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Voted the #1 European destination in 2019, Budapest, Hungary should be at the top of your travel to-do list. And while a celebrated city, it's not without its fair share of lesser known details. Take a look at some fun facts about this capital city.    1. Two for One Budapest is like two cities in one! Mostly because it is! Bisected by the Danube River, the cities of Buda and Pest are joined by the  Széchenyi Chain Bridge. But if you look back to the 1800's, you'll see it was actually the three cities of Buda, Pest, and  Óbuda that officially joined forces in 1873 under the new name of "Budapest" to create the city we know today!   Image courtesy of: Pandea.com   2. Spectacular Skyline  The historic skyline of Budapest is one of Europe's finest and has been preserved thanks to the 96 meter rule. Chosen as a nod to the year 896 when he  Hungarian Magyars settled in the area, the rule states that no building can be over 96 meters high.   Image courtesy of: TripSavvy   3. A Puzzling Place  Everyone's favorite mind-bending block, the Rubik's Cube, was invented right here in Budapest. Originally known as the "Magic Cube," it was created by, you guessed it, Ernő Rubik in 1974.   4. What Lies Beneath Budapest is an amazing city, both above and below the ground. That's right, Budapest sits atop a subterranean world made up of miles of caverns and tunnels. The most exciting can be found under Castle Hill which has served as a prison, a bomb shelter, a hospital, and today, a museum.    Image courtesy of: CNN.com   5. Tongue Twister Despite Hungary being a European destination, the mother tongue actually originates from Asia and is most closely related to  Finnish and Estonian as well as some Russian dialects. The language is actually called " Magyar" after the original people and is one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world!    6. Leading the Way Budapest boasts the oldest subway system in continental Europe. Operating since 1896, the only competition is the London metro which has been up and running since 1863. And the kicker? Transportation is free for all EU citizens over 65.    Image courtesy of: ACDN Architizer   7. Water, Water Everywhere  In need of a spa day? Look no further! Budapest has more thermal springs than anywhere else in the world. You can take advantage of the relaxing and even healing powers at bath houses across the city including the famed Gellert,  Lukács,  Szechenyi, and Kiraly Baths.   Image courtesy of: Szechenyi Spa Baths   8. The Spice of Life Colorful puzzles aren't the only thing to come out of Budapest. The bright red spice, Paprika is the national spice of Hungary and traces its roots back to Budapest where the plant has been growing in abundance since 1569.   Image courtesy of: Daily News Hungary   9. Built to Last The long and varied history of Budapest is more than obvious in its wide range of architecture styles. Strolling through the city, you'll see buildings built in almost every style from Baroque to Art Nouveau to Bauhaus and even the big, basic Socialist-style boxes characteristic of the Eastern Bloc.   Image courtesy of: Absolute Tours   10.  For all the Numismatists Out There That means "coin collectors!" Budapest and the rest of Hungary isn't on the Euro. They still use Hungarian Forints, abbreviated as HUF. The name comes from the city of Florence that also originally used a gold-based currency back in the day.    Image courtesy of: Budapest Agent   EXPLORE  

TRAVEL MEMORIES: New Orleans   Why fly to the Big Easy when you can just spend days driving there? They say it’s not the destination, it’s the journey that counts and in this case, also the beignets. Cruise down memory lane to New Orleans. Feels like you can hear the jazz music floating through the streets and taste the po’ boy sandwiches already! Especially if you have po’ boy sandwiches around.  New Orleans isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. NOLA is a celebration of song and an explosion of color. It’s movement and magic and history and art. It feels like the whole city is pulsating and the lucky visitor is welcomed to dance along.    A visit to Bourbon Street, while touristy without a doubt, is a fun place to start. The neon lights, radioactive drinks, and bustling crowds feel like everyday is Mardi Gras. And while you may think the namesake hints at what you’re likely to find mixed in your drink, it’s actually an homage to the name of France’s royal family at the time of the city’s development in 1721.  Right at the tippy top of Bourbon Street, be sure to check out Jean Lafitte’s BlackSmith Shop Bar, a dark and musty tavern that’s managed to survive two great fires and is considered the oldest structure in the entire United States used as a bar. It truly feels like time travel and you’ll be enchanted by the ambiance.    