To those lacking the wanderlust gene or whoare more austerity-minded, travel might sound like an unnecessary indulgence.After all, traveling abroad or even here at home can be a pricey and exhaustingendeavor.
But the celebrated health guru of ourtimes, Dr. Oz, recommends that you hit the road as soon as possible. Accordingto the TV personality, surgeon, best-selling author and alternative medicineproponent, traveling has been proven by medical research to reduce stresslevels while improving our productivity, creativity and moods. For men,vacations tend to lower rates of cardiovascular disease by more than 30percent; for women, a lack of vacationing can produce a higher risk of heartdisease and propensity for depression.
Still, we would simply contend that theact (and art) of traveling greatly stimulatesthe gray matter while nourishing the soul. Little else in this life cansubstitute the thrill of leaving one’s cares behind for a week or two ofR&R on the beaches of Aruba, or taking in the annual migration of the wildebeestand zebra in Serengeti National Park, or exploring the ancient Middle Eastern wondersof Petra and Akko. Not to mention the countless points of interest that makeAmerica one of the most traveled about and intriguing places on Earth. (Indeed,why not get your kicks on Route 66, as the old song suggests?).
“Travel makes one modest,” surmised thegreat French writer Gustave Flaubert. “You see what a tiny place you occupy inthis world.”
We couldn’t agree more. So hit the road,Jack, and by all means bring your credit card. You’re gonna need it.
But that’s OK. You’re definitely worthit.
The following are but a few meditations, memories and musings on travel, exploration and, most of all, adventure!
The Mysteries of Pittsburgh — There’s a lot to do in Pittsburgh — from the Andy Warhol Museum to the Carnegie Science Center to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
The Cotswolds: Picturesque Perfection — There is, of course, much more to see and do in the Cotswolds, but our quick visit was certainly enough to entice us to return for a longer stay.
San Miguel de Allende: Slice of Heaven — Whether looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation or retirement alternative, consider adding San Miguel de Allende to your short list.
Ugandan Odyssey — A visit with the Jewish community known as the Abayudaya proves to be a spiritually enriching experience.
Lions of Zion — The Baltimore Zionist District celebrates a half-century of its teen mission to Israel.
The Power of Remembrance in Germany — Germany’s Jewish past is quite present — even when you’re not explicitly looking for it. And, sometimes, you quite literally can trip over it.
The BCO, founded in 1984, will perform the works of Frank Zappa, Beethoven, Mason Bates and Karena Ingram.
Led by local Israel-American cellist Amit Peled, the Mount Vernon Virtuosi aims to inspire people beyond musical enjoyment.
Container vegetable gardening is a terrific option for people with limited space and/or time. Rebecca Brown and Norman Cohen share some tips.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.