The NYC Staple You Never Hear About: Cigar Lounges

I know, I know. Smoking is bad for you.

While America isn’t short on unhealthy tastes, we’ve taken a strong stance against tobacco, nicotine, and hand-rolled delights. (We’ve come around the greenery, oddly enough.)

I’ve lived through the take-down of Big Tobacco—still, that doesn’t mean I can’t find a bar in the US that still lets patrons smoke. Or even a restaurant.

In Jefferson County, Missouri (where I grew up), bars, taverns, and restaurants are still allowed to smoke so long as the establishment doesn’t service over 50 people.

So long as there’s a sign that reads ‘nonsmoking areas are unavailable’, businesses can serve up beers, tater-tots, and Marlboros all day long.

Despite our very strong stance against smoking, the pastime is still very much alive in the United States. And while many people probably imagine smoking is only allowed at dive bars and other locally beloved holes-in-the-wall, that’s not the case.

Cigar lounges, anyone?

The United States is dotted with upscale cigar lounges, also known as cigar bars. In fact, cities like New York City are home to some of the coolest. I’d consider them the modern version of a speak-easy; though they’re legal, they have the same type of Old World charm.

If you ever get the chance, slink into one of New York City’s cigar lounges. No, they aren’t filled with plumes of smoke. No, you don’t need to smoke to get in. And yes, you can still order food… and drinks.

The inside scoop on cigar lounges in NYC

Again, I know this article might feel challenging to hardcore non-smokers. Many Americans regard cigarettes and cigars as the epitome of disease—and rightly so. Scientific studies have proved again and again that smoking leads to cancer, along with a range of other health problems.

But let’s put science aside for a moment.

Cigar lounges in the Big Apple aren’t just hubs where people go to smoke Macanudos. They’re also the remnants of historic social clubs, from upscale lounges to storied neighborhood haunts.

In fact, most are well-thought-out projects that blend the wonder of a cocktail lounge and bar with the curated world of hand-rolled stogies. Because cigar lounges are bound to strict regulations, they must be at least slightly ingenious to survive.

So long as you know which cigar lounges to go, you’ll get a dose of the NYC underbelly—and who doesn’t want that in a major tourist destination? Love them or hate them, you’ll remember the experience.

(Just make sure to look up whether or not they accept walk-ins. Some clubs require membership to enter.)

Coolest cigar lounges in NYC

Club Macanudo

I’m starting off with my favorite cigar lounge—which is also the only one I’ve visited on this list, full disclosure. Stepping into Club Macanudo was like walking into a colonial Spanish social club.

From the servers’ uniforms to the luxurious matches to the architecture, I couldn’t believe I was in New York City.

This place is about style and refinement just as much as it is about cigars. In fact, you can order from a delicious menu, while bartenders will put together just about any drink you can think of. I drank limoncello on my visit, determined to blend in with the Old World-esque vibe throughout the lounge.

The Carnegie Club

Want a grand fireplace and 20-foot ceilings at your cigar bar? Just like Club Macanudo, The Carnegie Club harkens back to the 18^th-century charm of Old World social clubs.

You’ll immediately feel that you’ve stepped into a Gilded Age version of New York City.

Seriously—it’s a very storied and proud establishment. They’ve been running their Sinatra Saturday show for decades, which includes an 11-piece live band. Whether or not you plan on smoking cigars, it’s worth a visit, in my opinion.

Soho Cigar Bar

Though the youngest cigar lounge on this list, Soho Cigar Bar maintains the charm and intrigue that the former lounge, called Circa Tabac, embodied.

The newly renovated space, you also get the benefit of a state-of-the-art air conditioning system, along with a world-class drink list.

In fact, you’ll find recommendations on drink and cigar pairings, along with a nearly endless list of whiskeys. There’s also a pretty lengthy menu for anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat.

Hudson Bar & Books

Oddly enough, I’ve also been to this establishment—well, their Warsaw branch, that is. A few years back, my partner surprised me with a trip to Warsaw for my 30^th birthday. Our friend recommended we head to Podwale Bar & Books, a cigar bar and lounge.

