Sherman's Travel

Whether you borrow a free bike for a cycle through a new neighborhood or kick off your shoes for yoga on the beach, fitness can become an enjoyable part of your vacation. And hotels are getting creative to help guests stay healthy on the road. On your next trip, skip the treadmill in exchange for one of the following fun fitness options; here are five of our free favorites!

1. Free Salsa Classes: Mezzanine, Tulum, Mexico

While clocking in 45 minutes of cardio might not sound too appealing on a beach vacation to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, how about a salsa lesson on a beachfront patio? At Mezzanine boutique hotel a local salsa school offers free classes on Sundays at 6pm, followed by a live salsa band that will provide the soundtrack to work on your new skills. Read more

The steamy Amazon jungle, the “lungs of the planet,” requires no introduction, but Ecuador’s share of it – known locally as the Oriente – just might; it’s often overshadowed by more developed ecotourism destinations in Peru and Brazil. The rain forest here – a complex system of towering trees, winding rivers and lagoons, and primeval marshlands and swamps, where a staggering array of flora and fauna find haven – comprises one of the most biodiverse and ecologically precious places on earth. All this, overseen by fascinating indigenous tribes who have long served as stewards to the rain forest’s heritage. Read more

Confession: I’m kind of obsessed with waterfalls. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a landlocked area of the Ozarks with no access to anything remotely resembling such exoticness, or maybe it’s just because they’re incredible to look at! Whatever the reason, on a recent trip to Costa Rica, I went hunting for these free-flowing forms of Mother Nature – and dove in headfirst. Here are a few of my favorites:

Llanos del Cortez
If you’re flying to or from Libera airport, or visiting the Guanacaste Province, this almost-hidden, semi-secret waterfall is a must-see. Parking is easily accessible and it’s a short hike to get to this amazing swimming hole with a 66-foot-high waterfall for a quick dip. This is where the locals hang, so it feels very authentic and off-the-beaten-path. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of howler monkeys in the trees above and can chalk it up to one of those “best days ever” on a vacation. No entrance fee, but parking fee varies. Read more

It’s dad’s turn to indulge in a little R&R. What better way than golf? Check out our top ten list of the best golf resorts around the world. Happy Father’s Day!

1. PGA National Resort and Spa Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

It’s the stuff of legends. Home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, the PGA National Resort and Spa is steeped in golf history. Boasting signature courses like “The Palmer” and “The Squire” (designed and named after Arnold Palmer and Gene Sarazen, respectively), an on-site Golf Academy offering lessons from certified PGA pros, and a newly renovated golf complex, it’s easy to see why this resort is a favorite among golf buffs. Treat dad to the Gold Golf Package, which includes resort accommodation, daily breakfast at the Palm Terrace restaurant, one round of golf daily on selected courses, and unlimited balls and bag storage. Room rates start from $129 per room per night. Read more

Soaring, white-capped Andean mountains, saline lakes, active volcanoes, salt flats as far as the eye can see, geysers, and flamingos (yes, flamingos!) – the geography of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest on Earth, is as varied as it is breathtaking. It’s truly an otherworldly part of the world, with lunar-like landscapes, a mysterious, isolated feel, and, with cloudless nights and wide-open skies, stargazing opportunities galore. Read more

Charm City is perhaps most charming just as summer is making its way in. Cool breezes off the harbor help offset the humidity, and all of the locals seem to have a bit of a lighter walk. If you’re fortunate enough to be headed to Baltimore soon, we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar to add to your itinerary. Read more

It’s no secret that New Jersey has grit. Post Hurricane Sandy, the Garden State is indeed stronger than the storm and is resolutely opening its beaches. The state is also doing whatever it takes to lure travelers with an aggressive schedule of events, including several over Father’s Day weekend.

Whatever the dads in your life are into – be it pounding french fries, swaying to the Chairman, or running through mud for a cause – you can count on Jersey to deliver an activity that packs appeal. Here now, a few favorites. Read more

From teenagers getting kicked off an AirTran flight, to knives on planes, here’s what’s happening in travel this week… Read more

The Los Angeles River’s concrete-paved waterways play pivotal roles in many unforgettable movies (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Grease, The Italian Job, Gone in 60 Seconds, to name a few). What you may not know, though, is that it’s “banks” have been closed since the 1930s due to multiple floods – the river is actually considered an Army Corps of Engineers flood control channel. But this week, Californians were eager to grab their paddles and kayak on the newly free waters. But the summer fun isn’t just for them. You, too, can head to one of these scenic rivers across the U.S. for a day trip of lazy tubing, boating, or thrilling white-water rafting. Read more

Planning a summer vacation already? Good for you. But here’s something that many folks overlook when piecing together logistics: a tool to capture it all. While summer excursions frequently entail trips to sandy beaches and infinity pools, many vacationers forget to pack a camera that’s equipped to photograph your journeys regardless of the situation. Camera makers far and wide have produced a fantastic range of rugged and waterproof shooters leading into this summer, and below you’ll find my top three recommendations. Read more