Embedded Files
Rick Steves' Sicily
Rick Steves' Sicily
POSTED DECEMBER 15, 2018
Rick Steves takes viewers on a cultural. historical and gastronomic tour of Sicily: "Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, ponder ancient Greek greatness in Siracusa, commune with monks — alive and departed — in a Capuchin crypt, sleep in an olive orchard at an agriturismo, and eat our way through a classic Sicilian banquet with a famous chef." [video link left]
Rick Steves takes viewers on a cultural. historical and gastronomic tour of Sicily: "Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbor in Cefalù, ponder ancient Greek greatness in Siracusa, commune with monks — alive and departed — in a Capuchin crypt, sleep in an olive orchard at an agriturismo, and eat our way through a classic Sicilian banquet with a famous chef." [video link left]
Best Places to Visit in December
Best Places to Visit in December
POSTED NOVEMBER 30, 2018
Business Insider has created a list of best places to travel in December for "every type of traveler." BI looked at "airfare trends, climate data, and worldwide cultural calendars to select 13 vacation spots that should be on your radar for a December vacation. They include a glitzy resort town in Uruguay that's called the "Hamptons of South America," an icy European wonderland filled with Christmas markets and holiday cheer, and the rugged wilderness of Australia's southernmost state."
Business Insider has created a list of best places to travel in December for "every type of traveler." BI looked at "airfare trends, climate data, and worldwide cultural calendars to select 13 vacation spots that should be on your radar for a December vacation. They include a glitzy resort town in Uruguay that's called the "Hamptons of South America," an icy European wonderland filled with Christmas markets and holiday cheer, and the rugged wilderness of Australia's southernmost state."
Islands
Islands
POSTED NOVEMBER 13, 2018
It's not too early to start thinking of next summer's beach vacation nor too late to plan an escape from northern winters with a trip to an exotic island. Conde Nast asked its readers to name the world's best islands outside of the US. Five islands from each of six regions were presented as the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards "Best Islands in the World" [link left]. The top choices by region:
It's not too early to start thinking of next summer's beach vacation nor too late to plan an escape from northern winters with a trip to an exotic island. Conde Nast asked its readers to name the world's best islands outside of the US. Five islands from each of six regions were presented as the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards "Best Islands in the World" [link left]. The top choices by region:
Asia: Siargao, Phillipines
Australia & South Pacific: Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Caribbean & Atlantic: Bermuda
Europe: Mykonos, Greece
North America: Isla Holbox, Mexico
Rest of the world: Maldives
Holiday Train Rides
Holiday Train Rides
POSTED NOVEMBER 2, 2018
Travel + Leisure presents festive train rides for the holiday season (link left).
Travel + Leisure presents festive train rides for the holiday season (link left).
They've put together a list of 16 train rides to take for the holidays. Some of the trains are inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's famed book “The Polar Express,” while others include schnapps-spiked hot chocolate, views of the Northern Lights, and getting to cut your own Christmas tree to take home.
They've put together a list of 16 train rides to take for the holidays. Some of the trains are inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's famed book “The Polar Express,” while others include schnapps-spiked hot chocolate, views of the Northern Lights, and getting to cut your own Christmas tree to take home.
You can catch a ride on twelve of the sixteen right here in the US and Canada.
You can catch a ride on twelve of the sixteen right here in the US and Canada.
Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities for 2019
Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities for 2019
POSTED OCTOBER 25, 2018
Topping the global list is Copenhagen. The two US cities on the list are Seattle and Miami. Here's why they chose Copenhagen as the top city to visit:
Topping the global list is Copenhagen. The two US cities on the list are Seattle and Miami. Here's why they chose Copenhagen as the top city to visit:
"Denmark’s capital of cool is unstoppable. New-Nordic Noma has gourmands swooning with its new digs, urban farm and groundbreaking Scandinavian menus. The city’s booming street-food scene is smashing it on Refshaleøen, where a former shipyard is now rebooted food and craft market Reffen. Amusement park Tivoli Gardens is beating the winter blues with a new February season, while waste-management centre Amager Bakke has jaws dropping with its rooftop ski slope and hiking trails. The Danish Architecture Centre has moved into Ellen van Loon’s buzz-inducing cultural centre BLOX, while the anticipated mid-2019 completion of the Cityringen metro line means even easier cross-town adventures."
