How To Plan For A Long Winter Getaway

Calling all snowbirds!

It’s that time of year again. Winter is just around the corner, and travelers, especially in North America, will be migrating from northern regions with cooler climates to soak up the sun and avoid the dreadful winter blues in warmer locales, such as Florida, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico.

Planning for a long winter getaway is imperative, both in terms of preparing your house for an extended absence and packing your bags with all the necessary essentials.

Follow the steps below to make sure you’re fully ready to kiss the snow goodbye and have everything you’ll need for a long winter getaway.

Home Preparation for a Long Winter Getaway

1. Don’t hide your house keys

This is an old trick when traveling for an extended length of time, but hiding your house keys in a fake rock or under a doormat is actually the first place potential thieves will look before trying to enter a home. Robbers know about these tricks, thus it is no longer a trusted method for storing your house keys.

Instead, give your house keys to a trusted family member or neighbor. You can also take your original house keys with you and make a copy to give to a trusted individual. That way, someone will know that you’ll be gone and can subsequently check up on your home during your long winter getaway.

2. Put your mail, deliveries, cable, and internet on hold

Instead of coming home to an overflowing mailbox filled primarily with advertisements, put your mail and deliveries on hold. This is as easy as going to USPS.com and requesting that your mail is forwarded or held.

There are some cable and internet companies that will even freeze your accounts for a small fee while you’re away. This can save you an arm and leg when traveling for several months. In some states, Comcast will freeze your cable and internet for $5 each a month. When cable and internet bills can cost around $150 per month, you can see why this is the more economical option.

3. Dog chain and faux alarm sign trick

If you want to deter potential robbers from breaking into your home, try the old dog chain and bowl and faux alarm sign trick.

Putting a dog chain and a dog bowl outside your house can trick thieves into believing you have a big scary dog inside waiting to attack. If you even want to take this a step further, purchase a popular “Beware of Dog” sign and slap it on your window.

My father is a real estate agent, and in order to keep his properties safe, he always places an alarm system warning sticker on an outside window or door to decrease the chance of theft. This is another option you may want to consider in order to protect your home when embarking on a long winter getaway. These signs are readily available on the internet at low costs.

4. Set your thermostat

If you live in a region with cooler climates, you’ll want to make sure you don’t come home to frozen pipes when traveling for an extended amount of time. We suggest setting your thermostat to around 55ºF (12ºC) so the house is at least above freezing.

If you live in a warmer area, you may want to leave your air conditioner on to prevent mold.

Thermostat on the wall — Be sure to set your thermostat before leaving. Unsplash / Moja Msanii

5. Turn off your water and hot water heater

To avoid plumbing leaks, turn off your water before leaving for your extended winter getaway.

There’s really no need to keep your hot water on while you’re away, but if you wish to leave it on, turn it to the lowest temperature setting.

6. Empty your refrigerator

You probably don’t want to come home to a refrigerator filled with rotten food, so make sure to pitch any perishables before heading out on your winter getaway. This will also avoid any unwanted mice or insect problems.

7. Unplug

Make sure you go around your house and unplug everything before you leave for your winter getaway. Not only will this save you some serious moolah on your electricity bill, but electrical storms can destroy your laptops, televisions, and even small appliances.

8. Check your smoke detectors

Make sure that your home’s smoke detectors are in good working order before you leave. Even though you won’t be home, it’s important that your smoke detectors are working, in case of a fire emergency.

Avoid coming home to a tragedy by checking your smoke detectors before departure. Shutterstock / Vadim Ratnikov

Trip Preparation for a Long Winter Getaway

1. Choose a home over a hotel

Hotels aren’t always the cheapest option when traveling, especially if you’re staying for an extended period of time.

Before you spend a ridiculous amount of money on a hotel, check out some alternatives such as Airbnb and VRBO. Not only do these hotel alternatives usually cost less, but they allow you to rent out entire homes that give you free rein of kitchens, any available parking, living areas, and offer more space.

2. Don’t overpack, but don’t forget the essentials

Though you’ll be away for possibly months, you still don’t want to overpack and deal with the hassle at airports and pay more for your bags.

Anytime I go on a beach getaway in the winter, I always end up wearing the same two bathing suits the entire time I’m there. While you don’t want to be without particular items on your trip, don’t forget that you can always wash your clothes at a laundromat, or purchase certain items at your destination.

With that being said, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of necessities, such as specific toiletries you may need, and any medications. You may even want to consider getting a double dosage of your medications for your winter getaway, in case of an emergency.

3. Consider holidays when booking

When booking a flight for your long winter getaway, keep in mind that prices usually skyrocket during peak holiday travel times, such as during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Make sure that you’re checking the prices of flights before and after any major holidays, in order to avoid increased prices.

4. Check the weather before departure

While you might be leaving your freezing wintery town for nice warm weather down south, you should still be sure to check the weather before you depart and pack accordingly.

For example, Florida still stays warm in the winter, but it might not be as warm as you think. You may still want to bring a sweater for the evenings, and you may want to pack rain boots or an umbrella for stormy weather.

