By Fly&Dine Contributor Nate Federman Before traveling to Costa Rica, I repeatedly heard three things about the food there: it’s lots of rice and beans (true!), bland (false!), and expensive (only partially true). Yes, there are plenty of restaurants catering to tourists. If you eat at them, you’ll pay US prices for unspectacular food. Or……
Customer Service from American Airlines That I Truly Appreciate
I haven’t flown on a plane in nearly two years and I miss it tremendously. The more I hear about the behavior of entitled maskholes, though, the more I’m glad I’m not dealing with it. We’re still in a pandemic. Masks work. Get used to it. In any case, Reddit user InterestWall posted a video…
How I Got Amazon to Pay for My Amazon Prime Membership
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I order something from Amazon every single day via Amazon Prime. Yesterday, I ordered three separate times. Before you jump in and judge my wasteful ways (I’m aware, environment, and I’m sorry!), please take into account that I have a new baby. Running to the store isn’t all…
Do. New York. Take a Time Machine Back to Tenement Times.
What: The Tenement Museum Where: Lower East Side Manhattan (New York City) What makes it special In today’s world, it feels more important than ever to honor the experiences of the immigrants who came to America and make this country what it is today. The Tenement Museum is precisely the place to do that. The museum consists…
Eat. Alabama. Never Say No to Miss Myra’s Peanut Butter Pie.
What: Miss Myra’s Pit Bar-B-Q Where: Vestavia Hills, AL What makes it special Every food lover has a fantasy about stumbling across an out-of-the-way restaurant that hasn’t been buzzed about relentlessly on food blogs and in magazine profiles. Miss Myra’s is exactly that type of place. Right next to Birmingham is the (surprisingly) progressive enclave of Vestavia…
Stay. Panama. A Hotel in the Heart of Panamanian History.
What: The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Where: Panama City, Panama What makes it special It may not be in the heart of downtown Panama City, but this hotel is situated in the perfect spot for a true taste of Panama. Just a stone’s throw away from the airport (but not too close) and right on the beach, the Westin…
Quick Tip: The Best Way to Save Money on Holiday Travel
With the holidays just a few weeks away (I know!), it may feel like it’s too late to book your holiday travel — but it’s not. While rushing through an airport to get somewhere around Christmas makes me want to stay in bed, some of the best flights I’ve ever taken have come in the…
Eat. Buenos Aires. A House Turned Restaurant, Library, and Garden.
What: Casa Cavia Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina What makes it special Casa Cavia is a house at its core, built in the 1920s by a Norwegian artist and architect. The house, however, is far from a home. Located in Buenos Aires’ chic Palermo Chico neighborhood, it was converted into a contemporary restaurant and concept shop in 2015.…
Do. Beverly Hills. The Korean Spa Gets a Major Upgrade.
What: Pellequr Where: Beverly Hills, CA What makes it special Traditional Korean day spas are amazing for a number of reasons (price point being at the top of the list), but sometimes you’re looking for a high-end experience. If that’s the case, you may want to check out Pellequr, a luxury women-only boutique Korean spa in the…
Stay. Costa Rica. An Open Air Rainforest Lodge with Monkeys.
What: Lapa Rios Where: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica What makes it special Combine the Blue Lagoon with Swiss Family Robinson and Lost and you’re getting close to the experience of Lapa Rios. With 1,000 acres in the middle of a rainforest, this expansive luxury resort gives you a sustainable tourism experience where you can co-exist with Costa Rican nature without the restrictions…
Quick tip: BYOWater and save $$$
Water. It’s one of those things that seems so basic at home but feels like a luxury when you’re traveling. Instead of spending major $$$ on bottled water, bring your own reusable water bottle with you. I’m partial to the vacuum insulated S’well Bottle because it keeps water cold (or hot!) for a full day, but really…
Shop. Paris. Step Inside This Women’s Shoe Boutique.
What: Zoe Lee Where: Paris, France What makes it special Zoe Lee is one of a kind shoe store. If you’re looking for something special but don’t care to have one of *those* designers or name brand shoes, you’ve found the right place. Each Zoe Lee shoe is designed in Paris but carefully crafted in Italy with…
Stay. Upstate New York. Escape to a Cottage in the Finger Lakes.
What: Single Island Shores Where: Finger Lakes, NY What makes it special While concrete jungles have their own beauty, they typically lack the color green. If you’re looking for a little nature time away without the buzz of the city, the Finger Lakes are a perfect quick drive upstate. Single Island Shores offers well-appointed cabin rentals right on Seneca…
Do. Slovenia. Follow a Dirt Path in Vintgar Gorge to Lake Bled.
What: Vintgar Gorge to Lake Bled Where: Soteska Vintgar, Slovenia What makes it special Around the river and through the woods (and two Slovenian ski towns), to Lake Bled you should go. Vintgar Gorge (also known as Bled Gorge) is a 1.6 kilometer gorge in northwestern Slovenia. Up for a little adventure? This journey is right up your alley. Begin on…