National Building Museum

The World's Top Architecture Museums
Jonathan Lerner

Spending so much of our lives inside them, and surrounded by them, we often take buildings for granted. But architecture can help us understand history and grapple with the future. The following fascinating museums are dedicated to buildings, cities and landscapes

Pizza, Pesci and Produce in Naples
Giovanna Dunmall

Naples is still a deeply traditional place in terms of eating, drinking and making merry. But don't let that put you off, traditional is not code for boring; in Naples it means excellent quality, authentic local and regional produce and flavors, and, usually, a convivial ambiance.

Falconry

Where the Wild Things Are
Robin Cherry

No need to settle for a gaggle of geese. Your family can visit a congregation of alligators, a coterie of prairie dogs and a cast of falcons at these wildlife locations around the United States.

Canals of Venice

Venice: Italian Magic on the Adriatic
Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

To discover your own personal Venice, head for the less trammeled streets of Dorsoduro, San Polo or Cannaregio. Instead of other tourists, you'll meet craftsmen in their studios, Venetians shopping for their dinner, nannies and nonnas watching children play and couples drinking Prosecco in canal-side cafes

Volcanic Mud Baths of El Totumo
Donna M. Airoldi

When I travel, I'm up for just about anything. So when I found out about an opportunity to jump into a volcano and get covered in mud during a vacation to Cartagena, Colombia I immediately signed on

Puerto Vallarta

Three Days in Puerto Vallarta
Jill K. Robinson

Right on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta has it all: coastal waters, lush jungle, deluxe resorts, relaxing spas -- and it's the base for a variety of adventures. Even if you can't spend an entire week in this Mexican seaside destination, here's how to enjoy your vacation in a town where it's almost impossible to have a bad day.

Tortola, BVI

The Sea Seduces at Tortola
Anne Kazel-Wilcox

Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is all about enjoying the Caribbean Sea. The island is hugely popular as a base for chartering sailboats, is renowned for pristine scuba-diving reefs and draws surfers from all over the world to visit its north shore's perfect waves

Corvette Diner, San Diego

10 Hip and Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
Debbie K. Hardin

Fresh, high-quality ingredients are a passion with San Diego chefs, which makes finding superior dining in the city a cinch. And for those of us who travel with our families, the city offers hundreds of kid-friendly dining experiences that will keep children happy and satisfy discerning parents. Here's a list of my family's favorites

Taking the Kids To San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences
Eileen Ogintz

We're at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which in the year since it has re-opened has emerged as the city's top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than Alcatraz

Taking the Kids To Yosemite National Park
Eileen Ogintz

Fall, we agree, is a spectacular time to visit Yosemite National Park -- fewer people (some 3.5 million visit each year) and significantly cheaper rates. There's a lot to do in winter too -- tubing, ice skating snowshoeing with a Ranger, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding

Taking the Kids Learning About African-American History at Colonial Williamsburg
Eileen Ogintz

As Colonial Williamsburg reaches out to families with a growing array of interactive programming throughout the year, there are many more opportunities for visitors to learn and experience African-American history

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tuscan Treats: Pisa and Lucca
Rick Steves

As everyone knows, Pisa has the famous tilted tower you can climb, but an unspoiled Renaissance wall you can bike encircles the lesser-known Lucca. These two Tuscan towns, near Florence and each other, make for an easy day-trip from Florence.

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin, Germany

Berlin Germany Then and Now
Rick Steves

As Germany celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I can't help remembering my spooky 1971 visit during the Cold War. Back then, life was bleak, gray, and demoralizing because of ongoing political repression and their unresponsive Soviet-style command economy. Today, Berlin is so vibrant with youth, energy, and an anything-goes-and-anything's-possible buzz

Tips for Healthy, Happy Travels
Rick Steves

After 30 years of travel, I've figured out what I need to do to stay healthy when traveling. For me, wellness starts at home

Ronda, Spain: Land of Bridges, Bandits and Bullfights
Rick Steves

Ronda Spain, 60 miles southeast of Sevilla, is one of the largest white hill towns. It's also one of the most spectacular, thanks to its gorge-straddling setting. Ronda is easy to visit because it's one of the few hill towns with a train station. The real joy for travelers lies in exploring the winding back streets and taking in the panoramic views, whitewashed houses, and exuberant flowerpots.

