I go head-to-head with my Chicago-based colleague, debating which city is best to visit, Boston vs Chicago. “I am a Midwesterner by birth and a New Englander by choice, so I feel well qualified to weigh in here. And considering…
How to get around Costa Rica
Costa Rica packs a world of adventure into a relatively small area. Limited infrastructure means that getting around can be a challenge, but it’s also one reason that Costa Rica is the wild and wonderful place that it is. Do…
Things to know before you go to Costa Rica
On a recent trip to Costa Rica, on a hike in the remote forests of Volcán Tenorio National Park, the sky unexpectedly opened up, dumping buckets of rain on my 12-year-old twins and me. We were completely soaked, despite our rain gear. …
NEW Lonely Planet guidebooks to Costa Rica
After writing guidebooks for 20 years, it can be anticlimactic to receive the final products–sometimes as much as a year after completing the research and writing. There have been times that my author copies languished in the box for weeks,…
Know before you go to Boston
Here’s the scene: I’m visiting my future husband’s family in Boston for the first time. His mother asks if I want a tonic. It seems like an odd offer, but it sounds refreshing so I accept. Then she brings me an orange…
Boston on a Budget
Boston is up there on the list of US cities with a high cost of living, which – unfortunately – can also mean a high cost of traveling. The biggest challenge to visiting Boston on a budget is affordable accommodations, as…
Belize vs Costa Rica
This was a fun one to write. My colleague and I go head to head, debating which is a better travel destination, Belize vs Costa Rica? At any time of year, Central America astounds with its gorgeous beaches, exciting hikes, ancient ruins…
Boston With Kids
Boston is an incredible outdoor interactive museum, perfect for people of all ages to explore. From wandering the historic sites where patriots fought for US independence to studying Boston’s art collections, with elements that are quirky, creepy, funny and funky,…
Best Neighborhoods in Boston
Replete with historic sights, cultural attractions and academic institutions, Boston is a dynamic city with many sides. This is due in part to its patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct ambiance and attractions. The historic heart of Boston…
7 Best Hikes in Costa Rica
Want to discover the best hikes in Costa Rica? From popular jaunts through the coastal rainforest to arduous climbs to mountain peaks, Costa Rica has vibrant and varied landscapes that offer endless opportunities for hiking. Indeed, sometimes there’s no other way to…