On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck New York City, causing unprecedented damage across all five boroughs. The superstorm, which began as a tropical wave in the Caribbean, caused 43 deaths and $19 billion of damage in the city. Approximately 17 percent (51 square miles) of New York City’s total land mass was flooded, and a quarter of buildings were without power for days.
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10 Things to Do in Cartagena
Cartagena is a colorful, colonial city on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. It was founded by the Spanish in 1533 and served as a major trading port in the New World. Today, it has become a trendy tourist destination and is one of the safest cities in Colombia. It was my first trip to South America and a great place to start if you’re new to the continent.
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Top 10 Workouts to Try in NYC
ClassPass ($40 off), a flexible, subscription service that gives you access to top fitness studios and gyms, is a great way to stay in shape while traveling. You can conveniently book classes online or through the app at a significant discount to what you would normally pay if purchasing directly from the studio. There are participating studios in nearly every US city, as well as Europe, Asia, and Australia. You can filter your search by type of activity (e.g. yoga, cycling, boxing, etc.), difficulty level, or neighborhood. Your membership also includes free access to ClassPass Go, which offers hundreds of audio-guided workouts from top instructors.
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The Swimming Pigs
The safety of the swimming pigs in the Bahamas has been confirmed after Hurricane Dorian swept through earlier this month. Abaco and Grand Bahama in the north suffered a massive hit, but the Exumas, where the pigs are located, were spared. Many tourists have been cancelling trips to the island nation, fearing that the hotels would still be recovering from the damage or that it would be inappropriate to enjoy a vacation so close to where tragedy had struck just a few weeks ago; however, the Bahamas are urging tourists to keep coming. The most popular islands were unaffected by the storm, and the Bahamian economy depends on tourism and needs the revenue in order to rebuild.
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Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Known for its architecture and art, Barcelona has become one of the most visited cities in Europe. The many landmarks around the city make it a top destination for sightseeing and getting that perfect Instagram shot. Foodies will enjoy sampling Spanish dishes and trying the local Catalan cuisine. There are also a variety of options for entertainment and nightlife. While you may have to fight your way through a crowd of tourists (I recommend visiting in the off-season when it’s not quite as busy as the summer months), you should still explore the amazing attractions that Barcelona has to offer.
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Culinary Guide to Cartagena
There were many things I loved about Cartagena (architecture, beaches, music), but my favorite thing by far was the food. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and their cuisine incorporates a variety of meat, seafood, and plant-based ingredients. The food combinations and cooking techniques are varied as well, reflecting influences from indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures.
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10 Places to Go in Cape Town
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It offers a wide range of experiences and is a great destination for first-time visitors to Africa. I spent just over a week there in 2013 and have been dying to go back ever since.
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8 Unique Things About Ethiopia
Located on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has a culture all its own, distinct from both the African and Middle Eastern nations that surround it. I visited in 2014 on an outreach trip, spending time in Addis Ababa, the capital city, and Lake Langano. The country is not your typical tourist destination, and its diverse natural landscape and ancient traditions are still unknown to most of the world.
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Where to Go in Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is a tiny, sovereign city-state in the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast near the France-Italy border. It may be the most glamorous place on earth, with its name conjuring up images of casinos, yachts, and fancy cars. The government eliminated all taxes on personal income and capital gains in 1870, which prompted many of the world’s wealthiest people to take up residence in the principality.
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5 Reasons to Visit Marseille Instead of Paris
Marseille is the second largest city in France, but has long been overshadowed by its larger rival, Paris. As a major port city, Marseille is vulnerable to drug smuggling and other organized criminal networks, which has given it a bad reputation throughout the rest of France. As a result, many travelers consciously avoid Marseille or do not even have it on their radar as a place worth visiting. [Read more…] about 5 Reasons to Visit Marseille Instead of Paris