We went and were surprised with a stunning live performance from two vocalists and a pianist—who later sang me Your Song in honor of my birthday.

As we chatted with the performers, they recommended we head to the company’s latest opening: Hudson Bar & Books in New York City.

At Hudson Bar & Books, you can expect a swanky and speak-easy-esque adventure. Though I can’t guarantee there’s any burlesque (boo!), I’m dying to head to this cigar lounge to see how it holds up to its Warsaw branch.

Casa de Montecristo

This is a den for cigar lovers, meaning it’s ideal for visitors who know a bit about cigars and have their own preferences. From global names to more boutique cigars, you can find what you’re looking for.

There’s also a sports bar element at play, as the Casa de Montecristo usually has multiple games on its flat-screen TVs.

Other NYC recommendations

Why You Should Stop Tipping Abroad—In Most Cases, At Least

Learning the ins and outs of tipping abroad has been one of the most surprisingly complex parts of travel for me.

I’m sure I’m not alone in that.

In the United States, leaving a tip is second nature. From servers to delivery drivers to bellhops, we shell out up to 20% for basic services. When we head abroad, it feels criminal not to leave a comparable amount for our servers, tour guides, and drivers.

Here’s the thing—most of the world’s workforce doesn’t run on tips.

Instead, employees are paid a standard wage for their service—by employers, not customers.

In places like Spain (where I live now), you might notice lackluster service because of the no-gratuity approach. At restaurants, for example, there’s no fanfare for customers—no cajoling or smiling servers.

Instead, employees are there to take your order and deliver food. In exchange, they’re paid a fair wage and aren’t expected to cater hand and foot to guests.

In fact, it’s almost taboo to tip in Spain. My Spanish friends are adamant that it’s a slippery slope. Nobody tips waiters—and it’s even controversial to tip a delivery driver who is dropping off a meal. (They’re also paid a fair hourly rate for their labor.)

That’s the core idea here: Leaving a tip in the United States equates to paying someone for their labor. Abroad, it’s more often voluntary. And people want it to stay that way.

If you’re confused about when and where to tip, dive into the complexities of tipping below. I’m sharing my tipping-based insights from around the world.

But other countries aside from the US leave tips…

That’s correct. Like the United States, it’s normal to tip in countries like Canada and Brazil, especially for a meal. In the Caribbean, many employees also expect a tip because they’re working in the service industry as waiters, tour guides, and more.

So, in certain cases, you might be expected to tip, but I want to make it clear that tipping at the American scale is a distinctly American pastime. Even in Canada and Brazil, tipping 20% is well above the average. Additionally, tips in other countries are usually voluntary—not part of a worker’s salary.

In fact, one of the reasons it’s spreading around the world is thanks to American tourists.

It seems we just can’t resist adding a little tip when leaving a restaurant or going on a tour. As my Spanish friends would put it, we’re messing it up for everyone else.

In other words, the more Americans tip abroad, the more it becomes expected of other foreigners.

**Is it really okay not to tip?**

There are no fast-and-hard rules about tipping, but let’s head back to the original meaning behind leaving gratuity: To give thanks for top-tier services, especially when it comes to hospitality.

For example, I shelled out a hefty tip to the driver and tour guide who squired me and my mom around Ireland on a genealogy tour for a week. I paid a full 20% tip for our entire week-long journey because I felt that our tour guide did an unforgettable job.

But I had also asked him directly about tipping culture in Ireland and how much Americans normally tip him after a great journey.

So, if you aren’t sure about whether or not to tip, just ask a local in a discreet, tasteful manner. They’ll give you the real answer—and that’s important because, as I research more about tipping, I’m reading quite a few articles that list countries where tipping is expected but where I haven’t noticed it.

Let’s use the example of Ireland again. Though I’ve seen it touted as a country where tipping is necessary, I only tipped when eating at restaurants—not when drinking at pubs. And even when I did tip, I only left 10% instead of the American 20%. (Except for the amazing tour.)