More drinks and memorable ambiances live at Carousel Bar where you can sip on something cooked up by head mixologist, Marvin, at an actual carousel in Hotel Monteleone; at Arnaud’s French 75 where you can (and really must) order its namesake cocktail, or feel a little extra fancy at Sazerac Bar .  Talented musicians and riveting jazz music blanket the streets...in a good way! You can hit up Maison Bourbon and The Jazz Playhouse along Bourbon Street or venture out to the greater French Quarter (and famed Frenchman Street) for renowned venues like Blue Nile, Preservation Hall, d.b.a., Tipitina’s and the memorably titled Chicken Wah Wah among many, many others. Stroll the streets and if you hear something good, pop in, drop a tip, and move on to the next amazing musical experience.      The French Quarter is both the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and, as you may have guessed, one of the most delicious (as in lots of great things to eat!) For a cup of that famous Louisiana hickory coffee and mouthwatering desserts--they’re called beignets and are little sugar-dusted bites of heaven-- look no further than Cafe du Monde under the big green tent. Established in 1862, this iconic location is open 24 hours a day and always in high demand!  Still in need of some caffeination? Get your full coffee fix at French Truck Coffee, the unmistakable bright yellow shop where they make their own beans and they can be found at various locations around the city.    If you plan on eating pretty much nonstop from morning till well, the next morning in this kind of town, kick off your day with a must-have breakfast at Brennan’s  where it’s all about Creole cooking and Bananas Foster for dessert. Get your hands on a local favorite, the muffuletta sandwich, at Central Grocery and Deli which looks exactly as advertised! Class it up with outdoor seating in the courtyard of Cafe Amelie surrounded by a jungle of plants and high brow menu items.  If you’re looking for a little culture fix, New Orleans also offers an array of museums covering art, history, and even Mardi Gras. History buffs hustle on over to the National WWII Museum which uses personal storytelling and artifacts to begin to unpack this massive and world changing war. The New Orleans Museum of Art known as NOMA, boasts an amazing art collection that dates from Italian Renaissance to today as well as a five acre sculpture garden. IF you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, The Old Ursuline Convent Museum, or The Museum of Death might be right up your alley!    If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, take a walk and take a look at the mind-blowing rainbow that is the Bywater neighborhood in New Orleans. Filled with Bohemian vibes, cute cafes, thrifty shops, the Bywater boasts some of the most colorful homes you’ve ever seen that are just asking for a photo op.   

  If East Hampton was a member of a 90s boy band it would definitely be the sporty one. You know, with all its surfing, swimming, fishing, and sailing stuff. But it would also be the artistic one. The land of magical sunlight and sprawling natural landscapes, East Hampton has long been the muse for painters like William de Kooning and photographers like Peter Beard who venture to the Long Island’s east end to get inspired. And you will, too! Get an eyeful of some fun facts about the East Hampton art scene. Read more HERE.   NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY  The natural sunlight in East Hampton is really something to write...errr paint...home about! Maybe it's water molecules in the air that catch light in just the right way. Maybe it's something artists can only see. But what's clear is this so-called never ending golden hour's effect on everything from still life paintings to portraits.      SHIP HAPPENS In 1960, founding Director of the Department of Education at the Museum of Modern Art, Victor D'Amico and his wife Mabel bought a World War I Navy barge. Then they turned it into an art studio. I mean, what else? Today, The Art Barge sits in Napeague Harbor just outside Hither Hills State park and offers classes in ceramics, studio painting, and photography for artists and aspiring artists alike.         HOME AWAY FROM HOME  Believe it or not, when the prince of  pop art wanted to get away from it all, he high-tailed it to Montauk. Andy Warhol set up his relaxation station in a 30 acre, oceanside estate fondly known as "Eothen" meaning "from the east" back in 1972. And, of course, Warhol would invite friends over--pals like Mick Jagger, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Liz Taylor, and John Lennon just to name a few!      