Brighton England: Fun, Sun and Candy Floss
Rick Steves

Brighton is South England's fun city and the destination for students, bohemians and blue-collar Londoners looking to go 'on holiday.' In 1840, a train connected the city to London, making the beach accessible to the masses for the first time. Since then, Brighton has become 'London by the Sea.'

Frankfurt Romerberg Square

Frankfurt Germany - No Longer Bankfurt
Rick Steves

In the 1980s, Frankfurt decided that it wanted to buck its "Bankfurt" image. It went on a culture kick and devoted 11 percent of the city budget to the arts and culture. The result: Frankfurt has become a city of art. Nine museums in striking buildings line the Main River -- including museums on architecture, film, world cultures, and the great European masters.

Riding the Eurostar Train: Your Ears Won't Even Pop
Rick Steves

Eurostar, a joint service of the Belgian, British and French railways, is the speedy passenger train that zips you (and up to 800 others in 18 sleek cars) from downtown Paris to downtown London more easily than flying. Direct Eurostar service from London to Brussels also takes 2.5 hours.

Flights of Fancy - Airline Blogs
Ed Perkins on Travel

If big-name Websites, travel magazines, and guidebooks can't satisfy your appetite for travel information, hundreds of online blogs are happy to oblige you with still more. There's no way I can cover the wide world of blogging in a comprehensive way -- there are far too many of them, and they come and go like the tides -- but I can at least sort out some of those you might especially like

Southwest Airlines - Your Favorite Airline and Why
Ed Perkins on Travel

Southwest is the country's favorite airline, says a recently released survey, nominated by 26 percent of the respondents. That's good news for Southwest, of course, but the results from the 'Consumer Travel Alliance' raise the question of just how to measure a 'favorite' airline

6 Tips for Traveling With Your Grandchildren
Emily Brandon

Here are some tips for successful vacation trips with your grandchildren

How to Travel on a Budget
Kimberly Palmer

Recent declines in the stock market have many baby boomers wondering if their visions of exotic travels in retirement need to be scaled back, perhaps involving more of their living rooms and less of the world. But travel experts and retirees themselves say that not only is traveling on a budget possible, it can lead to even bigger and better adventures.

Lake Tahoe

Affordable Lake Tahoe: Truckee Vacation Rentals
Sue Douglass Fliess

It was my turn to organize an extended family vacation. The destination -- Lake Tahoe, Calif., -- already agreed upon by everyone. Now, we just had to find a great place. How hard could it be to find a house that met our needs

Tybee Island, Georgia

The Idyllic Islands of Georgia
Jonathan Lerner

The Atlantic seaboard's long inward curve between North Carolina and south Florida -- makes coastal Georgia a watery paradise. Beaches and coastal islands are shaped by high tides. All this water pushes inland, creating a vast, low panorama of swamp, salt marsh, tidal creeks and barrier islands. This is a stunningly pristine region; most of the islands aren't even inhabited. Those that are offer a range of vacation styles, all within a day-trip from Savannah.

Battle of Gettysburg Re-enactment

Gettysburg Family Vacation
Laurie Bain Wilson

Gettysburg is the real thing -- you will actually stand at the spot where President Lincoln gave his 'Gettysburg Address' and roam the battlefields by foot, bike or car where 51,000 soldiers lost their lives during the three-day battle that took place here. When visiting, you can't help but be moved by the significance of events that took place here in 1863. And yet there's more to Gettysburg than 1863 history, soldiers and war

Gary Player Golf Course

Golf: A Spot of Tee in Palm Springs
Edward Schmidt Jr.

When golf vacationers say, 'We're playing Palm Springs,' what they really mean is they're teeing up in the Coachella Valley, which encompasses Palm Springs and other golf-crazy communities such as Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Indio.

Dublin's famous nightlife.

Dublin's Pubs, Grub and Nightlife
Candace Driskell

Dublin's most captivating feature may very well be its nightlife. With hundreds of bars, a thriving nightclub scene and constantly evolving restaurants, the nation's capital is the very best place to spend an Irish evening.

