roasted vegetables. Lentils are a protein powerhouse, packed with fiber, iron, and compounds that help stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol. The Moroccan inspired spice mix for this dip included cinnamon, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory in the body and…
The traditional Northern Italian dish risotto dates back to the 1800s and is loved the world over for its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavor profile. Typically made with rice, broth, and lots of delicious parmesan and butter, this dish is hard pressed to make a health food list. But this adapted version, made with gluten free quinoa and a…
Planning an exotic babymoon but not sure if it’s safe or how to go about it? Traveling before the baby arrives is, at times, easier to do than after. As long as you and your baby have been healthy so far, there should be no issue. Still, there are safety, comfort and logistical factors to keep in mind when traveling…
This classic Turkish dish revolves around a handful of simple ingredients, making their quality of the utmost importance. Good quality extra virgin olive oil makes all the difference here, both in the flavor of the recipe and in your health. Olive oil contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and also keeps your hair, skin, and nails in tip-top shape. Eggplant is…
These delicious noodle bowls are a deconstructed version of the classic Vietnamese summer rolls. Traditional nut butter dipping sauce is used here to dress fiber-rich brown rice vermicelli noodles, and offset with hydrating cucumbers, detoxifying radish, and digestion-boosting pickled shallots. Mushrooms provide a meaty stand-in for traditionally used shrimp, and provide a boost of vitamin D to help support your…
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or are looking to get away from the daily stresses of life, a vacation may be just what you need. Here are a few reasons why taking a vacation could be the best thing for your mental (and physical) health this year. 1. Taking a vacation has been shown to reduce stress According to…
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