Art tips

Banana Republic invented retail storytelling. Founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler, Banana Republic was originally called "Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company". The Zieglers, one a travel journalist and the other a sketch artist, founded their company with a commitment to use craftsmen from small factories all over the world and to promote their traditional techniques and workmanship. I remember as a teenager in the eighties, feeling as if I was preparing to go on a worldly adventure as I thumbed through their hand-drawn catalogs where each piece had a description of where it was made, the uniqueness of the fabric, and the bespoke qualities that made it so special. Their over-the-top travel-themed retail stores made “adventure shopping” fashionable. With movies like Out of Africa, Romancing the Stone, and Raiders of the Lost Ark popular at the time, everyone wanted to get the travel-inspired linen and leather look and Banana Republic was their one-stop shop.

New York City has a museum to suit every taste, budget and creative inspiration. This is, after all, the city that gave the world the Met Cloisters and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.

Cheyenne, Wyoming. Railroads and rodeos, cattle and Colts, mining and military: A decidedly rugged history has long played out here in this town once called Hell on Wheels that lies 6,200 feet high on the edge of the Great Plains. And now...art Mecca?

Prepare for an enthralling blend of vibrant hues, warmth, illumination, and enthusiasm as Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience comes back to Seattle from October 12 to 15, 2023. Marking its fifth year, this eagerly awaited occasion presents an impressive lineup of fresh exhibitions, extravagant galas, exclusive studio tours, live showcases, and a chance to connect with a diverse group of emerging local glass artists. Together, they exemplify Seattle's reputation as the United States' foremost center for glass art.

Travelers are drawn to Arizona by the blinding desert sunshine, but the Grand Canyon state has so much more to offer. Under these flawless blue skies, everything you can imagine to entice, entertain and enthrall is up for grabs.

Nassau luxury resort, Baha Mar, revealed the full lineup of events coming to The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, which runs between October 27-29.

The appeal of the Bavarian capital extends well outside its ornate historic centre — and beyond Oktoberfest season. Buzzy neighbourhoods like Schlachthofviertel put modern Munich’s creativity on show, stylish coffee shops and bakeries set you up for the day, and sprawling parks have helped to build the city’s liveable reputation.

Its annual massive nine-day Cheyenne Frontier Days just ended, and Wyoming’s capital has returned to its quiet norm. Or, so you’d think. Actually, the Magic City on the Plains is ever more a city on the go, with brewpubs and creative dining popping up both in the historic downtown and on its the edges—and thankfully not plagued by hipster excess. The small city has a big city number of fine museums as well. And to cap it off, nature hikes are a short ride out of town.

Although known as the oil capital of Norway, Stavanger is much more than just a hub for energy industry execs. Located on Norway’s southwestern coast, Stavanger serves as an ideal base for those venturing to the iconic Pulpit Rock and as a gateway to the Lysefjord.

With incredible shopping, stylish restaurants, historic architecture, and world-famous nightlife, the lively Spanish capital of Madrid sets the backdrop for a splurge-worthy trip. Madrid exemplifies chulo, the Spanish word for cool, which you’ll embrace after spending days getting lost in the colorful markets, strolling through El Retiro Park, and sipping cocktails on a rooftop as the sun sets.

Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, Chattanooga is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of hikes and bouldering spots within an hour’s drive. Not to mention the gorgeous Tennessee River that runs through downtown, offering a variety of watersports activities. Over the past decade, the word has gotten out about Chattanooga for more than just outdoor enthusiasts, too, with a mix of restaurants, attractions, and accommodations that have made the city and surrounding area one of the coolest weekend getaways in the country.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District (AKA De Wallen) is a small area that is densely packed with some of Amsterdam’s best-known businesses: coffeeshops, sex-show venues, window brothels, and sex clubs. But the Red Light District is not just for those looking to get high or get laid, the neighborhood has mix of art venues and unusual museums that can be enjoyed by everyone. No matter what you’re looking for in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, there are do’s and don’ts you should adhere to.

When planning a city break, modern travelers consider a range of pros and cons. Are the hotels up to standard? Where are the tastiest places to eat? And what exactly is there to do in the city?

One of Web3's busiest buzz words is “community.” As is the case with many far-reaching words, it’s not always clear just what “community” promises. Sometimes it can mean readership, other times it reflects a steadfast fanbase and then there are times when it boils down to social media engagement. Perhaps at its best, “community” represents landing in a foreign land and meeting internet friends in real life.

Overlooking the English Channel is a small resort town bedecked with freestone facades and half-timbered houses. English is heard everywhere, from the Art Deco Westminster hotel to the lighthouse, which, on the occasion of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, was lit up with Her Majesty's favourite colours. The bells of city hall chime in an echo of Big Ben, and it was just announced that the town's airport will soon be rechristened after Queen Elizabeth II.

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a 1,000-mile drive that swings effortlessly from mood-lifting mountains to sleek, modern cities, in a way few other countries could achieve. Waymarked with characteristic Swiss efficiency and with electric vehicles encouraged, this epic road trip corkscrews up and over five high-altitude Alpine passes, skirts 22 aqua-blue lakes and ticks off 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Charming Savannah is a city as green as they come: recognized for its sustainability efforts, including installation of solar panels on city buildings, and lush greenery that flourishes along city streets. Let’s not forget how the city bleeds green every March to celebrate its large Irish Catholic community, too. 

A lavish dining experience is hardly a new concept. However, “lavish” all depends on one’s interpretation of the word. The ancient Romans' diet was mainly based on cereals, vegetables, legumes and cheese, while meat and fish were mainly consumed by rich people. The wealthy Romans commonly ate their puls with eggs, cheese and honey, and it was also occasionally served with meat or fish.

Berlin, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Milan, and Zurich. Is two weeks in Europe enough time to explore all of these cities? 

When wanderlust strikes, travelers often dream of jetting off to globally recognized cities, often overlooking lesser-known destinations that offer a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty every bit as good.

From dynamic Cape Town and cosmopolitan Johannesburg to wildlife-filled expanses of wilderness such as the Kalahari and the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa is rich with adventures. The best time to visit will depend on where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there.