The new Joint Business announced this week involving American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia is welcome news for travelers between the U.S. and Europe. Since being awarded anti-trust immunity in the transatlantic market in July the three oneworld® carriers can work together to provide passenger with:

By Pamela Jacobs

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, is not one of the most popular European cities for American tourism—but frankly, after a recent visit, I can’t understand why. This lively, colorful, flavorful, friendly city boasts some of the best food, shopping, and sightseeing in all of Europe, is easy to get to and get around, and is as beautiful as (if not more than) many of the more well-known European destinations. For the sake of the American traveler, I would say that everyone should pay a visit to Brussels, but in the spirit of it remaining one of Europe’s best kept secrets, I’m tempted to keep it all to myself. Alas, if you are looking for a long weekend filled with just about everything most travelers are looking for, Brussels should go to the top of your list.

By Josh Engel

Halloween is an eventful time in Manhattan; for a break from trick or treating and the Greenwich Village parade, check out a few of the more under-the-radar activities being hosted in the city.

By Lina Zeldovich

Once just another city neighborhood, Astoria/Long Island City blossomed with art galleries, film studios and theaters once New York artists moved across the river for spacious lofts and cheap nightlife. Known for Astoria Kaufman Studios and Silvercup Studios, this diverse and eccentric neighborhood will host Astoria/LIC International Film Festival over the weekend of October 22-24, 2010.

By Pamela Jacobs

In 1893, a wealthy businessman had an extravagant mansion built in the style of a Florentine palazzo overlooking mountains and lakes atop a knoll in the Berkshires; it was his gift to his young daughter, to celebrate her marriage to a duke. The young couple spent a few weeks per year at their spectacular summer house in Lenox, Massachusetts.

By Maxine Albert

Looking out upon the rolling hills of lush greenery and wildflowers that stretched to the blue Adriatic against a crimson sunset, I was afraid to blink lest this mirage disappear forever. A poet’s delight, certainly, to drink in the glory of nature here – and a traveler’s delight as well, at least for one who relishes splendid surroundings, good food and fine wine. This is the Albergo Magnolia - located on and overlooking the vineyards of the Domodimonti Winery. I was invited to the grand inauguration of both the winery and the hotel. The occasion called for a glass of the fabulous grape and a swim in the pool – at the very least.

By Dorri Olds

Little Fockers

Comedy starring Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Barbra Streisand (No Dustin Hoffman this time) (December 5) This is a sequel to 2000’s Meet the Parents and its sequel Meet the Fockers in 2004. After marrying Pam, Gaylord “Greg” Focker now has five-year old twins. The film will revolve around the couple trying to cope with raising their children. Greg begins to go through a mid-life crisis as he ponders the rest of his life, he also begins to worry about being a good father and obtaining a stable job earning enough money for his family. This leads Jack to become highly suspicious once again about what is going on with Greg. Cast also includes Harvey Keitel, Owen Wilson, Laura Dern and Jessica Alba

By Dorri Olds

Off the Wall: Part 1—Thirty Performative
Actions

Now–September 19, 2010
This first installation in a two-part exhibition focuses on actions using the body in live performance, in front of the camera, or in relation to a photographic or printed surface. Each action displaces the site of the artwork from an object to the body, acting in relation to, or directly onto, the physical space of the gallery. The wall and floor become the stage for these actions—walking on the wall, slamming doors, slapping hands against the wall, gathering sawdust up from the studio floor, walking on a painting, striding and crawling around a small cylindrical space, writing or drawing on the wall and floor, or performing a striptease behind a transparent plane. Whitney Museum of Art 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

By Josh Engel

Boardwalk Empire- Sundays at 9pm, HBO

HBO is set to steal some of its cool back from AMC, with the premiere of this Scorcese-helmed 1920s gangster drama, starring Steve Buscemi. The show follows a corrupt Prohibition-era politician (Buscemi) as he becomes involved in the era’s bootlegging and organized crime. Like Mad Men, it’s set in a stylish era that’s seen little screen time in recent years, and could be responsible for a whole lot of unfortunate speakeasy-themed bars popping up in Manhattan, as well as even more silly hats. Tune in from the beginning; Scorcese’s plots are notoriously punishing for latecomers

By Pamela Jacobs

I had planned a trip to the Rhone-Alps region of France, following a weekend in Paris, with a clear agenda: to see the real France, to soak up some art and culture, and to eat as much, and as well, as possible. Not that my weekend in Paris didn’t show me the real France—but I wanted to go beyond what most tourists see. I had heard that a trip throughout the Rhone-Alps was a great way to experience all that I wanted from a true French vacation, and had a feeling I’d be able to see some culture and eat some great food. I just didn’t know it would become what I consider the best trip I’ve ever taken, thus far.