Smoking man with umbrella in the city — Be sure to check the weather before heading out on your long winter getaway. Unsplash / Luke Stackpoole

We hope these tips help you form your checklist of must-dos before flying (or driving) off to the tropics for the winter. Happy trails!

New York City: How to Spend 48 Hours in Tribeca

My husband and I have lived in the New York City area for 21 years now. When he worked in NYC, the last thing he wanted to do on weekends was go back into the city. But, now that he is retired, the city has taken on a new appreciation. We’ve started going to a lot of plays and lectures at the 92 Street Y. When I recently booked 2 events on consecutive nights, he suggested we stay for a few nights in the city. I was not going to say no…

Although our night plans were on the east side at 92nd street, I decided there were some tourist things I wanted to do downtown. So, I chose our base to be Tribeca, which would put us closer to the daytime sightseeing locations. Tribeca is probably most notable for the Tribeca Film Festival and Robert DeNiro. It was an enclave for artists in the 1960s and 70s and has maintained its creative roots. If you just wander like we did, you’ll find that the cast-iron buildings hold gems around every corner. You may stumble upon a quiet bar, a pop-up clothing boutique, a Michelin restaurant, or an independent art gallery.

But it’s definitely not a tourist area, which suited us just fine. In fact, we were hard pressed to see any tourists. It has a real vibe as a residential area. If you keep walking, you can visit downtown, the lower east side, and Brooklyn to the south and SoHo, the West Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Chelsea to the north….

We had such a wonderful time that we decided we’re going to do this for many other areas of the city. Here’a our first venture into Tribeca…

Where to Stay

I chose to stay at a boutique-type hotel in Tribeca called the Duane Street Hotel. In all honesty, I chose it because so many others at this time of year were either fully booked or really expensive, like over $500 a night. I googled best hotels in Tribeca and found Duane Street among them, gave a few names to my travel agent, and she came back recommending it. With that and not wanting to spend a lot as we were not going to be in the room much, I settled on this gem.

We weren’t quite sure when we first drove up as it sits on a busy corner of a nondescript area of Tribeca. It was very cute, but my first thought was it’s going to be noisy. When we walked in, any concerns went away. We found modern decor with a cute bar and sitting area with a Christmas tree and very welcoming staff.

The Duane has 43 rooms on 6 floors. While our Executive King room was not large, it offered more than enough space. We were on the 5th floor and never heard a sound, especially from the street below. The rooms are decorated in chic black and white. They do offer special packages, so be sure to check before you book.

An executive king room at the Duane Street Hotel.

Amenities

Complimentary Wi-Fi and hardwired high-speed internet access
Flat screen TV and Chromecast which enables you to cast entertainment and music apps from your electronics to the TV
L’Occitane luxury bath amenities
Scandia bathrobes
Hypo-allergenic duvets and pillows
Mini bar service, refrigerator, and Keurig coffee machine
Complimentary iPad
24-hour concierge service
Valet parking for a fee
Pet-friendly
Complimentary gym passes to Equinox, 4 blocks away
Restaurant on premises
Free bikes on first come first serve basis

Duane Street is part of the IC group with hotels on the east and west coasts. Rates start around $200/night for a Superior Queen and will depend on time of year.

Other options

The Frederick Hotel, the Greenwich Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown, AKA Smyth Tribeca, the Beekman, and the World Center Hotel are a few other choices you should be happy with.

What to See

What to see will be very specific to what you want to do. We spent the few hours of our first afternoon walking the area to get our boundaries. We came across darling shops like the Mysterious Bookshop, Philip Williams Posters, and the Jenga building. Since we had our nights planned with talks by Peter Sagal of Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me fame and Wendy Sherman and Madeline Albright at the 92nd Street Y, I only had to plan the days’ sightseeing. Top on our list has been the 9/11 Memorial, so that was our first priority.

Also within walking distance is the Brooklyn Bridge and on the lower east side, the Tenement Museum. I had been to the museum once before and loved it and knew my husband, the history buff, would, too. I had also walked across the Brooklyn Bridge on a glorious summer day a few years back and gladly agreed to do it again so my husband could be as fascinated by the views. I booked tickets for both museums online and recommend you do, too.

9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center

For the 9/11 Memorial, we did the tour which is outside and the museum which is subterranean and so should you. You learn things during the tour like why the names on the memorial are not in alphabetical order that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. It takes about 40 minutes and then you go into the museum and can spend as much time as you like. Having tickets, we walked right in. Otherwise, there was a LONG line to purchase tickets. We spent about 2 1/2 hours in the museum and felt that was sufficient to see most. Of course, you could spend several more hours if you read everything. Up to you…

The Oculus is across the street from the museum and now houses multi-level shopping and the subway station. It’s a gorgeous building and the eye actually closes on 9/11 in commemoration of the event. One World Trade Center is now the tallest building in the world at 104 stories.You can to the top on the high speed elevator and see the world from the One World Observatory. Buy your timed tickets online.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the Oculus.