 

Ruins of Copan Mayan Kingdom

Copan Ruinas: Easy Indiana Jones Adventure
Jill K. Robinson

I'd seen the Mayan ruins of Copan, Honduras, in pictures, but they didn't prepare me for the Indiana Jones-esque mystique. As the cool mist tickled my skin, I felt like the first person to encounter the monuments, even though thousands had preceded me.

Legoland, California

Taking the Kids: When Everyone Else is Back in School
Eileen Ogintz

The best part -- besides the great deals everywhere -- there's no lines, whether you are heading to a theme park or a new museum exhibit, according to Sugar Jones, who is homeschooling her 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son this year so that they can continue to travel, learning as they go at butterfly gardens, museums and mountaintops.

Panda

Taking the Kids: Up-close & Personal with Animals at Zoos & Aquariums
Eileen Ogintz

An African Safari isn't in the cards this year. Neither is a trip to an exotic island where your gang can snorkel with every variety of tropical fish. So, do the next best thing. Take the kids to a zoo or aquarium.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Taking the Kids: Bora Bora an Exotic Place That Loves Kids
Eileen Ogintz

Who says kids and romance don't go together? Even in a place as famous for honeymoons as Bora Bora, families' rule, especially as Air Tahiti Nui continues to offer kids free deals on flights. There are also great hotel deals.

Austria's Oetzal Valley

Taking the Kids: Skiing in Austria
Eileen Ogintz

I've never seen such wide open slopes -- no trees, no houses, just field after field of newly fallen snow. And I've never seen my 18-year-old daughter Mel, an avid and expert skier, as happy to ski with mom. Just goes to show what a postcard-perfect ski day -- blue skies, sunshine, spectacular mountain vistas and first tracks on a glacier -- can do!

Rick Steves Travel: Historic Gdansk
Rick Steves

Many people imagine this northern-Poland city to be a wasteland of rusted, smoke-belching shipyards. But that's just one view of this multifaceted place. Gdansk boasts an illustrious history and one of the most picturesque old quarters in Eastern Europe.

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor

Rick Steves Travel: Intriguing Montenegro
Rick Steves

There's a buzz among travelers that humble little Montenegro is becoming a new Mediterranean hotspot. Once part of Yugoslavia and then part of Serbia, this tiny mountainous nation on the Adriatic achieved independence only recently, in 2006.

Suite and Not So Suite Hotels
Ed Perkins

All of the major U.S. multi-tier hotel chains have at least two all-suite brands -- typically, one transient, for short-term guests, and one extended stay, for travelers staying more than a day or tw

United's New Premier Travel Bundles
Ed Perkins

If you're looking for a coach flight that's a bit better than usual, consider buying one of United's new Premier Travel options. Both options bundle features that would cost more if you bought them separately. And although neither will give you a truly first-class experience, they can make a coach trip more bearable.

Seniors on the Go: Amtraking This Fall
Ed Perkins

The current push for high-speed service refocuses national attention on rail travel. Unfortunately, we'll all be a lot older and grayer before any of the proposed new high-speed services actually leaves any station. Still, low-speed Amtrak is a pleasant, if not high-speed, way to make a fall trip. Amtrak continues to offer several enticements

'Best' Credit Card for Frequent Flyers
Ed Perkins

Like so many such broad questions, there is no one-answer-fits-all response. The most critical point of departure is that credit cards targeting frequent flyers come in two basic flavors -- Cards that earn miles in airline programs and Cards that earn credit in an issuing bank's program.

Branson Landing Trolley

Not Your Grandfather's Branson
Suzi Parker

I have found the most unlikely of vacation spots: Branson, Missouri A town of 6,000 inhabitants nestled in the rolling Ozark Mountains, Branson has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Hard to believe, though, for people who like myself journeyed to this hamlet back in the 1970s to visit Silver Dollar City, then an old-time amusement park that peddled corn husk dolls and homemade candles made while you watched

 

Rome's Spanish Steps

5 Family Hotels in Rome
Amie O'Shaughnessy

The biggest challenge in finding a family-friendly hotel in Rome (or any major European city) is figuring out which properties have separate areas for sleeping and/or rooms that can accommodate four or more people.

