Eastern & Oriental Express defines glitzy
Beads of sweat trickle down my forehead on a muggy night in Bangkok when I realize I'm late for the Eastern & Oriental Express train. I've missed the shuttle from my hotel, and my baggage bounces over the unevenly paved streets as I run to the station in a panic.As I fly down the platform, my dress billows behind me. I feel like a character in an old movie as I sprint for the ... READ MORE
Laid-back living in eclectic Key West, Fla.
A sightseeing train chugs past Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Ernest Hemmingway was a regular patron when he lived in Key West from 1931 to 1942.Photo by Victor BlockEven after several days luxuriating in the sun that bathes Key West in its glow, the essence of the Florida destination eluded me. I had immersed myself in the tiny island’s history, wandered narrow streets lined by... READ MORE
High-tech gambling at Maryland’s casinos
Patrons try their luck at some of Maryland Live!’s 3,200 slot machines. By October, the casino, located at Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover, Md., will grow to the size of three football fields with 4,750 machines, making it one of the largest casinos in the country.Photo courtesy of Maryland Live!The flashing lights of the cavernous compounds lure you in, then the promise of instant... READ MORE
Read nature’s cues for a better garden
Phenology is the science of appearances, or knowing which plants can tell you when to start weeding, planting, fighting insects or tackling any other gardening priority.Once the forsythia begins to bloom, for instance, it’s time to renew your war against crabgrass. When to fertilize the lawn? Think apple blossoms falling. Time to set out tomatoes? Yes, if dogwood trees are in... READ MORE
For most travelers, blood clot risk is low
Good news for budget-minded travelers: There’s no proof that flying economy-class increases your chances of dangerous blood clots, according to new guidelines from medical specialists.Travelers’ blood clots have been nicknamed “economy class syndrome,” but the new advice suggests this is a misnomer.The real risk is not getting up and moving during long flights... READ MORE
Virginia’s hills are alive with country music
Way down in the southwest corner of Virginia, I returned for the night to the white-frame, century-old Nickelsville Hotel at 11 p.m. to find three musicians strumming and singing around the kitchen table. Trapped, I fell into bed three hours later with mountain tunes ringing in my head. When I stumbled out bleary-eyed the next morning, I was treated to a soothing bluegrass... READ MORE
Ways to ease your gardening workload
If you’re gardening more but enjoying it less, maybe it’s time to adopt some labor-saving ideas. Those can range from downsizing to mulching, from using native plants to switching to raised beds.“There’s no such thing as ‘no maintenance’ gardening. All gardens require some effort,” said Christopher Starbuck, an associate professor with the... READ MORE
Insure your trip to ensure peace of mind
Don’t forget to consider travel insurance when you plan your upcoming travels. Decide if you need it and figure the cost into your budgeting. Chances are it won’t be a budget-buster, but failure to buy the right coverage could, in fact, bust your budget beyond any expectations. When do you need travel insurance? I suggest that you consider two important coverages: You need... READ MORE
A family cruise when ‘the kids’ are adults
During the years our two children were growing up, my husband Paul and I enjoyed vacationing with them — renting beach houses together, taking cruises and going on golf vacations.Now in their late 20s, they’ve been on their own for some time. But recently, we invited Amanda and Scott to join us again, this time on a family reunion cruise.It was made a bit more complex by the ... READ MORE
Live like a Greek on the island of Rhodes
Whitewashed houses dot the picturesque coastal village of Lindos on the Greek island of Rhodes. Lindos has its own acropolis and Temple of Athena, along with other archaeological ruins and a popular beach.Photo by: Anders Lundstedt/dreamstime.com“You’ll lose your mind spending two weeks on Rhodes,” we were warned. “Sure, some of the beaches are lovely, and the... READ MORE
Travel 2023
#domestic travel locations #international travel destinations #Europe #italy #Austin #Texas