Tenement Museum

Until last year, I had no idea the Tenement Museum was in NYC, yet it is one of the most popular sightseeing stops. During busy times of the year, tours easily sell out. The museum tells the stories of immigrants who started their lives anew on Manhattan’s Lower East Side between the 19th and 21st centuries through the recreated apartment and businesses of real families in two historic tenement buildings.

Visitors take guided tours of apartments that recreate immigrant life. Walking tours explore how life was for immigrants on the Lower East Side and how the neighborhood changed. We took the Under One Roof tour which details the lives of 3 families who lived in an apartment over the years. The tours last 1 – 2 hours. There is also a really nice gift shop on the premises.

Brooklyn Bridge

I did this a few years ago when I took a photography lesson. It was so much fun and amazing. You can start down by City Hall and end in Dumbo, Brooklyn or do the opposite. Take the subway over to Dumbo, spend some time checking out the area, including Brooklyn Bridge Park with its carousel. Then, walk back with the stunning views of Manhattan in your face. Any way you choose, the views from front, back, and all sides are mesmerizing and include the Statue of Liberty.

You can spend as much time as you want doing this, but plan at least an hour walking across – it is a mile. After all, you will have to stop for pictures. Sunrise or sunset walks are particularly spectacular.

What Else You Can See

This area has some of the most famous sites in NYC. Think Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Federal Reserve Bank, Trinity Church, Brookfield Place for upscale shopping, and Stone Street with its cobblestoned streets and the Fraunces Tavern and Museum that dates back to George Washington.

The lower Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Getting Around

One of the best things about NYC is the ability to pretty much walk everywhere. It just depends on how much time you have. We luckily had decent weather even for December, so spent a great deal of time walking. When it came time to head to 92nd Street, however, that wasn’t an option. We could Uber, taxi, or choose public transportation. We opted for the subway and it couldn’t have been easier. Just a 10 minute walk to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall station and then a direct train to 86th or 96th Street.

Dining Options

I searched Best Restaurants in Tribeca and came up with quite a few. We only had 2 nights so I wanted to choose carefully. But since we had to be at the 92nd Street Y by 7:15pm one night, I chose to have dinner down there. What we did find is that so many restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so if you can’t make it for dinner…

Marc Forgione

I can highly recommend Marc Forgione restaurant. Everything about our experience made us happy. From the rustic decor to the atmosphere to the service to the food, it surprised and amazed. I’m a sucker for brick walls, so was sold when we walked in. But what always is a good indication of things to come is when your waiter asks right off the bat if you have any allergies or preferences that he needs to be aware of. I’m vegetarian so he steered me right away to what I could have on the menu, but added that the chef would be happy to prepare a dish for me. The Kona Kampachi, Honeynut Squash Salad, and Halibut en Croute were impeccable. If you can share, go for the Chicken Under a Brick or the Porterhouse.

The Odeon

We had been to The Odeon many years ago, so we knew what to expect. It has been an institution in the area since 1980. While it may not be a top restaurant, it is reliable bistro and fun to think about Andy Warhol having a martini at the bar! We went for breakfast and were quite pleased.

Tribeca Kitchen

This restaurant is open all day, but we tried it for breakfast which was perfect. Standard fair and no complaints. Not sure I would want to go for a nice dinner, but for breakfast and lunch in a casual atmosphere you can’t go wrong. Plus, always a good sign – it was filled with locals and people having business meetings.

A cheeseburger and fries at Restaurant Marc Forgione.

A few we didn’t try, but definitely are on my list for next time…

Eataly NYC Downtown – I’ve been to the original Eataly in the Flatiron district and can highly vouch for it. This new one is located at 4 World Trade Center. It is an upscale Italian market with five themed in-house eateries, six takeaway counters, and two bars; one for coffee and one for wine.

Locanda Verde – I had heard really great things about Locanda Verde, but time ran out to give it a try. It used to be one of the hottest restaurants in town and is still noted to be one of the best. As the name implies, it is Italian. It’s also known to be a big celebrity sighting spot if you’re into that. I’m not, but can’t wait to try the food.

Graffiti Earth – Graffiti Earth is the latest restaurant from celebrity Chef Jehangir Mehta, a runner-up on Food Network’s Next Iron Chef. Graffiti Earth features vegetable-forward dishes with flavors rooted in Chef Mehta’s Indian roots and Persian heritage. a strong emphasis on sustainability. It is located in the Duane Street Hotel.

Then there’s…Smith & Mills, Frenchette, Racines, Little Park, and American Cut if you just have to visit a steakhouse.

Scallop Brule at Graffiti Earth. Photo credit Duane Street Hotel.

Very excited for our next New York City adventure. Will it be Chelsea, the Upper West Side, or Brooklyn? So many choices….

8 Classic Hollywood Locations To Visit In Los Angeles

No one really knows why, but Los Angeles has somehow monopolized the entertainment industry, and Hollywood in particular has become the number-one hub for film sets, celebrity real estate, and A-lister hangout spots.