Alluring Peninsulas and Sustainable Travel Tips
Alluring Peninsulas and Sustainable Travel Tips
POSTED OCTOBER 11, 2018
Virtuoso Travel provides twenty tips for "sustainable travel," and Lonely Planet gives us a taste of eight intriguing peninsulas
Virtuoso Travel provides twenty tips for "sustainable travel," and Lonely Planet gives us a taste of eight intriguing peninsulas
"Done right, sustainable tourism is more than a catchphrase or a marketing ploy – it’s the basis of enduring, positive benefit that adds purpose to our journeys and meaning to our memories. Here are 20 ways to get sustainability right on your next adventure." (Virtuoso Travel)
"Peninsulas are clear winners as travel destinations: as well as the obvious appeal of their beaches and seaside towns, they often have a distinct identity that marks them out from the mainland proper, and attracts alternatively-minded and eccentric inhabitants." (Lonely Planet link above)
Caribbean Islands Least Likely to Be Hit By a Hurricane
Caribbean Islands Least Likely to Be Hit By a Hurricane
POSTED SEPTEMBER 29, 2018
We have some friends who like to get away on a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season because of the lower rates. As often as not, they end up being diverted, say, to Nova Scotia. It's still hurricane season*, but there are some Caribbean islands less likely to be hit than others. As they warn in a mutual fund prospectus, past performance is no guarantee of future results. But looking at more than 100 years of data, we have some idea of what the safest islands are.
We have some friends who like to get away on a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season because of the lower rates. As often as not, they end up being diverted, say, to Nova Scotia. It's still hurricane season*, but there are some Caribbean islands less likely to be hit than others. As they warn in a mutual fund prospectus, past performance is no guarantee of future results. But looking at more than 100 years of data, we have some idea of what the safest islands are.
There is actually a Dow Jones "Island Index" that estimates these things. The index ranked Curacao as the Caribbean island least likely to be hit by a hurricane, followed by Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Barbados**, and Aruba. So if you are hankering for a Caribbean vacation and can't wait until hurricane season is over, these islands are worth a look.
There is actually a Dow Jones "Island Index" that estimates these things. The index ranked Curacao as the Caribbean island least likely to be hit by a hurricane, followed by Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Barbados**, and Aruba. So if you are hankering for a Caribbean vacation and can't wait until hurricane season is over, these islands are worth a look.
*The Atlantic hurricane season officially extends from June 1 through November 30. September is the most active hurricane month.
**Barbados is experiencing heavy rains and flooding from Tropical Storm Kirk 9/28/18.
Relaxing Fall Getaways
Relaxing Fall Getaways
POSTED SEPTEMBER 12, 2018
Travel Channel has pulled together a gallery of relaxing fall getaways [link below].
Travel Channel has pulled together a gallery of relaxing fall getaways [link below].
Here are a few of the entries:
Here are a few of the entries:
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Located in Lake Huron, this island resort is not only a National Historic Landmark, but it is also a portal back in time to when Victorian architecture was prominent and the only modes of transportation were foot, bicycle or horse. Mackinac Island is known for its opulent fall foliage in October, and it is also famous for its fudge. In fact, many of the island’s confectioners have been making fudge for more than a century.
Cape May, N.J.
Cape May, N.J.
Cape May is great in the summer, but it’s magical in the fall. Autumn is when monarch butterflies converge upon this beach town for a few charmed weeks during their migration. Stop for brunch at the Blue Pig Tavern in Congress Hall hotel (one of President Ulysses S. Grant's favorite places to stay) before doing some serious shopping along Washington Street or bike riding along Beach Avenue.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona
With its surprisingly moderate climate and otherworldly terrain, Sedona is a town full of surprises. The town is considered a spiritual mecca because it’s considered home to a series of vortexes and whirlpools of energy that are believed to facilitate mediation and healing. Whether you believe this or not, stop in one of the many spiritual gift shops for the chance to get your aura read. Or just take a Jeep tour high into the red rocks for a surreal adventure.
Where to Go in September
Where to Go in September
POSTED SEPTEMBER 8, 2018
Two different lists from Thrillist and Lonely Planet. One location is on both lists - the Greek Isles (the Cyclades on Thrillist and the Aegean on Lonely Planet). I was fortunate enough to have been on a cruise there in September, 2010, and September is indeed a great time to go.
Two different lists from Thrillist and Lonely Planet. One location is on both lists - the Greek Isles (the Cyclades on Thrillist and the Aegean on Lonely Planet). I was fortunate enough to have been on a cruise there in September, 2010, and September is indeed a great time to go.
Thrillist: "Obviously the Greek Islands are ridiculous levels of beautiful any time of year, but they get so hot in the summer months and, depending on where you go, unnatural levels of crowded. As someone who grew up visiting these, I can think of no specific reason why they’d be more enjoyable in the pits of summer than the off-season. Try Santorini or Mykonos if you want something a bit more lively, but if you’d rather spend a week eating fresh octopus in a sleepy fishing village with a population of a few dozen, choose from a number of (my favorite) under-the-radar Greek islands. By the by, the proper pronunciation of “gyro” is “YEE-ro,” and the proper way to serve one is with the fries on the inside, the way they’re done here.
Lonely Planet: "Meanwhile in Greece, September poses the perfect time to hop around the Aegean. Skip the tourist ferries and catch the old cruisers to some of the region’s lesser-frequented isles and you’ll likely find a golden stretch of sand and traditional taverna all to yourself."
Lonely Planet's "First Time Guide to London"
Lonely Planet's "First Time Guide to London"
POSTED AUGUST 22, 2018
Lonely Planet has compiled a nice intro to the great city of London. It covers getting there, the London sights and neighbourhoods, eating & drinking, sleeping accommodations, getting around in London, what to pack, safety, and etiquette - plus a link to London do's and don'ts.
