Jenny Hart

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What to expect and how to prepare for a stay in a traditional Japanese inn.
Many first-time and repeat visitors to Japan have a list of must-see and do activities, and understandably so. But whether or not you’ve already observed the foot traffic at Shibuya Crossing, meditated at a Zen temple, or picnicked under the cherry blossoms, one thing should absolutely top your list: staying at a ryokan.
Ryokan (the word is both singular and plural) are Japanese-style traditional inns, known predomina...

Summer 2019 print issue of AAA Traveler Worldwise magazine

A trip to her ancestral homeland rewards our writer with newfound family and a stronger connection to her past.

“All the world’s a stage” is one of literature’s most famous metaphors, and in New York City, it’s pretty close to the truth. The five boroughs are swarming with performers -- actors, singers, dancers -- all dreaming of their big break. Together, they form the most vibrant, diverse, and magnificent theater scene in the world.
That scene, of course, is most often associated with Broadway -- anchored in Times Square, illuminated by bright lights and digital billboards, and home to the crème de ...

There are experiences in life that every woman shares. One of the most universal (and most notorious) happens at a certain “time of the month”—getting our periods.

It can be inconvenient at best and at worst really affect us from living our lives to the fullest. Our workouts are often one of the biggest casualties, and understandably so; when you’re feeling bloated, achy, and cramped, the prospect of lugging your sluggish self to the gym can be less than appealing.

But that doesn’t have to be...

William Shakespeare was one down ass dude. While his works were written more than four centuries ago, his eloquent insights are as relatable and quotable as ever (all that glitters is NOT gold!) and his approach to topics like gender identity pushed the heck out of Elizabethan England’s stuffy boundaries and continue to inspire. And even though he lived and worked in a far away place, in a far away time, we can catch Shakespeare in the Park right here in New York City in 2019.
We’ve all seen ...

I manage the social media accounts for Intrepid Travel's international day tour operator, Urban Adventures.

Have you been dreaming about traveling the world with your cat? If so, you’re not alone. Our catstomers don’t only look like astronauts in their cat backpacks – many of them really do take to the skies on a regular basis!
Flying with your cat – especially for the first time – requires a lot of thought and additional planning. Lucky for you, our team of cat travel experts know an airport like the back of their paw. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
How do I book my cat on to a...

Illustration by Kelsey Niziolek

When I was in high school, my father sat me down to teach me a very important lesson: “credit cards are evil.” I was confused; nearly every time our family of four went on vacation, at least a couple of our plane tickets were purchased with frequent flier miles. These miles were obtained not by flying frequently, but by my parents putting all of our household expenses on my dad’s trusty American Airlines credit card.

“But you get so much for free,” I protested....

Although it lasts but a fleeting two minutes, the Kentucky Derby is no casual trot around the track. Each year on the first Saturday in May, 170,000 lucky folks flock to Churchill Downs in Louisville to see and be seen, sip mint juleps, wear extravagant hats, gamble, and watch 20 horses race for the roses. And here in New York, we flock to bars to do more or less the same thing.
We may not have a Paddock Plaza full of thoroughbreds, but we’ve got plenty of restaurants, bars, rooftops, and fes...

Here’s a little secret: You do not need to hate on Times Square to be a true New Yorker. Sure, it’s crowded, loud, and kind of lame, but this glitzy pocket of Midtown is really just a neighborhood like any other, where people eat, drink, work, and believe it or not, actually do live.
We all occasionally find ourselves in Times Square for one reason or another -- whether we’re showing out of towners around, checking out a Broadway show, or trying to relive TRL’s glory days by hanging around th...

Ask any New Yorker and they’ll likely agree: Times Square can be pretty terrible. But amidst the hustle and bustle and throngs of tourists is a place we deeply cherish: Broadway. The Theatre District is filled with fabulous performances and restaurants simply that don’t do them justice. You know the type -- overcrowded and overpriced, and with mediocre service and food. No thanks. Since the snack-sized cans of Pringles and sippy cups of wine you buy during intermission aren’t going to keep th...

So much has changed since last year’s Academy Awards: Apparent miracle app MoviePass briefly afforded fans the ability to binge big-screen superhero features, romantic comedies, and action flicks for a song -- before unceremoniously fizzling out. One of the worst movies of all time was finally released. And Oscar lost his host. So who’s supposed to guide you through this meshugas now? You’ve come to the right place.

The time has come to cast your most important ballot: which venue deserves yo...

You don't need to be a black diamond skier to have an amazing mountain getaway this winter. These domestic destinations offer a collection of easy slopes, cozy lodges, and relaxing spas (to sooth your body after you inevitably fall once or twice).

The shorter days and cooler temperatures of winter welcome in one of the all-time greatest outdoor activities: skiing. A sport as exhilarating as it is gorgeous, skiing can also be a bit daunting for those new to the slopes. (You are propelling down...

March 2019 print issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine