A Day Trip to Agra from Delhi

Editor’s note: I don’t think a northern India itinerary is complete without a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Writer Sam Spector takes us on his day trip there from Delhi. Please note his recommendations at the bottom. These are NOT affiliate links and we receive nothing; he just wanted to share them with…

Delhi Part Two: New Delhi

Editor’s note: After an amazing review of Old Delhi, here Sam Spector provides us with a tremendous glimpse at the other part of the city: New Delhi. And don’t miss his recommendation for his favored meal in India! For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit his index page. In my last article, I…

Delhi Part One: Old Delhi

Editor’s note: As we explore writer Sam Spector’s trip to India together over the coming weeks, you’ll hear me say this a lot: I am so grateful for Sam’s visit and writing since I am taking my own first trip to India in November. So you can bet that I’m eagerly writing down his recommendations!…

Ramen in Yokohama

Editor’s note: ramen occupies a place in my heart and in my soul. And while I prefer gourmet ramen, even the instant variety still has meaning in my life. While I have not been to Yokohama, I’ve had incredible ramen experiences all over Japan, but now Sam Spector has inspired a ramen pilgrimage for my…

One Day in Hong Kong

Editor’s note: Like Sam, I was also in Hong Kong for a single day, although mine came after ending a cruise more than ten years ago. It was a time before the current ongoing political saga with mainland China cracking down on some of the city’s freedoms. In that light, while I would love to…

A Day Trip to Ramallah

Editor’s note: First, a disclaimer. This is NOT an article about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This IS an article about a cool Palestinian city. I was in Ramallah when I was in Israel as a high schooler. The Oslo Accords had been signed and everyone in both countries was hopeful for lasting peace, so travel between…

Masada and the Dead Sea

Editor’s note: I’ve been lucky enough to spend a decent amount of time in Israel, and to have visited the Dead Sea on three different occasions. It is truly a remarkable place. In this piece, Sam does an incredible job narrating why this entire region is so special. For more of his writing, click here…

Bangkok, Thailand

Editor’s note: I was in Bangkok for a day as part of a Southeast Asia cruise. While I found the sights to be incredible, the heat, humidity, and crowds got to me. It is a place I’d love to return to, but at a more leisurely pace so as to mitigate some of that. Sam’s…

Visiting Nara Park in Japan

Editor’s note: like Sam, visiting Nara was one of my favorite parts of both of my Japan trips. Also like Sam, both of my visits focused on Nara Park. You can read about my experience here. And for more of Sam’s adventures, click here to visit his index page. It is springtime, and when thinking…