Sherman's Travel

Bogotá is abuzz with development. New direct flights have made access to this bustling Colombian capital easier, cheaper, and more comfortable than ever before. New hotels are popping up across the city at breakneck speed (like the much-anticipated W Hotel, set to debut next year) – including two of our favorite additions, personally vetted during my trip there last week, including the smart-splurge B.O.G. Hotel and great-value Royal Sonesta Bogotá. And if you’re looking for firsthand tips on what to do and see once you touch down, our very own Jim Sherman reported about some on-the-ground tips from his recent trip. Read more

Hot spring retreats can border on the humdrum – you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Or so I thought. Then I heard about Colombia’s Santa Rosa de Cabal, which is not only blessed with natural therapeutic thermal springs (one of which is actually fed by a piping-hot waterfall!), but surrounded by impossibly lush landscapes of rolling hills, fertile pastureland, and soaring mountain peaks, all set in Colombia’s picturesque “Coffee Triangle.” After 10 months of trotting the globe, soaking my weary bones in warm waters, in wondrous natural surroundings, sounded like just the ticket for some much needed R & R. Read more

No matter where we call home, we share one thing in common: gathering around the table to break bread and crack open a bottle or two. Sometimes when the conversation and local liquor get flowing, the result is a big old headache the following morning.

Approaches to alleviating the hangover vary by destination. Some are healthy, some are indulgent, and some are plain crazy – while others turn to a cheeky afternoon drink as the ultimate cure. Here are five hangover cures from around the globe. Read more

While exploring charming Cartagena, Colombia, a colonial gem of a city fronting the Caribbean, I bumped into a group of New Yorkers who had just flown in on a nonstop 4.5-hour JetBlue flight from NYC. Exciting news! The airline recently launched the only nonstop service between New York’s JFK and Cartagena this fall, making it easier (and cheaper!) than ever before for Northeast-area travelers to make their way to this sexy South American hotspot. Read more

Upon arrival in Cartagena, you’re immediately struck by the Caribbean feel of the city. The pastel colored low-rise buildings, high humidity, and infectious salsa music reminds you that this coastal enclave is very much part of the Caribbean. The old town of Cartagena, a walled city, is charming and designed for casual strolls with its small shops, cafés, bars, and several inviting squares. Stop by the Charleston Santa Teresa around sunset for a rooftop ron punch (rum punch) or mojito and enjoy the sunset over the sea. Read more

The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Bogotá was how new, clean and organized its international airport is (I wish JFK were as pleasant). Around the capital city there are new buildings going up alongside gleaming office and apartment towers. Colombia is showing off a new face to the world – one that has left behind the constant fear of drug dealers and domestic terrorists. Nowadays, a democratic, free-market-focused central government is making progress, and a rising middle class is supporting a boom in restaurants, nightclubs, and retail. As people exude optimism about their future, Colombia is on the rise, much like its more noticed neighbor, Brazil. Read more

A new year is marching ahead, and along with it, a growing interest in adventure travel. Fire up your wanderlust for 2013 and beyond in these destinations, which are quickly gaining a reputation as hubs for adventure across land, sea, and even air, via two wheels, a paddle, or a pair of hiking boots. Here’s to another year of exploration and adventure, wherever your travels take you.

Namibia: How’s this for a stamp of approval from the adventure travel community: In October 2013, the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the authority of the industry, is hosting its annual summit in this spectacular African country. No surprise, as Namibia has been on the rise for a while now, with its jaw-dropping panoramas of the red dunes of Sossuslvlei, safari excursions to catch glimpses of such rare wildlife as the endangered black rhino, and commitment to eco-friendly practices. Read more

With this edition of our Monday Deal Alert, we’ve compiled some of the best airfare currently in the market, from West Coast escapes to journeys to Eastern Europe. Rates start from as little as $69, so whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a long vacation, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to fly away this fall.

Virgin America’s current fall sale features amazing one-way rates between West Coast cities, like $69 between San Francisco and Las Vegas, $89 between Los Angeles and Portland, and $109 between Seattle and San Francisco. The sale doesn’t only apply to West Coasters, though: you can also fly one-way to Los Angeles from Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia for $139, or from Orlando, New York City, or Boston for $159. Just book your getaway fast – this sale ends at midnight tonight. Read more

Plan ahead and escape the cold this December by hopping aboard the Norwegian Star as it sails for 13 nights, westbound through the Panama Canal. Rates start at just $699, with travelers also receiving a 4-category room upgrade and 10 percent discounts on select shore excursions! On December 5, the Norwegian Star departs Miami with a stop in Cartagena, Colombia before making a daylight transit of the Panama Canal. The Star then heads north along the western side of Central America calling to port in Puntarenas, Costa Rica followed by three stops in Mexico: Huatulco, Acapulco, and Cabo San Lucas before arriving in Los Angeles on December 18.

THE VALUE: This cruise is at a 56 percent discount, and the starting price of $699 is equal to $54 a night!

THE CATCH: During cruise the Star calls to port just five times, meaning seven full days at sea, though one of those days is spent traversing the Panama Canal.

THE DETAILS: The Norwegian Star sails this route on December 5 and January 16. To book your cabin, visit www.cruisesonly.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Take a look at our Cartagena, Costa Rica, and Acapulco travel guides.

Find more international cruise deals.

Use our Travel Search Comparison tool to find cheap flights to Miami.

There’s no excuse for missing out on a South American adventure thanks to Spirit Airlines’ new sale to Colombia. Those seeking to soak up some sun and culture can now fly to Colombia from 10 different U.S. cities for as little as $49 one-way! Travelers can choose to fly into the exuberant capital of Bogota, the city of Medellin (which rests amongst the Andes), or the coastal city of Cartagena – all of which are brimming with history and personality. Whether you’ve needed an excuse to make it to South America, or just want an on-the-fly vacation, this sale simply can’t be beat. Tickets must be purchased by May 1 for travel through May 20. Round-trip travel is required.

One-Way Sample Fares (Before Taxes):
•    Fort Lauderdale?Cartagena: $49 
•    Orlando?Bogota: $89
•    New York City?Medellin: $99
•    Washington D.C.?Bogota: $99
•    Atlanta?Cartagena: $129
•    Chicago?Medellin: $149
•    Los Angeles?Bogota: $179
•    And more!

To book your flight visit www.spiritair.com