Lonely Planet has compiled a nice intro to the great city of London. It covers getting there, the London sights and neighbourhoods, eating & drinking, sleeping accommodations, getting around in London, what to pack, safety, and etiquette - plus a link to London do's and don'ts.
"You can find anything here if you look hard enough because there is an entire world of experiences in one city.
"London is not just saturated in multiculturalism, but defined by it: people from 270 different countries speak more than 300 languages. And in this United Nations of a capital it wouldn’t be at all unfeasible, in the space of 24 hours, to eat Ethiopian stew, have a salsa lesson, gaze upon artefacts from Ancient Egypt, slurp down Vietnamese pho, and listen to an oompah band in a Bavarian beer hall.
"This isn’t to say London’s identity is entirely made up of globe-spanning components; it still has uniqueness by the bucketload. The buses really are red, the taxis really are black, and that massive clock by the river really is magnificent. The main attractions are world-class, often incomparably so, and absolutely worth visiting, but whether on a first visit or a hundredth there’s always more to discover." (Lonely Planet)
Iceland
Iceland
POSTED AUGUST 9, 2018
Discovered by Norse explorers in the 9th century, Iceland has become a popular travel destination. Travel + Leisure notes that the small island nation has had a "veritable avalanche of tourism over the last five years." Reykjavik, its capital, took the #2 spot on Trip Advisor's Most Excellent Cities list. The traveler is treated to amazing landscapes, fjords, active volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal springs, the midnight sun in summer, the northern lights in winter, and a "vigorous cultural life, which celebrates a literary legacy that stretches from medieval sagas to contemporary thrillers by way of Nobel Prize winners."
Discovered by Norse explorers in the 9th century, Iceland has become a popular travel destination. Travel + Leisure notes that the small island nation has had a "veritable avalanche of tourism over the last five years." Reykjavik, its capital, took the #2 spot on Trip Advisor's Most Excellent Cities list. The traveler is treated to amazing landscapes, fjords, active volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal springs, the midnight sun in summer, the northern lights in winter, and a "vigorous cultural life, which celebrates a literary legacy that stretches from medieval sagas to contemporary thrillers by way of Nobel Prize winners."
Reykjavik's top sights, according to Lonely Planet, include the immense white concrete church Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa cultural center, the National Museum, and the Settlement Exhibition - a "fascinating archaeological ruin and museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002, and other settlement-era finds from central Reykjavík."
Reykjavik's top sights, according to Lonely Planet, include the immense white concrete church Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa cultural center, the National Museum, and the Settlement Exhibition - a "fascinating archaeological ruin and museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002, and other settlement-era finds from central Reykjavík."
Most travel sites suggest using Reykjavik as a base and spending most of the time looking at the rest of the island, exploring its fjords, geothermal waters, glaciers, and waterfalls. Rick Steves has created itineraries ranging from a 24 hour stopover to a 10 day road trip and everything in between.
Most travel sites suggest using Reykjavik as a base and spending most of the time looking at the rest of the island, exploring its fjords, geothermal waters, glaciers, and waterfalls. Rick Steves has created itineraries ranging from a 24 hour stopover to a 10 day road trip and everything in between.
The Blue Lagoon tops most lists of must-see sights. Travel Channel: "What’s not to love about crystal-blue, geothermal water that hovers between 98 and 102 degrees year-round with views of spectacular, snow-covered lava rocks in every direction? After spending an entire day soaking in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll emerge feeling like a new person — and looking like one, too. The sulfur- and silica-rich water is known for its natural, age-defying healing powers."
The Blue Lagoon tops most lists of must-see sights. Travel Channel: "What’s not to love about crystal-blue, geothermal water that hovers between 98 and 102 degrees year-round with views of spectacular, snow-covered lava rocks in every direction? After spending an entire day soaking in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll emerge feeling like a new person — and looking like one, too. The sulfur- and silica-rich water is known for its natural, age-defying healing powers."
If you are looking to get away from it all and experience nature's solitude, Lonely Planet recommends the remote Westfjords: "The Westfjords is where Iceland’s dramatic landscapes come to a riveting climax and where mass tourism disappears – only about 10% of Iceland's visitors ever see the region. Jagged bird cliffs and broad multihued dream beaches flank the south. Rutted dirt roads snake north along jaw-dropping coastal fjords and over immense central mountains, revealing tiny fishing villages embracing traditional ways of life. In the far north, the Hornstrandir hiking reserve crowns the quiet region, and is home to cairn-marked walking paths revealing bird life, Arctic foxes and ocean vistas."
If you are looking to get away from it all and experience nature's solitude, Lonely Planet recommends the remote Westfjords: "The Westfjords is where Iceland’s dramatic landscapes come to a riveting climax and where mass tourism disappears – only about 10% of Iceland's visitors ever see the region. Jagged bird cliffs and broad multihued dream beaches flank the south. Rutted dirt roads snake north along jaw-dropping coastal fjords and over immense central mountains, revealing tiny fishing villages embracing traditional ways of life. In the far north, the Hornstrandir hiking reserve crowns the quiet region, and is home to cairn-marked walking paths revealing bird life, Arctic foxes and ocean vistas."
