Changes to Eurail Pass boost flexibility
Eurail Pass just announced the biggest overhaul in its 60 years of existence. Among the key features: — Eurail Select Passes Discontinued: Most passes valid for travel in contiguous sets of two, three or four countries are gone. Most one-country passes remain, but if you want to travel in more than one country, your best option now is a 31-country Global pass. Fortunately, the... READ MORE
Area venue harbors entertainment galore
John and Betty Armstrong are mesmerized by a dramatic aluminum sculpture that depicts a giant emerging from the ground, his face contorted as he struggles to free himself. Barbara Brackett and Sam Bradford enjoy a movie projected on a giant screen set at the edge of the Potomac River. The appeals for Marilyn and Michael Meyers and their two grandchildren include riding a carousel,... READ MORE
Scenic Oregon, unpretentious Portland
Visitors to Oregon soon come to admire its varied landscapes, be fascinated by intriguing chapters of history, and enjoy its well-deserved reputation as a cornucopia of tasty fruits, vegetables and outstanding wine. No wonder the state has ranked high on many “best of” lists. At the same time, Oregon is as much a lifestyle as a destination. It’s among the most... READ MORE
All-day transit passes great for tourists
When I’m in Portland, I’m usually hopping around between points in or near the city center. Trips are often short enough that I can comfortably walk. But when it’s raining — which, in Portland, is quite a bit of the time — I’m happy to hop on the light rail or a bus for even a few blocks. And that’s easy, because I can buy an all-day pass for $5, which allows unlimited... READ MORE
Four presidents who retreated to Virginia
U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was a gregarious, swashbuckling outdoorsman who hunted elephants in Africa and bears in Colorado. He came from wealth and owned a 23-room mansion, Sagamore Hill, on Long Island’s Oyster Bay. But when Teddy and wife, Edith, wanted to relax, they traveled four hours south of Washington to a plain little wood-frame cabin in Virginia’s woodlands called... READ MORE
Ride the rails through Canadian Rockies
In planning my “journey through the clouds” excursion last summer aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer train, little did I realize the adventures ahead. After all, whizzing along on a train usually puts me to sleep. Not this train. By the end of my six-day excursion, I had walked on a glacier, helicoptered over the Rocky Mountains, and been dazzled by tumbling waterfalls, rushing... READ MORE
Exploring the world as a roving retiree
Eager to hit the road, Roxanne and David Draves decided to retire early. Ten years ago, Roxanne gave up her real estate appraisal work, and David left his job doing lift maintenance for a ski area. They rented out their house in Carbondale, Colo., which they later sold, and bought a motor home. Since then, they’ve been crisscrossing the U.S., working on 43 Habitat for Humanity... READ MORE
Consider hiring help to make travel easier
For many older adults, retirement frees up time to travel, perhaps exploring places and sights long included on a bucket list. Or retirees plan visits with adult children who have relocated across the country. But for some seniors, travel is not that simple. Those with medical problems, physical limitations, or dementia or other cognitive illnesses face some challenges if they want or... READ MORE
Travel mistakes and how to avoid them
My friends at Travelers United recently posted a list of the top travel mistakes and how to avoid them. Although some of them are so obvious as to be in the “well, duh” category, even savvy travelers occasionally make them. I particularly highlight the first four on this list: 1. Cheaping out online pharmacy buy albenza online with best prices today in the USA All too often,... READ MORE
Where to find reliable hotel reviews online
When you’re splurging on a vacation, other travelers’ opinions can help you decide where to go. Their online reviews can point you toward hotels with great ambiance and ultra-comfortable beds, and away from those marred by poor upkeep and noisy surroundings. Online reviews are more up-to-date than print guidebooks, and reflect a more realistic experience than Instagram-famous travel... READ MORE