 

Basha Kill Vineyards

Basha Kill Vineyards, Sullivan County New York
Leo Jakobson

Wine aficionados planning a vineyard tour in New York will generally turn to the Hudson River Valley, Long Island or the Finger Lakes regions, where most of the state's grapes are grown -- excluding, of course, the huge Concord ...

 

Chewton Glen Hotel

Top 10 English Country Manor Hotels
Jonathan Lerner

The English landscape is dotted with grand old houses in picturesque settings. Staying in one of these country house hotels on your England vacation puts you right in the glorious green countryside.

 

Matheran, India

Unwind, Vehicle Free in Matheran, India
Jonathan Lerner

Mumbai's heat and blaring traffic can be wearing. When I went to Matheran, instead of horns and motors I heard drums and chants from distant villages, and the howls of monkeys

 

How to Choose and Book Your Ideal Cruise Vacation
Kim Michele

Choosing and booking a cruise can be overwhelming if you're not familiar with the industry and the destinations served. However, it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips to help you decide what you want from a cruise vacation, how to pick the best cruise line for you, and how to go about making your booking.

 

Grand Canyon

5 National Park Treasures to Visit Before You Die
Debbie K. Hardin

National parks exert a primeval pull on visitors from around the world, who come by the millions to drink in their natural wonders. There are 391 national parks in the United States. 5 National Parks to See Before You Die.

 

Alaskan Bear Watching

Taking the Kids to Alaska and Meeting Some Bears
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

Welcome to 'bear camp,' an outpost of the Kenai Peninsula fishing lodge Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations, where families come to hike, fish, raft and, of course, check out the bears.

 

Hawks Cay Spa

Taking the Kids and Myself to a Spa
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

Of course, my mom never took me to a spa -- I don't think she's ever been to one herself -- but I've taken my daughters to spas from the Caribbean to Colorado, from Arizona to Austria from the time they were young teens, and like others their age, they are perfectly at home getting facials and massages. It turns out they've got plenty of company

 

Ceiba Del Mar

Taking the Kids To Mexico Where You'll Find Adventure, Culture, Beaches and Great Deals
Eileen Ogintz - Taking the Kids

We're just an hour or so from Cancun, a few miles from Playa del Carmen, five miles off the highway along a bumpy road in Rio Secreto, a unique cave just opened to the public last year, after the owner of the land, Don Cleo, inadvertently discovered it while chasing one of his animals

 

Santiago Spain

Binging on Barnacles in Spain
Rick Steves

I'm tucked away in Santiago de Compostela, in the northwest corner of Spain. I have a three-part agenda: see pilgrims reach their goal in front of the cathedral, explore the market, and buy some barnacles in the seafood section -- then have them cooked for me, on the spot, in a cafe.

 

Tasty Tuscan Cuisine

Tuning in to Tasty Italy
Rick Steves

Recently when I was in Tuscany, a region fiercely proud of its beef, I sunk my teeth into a carnivore's dream come true. In a stony cellar, under one long, tough vault, I joined a local crowd for dinner.

 

Provence Markets

To Market, to Market in Provence
Rick Steves

Market days are an especially big deal throughout France especially in Provence. You can find an endless array of products at Provencal markets, from clothing to crafts, art to antiques, pates to picnic fare. Arles stands out among Provencal market towns

 

Seniors on the Go: Factory Tours -- Still the Best Free Shows
Ed Perkins On Travel

If you're a senior on a budget, you can't beat free for admission to a visitor attraction. Despite the lousy economy you can still find factories that allow you to see how the stuff you buy is actually made. Admission to most is free and the fees are nominal at the few that do charge.

A Tale of Two Cards and Their Reward Programs
Ed Perkins On Travel

American Express and Diners Club have changed their "rewards" programs. By adding British Airways to its list of partner airlines, AmEx has clearly improved its already strong position. On the other hand, by devaluing its points, Diners seems to be headed in some other direction.

Fall & Winter Travel - What's It Going to Be
Ed Perkins On Travel

A reporter recently asked me about the fall and winter travel outlook, and I suspect that question is on your mind, too. I see two main forces driving the current and future travel marketplace: The economy.

