Etiquette In The Middle East: 8 Things To Know

Because the United States Constitution calls for the separation of church and state, it is quite a different experience for an American to travel to a country with an official religion, whether it’s Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s nations have an official state religion, and the majority of those are Arab countries in the Middle East.

One of the many benefits of travel is the opportunity to expand your horizons and experience different cultures. While most people embrace cultural sensitivity and appreciate that our big world is full of different perspectives and customs, it’s only natural to default to one’s own cultural norms. And when the rules of etiquette and behavior in one’s home country differ from those of another nation, it’s incredibly important to be mindful of the local culture.

I had the opportunity to visit Turkey and the United Arab Emirates a few years ago. And while both countries are known to be more liberal than others in the region, I found that adhering to the following rules helped me explore ancient temples, negotiate bargains in souks, and marvel at modern architectural masterpieces like a local.

Scarves for sale at a souk in the Middle East. — Sage Scott

1. Dress Modestly

When I visited Dubai in January, it was a pleasant 80 degrees. In the U.S., tourists flocking to a sunny seaside destination would be sporting shorts, tank tops, and sundresses that expose legs, shoulders, and maybe a little cleavage. But this is an absolute no-no in the Middle East.

Both men and women should dress modestly in the Middle East, keeping shoulders and knees covered and not wearing anything that is too tight or revealing. Women can beat the heat while respecting the local culture by donning long but loose-fitting clothing like maxi dresses, long skirts, and palazzo pants. It’s best that men wear pants and collared shirts, but if shorts are worn, they should be cargo-style, extending past the knees.

While foreign women aren’t expected to cover their hair out in public, I recommend packing a wide, lightweight scarf when traveling to the Middle East and carrying it with you. If you forget to pack a scarf, you’ll find many colorful options available at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or the souks throughout the region.

Inside one of the many mosques in the Middle East. — Sage Scott

2. Keep These Things In Mind When Visiting A Mosque

Perhaps because my parents made a point of exploring the grand cathedrals and medieval churches of Europe, I was curious to step inside a mosque during my trip to the Middle East.

Before entering a mosque, women are expected to cover their hair, and everyone who enters is expected to remove their shoes. Mosques that are popular with tourists recognize that many Western women don’t wear or carry headscarves and will hand out loaner head coverings. (I prefer to use my own scarf, which is why I recommend carrying one at all times when visiting the Middle East.) Mosques that are frequented by tourists will often distribute small plastic bags that you can use to carry your shoes while visiting.

Inside the mosque, non-Muslims are not allowed to roam freely. Rather, they must remain on the perimeter. As in all places of worship, from cathedrals to synagogues to mosques, visitors should be quiet and reserved when on the premises, especially during religious services.

A no kissing sign in Istanbul. — Sage Scott

3. Avoid Public Displays Of Affection

While it’s considered impolite to make out in public in Western countries across Europe and North America, nearly all public displays of affection are frowned upon in the Middle East. Even something as innocent as holding hands in public can be illegal in the Arab world if you’re not married.

To respect the local customs (and laws), never hug or kiss in public. To stay on the safe side, refrain from holding hands, especially when shopping, dining, and exploring. If you’re ever tempted to steal a little sugar from your better half, prominently posted signs will remind you that it’s taboo!

4. Watch How You Refer To Your Main Squeeze

If you’re visiting the Middle East with a significant other to whom you’re not married, be sure to refer to one another as “husband” and “wife” rather than “life partner,” “boyfriend,” or “girlfriend.” This is especially important when checking into a hotel. Even in more liberal Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates, it’s illegal under Islamic law for unmarried couples to live together or share a hotel room.

As is the case at most hotels around the world, you’ll be required to show your passports when you check in. While different surnames may suggest that a couple is unmarried in some countries in the West, that usually isn’t a red flag in the Middle East.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. — Sage Scott

5. Use Your Left Hand Sparingly

In Arab culture, the left hand is used for toileting and is widely considered to be unclean. Therefore, even southpaws should use their left hands sparingly when visiting the Middle East.

Whether grabbing a burger in the food court at the Dubai Mall, splurging at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or enjoying something in between, you should never touch food with your left hand in the Middle East. So learn to eat a Big Mac with one hand and move your fork to your right side if you typically eat continental style.

Whether you’re handing your passport to a customs agent or distributing printouts to work colleagues, be sure to use your right hand in the Middle East.

6. Drink In Moderation

Most Muslims do not drink alcohol, but wine, beer, and spirits are readily available in restaurants, bars, and shops in some Arab nations. While visitors are permitted to enjoy a drink in places like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, getting drunk is socially unacceptable.

7. Note That Some Areas Are For Ladies Only

The Dubai Metro is a fast, safe, and convenient way to travel to the city’s most popular spots. In addition to being incredibly clean and affordable, this mode of public transportation has a cabin reserved for women and children.

Although multiple signs mark this dedicated space, the rule isn’t strictly enforced. During one of my trips on the Dubai Metro, I watched a female metro employee politely inform a Middle Eastern man sitting with several women and children that he needed to move to another compartment. The man completely ignored her, not even making eye contact or acknowledging her presence, until a male employee appeared, had the same conversation with him, and started to write the rule breaker a ticket.

