Photos: South Korea

Networked with bike paths, South Korea is one of the most bike friendly countries in the world.  On a two-week trip, I pedaled on mostly paved dedicated bike path from Damyang to Mokpo, taking my bike first on a ferry to Jeju Island and then to tiny Udo Island.  Along the way, I found lush landscapes, verdant agricultural lands, primeval forests, and scenic waterfronts where older female divers freedive for abalone and conch and then serve the shellfish raw on a seaside table.  One morning, I walked through a Metasequoia Forest where only foot traffic is allowed. Another day, I hiked Halla Mountain, the country's highest peak that rises over 6,000 feet above sea level. (It's on Jeju Island, off the south coast.)  Udo Island , a wee island, can easily be visited on a day trip from Jeju Island. Cycling there is idyllic with nothing but seaside and verdant vistas interspersed with small cafes and accommodations.

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Photos: Southern India

In India, two properties, the Neeleshwar Hermitage in Northern Kerala and Evolve Back in the adjacent province of Coorg, together offer travelers numerous opportunities to connect with nature. While the Neeleshwar Hermitage is on the Arabian Sea, Evolve Back in Coorg is at altitude, set among acres of lush coffee plantations. But, both are eco-oriented properties, offering numerous opportunities for bird watching and educational naturalist treks. And, of course, the culinary delights and spa treatments are stellar.

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Photos: New Brunswick, Canada

Many travelers already know about New Brunswick, Canada as a summer destination. But I recently ventured there to check out the cross country ski venues, which are abundant. Each area had a different personality but brought the Nordic skier in close proximity to expansive bays and dense forest lands. And the accommodations are equally varied, ranging from the unique to the charming. Cielo-Glamping Maritime, for example, has five domes with some beside the scenic Bay of St. Simon in Shippagan. On this bay where the most amazing oysters around are raised one can find ice fishing sheds set along the frozen expanse. Fredericton, the capital of Canada's New Brunswick province, is a real treasure with a vibrant art community. This is one of many avant-garde works found at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. The capital is also home to the Quartermain House B&B, a house that dates to 1840 but one that has taken on a new life as a five-star property with three plush guest rooms.

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A Luxe Caribbean Resort That Readily Melds With Nature

Saba is a Caribbean island that just about everyone is clueless about. What a shame because this tiny volcanic island that's just a few minutes from St. Maarten is packed with a wealth of intimate treasures. The Queen's Gardens Resort & Spa is one of those treasures. This is my recent article for Forbes on this luxe resort.

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Photos: Cyprus

Blessed with long stretches of golden sands, Cyprus is oh-so-much more than seaside resorts. It’s a land of small villages, jungle-like trails such as those on the Akamas Peninsula, 12th century castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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My New Men's Multi-Pocket Vest

My new multi-pocket men’s vest is versatile, practical and fashionable. Now you can keep all your vitals close at hand, in any of the six zippered pockets. This is no travel vest that ends up making you look like you’re about to hike the Appalachian Trail. It was designed to either be worn casually with jeans, for example, or along with a suit jacket and a dress shirt as part of your business attire. Whether you’re going to a brew pub or to a business meeting or trade show, this multi-pocket vest will keep you secure, holding everything from your cell phone to your passport, credit cards, cash and more.

We're taking pre-orders on this item and anyone who's interested and wants to know more can contact me directly.

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Photos: Hanoi, Vietnam

Though many trips to Vietnam involve journeying to beachfront areas, I, instead, chose to center on Hanoi, not visiting tourist-thronged sites, but rather focusing on contemporary art galleries and bucolic parks and gardens. Though these are all steps away from a chaotic traffic scene where you take your life in your hands, these are pockets of tranquility by just attempting to cross the street, each of these are pockets of serenity. For example, the
little visited Botanical Garden is a delight. In one section, a web of roots emanating from a 19th-century tree becomes a magnet for those who want to meditate. And circumnavigating around West Lake, you'll find a section blanketed with lotus blossoms.

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Photos: Montenegro

With its hilltop fortresses, chapels snuggled in pine forests, network of hiking trails and family-owned vineyards, Montenegro appeals to oenophiles, those who embrace nature, history lovers or visitors who simply prefer hanging out on a thin crescent strip of sand. This photo essay depicts some of the many treasures that Montenegro offers.

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Another Connecticut Day Trip From New York With Beach Access

A little over an hour from New York City, Southport, Connecticut is a bucolic waterfront town with a historic district peppered with grand 18th century houses. (The town dates to the 1600s and, given that had a successful port, was a favorite of wealthy sea captains and merchants who built their grand dwellings here.)  I strolled along the streets of the historic center of Southport, Connecticut and found that no matter the weather or time of day, this village is enwrapped in the charm of another era.

Here are some of the must-sees in Southport:

Southport Park is a 10-acre forested expanse smack in the middle of the town’s historic district. No matter the season, it’s worth walking its few trails, including one that loops beside a stream, past interesting rock formations.

The historic district is a mere scenic 20-minute walk to the beach, which is a simple curve of sand in a neighborhood dominated by immense mansions.

The Pequot Library, which dates from the late 1800s, retains so many other-era features, including two wood-paneled reading rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, original Tiffany stained-glass windows, and a grand stone, granite facade.

The Grey Goose is a local favorite for well-prepared food, and drinks. Despite the din, the environment is cozy with rugged wood beam columns, soft amber lighting, and a stone walled fireplace. They offer daily specials that are worth trying, including the blackened red snapper tacos  with avocado and pico de gallo.

Having dinner in an old railroad station waiting room hardly sounds like it would be an upscale experience. But, Paci defies the rules. By far, this is Southport’s best restaurant and one that shouldn’t be missed. The new glassed-in bar -- you can see the trains whizzing by -- is perfect for enjoying one of their many wines by the glass as well as anything on their dinner menu. Their signature meatball appetizer is the best around. (The recipe which includes pine nuts, raisins, sweet onions and garlic, comes from the owner’s family.)

The casual Horseshoe Cafe and Tavern has been in business since 1934. It’s a local favorite for hanging out with a glass of beer or wine to accompany a basket of freshly-made popcorn.

For a picnic lunch, my pick is the Spin and Span Market, a sandwich shop/grocery with tasty fixings. These include a popular turkey chili with melted Vermont cheddar, as well as the tarragon chicken salad wrap with apple bacon, mesclun greens, and plum tomatoes.

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