10 of the Best Things to Drink in Dublin — Besides Guinness and Irish Whiskey (USAToday's 10 Best)

"Good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub," muses James Joyce's protagonist, Leopold Bloom, in the epic tome Ulysses. Long known as a drinking town, in more recent years, Dublin's culinary and cocktail culture has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to a new generation of restaurateurs, mixologists, makers and purveyors who are doing things their own way.

And while there's nothing wrong with a tipple of Irish whiskey or a proper pint of Guinness – the good folks at Swan Bar, an institution on Pub Street circa 1661, will make sure you're sorted in that category – a visit to Dublin nowadays would be incomplete without sampling any of the locally-made artisanal gins, an expertly-crafted cocktail or indulging in the grand tradition of afternoon tea in one of the city's most iconic drawing rooms.

Here are 10 sips that celebrate Dublin's past, present and future. … (continue reading)

12 Reasons Why You Should Plan a Stopover in Doha (Fodor's)

Between the unveiling of an impressive Jean Nouvel-designed museum and the ever-growing list of luxe new hotel openings, it’s safe to say that the Qatar capital city of Doha is definitely having a moment.

And no doubt the current pace of development will only continue to escalate in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, for which the city is building seven new stadiums (including a stunner designed by Zaha Hadid) and a brand new metro line. On top of the fact that a Doha stopover can be booked at no additional cost to you, here are a few more reasons to consider checking out this up-and-coming destination in the Middle East. … (continue reading)

A Holistic Experience in Switzerland With Ayurveda by Giardino (TravelAge West)

I’ve always been curious about the health and wellness practices of other cultures, particularly those that predate Western ideas by many millennia. So my interest was certainly piqued when I heard that Switzerland’s Giardino Group, which manages a portfolio of resorts and restaurants, has introduced Ayurveda by Giardino, a comprehensive program built around customized, all-inclusive retreats ranging from three to 21 days.

There are plenty of wellness-centric hotels and resorts across Europe and North America that, at least in part, subscribe to the principles of Ayurveda — a holistic practice with origins in the Indian subcontinent that aims to bring balance to the body and mind through Ayurvedic nutrition, yoga and meditation, among other activities. But it’s much less common to find entire hotel groups committed to integrating Ayurveda as a primary brand pillar. … (continue reading)

10 Ways to Give Back While Traveling (Amex Essentials)

How’s this for a New Year’s resolution: Make travel plans in 2019 that also have an impact for good — and we’re talking about more than reusing bath towels or not having the sheets changed every day (that should be standard practice by now). From innovative hotel booking sites to grassroots programs and laudable initiatives by hotel and cruise brands, here are a few worthwhile causes you can support — simply by deciding where you want to go on your next holiday. … (continue reading)

The 10 Best Christmas Towns in America (NY Post)

If the festive feel of the holidays has you dreaming of an apropos getaway, the good news is there’s no shortage of utterly charming Christmas towns sprinkled across the United States.

From North Pole in Alaska and Taos in New Mexico to Bethlehem in Pennsylvania and Duluth in Minnesota, the best Christmas spots have lights, decorations and Santas aplenty — plus plenty of weird and wonderful traditions of their own. They’re without a doubt among the best places to visit this winter.

So pack your bags (and your Santa hat!) and head to one of these destinations that put the cheer into the most wonderful time of year. … (continue reading)

Hotel Review: Rosewood Bermuda (TravelAge West)

There are few things I love more than finding that perfect spot in a hotel where I can settle in with the full intention of staying awhile, whether to relax, to work or — often — both. I may try out other areas around the property, but, invariably, I’ll wind up back at that one place that has charmed me so (usually with its combination of comfort, practicality and a unique vantage point).

Within hours of arriving at Rosewood Bermuda, it was the chaise loungers at the elegant Palm Court Pool that wooed me. Specifically, I gravitated toward the ones overlooking the pool’s infinity edge to the sloping hillsides and, past that, the dense tropical foliage with sparkling glimpses of Harrington Sound. … (continue reading)

The World’s First Over and Underwater Villa Opens in the Maldives (Departures)

It’s not easy to make waves in a destination already considered one of the world’s most luxurious, where private island resorts are the status quo, extraordinary design is ubiquitous, and the pristine paradise of the Maldives is your playground.

Yet the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has done just that with the unveiling of The Muraka, a nearly 6,000-square-foot, three bedroom, bi-level residence that features an otherworldly underwater master suite as well as an elegant and contemporary overwater floor plan. … (continue reading)

24 Hours In... Chengdu (Amex Essentials)

The capital of China’s Sichuan province is best known for its heat-forward cuisine and famous four-pawed residents — those bamboo-loving, black-and-white bears that might just be one of the world’s most loved creatures in the animal kingdom (of course we’re talking about pandas!). And while Chengdu locals wholly embrace their status as the country’s panda capital, there’s so much more to this vibrant city with a seriously stylish side. … (continue reading)

What to Do in Bermuda Today (TravelAge West)

After setting new records for tourism last year, Bermuda’s hot streak shows no signs of waning. In fact, in the first quarter of 2018, the island nation saw double-digit gains in both the number of leisure travelers arriving and visitor spending — and that was before Rosewood Bermuda unveiled its sparkling $25 million renovation, marking the second consecutive year of major hotel news here. (The Loren at Pink Beach, the first newbuild luxury hotel in Bermuda in 45 years, opened in 2017.) 

From a milestone museum anniversary and conservation success stories to the fresh appeal of the New World’s oldest town, here’s what’s new and notable in Bermuda right now. … (continue reading)

12 Global Food Festivals Worth the Trip (Fodor's)

Travel, eat, repeat.

A freshly-shucked oyster, a twirl of noodles, a swirl and sip of a distinctive local wine—good food is always worth celebrating and can be the raison d’être for planning travel in and of itself.

With plenty of opportunities to sample delectable bites from local and international culinary stars—and ample access to local growers and producers, too—food festivals offer globe-trotting gastronomes an immersive taste of a destination’s culinary ethos. So let’s dig in, shall we?

Make the Most of Fall With These Escapes Near NYC (NY Post)

U-pick orchards, fall foliage in all its glory, cranberry bogs and, yes, plenty of pumpkin spice, too.

If back-to-school season has you itching to get out of town, look no farther than these regional escapes. …

Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui (TravelAge West)

While the superlatives for The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui roll off the tongue with ease, this is the sort of resort destination that requires so much unpacking that the best place to start is at the very beginning — with my arrival to the property, and the resulting view. … (continue reading)