Instagram iPhone photos

I'm starting to get addicted to the free Instagram iPhone app. Here is an Empire State Building photo that I snapped with my iPhone 4, and here is the same photo treated with Instagram's Lomo-fi filter. I especially love how the high-contrast grittiness changes the mood of the photo.

Cruising from New York City

I've started taking photos from my building at work around sunset. Sometimes, a cruise ship en route to the Caribbean sails into view. And each time I'm left thinking: "Take me with you!"

Photo by Amy Chen: Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem and the Empire State Building

A Q&A for Cheapflights.com

I'm flattered -- Cheapflights.com was nice enough to ask me to be part of the company's "Waiting to Board With..." blog series.

In the Q&A, I talk about my quirky packing habits/obsession ... and my worst trip ever.

Gift Guide for Travelers

You won't find frivolous luggage tags or passport covers in this Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers.

For Money magazine's December issue, I interviewed travel experts about what they'd like to give (and receive) this year.

The panel of travel experts included:

Meredith Hanrahan, Chief Travel Officer of Cheapflights Media (www.cheapflights.com) and a million-mile frequent flier who has logged more than 175,000 miles in the past 9 months

Marybeth Bond, author of 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America

Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com

John DiScala, founder of JohnnyJet.com

From a lightweight Delsey suitcase to a TSA-friendly Samsonite laptop bag, it's hard not to add these great gift ideas to your holiday wish list.

Photo: Courtesy Delsey

Holiday Travel Deals for Christmas & New Year's

Scared off by high prices and holiday-travel crowds?

Here are some affordable alternatives for holiday travel, as I wrote for Money magazine's November issue.

Where to Find Holiday Travel Bargains

Rather than ski in Breckenridge, head to Crested Butte, Colorado. I found a five-night Ski.com package that includes lift tickets and an airfare credit up to $400.

Everyone goes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but you can find white-sand beaches and savings in Nassau, Bahamas.

New York City is one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, but Washington, D.C. has the museums -- and the National Christmas tree.

Photo by Amy Chen: The view of the Washington Monument from the rooftop bar at the W Hotel.