Experiencing new cultures and foods is one of the best things about going away. Last minute holidays to places that you don't know much about, combined with a little bit of last minute research on the impromptu getaways out there, can result in some of the most exciting trips. If you're thinking about a trip to Lanzarote, Spain, but are unsure about taking the plunge, read on to find out a little bit more.

There’s a rift between Santa and his Elves: half of his toy production team are on strike just a few days before Christmas, and the holiday gifts are in jeopardy. Noticing the troubling behavior of a six adolescents in line to see a mall Santa in Atlanta, the real Saint Nick uses his magic to summon them to his toy factory in order to help save Christmas. After failing to engineer an escape, the kids ultimately realize the importance of doing good for each other, and launch a plan to bring Santa and his Elves back together just in time.

Belize - gorgeous waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling; ancient ruins; rainforests and caves; the tallest waterfall in Central America; wildlife and marinelife; and a deep culture that entices you to explore more deeply. Affectionately called "The Jewel" by locals, this is a destination worth exploring.  I recently read Moon Guides Belize, by Lebawit Lily Girma, and let me tell you - I'm impressed.

Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated two million people (a quarter of the population at the time) were killed in Cambodia through starvation, torture, execution, disease and overwork under the ruling of the Khmer Rouge. Intellectuals were targeted, and as a result, Cambodia lost most of their educated population. 

In the many times I’ve visited Walt Disney World, I had never once been to a water park – until my most recent trips. Although a few half-day visits hardly make me an expert, I thought I’d share some of my first impressions of the Disney water park experience, and perhaps offer some useful tidbits to Disney travelers new, like myself, to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Many view history as a dry subject to study with visions of dust clouds rising from giant tomes. But this is hardly history's reality. History is vibrant and alive; we can touch it and see it ourselves. Right now in the 21st century. Today.

"Canada is food, and the world is better for it." 
~ Anita Stewart, Food Laureate at the University of Guelph and Food Day Canada Founder

When you think New York City, what comes to mind first? Central Park, of course (or, if you’re our daughter, Central Perk, and THEN Central Park). 

One of our national treasures, Central Park was our nation’s first public park – and has remained free since its creation.