Cruises abound for almost any interest
Civil War buffs Tom and Elaine Preston wander through reconstructed forts where a major battle of that conflict was fought. Betsy and Andy Cross follow a guide slogging through a dense rainforest. Lauren Davis and Jim Goodman enjoy an exciting Go-Kart track and exhilarating water slide. As inviting as these disparate experiences are, they have something in common. All take place during... READ MORE
Memorable meals from around the world
Enjoying our first dinner during a group tour of Sicily, we turned to the guide and told him that the meal was excellent. His reply was as delightful as it was surprising. “People can steal my money, but not my food,” Alessio remarked. He followed that remark by claiming, “If lunch or dinner doesn’t have at least five courses, it’s just a snack.” Those words told us a lot... READ MORE
Enjoy winter’s beauty from aboard a train
You can easily enjoy great winter snowscapes without fighting the drifts and the ice: Just take a train. Enjoy the sights from a comfortable, wide seat, through a panorama window, maybe while sipping something cold or warm. Except in unusual circumstances, railroads keep their tracks open through snowfall heavy enough to shut down the highways. And many travel on routes with better... READ MORE
In low-cost Cambodia, there’s much to see
Once the site of one of Asia’s most significant early civilizations, Cambodia today presents a rural society far less populated and economically developed than its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam. And that is the crux of the country’s charm and appeal. Visitors throng to the country’s premier tourist draw, Angkor Wat, but you will find much to see and do on the road to this ancient ... READ MORE
Deceptive hotel fees, pricing continue
Why should the airlines have all the fun? Apparently, the hotel business gazed at the airlines’ use of various fees and deceptions and decided to get into the act. As a result, the next time you book a hotel, you face some serious barriers to getting accurate and complete cost information before you buy — and maybe not even then. Big hotel chains have been telling you that booking ... READ MORE
Another Georgia: resort on the Black Sea
Want to learn about the origins of winemaking? You’ll have to go about 2,000 miles east of Bordeaux, France, to the Republic of Georgia, in the Caucasus Mountains. After being part of the Soviet Union for decades, Georgia declared independence in 1991, and the country has embraced tourism and development. This beautiful and affordable country has many attractions for both budget and ... READ MORE
The Golden Isles of Georgia and Florida
Vast saltwater marshes fringe southeast Georgia’s and northern Florida’s barrier islands, acres of luscious wetlands of thick golden reeds and grasses swaying in the gentle breeze as far as the eye can see. The Spanish dubbed them Islas de Oro (the Golden Isles) in the 1700s, even though they failed to find the hoped-for gold. But eventually the gold came to them, when northern... READ MORE
Beware of travel insurance from airlines
“Flyer Beware” is the heading of a new report on travel insurance, but that’s different from “Don’t Buy.” Although some writers have picked up on the report as a recommendation to avoid travel insurance, generally, that really isn’t the case. Instead, the report focuses on the insurance policies that airlines and online travel agencies (OTA) offer automatically during the... READ MORE
Visiting Israel’s ancient port city of Jaffa
Just south of Tel Aviv’s glass towers and concrete houses are the white stone buildings of Jaffa, the ancient port town. Jaffa has existed for thousands of years, but today it is one unified city with Tel Aviv, which was founded in 1909. Both Jews and Arabs live in Jaffa, and that’s reflected in the flavors of the neighborhood. Visitors will find a luxury hotel, the Setai, built... READ MORE
Delaware’s mansions, gardens and more
Some members of the large, wealthy family lived in a 175-room mansion set amid 1,000 acres of magnificent gardens, sprawling woodlands and splashing fountains. Others made their home in a chateau modeled after the palace where Marie Antoinette once hung out. Not far away, workers who toiled in the business that affluent dynasty was creating resided in more modest quarters. They included... READ MORE
