Sherman's Travel

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

There is a vast and under-appreciated tract of land on the eastern seaboard that goes by the name of New York state, and my family’s wanderlust for seeing more of it was ignited during a recent jaunt to Rochester and its magnificent Strong National Museum of Play.

I’m almost ashamed to admit that my knowledge of New York geography is so inferior that it hadn’t even dawned on me until after we left Rochester that I should have tacked a visit to Niagara Falls – a mere two hours west of Rochester by car – onto the end of our vacation. The good news is that we now have incentive to head back upstate – to see the falls, explore Albany, and pay our respects to Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame.

If you too have been contemplating why you don’t know New York state better than you do, think seriously about doing something about it this summer. Not only are many parts of the state perfectly outdoorsy and beautiful in the summertime, it’s also difficult to turn around without bumping into a festival or two that will likely yield quirky and highly memorable moments (see photo). Read more

Winemakers rely on the soil, weather, and other natural elements to produce their wines, so it’s no surprise that many have turned to eco-friendly and sustainable practices to protect their vineyards and reduce their environmental impact. Although California leads the way, the rest of the nation’s wine-making regions are following suit. Here are five wineries that have embraced the movement. Read more

With spring in full swing and summer fast-approaching, travel season in the U.S. is at its prime. Even places like Chicago and the Finger Lakes – known as cold locales for most of the year – are coming out of the woodwork as desirable summer destinations, and have the prices to match. Take a look at some of our favorite sun-soaked travel deals below. Read more

Food trails are about more than just, well, food – they provide a unique opportunity to explore a region through a specific culinary item or dish. Because trails are usually a loose collection of food-themed destinations rather than a Point-A-to-Point-B route, you can plan a vacation around them or incorporate them into existing travel plans. These six mouthwatering food trails will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your sense of adventure. Read more

Some people would have you believe that hiking is a 3-season activity. Assuming a concerned tone, they’ll warn you about frigid temperatures, park closures, and impassable trails. And, to a certain extent, they might be right. In the United States, winter is a season for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Or gathering around a fireplace with a few friends and a mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine.

Hikers should know however, that they don’t have to put off their kind of fun until the spring thaw, even if the snowdrifts outside continue to grow. They simply need to pick up a new piece of gear: snowshoes. A basic pair will only cost a little more than the waterproof, Gore-Tex boots you probably already own. Once you’ve chosen your snowshoes, all you need to do next is dress in layers, pack plenty of snacks and water (and maybe a few hand warmer packets just in case), and select a trail. To get you started, here’s a short list of state parks in the Northeast with winter trails and on-site rental facilities. Read more

When you were a kid, how great was that game “King of the Mountain?” If you missed out (or had parents who cared for your safety), the objective was simple: climb to the top of a large landmass – usually a hill or a pile of dirt – and remain at the peak as its “king,” all while combating shoving usurpers gunning for your title. Unless you wound up as the bruised and battered kid at the foot of the hill, it was a fun game. But standing atop a mound and christening it your kingdom is a childish lark. It’s not like you can claim an entire mountain for yourself nowadays, right? Well, with enough cash, becoming master of your very tall domain is actually a lot easier than you think.

A handful of ski resorts throughout the country are offering Own the Mountain packages – deals that, for a fee, allow you full, private access to the powder. Typically, exclusive mountain access can be acquired on a non-holiday, and can run a price tag of a few thousand dollars. That may seem like a hefty sum, but when divided equally among participants, the cost per skier on some mountains equates to a little more than the price of a daily lift ticket.

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Winter time can prove to be an even bigger headache than usual for air travel. Blustering winds and pesky snowstorms regularly clog major air-hubs from New York City to Chicago (and everywhere in between), causing frustrating flight delays and cancellations. Spare yourself the stress of lengthy, invasive security procedures, and unreliable service by taking the train for your next getaway.

Fares for many of North America’s regional train lines are available for less this season. Here’s some of our favorite deals on rails.

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For most of the northeast, camping season ended weeks ago. The foliage is past its peak and as the end of the year creeps closer by the day, temperatures will continue to drop. Many seasonal adventure seekers have probably already put their hiking and camping gear into winter storage. What these people will be missing out on though, is the chance to experience a number of parks and wilderness areas across New York and New England in the off-season – no shivering required.

How is this possible? By staying at a rustic cabin or lodge maintained by the state or a non-profit. In the Pine Tree State, Maine Huts & Trails operates a 45-mile recreation corridor that includes three small, comfy “boutique hostels” (a fourth is due to open in late December) with hot showers, heated bunkhouses, kitchens, and dining rooms. Hike, ski, or snowshoe from hut to hut or choose Poplar, the hut closest to the town of Kingfield, for a shorter, easy-access trip. Sweeping views of Flagstaff Lake and the Bigelow Range are included at no additional charge. Read more

By now, you surely know all about the damage, chaos, and uncertainty created by Hurricane Sandy. This is more than a weather story, a travel story, or even a news story. It’s a massive event that has affected people in countless ways. At times like this, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, seen their homes destroyed, or been forced to relocate. We certainly wish everyone the very best and hope that life can return to normal as soon as possible.

Of course, we are a travel company, so we tend to focus on that topic. As of today, nearly 20,000 flights have been cancelled because of the storm, leaving passengers stranded far from home or unable to begin their trips. Additionally, cruise ships have had to stay out at sea because of closed ports, with passengers forced to stay onboard for several extra days. With several bridges, tunnels, and highways closed, even car travel was nearly impossible.

It will take days, if not weeks, for the airlines and cruise operators to relocate all of their equipment to the necessary locations, so more cancellations, delays, and schedule changes are expected.

Have your plans been affected? Are you stuck somewhere hoping to get home before the weekend? Please share your travel stories with us in the comments.

Please be safe and patient out there!