J The Travel Authority

European Destinations With Abundant Nature-Based Treasures

2024-06-29T13:05:00.002-04:00

These are two of my favorite destinations with an abundance of nature-based treasures:

Iceland where I had spent a month visiting venues in the four cardinal directions: Akureyri in the North, Westman Islands in the South, Egilsstadir in the East and Isafjordur in the West.

The Azores where I visited eight of the nine islands in this archipelago: Sao Miguel, Pico, Flores, Faial, Sao Jorge, Tercera, Graciosa, Santa Maria.

European Mountain Destinations

2024-06-28T13:01:00.002-04:00

Bicycling and hiking are two of my three favorite sports activities. (The third is Nordic skiing.) These are two destinations that I adore:

When hiking the Dolomites, you almost feel like you can touch the clouds.

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are ideal for cycling. Here, the mountains meet the sea.

Sustainability at a Luxe Resort in Scotland

2024-05-31T11:59:00.001-04:00

In Scotland, the luxe, five-star Cameron House has something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill seeker who gravitates to four-wheeling or someone who prefers something much more staid like upright paddleboarding. The expansive property within a national park fronts the stunningly scenic Loch Lomond. With myriad trails, paths and petite gardens both on property and a relatively short car ride away, the Cameron House actively embraces a sustainability ethic. This is my latest article for ForbesLife.

Travels in the Dominican Republic - Part 3

2024-05-31T11:33:00.002-04:00

At the luxe Cayo Levantado Resort, strolling to the private beach at sunrise is a must-do experience.

The private beach is an idyllic location for sunning, swimming and snacking.

Travels in the Dominican Republic - Part 2

2024-05-30T15:04:00.004-04:00

This private beach at Cayo Levantado Resort is a serene spot for sipping a chilled glass of verdejo.

Guests who wake up early are treated to this sunrise view from their private terrace.

Travels in the Dominican Republic - Part 1

2024-05-30T14:41:00.001-04:00

The abundant lush foliage, creative wellness classes and chill vibe make it easy to truly get into a Zen state at the luxe Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic. This is the area where the offerings include the most awesome Sound Healing.

Even just walking through the wellness area of this resort is a transformative experience.

Stunning Hiking Venues

2024-04-30T14:23:00.006-04:00

Wherever I travel, I include outdoor activities, whether cycling, hiking, walking or cross-country skiing. These are three venues that offer phenomenal hiking opportunities.

Hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites is a rigorous but enchanting experience.

To truly experience the drama and beauty of the Grand Canyon, I hiked all the way down to Phantom Ranch, stayed overnight and then hiked back up the next day. (Going down is definitely harder on your legs.)

All my many trips to Norway involved outdoor adventures, including hiking in Jotunheimen National Park.

Travels in Belize - Part 4

2024-04-29T12:20:00.001-04:00

Some resorts touting that you’ll get away from it all mean it literally, in a good way. And that would define the Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye in Belize. Once your shuttle boat docks at its pier, you won’t find any other resorts, restaurants or bars nearby. But you will find a low-key, informal vibe on a property that’s huddled in a tropical verdancy. Find out more about this resort in my latest article for ForbesLife.

Travel’s in Quebec Eastern Townships - Part 5

2024-03-30T10:45:00.001-04:00

Whether dining on tasty delicacies that are artistically presented on the plate, or soaking in one of the outdoor hot tubs, a visit to the contemporary Balnea Spa and its restaurant, Lumami, is a restful retreat.

Winter Landscapes on Roosevelt Island

2024-03-29T10:56:00.005-04:00

Snuggled in the East River and just a short tram ride from Manhattan’s Midtown East, Roosevelt Island is a great place to soak up the bucolic landscape and contemporary architecture. (The 59th Street Bridge that hovers above the island is quite photogenic when a thick blanket of fog settles in.) Winter on the island is especially evocative when the undulating lawns of the Cornell Tech campus are covered in snow. These are a few winter images.

Travels in Quebec’s Eastern Townships - Part 4

2024-03-25T08:33:00.003-04:00

Strolling along the trails in this expansive wetland (Marais de la Riviere-aux-Cerises) is a treasure for bird watchers and eco-focused visitors alike.

Travels in Quebec’s Eastern Townships - Part 3

2024-03-24T12:59:00.004-04:00

Picturesque Lake Memphremagog in downtown Magog is bordered by a lovely more-than-a-mile ice skating path.

In my travels, I’m often attracted to colors and shapes. This is inside the contemporary interpretive center at the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises, a stellar protected ecosystem in Quebec’s Eastern Townships that provides visitors with insights into the life of this expansive wetland.