Here’s my last point: You might actually offend people by leaving tips in certain countries. In Japan, for example, offering a high quality of service is expected. Tipping is seen as unnecessary because Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on dignity, hard work, and respect.

Tipping, in some contexts, is viewed as cheap.

Are you getting my drift? Tipping isn’t just about money; it’s also about cultural values.

Final points

I’m sorry that I can’t lay out straightforward tipping rules—aside from the suggestion that you reel it in when tipping abroad and take a closer look at whether or not tipping is warranted. Ultimately, the decision is yours on when to tip and how much.

Here’s what I’d like to leave you with:

Understand that Americans leave tips for meals, transportation, coffee, and more because employers don’t pay a high wage to their employees, but that isn’t the case for most other countries.
In fact, some countries are wary of tipping culture, and see it as a threat to their livable wages, even in certain hospitality fields.
Other countries might expect you to tip specifically because you’re American, even when it isn’t otherwise normal.
If you’re ever uncertain about whether or not to tip, ask a local for insight about when it’s appropriate; maybe it is for tours but not for meals.
Don’t tip in US dollars unless you’re positive it’s customary.
It’s normal to tip for truly exceptional service anywhere in the world—so if you’re in awe of a tour guide or server, then feel free to tip as a way to give sincere thanks.

Hidden Treasures: 8 of Florida’s Most Secluded Beaches & Preserves

Want to skip out on the depths of winter with a Florida escape?

You aren’t the only one. Thanks to the state’s temperate weather and its nearly 230 days of sunshine a year, thousands flock to the state as soon as temperatures drop up north. Not only that, but many are also moving full-time to the state.

Between 2021 and 2022, Florida welcomed upwards of 600,000 new permanent residents. In 2023, another 365,000 made the move.

Are you catching my drift here? Though gorgeous and warm, Florida is filling up quickly, and many residents are there for those coveted beach days.

Want to avoid the crowds while you soak up your weekend of sunshine on a Florida beach? I’ve got a few suggestions for you. These are the most secluded beaches in Florida, along with some of its most beloved (and empty) nature preserves.

Secluded beaches in Florida

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

The best way to avoid the crowds is to get on a boat and cruise away from them. That’s the logic here visiting the barrier island of St. Lucie Inlet Preserve.

Obviously, that’s quite a catch—visitors need to find passage to the island, then a return trip from nearby Port Salerno.

That being said, those who make the journey will be treated to a fantastic boardwalk experience. The boardwalk showcases the island’s mangrove forests, sandy beach, and wildlife.

Shell Key Preserve

Once again, you’ll need a boat to get to this pristine barrier island—this time on Florida’s Gulf coast near Tampa Bay. Shell Key Preserve is covered in white sand beaches and mangroves, which provide shelter to birds and marine species alike.

You can reach Shell Key Preserve by taking a ferry from Fort De Soto Park—just keep in mind that this barrier island is protected and used for scientific research, meaning some parts might be off-limits.

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Gorgeous clouds from Barefoot Beach Reserve

Barefoot Beach Preserve was wiped out by Hurricane Ian and has been going through a slow recovery. For now, it’s one of the state’s most secluded beaches.

With most of its amenities down (from bathrooms to Doc’s Beach House), not too many people are heading to the preserve. It’s a perfect time to head out on experiences like the Saylor Trail, which showcases the preserve’s wildlife.

Navarre Beach

Let’s head to the panhandle to one of Florida’s most relaxing townships and beaches: Navarre Beach. To be fair, this beach isn’t far off the beaten path and is well-loved by locals and tourists alike.

That being said, it’s a very wide stretch of white-sand beach where you won’t feel overly crowded by a few fellow sun-lovers.

Grayton Beach State Park

Stretching over 2,000 acres, this massive state park has everything that winter birds would want from a Florida escape.

If you’re after the beach, you can unwind on a pristine stretch of white sand. Or if you’re in the mood to stretch your legs, Grayton Beach State Park also offers four miles of trails that weaves through the coastal forest.