Websites for Traveling Women
Ed Perkins On Travel

Although most of the travel industry still thinks of travelers as traditional couples, an increasing number of women are traveling alone or with other women. Here's a brief overview of web sites tailored toward women travellers ...

Finding Those Great Fall Hotel Deals
Ed Perkins On Travel

Fall is traditionally the slowest travel season of the year. Despite good weather and lots of interesting activities in many popular destinations, people seem to have other things on their minds. Low occupancies are the norm for vacation centers. And, of course, this year's dismal economic picture makes things worse than usual. Clearly, these factors mean lots of opportunities for travelers able to take advantage.

AARP Travel Program Not Much New for 2009
Ed Perkins On Travel

Some suppliers still offer discounts to AARP members - mainly for hotels and rental cars. The details have changed a bit since my last summer update, but the basic conclusions remains: Many of AARP's discounts are also available to travelers of any age through AAA, credit cards, or other organizations. Still, if you're 50 or over, AARP is useful as a fallback position to be used when you can't find a better deal.

3 Ways to Avoid the Newest Travel 'Gotcha'
Christopher Elliott

Kenneth Miller thought he had squirreled away more than 100,000 Delta Air Lines frequent flier miles, which he planned to use for a special 20th anniversary trip. He thought wrong. When he checked with the airline, it claimed he had no miles.

5 Secrets for Avoiding Sky-High Phone Bills on the Road
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

When it comes to "gotcha" fees, the cellular phone industry makes travel companies look like rank amateurs. Take what happened to P. Morgan Brown when his wife decided to take a spur-of-the-moment vacation to Indonesia.

Charge This: 7 Tips for a Successful Credit Card Dispute
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

Credit cards are not exactly what you'd call reliable. That's because disputing a card charge is more of an art than a science. Here's what you need to know in order to file a successful dispute.

'No Waivers, No Favors' Reaches New Highs
Christopher Elliott - The Travel Troubleshooter

The travel industry, hammered by the worst economic downturn in more than a generation, is taking a hard line in an effort to contain costs and preserve profits.

Tree House - Hapuku Lodge, New Zealand

Treetop Dreams: Top Places to Sleep Among the Trees
Lisa Rogak

If you're not afraid of heights and want to spend the night in a place where it's a good bet that few of your friends have stayed, try a tree house hotel for your next vacation. They're located all over the world and offer travelers a chance to enjoy a stay high up in the air, often with all the comfort of modern amenities. Here's some of the World's Best

 

Ono Hawaiian Foods

Ono Grinds: Where Oahu's Top Chefs Eat
Dana Young

On a recent visit to Oahu, I met up with some of the island's famed foodies to find out where they go for grinds. Not surprisingly, they served up a luau full of insight and addresses!

 

It goes without saying that I highly recommend all of these chefs' restaurants.

 

Crafty Vacations

Getting Crafty While on Vacation
Jonathan Lerner

It seems paradoxical that staying up late working, night after night, can be restful.

However, when you're in an art studio among similarly engaged students and gorgeous natural surroundings, that's the result. Craft schools in many beautiful places offer short summer classes in just about any medium you've ever longed to try.

 

French Barge Cruise

Barge Voyage in France's Champagne Region
Lisa Rogak

On a luxury barge trip in the Champagne region of France with French Country Waterways, you'll find bubbles both in your glass and as you cruise along the rivers and extensive French canal system.

There are several barge companies operating European river cruises in France

 

Aerial view of Necker Island

Caribbean Private Island Paradises
Anne Kazel-Wilcox

There are Caribbean resorts and then there are 'private island resorts,' where you can have a slice of some of the most secluded and exclusive pieces of paradise almost entirely to yourself. These havens can ironically be more authentic than your typical island getaway.

 

My Airline's Giving Me the Cold Shoulder
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Applying pressure to Icelandair was a good idea, but you might have also leaned on your credit card company. You should have been able to forward the cancellation letter to your credit card company to secure a prompt credit for the tickets.

7 Ways to Avoid Checked Luggage Fees
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Like just about every other airline passenger this summer, Elizabeth Rodgers wants to avoid any unnecessary fees. She didn't get far. As Rodgers boarded the cramped regional jet, passengers were being asked to gate-check most of their carry-ons.

