Meryl Pearlstein

Chef-driven recipes, bar-worthy margaritas and tequila tips from hotels, resorts and standout bars.

Cinco de Mayo is an interesting holiday. While it commemorates a battle that was fought in Mexico, it isn’t widely celebrated there. Even more perplexing, outside of Mexico, it’s often confused with Mexican Independence Day—which actually falls on September 16.
For those interested in the origins of this festive day, Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, when the smal...

Mother's Day Restaurants in New York City / Manhattan
Mom has fed you so many times, so this Mother's Day, treat her to a special brunch on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Browse our list of the Best Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants in NYC / Manhattan, presented in alphabetical order.

Hear about travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Meryl Pearlstein about this glamorous city in the desert that keeps drawing her back.

Why Go to Las Vegas if You Don’t Gamble?
Meryl makes the case that Las Vegas is far more than casinos. She highlights the city as a place where ...

Winter or early spring may not be the obvious seasons for a Danube River cruise, but they offer wonderful benefits: less crowded ports, a smoother trip, and unobstructed views.

AmaWaterways is one of the first river cruise lines on the Danube each year, inviting passengers eager to see the river’s famous blue water on a delightful, if sometimes breezy, trip.

I chose the “Best of the Danube” itinerary on the line’s AmaMagna for a shoulder-season immersion from Budapest to Vienna.

Pre-Tour In B...

You don’t need to book a flight to Tokyo to experience sakura (cherry blossom) season. Come spring, the Northeast United States delivers its own breathtaking version of Hanami—the Japanese tradition of viewing the beauty of flowers—with Washington, DC and New York City leading the way.

Barbie may wear pink, but so do the ornamental cherry trees we love, with the added pop of white and fuchsia tones. While Washington, DC and Tokyo are best known for their iconic displays, P...

There's more to Las Vegas than casinos.

Casinos may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas, but the Entertainment Capital of the World brims with many other ways to keep you amused—whether gambling is your jam or not. From quirky museums to unique music venues to rich marine life and more, here are some of our favorite attractions beyond the gaming tables.
The Mob Museum
Las Vegas’s mob history dates to 1946 when mobster “Bugsy” Siegel opened The Flamingo hotel-casino. Learning about that story plus the r...

The Best British & Irish Pubs in New York
Pubs have been centers for socializing in big cities and small hamlets in England and Ireland for hundreds of years. Their American counterparts carry on that same tradition, as well as providing a fun atmosphere to watch the ball game on a big screen TV.
Pubs are places to relax, enjoy a pint or two, and tuck in to pub grub like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. Browse GAYOT's list of the Best British & Irish Pubs in New York, pre...

The Best St. Patrick's Day Pubs in New York Check out GAYOT's St. Patrick's Day dining guide to find the best local restaurants, bars and Irish pubs where revelers can chow down on traditional Irish fare like corned beef hash, fish and chips, and cabbage stew — and maybe have a pint or two! We've also included other restaurants getting into the Irish spirit with cocktail or food specials just for the holiday.
Celebrate on March 17th with a trip to one of the Best St. Patrick's Day Restaurants...

This is the year to pack your bags and explore the world. Valentine’s Day gives you another excuse to share the gift of travel with someone you love. However, shouldn’t love be celebrated year-round?

The following list of diverse romantic getaways is sure to inspire you and make your significant other, friend, or family member swoon. Gift them now, book them later. Pick a time that works for you and celebrate Valentine’s Day at your convenience. Bonus points if you know the love songs in this...

Make the most of the wintery weather with a pampering, fun getaway at the Miraval Berkshires. Writer Meryl Pearlstein did and tells Real Food Travelers what it’s really like.
Winter is the perfect time for a wellness refresh, a season when gray skies and cold weather beg for something to kick you into gear. A spa holiday with a focus on personal discovery is just what I needed for a jumpstart.
Miraval Berkshires
Located in the western corner of Massachusetts, in Lenox, Miraval Berkshires embr...

NYC Winter Outing Discounts Include Broadway Week Specials for Shows Like The Lion King (©Brnkhoff Mogenburg) with NYC Winter Outing Discounts Available January 20 Through February 12

Winter is a great time to visit New York City. The annual NYC Winter Outing program, Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, and Hotel Week kick off now with major discounts offered January 20 through February 12. Details are available through New York City Tourism + Conventions.

Winter is a great time to visit New York City. The annual NYC Winter Outing program, Broadway Week, Restaurant Week and Hotel Week kick off now with major discounts offered January 20 through February 12. It’s a great opportunity for some serious deals if you’re attending IMM, The New York Travel Show, or just enjoying the Big Apple. Details are available through New York City Tourism + Conventions.

Just over an hour’s drive from San Antonio and Austin, Fredericksburg blends small-town Texas hospitality with European flair. A winter visit to this Hill Country town offers the chance to shop, sip and saunter along streets lined with historic limestone buildings dressed in holiday finery. With its deep German roots, Fredericksburg celebrates both European and American traditions, where heritage, resilience and winemaking are woven together.
Determination and a Desire for Harmony
Fredericksb...

I had never stayed in an overwater villa before. I had only admired them from a distance when I visited Tahiti on a cruise.

But finally, staying at Sun Siyam resorts in the South Malé Atoll in the Maldives provided me with the visceral experience of waking up to an endless view of blue above, below, and extending to the horizon. It was as if I had entered an underwater world without a snorkel.

Tired from my 20-hour trip but stimulated, I couldn’t resist the glistening ocean. I donned my swims...