Throughout the Middle East, you’ll also encounter women-only establishments, most notably beauty salons, spas, and makeup boutiques. Because most Middle Eastern women keep their heads and necks covered when they are outside of their homes, having dedicated spaces with frosted windows allows them to remove their scarves and let their hair down.

8. Respect The Local Greeting Customs

While shaking hands, hugging, and social kissing are common ways of greeting members of either sex in the West, the norms are quite different in the Middle East.

Kissing, as practiced socially throughout Europe, is out of the question between men and women, but it’s not uncommon for Middle Eastern men to greet one another with a hug or kiss one another on the cheeks. And while their grip is typically less firm, Middle Eastern men will routinely greet Western men with a handshake.

But it is considered impolite for a Middle Eastern man to extend his hand to a woman outside of his family. If you are a Western woman, being the first to extend your hand for a handshake indicates that you are comfortable with this gesture by a man who is not a close family member. Or, as an alternative, you can simply say hello and nod politely. In response, your Middle Eastern colleague may place his hand over his heart (as Americans do during the national anthem).

The cultural differences between the Middle East and the West are significant and can be a bit jarring, but keeping the local etiquette in mind will go a long way toward helping you make the most of your visit.

How To Survive Almost 24 Hours On A Plane

You’re going to fly almost 24 hours on an airplane? I could never do that.

That’s often the first response we get when we tell people that we are flying from New York to Singapore. Then come the questions: How do you do it? Don’t you get stir-crazy? What do you bring on board? What do you wear? What do you eat? Do you sleep?

Over the past 20 years, we have been to Singapore or another Asian country at least once a year. We have done every iteration of this route — nonstop, switching planes in Europe, switching planes in Asia, and one- to three-day stopovers in Europe and Asia. We have flown on Singapore Air, Eva Air, Air China, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and some American airlines. We’ve flown economy, premium economy, and business class. Here are our secrets to surviving and (sometimes even enjoying) this journey.

Singapore: A Gateway To Asia

No matter your final destination, Singapore is a good place to start your Asia itinerary. There’s plenty to do and see. And, there are cheap and short flights to anywhere else you’d like to go. Singapore offers free tours from the airport if you are in transit. And, the Jewel at Singapore Airport is a destination in and of itself.

New York To Singapore Nonstop

The quickest way to go from New York City to Singapore is via Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flight. It departs from Newark, one of the two international airports in the New York City area. The 18-hour flight is one of the longest nonstop flights in the world.

One of the highest-rated airlines in the world, Singapore Air can be expensive. For the nonstop flight, there are no economy seats, just business and premium economy classes.

It can be jarring to be on an 18-hour flight. We didn’t like it the first time. It was too long and disorienting. Now, it is our preferred way of going. We buy our tickets in advance when they go on sale. With a nonstop flight, you don’t have to worry about missed connections making your trip even longer. You can plan your sleeping (more on that later), movie watching, and other activities.

New York To Singapore With A Transfer In Asia

On our way to Asia, we have switched planes in Beijing, Taipei, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Taipei is the easiest transfer. The airport is small, easy to navigate, and does not require going through customs or immigration while in transit. The signs are easy to find and follow. This is especially important after you’ve been on a long flight, are facing a 13-hour time difference, and have a tight connection.

Beijing is our least favorite transit point. The airport is huge and hard to navigate. The language barrier and transiting processes can be difficult.

New York To Singapore With A Transfer In Europe

In the early years, we mostly flew with a stop in Frankfurt or Amsterdam. The plane stopped for an hour to refuel. All of the passengers had to get off, take all of their carry-on luggage, wander through the airport for an hour, and then return.

Is It Better To Switch Planes In Europe Or Asia?

If we don’t fly nonstop, we prefer to switch planes in Asia. When going via Europe, the first leg is about seven hours. Between dinner, breakfast, settling in, and landing, that leaves only a few hours for sleeping. Most flights leave late at night, so you are doing the transfer at what would be 3 or 4 a.m. EST.

One advantage of transiting in Asia is that the first leg of the flight is 12 to 14 hours long. We find this timing more conducive to sleeping. After the transfer, you have a much shorter flying segment to your final destination.

Carry on compartment on a plane. — charnsitr / 1https://www.shutterstock.com/

What To Bring On The Plane

Having the things that you need on the plane can make the difference between a good and bad flight. Now, you might think that since you have a carry-on in the overhead bin, that you can bring everything. At 5 a.m., though, you will not want to be opening the overhead bin to find your medicine.

We pack what we call a “seat bag.” In our seat bag (what the airlines call your personal item), we have all the things we need to access easily and quickly during the flight. That way, we don’t spend the entire flight opening the overhead bin. This also allows us to refrain from using the seat pocket, too.

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes have become an essential carry-on item. It’s the first thing we now pull out and use on every surface in our area.

Amenity Kits: Eye Shades, Earplugs, Toothbrush, And Socks

We have noticed that some airlines are no longer automatically providing an amenity kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, eye shades, and socks. Sometimes you have to request this kit. If you want one, ask for it as soon as you sit down — they may run out.

Compression Socks

You might want to consider bringing compression socks on long haul flights. They help to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Walking around and moving your legs can prevent DVT, but on a long flight, you’ll be sleeping for extended periods of time.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Noise canceling headphones can be a lifesaver on a long flight. Since everyone will have their own jet lag strategies, there is always someone walking in the aisles, talking, eating, and more. If you are trying to sleep, this can be very annoying without headphones or earplugs.

Medicine

When traveling to Asia, you need to think through what medications you will be taking on the plane. On the way there, you spend almost 24 hours in the air and you cross the international date line. This can mess up your usual routine. We always plan what time and what medications we are taking on the flight and the day after.

Water Bottle, Moisturizer, And Lip Balm

Long flights are very dry, and staying hydrated is very important. Moisturizer and lip balm are essential. We also bring an empty water bottle with us and fill it after security and before we board.

Gum, Lozenges, And Motion Sickness Medication

Gum and sucking candies are important if you have difficulty with air pressure changes. Long flights can sometimes have extended periods of turbulence, so if you are prone to motion sickness, having medication is very important.

iPads, Phones, And Chargers

Long haul international flights tend to have very good onboard entertainment systems. You may spend most of your time watching movies. That said, you might want to bring on your iPad or reading material for in-between times. Don’t forget your chargers.

Sweaters And Sleep Wear

Being cold can ruin a long flight. The airlines have blankets, but if you tend to be cold, make sure to bring a comfy sweater.

You’ll be in your clothes for 30+ hours. We like to wear casual clothes to the airport and then change into comfortable attire for sleeping. We avoid tight clothes and zippers.

Neck Pillow

We have back and neck problems, so we always bring our own pillows in addition to the pillows that the airline provides.

Eyeglass Case

If you wear eyeglasses, you’ll want to have something to put your eyeglasses in when you sleep. An eyeglass case removes the worry about where to put them or potentially damaging them.

A neck pillow, eye mask, and earwplugs on a plane. — FotoHelin / Shutterstock

Jet Lag Strategies

Jet lag is a challenge when traveling to Asia. After an almost 24-hour flight, you have to adjust to a 12+ hour time difference. Day is night and night is day. We have tried many different strategies. We also make sure to drink a lot of water and limit our alcohol consumption. Some people swear by melatonin, but we’ve never found it helpful.

Switch To Asia Time When Boarding

We have sometimes changed our watch to Singapore time as soon as we board. This can work for some people as you can use the time on the plane to start your adjustment.

Sleep As Much As Possible

Sleeping as much as possible on the plane can ensure that you are rested when you arrive. Being well rested (face it, most of us operate with a sleep deficit all of the time) can help offset your exhaustion when you arrive.

Stay Up The Whole Flight

If your flight is landing early in the evening, staying up the entire flight can help you to be tired when you arrive so that you can go to sleep in the evening in Asia.

Sleep When You Are Tired

This is my current strategy. We no longer worry about whether or not we have jet lag. We sleep when we are tired and do things when we are awake. Eventually, we adjust. Of course, our trips to Asia are no longer just one week long. We generally stay in Asia 6 to 10 weeks and have the luxury of taking our time to adjust.

No matter which strategy you pick, you’ll likely be tired. It can take a day per time zone to adjust.

Pro Tips For Long Flights

Try to take it slower the first few days after you land. Of course, this is hard to do on a one-week trip.

Some people feel that going east is harder than going west. Others feel the opposite. Don’t be surprised if one way is easier than the other.

Check the onboard meal and movie offerings before you fly. Sometimes ordering special meals or knowing that you can watch a particular movie helps you to look forward to the flight.

Plan for landing. If you are traveling from winter to summer, you’ll want to be able to change into the right clothes as soon as you land. And, in your tired state, you’ll not want to be figuring out a complicated transfer. Do your research ahead of time.

Our most important recommendation: Don’t let the fear of a 24-hour flight stop you from seeing an amazing part of the world.

Is a long flight in your future? If yes, you’ll also want to read up on 17 things to do now to prepare for future travel.

7 Must-Visit Sand Dunes In The Southwest

Call it the Lawrence of Arabia factor. Or maybe it’s the allure of beach-like sand located hundreds of miles from the nearest coastline.

Regardless of the reason, sand dunes have always held a special fascination for me. I can’t seem to get enough of the shifting sands, with their peaked summits and gentle rises.

I’m certainly not alone in my interest. Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve gets about half a million visitors a year, and the United States National Park Service recently added New Mexico’s stunning White Sands to its roster of parks. Other dunes are preserved as popular state parks and national monuments.

I trace my interest back to a childhood visit to the oceanside dunes of Coos Bay, Oregon, where my sisters and cousins and I reveled in the freedom of scrambling to the top of a dune only to discover there was another, and then another, to explore.

I have since learned that sand dunes exist all over the country, and I often make detours in my travels to take them in. From my home in Arizona, I especially appreciate the sands of the Southwest — those multicolored dunes that flourish in the desert and high-desert locales.

Even though the dunes of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, California, and Nevada share some basic features, they all have their own special charms.

