History & Culture Archives

Why You Should Visit Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, British Columbia

Abkhazi Garden is a horticultural masterpiece celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse plant life, and rich historical significance in Victoria, British Columbia. Established by Prince Nicholas and Princess Peggy Abkhazi in 1946, the heritage garden is a unique blend of artistic landscape design and personal narrative, symbolizing love, resilience, and creativity against a backdrop […]

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10 Awesome Things to Do in Bhutan with Kids

Located in southern-central Asia, Bhutan is an immersive destination for families with school-age children and young adults. After a week-long family vacation in the remote Himalayan kingdom, I compiled a list of ten things to do in Bhutan with kids. I hope these suggestions inspire you to plan a family vacation in Bhutan. See the

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Celebrate Midcentury Modern at Palm Springs Modernism Week 2026

From February 12 to 22, 2026, Palm Springs will celebrate all things mid-century during the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week event. I’ve experienced a number of “mini-Modernism Weeks” in October. It is a sneak peek at what is to come – and the midcentury architecture, art, design, and cultural celebration will be fabulous in February.

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Five Awesome Things to Do on Lanai, Hawaii

Beyond world-class snorkelling at Hulopoe Bay, luxury hotel living at the Four Seasons Resort, and browsing tiny boutiques in Lanai City, what are some other awesome things to do on Lanai? We have been visiting Lanai for over a decade. And thanks to recent investments in the island, there are new ways to experience this

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Imperial Torte – A Slice of History

Like the palaces along the Ringstrasse Boulevard, the handmade Imperial Torte is a symbol of Vienna’s rich history. Legend has it that this remarkable torte was created to celebrate the opening of the Hotel Imperial in 1873 and to honour his Imperial Highness, Emperor Franz Joseph. When it comes to sweet treats, the Imperial Torte

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Discover Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Whispered Stoney Nakoda words and the English translations mix with soulful music as the four-person cabin climbs through the darkness to the top of Sulphur Mountain for Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. Tonight we honour these mountains and those who have called them home since time immemorial. Stoney Nakoda Created by Moment Factory, the Stoney

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Fantastic Things to do in Vienna with Kids

Vienna, a city with a serious luxury factor and abundant green space, is bursting with attractions, includingY historical palaces, UNESCO sites, and the world’s oldest zoo. We love visiting the capital of Austria and compiled a list of our favourite things to do in Vienna with kids. Explore a Garden As a frequent traveling family,

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Hotel Imperial – Luxury in Vienna

Vienna, also known as Wien, is a world-class destination with approximately 100 museums, countless opera houses, superb shopping, innumerable Viennese cafés and home to the Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Location The Hotel Imperial’s unique position at Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse is the perfect place to begin exploring the imperial city and all of its

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How to Plan Your First Visit to Hong Kong

If you are planning your first visit to Hong Kong – a fascinating mix of East, West, past and future – these suggestions will help you make the most of your time in the city. Where to Eat and Drink in Hong Kong Tim Ho Wan Tim Ho Wan, reported to be the “The world’s

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Ten Fun & Affordable Things to Do in Old Town Quito with Kids

Shouts of “one dollar, one dollar, one dollar,” bounce off the cobbled streets in Quito’s Old Town. Female peddlers wearing traditional Ecuadorian felt hats sell fresh fruit, cold drinks, and corn served dried, popped, or roasted on the cob. Most of the items for sale on the streets in the UNESCO World Heritage Site are

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Memorable Things to Do in Hanoi with Kids

The light turned green, but I was cemented to the sidewalk. The swarm of motorbikes, scooters, and the occasional bus stampeded through the intersection. I clutched my children (at the curb) and watched the local Vietnamese walked confidently through the crosswalk while the traffic flowed around them. We were in Hanoi, on a family vacation

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Getting into Nature on the Lanai Polaris Off-Road Tour

Our local guide pulled the Polaris UTV (Ultimate Terrain Vehicle) off the rugged trail and under the shade of a palm-like Pandanus tree. We had stopped near Pu’u Ali’i, meaning hill of chiefs in Hawaiian, to learn more about where water used to flow on Lanai. Here we heard how non-native plants and animals transformed

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Stay at MGallery La Residence Hue Hotel and Experience Hue’s Rich History

After our first family trip to Vietnam in January 2016 – we stayed at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and explored Vietnam’s intriguing capital city – I wanted to see more of the country. In January 2017, we traveled to Huế and Hoi An in central Vietnam. Huế, Vietnam, also known as the Imperial City, was

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A Taste of Tradition – La Residence Hue Cooking Class

Our five cyclos (xe xích lô in Vietnamese) rumbled through Hue’s buzzing streets towards Bến Ngự market. These three-wheeled bicycle taxis appeared in Vietnam in the 1930’s and are still a transportation option in some parts of the country. We often travelled single file, following Chef Thuy from La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa. She was leading

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Fabulous Things to Do in Bregenz, Austria

Even if you haven’t visited Bregenz, you may recognise this city of close to 30,000 in Austria’s spectacular Bodensee-Vorarlberg region. Bregenz is home to the famed Bregenzer Festspiele (Bregenz Festival) where scenes from the Bond movie “Quantum of Solace” take place on and around the lakefront stage during the dramatic opera, Tosca. Located on Lake Constance,

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