When visiting Jerusalem’s Old City and exploring the Armenian, Christian, Muslim and Jewish quarters take the opportunity to go up onto the rectangular platform that was built by King Herod 2000 years ago that straddles the hill above the Tyropean valley. To Muslims this is the Haram el-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary; to Jews and Christians [...]
Here are our top 10 destinations in 2013. We selected places that have a lot of history and culture, or natural beauty. Plan early because some destinations, such as Burma, have limited hotel availability. (1) Burma The country is opening up to the outside world and sanctions against it are being dropped. It is much easier [...]
The next time you think about packing your bags and traveling, think about visiting Israel, a destination that packs a lot into a small country: mountains, desert, sea coast, forests and history. Israel is situated on a moving tectonic plate separated by a section of the Great African Rift and the legendary Jordan River is chilly [...]
Not far from Jerusalem lies Herodium, a palace/fortress on the top of a man-made mountain with a view all the way to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. It is one of my favorite places and I guide there often. Herodium is unique among sites like Masada, Jericho and desert fortresses that Herod [...]
Singapore is a popular shopping destination and a stopover for those exploring southeast Asia. Growth has exploded in recent years, and there are endless choices of where to stay, eat and what to do. Unfortunately, there is too much kitsch: chain restaurants, hotels and shops dominate the scenery, and service standards are not up to par with Japan [...]
San Martin de Los Andes in Argentina and Pucon in Chile are two all-season resorts in the southern Andes region. Both are surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains. They are popular summer and winter destinations, providing activities such as skiing as well as hiking, boating and swimming. Pucon is in the “lake district” of Chile, and is [...]
To describe Pai, Thailand, to someone who hasn’t been there is to try to explain a place that comes across more fanciful than realistic. A tiny, picturesque village set in the mountains of northern Thailand, where bamboo bungalows hug the banks of the Pai River. Dreadlocked hippies in patchwork jeans hang out at the local [...]
Chiang Mai is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Thailand. A delicious blend of history (the Buddhist temples) and modernity, Chiang Mai manages to retain an air of friendliness and relaxation, and has a well-deserved reputation for being affordable and fun. It is also a mecca for people who love Thai food. [...]
Hiking to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail or on one of the alternative trails is a memorable experience, not to be missed. A typical trek (which includes a visit to Machu Picchu) starts and ends in Cusco and is 3 nights/4 days. If you are in good physical shape, you will enjoy the treks: the [...]
The Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the most beautiful, yet accessible, hikes in the world. During the trek you traverse from the Hindu-dominated lush lowlands to the Buddhist barren highlands. The trek goes counter-clockwise and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m, or 17,769 feet. Road construction is threatening this trail, so [...]
Llao Llao hotel lies 25km west of San Carlos de Bariloche in Southern Argentina. It was originally built in 1934 at the edge of a national park. It is on a spectacular setting on a ridge surrounded by lakes with the snow-capped Andes Mountain range in the background. It is an all season resort serving skiers in the winter and [...]
Easter Island (Isla de Pascua or Rapa Nui) is one of the most remote places on earth, situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean far away from Chile (5.5 hours by plane) and from Tahiti (6 hours by plane). It is tranquil, beautiful and mysterious. The moais (gigantic heads carved out of stone) give the island an eerie [...]