Unfortunately, this beach has become a bit of a hotspot during the warmer months, meaning you might only find it secluded in December, January, and February.

Silver Key Beach

This 64-acre preserve on Sanibel Island is almost like a little wildlife refuge. It’s home to important keystone bird and reptile species, from sea turtles to something called a snowy plover.

Like many other beaches on this list, Silver Key beach is a protected preserve, meaning you won’t find any amenities like public bathrooms or benches. That being said, you can set up shop with a towel and umbrella for the day to soak up the calming atmosphere.

Palmetto Avenue Beach

Before I round off this list with a beach in a major city, I wanted to recommend one of the hardest-to-find beaches. Palmetto Avenue Beach is located on the highly sought-after Anna Maria Island.

This white-sand beach is just as untouched as the preserves thanks to its location on the remote Anna Maria Island. From swimming to shell-collecting, it’s the perfect place to lose track of time.

Clam Pass Park, Naples

Looking for a secluded beach but don’t want to venture outside the city? Head to Naples’ Clam Pass Park, a beloved spot for locals.

The beach includes a three-quarter-mile boardwalk, along with 35 acres of coastal habitat. Best of all, it has all those amenities that many travelers—and especially families—are after, from bathrooms to a restaurant.

The 2 Simple Rules of Planning a Last-Minute Trip

Imagine this: A miracle leaves you with a three-day weekend and you’re ready to skip town.

The catch? You have 48 hours to plan your trip from start to finish.

If you’re planning a solo adventure, that’s not too short of a timeframe to get the job done. But the more people you add to your travel plans, and the farther you plan on wandering, the more difficult it is to put together a cohesive and satisfying trip.

Especially when you only have 72 hours to work with.

Despite the challenges, last-minute trips have often been my most memorable adventures. Not only is the excitement factor cranked all the way up, but these lesser-planned trips tend to expose us to more surprises along the way.

For example, I went on a last-minute escape to Sweden in winter to watch a World Rally Championship race a few years back. It was full of side quests I didn’t expect, from manning a dog sled through the forest, making friends with an amazing couple, or sipping on a cocktail that tasted exactly like a pancake.

As rewarding as they can be, planning (successful) last-minute trips requires attention to detail and even some insider knowledge of the travel industry. (Having a weekender bag at the ready helps, too.)

If you want to take your last-minute trips further, keep these two simple rules in mind. They’ll help you save money on lodging and more without missing out on fantastic experiences along the way.

2 simple rules of planning a last-minute trip

Rule #1: Know where to find last-minute deals

Ever seen offers for high-value, last-minute travel deals on hotels and wondered… who has the flexibility to take advantage of those offers? They’re for travelers who want to get away for a few days at the very last hour.

And you can find more than deals on hotels. Many companies also list offers on flights, car rentals, and more.

Platforms like LastMinuteTravel let you shop around specifically for time-sensitive deals, including flights. The more flexible you are on your destination, the more luck you’ll have with these types of platforms.

I also suggest looking into HotelTonight, which is great for finding top-tier hotels with slashed room rates.

Even Booking.com and Priceline offer last-minute getaway deals—and they sometimes come bundled, offering transportation, lodging, and even car rentals.

Priceline almost always has a ‘quick escape’ or ‘deal of the day’ offer boldly listed on their homepage. Booking, by contrast, offers flash sales under their flight + hotel pages, making it easy to book a bundled trip.

*Always read the fine print carefully. These high-value deals come with quite a few strings attached. The most common condition you’ll see is the nature of the reservation, which usually can’t be altered or canceled once completed.

Rule #2: All-inclusive offers and bundles should be your top priority

The resources listed above should help you find all-inclusive offers that come bundled with other amenities, like car rentals. Once again, always read the fine print so that you know what’s included and what isn’t.

Now that you know where to find the deals, let’s focus on what types of offers should be your top priority.

I recommend looking for all-inclusive resort offers for a last-minute getaway. Booking this type of adventure removes almost all of those chores that get in the way of lounging on the beach or exploring interactive museums.

