DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Where to Find The Most Scenic Views in Istanbul Posted on October 9, 2018February 26, 2026 The Best views of Istanbul include the iconic cityscape– mosques, palaces, minarets, and the boats skipping across the waves of the Bosphorus. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here, making it world-class for history lovers. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines Posted on October 7, 2018December 20, 2025 We land at 4 pm— a half-hour past the free tour offered by Turkish Airlines. That sucks, I’ve taken one of those tours before, and they are pretty good. But we’re not out of luck. There is another night layover tour we’ll catch that’s not free. Watching Istanbul go from… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Wine Tasting in Sicily and Why Etna Wine is not Italian Wine Posted on October 3, 2018December 20, 2025 Unveiling Etna: A Unique Wine Legacy Beyond Italian Borders Italy’s Mount Etna is young by modern standards for such an old wine region. Bottled wines have only been produced here for a few short decades, yet the rapidly growing interest in the native varieties grown on the slopes of Europe’s… Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Turkish Airlines Long Layover Posted on October 3, 2018November 15, 2025 Free City Tour of Istanbul I love long layovers if it allows me to explore a new city. And Turkish Airlines offers a great perk if you have a long layover Istanbul. They offer ticket holders a free Istanbul tour. It’s a great option if you have at least a… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Fall in Love with Istanbul Posted on October 1, 2018December 20, 2025 It’s so easy to fall in love with Istanbul. The city is so beautiful– so romantic, it resembles the set of an epic love story. Romance in Istanbul is around every corner. You can smell it, hear, feel it with each step. And every street brings you face to face with a… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul Posted on September 29, 2018February 26, 2026 I love Istanbul, Turkey. Apart from its architectural beauty, it’s also the only city in the world that straddles two continents– Europe and Asia. The Asian side does have its share of attractions– especially the food stalls and cafes in Kadiköy Market. However, the majority of the well-known tourist attractions… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Experience Istanbul’s Asian Side Like a Local Posted on September 27, 2018February 26, 2026 Because they visit the more popular areas, most first-time visitors skip the Asian side of Istanbul. That’s a shame, since it’s one of the best places to enjoy authentic Turkish food and drink. While the European side has the big tourist attractions, the Asian side offers a calmer pace, welcoming… Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD How to Enjoy Yoga and Wine at Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard Posted on September 21, 2018November 16, 2025 Looking for a new way to enjoy a glass of wine. As if you needed one, right? However, Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery has come up with the solution to a problem I don’t think exists. But it’s still awesome. Nurture mind, body, and soul in the vineyard with a… Read more