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Author Archive for Janice Nieder

Janice Nieder could be the love child of Indiana Jones and Julia Child. Previously a specialty food consultant in NYC, Janice is currently a SF-based culinary tourism writer who has wined & dined her way through 90 countries. To keep things in balance, Janice also enjoys writing about her Girlfriend Getaways which include spa visits, soft-core adventure, cultural events, shopping, boutique hotels, and chef interviews.

10+ incredible experiences in newly-cool Jerusalem

By Janice Nieder on Apr 06, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Israel, Leisure Travel, Middle East, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

My last trip to Jerusalem was over ten years ago and while it was an eye-opening experience from a religious and historical perspective, it was not a place that I would describe as particularly fun or edgy. But with a slew of recent innovations which can be seen in the city’s dynamic food scene, counter-culture […]

Girlfriend getaway guide to Tel Aviv

By Janice Nieder on Apr 05, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Bars, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Israel, Middle East, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany

If you and a gal pal are trying to decide where to go for a fun getaway, Tel Aviv might not immediately spring to mind, but it should! This city is red-hot now, but no worries because you can easily cool off at one of the many gorgeous white-sand beaches. Tel Aviv is often referred […]

Planning a trip to Southern California?

By Janice Nieder on Mar 28, 2015 in Attractions, California, Events, Food and Drink, Going Out, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, USA

What’s new in Southern California? Lots! If you’re planning a first timer’s trip to Southern California in the next few months (when the weather is sheer perfection) you probably already know that you want to spend a day at the beach and perhaps even do a little surfing. And of course, you’ll want to see […]

Top 10 reasons to winter in the Yukon… for real!

By Janice Nieder on Feb 27, 2015 in Attractions, Bars, Canada, Events, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Road Travel, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

I’m the first to admit that as a luxury travel writer I may be just a tad spoiled when it comes to amenities. It’s remarkably easy to get used to lavish designer suites, private infinity pools, Michelin-caliber meals and having a personal butler at your beck and call. This was one of the main reasons […]

6 of America’s most scenic food and wine festivals

By Janice Nieder on Feb 02, 2015 in Colorado, Events, Florida, Food and Drink, Maine, North America, North Carolina, Regions, South Carolina, Travel Miscellany, USA

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering food and wine festival but your mate happens to believe that “man does not live by bread alone” and would rather just relax at a fabulous resort with breathtaking views, then these six scenic food and wine festivals should help keep the marriage intact. They are all held in […]

If river cruising is the new black, then Viking is the leading fashionista!

By Janice Nieder on Jan 09, 2015 in Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, France, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Ocean cruising is soooo last year, which is fine by me since I’ve never understood the appeal of endlessly popping Dramamine while bobbing around the high seas with nary a speck a land in sight, gorging on mediocre buffets, tedious dis/embarkement procedures, and reduced to watching third-rate Vegas wanna-be shows. Which is why I wasn’t […]

Top 10 tips for first-timers visiting Paris

By Janice Nieder on Dec 01, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, France, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

I was going on a Viking River Cruise to Southern France with my best friend, Joan, who mentioned that she had never been to Paris. Mon dieu! I immediately set out to rectify this grave error, and rebooked our flights so we could at least spend the weekend in Paris before heading down to Avignon […]

Top 10 highlights in St. Petersburg, the captivating City of the Czars

By Janice Nieder on Nov 09, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

St. Petersburg is a beautiful city filled with extravagant historical palaces, cathedrals and royal gardens. Long recognized as the intellectual and cultural center of Russia, this former capital has been spiffing things up with a growing number of luxury hotels and a vibrant restaurant scene truly befitting this City of the Czars. Below are my […]

Top 10 reasons why now is the perfect time to visit Tallinn, Estonia

By Janice Nieder on Oct 08, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Estonia, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany

The first time I visited Tallinn was approximately 10 years after Estonia regained its independence in 1991. My impressions were that although it had excellent Slavic cheekbones it was still on the verge of becoming a major tourist destination. After last month’s visit, I’m here to report it has finally “verged” with flying colors. Below […]

Explore Lake Charles, Louisiana in luxurious style!

By Janice Nieder on Sep 09, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Louisiana, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, USA

When most people travel to Louisiana it usually goes something like this: 1. head straight to New Orleans; 2. eat (at overpriced, touristy spots) and drink (way too many watered-down Hurricane cocktails) alongside swarms of other tourists on Bourbon Street; 3. stay wherever you can get reservations in the French Quarter and never leave the area. However, […]

For the best food, festivals and fun, head to Montreal, Canada

By Janice Nieder on Aug 01, 2014 in Accommodation, Canada, Events, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany

Just like the United States postal service’s motto, “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail” shall prevent Montrealers from throwing a fabulous festival. Be it musical, comedy, fashion, dance, circus, film or food & wine based, they’ve got it covered, and leave it to those crazy/generous Canadians to throw many a bash for free-particularly […]

Top 10 tips for visiting Newfoundland – the edge of the world

By Janice Nieder on Jul 10, 2014 in Attractions, Canada, Food and Drink, Going Out, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany

When people find out I’m a travel writer, they invariably ask me what my favorite place is. I usually reply, “That depends on what I’m in the mood for. My favorite exotic place would be Papua New Guinea. Favorite country is Turkey. Favorite city is Buenos Aires. But Kauai, which had been holding firm as […]

10 reasons why Atlanta makes a perfect girlfriend getaway

By Janice Nieder on Jun 30, 2014 in Attractions, Georgia, Going Out, North America, Regions, USA

Atlanta has always received high marks as one of the South’s most stylish cities; however this year Atlanta has really hit the sweet spot. Between all the new museum openings, the expansion of the Atlanta Beltline, exciting retail developments and a fabulous local food scene spearheaded by passionate chefs, all you need is a pair […]

4 reasons why there’s no place like home when you’re staying at Sri Panwa, Phuket

By Janice Nieder on Apr 30, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Thailand, Travel Miscellany

The minute I stepped out on my private deck it became crystal clear how Sri Panwa scored Hotel with the Best View in the World in The Best Beach Property Awards 2011 by Beach Tomato. If you’ve always dreamed of a secluded island retreat but unlike Richard Branson you can’t afford to buy a private […]

8 romantic reasons why The Viceroy, Riviera Maya, will steal your heart

By Janice Nieder on Mar 26, 2014 in Accommodation, Hotels, Mexico, North America, Regions, Resorts

Civilized yet wild, a romantic escape to the adults-only, Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico offers a 2 for 1: an exotic Mayan jungle refuge nestled behind the white-sandy beach and aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. The Viceroy is the perfect place to pop the big question, renew your love, or just chill-out in […]

Thankfully, some things never change: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

By Janice Nieder on Mar 31, 2013 in Accommodation, Asia, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Thailand

A lady never tells her age, but I will divulge that although this grande dame is the oldest hotel in Asia (her looks have held up exceedingly well) you can still count on your stay at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok to provide unsurpassed excellence in style, comfort and service. The Oriental (as the locals refer […]