I’m talking about breakfast buffets, a few free cocktails, discounts on tours and activities, and more. The more that comes bundled into your booking, the less you need to figure out—and the fewer details you’re likely to lose track of.

Bonus tip: you don’t need to wander far

Here’s my last piece of advice on planning last-minute trips: If you can’t find a good deal, then don’t wander too far.

Local travel isn’t as exotic or Instagram-sexy as international destinations, but I’ve had great experiences sticking to my general region on last-minute trips.

If you have a car or aren’t shy about traveling by train or bus, you can easily plan a last-minute trip to a hidden gem near you.

Once again, platforms like HotelTonight can even help you uncover new hotels and resorts in your area. This is one of my favorite ways to escape Barcelona and get out of the city. I simply shop around for a last-minute deal in a location I know that I can get to easily, and then I splurge on the extras like spa treatments, cocktails, and even a little shopping.

My point is that you don’t need to go far to have a rejuvenating and satisfying trip, especially if wellness is on your radar.

Fun for the Family: Where to Find All 5 Ice Castles in the US

When I first heard about the famous New Hampshire ice castles, I assumed these were natural structures.

As one of the snowiest places in the United States, I’m sure all types of strange, frigid natural phenomena take place in the state’s forests. In reality, ice castles are manmade projects cobbled from icicle after icicle—and they didn’t originate in New Hampshire.

The idea behind the project, which started in 2011 in Utah, was to bring fairytales to life through the magic of frozen water.

And I’m sold on it—hook, line, and sinker.

Ice hotels might be architectural feats built from ice and determination, but ice castles are much more abstract, imaginative, and dreamlike feats. Best of all, you can come and go at your leisure—no need to stay overnight.

To date, there are five locations in the US where you and your family can experience the brightly lit, jaw-dropping displays.

What is there to do at Ice Castles locations?

Ice Castles are larger than you think (Getty)

Ice castles are like works of art, some of which stretch ten feet (or more) into the air. You can wander from sculpture to sculpture at your leisure, and even cross through gravity-defying archways.

The origin of Ice Castles comes from a father who was desperate to entertain his six kids during the cold winter months. Today, the team remains dedicated to serving kiddos.

While adults will enjoy the sculptures (and grabbing a drink at the polar bar), kids can also cruise down ice slides, get lost in a cavern of winding sculptures, and squeeze through ice tunnels that get smaller and smaller.

Certain locations also offer other activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides and kids’ performances. For the 2024-25 season, sleigh rides are expected at the Utah and New Hampshire Ice Castle locations. A show called Snow Queen & Winter Fairy will be performed at every location.

Where to find all 5 locations

Please check in next winter to make sure the location of the Ice Castles hasn’t changed. Remember—these are built from scratch each year.

Opening dates and hours of operation also change according to each location.

Cripple Creek, Colorado
Eagle, Colorado *No polar pub
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Woodstock, New Hampshire *Includes extras like the mystic forest light walk, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and a winter fairy village
Midway, Utah *Includes extras like sleigh rides and the arctic alcove, but there’s no polar pub

Survival Guide: 7 Tips for Flying with Toddlers

There are few travel topics as divisive as children on planes.

Toddlers, specifically.

The fuss makes sense; children between one and three years old go through intense cognitive growth. They’re learning how to talk and communicate; they’re trying to manage difficult emotions; they want to wiggle their bodies if not run for the hills.

While I don’t have any children, I can appreciate that flying with toddlers must be a very trying experience for parents, especially if they’re having a tough day already. It’s difficult to keep track of luggage and toys, even with two parents involved. Then there’s the art of keeping a child occupied for the duration of the flight.

Despite the obstacles, millions of parents tote their little ones with them to fly around the country, if not the world.

While every child and parent has a different experience flying, there are concrete, tried-and-true tips for getting even the most energetic toddlers off the plane in one piece.

If you’re considering flying with your toddler in the near future, I highly suggest taking a look at some of the most popular tips for parents flying with young children.

The advice below is taken from my close friends who often travel with their children, along with the great minds at the Baby Can Travel blog, Travel Mamas blog, and Parents.

