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This article was written by Meleena Bowers. Follow along with all her travel adventures on Twitter and Instagram at @worldtravelure. Food is the window to a nation's soul. Our first experiences with food often shape our perceptions about a foreign land and its culture. It is the elusive feeling of comfort that is evoked when biting into our first hot, flaky croissant of buttery goodness in Paris or the burst of flavors we experience when the first forkful of a tender Moroccan lamb tagine hits our tongue. We remember the sweet dal that we had at a wedding celebration in Mumbai, the mole we had in Oaxaca at La Guelaguetza festival, or the hearty goulash we had on a wintery day in Budapest. Exposure to exotic dishes experienced abroad can lead to withdrawal when a craving hits back home. It is a dilemma any bon vivant junkie must face: how to chase the dragon stateside? Spices have always held a certain reserve currency status. There was a time when nutmeg was more valuable than gold. In fact, the Dutch traded Manhattan to the British in exchange for a small Indonesian Island that allowed them to have a monopoly on nutmeg. International epicureans looking for those hard to find ingredients from travels abroad are in good company and join the ranks of Marco Polo, Vasco De Gama, and Christopher Columbus who searched for new routes to the spice rich regions of the Far East. For New Yorkers in the know, the journey to culinary nirvana need not be as fraught with peril as those faced by the early explorers. Kalustyans in Murray Hill is where Marco Polo meets Manhattan. It is where the refined, internationally fine-tuned palate comes to worship at a shrine of fragrant spices, rare salts, fiery hot sauces, and infused oils. Culinarians with an appetite for adventure will appreciate a field trip to La Boîte where world traveler, chef and spiceologist Lior Lev Sercarz peddles his signature blends. Chef Sercarz' craft creations bear the names of exotic destinations tempting the home chef to experiment with new spice fusions in the same way one does while abroad by adding a dash of Bombay, a pinch of Penang, and a squeeze of Siam. The Greek Diaspora flock to Titan in Astoria for a quick Feta fix while those seeking a cure for South of the Border fever can check into, or rather check out at, Williamsburg's Moore Street Market, the Betty Ford clinic to all things Latin. Should you be on a Viking quest to stockpile the Norwegian chocolate that ruined all other chocolate for you, the Nordic Deli in Brooklyn or the Scandinavia House in Manhattan will keep you outfitted in the creamy milk chocolate deliciousness of Freia Melkesjokolade for as long as your pockets are lined with Krone.   Although the price points at these specialty stores are not always as easy to digest as they are in their native lands, the spices acquired at these culinary apothecaries will be less expensive than commandeering a slow boat to China. With any luck, your acquisition of these specialty seasonings will have your dinner guests convinced you are serving them ambrosia. Whether you travel to a brick and mortar location or make a virtual visit online, your trip to one of these niche stores will help throw the gastronomic monkey off your back. Until your next sojourn where you will undoubtedly fall in love with new dishes and flavor profiles. 

This article was written by Jim Johnson, president and founder of BikeToursDirect. If you're looking for a new and exciting way to travel overseas, an increasing number of travelers are forgoing traditional bus- and train-based tours in favor of tours by bike. More and more travelers are finding great options to ease into adventure travel with bike tours that offer riding distances for every ability, easy-to-follow routes, and a variety of budget-friendly itineraries. Here are a few tips to consider if you're thinking about taking your first bicycle tour. Decide whether you prefer riding with a guide and a group or more on your own Guided and self-guided tours offer somewhat different experiences, and each has unique advantages (and, for some people, disadvantages). For example, on guided tours, riders tend to stick together as a group with the guide. If you prefer to explore cities and the countryside at your own pace, a self-guided bike tour may be a better option. If getting lost is a real concern, or if you worry about language barriers, a guided tour may better suit your travel style. Don't overestimate your ability level Many strong athletes who do a lot of running, swimming, or weight training make the mistake that they'll do fine on a bicycle tour. Cycling uses a lot of different muscles than other sports, and even strong, in-shape athletes find their weariness comes sooner than expected. Regardless of your athletic or cycling ability, you'll have a much more comfortable tour if you spend some time on a bike ideally starting 6-8 weeks before your tour. Keep in mind long rides on the weekends may not prepare you for spending multiple days in a row on a bicycle. Before you travel, aim for shorter back-to-back rides at least 60 percent of the daily mileage of your tour. Your butt will thank you. Be realistic in the distance you wish to cover each day Don't use your longest ride