Venture into Alaska’s wilderness refuge
There is more to Alaska than Denali and the cruise up the Inside Passage. In the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a vast but accessible wilderness region in south central Alaska just a three-hour drive from Anchorage, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Nearly two million acres in size, Kenai is like a mini version of Alaska, with spectacular lakes, glaciers... READ MORE
For a more peaceful drive, swap I-95 for 301
Interstate highway 95 between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, is notorious for its near-constant congestion. Flanked by monstrous heavy-duty trucks, white-knuckled drivers must navigate the notorious Occoquan bottleneck, often through construction zones. I prefer the less ulcer-generating Route 301 from Maryland through Virginia’s Northern Neck peninsula. Stretching... READ MORE
Avoid these expensive travel mistakes
Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. Here are six steps you can take to save money on a trip: 1. Buy travel medical insurance Nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey... READ MORE
For an adventure abroad, rent a camper van
On my first trip to Australia, I didn’t expect to see koalas or kangaroos in the wild. I assumed the only odd Aussie critters I’d see would be in a zoo. I lucked out when I spotted a wallaby soon after arriving at a campground south of Sydney. Luck seemed to strike again hours later, when a brushtail possum put its cold, wet nose on my exposed toes. By the time I stepped out of... READ MORE
Slow down and walk along the Amalfi Coast
Rocky shorelines, cliffside villages, sumptuous cuisine and lemons, lots and lots of lemons — Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a destination to be experienced, not simply visited. My husband, Chris, and I embarked on a six-day walking tour of Italy’s southwestern coast with a group of 14, all active retirees. Our guided, six-day tour brought us closer to the history and culture of the... READ MORE
From roses to redwoods in the Pacific Northwest
In Portland’s central Pearl District two summers ago, the hotel desk attendant showed me points of interest on a map of the city, including its internationally renowned rose garden and Powell’s, the world’s largest bookstore. When I asked if there were any areas to avoid after dark, he scribbled over an area of several square blocks behind the hotel. Fast forward to 2026, and violent ... READ MORE
All aboard: Bring your bike on the train
Perhaps because we’ve nowhere to be in a hurry or because we truly enjoy seeing the areas we travel through, retirees are notable for being fans of Amtrak and of bicycling. So, for a vacation, why not combine the two? Europeans, of course, have done this for years, loading their bikes into baggage cars for a stress-free trip, say, to the Loire Valley. Not so long ago in the United... READ MORE
How to travel alone without being lonely
It may seem like we live in a couples-based society, or, as Michigander Laura McCort puts it, “a Noah’s Ark world where all are expected to be paired up,” but traveling solo is a growing trend that appeals to many people. When I travel alone, I have the freedom to choose — my schedule, sites to see, food to eat — without negotiating. I enjoy quiet time to muse and watch the human ... READ MORE
The best way to see more of Peru is by bus
Through three decades of traveling together, my husband and I avoided bus tours. We relished our independence, traveling on our own by train, bus or rental car — until we planned a trip to Peru. Tourists typically fly from Lima to Cuzco, visit Machu Picchu, then fly home. But Bob and I wanted to see more of the country, so we asked Peruvian friends for advice. Forget public... READ MORE
Detroit reflects America’s changes
If you visit Detroit, don’t be surprised to hear the names Henry Ford and Motown in the same sentence. After all, the city is famous for both cars and music. A trip to Michigan’s largest city reveals how much these influences have changed American life in little more than a century. A good place to start a tour of the area is the Henry Ford Museum, located in Dearborn, 20 minutes... READ MORE