Tips for flying with toddlers from experienced parents

#1 Get your toys down pat

There are dozens of toys that are great for toddlers on planes. Whether you use screens or not, you can find portable, clean toys to keep your tot engaged. Stick to the items that you know capture your child’s attention.

Some parents also recommend busting out a surprise on the plane, as it gives their child a brand-new toy to fawn over for a little’ three-hour flight.

Before moving on, I also want to point out that I’ve seen parents recommend keeping toys in reach throughout the transportation process. Aside from planes, toys will also help your child stay in high spirits on hectic bus rides, when facing delays, and similar challenges.

In other words, don’t pack them at the last minute as an afterthought.

#2 Book direct flights first thing in the morning—or plan a long layover

Whether or not you’re flying with a toddler, I recommend booking a flight first thing in the morning. That helps you avoid delays, especially if you have a layover and need to catch a connecting flight.

After all, nobody wants to deal with delays—but they’re particularly hard on toddlers and their parents.

Aside from missing out on delays, airports are also less crowded in the mornings. That makes it easier for you to get through security with your little one, and then get in a little extra exercise before boarding.

I’ve also seen a few parents mention that their toddler is less prone to meltdowns early in the morning—but I imagine every child is different in this way, so I’ll let you decide what flight time is less likely to coincide with a meltdown.

#3 Keep those next-level distractions in your back pocket for when they’re needed most

In the first section, I mentioned that some parents like to keep a brand-new gift in their arsenal just in case. This tip is similar, as some parents have found that keeping a high-value item—whether a snack or a toy—helps them distract their toddler when the going gets rough.

As I’ll discuss below, many parents have noticed that putting on the seatbelt is high time for a tantrum.

So if you’re looking for tips for flying with toddlers while avoiding full-scale meltdowns, consider packing a few high-value items for those tougher moments. Along with handling seatbelt time, these items can help distract from ear-popping difficulties from the altitude, and other stressors, like loud noises.

#4 Most tantrums come when that seatbelt light goes on—prepare accordingly

If there’s one thing that parents agree on, it’s that many toddlers have trouble respecting the seatbelt rule for landing and takeoff.

Some parents have had success by familiarizing their toddlers with the seatbelt setup, usually at home before the flight. They make a game out of it so that their tot is ready for the challenge when the light turns on before take-off and landing.

Even then, many toddlers dislike the confinement—so this is a great time to bust out that surprise toy or a favorite snack. Some might be swayed with a view out the window, too.

#5 Avoid red-eyes—but don’t stress too much about nap time, either

Almost every travel blog I’ve read on flying with toddlers recommends taking early-morning flights—and also avoiding red-eyes.

Red-eyes wreak havoc on your child’s sleeping schedule while also causing jet lag for the whole family. On top of that, red-eyes are almost exclusively long-haul flights, which are best avoided if this is your first time flying with your toddler.

Instead, start with regional domestic flights.

And don’t stress too much about nap time as you level up your flight distances—there will be time to recalibrate at your destination.

#6 Consider buying the seat next to you even if your child can fly for free

This was one of the more surprising tips for flying with toddlers out there. While some parents like to save money by keeping their toddlers in their lap, as children under the age of two usually fly for free, others insist on buying an extra ticket for access to a full seat.

But even if you’re still able to take advantage of that free ticket, some parents say its best to buy a separate seat.

In addition to being safer, it also gives your toddler more room to stretch out—or even lie down for a nap, if you dare to dream. Just keep an eye on whether or not they’re causing disruptions for other passengers by kicking other seats.

#7 Always go for pre-boarding—it gives your tot time to explore their new surroundings

Some parents traveling with toddlers ignore their pre-boarding rights. They reason that the less time their toddler spends on the plane, the better.

However, seasoned parents actually recommend taking advantage of pre-boarding.

It gives their child time to get used to their new surroundings. They can even take a look around the plane before other passengers start boarding. That gives them a little bit more confidence in their strange new environment—especially for those who haven’t traveled on a plane before.