Travel + Leisure adds Thorsmork as a sight to see, noting its popularity with locals: "Thorsmark, or Thor’s Woods in Icelandic, and the adjacent Godaland—Land of the Gods—are considered by many Icelanders to be the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. This fertile valley is sheltered from the brutal Arctic winds by several brooding glaciers, creating an ethereal floodplain of volcanic stone and chilly rivers. Iceland’s most famous multi-day hike, the 49-mile Laugavegurinn Trail, traditionally ends in Thorsmork—and a bowl of hot soup with bread from the Volcano Huts are a welcome reward after completing Iceland's longest hike.
Travel + Leisure adds Thorsmork as a sight to see, noting its popularity with locals: "Thorsmark, or Thor’s Woods in Icelandic, and the adjacent Godaland—Land of the Gods—are considered by many Icelanders to be the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. This fertile valley is sheltered from the brutal Arctic winds by several brooding glaciers, creating an ethereal floodplain of volcanic stone and chilly rivers. Iceland’s most famous multi-day hike, the 49-mile Laugavegurinn Trail, traditionally ends in Thorsmork—and a bowl of hot soup with bread from the Volcano Huts are a welcome reward after completing Iceland's longest hike.
Viewing the Northern Lights tops Travel Channel's list of "Magical Reasons to Visit Iceland". Most travelers visit Iceland during the summer with its (very) long days and moderate temperatures, so seeing the aurora borealis won't happen for them. Travel + Leisure offers this advice for those eager to see the Northern Lights in Iceland: "Aurora spotting season in Iceland runs from October until March...But those who trek to the northern country in hopes of spotting the aurora borealis are not guaranteed a view. And predicting the Northern Lights remains an impossible scientific feat....Icelandair has developed a tool to help travelers better predict exactly what kind of sky show they’re in for if they visit...For those extra eager to view the northern lights, Icelandair recommends trying to book a flight after dark as the best views of the aurora borealis are from higher altitudes.
Viewing the Northern Lights tops Travel Channel's list of "Magical Reasons to Visit Iceland". Most travelers visit Iceland during the summer with its (very) long days and moderate temperatures, so seeing the aurora borealis won't happen for them. Travel + Leisure offers this advice for those eager to see the Northern Lights in Iceland: "Aurora spotting season in Iceland runs from October until March...But those who trek to the northern country in hopes of spotting the aurora borealis are not guaranteed a view. And predicting the Northern Lights remains an impossible scientific feat....Icelandair has developed a tool to help travelers better predict exactly what kind of sky show they’re in for if they visit...For those extra eager to view the northern lights, Icelandair recommends trying to book a flight after dark as the best views of the aurora borealis are from higher altitudes.
Travel + Leisure offers a short primer on travel to Iceland. Among its tips: "Iceland is continuously subjected to the fickle weather of the North Atlantic, and travelers should pack for all four seasons no matter the time of year."
Travel + Leisure offers a short primer on travel to Iceland. Among its tips: "Iceland is continuously subjected to the fickle weather of the North Atlantic, and travelers should pack for all four seasons no matter the time of year."
Hallgrímskirkja. Lonely Planet.
Blue Lagoon. Steve Allen/Getty Images
Thorsmark. Getty Images/Pinterest.
Northern Lights. Paul Morris/Pinterest
"Next Time" Visits to Favorite Places
"Next Time" Visits to Favorite Places
POSTED JULY 31, 2018
The travel advising agency "Virtuoso Traveler" has an interesting article on "next time" visits to some popular travel spots. They note, "There’s nothing wrong with visiting the same place twice." The destinations in the article finished at the top of their online Travel Dreams Tournament, a "social media competition in which thousands of votes were cast to determine the ultimate vacation destination." They also make suggestions for a first time trip. Machu Picchu + Peru, New Zealand, Tuscany, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Paris, South Africa and Greece topped the list.
The travel advising agency "Virtuoso Traveler" has an interesting article on "next time" visits to some popular travel spots. They note, "There’s nothing wrong with visiting the same place twice." The destinations in the article finished at the top of their online Travel Dreams Tournament, a "social media competition in which thousands of votes were cast to determine the ultimate vacation destination." They also make suggestions for a first time trip. Machu Picchu + Peru, New Zealand, Tuscany, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Paris, South Africa and Greece topped the list.
Below are their recommendations for Hawaii - shorn of VT's links to hotels, etc. - see their website if interested.
Below are their recommendations for Hawaii - shorn of VT's links to hotels, etc. - see their website if interested.
“Hawaii is worth visiting more than once because each island is incredibly diverse in topography, marine life, and activities,” says Garden Grove, California-based Virtuoso advisor Dani Johnson. What they all have in common: Life revolves around the water, so whether you’re hiking on Kauai, whale-watching off the coast of Hawaii Island, or lazing the afternoon away on a secluded Oahu beach, be ready for some sunshine.