Here are seven must-visit sand dunes of the Southwest.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah. — Cindy Barks

1. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah

Tucked amidst the Navajo sandstone formations west of Kanab, Utah, is a delightful natural wonder: the shifting sea of red sand in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

When I made an impromptu detour to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes recently, I was surprised to see not just pink-tinted dunes, but fields of gorgeous yellow rough mule’s ear wildflowers as well. The flowers were everywhere along the route into the park, and they were sprinkled all over the dunes.

With few permanently designated trails, the coral dunes are generally open to hikers and ATVs. The park website states, “About 90 percent of the dunes are open for riding, but all of the dunes are open for hiking and just playing in the sand.”

Note that the shifting sand makes for difficult hiking, but the payoff of getting to the top of a dune is amazing.

Pro Tip: Late spring/early summer is a great time to visit. During my June visit, wildflowers were blooming, and temperatures were still cool enough to comfortably walk in the sand. The park offers a campsite, which seemed to be filled mostly with ATV-ing families. Other accommodations are available about a half-hour away in Kanab.

White Sands National Park in New Mexico. — Cindy Barks

2. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

After decades of being a national monument, White Sands was designated a national park in December of 2019. The dunes were finally given the recognition that they have long deserved.

For a unique setting, White Sands National Park is hard to beat. It consists of 275 square miles of snow-white gypsum sand. Drive into the park, and you will immediately be surrounded by glistening hills framed by a deep-blue New Mexico sky.

The park offers a number of hiking trails, ranging from the easy boardwalk of the Interdune Trail to the difficult Alkali Flat Trail.

Located in southern New Mexico not far from the U.S.-New Mexico border, White Sands is fairly remote — about 3.5 to 4 hours south of Albuquerque and 1.5 miles north of El Paso, Texas. Some accommodations are available in the nearby towns of Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Pro Tip: Summers at White Sands can be brutally hot, with highs in the mid-to-high 90s throughout June, July, and August, so consider visiting in the fall, winter, or spring.

The Imperial Sand Dunes in California. — tishomir / Shutterstock

3. Imperial Sand Dunes, California And Arizona

Located in the southeast corner of California and spilling into Arizona, the Imperial Sand Dunes area is a haven for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The dune system extends for 40 miles in a band that averages 5 miles wide, making it California’s largest dune field.

Much of the California OHV activity is focused in Glamis, California, along Highway 78. Also, just an hour or so to the southeast near Yuma, Arizona, is the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, which attracts more than a million visitors a year. A drive through either community is sure to offer glimpses of ATVs zipping through the sand and up and down the steep dune slopes. Many businesses offer rentals, including Jet Rent in Yuma.

Camping is permitted in many of the areas that are open to vehicles, and a range of hotel accommodations are available in both Yuma and Glamis.

Pro Tip: While OHV activities dominate much of the scene, the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness near Glamis offers a more tranquil setting for walkers and horseback riders.

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park. — Cindy Barks

4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park has a number of dune fields, but the most prominent and easiest to access are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes along Highway 190 near Stovepipe Wells, California.

While the dunes are fairly low, they are lovely, featuring rippled-sand patterns and dotted with gnarly old mesquite trees.

There are no marked trails through the dunes, and motorized traffic is not allowed. Although the parking lot for the dunes will likely be busy, it isn’t difficult to get beyond the crowds by walking a bit into the dunes.

Pro Tip: Remember that Death Valley National Park is known as the hottest place on Earth, so plan your visit accordingly. Hardly anyone would enjoy a walk in the dunes during summer’s scorching temperatures that can top 120 degrees. But from November through February, Death Valley posts average highs in the 60s and 70s.

Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. — Checubus / Shutterstock

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado

Not only does the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve feature the tallest dunes in North America, but the park lies at the base of Colorado’s lofty Rocky Mountains.

The park’s website notes that the dunes are the “centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.” Visitors can explore any part of the 30-square-mile dune field, but there are no designated trails in the sand.

Central to a visit to Great Sand Dunes is the popular Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that begins in the snowfields high in the Sangre de Cristo Range and melts into Medano Lake before cascading through meadows and forests and flowing around the base of the dunes. During wet years, children and adults splash in the creek. Because it is fed by snowmelt, the creek often dries up by late summer.

The nearest town is Alamosa, Colorado, about a half-hour to the southwest.

Pro Tip: The peak of Medano Creek’s annual flow typically occurs in May, when average high temperatures are in the 60s and 70s.

6. Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah

A small taste of the Sahara is available less than 2 hours southwest of Salt Lake City at the Little Sahara Recreation Area. Visitors can venture into terrain reminiscent of the set of Lawrence of Arabia, climbing the 700-foot Sand Mountain and navigating the dirt trails around Black Mountain. Beginners can also check out the area’s low-lying dunes and the White Sand Dune bowls.

Accommodations are available in nearby Eureka, Utah, or in Salt Lake City, about an hour and 45 minutes away.

Pro Tip: Aside from OHV activities and camping, the Little Sahara Recreation Area also offers fat-tire biking, sandboarding/skiing down Sand Mountain, and wildlife viewing.

Sand Mountain in Nevada. — AJ9 / Shutterstock

7. Sand Mountain, Nevada

Punctuating the flat desert landscape in eastern Nevada is Sand Mountain, a 600-foot-high mountain that has been a haven for ATVs and off-roading enthusiasts for decades.