If you’ve always wanted to go to Los Angeles to see how the stars live, or if you are a movie buff who wants to check out some of the city’s innumerable classic Hollywood locations, the following list should help get you started and provide you with an insider’s look at the unique culture of Hollywood.

1. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Hollywood Roosevelt is the City of Angels’ oldest continually operating hotel and has the history to prove it.

The first Academy Awards ceremony debuted at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 1929, and it was the site of many noteworthy films and television shows, including the 1988 film Sunset starring Bruce Willis and James Garner and the 1989 film The Fabulous Baker Boys with Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Bridges. An episode of I Love Lucy was also shot at the hotel in 1955, where the Ricardos and Mertzes visit Hollywood.

Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel for two years at the beginning of her career and is said to have met husband and famous playwright Arthur Miller at the hotel’s Cinegrill nightclub. In 2007, Prince also performed a legendary five shows at the hotel, including a two-hour performance, a post-set jazz jam, and dinner with his personal chef.

2. Point Dume

Take the scenic drive along nearby Malibu’s Westward Beach Drive and you’ll reach Point Dume, a particularly stunning white sand beach with spectacular headlands and extraordinary whale-watching opportunities. And, oh, it’s also where they shot the memorable finale of the original 1968 Planet of the Apes film.

You may also recognize Point Dume from the second Austin Powers film, The Spy Who Shagged Me. In this film, Point Dume served as Dr. Evil’s Volcano Island. It was also where Jackie Treehorn’s beach party took place in The Big Lebowski, and the pilot episode of I Dream of Jeannie was filmed here too.

Lying to Point Dume’s immediate northwest is Zuma Beach, arguably one of the most popular beaches in the entire the Golden State, known for its wide sands and world-class surf.

Person standing on rock of Point Dume, Malibu — Point Dume, Malibu. Unsplash / Austin Neill

3. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Currently called the TCL Chinese Theatre, anyone who knows anything about classic Hollywood will still refer to this historic building as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

One of the only great movie houses left in Hollywood, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is situated in the heart of Hollywood Blvd, a great spot to check out all of the renowned concrete celebrity hand and footprints.

Grauman’s was the site of several significant film premieres, such as Cecil B. DeMille’s The King of Kings and the very first Star Wars film that had queues wrapping around the building at its 1977 debut.

The most famous of all historical happenings at Grauman’s, though, is undoubtedly its appearance in the opening scene of Singin’ in the Rain, the 1952 musical that is still considered one of Hollywood’s all-time classics. Movie buffs won’t want to leave Los Angeles without stopping by this celebrated theater.

4. Griffith Observatory

While many movie-goers will likely recognize this location from its most recent appearance in the 2016 romantic drama La La Land starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, my personal favorite Griffith Observatory scene is the knife fight between James Dean (Jim) and Corey Allen (Buzz) in the 1955 classic Rebel Without a Cause.

Maybe because I go weak in the knees for a bad-boy James Dean, but watching this scene shot at Griffith Observatory — with the stunning backdrops of L.A. to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest — made me force my parents to let me visit the Greater Los Angeles area when I was just 12 years old.

When visiting Griffith Observatory, be sure to catch a live show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, including Centered in the Universe, Light of the Valkyries, and Water is Life.

Man standing on overlook of the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles — The Griffith Observatory. Unsplash / Jeremy Bishop

5. Musso & Frank Grill

Musso & Frank Grill had to be included on our list of classic Hollywood locations, and that’s because, when talking about Hollywood, everyone seems to know it. That may be the reason it’s even been called “the genesis of Hollywood.”

Known for its servers in red coats and for being a longtime hangout of legendary movie stars, literary giants, and politicians, Musso & Frank Grill opened in 1919 and has fed anybody and everybody from Kurt Vonnegut and Raymond Chandler to F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, and Charles Bukowski.

Walking into Hollywood’s number one restaurant is like walking into a time machine filled with dim lights, old-school waiters, coat racks attached to booths, and an elegant bar and dining room.

6. Venice Beach

Originally created in 1905 to mirror its Italian namesake, Venice Beach has completely morphed into an unruly and bizarre smorgasbord of street performers, skateboarders, the infamous Muscle Beach Gym, and a lot of marijuana smoke billowing in the fresh Pacific sea breeze.

In the 1950s, Venice Beach became a hub for the beatnik subculture, so much so that director Orson Welles cast the seedy city in his 1958 film noir classic Touch of Evil, in which it served as the fictional border town of Los Robles. Venice Beach was also a common hangout spot for celebs like Jim Morrison and Olivia Newtown-John.

To get a closer look at locally-shot films in Venice, check out Venice Beach Walking Tours, dedicated specifically to classic Hollywood locations, uncovering the hidden stories and salty past of this enchanting artists’ community.

7. Santa Monica Pier

An iconic California landmark, Santa Monica Pier has been a filming location for several acclaimed Hollywood movies, including Iron Man, Forest Gump, and 1973’s The Sting, a classic heist film starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The pier’s 1922 antique Looff Hippodrome Carousel is where Paul Newman worked in the film and is also a registered National Historic Landmark.