First Time: Pick one island to begin: Most require at least five days for maximum enjoyment, Johnson notes. Maui is a good choice for first-timers – it’s a crowd-pleaser with “a little bit of activity, gorgeous beaches, consistent weather, and many wonderful restaurant options,” Johnson says...
Next Time: Laid-back getaways are already Hawaii’s specialty, but Lanai takes them to new levels. The 140-square-mile island’s rugged landscape and sparse population set it apart from its neighbors, as do its “phenomenal beaches and secluded environment, along with some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling and diving,” Johnson adds.
Left: Kapalua Bay Beach. Photo by Montage Kapalua Bay
US National Parks - best rated, most underrated and best to visit to escape the crowds
US National Parks - best rated, most underrated and best to visit to escape the crowds
POSTED JULY 12, 2018
John Muir, co-founder of the Sierra Club, devoted much of his time to the preservation of the Western forests of the United States. As part of the campaign to make Yosemite a national park, Muir published two landmark articles on wilderness preservation in The Century Magazine, "The Treasures of the Yosemite" and "Features of the Proposed Yosemite National Park"; this helped support the push for U.S. Congress to pass a bill in 1890 establishing Yosemite as the first national park.
John Muir, co-founder of the Sierra Club, devoted much of his time to the preservation of the Western forests of the United States. As part of the campaign to make Yosemite a national park, Muir published two landmark articles on wilderness preservation in The Century Magazine, "The Treasures of the Yosemite" and "Features of the Proposed Yosemite National Park"; this helped support the push for U.S. Congress to pass a bill in 1890 establishing Yosemite as the first national park.
The National Park system today has 58 parks. With such a plethora of options, how can you possibly choose where to start? I've found several lists that may help - a blogger's ranking of the parks, Travel + Leisure's list of the most underrated, and The (U.K.) Guardian's advice to its readers where to go to escape the crowds.
The National Park system today has 58 parks. With such a plethora of options, how can you possibly choose where to start? I've found several lists that may help - a blogger's ranking of the parks, Travel + Leisure's list of the most underrated, and The (U.K.) Guardian's advice to its readers where to go to escape the crowds.
Blogger Matt Meltzer created a personally-ranked list of his favorite parks for Thrillist Travel. He's collected some stunning photos like this one of Yellowstone.
Blogger Matt Meltzer created a personally-ranked list of his favorite parks for Thrillist Travel. He's collected some stunning photos like this one of Yellowstone.
[YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING | INGER ERIKSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK]
Travel + Leisure's list of most underrated national parks is 8 years old, but there is no reason to suspect that the list would be any different today. The photo on the link to the left is of Biscayne National Park in Florida.
Travel + Leisure's list of most underrated national parks is 8 years old, but there is no reason to suspect that the list would be any different today. The photo on the link to the left is of Biscayne National Park in Florida.
The Guardian takes T+L's idea one step further in its May 25, 2018 article. Figure out which national park you would really like to see and then see an alternate recommended by writers and environmentalists that has much fewer annual visitors. At the top of their list, as an alternate to Acadia National Park in Maine with 3.5 million visitors, they suggest Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota with 237,000 annual visitors (photo below Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park).
The Guardian takes T+L's idea one step further in its May 25, 2018 article. Figure out which national park you would really like to see and then see an alternate recommended by writers and environmentalists that has much fewer annual visitors. At the top of their list, as an alternate to Acadia National Park in Maine with 3.5 million visitors, they suggest Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota with 237,000 annual visitors (photo below Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park).
TripAdvisor's "Most Excellent Cities in the World"
TripAdvisor's "Most Excellent Cities in the World"
POSTED JUNE 24, 2018
At a loss for where to visit next? TripAdvisor has issued its eighth annual list of the "most excellent cities in the world."* Key West tops the list this year.
At a loss for where to visit next? TripAdvisor has issued its eighth annual list of the "most excellent cities in the world."* Key West tops the list this year.
*The ranking is based on the places with the highest percentage of TripAdvisor listed businesses receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in the city. To determine Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a "comprehensive algorithm to look at quality, quantity and recency of reviews on the site, as well as the business' tenure on the site from April 1st, 2017 to March 31st, 2018."
Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2018
Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2018
POSTED JUNE 14, 2018
Lonely Planet has made its 2018 picks for the best European travel destinations. They range from well-known areas like Provence to lesser known locales like the Vilnius, Lithuania.
Lonely Planet has made its 2018 picks for the best European travel destinations. They range from well-known areas like Provence to lesser known locales like the Vilnius, Lithuania.
