By Julie Weed Last Thanksgiving, Dennis Friedrichsen, a 43-year-old tech worker from Minnesota, found himself dining on the banks of the Nile, sharing a feast of kebabs and chickpea stew with 11 strangers from three continents. Then he spent Christmas in Tanzania. Like a growing number of travelers, Friedrichsen saw the holidays as the perfect time for a solo adventure. Spending the holidays away from friends or family has long carried a stigma of loneliness. But that is chan

By Christine Chung We’ve all been there, waiting impatiently at the baggage carousel, anxiously hoping for that first glimpse of our checked luggage. Then we breathe a sigh of relief, collect it and get on with our travels. Or we don’t. Last year in the United States, airlines lost or damaged one out of 200 checked bags. It’s a small slice of the millions of bags flown each year, but a lost bag can have oversize consequences. Airlines have a series of steps passengers need to

By Ali Slagle Tana Harter knows what she wants in her chili: creamy heartiness, a glisten and glow, melt-in-your-mouth meat and consistent spiciness. But half an hour before judging began at the 2018 International Chili Society World Championship Chili Cook-Off in St. Louis, her pot wasn’t meeting her personal criteria. She stirred in the one ingredient she knew would fix it. Harter, a life coach from Leesburg, Virginia, won the traditional red category that year by adding tw

By Caren Osten Gerszberg People used to strive simply to live as long as possible, but in recent years, that goal has taken on a new dimension: How long can you live in good health? “The focus now is on health span, not life span,” said Dr. Frank Lipman, a co-author of the 2020 book “The New Rules of Aging Well.” “We generally talk about extending someone’s life, but what’s the use if they’re suffering and disabled and can’t enjoy what they have?” With research showing that m

By Eric Asimov I could not have imagined, 10 years ago, that I would be extolling the virtues of Chianti Classico Riserva. But times have changed and here I am, doing exactly that. I had long been a huge fan of Chianti Classico. I still am. It’s one of the world’s most undervalued, underappreciated wines. But until recently I did not often enjoy the Riservas, Chianti Classico’s denser, more structured, more expensive sibling. Too often, it seemed, producers sought to justify

By Lola Fadulu New Yorkers might soon be able to use their paid sick leave to take their pets to the veterinarian or to be with them during surgery, if the City Council passes a bill that was introduced last week. The bill, by council member Shaun Abreu, a Manhattan Democrat, would amend the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act so that paid sick leave, which employees can take to care for themselves or family members, can also be used for household pets and service animals. Abreu sa

By Nora Walsh There’s no arguing with the global appeal of Mickey Mouse. Millions flock to parks like Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, every year. Some visitors are practically regulars: Haydee Chachamovits, 43, of Aventura, Florida, has been to Disney World more than 50 times. However, a one-week trip to Disney World for a family of four can cost upward of $6,400, according to personal finance site NerdWallet. And the price tag

By Judy Gordon-Conde and Jennifer Conde-Powers The Union of Women of the Americas (UMA), Puerto Rico Chapter, Inter-American Headquarters Inc., gathered its members to celebrate its 69th anniversary. The event also provided an opportunity to honor National Heritage Month with the consuls of several countries as special guests. The spectacular celebration was held at the Caparra Country Club in Guaynabo. After enjoying an exquisite lunch, the special guests explained the stru

By Choe Sang-Hun The deceased lay wrapped in a cotton blanket, surrounded by white roses and hydrangea, angelic figurines and lit candles and incense. A wall-mounted screen displayed photographs of him. His 71-year-old companion, Kim Seon-ae, convulsed with tears as she bid farewell, caressing his head and face. Next door, young uniformed morticians prepared for his cremation. The elaborate and emotional ritual was for a white poodle named Dalkong, who was nestled in a willow

By Mya Guarnieri I was in a dune buggy perched atop a sandy ridge near the small oasis town of Huacachina, Peru, looking down a nearly 60-foot drop. As the driver gunned the engine, I began to question my decision to sign up for this tour. Down we went. I closed my eyes and screamed, and then, as the dune buggy pitched upward and slowed, the scream became a laugh. I opened my eyes to find us stopped on top of another sandy ridge, this one with a breathtaking view: Before us,