Travels in Quebec’s Eastern Townships - Part 2

2024-02-29T09:19:00.002-05:00

Whether you ski Quebec’s Mount Bromont or just take the gondola to the 1,800 foot summit, it’s worth hanging out at the ultra contemporary Summit Lodge for the stellar sunsets.

Travels in Quebec’s Eastern Townships - Part 1

2024-02-28T09:40:00.001-05:00

In Quebec’s Eastern Townships, a visit to the Abbey of St. Benoit du Lac is a must-do, for the overwhelming sense of tranquility, the scenic vistas, eclectic architecture, and insights into the monastic life. This is an image of the St. Benoit Chapel.

A tour inside the Abbey of St. Benoit du Lac in Quebec’s Eastern Townships is especially a must-see for architecture buffs.

A Smart, Stellar Cruise in the Greek Islands

2024-02-27T10:47:00.003-05:00

For many travelers, a voyage on a cruise is all about enjoying the on-board food, drink and entertainment. But a cruise in the Greek Islands with the luxury operator, Abercrombie and Kent, offers plenty of lessons in everything from art history to oenology to archeology. Find out what you’ll learn on excursions to six Greek islands in my latest article for ForbesLife.

Winter Travels in Spring Lake, New Jersey

2024-01-31T15:35:00.002-05:00

Though known as a summer destination, Spring Lake, NJ is a scenic, off-season locale as well, including in the winter when the 19th century wooden footbridges are lit up for the holidays, and the lake partially freezes, yet ducks and other water birds can still be found.

Travels in Belize - Part 3

2024-01-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

The Matachica Resort in Belize is a luxe resort that’s calm, vibrant and unpretentious. There are plenty of places to lounge, indoors and outside, including under an umbrella along the pier.

Travels in Belize - Part 2

2024-01-29T12:15:00.000-05:00

A colossal sculpture of a flip-flop. How appropriate at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Belize.

Even in the rainy season, the private catamaran boat shuttle from San Pedro to this resort is a scenic, relaxing journey.

Travels in Belize - Part 1

2024-01-26T12:21:00.001-05:00

No matter where I travel, I try to capture the sunrise — a special time for me. This is the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Ambergris Cay in Belize.

I also lingered on the beach for the sunset when the clouds took on a dramatic quality.

New York City’s Roosevelt Island

2024-01-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

New York City’s Roosevelt Island is a gem, with bucolic landscaping and scenic waterfront views. It’s a great place to stroll, jog or picnic. Accessible by a four-minute tram from Manhattan’s Midtown East, Roosevelt Island isn’t on most anyone’s list — many native New Yorkers have never visited — but it should be. These are some images from the holiday season.

Unique and Evocative Accommodations in Wales

2023-12-27T14:11:00.002-05:00

Wales is blessed with so many natural and cultural treasures. And one way to get acquainted with what this country has to offer is by booking a stay at one of several unique accommodations that vary from the serene to the quirky. You can read about six of these in my latest article for ForbesLife.

Travels in Spring Lake, NJ - Part 3

2023-12-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

Though the vast majority of visitors flock to Spring Lake in the summer, many people find the other three seasons to be quite atmospheric, especially without the crowds. This is winter in Spring Lake.

One of the 19th century wooden footbridges shining in the rays of the rising sun in winter. During the holidays, each of the pair of footbridges is strung with lights, making for an even more atmospheric experience if you walk across either of them at night.

Travels in Spring Lake, NJ - Part 2

2023-12-24T06:45:00.002-05:00

Every season is delightful in Spring Lake, though I’m especially fond of the off season. This is one of two footbridges that date to the late 1800s.

Divine Park, the home of Spring Lake, is wonderfully forested with white oaks, sugar maples and many other trees that take on a dramatic hue come fall.

Travels in Spring Lake, NJ - Part 1

2023-12-23T10:28:00.002-05:00

Despite traveling all over the world to the most wonderful places, I always return to Spring Lake, New Jersey that’s a bastion of serenity and bucolic scenery.

Sunrise is a special time in Spring Lake.

Travels in Greece - Part 4

2023-11-29T17:50:00.002-05:00

Santorini has such a distinctive, dramatic profile as whitewashed buildings hover over an expansive caldera, and a narrow road zig-zags from the shore to the cliff top.

Patmos is one of my favorite Greek islands. It’s small (just about 7 miles long), scenic, only accessible by boat, and hardly thronged with tourists.