Traditional fishing boats bob in the shallows of Koufonisia, the best-known of the Small Cyclades © Nicole Kwiatkowski / Shutterstock
"Scattered in the Aegean Sea between Naxos and Amorgos, the Small Cyclades are off the radar of most visitors to this charmed part of the world, although one of them – Koufonisia – has become an increasingly sizeable blip for in-the-know travellers. Head to these beauties for a taste of the Greek Islands as they were decades ago, especially on Iraklia, Schinousa and Donousa." (Lonely Planet)
A couple of "10's" from the Travel Channel
A couple of "10's" from the Travel Channel
Packing your suitcase and dining alfresco
Packing your suitcase and dining alfresco
POSTED MAY 31, 2018
A fun-filled trip doesn’t start when you begin exploring a new destination. Nor does it begin the second your plane lifts off. Nope, the truth is that every vacation kicks off when you’re still at home, the moment you yank your suitcase out of storage and begin packing.
Across the globe, as temperatures rise during spring and summer, tables appear outside scores of restaurants, and winter-weary diners embrace alfresco eating. From New York City to Sydney, we've gathered our favorite places to dine alfresco.
Prague Spring
Prague Spring
POSTED 5/20/2018
Prague, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, has intrigued me for 50 years. The Prague Spring of 1968 was an attempt by the Czechs to democratize their country during the Iron Curtain era. It began on 5 January 1968, when reformist Alexander Dubček was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, and continued until 21 August 1968 when the Soviet Union and other members of the Warsaw Pact invaded the country to halt the reforms. The Prague Spring coincided with a similar period of turmoil* in the United States as opposition to the Vietnam War intensified. The crushing of the Prague Spring happened less than one week before the Chicago "police riot"** which saw police battling anti-war demonstrators at the Democratic National Convention.
Prague, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, has intrigued me for 50 years. The Prague Spring of 1968 was an attempt by the Czechs to democratize their country during the Iron Curtain era. It began on 5 January 1968, when reformist Alexander Dubček was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, and continued until 21 August 1968 when the Soviet Union and other members of the Warsaw Pact invaded the country to halt the reforms. The Prague Spring coincided with a similar period of turmoil* in the United States as opposition to the Vietnam War intensified. The crushing of the Prague Spring happened less than one week before the Chicago "police riot"** which saw police battling anti-war demonstrators at the Democratic National Convention.
"Prague has been nicknamed the "city of a thousand spires." As you glance over its 1,100-year-old skyline you'll be rewarded with countless splendid views of lovely domed churches and soaring old towers that combine to make Prague one of Europe's architectural gems. Everywhere you look, fine examples of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles dot the city, providing a dramatic contrast to the sturdy ancient Prague Castle. Possessing one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe, Prague's narrow lane ways open up onto spectacular squares, each home to fine old homes and historical buildings just waiting to be explored." (Bryan Dearsley, Planetware)
"Prague has been nicknamed the "city of a thousand spires." As you glance over its 1,100-year-old skyline you'll be rewarded with countless splendid views of lovely domed churches and soaring old towers that combine to make Prague one of Europe's architectural gems. Everywhere you look, fine examples of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles dot the city, providing a dramatic contrast to the sturdy ancient Prague Castle. Possessing one of the best-preserved historic city centers in Europe, Prague's narrow lane ways open up onto spectacular squares, each home to fine old homes and historical buildings just waiting to be explored." (Bryan Dearsley, Planetware)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Prague with clear skies, highs ranging from the mid-50s to the upper 60s and much lower room rates. (US News & World Report)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Prague with clear skies, highs ranging from the mid-50s to the upper 60s and much lower room rates. (US News & World Report)
Above: Prague Castle
Below: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
Below: Clementinum and National Library, St. Vitus Cathedral
*Events in the US and Vietnam during the period of the Prague Spring of 1968 include: the Tet offensive (January 30), the My Lai massacre (March 16), Robert Kennedy enters the Presidential race (March 16), MOBE, SDS, and Yippie activists plan the Convention demonstrations (March 22-23). Lyndon Johnson declines to run for a second term (March 31), the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King (April 4), Civil Rights Act of 1968 (April 11), students occupy Columbia University (April 23-30), J. Edgar Hoover memorandum to all FBI field offices initiating a counter-intelligence program to disrupt new left groups (May 14), "Catonsville Nine" burn draft records in Baltimore suburb (May 17), the assassination of Robert Kennedy (June 5), march and rally permits denied by City of Chicago (July 29), Republicans nominate Richard Nixon for President and the Republican "Southern Strategy" begins (Aug 5-8)
**The term "police riot" was coined by Dan Walker, an Illinois political reformer and governor. Walker headed the Chicago Study Team that investigated the violent clashes between police and protesters at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The Walker Report decried the "unrestrained and indiscriminate police violence [perpetrated] on many occasions. "
Travel + Leisure's "Best Places to Travel in June"
Travel + Leisure's "Best Places to Travel in June"
POSTED 5/8/2018
June is a great travel month. Warm, sunny days not yet laden with the heat and humidity of summer. Travel + Leisure presents its top choices for travel in June. Not surprisingly, Venice is on the list and also, the "Venice of the North" Stockholm.
June is a great travel month. Warm, sunny days not yet laden with the heat and humidity of summer. Travel + Leisure presents its top choices for travel in June. Not surprisingly, Venice is on the list and also, the "Venice of the North" Stockholm.