This jam-packed carnival of tourists and amusement park rides is best known for its massive Ferris wheel and previously mentioned carousel. Pacific Park is a full-service amusement park that welcomes millions of visitors annually, featuring a dozen rides, midway games, ocean front specialty food outlets, and seaside shopping.

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium features hands-on presentations and interactive exhibits, with the chance to gaze upon seahorses, East Pacific red octopuses, moray eels, and anemones.

Ferris wheel and Santa Monica pier at sundown — Santa Monica Pier. Pixabay / 12019

8. Will Rogers State Historic Park

Last but certainly not least, Will Rogers State Historic Park was the former home of Will Rogers, the highest paid Hollywood actor in the ’30s. Rogers starred in classic Hollywood films such as Judge Priest, Steamboat Round the Bend, In Old Kentucky, and Doctor Bull.

Visitors can tour the Will Rogers house and surrounding stables and even get the chance to catch a game of polo. It has also served as a popular filming location for classic Hollywood films such as The Young Philadelphians, Dynamite, and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

When visiting Will Rogers State Historic Park, be sure to take advantage of some of the area’s many hiking trails with spectacular views of the city.

We hope you enjoy your time in Los Angeles, and we hope you get to take in a bit of cinematic history while you’re there. Happy trails!

7 Festive Ways To Experience Christmas In England

When you travel during the holidays, beloved customs are often left behind. Exploring the traditions of your destination is a great way to get into a festive spirit and learn something about a foreign culture. Here are some Christmas traditions to experience should your holiday travels take you to England.

Carol singers in Bath, England. — 1000 Words / Shutterstock

1. Carol Singing

You’ll find performances of Christmas music by choirs and orchestras in churches, cathedrals and concert halls across England. Some performances are free, others require ticket purchase. If you head to Trafalgar Square in the heart of London, you’ll hear different groups sing carols around the Christmas tree. But the real English Christmas experience comes when you sing along at one of the many carol singing events that are part of the English Christmas tradition.

Churches, from small country chapels to grand cathedrals such as the famous St. Paul’s in London, hold special carol services. An evening candlelit service inside a centuries-old place of worship can elicit an awe-filled spirit of the season. Other historic venues host carol evenings. Imagine the delight of singing Christmas carols accompanied by a philharmonic orchestra in London’s majestic Royal Albert Hall.

But, perhaps, it is the caroling in less formal atmospheres that will bring the greatest joy and most authentic experience as the tradition of local voices joining in song lives on. Religious Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs are both sung at village hall carol nights and pub sing-alongs. Look for notices in local papers and check the schedules at favorite pubs.

Nottingham Christmas Markets in England. — Jason Batterham / Shutterstock

2. Christmas Markets

The German-style Christmas markets with wooden chalet stalls that have been an European tradition since medieval times are relatively new in England, dating only to the 1980s. Despite this short history, there are several great markets. Birmingham has the largest Christmas market outside of mainland Europe. Winchester’s Christmas Market is located on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, where the stone walls of the longest medieval church in Europe form a backdrop. Other places known for their Christmas markets include Manchester, Bath, Liverpool, Kingston-upon-Thames and London’s Southbank Centre. These markets typically open in late November and run until shortly before Christmas. Look for a wide array of art work, crafts, decorations and food. Nibble on roasted chestnuts and sip mulled wine.

Although the German-style markets are not an ancient English tradition, England’s market history is centuries old and can be found in the one to four-day markets held in villages and towns across the country. Stalls lining main streets offer a dazzling array of local products, artworks and food items. You may even come across a living Nativity scene with live sheep and a donkey.

A historic building in Oxford, England. — The Escape of Malee / Shutterstock

3. Decorated Manor Homes

If you enjoy touring palaces, manor estates, and historic stately homes, you’re in for a special treat during Christmastime. Many of these places decorate elaborately for the season and offer tours. Some adopt Dickens or fairytale themes. Others decorate in period styles ranging from Georgian to Victorian to the 1930s. Some also hold Christmas activity workshops, concerts and other events. The State Apartments at Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s royal residences, are lavishly decorated from late November to early January.

Check individual websites for details. If you want to locate a heritage home near you, check National Trust and English Heritage, two organizations that each manage a large number of historic sites.

A pantomime performance in England. — Donna Janke

4. Pantomime

Pantomime, family-oriented musical comedy theater, is another English Christmas tradition. Plots are based on traditional children’s stories but with a number of twists, scenes you’re unlikely to find in the original tellings, and zany antics. Not to be confused with mime, a silent performance of actions without words, pantomime features musical numbers, men playing female roles and vice versa, slapstick comedy and, silly jokes with hints of sexual innuendo.

Audience participation is a hallmark of pantomime. You are expected to boo and hiss enthusiastically at the villain. Sometimes you will be asked to warn the actors of impending danger. Often you will argue with the hero about what he should or shouldn’t do with a back-and-forth exchange of, “No, you shouldn’t,” and, “Yes, I should.”

