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
Check out Greensboro’s history and hospitality
If I didn’t know better, I might think Greensboro, North Carolina, was named for its abundance of trees and parks, one of the reasons I’ve visited four times and plan to return again. Nature lovers will feel right at home here. With beautiful parks, gardens and trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them active and engaged. In reality, however, Greensboro, founded in ... READ MORE
Romania’s thrills include ‘Dracula’s castle’
At the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe is the surprisingly beautiful, sophisticated and affordable country of Romania. The picturesque Carpathian Mountains dominate the landscape, cutting through Romania’s center and most famous region, Transylvania. My husband, Chris, and I love exploring new-to-us countries, so we were excited to sail the lower Danube River with Avalon... READ MORE
Why Lisbon should be on your bucket list
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is often passed by for Paris, Barcelona and other touristy counterparts. Yet with its historic castles, public squares and amazing cuisine, the charming riverfront city is perfect for a short jaunt. I recently had the opportunity to enjoy my second visit to Lisbon, this time with a group of six friends. Our gang of curious travelers discovered quite a... READ MORE
Travel 2026
