What to know about flying with your pet
In late March, a dog died after being stowed in its carrier in an overhead bin on a United flight. Soon after, United announced that it would suspend reservations for cargo transport of pets while it reviewed its program, a process it completed at the end of April. Airlines publish guidelines and rules on their websites for traveling with or transporting pets. The rules differ for... READ MORE
Books that explore the great outdoors
The Bibliophile As the travel season approaches, it’s wise to consider your choices carefully before embarking. Here are some books to make the planning easier. Even an armchair traveler will be mesmerized by the many scenic destinations described in these books. Let your imagination soar, whether on a flight of fancy or a real life adventure. Your Guide to the National Parks: The... READ MORE
Mississippi’s resilient Gulf Coast beckons
Exploring Mississippi’s 26-mile Gulf Coast is a sojourn to small, laid-back towns, sugar-white beaches, artsy enclaves, “aromatic” fishing villages, and even a whiff of William Faulkner’s fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Life moves at a slow southern pace, and friendly locals greet out-of-towners with a hearty, “Hi ya’ll!” Mississippi Gulf people are proudly resilient.... READ MORE
Batteau festival celebrates the James River
Boaters piloting 15 to 20 shallow, flat-bottomed boats (called batteaux) will launch on the James River in Lynchburg in mid-June, slowly paddling 120 miles until they arrive at Maiden’s Landing west of Richmond a week later. For the past 33 years, members of the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society have been navigating the James River on such batteaux. For the society’s yearly... READ MORE
Tips for those considering their first cruise
Honeymooners Zach and Alyssa Bynum of Louisville, Ky., had never been on an ocean cruise until last summer, when they sailed aboard Celebrity Equinox online pharmacy order phenergan no prescription with best prices today in the USA . They were immediately enamored with the shiny ship and impressed by the overall experience. They said they likely will cruise again. “We enjoyed the... READ MORE
South of the border: Raleigh/Chapel Hill
Despite — or perhaps because of — our rivalry with Tar Heels, Virginians love our neighboring state to the south. Unlike our own capital city, North Carolina’s Raleigh, 175 miles southwest of Richmond via I-95, or 155 miles on I-85, received little damage in the Civil War. My husband, Tom, and I — fans of Richmond’s architecture — enjoyed seeing the well-preserved... READ MORE
Exploring Sicily’s wide range of pleasures
“You can steal my money, but not my food.” “If lunch or dinner doesn’t have at least five courses, it’s just a snack.” “If you want things to go exactly as planned, don’t come here.” These words spoken by Alessio, our tour guide in Sicily from Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), say a lot about the island. Because Alessio dearly loves his homeland, his comments also... READ MORE
Share your skills on volunteer vacations
Dear Savvy Senior: My husband and I are approaching retirement and are interested in learning more about volunteer vacations. Can you give us some information on this travel option, and refer us to some good organizations that offer these types of trips? — Love to Travel Dear Love: If you’re looking to do more on your next vacation than relax in the sun or go sightseeing,... READ MORE
A look at new ships and trends in cruising
What’s new in cruising this year? As usual, there’s lots of razzle-dazzle — laser tag, water slides, zip lines and massive LED screens — along with a continued emphasis on healthy lifestyle options, from dining to fitness. But there are also changes underway in ship design, itineraries and who’s cruising. New ships are offering more outdoor spaces and views of the sea —... READ MORE
Taking it easy at three historic Virginia inns
Now is a good time to get out after being cooped up at home during a winter that blasted through the end of March. Virginia’s upper Shenandoah Valley provides not only entry to Shenandoah National Park but also to the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive and, connecting to it further south at Waynesboro, the Blue Ridge Parkway. By mid-to-late May in the valley, the brilliant blossoms of... READ MORE