For the rest of the list as well as the reasons these locales are on the June list, click on the embedded link below.
For the rest of the list as well as the reasons these locales are on the June list, click on the embedded link below.
"In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the last of the remaining tree buds have opened, butterflies and birds have returned from migration, wildflowers flourish across its meadows, and newborn animals begin to emerge with their mothers. "
Cruise Tips
Cruise Tips
POSTED 4/20/2018
Taking a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel. Unpack once and visit many different ports. There's great food and entertainment, safe tours with knowledgeable local guides, and plenty to do on-board for "at sea" days. Here are a few tips.
Taking a cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel. Unpack once and visit many different ports. There's great food and entertainment, safe tours with knowledgeable local guides, and plenty to do on-board for "at sea" days. Here are a few tips.
1. Decide where you want to go and select the cruise that best meets what you and your companion(s) want to do.
1. Decide where you want to go and select the cruise that best meets what you and your companion(s) want to do.
If you're on a family cruise, select one that is geared to families. If you have mobility problems, select a cruise that offers "low activity" tours in most or all ports. In choosing a cruise line, get advice from others who have traveled with them
2. Do not select a cruise on price alone.
2. Do not select a cruise on price alone.
You can often get great last minute deals, for example, to the Caribbean during hurricane season. But that doesn't matter if the ship has to be diverted to Nova Scotia. Price is an important factor, but only one factor. In the price comparison between cruise lines, take into account what's included and what's not in the base price. Many cruises are (nearly) "all-inclusive"; some include airfare and transfers to and from the ship; some offer specialty dining packages, etc.
3. Get a cabin with a view. It's worth it.
3. Get a cabin with a view. It's worth it.
While there are plenty of great views in the common areas, there's something really nice about having the opportunity to see the water constantly. It's one of the reasons, after all, that you chose to cruise.
4. If you are prone to (or concerned about) seasickness, get a cabin mid-ship on one of the lower decks - but not below the water line or directly above the major public areas.
4. If you are prone to (or concerned about) seasickness, get a cabin mid-ship on one of the lower decks - but not below the water line or directly above the major public areas.
Most cruise ships are large enough that you shouldn't have a problem with sea-sickness unless you are particularly prone to it. For other advice on avoiding or treating, USA Today has a good, short article.
5. "The best way to ensure a relaxing first day onboard is to figure out, pre-cruise, which activity and dining reservations are most important to you — and make them! Then your first day of vacation can start immediately."
5. "The best way to ensure a relaxing first day onboard is to figure out, pre-cruise, which activity and dining reservations are most important to you — and make them! Then your first day of vacation can start immediately."
Good advice from the Royal Caribbean website. You can make these reservations later - often up to the night before the event, but why bother when you can do it at your leisure before the trip.
6. A cruise can be as active or as relaxed as you like. Choose your activities to fit your desires.
6. A cruise can be as active or as relaxed as you like. Choose your activities to fit your desires.
7. Once you've selected a cruise, peruse the cruise line's website for details - online check-in, the use of cash onboard, electronics capability (e.g., will you need a converter or adapter? for a family cabin, should you consider bringing a power strip?), passport requirements, etc.
7. Once you've selected a cruise, peruse the cruise line's website for details - online check-in, the use of cash onboard, electronics capability (e.g., will you need a converter or adapter? for a family cabin, should you consider bringing a power strip?), passport requirements, etc.
Onboard internet capabilities can be disappointing - with very slow speeds and excessive downtime. I generally don't get any of the offered packages and use the internet only when necessary. Most ports have internet cafes or free hot spots.
8. Pack wisely.
8. Pack wisely.
Consider taking carry-on luggage only - especially if there is a connecting flight to the embarkation port. Most cruises do not require anything more formal than a jacket - even on "formal" night. Laundry rooms and/or laundry services are provided on all cruises.
Rick Steves offers some good advice on packing smart and traveling light. It's not specific for cruises but is "packed" with tips.
Take a backpack or small day bag for the tours.
Mark your luggage well. Depending on the disembarkation port and/or the cruise line, you may find yourself searching through hundreds of similar black, soft-sided pieces of luggage at the end of the cruise.
9. Learn what you can about your destinations.
9. Learn what you can about your destinations.
Some tours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the country or city. Knowledge - of their history, culture, customs, language, sites - enriches the experience.
10. Other advice from the experts can be found on the web. Here are two that seemed interesting.
10. Other advice from the experts can be found on the web. Here are two that seemed interesting.
9 Things to Do Immediately After You Board
Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
---RJC, April 20, 2018
Lonely Planet's Top Ten Islands for 2018
Lonely Planet's Top Ten Islands for 2018
POSTED 4/14/2018
Almost a month into Spring and parts of the US are still being hammered with winter storms. Sooner or later Spring and Summer will really arrive. Until then, sit back, relax and plan (or dream of) a vacation to one of Lonely Planet's "Top Ten Islands for 2018".