“Panto” season runs from late November into February, with performances staged both by professional and amateur theater companies. Should you go to the pantomime? Yes, you should. It’s a lot of fun.

Mulled wine and mince pies. — JDB Photo / Shutterstock

5. Mulled Wine And Mince Pie

Mulled wine and mince pie are staples at every event, from carol sing-alongs to markets.

Mulled wine is heated wine, usually red, flavored with spices and sweetened. It may contain a touch of citrus and a dash of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon or ginger. Sometimes, brandy or a liqueur is added.

Mince pies are sweet tarts filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices called “mincemeat.” Despite the name, there is no meat in the mixture. Its origins go back over 500 years when mince pie was a savory main course containing mutton preserved with fruit and spices. Over time, the dish became smaller with more spices and fruit. The meat gradually disappeared and mince pies became a dessert item. Today, numerous recipe variations exist using different combinations of spices and fruit.

English food in general kind of gets bad PR, but that isn’t necessarily fair.

“There’s a bias in the US that England has bad food,” says Susan Lanier-Graham of Wander With Wonder. “There are amazing international restaurants in England. Go into the neighborhood restaurants and avoid the tourist areas.”

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. — Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock

6. The Queen’s Message

Christmas Day in England is a day for dinner with the family. Dinner may be turkey, goose, or roast beef with potatoes, brussel sprouts, parsnips, and plum pudding for dessert. A number of restaurants and pubs host special Christmas Day dinners with reservations required in advance.

Television stations air Christmas specials and movies. Tune in to the “telly” at 3:00 pm to hear the Queen’s Christmas Message. She generally combines highlights of the year’s major events with personal milestones and feelings in her ten-minute address to the Commonwealth.

Boxing Day sales on Oxford Street in London. — alice-photo / Shutterstock

7. Boxing Day Sales And Walks

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is a holiday in England. Potential explanations for this day off are that it was traditionally a day off for servants when they received Christmas boxes of gifts from their master, or that it was the day boxes set in churches to collect money for the poor at Christmas were opened.

Today, while stores in smaller towns and villages remain closed, shops in larger centers run Boxing Day sales. Traditional Boxing Day activities include fox hunting, now controversial and less common, and going to the races. A long-standing Boxing Day tradition still popular with many is going for a walk. Head into the countryside or the nearest park and walk off the previous day’s feast.

8 Things To Do In Punta Cana

Many people head to the Dominican Republic for honeymoon getaways due to its endless all-inclusive resorts and unspoiled white sand beaches. Though these are valid reasons to want to visit, the Dominican Republic has so much more to offer its visitors than sand and swim-up bars.

Santo Domingo, in particular, is the nation’s capital and one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, bursting with Spanish influence, authentic food, and idyllic year-round weather. The Dominican Republic is also rich in biodiversity, home to dozens of endangered species and lush forests.

Punta Cana is situated at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, known primarily for its 20-mile strip of beaches and clear waters. If you’re wondering what else you can do on this stunning tropical island other than sunbathing, check out the following 8 things to do in Punta Cana.

1. Bávaro

Situated on Punta Cana’s eastern coast, Bávaro is the DR’s most luxurious resort area. Call it a seaside Disneyland, if you will, since it is home to the island’s largest cluster of all-inclusive resorts. The stretch of land from Bávaro to El Macao houses the country’s best white-sand beaches and aquamarine waters.

Other than soaking up the sun and beach hopping around Playa Bávaro, other activities include Aromas Museum, an off-the-beaten-path attraction that highlights the country’s local farm products and the production processes of various goods, such as tobacco, cacao, coffee, rum, and Larimar. Aromas Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If wondering where to stay in Bávaro, be sure to check out the area’s top luxury resorts, including:

Woman standing on beach, Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — Bávaro Beach. Pixabay / MustangJoe

2. Cap Cana

Another prime spot to find Punta Cana’s best beaches, luxury resorts, honeymoon getaways, golf courses, and outdoor adventure, Cap Cana is an exclusive real estate and hotel tourist destination, spanning thousands of acres.

While Sanctuary Cap Cana is deemed an adults-only all-inclusive resort, it is oh so much more than just a luxury accommodation. Sanctuary Cap Cana is more like its own quaint little town rather than a resort, comprised of nine food and beverage outlets, unparalleled seaside villas, a medieval castle with a rooftop pool, spa treatment rooms, and the Punta Espada Golf Club.

If staying in Cap Cana, be sure to check out Scape Park, a natural theme park filled with outdoor adventure, including zip-lining, cave expeditions, monkey islands, and its very own private beach offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball.

3. Altos de Chavón, La Romana

Step outside of Punta Cana’s popular seaside resort areas and venture to Altos de Chavón, La Romana, a truly unique experience that will make you feel like you’re in a 16th-century Mediterranean-style European village.

