Destinations

Is there a community in this world that does not have music? It would seem that music is one of the few common threads that bind humanity. We may not all like the Spice Girls, for example, but we all like something. This has always been the case. Even in ancient times people felt the need to make noise beyond the grunts and groans that come out of our mouths. Music is a universal phenomenon and it isn’t going anywhere soon.

Many people travel to listen to music in ... [read more]

It is hard to imagine that 42,807 people choose to live in the desert. That is the population of Palm Springs, California, a town with an average daytime high of 108 degrees in the summer. That is the population of a place that averages 354 days of sunshine per year and on average receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. How is a town that size able to sustain itself in a place that dry? Do the residents take their buckets and fill them up at the local ... [read more]

It is not every day that one comes across a cruise that makes a port of call in Haiti. The impoverished Caribbean nation once had a thriving tourism business but that has certainly not been the case for a number of years. Perhaps that is all about to change.

Royal Caribbean International offers up a 5-day cruise from Miami that goes to both Jamaica and Haiti. The ship stops in Labadie, Haiti which is described in the following fashion:

Labadie has the distinctive charm of delivering in just one place some of the best ... [read more]

If you do a Google search for Rome the first thing that comes up is a television series on HBO by that very name. How did a show that has only been around for a couple of years beat out a city that has been inhabited since around the 8th Century BC? The whole thing about Rome not being built in a day doesn’t apply to the Internet apparently. A couple of years is equal to a day when you are talking about development over centuries.

The deal for today has ... [read more]

If you were in London this very second check out all the cool things you could be doing. If you are in London this very second, what the hell are you doing reading this blog? Go out and enjoy life already. You live in one of the coolest places on this planet. Go be cool.

For the rest of you, if you want to be cool too and hang out with all the cool kids in London, now is the time of year to get your cool on. ... [read more]

There might be lovelier places in spring than Paris but I can’t think of many. After the winter gloom departs and the flowers remember that they are supposed to be colorful, Paris comes alive in a way that doesn’t exist the rest of the year. Indeed, springtime is the time for Parisians to enjoy Paris. The tourists aren’t out in big numbers and the city’s many charms are on full display.

Many a person has fallen in love in Paris in the spring and many a couple have rekindled the flames ... [read more]

You can hardly go a click of mouse in your Internet travels these days without coming across some kind of deal on Caribbean vacation packages. In fact, you are likely to come across ads with blinking lights and dancing coconut shells or something equally absurd. I promise never to have blinking anythings on this site. Can’t promise I won’t be absurd though.

Now that the winter holiday rush is over and Spring Break is soon to be a hazy memory, the various resorts in the Caribbean are eager to ... [read more]

Mirrors on the ceiling and pink champagne on ice are not for everyone. I personally prefer mirrors on the floor and pink lemonade. There are, of course, more hotels in Los Angeles than just the Hotel California. The city and, in fact, all of Southern California has some excellent places to lay your head at night when you aren’t busy trying to make it big on the big screen.

Los Angeles area hotels are plentiful and as with most things involved with the city they range from truly memorable to truly ... [read more]

When I arrived in Fiji a few years back I had a backpack on my shoulder and a limited amount of money in my pockets. I was traveling by myself and merely had a travel guide to direct me. I had been on the road for weeks and was feeling completely worn down. I was lonely and tired of people. I had lost faith in humanity. All I wanted to do was go home, a sad thought considering I had just landed on an island that is close ... [read more]

Do you ever find it annoying when people use the word “aloha” when they are speaking English? I do. It is a pretty word and in Hawaiian it sounds great but when you sprinkle it in with English conversation it just sounds silly. That is my pet peeve for the week. You are forewarned. If I hear you saying aloha in an inappropriate setting I will scorn you and not share my delicious freshly sliced Hawaiian pineapple with you.

Now, if you are in Hawaii and you feel the ... [read more]

In our never-ending search to find unusual cruise itineraries we’ve come across this one. It is a 16-day voyage aboard Costa Cruise Lines‘ Costa Magica. Unlike those other boring old cruises that simply go from Florida to the Bahamas, this one is not content to just end there. No, this is a cruise for the adventurer. It is a cruise for people who like to spend time at sea. It is a cruise for the ocean-tested souls amongst us. It is a cruise to Copenhagen, Denmark ... [read more]

Greece is a very proud and patriotic country, as well it should be. Greek history is long and storied. It is little wonder that the country’s modern national anthem has no less than 158 verses. It might take you a full millennium just to sing them all.

Fortunately you will not be asked to sing it on Royal Caribbean’s 7-night cruise of the Greek Isles. You might be persuaded to do some karaoke, but that is par for the course on a cruise. This is a cruise that ... [read more]

Does the thought of wearing cucumbers on your eyes excite you? Does the mere mention of a mud bath get your juices flowing? Do you go to night dreaming about a deep tissue massage?

If you answered yes to those three questions than you are just like me; you are a health spa fiend. It doesn’t matter where the spa is located, I love them. My friend even convinced me to go to one in a strip mall next to a major interstate highway. It was heaven.

I ... [read more]

Here is a way to join the mile-high club without having to sneak off to a cramped airplane restroom while the rest of the cabin is watching a cheesy romantic comedy at 50,000 feet. Simply visit Denver, Colorado and enjoy the company of your significant other in the comfort of a bed, chair, swing, or whatever. After all, Denver is the Mile High City so by my calculations that means you will be in the club. Of course I am not president of the club so I don’t have the ... [read more]

The postcard had to be invented because of Vermont. Many years ago a person must have been traveling through the state without a camera only hoping to share the beauty with her friends and loved ones back home. The spectacular Green Mountains, the charming little villages, the clear blue lakes¦mere words could not do the state justice. She must have convinced someone to take a picture for her and to post it in the mail.

That is always how I envision Vermont. Having spent a lot of time there I ... [read more]

Traveling to Europe in the summer is a bit akin to being a cow in a cattle drive. The herds of masses obligingly travel from one old church to another with the occasional stop at a famous landmark for a picture or two. Not that there is anything wrong with this. Europe is a wonderful continent with no shortages of beautiful sights, but to go there in the summer months is to know the true meaning of an overpopulated world.

One way around this is to travel during the off-season. ... [read more]

It wasn’t long ago that you couldn’t pay people to vacation in the Dominican Republic. Some peaceful times, a few shots of half-clothed celebrities lounging on the beaches there and a plethora of new resorts that are out of this world have changed all of that. The DR is hot, hot, hot as they like to say in the travel industry.

Because it is hot, hot, hot, prices are going up, up, up. Sure you can still fly to the island and find a fleabag hotel that isn’t very expensive, but ... [read more]

With its location on Lake Michigan and nearly constant air movement you would think that Chicago deserves to be called the Windy City. But did you know that there are a number of cities in the United States that have a higher average wind speed than Chicago’s 10.4 miles per hours?

Casper, Wyo. (12.9 m.p.h.), Boston (12.5), Buffalo (12), Milwaukee (11.6), and Honolulu (11.4) are all windier. Incidentally, America’s windiest city is Blue Hill, Mass., with an average velocity of 15.4 m.p.h. Now you know why people in Blue Hill live in ... [read more]

We’re a little over a year away from the 2008 Summer Olympics and by all accounts things are full steam ahead in Beijing, China. You better start training if you have any hope to win the speed walking competition. The Summer Games, along with the booming Chinese economy, is helping to transform Beijing each and every day. Gone are the small little alleys and side streets that were unique to Beijing. In are new, modern buildings, an improved infrastructure and an increasing number of residents living a middle class ... [read more]

Some people are Francophiles and others are Anglophiles. What about people who are lovers of lovers? Are we philephiles?

Word musings aside, if you are an Anglophile or simply have a desire to visit the British Isles I have found the perfect cruise for you. Celebrity Cruises have sunk a lot of money into renovating the Century and they want to show it off in style. They are offering a nine-day cruise of the British Isles.

You might be thinking that the British Isles are small and that it would ... [read more]

It happens every year at this time. It starts out with me watching a cycling race from Europe. I watch the riders going through historic cities, climbing spectacular mountains and pedaling through quaint towns that look like they are straight off of a postcard. I start caring less and less for the race and more and more for the scenery. The next thing you know I am booking a flight to Europe. I need to kill my television.

This week’s race is from Paris to Nice, France. ... [read more]

Forget Mardi Gras. The best party in New Orleans is Jazz Fest. It offers all the thrills and wonders of the other big party without the debauchery and annoyingness. Plus it features the best jazz music in the world. What could be better than that?

Just looking at this year’s scheduled artists makes my mouth water. There are not only the finest jazz musicians in the world, but also some great rock, blues and country performers. All of this takes place with the city of New Orleans ... [read more]

I’ve always been a bit curious about the name of Norway’s capital. Oslo rolls off the tongue. It is short, sweet and simple. In other words, it is not like Burkina Faso’s capital. It is no Ouagadougou (try saying that ten times or at least correctly once).

According to Wikipedia, the name Oslo is the subject of much debate. There are some that believe it comes from the name of a large farm during the time of settlement. There are others that say it refers to the ... [read more]

I’ll admit to being a little more than skeptical before I went to Florence, Italy. Everyone I have ever talked to who has been there has said that it is a special city. A place that is loved by so many, I thought, must be teeming with tourists and therefore a city that I won’t enjoy in the least. I was wrong.

I wasn’t wrong about the tourist part. There are more fanny packs per capita in Florence than there are anywhere else in the world. Every third vehicle ... [read more]

Founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1697, Loreto was the first Spanish town on the Baja California Peninsula. With 10,000 residents, it is mainly a town centered around tourism these days. There is a reason why many visitors from the United States and elsewhere travel to Loreto. It is absolutely lovely.

Located on the Sea of Cortes and with the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range nearby, Loreto is an ideal setting for those looking to do some fishing, kayaking golfing, boating and good old fashioned lounging in the sun. ... [read more]

It is almost impossible to believe that at one time Sesame Street was viewed as being a terrible thing. Back when the show first started many parents and educators believed that it was the beginning of the end. They thought it would warp children’s minds and lead to a society full of walking zombies. How wrong they were. The show has helped to teach millions of children to read, count and to believe in a talking giant bird.

If your children are at an age where Sesame Street fills them with joy you might want ... [read more]

Elation [Noun] – an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression. A feeling of joy and pride.

If you were asked to close your eyes and to define the word “elation” chances are that you would have all kinds of images flash before you, but you still might have difficulty putting a definition into words. It is easy to remember times when you have felt elation but it is much more difficult to share what that elation feels like with others.

Travel is often a stimulus that triggers ... [read more]

You know that Easter is right around the corner when you start seeing Cadbury Creme Eggs in all of the food stores. For 11 months out of the year these tiny little innocent sugar bombs are stored in the back aisles somewhere near the little candy hearts people eat on Valentine’s Day and the Christmas-tree shaped marshmallow candy. These are all foods that have been designed to have a shelf life somewhere in the neighborhood of 7,000 years.

The return of the Cadbury Creme Eggs is a sure sign that spring is ... [read more]

For as long as I have been in the business of finding cheap cruise deals — seemingly an eternity — this one might be the one that offers the most value for the dollar. It is a 13-day cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norweigan Crown. The voyage goes from Valparaiso, Chile to Miami, Florida via the Panama Canal. The cost for an inside cabin? A mere $600. That is how much you might pay for a quick cruise through the Panama Canal, not one of this length ... [read more]

For a place that has been called paradise on more than one occasion, Hawaii sure goes to a lot of effort to attract tourists. You would think that the incredible beaches, warm waters, stunning mountains and world-class resorts would do enough to sell the state on its own, but apparently people need even more of an incentive to visit.

Every week I seemingly come across deals on Hawaiian vacations. I have come to the conclusion that the only excuse you should ever have for paying full price for a trip to Hawaii ... [read more]

A free night is a free night even if it means staying in a dump. The Hotel Carlton is far from a dump.

The 163-room Hotel Carlton is a lovely, historic hotel located in downtown San Francisco. Originally built in 1927 and completely renovated in 2004, the hotel is a relaxing, intimate haven located five blocks from Union Square. Guestrooms feature exotic and enchanting photographs of sights from around the globe, inviting you to virtually tour the world. Take a short two-block walk to the California Street cable car line and hop ... [read more]

Sometimes economics can make no sense. If you add up the costs of gasoline, food, ferry fees and a night or two at a hotel during a road trip from San Diego, California to Victoria, British Columbia, you likely would be very pleased if you could do it for $180 in a car.

That is the amount that Holland America is charging for a 3-night cruise aboard the Oosterdam. Instead of sitting behind the wheel of a car listening to bad AM talk radio and occasionally stopping to eat Doritos at ... [read more]

The spring season is usually an excellent time to travel to Europe and this year it is proving to be no exception. In addition to not having to deal with the summer crowds that can make even the nicest place not so nice, traveling in the spring offers travelers and opportunity to save money on flights and accommodations.

Case in point is a deal being offered by British Airways for flights before May 27, 2007. If you book one of their reasonably priced flights to London and other destinations around the ... [read more]

Some people are fascinated by globes and maps. I am one of those people. Every time I am in a room that has a map or a globe my eyes immediately wander towards it. There is something about reading the names of unknown places and then imagining what they are like that gets my juices going.

The Caribbean is a geographic area that is particularly interesting to me. The little dots on the map hold untold mysteries and histories that are rich once they are learned. The best way ... [read more]

What does a city that is defined by its waterways have in common with a city in the desert where water is piped in from hundreds of miles away? Absolutely nothing, but that is the essence of Las Vegas where things are so absurd that no one would ever question why there is a Venice hotel in the city.

As you likely know, The Venetian hotel has a reputation as being one of Las Vegas’ more upscale sleeping quarters. It hosts no less than 19 restaurants, it has the Guggenheim ... [read more]

Not that I would ever suggest that you should break the law (please people, stop jaywalking already!), but if hypothetically you were to break the law you should at least do so to benefit your travel plans. For example, you could again this is just hypothetical secure a fake ID for your children. No, I am not talking about one of those ones that will allow your 18-year-old to shotgun cheap beer in a college bar. Let him do this on his own. It is ... [read more]

We have Christopher Columbus to thank for the name Virgin Islands. The great explorer gave the Caribbean Islands their name on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, naming them for Saint Ursula and her virgin followers. It is a good thing she had those virgin followers. Calling a country the Slut Islands probably wouldn’t go over too well these days. Virginity is all the rage so the Virgin Islands are nicely positioned in the name department.

The Virgin Islands also happen to be nicely positioned if you ... [read more]

With a name like Conquest you can probably guess that this Carnival Cruise ship is slightly bigger and more intimidating than a puttering tugboat. The Conquest does indeed live up to its name. Weighing in at a cool 110,000 tons, the ship is one of the many Carnival mega cruise ships that are churning in seas throughout the world. Like its brethren, the Conquest offers affordable fun and can accommodate roughly the population of a small city 2,974 passengers and more than 1,500 crew members. ... [read more]

Are there two more disparate places that are always linked together than Reno and Tahoe? Reno is all about city life. More precisely, it is more about gambling and enjoying the wonderfully wacky world of casinos. You could literally spend an entire weekend in Reno without ever breathing anything other than smoke-filled hotel air.

Tahoe is the exact opposite. It is all about nature and about being outdoors. Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s true treasures, its blue waters unlike any other. The mountains in Tahoe are ... [read more]

Sometimes I wish I could have been born in a different era. I wish that I could have been one of the early explorers in North America. Imagine the thrill it must have been for Lewis and Clark to turn the corner of a river and to come across a piece of scenery or an animal previously unknown to the rest of the world. Imagine the feeling that Davey Edward Jackson must have felt when he first settled in the valley that bares his name, Jackson Hole.

To have first ... [read more]

If you are looking for a quick little getaway to a destination that offers great history, food and nightlife, than look no further than Boston. Beantown is one of America’s great cities and it is ideal for a four-day weekend escape. Take a tour of where the country’s founders once walked, sit back and enjoy the eclectic scene in Harvard Square, and visit some of the best restaurants on this planet.

If culture is your thing, the city has several ornate theatres, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston Opera House, The Wang ... [read more]

Here is an adventure for you. BootsnAll has designed an awesome 12-day summer trip to Turkey. Limited to just 12 people, this adventure tour has it all: horseback riding, rafting, trekking, cycling, and a 4-day cruise on an old world sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea, complete with swimming, snorkeling and seafood.

Beginning and ending in the one-of-a-kind city of Istanbul, the tour features a stop at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site which has 1000-year-old cave churches decorated with frescoes. If you have never been ... [read more]

Did you know that Miami is a Spring Break hot spot this year? Neither did I until I received no less than four emails from various travel companies proclaiming it as the place to be during those crazy weeks of beer funnels, bikinis, and debauchery. Sounds thrilling, right?

Even if the college party scene isn’t your cup of tea, Miami is still a killer place to visit. It has easy access to some wonderful beaches, it is the epicenter of Latin culture in the United States, the Cuban restaurants are simply ... [read more]

As Europe continues to come closer and closer together through the evolution of the European Union it is becoming more and more obvious that there are many unique cultures on the continent. The borders might be blurred but the traditions and the history is not. Holland is different than Germany and Germany is different than Poland and on and on.

These differences are one of the great things about traveling through Europe. There is certainly a European way of life on the continent but that way of life changes from country ... [read more]

Here’s a great deal if you are looking for an affordable Spring Break getaway or to add another stamp to your child’s passport. Alaskan Airlines is offering up a deal where kids ages 2-11 can fly for free to Vancouver, B.C. when you purchase a flight and hotel stay package. A free vacation for the kids! Sign me up!

The offer is only valid on flights from Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego and it requires a minimum 3-night stay at one of the hotels in Vancouver. ... [read more]

Contrary to popular belief you need more than a surfboard to get around when you visit Hawaii. Those sharks can be nasty and sometimes you want to get away from the beach and head inland a bit to explore the mountains and to see how hot those volcanoes can really get.

Enter United Airlines vacations. They have a deal on free car rentals in Hawaii that is good for the entire year. All you have to do is book a holiday through them and they’ll give you to keys to ... [read more]

Going on a cruise alone is about as fun as watching paint dry. You need someone else to come along to help make fun of the other passengers, to be your partner for the funky chicken dance contest and to oooh and ahhh when there is a spectacular sunset. You need someone to tell you not to hit the buffet line for the third time at dinner and someone who you can share the sights with while you are having the vacation of a lifetime.

Yes, a cruise partner is in order ... [read more]

If all the trees that have been felled in order for people to write about the beauty of Paris were still around I am convinced that we wouldn’t have global climate change. I am also convinced that people would still know about the beauty of Paris. All you have to do is go there once and you will discover her charms for yourself.

Deciding what to see and what to do while you are in the City of Lights can be a challenge. Even with the best guidebooks and an understanding ... [read more]

You don’t need to take mind altering drugs, attend a rave and have random strangers hugging you all night long to experience ecstasy these days. Put away your pacifiers and pack your suntan lotion. Ecstasy awaits you aboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Ecstasy.

Part of Caribbean’s “fun cruises” (as opposed to their “not so fun cruises”???), the Ecstasy features 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises through the Gulf of Mexico that depart from Galveston, Texas. The cruises visit tried and true ports like Cozumel, Mexico and Progreso on the Yucatan.

As is often the ... [read more]

It is amazing what a little break away from home and work can do for the soul. Just when you are starting to feel like you have been punched in the gut by Mike Tyson only to have a piano fall from a third story window onto your back, a quick vacation can help you breathe normally again and it can help lift the weight of the world off of your shoulders.

As far as short little junkets go, this is a pretty tasty one. Priceline has a nifty deal on three-night ... [read more]

The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world with almost half of the basin consisting of shallow intertidal waters. You might want to keep this in mind while you are cruising in its warm, blue waters or if you are ever in a bar and someone bets you a beer that you can’t name the ninth largest body of water in the world. Stranger things have happened.

Because of its size, the Gulf of Mexico offers up a variety of treats for cruisers. ... [read more]

Even if you live on the West Coast of the United States it is a long way to China, Japan and Vietnam. Modern airplanes have cut the travel time but you’re still looking at a ten-hour plus flight. That is great if you enjoy breathing stale air at 50,000 feet while you are forced to watch a Will Farrell movie (I swear, every plane I have been on for the past three years has shown one), but if you are adverse to flying or don’t have a ton of vacation days ... [read more]

The first sign of spring for many of us in the United States is when we heat the crack of a baseball bat hitting a ball. There is something optimistic about the start of baseball’s spring training. The teams train in the sunny weather of Florida and Arizona, winter snowbird fans flock to see the players hit, catch and tug at their crotches, and every team holds out hope that this will be their year for World Series glory.

The one thing that sets baseball apart from the other major sports in ... [read more]

Much like Las Vegas and other popular destinations around the world, you should never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever pay full price for a flight to London unless you have to go at the last minute and you can expense account it to your company. If that is the case, invite me along as your “business client”. I promise to keep you entertained during the flight over the Atlantic.

Prices on flights to London fluctuate throughout the year, but if you are a smart traveler, and I know for a ... [read more]

I’ll admit that I have always been a bit weirded out by the name Corpus Christi. Why a place in southern Texas would actively choose to call itself the Body of Christ in Latin is beyond me, but I guess the Spanish settlers who helped to found the place that it was appropriate at the time.

I’ll also admit that I have been surprised by how many deals I have seen recently on flights to and hotels in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am sure that it is a lovely place with ... [read more]

If you ever want to feel like an old curmudgeon, head to an amusement park. Between the $6 soft drinks, $30 stuffed animals and gazillion dollar admission prices amusement parks are a far cry from the affordable family fun that they used to be in the “good old days.”

The parks these days, however, can still be fun, you just need to learn how to play the system so that you only getting mildly fleeced instead of fully robbed. For example, if you spend a week in Orlando and you pay full ... [read more]

In my next lifetime I am going to be a seabird. I am going to spend my waking hours flying high above the warm ocean waters looking for food and enjoying the solitude. When I grow tired of one locale I will simply fly away to another. I will hop from one island to another, never growing bored and forever on the move. I will make up for all of the hours I spend in my current life sitting at a desk and interfacing with a computer. I ... [read more]

You might want to bring along some extra oxygen because Denali National Park in Alaska could very well take your breath away. The signature park of the Last Frontier, Denali is a sight to behold. It is a playground for animals like bears and caribou, while also serving as a playground for animals of a different sort, humans. It is the home of the tallest mountain in North America Mt. McKinley. It is 6.2 million acres of some of the most unspoiled and spectacular land on this ... [read more]

Have you seen the movie Home Alone? Of course you have. It is mandatory viewing for anyone who has children. It teaches us all a very important lesson about what happens when you leave one of your kids at home while you go away on vacation. Nothing good can come out of it even if your child can make adorable faces while putting on aftershave lotion.

In fact, you will have a much better time if you take the rugrats along with you. They might not always be happy ... [read more]

Barbados has long been known for being a tropical paradise and the St. Peter parish is no exception. Located on the northern part of the island with easy access to the Platinum Coast, it is slowly growing into a vacation hotspot. With warm waters, beautiful beaches and world-class hotels, you can hardly blame folks for choosing to get a little rest and relaxation in St Peter.

Even with the influx of tourists, there are opportunities to experience nature as it should. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is located in the parish. ... [read more]

Attention all aspiring musicians: If you want to make it big in this world you need to record a song about California, pronto. The Golden State has inspired many an artist in her day. Considering the state has close to 35 million residents and the largest population in the United States, it makes great financial sense to write up a few lyrics that at least include the word “California”.

So what is it about the state that has led so many people to sing about her? Besides being a place ... [read more]

If you are looking for a small, intimate cruise through the Mediterranean you probably aren’t the target audience for Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, Carnival Freedom. Billed as a “mega” ship, the Freedom could comfortably fit the population of a small country 2,974 passengers in total. It features 1,487 cabins, a crew of 1,150 and weighs in at a cool 110,000 tons. Small it is not.

The ship makes its maiden voyage in 2007 so you have an opportunity to experience its girth before people start leaving their ... [read more]

A trip to Quebec City, Canada will leave you feeling like you have left North America and have returned to a different continent and a different era. The city’s charming walled old town has narrow streets and stylish buildings that are a rarity in most of North America. This is a section of town that was not built with modern automobiles in mind and as a result it can be an absolute delight for pedestrians.

The European influence is felt throughout even the modern sections of the city as you are much ... [read more]

Dallas, Texas is a frequent destination for those who do business travel, but it also happens to be a place that some people choose to visit for pleasure. The “Big D”, as it is affectionately called by the residents who make it the ninth largest city in the United States, does things on a big scale. For example, the city has more restaurants per capita than New York City and Dallasites eat out about four times every week. That’s a whole lot of barbeque and Tex-Mex cuisine being consumed each ... [read more]

Compared to other types of vacations, cruises are usually very, very reasonable. It never ceases to amaze that you can travel on a cruise for as low as $50 per night and that price includes food you don’t have to cook and a bed that you don’t have to make. It makes you wonder if you could live cheaper permanently on a cruise than you do at home. Perhaps.

One of the hidden costs of a cruise is getting there. Unless you live near the port from which the ship ... [read more]

Good gravy, Mexico City is a big place. The metropolitan area has a population of 19.2 million people. That is about 20 times the entire population of Montana being crammed into a 3,600 square mile valley. On top of all that, all those people are crammed into a valley with an average elevation that is 7,300 feet above sea level. Oxygen must really be in demand!

Even though it is one of the world’s great megacities, you can still get a bit of a small town feel if you know ... [read more]

There is a reason why San Diego continues to attract more and more residents each year. The city is lovely. Darned lovely.

Its year-round perfect weather, access to beautiful beaches, increasingly vibrant downtown life and proximity to Mexico also make it a wonderful place to visit for a few days or even longer.

What is a traveler to do in San Diego?

Glad you asked. The city is chockfull of attractions including the San Diego Zoo. I used to think that it was merely a prop in the introduction of ... [read more]

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has had to contend with the crowds during one of the city’s festivals to learn that Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom each year. Only London receives more funny speaking guests from around the world carrying maps like they are lost and snapping pictures left and right each year.

There is a reason why Edinburgh is so popular with tourists: the place rocks. It combines old world charm with modern hipness in a way that few other cities ... [read more]

Here is an excellent deal for anyone who have ever dreamed of visiting Australia or New Zealand or for those who have been to those countries and who want to go back. Air Tahiti Nui yes, it is a legitimate airline with planes that have two wings and all that is offering up round-trip flights to Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand this February, March, and April from New York JFK for less than $1,000.

If that doesn’t tempt you enough, the flights also allow for you to ... [read more]

Costa Rica is a unique country. It was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army. It is also one of the most progressive nations when it comes to protecting its environment. Visitors to the small Central American country will experience firsthand how Costa Ricans live up to the country motto of: “Long live work and peace.”

If you are going to visit such a unique and special place you might as well do so in unique and special style. In the cruise industry that means embarking ... [read more]

If George Washington were alive today he would likely want you to visit the city has sprouted out of the marshes and that bears his name. If he were alive today he would tell you to pay a visit to the Smithsonian Museum to further your understanding of the history of the country which he helped to found. If George were alive today he would point out Washington DC’s cherry blossoms in bloom and remind you to never chop down an apple tree without telling a lie. If he were ... [read more]

The glaciers are melting. That is the sad truth that scientists around the world are observing. It is terrible to think that in the next generation’s lifetime there may not be places like College Fjord in Alaska left.

Tucked into the corner of Prince William Sound, College Fjord is surrounded by over a dozen glaciers and is easily the equal of the more famous Glacier Bay. Some of these glaciers have spruce forests growing right up to the edge of the ice, giving a sense of scale not seen in ... [read more]

Type the words “Hawaii” and “Paradise” into Google and you’ll see tens of thousands of entries. There is no disputing that Hawaii is viewed by many people as being paradise. You might be one of them too after you pay the islands a visit for your next holiday vacation.

The good news for those who want to spend a slice of time in paradise is that flights to Hawaii are about as cheap as you will ever find them. ATA will fly you round-trip to Hawaii from parts of the ... [read more]

If the thought of strapping an oxygen tank on to your back and diving deep into the ocean until your ears feel like they are going to explode in the name of seeing all of the creatures that live below the sea sounds like a good one to you, then you’ll love this 5-night cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Pearl.

The main attractions of this round-trip cruise from Miami are Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize. Cozumel is world renowned for its scuba diving. Surrounded by more than 25 reef ... [read more]

Water has played a huge role in the Netherlands for centuries. A country that is below sea level in parts, the densely populated nation is in a perpetual battle to make land out of water and to keep water out of land. Dikes, canals and clever engineering have contributed to a unique Dutch way of life that is an absolute treasure for a visitor to experience.

Uniworld Grand River Cruises offers a 7-night Dutch Dreams cruise aboard the River Ambassador that is perfect for those who want to experience Holland from ... [read more]

It rains every single day of the year in Seattle, Washington or at least that is what the people who live there would like you to believe. The facts say otherwise. Seattle does get its fair share of rainy days, but the vast majority happens in the winter months. During the summer, the skies are sunny and blue and there are few nicer cities to be than in Seattle.

One of the reasons why people in the Pacific Northwest talk to outsiders so much about the rain is that they know ... [read more]

There is something about Europe that just feels different. The minute you step off a cross-Atlantic air trip and step foot on the continent you feel like you are in another part of the world. At the same time, Europe is also familiar. It has its lovely towns, bustling cities and historic cultures, but none of this leaves you feel like you are visiting Mars. Europe is both different and familiar.

Europe is also wonderful, especially if you can take the time to explore some of its southern areas. Celebrity Cruises has ... [read more]

When most people think of cruises they likely envision a trip to a location where the sun shines and warmth fills the air. The exception might be an Alaska cruise in the summer, but even that can be a sun filled affair. The odds aren’t great that you’ll see much sun during a cruise of the Pacific Northwest in late April, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful part of North America.

Celebrity Cruises offers up a 7-night Pacific Northwest cruise that begins in San ... [read more]

On the surface you would be hard pressed to find similarities between Miami, Florida and London, England. One is modern sleek, the other is old Europe sheik. One is filled with sunny day after sunny day, the other sees more than enough of its gloomy gray days. One is located on the ocean, the other is located on a river. One is a city of cars, the other is a city of double deck buses and the tube.

On the surface Miami and London might not share a ... [read more]

With its splendid bay, famous bridge, island prison, cable cars, and unreal steep hills, San Francisco is truly a unique American city. On a sunny day it is one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On a foggy day it is still one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On any day it is a great place to visit.

You can stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, take a drive out to wine country, dine in Chinatown, take in the sights in the Haight Ashbury district and do some ... [read more]

Surrounded by nothing but blue water, the wind whipping through your air, the ship rocking with each wave, the birds hanging above hoping you’ll leave something behind for them to feast on, whales jumping next to you. Some people just like being on the open sea and it is hard to blame them. Getting away from the daily grind is one reason for travel and there is no easier way to escape from your land-based life for a few days than to be on the open sea.

There are a fair number ... [read more]

The mere name Aruba sounds exotic. Go ahead and say it out loud. Aruba. It rolls off the tongue even if you are stuffing your face with potato chips while surfing the Internet.

Its name is not the only thing Aruba has going for itself. The place is both exotic and erotic. It is a paradise that will delight the single traveler and kindle passion in couples. The nearly perfect weather offers up year-round sun and a warmth that will make a dip in the crystal ... [read more]

We’re all going to be hearing quite a bit about Miami, Florida this week as the inevitable hype that surrounds the Super Bowl reaches epic proportions. Sporting event or no sporting event, Miami is a fascinating city that blends a wide variety of cultures to create its own look and its own feel.

Miami also happens to be a fairly popular port of call for cruise ships and it is especially useful when sailing the eastern Caribbean. Carnival Cruise Lines has a winner of a deal on a 7-night cruise aboard ... [read more]

It is the Swedish language that contributed the word “smorgasbord” to our lexicon, which is only fitting for this 10-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Star Princess. The itinerary includes a veritable smorgasbord of sights and it will do its part to satiate your travel hungers. For a 10-night cruise this one offers up a variety of treats.

The voyage begins in the charming Danish capital, Copenhagen, a city steeped in maritime tradition and a place that is as lovely as you will find anywhere in the world. ... [read more]

Venice is dripping with romance. Even with the summer crowds and high prices, your heart won’t be able to avoid going pitter and patter while you are exploring one of the finest cities in Italy.

If the romance of Venice isn’t enough to rekindle old flames or ignite new ones, how about combing a trip there with a cruise of the Mediterranean? Royal Caribbean International offers up an excellent seven-day voyage aboard the Splendour of the Seas. Starting and ending in Venice, the ship takes you to some of the ... [read more]

There was a time when thousands of people each day would take to the high seas to leave Europe for the hope and promise of the United States. Theirs was a dangerous passage filled with uncertainty and fear. You can recreate their voyage, in reverse and without the uncertainty and fear, on a 16-day cruise aboard Holland America’s Westerdam. The Trans-Atlantic trip departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and stops in the Bahamas and on Grand Turk Island before spending 6 full days and nights on the open sea.

Sitting on ... [read more]

If you want to earn brownie points for life from your children, tell them you are taking them to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. After the screaming subsides and the hugs come to an end, you’ll want to start looking around for ways that the whole family can enjoy a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.

One popular option for both kids and adults alike is to combine a trip to the Mouse Trap with a cruise. Orlando is about an hour away from Cape Canaveral, a popular departing port for ... [read more]

People often ask me what I think is the best place to take a cruise in the world. This is, of course, a difficult question to answer because there are so many great cruise spots. I certainly think that a cruise to Alaska should be on everyone’s list. I also think that a trip through the Panama Canal is a must-see. But if I only had one place I could visit on a cruise I would have to say it would be the fjords of Norway.

There are probably more poetic ways ... [read more]

There was a time when a Hawaii vacation was something that only the other half could experience. You know the other half. They go by names like Chet and Biopsy and they wear gold platted underwear while shuttling from one vacation home to another. Don’t even think about stealing their underwear from the laundromat!

The days were the beautiful islands of Hawaii were reserved for only the beautiful people are long gone so even if no one calls you Boopsy, you can enjoy the stunning scenery and amazing weather that makes ... [read more]

Here’s a fun little cruise that is perfect for families or for couples looking for a quick little getaway. Carnival Cruises offers a 5-night voyage to the Bahamas aboard the Celebration. The ship departs from Jacksonville, Florida. After a day spent at seas picture yourself lounging by the pool, stuffing yourself silly with food, enjoying a few beverages and relaxing the ship spends a day in Key West.

Once a playground for Ernest Hemingway, today Key West is a vibrant community full of artists and fun. ... [read more]

The Pacific Ocean side of Mexico and Baja, California has evolved into a wonderful vacation playground. With endless days of warm sunshine, crystal clear ocean waters, pristine beaches and an infrastructure in place to accommodate visitors from around the world, the Mexican Riviera, as some call it, is an affordable option for those looking to escape for a few days or even a few weeks.

Carnival Cruise Lines traverses the waters around the Mexican Riviera like no one else. They have a ton of different ships and routes to choose from and ... [read more]

When you think about it, the Panama Canal was a remarkable concept. Human beings took a look at strip of land that is 51 miles long and decided they could turn it into a waterway. The amount of capital spent both financial and human was unprecedented in its time and to this day it remains one of the planet’s great engineering feats.

There is talk these days of expanding the Panama Canal so that it can accommodate the ever increasing number of jumbo cargo ships that themselves ... [read more]

One minute you will be walking down Fifth Avenue the next you will be walking on the beach. Norwegian Cruise Line makes it possible through a fabulous 6-night cruise on the Norwegian Spirit. You’ll leave Manhattan in a New York minute and after a day at sea to enjoy all of the great amenities aboard the Spirit you will finds yourself in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Spend the day walking on the beach or take some time to explore NASA’s headquarters. If you are really lucky, you’ll be there when there is ... [read more]

Celebrity Cruises has a reputation for delivering high-quality cruises. As a result, there cruises are often more expensive than their competitors. That is not the case for this 5-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Century. At $60/night for an Oceanview cabin, you would think that you would be cruising on one of those hulking ships that are lucky to still be afloat after all the rust they have accumulated over the years.

The Century is neither rusting nor in danger of sinking. It is a modern vessel with all the bells and ... [read more]

Admit it. You are stressed out. Your neck hurts, your back is a wreck, that furled brow is even more furled than usual. You could use some time off. Like right now. That is why you are surfing around a travel site instead of putting together that spreadsheet your boss asked for three weeks ago. Your body is in one location and your mind is in another.

Sound the trumpets. Here is a cruise line that has come to the rescue. Royal Caribbean understands that ours ... [read more]

Let’s face it. When you picture yourself on a cruise chances are you don’t picture yourself sitting in a room with no windows and with now view of the ocean. Alas, that is what you usually get when you opt for the cheapest cruising option, the Interior cabin. This is not always a bad choice if your cruise takes you to spectacular locales and you don’t plan on spending much time in your cabin, but if you think it is kind of fun sitting in a chair watching the water pass by while you enjoy ... [read more]

This is the time of year when the savvy cruise bargain shopper can pick up a real steal. If you shop early, you’ll likely beat all the other cruise wannabes to the best deals of the summer season.

One destination that was hot last season and surely will be even hotter this year is Alaska. More and more cruises are doing the Inside Passage which is great news for travelers looking to see an amazing part of the world without spending a small fortune.

Celebrity Cruises is offering a cruise that is ... [read more]

• Alaska
• Atlantic City, New Jersey
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Branson, Missouri
• California
• Colorado
• Chicago, Illinois
• Florida
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Hawaii
• Lake Tahoe, Nevada
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Nashville, Tennessee
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• New York City, New York
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• San Antonio, Texas
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Scottsdale, Arizona
• Seattle, Washington
• Sedona, Arizona
• Washington, DC
• Williamsburg, Virginia

• Bora Bora, Polynesia
• Fiji
• Sydney, Australia

• Acapulco
• Cabo San Lucas
• Cancun
• Cozumel
• Guadalajara
• Guadaloupe
• Huatulco
• Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo
• Los Cabos
• Manzanillo
• Puerto Vallarta
• Tijuana