“Dude, if you wanna meet local girls you gotta be able to dance.” I avoided the tango in Buenos Aires, but it’s going to be hard to avoid salsa in the Caribbean. “I hate dancing.” “You’ve just gotta move your hips.” “I’ll need a few more of these first.” I [...]

Is there nothing better than shipping off on a red-eye flight in the depth of a cold winter night and arrive, half-a-day later far on the other side of the Equator (assuming you’re coming from the north) in warm South America? Plants are budding, locals are excited about the onset [...]

When they felt there was enough fish to justify pulling the nets in, someone would ring a bell hanging from a palm and close to 50 men, woman and children would rush to the ropes to pull the nets in as quickly as our strained arms could muster. Teeth clenched, [...]

A destination for backpackers and hip travelers, Colombia is known for its vibrant culture and friendly residents. With Medellín attracting those seeking nightly salsa partners, and Cartagena drawing travelers looking for a Caribbean beach getaway, Colombia continues to fascinate travelers and overcome its sordid reputation. Despite its image to some, one reputation that’s well [...]

As safety becomes the norm and Colombia’s young begin to enjoy life around the city (and money) the way a generation ago never did, a burgeoning, dare we say it, hipster scene is emerging in Bogotá. (Full disclosure, I live in Brooklyn. I feel this is something necessary to disclose [...]

When I was reading the recent news reports about Colombia’s terrible rains and floods that have been ravaging the South American country for the last few weeks, it made me think back to my own trip there almost two years ago to the date. I was there in late November, [...]

Colombia’s Caribbean coast is in the news big time this week, with article in both the Financial Times and the NY Times. Gone are the days when the region’s checkered history scared away tourists. Now, for better or worse (better if you’re a local depending on travelers), you’re more likely [...]

New York to Tel Aviv for $1085: You know about Birthright, the program where Jews from around the world are given a free trip to Israel? Why don’t other countries do this? Why isn’t Italy flying me out for the summer? That country better be careful, I may just think [...]

This week Cartagena, Colombia, is getting the “walk-in-the-shoes-of-”blank” treatment from the NYT, with a look at the city through the eyes (and hands) of Gabriel García Márquez, perhaps Colombia’s most famous artistic export (outside of Shakira). Though they note the author never really lived there for much of his life [...]

A trek into the jungle in search of Colombia’s “Lost City.” Our group grabs the packs from the top of the Jeep’s rusty roof before we set off for Ciudad Perdida, or Colombia’s Lost City. Our guide, Tunyi, decides to begin the six-day trek by telling us about eight tourists [...]