By Suzanne Russo in New York— Macy’s is the second largest consumer of helium in the nation (behind the U.S. government). What’s a retail store doing with all that hot air? Supplying us with a Thanksgiving tradition, that’s what. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with its characteristic enormous balloons, is nearly as ubiquitous in homes » Read more

By Audrey Sykes— Let’s get one thing straight about Zurich: There is nothing you can do to avoid expensive costs. It’s the fifth priciest city in Europe, and even simple fares like tram tickets and Swiss chocolate can be a big pinch from any pocket. There’s not much you can do, but there is some » Read more

By C H Kwak in Berlin— “Abwarten und Tee trinken,” or wait and drink tea, is a German idiom that means being patient. Good things come to those who wait, and we Berliners have been patient long enough. Today, there’s a number of cozy tea places in Berlin to help us weather the long winter. » Read more

By Laura Mongillo in Florence— Typically an Italian breakfast consists of fruit juice, espresso or a cappuccino and a delicious flaky soft pastry filled with rich cream, flavorful jam or sinful chocolate. But have you ever wondered how those delectable treats could possibly be ready for the earliest of risers without being stale leftovers from » Read more

By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries— Strasbourg is one of those places that is so easily missed. Fast trains pause there, but Strasbourg deserves at least a day or two. And the Alsace city is at its best in the run-up to Christmas as the German fad for Christmas markets spills over the border and » Read more

By Lara Kavanagh in London— As the weather in London grows frosty and thoughts turn to frantic Christmas shopping, it’s a good time to escape the high street and pursue some Christmassy activities out in the increasingly fresh air. One excellent refuge is the magical Enchanted Woodland, which returns to Syon Park, the grounds of » Read more

By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona— When I moved to Barcelona five years ago, I thought yogurt was a breakfast food. Oh how wrong I was! It took some time, and I was not an easy convert, but I now eat yogurt (Greek yogurt if possible, with honey) for dessert. Other favored local desserts include Crema » Read more

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Big wheels do keep on turning in Paris! Like skirts, cheese is seasonal, and in France the variety is never-ending. So this week I’m taking it to les rues, and asking my favorite local Big Cheeses for recommendations and helpful tips, too. Here’s a shopping list to use as a » Read more

By Nicole Puhl in New York— As the winter chill finds its way into New York there are few outdoor activities worth braving the frosty elements, and ice-skating is one of them. NYC is home to multiple skating rinks for appropriately ringing in the holiday season with an icy spin (or fall!) around the rink » Read more