INSIDE THE STUDIO We may never know exactly what was going on inside of the mind of so-called "action painter" Jackson Pollock, but you can get a look inside his art studio. The Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center still stands today in a wooden farmhouse in the town of Spring, East Hampton and is where Pollock and wife Lee Krasner both lived and made art. Pollock set up shop in the barn while Krasner painted in the bedroom. Tours are available courtesy of the Stony Brook Foundation where you can still see stray paint from Pollock's work scattered across the excavated floorboards.     ART-CHITECTURE The new Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill East Hampton isn't just a building that houses art, it's a work of art in itself! The relationship between art, nature, and light that East Hampton is so famous for continues to play out in the space's innovative layout both inside and out. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the museum is constructed from natural up-cycled wood, illuminates much of the art using skylights, and overlooks a sprawling meadow filled with wildflowers.    EXPLORE

While jetsetters are lying low for a minute, it’s easy to travel with our minds. It’s even more fun to travel with our stomachs. And as temperatures rise, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a frosty treat that feels like an instant vacay to a far off destination? Take a little food tour with these frozen treat possibilities from around the globe.   Enjoying some mastic-style ice cream. Piragua All heads turn when the unmistakeable piragua cart comes rolling down the street, especially on those days that feel like you're standing on the surface of the sun. From the island of Puerto Rico comes this simple yet essential frozen treat. Made of shaved ice stacked high like a pyramid, the piragua is flavored with an array of  tropical syrups like coconut, guava, tamarind, pineapple, and sugar cane.  Make your own with this recipe                 Source: Discover Puerto Rico    Kulfi   Popular throughout India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar this conical treat is essentially ice cream but way more dense and creamy. It's a real labor of love, made by evaporating sweet, flavored milks by slow cooking. Then the mixture is sealed up tight and submerged in ice and salt for fast freezing. You'll find kulfi in flavors like pistachio, cardamon, saffron, rose, and mango. Make your own with this recipe                     Source: Relish the Bite    Spaghetti-Eis   What could be more appealing than cold spaghetti? Don't let the optics fool you, this German novelty dessert is just vanilla ice cream pushed through a  Spätzle press for that distinctive pasta shape. Strawberry sauce plays the part of marinara sauce and white chocolate shavings look all too much like sprinkles of parmesan. We promise it's delicious! Make your own with this recipe   Source: Oktoberfest for Teens   Mochi Ice Cream   Little pockets of joy, mochi ice cream combines chewy Japanese rice dough and undeniably delicious ice cream in one-to-two bite morsels. Though mochi has long been a part of New Years traditions throughout Japan, the ice cream component only gained popularity and global distribution in the 1990s. While the Neapolitan trio of flavors are quite common, be sure to try green tea, plum wine, and red bean.  Make your own with this recipe   Source: Taste of Home Ais Kacang   Well known throughout Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, the name translates to rice bean and, this time, what you see is what you get! S ometimes referred to as Air Batu Campur (or ABC for short), the ingredients can range but the result will always be colorful and always feature shaved ice and beans ever since its emergence in the 1950s. A typical Ais Kacang is topped with its namesake cooked red beans, seeds, nuts, milk, jelly syrup, and creamed sweet corn. Eclectic is an understatement!   Make your own with this recipe   Source: Sayang Malaysia   Frozen Bananas   The ingredients are straight forward and the result is so satisfying! A few bananas, some melted Mexican chocolate, a handful of wooden sticks, and you've got yourself a fruit-forward alternative to ice cream! Roll the choco-coated banana in coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or sprinkles to liven things up!  Make your own with this recipe    Source: Que Rica Vida   Patbingsu   Patbingsu is a go-to summer favorite in Korea and has been since the days of the Joseon Dynasty in fact. That's going back to 1392! A mountain of shaved ice gets doused in condensed milk and covered with adzuki beans (yep, there's more beans in store!), bits of rice cake, fruit, and jelly. The beans are boiled, mashed, and sweetened to perfection. More variations on the theme seem to pop up everyday so don't be surprised if you see Oreos or mango in the mix.                                                        Make your own with this recipe    Source: Food Network   Dondurma   Ever have your ice cream mastic? It's fantastic! Dondurma originates from Turkey and is a mastic ice cream meaning it's is chewier, has a harder texture, and is less likely to melt before you finish. Perfect for the slow, thoughtful ice cream eaters among us! Vendors in store fronts and streets have to keep the ice cream churning on paddles so it doesn't become too unmalleable before serving. But because of the ice cream's sturdy nature, it's a common site to see vendors having a little fun  playing hard to get before letting customers take their cones to go.   Make your own with this recipe   Source: SBS