Located atop the Chavón River in La Romana, Altos de Chavón was built in 1976 and is nestled just above a leafy and rocky plateau, featuring artists’ workshops, galleries, local shops, restaurants, bars, an amphitheater, and spectacular views of the river and the Caribbean Sea.

Altos de Chavón is undoubtedly the city’s most popular tourist attraction and is situated just about 70 miles from the historic city of Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital and one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities.

Green countryside of Altos de Chavón, Dominican Republic — Altos de Chavón. Wikimedia Commons

4. Marinarium Excursions

Have you always wanted to swim with sharks and stingrays? Is this one of the main reasons you booked a trip to Punta Cana in the first place? If so, look no further than Marinarium Excursions for a one-of-a-kind exotic animal endeavor.

Marinarium Marine Park & Aquarium is an international eco-tourism excursion, dedicated to inspiring wonder and appreciation for the reef and marine life.

At Marinarium Excursions, travelers can partake in the Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with stingrays and nurse sharks. This half-day outing takes guests snorkeling, followed by a beautiful sightseeing tour along the coast of Cabeza de Toro and Bávaro.

5. Dolphin Explorer

If swimming with stingrays and sharks gives you the heebie-jeebies, swimming with friendly and majestic dolphins may be more up your alley. Dolphin Explorer invites visitors to interact with dolphins and other amazing marine animals in a unique tropical environment, all while being dedicated to the education and conservation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

On the 50-minute Explorer excursion, you get to hold hands with a dolphin and learn how to cue as the dolphin leaps over you. This excursion includes kissing and dancing with dolphins and a dolphin belly ride, where you will hold a dolphin as he or she rides across the water with you.

Dolphin Explorer’s 60-minute Excellence excursion includes a personalized introduction to the dolphins, and trainers will coach and prepare guests for the famous “foot push,” where two dolphins will push you full speed across the ocean surface.

6. Catalina Island

A popular day trip from Punta Cana, Catalina Island (or Isla Catalina) is a tropical retreat just 1.5 miles off the mainland, a diverse preservation of eco-systems including mangroves, reefs, and sand dunes.

Trip Advisor offers an outstanding Catalina Island excursion, available for guests staying in Bayahibe, Dominicus, La Romana hotels, and Punta Cana resorts. On this half-day tour, travelers are taken snorkeling at the A Living Museum of the Sea, the site where the wreck of Captain William Kidd was discovered in 2007.

The tour then heads along the coast of Casa de Campo and finishes at the breathtaking gorge of the Chavón River for an exhilarating jungle cruise.

Kite surfing, Dominican Republic — Water sports are a fan favorite in Catalina Island. Unsplash / Joe deSousa

7. Hoyo Azul

An experience that absolutely cannot be missed when visiting Punta Cana, Hoyo Azul is located within the previously mentioned Scape Park, but we decided to give this attraction its very own section because it’s that magnificent.

Hoyo Azul — which literally translates as “blue hole” — is a lagoon and hidden cenote that sits at the foot of a nearly 215-meter cliff, with waters reaching a depth of 120 feet at their deepest point.

This hidden gem has unimaginable crystal clear waters, perfect for a relaxing dip. The natural blue waters at Hoyo Azul are created from light being refracted through the water. To reach Hoyo Azul, travelers are obligated to walk through an interesting trail, illuminating some of the Caribbean’s most peculiar flora and fauna.

8. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve

Another hidden gem and unspoiled natural beauty in Punta Cana, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve is a private protected area owned and operated by the Puntacana Ecological Foundation. The reserve extends 1,500 acres, consisting of a lowland subtropical forest, dedicated to conservation, scientific research, and recreation.

Guests can indulge in the park’s five swimmable freshwater lagoons, visit the petting zoo, or check out the reserve’s unique iguana habitat. The park also features numerous exhibits describing the cultural and natural history of the island.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

If you’re heading to Punta Cana to soak up some sun, we hope you’ll also consider some of these fun destinations and activities. Happy trails!

Why You Should Consider A Women-Only Tour

There are an astonishing number of women of all ages who no longer seek or need permission — nor emotional support or encouragement from spouses, friends or colleagues — to travel. They are gutsy and bold, courageous and impressively strong.
— Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

Solo travel is the single best risk I ever took. It allowed me to develop as a person, to make friends in faraway places, and to observe other cultures quietly. However, solo travel isn’t for everyone, and it’s not for every destination, either. I remember traveling through certain countries wishing that my gender didn’t attract so much attention. This vulnerability, this pervasive sense of situational awareness (bordering on paranoia) is shared by many women, and with good reason.

Here are some reasons why you might consider taking a women-only tour instead.

Woman with cane being led of train platform — Unsplash / Mehdi Sepehri

The Liability of Traveling as a Female

Around the world, women are still largely at a disadvantage due to the ubiquitous patriarchy. On average, we make $.80 to a man’s dollar, invest dozens of hours weekly on invisible household work, and are still fighting for our reproductive rights. When it comes to travel, all these hindrances are combined with the fact that we are generally still seen as the weaker gender. It’s the reason that matriarchies are still considered newsworthy and far-flung in the 21st century.