Broadsided By a Car Rental Bill
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

More car rental companies giving returned vehicles meticulous once-over, car rental companies slapping customers repair and loss-of-use charges

6 Ways to Leverage Social Media for a Better Vacation
Christopher Elliott, The Travel Troubleshooter

Social media is revolutionizing the way Americans travel. Social media sites that allow people to interact in the moment are changing how travel companies talk to their customers -- and how their customers talk back. The net result? Travel could improve for everyone.

 

New York's Time Square

Taking the Kids: Grandparents and Kids Take on the Big Apple with Elderhostel
Eileen Ogintz

Elderhostel is known for their affordable educational programs for senior citizens. But what many don't realize is that there are 200 different grandparent - grandchild programs with almost 400 departures -- everything from a summer camp at an iconic Adirondacks resort on Lake George, N.Y., to a tour of Oxford, England, from the perspective of 'Harry Potter' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' to a rafting excursion out West.

 

Intimate Alaskan Cruise on the Sea Wolf

Taking the Kids: An Un-cruise Alaskan Sea Adventure
Eileen Ogintz

Unlike the big cruise ships, we can take our time in Glacier Bay, which offers 3.3 million acres of glaciers that calve right in front of us, wildlife -- humpback whales that jump right in front of our boat, dozens of harbor seals sprawled on rocks -- and an amazing marine ecosystem exposed by the dramatic tide swings. We're even given a chance to follow a bear's trail, explore an ice cave and skip rocks through giant chunks of glacial ice.

 

The Disney Character Breakfast

Taking the Kids: Trip Down Memory Lane at Disneyland
Eileen Ogintz

Forget about the economy and for an afternoon focus instead on what's really important, especially on vacation -- making memories with the kids. Judging by the crowds on a recent sunny day at Disneyland and it's sister California Adventure Park in Anaheim, a lot of families have decided to do just that, getting every dollar's worth out of the day and ending triumphantly with the nighttime fireworks show 'Magical.'

 

Budapest, Hungary

Rick Steves' Europe: Taking the Plunge in Budapest
Rick Steves

Budapest has its fair share of museums and monuments: The opulent interior of the Hungarian Parliament, The gloomy Hungarian psyche at the National Gallery, quirky old communist statues at Memento Park. But for me, splashing and relaxing in Budapest's thermal baths is the city's top attraction.

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Rick Steves' Europe: Stockholm's Noble Past and Present
Rick Steves

Stockholm, with 1.8 million people, is built on an archipelago of 14 islands woven together by 50 bridges. Gamla Stan, the city's historic island core, is an Old Town of winding, lantern-lit streets, antiques shops, and classy cafes clustered around the Royal Palace. The palace hosts a fun, spirited Changing of the Guard ceremony, and contains the Royal Armory, with Europe's most spectacular collection of medieval royal armor.

 

Airfares via Twitter

United, JetBlue Offer Twitter Airfare Deals
Ed Perkins

Airfares by Twitter - the latest gimmick. As if you didn't already have enough different places to look for airfare deals, United and Jet Blue have added yet another base to touch. And their new Twitter products - United's 'Tware' and JetBlue's 'Cheeps' airfares - offer another way to find good deals.

 

WiFi - The 'Next Big Thing' in Air Travel
Ed Perkins

Onboard WiFi is the new 'hot' feature. Settle into your seat, open your laptop, notebook computer or high-tech phone, and spend the remaining flight hours sorting your email, keeping up with the news and most of the other things you do online. That's an increasingly likely scenario as the domestic airlines scramble to find 'value added' features for their dreary and uncomfortable coach product -- especially features that bring in more revenue

 

Pet Airways

Pet Airways - Flying with Fido and Fifi
Ed Perkins

All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice -- as a dog owner for nearly 40 years -- is, 'Unless you can't avoid it, don't.' But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.

Sunset through the palms
Waikiki Beach, Oahu

In Search of the Aloha Smile on Oahu
Anne Z. Cooke - Travel Muse

As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, it's the islands' physical beauty that captures my attention: the impossibly steep green peaks, brilliant sunsets and roving trade winds. Intoxicating, yes, they are. But my lasting memories are of people, of the strangers who greet you with a smile and friendly families who offer hospitality.

