Throw a cat in the air, it will always land on its feet. But what happens when a cat lands on water? I’m that cat in the water. I’ve realized since moving to Spain, no amount of freestyle will keep me afloat when learning the language. Turns out, it...

In Madeira, Quintas are becoming the new cultural touchstones and enduring icons that define Portuguese hospitality.   It was the best of times. I am traveling to Madeira. It was the worst of times. The plane that would take me to Portugal's ethereal island in the Atlantic, was nowhere in sight. It...

Mallorca, an enchanting Spanish island in the Mediterranean, has lured generations of artists, writers, poets, celebrities, and musicians, inspiring their works and legacies.   W hen William Graves opened the door of his father’s old casa in the undulating hillside of Deià on the island of Majorca, his eyes twinkled. Elena, whom...

High up in the French Alps and away from the crowd, ordinary afternoon walks become sublime experiences with soul-rousing natural beauty playing the ideal backdrop.   Ona steep, narrow country road at 1,150 meters above sea level, my travel partner accelerated the engine, aiming at the waggish sound of alpine bells....

When trips don't go according to plan, don't panic. Travel mishaps make travelers wiser. The best part is the journey to self-discovery.   Just as summer is about to make its anticipated entrance, our car zoomed along the curvy asphalt, passing several “Ausfahrt” signs with France miles away. The further we...

Sights, sounds, the self and a schloss -l'Invitation au voyage in the snowy Bavarian Alps.   There are elephants in the room. I am of course referring to the ubiquitous and recurring elephant patterns of my bed’s headboard, as well as on the couvre-lit, the couch and cushions in the room...

You don't have to be a millionaire to taste the good life on the French Riviera. Regardless of what season and reason, there are plenty of ways to soak up this unique corner of southern France where seaside trails, historic towns, and local colors await.   Between the sea of crushed...

Vienna allows a traveler to indulge in a waking dream, and there is nothing more real than setting foot in Austria's alluring capital.   Between Vienna’s imposing Parliament Building and its famous university, which dates back to medieval times, there sits a classic newspaper-laden Viennese café that bears the impress of...

The "Golden Centuries of Discoveries” ended a long time ago in history books, but in Lisbon, the resurging energy is finding a comeback.   Travelers have been talking in reverent tones about a number of encouraging sights they noticed in Lisbon. It seemed it was all people could talk about lately....

Postcard-perfect Lisbon with its dramatic scenes and slopping terrains, there's no better place to experience all that Portugal has to offer than its capital.   Lisbon is in no hurry. It takes its time. The city wakes up when it wants to and sleeps only when it needs to. Slow. Like the...