Traveling alone as a female is liberating, but it can also be perilous. We are warned to wear fake wedding bands if we’re single, to cover our shoulders and knees from the male gaze, and certainly not to roam the streets alone after the sun has set. The risks range from unwanted catcalling to being followed to rape and murder. While this is not a given for every woman or every destination, these possibilities are real. I know several women — including myself — who have been victims of sexual assault while on the road.

For many women, just leaving home alone can be frightening — let alone venturing into unknown lands.

Why Women-Only Tours?

Tours dedicated just to women serve many purposes. Historically speaking, when you think of any great explorer, he most likely is a man. Just take a quick moment to Google “famous explorers” and you’ll be inundated with male faces from Christopher Columbus to John Muir. There’s nothing wrong with men getting out into the world; women are just largely underrepresented in the realm of travel. Tours for women are helping females take back the landscape of exploration.

As Intrepid Travel’s Jenny Gray stated, “These female-led, women-only expeditions offer a socially responsible and culturally sensitive way for travelers to access female-only establishments, experiences and customs in these traditionally conservative countries.”

Such excursions offer a safe space for women to establish real connections while delving into intercultural topics that affect females worldwide. From Mexico to Egypt to China, we walk through the world with expectations of what it means to be female placed upon us. We accept the burdens of “normality” in order to function within our societies, careers, families, and partnerships. These tours allow us to join together, openly discussing our cultures and how we can progress.

Women walking in the desert — Unsplash / roya ann miller

Breaking Down Barriers

Female-only tours allow us to put those encumbrances aside and to show up as we are, eager to learn and connect. They help us break down barriers and allow us an accessibility to see the world that we may not have otherwise had. All women deserve the opportunity to take that dream trip and return with a renewed outlook on life.

My friend Mary Cecchini left corporate America to start her female-only company, Living Big Travel, which focuses on international adventure travel. She was determined to help other women overcome their unique obstacles and get out into the world. Whether it’s not having time to plan a trip, fearing solo travel, or simply wanting to be surrounded by like-minded individuals, women-only tours provide the solution.

Expeditions geared toward females are on the rise as more women discover how empowering these experiences can be. Often, taking the first step is the hardest part. In a Trafalgar survey, 73% of women from the United States stated that travel was a source of strength and independence. The same study found that 76% of women prefer to travel with their partners or families.

Just by looking at the math, women-only tours make sense in so many ways. Females want to get out on the road, to contribute to global society, to discover what’s going on in other women’s backyards. Tour companies are listening to this ever-growing demand. In fact, the Chicago Tribune found in 2015 that female-centric tour companies grew by 230 percent in six years. As such, outfits like Intrepid Travel plan to double their female tours by 2020. They’re not alone.

What’s Available for Female-Based Tours?

Gone are the times of “ladies’ night out” and superficial shopping sprees. Women-only tours offer a variety of opportunities for women of all ages. Whether you’re looking to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or connect with locals from different cultures, here’s a sample of what companies have to offer:

AdventureWomen: Take a Kenai Wilderness Odyssey in Alaska, spending much of your time living alongside grizzly bears. This nine-day, wildlife-focused trip is priced at $4,990 USD and includes double-occupancy accommodations, activities, transportation, happy hour, and most meals.

Damesly: Wander through the "Souks + Sahara" of Morocco, taking in the colors, tastes, and sites of Northern Africa. For 11 days, including shared accommodation, air-conditioned transport, meals, activities, and local guides, the cost is $2,850 USD.

Getaway Goddess: Get in touch with your spiritual side with a Shreyas Yoga Retreat in Bengaluru, India. Four days and three nights, including hotel, activities, meals, and transportation, costs $930 USD.

Living Big Travel: Discover the best of Croatia — from its cobblestone streets to it lush national parks — for eight days and seven nights. The $3,695 USD price covers planning, hotels, transport, most meals, activities, and gratuities.

WanderTours: Experience the highlights of Ireland, including the Wild Atlantic Way, the Aran Islands, and a traditional Irish cooking class. Starting at $5,550 USD, this trip lasts 13 days and includes entrance fees, most meals, accommodation, activities, and an English-speaking guide.

Wild Women Expeditions: Delve into the wonders of the Galapagos, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking along the way. The $5,795 fee covers too much to list, but you’ll enjoy nine days on this archipelago — including return flights from mainland Ecuador.

Venus Adventures: Take an African Safari through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 21 days. Highlights include gorilla trekking, visiting the Masai tribe, and spotting pink flamingoes. Prices start from $5,430.

Women carrying baskets on their backs — Unsplash / Ives Ives

As a long-time traveler, I strongly believe that everyone should have access to travel. Not just the rich, not just men, not just English-speaking individuals. With women-only tours, companies are helping to bridge that gap. Armed with thoughtfully-researched itineraries, trustworthy guides, and unpretentious companionship, there’s no telling how we women may transform the world.