or ideal weekend distance as a guide in choosing the daily distance of your bike tour. Remember that you will be on vacation and there will be a lot to see along the way—and you'll be riding for several days, usually back to back. Also, you're at a much slower pace on a bike tour. You'll find yourself getting on and off your bike, whether to take pictures, visit that amazing castle, or stop for a coffee and a pastry. And it's likely you'll be using a heavier bike than you're accustomed to. If you worry about traffic or getting lost, choose a tour along a dedicated bike path Many tours follow dedicated bicycle paths that are paved, free from traffic and well-marked. While dedicated bike paths are most prevalent in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, other countries in Europe and even Asia are following suit. Consider electric bikes Some purists may scoff, but electric bikes are making cycle-touring possible for travelers who never thought they could tour on two wheels. This is not just a question of fitness level; older riders especially those who are recovering from knee surgery don't have to miss out thanks to the benefits of "E-bikes." Electric bikes are also great "equalizers," when two riders are of differing abilities. Electric bikes are quite prevalent in Europe and Asia, and newer models don't make it obvious that you're getting an added "push." Note that these are not mopeds. You still have to pedal—just not as hard. Ride in the off season—just before or after high season Prices are often lower and crowds are smaller, but otherwise you're getting all the pluses of a high-season experience. Pay attention to the weather Look up average weather conditions and rainfall in the area and time of year you'd like to tour and plan appropriately. Some like it hot, others prefer the weather to be a little cooler, and most like it dry! There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices If it's likely to be cold, wear layers and remove clothing as the day progresses and temperatures climb. Always be prepared for the chance of rain. Carry good rain gear to cover your shoes, legs and torso. Bring your own helmet—and wear it Many companies offer rental helmets, but we encourage clients to bring their own for reasons of hygiene and safety. When you bring your own helmet, you know it fits and hasn't been damaged. Many travelers also choose to purchase a helmet after they reach their starting destination. Remember, no matter how safe the cycling seems, protect your noggin and wear a helmet!   Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a seasoned traveler, both or neither, bicycle tours are a unique and accessible way to see the world. BikeToursDirect offers more than 500 bike tours all over the world for every ability level and travel style.

This article was written by Kristine Hansen and originally appeared on Fox News Travel. Move over, Champagne and fluffy omelets: Some Mother's Day brunches are ditching tradition for eclectic offerings. Today's moms want a table with an ocean view, or a buffet inspired by the regions of France, or a live musical performance across the room, or a chic tea in America's wealthiest zip code (hello, 90210).  From Mediterranean to Mexican, from farm-to-table to fancy, here are some options from coast to coast (and Hawaii, too). Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale, Fla. With the ocean as a backdrop to this 16-acre waterfront resort, pre- and post-brunch plans suddenly swing into action. After you've noshed in the Ocean Ballroom (with an ocean view, of course)—catered by Riva, with a-la-carte options like South Florida huevos rancheros to Florida wildberry oatmeal pancakes, plus two buffet options and bottomless mimosas—put the whole family on jet-skis or kayaks. All water-sport rentals come with a reserved beach chair and umbrella on the shore. Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe, N.M. Tap into mom's spiritual side with this iconic Santa Fe experience. On top of all the edible frills—flutes of Champagne matched with a massive brunch buffet featuring New Mexican accents like sweet chili grilled chicken)—the Yepa Family of the Jemez Pueblo will bless her. The event takes place in the inn's Zuni ballroom and outdoor garden, enabling good flow throughout the day for a large group. To work off the brunch, peek into art galleries along Canyon Road. Kachina Southwestern Grill Westminster, Colo. Eclectic Mexican fare has found a home in this Denver suburb, and Mother's Day is no exception. Touting a Wild West theme, the brunch menu takes lots of detours with the palate, culminating in dishes like chocolate-chili beignets and achitoe grilled chicken breast with cherry-chocolate mole and tequila cherries. The meal kicks off with refreshing glasses of hibiscus or cantaloupe/thymeaguas fresca and ends on a sweet note: mini chocolate cola cake with pepita crunch, honey-lavender caviar caramel sauce. Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa Honolulu, Hawaii Park mom on the Veranda, just a few steps away from the oceanfront, for the lavish Mother's Day brunch and sample Hawaiian specialties like ahi and tako poke, or dim sum such as steamed ha gow, plus farm-fresh choices like Big Island tomatoes at the made-to-order omelet station. A charcuterie and cheese spread, along with brunch staples such as blueberry-orange granola pancakes, rounds out the meal. There's even a roasted suckling pig with bao buns and plum sauce at the carving station and a dessert table flaunting Hawaiian flair (haupia-pie tiramisu, anyone?) Basin Harbor Club & Resort Vergennes, Vt. Views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks make this five-star farm-to-table spread even better. The brunch buffet—folding in breakfast and lunch choices that rely upon ingredients from a dozen local farms—is served in the resort's main dining room, where jazz musician Jenni Johnson performs for diners. Restless kids enjoy tot-friendly activities led by The Big Blue Trunk. Post-brunch, take the whole family out for retro lawn games on the 700-acre resort's lawn. Montage Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, Calif. Listen to live jazz as you enjoy the special Mother's Day Tea at the posh Parq Bar. Artisan teas are poured into hand-painted porcelain china, and small bites—and desserts like orange-creamsicle profiteroles and pina-colada shortbread—are prepared with love by the kitchen's pastry and culinary staff. After tea, coax mom into Spa Montage Beverly Hills to take advantage of the hotel's "In Gratitude" 150-minute treatment (rose-petal facial, manicure and pedicure). Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee, Wis. Tucked into the museum's Quadracci Pavilion, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, Lake Michigan's pretty blue waters are on the other side of the glass. All moms get a mimosa on the house, and the food spread includes delicacies like a cheeseboard (this is Wisconsin, after all), a carving station, fresh fruit andcrudités, a made-to-order omelet station and plenty of traditional egg and meat dishes. Tea sandwiches are incorporated, too, for an artsy touch. Le Village Buffet, Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas The memory of what you eat in Vegas doesn't have to stay in Vegas. Food stations and made-to-order dishes at the hotel's Le Village Buffet celebrate France's five provinces, all the way down to the dessert table, which features macaroons and vanilla-bean crème brulee. Even kids can find something to love here, like truffle macaroni-and-cheese and savory crepes inspired by Brittany, ensuring everybody leaves happy. Adalya New York City If mom is always hot to visit the newest eatery in town, take her to the year-old Adalya in Gramercy Park. If it's nice out, sit on the patio, where she'll be greeted with either Champagne or sangria on the house (or the "Mediterranean Momma" cocktail), followed by a Mediterranean menu with eclectic picks. The new brunch menu features Turkish Breakfast for Two (hardboiled eggs, olives, Jerusalem salad, olive oils, marmalades and manchego and feta cheeses). Or opt for apple cinnamon pancakes. American Q/B Resort & Spa Orlando, Fla. It doesn't get any more rustic than grabbing your food off the bed of a vintage truck. That's the deal at this boutique hotel, which opened last fall. All moms get a free glass of sparkling cider with an edible rose. During brunch, enter mom in a drawing to win a two-night stay, a couples massage or dinner at American Q. Post-brunch there is the option to relax at B Indulged AVEDA, the hotel's spa, which boasts a zero-entry pool and treatments like a stress-fix mani and pedi that weaves in calming lavender and clary-sage aromas. More from Fox News Travel: We tried Tim Horton's Nutella pastry: Here's the what we thought Panera to cut 150 artificial additives by 2016 Asia cruises: Why it may just be your best bet Ryanair flight to London takes off without toilet paper

Fly with style! Delta Air Lines has partnered with fashion designer Zac Posen, who will design uniforms for flight attendants and airport customer service agents, and advise on uniforms for Delta’s ramp and ground support agents. His structured mermaid-style ball gowns are popular on the red carpet, but we non-celebs can shop the more affordable ZAC Zac Posen line (from $195, shopbop.com) and Truly Zac Posen wedding dresses for David's Bridal (from $500). The new Delta looks will hit jet bridges in early 2018.  What will the uniforms look like? It's up in the air. First, Posen and his team will interview Delta employees about what they want and need in a uniform. Then comes the design process. Says Delta: "Posen's brand of modern American glamour pairs well with Delta's brand attributes, and he will be personally engaged throughout the multi-year project." Airlines are no stranger to collaborations with fashion designers: Emilio Pucci put his famous prints on Braniff International Airways stewardesses in 1966, complete with an astronaut-like plastic bubble helmet to protect their hairstyles from inclement weather. Just last year, Vivienne Westwood unveiled her vibrant red collection for Virgin Atlantic. Other partnerships didn't quite get off the ground, like Cynthia Rowley for United Airlines, nixed in 2011, post–Continental merger. Delta hasn't paired with a designer since mid-2006, when Richard Tyler released the uniform that the airline's flight attendants wear now. Geek out with us over our favorite pics of Delta's uniforms from the 1940s to now, below. Things get really good around 1968...