Winters come. Oh, and winters go by... slowly. When a chance came for a special spa retreat in the mountains outside Mexico City, I took advantage of a week in February unhampered by many tourists. I stayed at Ixtapan Hotel and Spa, a delightful private spot with all the ammenities I required. Temps are cooler up in the mountains although that didn't prohibit the sun from shining. #Ixtapan #spa #hotel #Mexico #travel

Today I was fortunate to polish my sketchy knowledge of the resistance forces during El Salvador’s civil war in the 1980s, and what those brave people accomplished in the hills is a testimony to their tenacity. It’s complicated. There were many years of struggle In the previous decades. With the help of one of the guerilla leaders, Rafael, I learned of his role starting when he was only 16 years old. He met our group in the village of Cinquera, the stronghold, and shared t

Travel Tip: No matter how long or short your trip might be, one of the best things that you can do for your body upon arrival at your destination is to take a brisk walk around the block (immediate area) from where you are staying, not only get the lay of the land, but to shake off travel cobwebs. Don't expect too much from yourself the first day. Jeg lag affects people differently. Fight the desire to take more than a quick snooze. Eat a lighter meal in the evening and go

1. Keep photocopies of your passport and credit cards on your phone in "Notes." 2. Tuck away all electronic cords and adapters while you are out for the day in your inroom safe along with laptops or iPads. 3. Don't make yourself particularly visible in a hotel lobby and in upstairs hallways. 4. Don't take all your cash with you on short day trips. Leave your passport locked away in your room safe, too. 5. It doesn't hurt in the evening if you are out for a couple hours or mor

March is a popular month for wineries and restaurants joining together to host special evenings for food and wine pairings. It's the opportunity to sit at the table with the winery owner breaking bread, along with meeting the chef who is preparing your meal. You'll learn the reasoning behind the wines selected for each course. There is a special elegance to the ocassion and it leaves you joyful anticipating spring's arrival. How to find out? Check Facebook, advertisements or

Travel advice: The minute you select your international destination I would recommend that you check to see what entry requirements must be met ( how many blank pages in your passport) and if you will need a visa. Don't leave this important matter to the last minute as it takes time if you require a new passport, or if you must send away for a visa. About two months or so before the trip, check to see what medications/ vaccines are necessary for optimum health. http://wwwnc.c

1. Hairdryer The majority of places you will stay have one right in the room. Otherwise, ask at the front desk. 2. Expensive jewelry including watches You are just asking for trouble otherwise. The less you are noticed, the better. 3. Umbrella Borrow one at the hotel. 4. Extra credit cards and store cards One back-up is enough along with your medical cards. 5. Baseball cap Come on. Take it off when you come inside. Better yet, leave it at home. Locals will know that you are a

It is bound to happen almost anywhere you go. Germs are an equal opportunity invader, especially in close quarters. Travel Tip: The better that you can build up your immunity BEFORE you travel, the more chance you will avoid nasty respiratory ailments. If you do succumb, probably you will have a much milder case, too. May I suggest echinacea. I take a liquid form about three weeks before the start of a long trip, and continue twice a day while on the trip. AirBourne is popu

It's the first week in January. Blah, right? To keep the momentum going - besides, the temperature is more bicycle weather - a day trip is in order to the Penn Yan area of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. I do have a specific plan for today. One of my favorite places to visit is Oak Hill Bulk Foods on 14A South, and now that it is expanded, what a pleasure to walk the wide aisles. Today, I am loading up on steel cut Irish oats and homemade peanut butter. Of course