Sherman's Travel

Spring has finally sprung and with beautiful weather comes the welcome excuse to get outside, just in time for Mother’s Day! Before you get mom any ordinary plant, check out our top ten list of the most beautiful gardens around the world for some inspiration. Take mom along for the day or make a future getaway out of these. Happy Mother’s Day! Read more

It’s no secret that there are countless unknown holidays that are celebrated around the world (Talk Like a Pirate Day, Margarita Day…you get the idea), but International Dance Day should be one that is on your radar every year. Founded over 30 years ago, the day’s message is one that transcends all barriers, “The intention of International Dance Day is to celebrate dance, to revel in the universality of this art form, to cross all political, cultural, and ethnic barriers and bring people together with a common language – Dance.” To celebrate in our own way we’re bringing you four cities to visit to experience this international language. Read more

Paris, that dreamy setting of groundbreaking creative communities and mediocre romantic comedies, is brimming with artistic attractions. From its amazing museums, to the almost painfully gorgeous Haussmannian architecture, it’s the sort of city where rain on the sidewalk looks positively Monet-esque.

You’ve likely already seen (or heard about) the big guns: You’ve trekked to Rodin, queued at Musée d’Orsay, and contemplated the legacy of I.M.Pei’s Pyramid at the Louvre. Still aching for more? We’ve tracked down one of the city’s art insiders to discover where to go to check out under-the-radar and up-and-coming artists. Read more

Author’s Note: In light of the recent financial crisis in Europe, it seems like the appropriate time to air some grievances regarding traditional practices in the region and how they affect tourism. By no means am I an economist, but I do have a checking account and a fair amount of common cents sense.

Dear Europe,

Hola. Bonjour. Γεια σας. While I hope that this note finds you well, I know that things have been a little rough on your side of the pond lately. With unemployment in Spain close to 25 percent, at least I know nearly six million people will have time to read this letter. Sorry, that was harsh. I’m not writing this to antagonize you or make light of your economic collapse. On the contrary, I’m here to help. Europe has long relied on tourism to fill its coffers, and summer is prime time for Americans to flock to your ruins, relics, and monuments (your stuff sure is old).

You need Americans to visit you. We need a strong Europe to bolster the global economy. So, how can we get things straightened out over there and encourage Americans to head your way? Here, in no particular order, are a few simple suggestions that you can have for free (which, I imagine, is a pretty good price for you these days). Read more

I’m getting married in less than three weeks [hold for applause]. It’s a destination wedding, which probably merits its own blog post at some point. However, since wedding planning has rendered me unable to put together a string of coherent thoughts, it’s best if I focus on the honeymoon in this post since, well, that’s way less stressful.

Selecting a honeymoon destination requires looking at the trip from several different angles. As you begin to discuss where to decompress after months spent selecting tablecloths and entrée choices, you want to make sure you reach the decision that makes both of you happy. Ultimately, there are only three types of honeymoons. Once you pick which is right for you, the decisions get a lot easier. Read more

My globetrotting ambitions should have been clear to my parents when at age 13 I chose as my bat mitzvah theme “Around the World with Liz.” The place cards looked like miniature passports, and each table represented a different country. Now that I’m twice as old as I was when I was called to read from the Torah for the first time, I decided to look back on that fateful day and count off how many of those “tables” I’ve actually visited:

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While we at ShermansTravel obviously advocate actually going to the destinations we write about, we know sometimes armchair travel can be just as fun (and much easier on the wallet!). From 3D models of notable cities around the world to amazing new video technology in Brazil to an insider’s look at a tiny village in France, here are the coolest new spots to visit – without ever leaving home.

Launched this past weekend, the website 3rd Planet aims to bring users to far-flung destinations to explore 3D dioramas highlighted with notable facts and travel information. You can virtually spin the globe to pick out countries you’d like to visit then zoom in to click on individual cities to explore. The 3D models resemble a video game, but instead of hunting down opponents you’ll be mentally racking up trivia on the city’s landmarks and monuments.

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If last weekend’s free-flowing champagne has you craving a journey straight to its source, we’ve found just the man to direct you to the very best of France’s storied Champagne region. Thirteenth-generation winemaker Jonathan Sacy – of the family-owned Louis de Sacy Champagne house (it’s produced Grand Crus since 1663, so they know a thing or two about bubbly) – is on hand to point travelers in the right direction in his French homeland.

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To really get a proper taste of Languedoc, France, we recommend taking the scenic route (outlined below) which will let you explore several corners of the lesser-known wine region in the South of France. Rent a car, get a good map, and enjoy the ride through gorgeous countryside, hilltop villages abutting the Pyrenees Mountains, and seaside hamlets. (Just be sure to schedule your wine tastings before an overnight at one of the choice hotels mentioned below!) Before you go, check out this round-up of fabulous Languedoc wines available in the U.S. Read more

Hotels and hideaways have long provided a great base and an idyllic backdrop for romance, illicit or otherwise. Once in your own private oasis, away from the demands of everyday life, romance is on the rise, and senses are easily aroused. Whether it’s a romantic rendezvous, a destination wedding and honeymoon, or an anniversary, we found six top notch properties – one for each of the senses (the sixth included).

SIGHT: Aman at Summer Palace; Beijing, China

If you were in search of a palatial Asian estate to call your own, look no further than Aman at Summer Palace. This picturesque property away from Beijing’s bustling city center is adjacent to the 250-year-old World Heritage site, The Summer Palace. The stunning aesthetics and design are a mix of original dwellings used for guests of the Summer Palace at the turn of the 20th century with Ming Dynasty-inspired design, recreated to seamless perfection.

After a week of touring in China’s must-see cities (Beijing and Shanghai), retreat for a few days to an exclusive deluxe or imperial suite with private spa treatment rooms, enclosed internal courtyards, spacious bathrooms with island bathtubs, private dining areas, and bedrooms with a four poster bed and a Ming-style armoire.

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