Almost a month into Spring and parts of the US are still being hammered with winter storms. Sooner or later Spring and Summer will really arrive. Until then, sit back, relax and plan (or dream of) a vacation to one of Lonely Planet's "Top Ten Islands for 2018".
The 101 Best Restaurants in America (The Daily Meal)
The 101 Best Restaurants in America (The Daily Meal)
POSTED 3/21/2018
"What makes a good restaurant a 'best'? Food that's better than just good, of course. A dining room and a level of service that suit the quality of what's on the plate. A good wine list (which doesn't always mean an encyclopedic one), good beers and/or cocktails where appropriate. And then the less easily quantifiable stuff: personality, imagination (or intelligent commitment to a lack of same), consistency." - The Daily Meal
"What makes a good restaurant a 'best'? Food that's better than just good, of course. A dining room and a level of service that suit the quality of what's on the plate. A good wine list (which doesn't always mean an encyclopedic one), good beers and/or cocktails where appropriate. And then the less easily quantifiable stuff: personality, imagination (or intelligent commitment to a lack of same), consistency." - The Daily Meal
The Greek Isles
The Greek Isles
POSTED 2/17/2018
I will never forget waking to a view of Santorini. The bright white homes and churches with their blue trim and domes perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. It may have spoiled me for the rest of the trip. Our guide remarked that it used to be said that Santorini had more churches than people and more donkeys than churches. No longer - it has become a favorite vacation spot for many. Santorini is one of the Cyclades Islands and overlooks the caldera of a still active volcano ( the last eruption was 3,600 years ago). Jacques Cousteau looked for the ancient city of Atlantis here. The island has some excellent restaurants and produces a number of wines made from grapes grown in its volcanic soil. My second favorite Greek island was Mykonos, where we enjoyed fresh anchovies and a glass of ouzo while looking out over the harbor. These islands are also listed as number 1 and 2 in the list of best Greek islands compiled by touropia.
- RJC, 2/17/2018
Santorini (Photo: touropia website)
Mykonos (Photo: touropia website)
The 10 Most Beautiful Countries
The 10 Most Beautiful Countries
POSTED 2/11/2018
All lists of top 10 anything are subjective. I liked this one from UCityGuides. It has Italy as number 1, Spain as number 2, and Greece as number 5 - close to my personal ranking as 1,2, and 3. Apologies for the ads and the oversized font, but I wanted to embed this (rather than give a link) so you could just scroll through the beautiful images.
All lists of top 10 anything are subjective. I liked this one from UCityGuides. It has Italy as number 1, Spain as number 2, and Greece as number 5 - close to my personal ranking as 1,2, and 3. Apologies for the ads and the oversized font, but I wanted to embed this (rather than give a link) so you could just scroll through the beautiful images.
-RJC, 2/11/2018
Note (2/24): The UCITYGUIDES webpage has a small glitch. All of the countries are now numbered #1. The original page had them going from 1 through 10 from the top.
The New 7 Wonders of the World
The New 7 Wonders of the World
POSTED 1/31/2018
"The Seven Wonders of the World has historically been a listing of seven sites known to the Ancient Greeks as the most notable locales in their known world. Since then, many have developed lists of the "modern" Seven Wonders of the World. " With this introduction, the ThoughtCo. website presents several of those lists along with the Ancient Seven Wonders. One of the more intriguing lists was developed by the New 7 Wonders organization. using global internet voting. The seven new wonders were announced on July 7, 2007 (07.07.07). Here they are. (Images are from the Travel Channel website, which cites various sources for the images and presents the list "without ranking".)
"The Seven Wonders of the World has historically been a listing of seven sites known to the Ancient Greeks as the most notable locales in their known world. Since then, many have developed lists of the "modern" Seven Wonders of the World. " With this introduction, the ThoughtCo. website presents several of those lists along with the Ancient Seven Wonders. One of the more intriguing lists was developed by the New 7 Wonders organization. using global internet voting. The seven new wonders were announced on July 7, 2007 (07.07.07). Here they are. (Images are from the Travel Channel website, which cites various sources for the images and presents the list "without ranking".)
Left: The Great Wall of China; built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century
Right: Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro (1931); the 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa
Left: Machu Picchu, Peru; built in the mid 15th century, an Incan city of sparkling granite near Cuzco;
Right: Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; flourished from 800 to 1200 as the economic and political hub of the Mayan civilization
Left: the Roman Coliseum, built between 70 and 80 A.D. ; in use for 500 years and sat 50,000 spectators
Right: the Taj Mahal, Agra, India; built 1632-1648 it was a mauso-leum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Above: Petra, Jordan - The ancient city has intricate tunnels and water chambers, a pseudo-oasis. a number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery .
Below: A video of the seven wonders of the ancient world. All except the pyramids of Giza are gone.
Below: A video of the seven wonders of the ancient world. All except the pyramids of Giza are gone.
Baio do Sancho in Brazil tops the list. Siesta Key is the US entry. (POSTED 1/27/2018)
Below: Baio do Sancho, Trip Advisor's #1 beach
POSTED 2/1/2018
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse