Recently in Solo Travel Category

Indulging in the Sweetness of Solo Dining   It's an acquired taste. Not everyone likes it, and not everyone wants to try it. But for those who have indulged in the sweetness of a table for one, it's hard to turn back.   When I tell people where I've been or where I'm going, and that I'm going alone, I'm inevitably met with blank stares and wide eyes, and then a cock of the head that suggests pity for my party of one. Quite the contrary, I say! Traveling solo means you can do what you want, when you want, how you want and when you want to. You can play on your budget rules, make your own itinerary, sleep in, stay out and yes, dine alone.   But to the first-time solo traveler, dining alone can be a bit frightening. Here are a few tips to help you conquer your fear, and sit proudly at your table of one: 

It's that time of year, again... when Winter turns into Spring, leaves start to bloom and the dreaded "how fast can I shed my Winter weight" bets with yourself begin.

Instead of searching for the one spot on the beach that's not overrun by bikini-clad college kids with hangovers, consider taking your Spring Break somewhere a little less chaotic. Just because you're living an adult life doesn't mean you can't have a little fun.

'Tis the season for overspending and overindulgence. From extra calories to over-the-top ribbons and bows, there's nothing quite like the holiday season to get you in the spirit of giving. While most of us are able to cross off the majority of the people on our gift-giving list thanks to specific requests and letters to Santa, there's always a few that leave us dumbfounded and staring aimlessly at store windows. While we can't solve all you mystery gift dilemmas, we can give you a few pointers on some of the most hard-to-shop-for people: the travelers.

What do you get the person who jetsets the world and comes home with rare artifacts from historical sites and designer goods from hidden markets? The solo traveler is fond of the unique and extraordinary, but favors two things among all else: comfort and convenience. Here's our list of the top five gifts to get the solo traveler for the holidays:

A hazard of the job: That you will likely miss something while away from home.  Mom guilt  - it's inevitable if you travel without the kids. Someone will have a meltdown, forget their homework or get an upset stomach.

And you will get that dreaded text from your child. She needs you. Right now. And you know you can't be there. 

As a travel writer, I've run into difficulty reconciling luxury experiences in impoverished destinations.  As much as I adore sunken Jacuzzi tubs, chef's tasting menus and spacious floor plans, it's hard to walk out of an $800 a night hotel room and see local communities, literally on your doorstep, in so much need. 

Sure, luxury tourism brings much needed dollars to underserved areas of the world, and in many cases, provides employment opportunities.  But, how often do luxury travel providers do well by doing good?  Aqua Expeditions, a Peruvian luxury company that provides expedition cruises on the Amazon does just that.

No city does summer better than Chicago. After the brutal winters that keep everyone indoors and hunkered down, the warm, humid summers are a time to head outdoors, walking along the lakeshore and attending one (or many) of the city's famous (and free) festivals.