Meena Thiruvengadam

Chicago

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Travel writer & editorial consultant. Founder @TravelwithMeena. Read me @TravelLeisure, @CNTraveler, @WSJ, @LonelyPlanet etc.

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Articles

MSC World America: What To Know When You Book

3 weeks ago | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

For someone who has lived in as many big cities as I have for as long as I have, I’m surprised at how easily I can feel overwhelmed by the sheer size and population of the world’s largest cruise ships. But when I was invited to try out MSC’s newest cruise ship, MSC World America, I was intrigued. This new cruise ship can accommodate almost 7,000 passengers across its 22 decks. This is a ship that looks, and feels, like a floating city with a whole water park on top.
A Look at How Portland’s Japanese American Museum of Oregon Honors the State’s History

4 weeks ago | fodors.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

How one independent institution is fighting a community’s erasure. Wander around downtown Portland now, and it’s hard to see how this stretch of blocks just west of the Willamette River was once a thriving Japantown. A few hints remain—a collection of riverfront cherry blossom trees, subtle historical markers, and a handful of buildings that have been able to evade demolition.
This Small Portland Museum Is Keeping Oregon’s Japanese History Alive

4 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

1 hour ago‘That’s What Sold It’: Why the Court Ruled Against Trump’s TariffsOregon’s Democratic AG opens up about helping to secure a major triumph in court — and what’s next. When a coalition of Democratic attorneys general sued to block a large chunk of Donald Trump’s tariffs, they expressed confidence they’d win in court. But even some of them seemed pleasantly surprised …NowSteve Prefontaine Died 50 Years Ago Today.
This Luxury Hotel Overlooks an Elephant Oasis in Africa

Mar 19, 2025 | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

If your dream trip is a luxurious suite in an off-the-beaten path location where buffalo and elephant roam, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is the place for you. The lodge is located in the northwestern edge of Zimbabwe, just a couple of miles from Victoria Falls, the majestic natural wonder that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia. Each of the property’s 72 rooms have a balcony with views of the African bush that stretch to the horizon.
A Motorcycle Ride In Vietnam Renewed My Faith In People

Mar 12, 2025 | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

In hindsight, I’m not even sure how the three of us—two Australians and an American carrying cruise cards instead of passports—got inside an industrial port in southern Vietnam. We caught the eye of workers who realized we were lost before we did. Despite the language barriers and poor cellular connections that prevented us from using Google Translate, we eventually caught up and learned we’d gotten dropped off at the wrong port. We had been headed back to meet our cruise ship.
The Best Sherlock Holmes Sites in London

Mar 6, 2025 | flipboard.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

4 hours agoThe Strange, Forgotten History of Antigonish and “The Little Man Who Wasn’t There”At a farmhouse in Nova Scotia, a seemingly supernatural phenomenon sparked reports and debates around the world. In the eighteenth and early …1 day ago9 Cozy Mystery Books To Read In 2025Cozy mysteries have become a beloved genre for readers who enjoy a perfect blend of suspense, charm, and lighthearted adventure.
How To Make The Most of A Day In Paris

Mar 5, 2025 | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

You could spend months in Paris and still not see or experience everything the city has to offer. But you can also have a memorable Parisian experience in a day. And take it from me, a day in Paris is better than no day in Paris. I say this as someone who’s getting accustomed to spending long layovers wandering around the city eating croissants and sipping espresso. The keys to experiencing Paris in a day are managing your expectations and choosing your priorities wisely.
Iceland itineraries: 4 routes around the country

Feb 27, 2025 | lonelyplanet.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

Active volcanoes, rushing waterfalls and steaming geothermal pools ⁠– Iceland packs a lot of wild landscapes into a small island. It’s also home to the cool and cultural capital Reykjavík, which keeps travelers occupied with fascinating museums and great dining choices. Each season also provides unique experiences to Iceland, with winter offering chances to see the northern lights, and summer providing long, sunny days of exploration.
How To Spend A Perfect 48 Hours In Singapore

Feb 26, 2025 | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

Somehow, 15 years passed between my last two visits to Singapore. By the time I returned in late 2023, there was an entirely different skyline, one I was familiar with thanks to movies set in Singapore like Crazy Rich Asians. Singapore’s airport—where I’d spent countless hours on layovers as a kid—had become a destination in itself, known for its futuristic dome and powerful indoor waterfall. This Singapore felt like an entirely different place from the one I visited in 2008.
This Is The Best Way To Get From The Airport to Downtown Chicago

Feb 19, 2025 | travelwithmeena.com | Meena Thiruvengadam

If I land at Chicago O’Hare International Airport between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a weekday, there’s no way I’m considering a rideshare or cab. Instead of sitting in traffic, I’d much rather take a comfortable seat on the train and get home in about a half-hour. Chicago is the rare American city where it’s easy to get between both Chicago airports and the city center on public transit.