Amsterdam is like a good outfit; appropriate year round and goes seamlessly from day to night. No matter your travel style, pace, or experience, Amsterdam greets visitors with open arms and provides the kind of effortless encounter that jetsetters dream of. Whether your jam is food, museums, music, or a solid aged gouda, Amsterdam is yours for the taking, one canal at a time?        SEE   For the art buff, Museumplein is your one stop shop for the best works Amsterdam has to offer. The Rijksmuseum boasts over 8,000 pieces on display from their collection of over 1 million objects including Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. The building itself, designed by Pierre Cuypers in 1885, is a sight to behold and worth getting lost in on the hunt for national favorite, “The Night Watch" by Rembrandt..        The Van Gogh Museum unpacks the man, the myth, the legend through its thoughtful audio guide and honest telling of Vincent’s personal and artistic struggles. See famed works like pieces from the “Sunflowers” series and early days attempts at capturing the common man in “The Potato Eaters.” Considered the most visited museum in the Netherlands, the museum covers the full span of his art and life as well as that of some of his closest contemporaries.     Van Gogh also makes an appearance along with Chagall, Matisse, Warhol, and Pollock at the modern and contemporary art hub, the Stedelijk Museum.  Along with paintings, sculptures, installations, moving image and sound, and photography the museum has also offers virtual “ARtours" for visitors to learn more about objects within the museum’s walls and well beyond into the surrounding city. Whether visiting one or going for the entire trifecta, be sure to buy tickets online well in advance!      EAT Hours of art appreciation is sure to make anyone hungry and Amsterdam has a cure for that, too. Enjoy the national junk food staple: frites. These plump butcher fries are paired with a side of mayo of all kinds including truffle, curry, or even pesto. Variety of sauces and lines abound at Manneken pis Verse Vlaamse Friet located just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station and makes for a great late night snack. For a more laid back experience, meander around the Waterlooplein Market where frite stands punctuate the eccentric flea market.    Pancakes Amsterdam has multiple locations (including next-door to the famed Anne Frank Museum) and is a go-to for the traditional Dutch pancakes both savory and sweet. Plate-sized and crispy, Dutch pancakes are embedded with everything from baked apples to ham, spinach to smoked salmon. Eyes bigger than your stomach? Try the Poffertjes or baby pancakes topped with powdered sugar.    For the real cheese connoisseur, swing by Reypenaer Cheese to get your gouda fix or, better yet, sign up for a cheese tasting class. Over the course of an hour or two, learn what goes into a real good gouda, how to pair with beverages and spreads, and cut like a pro using le guillotin.    NIGHTLIFE While the Red Light District gets all the attention, nightfall is also a great time for jazz, especially during the various jazz fests that take place throughout the year. Between festivals, try Bourbon Street Music Club, Jazz Cafe Alto, and Bimhuis; well known staples of the scene with some creative surprises.  Looking to dance the night away? Greet the morning sun at a number of cool, original venues that each bring something new to the nightlife. House and techno music reign at Shelter which, as the name might imply, is accessed through a trapdoor. Located in a former technical school, De School is open 24 hours and doubles (triples?) as a restaurant and art exhibit. AIR is grand in square footage as well as design. Founded in 2010, the club is all about inclusivity and makes everyone feel at home amidst hip hop and R&B tracks.  DAY TRIP     Lastly, no trip to the Netherlands would be complete without a windmill sighting. The quaint neighborhood of Zaanse-Schans lies just outside of Amsterdam proper and features breathtaking landscapes, handsome wooden houses worthy of a fairy tale, and, of course, a collection of windmills each with its own character and backstory.     While in the area, pet some farm animals, grab some cheese and be sure to take advantage of the chance to get up close and personal with the craftmanship and history behind wooden clogs at the local shoe factory.     Just try to resist getting a custom pair of your very own!  