 

Amador County, California: Gold From Mines & Vines
Marguerite Thomas - Travel Muse

Precious metal is not the only valuable commodity in Amador County, a bucolic region nestling in the foothills of California's Sierra Madre Mountains 45 miles (72 kms) southeast of Sacramento, the state's capital. Today's treasure, which thrives in sunlight and fresh air and yields what might be considered liquid gold, is wine.

Swiss Food -- From Haute to Wholesome
Margaret M. Johnson - Travel Muse

Nestled between France, Italy, Austria, Germany and tiny Liechtenstein, Switzerland has a reputation in the European foodie world for being as conversant with cuisines as it is with languages. With four distinct regions, each with its own culture and language, Swiss chefs move freely from ravioli to spatzle and saucisson to foie gras.

L'Auberge De Sedona, Into the Woods in Arizona's Red Rock Country
Anne Z. Cooke - Travel Muse

For L'Auberge de Sedona, a luxury lodge with secluded guest cabins on the banks of Oak Creek, L'Auberge de Sedona -- once a top-ranked resort -- a luxury lodge with secluded guest cabins on the banks of Oak Creek rooms has looked dated of late which has been noted on several Internet sites by more than one irate guest. However, The current project, is going far beyond mere renovations. Thirty-one more cottages are going up on the site, along with a brand-new, ultra-deluxe spa, an event and meetings center and a parking structure. A new approach road and check-in area will solve the problem of the present driveway, a steep, narrow, poorly-marked road on what looks like an easement.

High Seas Vacation Cruise with Eve
Diana Korte - Travel Muse

We've sailed on many small ships, but had never cruised on a big oceanliner like Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas with its capacity of more than 3,000 passengers. We had no clue about what we'd been missing

Taking the Kids - Sailing Around the Tahitian Islands
Eileen Ogintz

We are in paradise -- really. The fish literally eat out of our hands, the water is so clear I can see seashells in the sand six feet below us and the island nearby is ringed by lush, green trees, some dripping with exotic fruits.

Taking the Kids - Surviving (Maybe Even Enjoying!) a Road Trip
Eileen Ogintz

No matter how snazzy the car -- from a kids' perspective anyway -- and how short (or long) the trip, the biggest challenge, of course, is keeping the kids amused along the way. And that's clearly a challenge a lot of us will be facing this summer. AAA says well over 80 percent of summer vacations will be road trips, with families traveling more than 600 miles round trip.

Taking the Kids - Joining Forces on Vacation
Eileen Ogintz

Maybe it's the economy. Maybe it's the need to reconnect with friends and family. At beach houses and on sailboats, city condos and mountain cabins, families and friends are joining forces on vacation. According to a new survey from TripAdvisor of people with children, nearly a third report they will vacation with another family this year to save money -- a significant jump from 2008.

Brussels: One of Europe's Great Travel Secrets
Rick Steves

Six hundred years ago, Brussels was just a nice place to stop and buy a waffle on the way to France. Today, it's a city of 1.8 million, the capital of Belgium, the headquarters of NATO, and the political center of the European Union. It may be easy to skip as you zip from Amsterdam to Paris by train, but its rich brew of food and culture pleasantly surprise those who stop.

Tourist Beware: Europe's Latest Travel Scams
Rick Steves

I don't mean to paint Europe as a dangerous place. In fact, it's safer than America. Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly. Scams are easy to avoid if you recognize them. But remember: Even the most vigilant traveler can get conned. If this happens, don't let it ruin your trip. With the right attitude and lighter bags, you can still have a wonderful time.

Some New Internet Doings - Internet Travel Deals
Ed Perkins On Travel

If you thought you knew about online travel information, just wait a minute. New sites and upgrades come along almost too fast to see. Here's a rundown on some of them.

What's Going on with the Airlines
Ed Perkins on Travel

The combination of a lousy economy, increasing fuel prices, and intense competition is creating unprecedented turmoil in the airline marketplace. Although no single event warrants a full column, several are important enough to cover

Keeping in Touch When You're in Europe
Ed Perkins on Travel

If you're heading to Europe, remember to arrange how you'll stay in touch with family and friends at home. Your usual practice for domestic travel -- using your regular wireless phone -- may not work in Europe, and even if it does, it may not be your best option.