Unlike other sites that are spread out over a field of dunes, Sand Mountain consists of one giant mountain that is said to be ideal for jumps, trail riding, and technical riding for OHV users. Dirt biking and quad riding are also popular pursuits.

Accommodations are available in Fallon, Nevada, about 20 minutes to the west.

Pro Tip: Sand Mountain is considered a “singing mountain of sand” — a natural phenomenon that can reach 105 decibels and last as long as several minutes. The singing is said to be caused by grains of sand that vibrate because of wind and other environmental factors.

How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Texarkana

Texarkana is actually two cities with the same name in neighboring states. The cities straddle the Texas-Arkansas border, less than 40 miles from the Louisiana border and about an hour southeast of Oklahoma. Centrally located along Interstate 30, the cities have a combined population of about 68,000, almost evenly split. No one is exactly sure how each city got its name, but it’s generally accepted that a railroad worker posted a sign reading TEX-ARK-ANA on a tree to identify where a town should be built. The name is a combination of the names Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Imagine if they had incorporated Oklahoma!

Texarkana is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, a place where you can stand in two states at the same time and dive into the area’s rich history. Here’s what to do when you visit.

The federal courthouse in Texarkana. — OurTexarkana.com

Visit The State Line Post Office & Federal Courthouse

Adding to the uniqueness of the area with two cities of the same name is the building that sits on the state line. The federal courthouse, which is also a United States post office, is located on State Line Avenue. A sign marks the border. To the west is Texas, while Arkansas is on the east side. The building is said to be the most-photographed courthouse in the country after the U.S. Supreme Court.

The courthouse area is also home to two unique sculptures — a sculpture of Jim Bowie on the Texas side and a memorial to soldiers of the Confederacy on the Arkansas side.

Take In A Show At The Historic Perot Theatre

Opened as the Saenger Theatre in 1924, this downtown theater was built in the Italian Renaissance style and included a stage, orchestra pit, and backstage area. Originally designed for live theater, it later became a movie house. Its name was changed to the Paramount, and the theater eventually faded into obscurity.

In the late 1970s, millionaire businessman and two-time presidential candidate Ross Perot and his sister Bette donated nearly $1 million to renovate the theater. Its name was changed to the Perot Theatre in honor of their parents, who were Texarkana natives.

Today, the theater, which is located on the Texas side of the border, hosts Broadway traveling shows and concerts. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater and learn more about its past, including the era of segregation.

Tour A House That Resembles The Ace Of Clubs

Built to resemble the ace of clubs, the Draughon-Moore House has 22 sides as a result of three octagonal wings and a rectangular wing. Three families occupied the home from 1880 through 1985, when it was donated to Texarkana’s museum system.

Today, you can tour the house, taking in rooms preserved to reflect life in the home between 1880 and 1940. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and also boasts a beautiful flower garden.

The Four States Auto Museum in Texarkana. — OurTexarkana.com

See The Classic Cars At The Four States Auto Museum

About 20 classic cars and other vehicles await you at the Four States Auto Museum. Open since 2004 in an old downtown storefront on the Arkansas side, the museum features a rotating exhibit of vintage automobiles, some dating back to the 1950s. The cars are replaced about every three months. As you stroll through the small museum, take in the vintage garage and gas station signs, as well as other road-trip memorabilia. The museum also hosts car shows throughout the year.

Check Out The Museum Of Regional History

Offering a look into the area’s history, from the Native Americans who originally called the area home to the area’s jazz roots and agriculture, the Museum of Regional History is located in the area’s oldest brick building. Opened in 1971, the Museum of Regional History is the Texarkana metro’s oldest museum. In addition to a collection showcasing the Caddo tribe’s jewelry and pottery, the museum celebrates the musical influences of jazz great Scott Joplin, a Texarkana native, as well as other musicians. Other exhibits cover the region’s agriculture and the Spanish and French explorations of the area.

Enjoy A Stroll In Spring Lake Park

Enjoy a walk along the nearly 2-mile-long walking trail at Spring Lake Park. The park is the star of Texarkana’s public park system, with a splash pad and playground for children. You can relax and cast your line in hope of snagging a fish or two in the lake, or maybe pack a basket and enjoy a picnic with the grandkids. During the spring and fall, the park hosts outdoor movies, so you can grab a lawn chair or lay down a blanket for an old-fashioned outing.

Make A Trip To President Clinton’s Birthplace

Less than 40 minutes northeast of Texarkana is the hometown of President Bill Clinton. Now maintained by the National Park Service, the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home is a two-story wood-frame house in Hope, Arkansas. The future president and his mother lived there with her parents following the death of Clinton’s biological father, William J. Blythe Jr. Clinton’s mother later married Roger Clinton and moved across town, and her son took his stepfather’s last name.

Period-appropriate furnishings, including Clinton’s cowboy-themed bed, are located throughout the house. A park ranger leads the guided tour, which includes a climb up a steep set of stairs.

Following your visit to the Clinton home, take a short walk around the downtown area, which includes a former railroad depot that now serves as a museum focused on President Clinton as well as other local celebrities, including actress Melinda Dillon (A Christmas Story), former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and actress and singer Ketty Lester.

Where To Eat In Texarkana

Both sides of the border offer outstanding cuisine at an affordable price. Here are some of my favorite spots.

Hopkins Icehouse

Hopkins Icehouse is located in a former feed store. Area railroad workers used to keep their drinks cold in iceboxes in order to enjoy them after their shift. The Hopkins Icehouse maintains that corner bar sort of vibe, with eclectic decor, wooden floors, and a variety of wall and ceiling decorations, such as bicycles and old signs.

The food is impressive, and the portions are hearty. The classic American fare includes burgers, pizza, salads, and a variety of sandwiches, from chicken sandwiches to French dip sandwiches.

Reggie’s Burgers

Reggie’s Burgers opened in 2012 with the mission of creating a burger that everyone would enjoy. The Texas location operated as a single restaurant until the company added a second location on the Arkansas side.

The fresh certified Angus beef burgers are made to order with the toppings of your choice, such as cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and coleslaw. You can get a deep-fried hot dog with all the trimmings, if that’s your thing. A unique menu item is the bologna sandwich. This isn’t the sandwich your mom used to make; Reggie’s uses quality thick-cut bologna for the fried sandwich. Don’t forget a side of fresh French fries, and cap your meal off with a freshly baked pie.

Big Jake’s Bar-B-Que

Big Jake’s Bar-B-Que is a throwback to the days of the old TV westerns. While there are five locations throughout the Texarkana area, you’ll want to visit the original location on the Texas side, located inside a former Dairy Queen, for a truly unique experience. The walls are adorned with black-and-white photos of cowboys and sports teams and other memorabilia.

Jake’s combines great smoked meats — including ribs, brisket, and burnt ends — with outstanding sides, such as okra, coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese, for a true Texas barbecue experience. Be sure to order one of the apple, cherry, or peach fried pies for dessert.

Where To Stay In Texarkana

National chain hotels have been popping up around town as Texarkana has grown in popularity, so it’s easy to find a clean, comfortable hotel at an affordable price. From the Hampton Inn and Suites on the Texas side to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Texarkana East on the Arkansas side, the metro area is home to nearly 50 hotels.

Centrally located along major highways and Interstate 30, Texarkana offers an easy and affordable weekend getaway. With its unique location and history, it provides plenty of fun (and fried pies!) without big-city crowds and prices.

13 Tips For Finding The Perfect Travel Partner

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” — Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer Abroad (1894)

I’ve been traveling for more than 50 years. I’ve taken solo journeys as well as trips with my family and with friends. Over the past year, I’ve taken my first group tours. Several of my excursions have had transcendent moments; some had disastrous ones. That’s not only because of travel gone awry but also because of setting off with the wrong travel partner. On the other hand, a number of the loveliest moments I’ve had have been shared with a fellow traveler and have cemented a friendship for life.

Here are some tips on how to find the (nearly) perfect travel partner.

1. Accept The Fact That You’ll Never Find The Perfect Travel Partner

Sorry to disappoint, reader, but no pairing is perfect. The good news is that kindred spirits don’t have to fulfill every item on the checklist. Sometimes there is just an ineffable quality that draws people together, and even people with whom you may not have much in common can make great partners on the road.

And you never know what will and won’t work until you go on a shared journey. In the 1980s, I didn’t want to travel to Tibet alone, although I had dreamed of going there for years. So when a friend of a friend said that she wanted to go, we decided to travel together. The good news: My roommate was tough and could actually push me up hills. So while a partnership may not be perfect, there are some that have succeeded in ways I had never considered.

2. Know Yourself And Be Honest About Who You Are

I’ve found that there are people who can laugh off irritations and move on. I would love to be such a person, but that isn’t me. I take many things personally and am sometimes overly sensitive. On a recent trip, I traveled with an old friend who provided constant advice about how I could do things differently (i.e. better). I still love her, but the experience made me understand that we are not the best travel buddies.

The writer with two of her travel partners. — Barbara Winard

3. Realize That What Made A Good Partner When You Were Younger Might Have Changed

The way in which I travel has changed with age. I know that I am leaning toward slower travel and want to find someone who doesn’t have to see everything in the guidebook or paint the town into the wee hours. Perhaps I have become more set in my ways, also, but I still love to set off for places unknown.

4. Be British About It: Find Someone Who Knows How To Keep Calm And Carry On

Having a companion who soldiers through travel challenges is paramount. Stiff upper lips are surely preferable to a not-so-fine whine. And of course it helps immeasurably for both you and your travel mate to be flexible. The way that travel challenges ebb and flow may necessitate changing course often.

5. Find Someone Who Speaks The Language Of The Country You’re Visiting (Especially If You Don’t)

Even though traveling with a linguist may make it seemingly too easy to depend on another for basic needs, the benefits are immediate. I found that finding transportation, ordering food, getting directions, and keeping out of iffy areas in New Delhi was much easier because my travel partner spoke Hindi. We were both at sea in the south of India, but luckily English and body language got us through.

6. Find Someone Like You (Or Not Like You)

It’s nice to have balance in any relationship. An extrovert and an introvert are made for each other. I recently went on my first group tour (to Mount Rushmore), and my favorite travel buddy and I had not a thing in common except that we amused each other. For some journeys, that’s enough. However, I typically prefer to travel with someone who loves art museums (but doesn’t have to visit every single one).

7. Find Someone Independent

My first long trip to Europe in 1970 was a success largely because I was traveling with someone who agreed that it was healthy to split up every once in a while and meet again in a few days, a week, or several weeks. I stayed in southern Spain while she went to Morocco. We were always happy to see each other and catch up.

I also met a terrific travel companion on a ferry in Hong Kong 40 years ago. We started to chat and discovered that we were both flying to Bangkok the next day and were traveling solo. She invited me to share her hotel and we ended up traveling through Thailand together. I visited her a few years ago in California and we happily reminisced about our adventures.

8. Make Sure You Discuss Two Danger Zones: Schedules And Money

It will make you crazy to be with someone who is always late and for whom you’re always waiting. Or if you are a night owl and she is up at the crack of dawn. You must also find out before the trip if your potential partner has the same ideas about budget as you — and the money to afford what you both want to do. Also discuss how to pay for where you stay and eat. Will you split half and half, take turns paying, or add up totals each time you go to a restaurant or cafe? What can you live with?

9. Be Honest About Your Most Personal Habits

Do you snore? Does she? That may be a deal breaker unless you use noise-canceling headphones, which I find a pain to carry but a blessing in many situations. Does your travel mate need to FaceTime or chat on her iPhone to her friends back home all the time? That also may make you crazy. My husband has informed me that there are a few things that I do that make him crazy, so better look within, also.

10. Find Someone With A Sense Of Humor; It Will Make Travel A Joy

Sometimes anything that can go wrong on a trip will go wrong, and laughter may be the only recourse. There was the time in the ruins of Mahabalipuram in India when a small bird relieved itself on me while flying by. My partner waited for me to laugh first (the highest rung of partnership) then yelled “It’s good luck!” We laugh every time we remember it.

11. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate (But Brutal Honesty Has Its Limits)

Talking problems over may clear the air and enable you to continue a trip successfully, but you can never know how someone will take your efforts to say what you are feeling (especially if it includes criticism). And sometimes, even if you do communicate and share a common vision, your pairing just doesn’t work.

12. Know When To Break Up

Find someone with whom you can amicably split instead of suffering through a trip. The initial pain of moving on alone may be wrenching (or a relief), but things seem to look up when you don’t have the cloud of dissension around you. And, of course, if you find yourself uncomfortable talking to someone while planning a trip, follow your gut and try elsewhere.

13. Accept That Sometimes Solo Travel May Be The Right Path

In fact, if you know where you want to go and how and when you want to travel, and you don’t want to compromise your vision, going for it alone can sometimes be the better choice. I’ve traveled solo throughout my life and, while it may have different challenges, higher highs, and lower lows, solo travel has perhaps been the source of my most wondrous and memorable travel moments.

There are joys to be found when sharing an experience and joys when you are solo and don’t have to worry about what someone else thinks or expects. But if you manage to find someone with whom you are in tune — and with whom you can split the costs of the trip — then you’ve hit the jackpot.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Where To Stay, Eat, And Play

Our visit to Grand Rapids was hosted by the Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions expressed in this piece are strictly our own and are based on our experiences.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was named one of the best places for older travelers to visit in 2020 by Expedia Travel Blog. Now is the time for travelers in their 50s and 60s to experience all that Grand Rapids has to offer. When we visited this bustling city, the second largest in Michigan, we discovered a wealth of things to do — and, of course, to eat and drink.

While Grand Rapids is rightfully lauded for its Ale Trail and its reputation as “Beer City USA,” art and culture are also a big deal here, and the city boasts lots of historic, architectural, and natural resources.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Grand Rapids. Here are just a few of the delights waiting for you when you’re ready to explore it, too.

The lobby of the Amway Grand Plaza. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Where To Stay

For a top-notch stay in the heart of everything, we loved the Amway Grand Plaza. Its beautiful lobby, comfy rooms, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, spa, and fitness room make it easy to enjoy leisure time there. It also happens to be a member of the Historic Hotels of America, having been constructed in 1913 and recognized as one of the finest historic hotels in the country.

Where To Eat

At every turn, Grand Rapids is full of wonderful places to eat. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cottage Bar

Try the fantastic Cottage Burger at the Cottage Bar. It’s served on a dark rye bun and topped with green olives, cheese, bacon, and a special hickory mayonnaise.

Martha’s Pizza

Martha’s Pizza, Nantucket Baking Company, and Martha’s Vineyard form a neighborhood corner of foodie delights. Martha’s pizzas boast unique ingredients. Try the Fairhaven, a veggie pie with fresh mushrooms, onions, red peppers, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sit outside or grab a slice on the go.

Schnitz Deli

Schnitz Deli offers both traditional and unique sandwiches. From variations on the beloved Reuben to Italian hoagies and Philly cheesesteaks, Schnitz will satisfy your sandwich craving.

Macarons from Le Bon Macaron. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Cherry Street

A fun place to eat, drink, and stroll is Cherry Street. You’ll find plenty of unique boutiques, shops, and restaurants and bars.

We enjoyed the variety of choices on the menu at The Green Well. You can nosh on small bites or order a full meal. Brazilian, Indian, Cuban, German, Mediterranean, and vegetarian meals are all on the menu.

If you feel like a little something sweet, hop across the street to Le Bon Macaron for the delicious little French treats with unique flavors like cassis and yuzu as well as classic flavors.

A tasting at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids. — Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Beer City Ale Trail

It’s fair to say that Grand Rapids is a beer lover’s dream. The Beer City Ale Trail features more than 80 breweries, including Brewery Vivant, which is housed in an old chapel on Cherry Street and makes delicious Begian-style brews. Founders Brewing Co. is another popular spot that offers a lively scene as well as great beer.

Grand Rapids Food Trail

If you like the idea of following a trail, there’s also a food trail for “biteseeing” your way through the city. It features dozens of restaurants and wonderful dishes for every taste.

Food Trucks

If you want to enjoy Grand Rapids like a local, be sure to check out some of the city’s wonderful food trucks. The trucks gather at numerous events. This is just one more way to dive into Grand Rapids’s food scene and have a great time.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids

To combine eating, shopping, sightseeing, and fun, head over to the Downtown Market Grand Rapids. You can experience restaurants, artisan food shops, cooking classes, rooftop greenhouses, and special events all in one place. Go hungry, and plan on a few hours to enjoy shopping, eating, and exploring what’s there. You might even find an event or class to attend.

The Meyer May House in the Heritage Hill neighborhood. — Michael Deemer / Shutterstock

What To Do

Visit Heritage Hill

Heritage Hill is one of the largest historic neighborhoods in the country. Architecture buffs will enjoy the many different styles of homes, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Greek Revival. There’s a Prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Meyer May House, complete with original and reproduction furnishings. Tours of this and other homes and gardens are worth taking to explore this beautiful and historically significant district.

Frederik Meijer Gardens - Grand Rapids, MI, USA — Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

Admire The Art At The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Popular with visitors from around the world, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the most important sculpture and botanic venues in the country.

More than 200 sculptures grace the permanent collection and occupy the 158-acre main campus. Works by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Edgar Degas, and Auguste Rodin intermingle with works by modern and emerging sculptors. Special exhibits have featured works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Ai Weiwei, and Claes Oldenberg.

The Meijer Gardens also houses Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory as well as indoor and outdoor gardens, nature trails, and a boardwalk.

Explore The Grand Rapids Public Museum

Founded in 1854, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of the oldest history museums in the nation. Collections include items as varied as beer paraphernalia, carpet sweepers, advertising, and American Civil War weapons. In addition to historic, cultural, and scientific items, the museum has a 1928 Spillman Carousel with a Wurlitzer Band Organ.

The building also houses the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, which offers immersive shows with surround sound and advanced projection technology.

There’s plenty of variety to encourage exploration, supporting the museum’s recommendation to “be curious.”

Stop By Rosa Parks Circle

Set in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, this public plaza features a bronze statue by renowned artist Ed Dwight of a steadfast Rosa Parks standing in front of the iconic bus seat.

Rosa Parks Circle is a multipurpose park that gets a lot of use all year round. In the summer, there are concerts, festivals, and special events. Dancers will enjoy the events hosted by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society. In the winter, the plaza is converted into an ice skating rink. Locals and visitors of all ages will enjoy a chance to glide across the ice.

Visit The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Grand Rapids is home to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the presidential museum and burial site of President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty Ford. President Ford was the first to separate the two major functions of presidential libraries. The library is located on the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan, his alma mater. The museum is in Grand Rapids, his former congressional district.

The museum holds 20,000 artifacts from the president’s life and career. There is also a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, furnished as it was during his presidency. Special exhibits explore the 1976 Bicentennial and Mrs. Ford’s role, activities, and interests during her husband’s presidential term. History buffs will enjoy numerous other exhibits, including a holographic tour of the White House. You can learn what a day in the Oval Office was like and get the lowdown on Watergate through presentations, galleries, and a display of the burglary tools used for the break-in. There’s also a section of the Berlin Wall in the museum’s lobby.

Appreciate The Art

Grand Rapids is home to a huge community of art lovers. There are several museums and galleries beloved by the community.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has collections that range from Renaissance art to modern art and holds many notable works by Andy Warhol and Richard Diebenkorn.

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts offers exhibitions, events, movies, and public art that encourage innovation, exploration, and dialogue around issues of community, freedom, artistic expression, and other topics of interest.

The Center Art Gallery is a large exhibition space featuring rotating exhibits, including major works on loan and art by locals, educators, and students.

The ultimate art experience in Grand Rapids is ArtPrize. This unique art competition and exhibition event takes place for more than two weeks every fall. It is free and open to the public, who can participate by viewing the entries, chatting with artists, and casting their votes. Anyone can submit their work, and there are prizes for jury-judged as well as popularly selected works.

The art is located around the city in all kinds of places, like galleries, restaurants, bars, museums, public parks, bridges, vacant storefronts, and office spaces. The goal of ArtPrize is to encourage just about everyone to explore the possibilities of art. This event attracts some 500,000 visitors, and we enjoyed exploring both the creative work and the many different venues at the same time.