When daydreaming of a getaway to the Dominican Republic, sun, surf, and rum-based cocktails first come to mind. And you’re not wrong. But the island-nation’s capital city of Santo Domingo is also brimming with history, culture, and natural wonders well worth visiting. So, why not make a weekend of it?      SEE With most major cities offering nonstop flights to Las Américas International Airport, a dose of some much needed R&R against a rich and vibrant backdrop is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.      A mere 30 minutes from your arrival gate you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage site and must-see (and stay) area of Zona Colonial. A peek into the past, “La Zona,” as it’s known, is the first European Colonial district in the New World and hasn’t changed much. Stroll along the cobblestone streets where you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon massive squares, stone churches, statue-packed parks, and fortresses dating back to the 1500’s.    STROLL Start your jaunt at the top of Calle El Conde, or Street of the Count, at Parque Independencia, accessed through La Puerta del Conde (The Count's Gate) which once served as the entrance to this fortified city.  Along with the occasional stone sentry box, busts of national heroes line the grand walkway and hide amongst the lush greenery and rotating art exhibits on the grounds. Larger than life statues of the Fathers of the Dominican Republic (Juan Pablo Duarte, Matías Ramón Mella, and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez) reside in the impressive marble mausoleum, Altar de la Patria, where visitors come to pay their respects.   Calle El Conde itself is a colorful, bustling scene rife with shops, restaurants, music, street dogs, performers, and talented artisans. Grab a coffee at an open air cafe, browse beautiful original canvases often featuring the beauty of the adjacent Ozama River, or try your hand in a chess tournament against a regular at one of the many outdoor tables. DRINK   At the end of this 1 KM stretch you’ll reach Parque Colón or Columbus Park.  Without surprise, a statue of Christopher Columbus stands dead center; pointing towards his next conquest and constantly covered in pigeons. Galleries, government buildings, and arch-adorned cathedrals surround the plaza as well as laid back cafes and bars offering outdoor seating and thirst-quenching drinks. And amazing location for people watching, dog watching, and taking it easy. Be sure to order a traditional Dominican drink, the Morir Soñando. Essentially frothy milk and orange juice, the name means “to die while dreaming" and is apparently acceptable to sip on morning, noon, and night!  DAY TRIP   If you’re in the mood for a little escape from the hustle and bustle, Los Tres Ojos, or the three eyes, is just 15 minutes away. The three eyes stand for the three lakes  located within the limestone caves of the Mirador del Este park. With bright turquoise water and stalactites abound, the caves look like something out of the prehistoric era, and they are! Scenes from the third Jurassic Park movie (as well as Tarzan) were shot here and it’s easy to see why! A few pesos gets you a trip across the turtle-filled waters of the second eye, La Nevera, on a small ferry boat operated by ropes. This descent deeper into the cave proves completely breathtaking and a little eerie. EAT It wouldn’t be a trip to the Caribbean without a little beach time. Playa Boca Chica is close, clear, and calm. Despite soaring temperatures, fried food is the delicacy of choice on the sand. You can order everything from fried fish to fried yuca and Yaniqueques (Johnny Cakes) amongst the myriad of bright wooden stands lining the road en route to the beach.     Prices here are more favorable and the food is often prepared on the spot under the charming hand painted signs. If you want front row seats to the Caribbean Sea, you can pay a little more to sit under an umbrella at one of the restaurants that plunge over the shoreline and offer larger seafood platters and giant bottles of Presidente that really hit the spot.   NIGHTLIFE   Back in Zona Colonial, the perfect end to a stint in Santo Domingo is at the perfect rave. The ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco is home to a Sunday night Dance Party featuring bright lights, ample drinks, and live music for all generations. It’s a balanced blend of old and new; breathing new life into the first monastery of the new world and making for an unforgettable finish to a fabulous weekend in the sun.   EXPLORE