Five-Star Luxury at Family Prices in Sedona
Enchantment Resort (Sedona, Arizona)

Enchantment Resort
(Sedona, Arizona)

For as long as it's been open, Enchantment Resort, in Arizona's Red Rock Country, has earned dozens of stars and diamonds, climbed onto most "top ten best" lists and generated thousands of adjectives, many of them, rather oddly, starting with the letter M.

Magical, mystical, mythical, magnetic, magnificent and monumental head the deluge, at high tide since 1987 when the Enchantment Resort opened at the end of secluded Boynton Canyon, five miles from central Sedona, Arizona.

 

Guaranteed Dollar Rates: Some Good, Some Not
Ed Perkins - On Travel

Now that the dollar is slowly losing against the euro and the pound you can expect to see more "guaranteed dollar rate" hotel, tour, and rental car promotions. They're sometimes a good deal, and sometimes not.

Taking the Kids: Seeing More Than the Typical Sites in New York City
Eileen Ogintz

Visitors to New York have their pick of world-class iconic sites -- Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, two new Major League baseball stadiums, Empire State Building and Central Park. But there is a lot more to New York especially for the kids

Taking the Kids: Shaun White at Skateboard Camp in the Cayman Islands
Eileen Ogintz

It's vacation and the teens are awake and ready to roll before 8 a.m.! The 22-year-old White has come down to Grand Cayman, his parents and sister in tow, to inaugurate Skate Cayman an 11-week summer program

Taking the Kids Camping & the Great Outdoors
Eileen Ogintz

Just being in a tent is an adventure for young kids, says Nancy Ritger, an Appalachian Mountain Club naturalist who has camped with her three teens since they were bab

Taking the Kids and Learning New Tricks at Caribbean Resorts This Summer
Eileen Ogintz

Whether you want to learn to dive with your tween or snorkel with your kindergartner, teach your grade-schooler to sail or fly on a trapeze, you'll find plenty of opportunities at Caribbean resorts -- at prices that are surprisingly affordable.

Kids on a Plane! 5 Fixes for Unruly Junior Passengers
Christopher Elliott

Kids on a plane. No four words incite more acrimonious debate among air travelers. On one side, you have childless customers who just want a little civility while they're locked inside a pressurized aluminum tube. Talk about oil and water.

Children in First Class: 3 Suggestions for the Kids 'Up Front'
Christopher Elliott

The overwhelming number of travelers I spoke with said kids should be able to fly in first class if their parents could afford to pay the freight. But they were quick to add that they expected the children to behave.

Travel the World's Luxury Trains at a Discount
Diana Korte - World's Fare

Many regard riding the rails on fabled trains as one of the world's great travel experiences. These great trains, which hark back to the golden age of rail travel when every moment of a journey was to be savored and enjoyed, are located on most continents and offer the highest level of service, posh surroundings and all-inclusive fine dining.

Feel the Spirit
Rick Steves

For years, I've believed that anyone who enjoys getting close to God should pack their spirituality along with them in their travels. Here are some experiences in Europe that spiritual people -- from conservative Catholics to Buddhists to tree-huggers to Methodists to curious European bus drivers who've never thought about this while on a tour before -- would enjoy.

Beyond Prague
Rick Steves

From its colorful Old Town square to sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, Prague offers plenty to see and do. Thirty miles south of Prague is Konopiste Castle, the lavish residence of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Travel to Holland where Old Amsterdam is Always New
Margaret M. Johnson - World's Fare

I decided to head to the Netherlands and spent five glorious days exploring Amsterdam, a place that boasts the largest historical city center in Europe.

Wining & Dining in Vienna
Rick Steves

If any European capital knows how to enjoy the good life, it's Vienna, Austria. ocals linger over pastry and coffee at cafes. Concerts and classical music abound. And chatting with friends at a wine garden is not a special event but a way of life.

Anchorage, Alaska - Jumping Off Point to the Last Frontier
Cindy Ross - World's Fare

The first problem you have to deal with when you finally decide on your "Trip of a Lifetime" -- is where to go in Alaska and what to see and do. Alaska is enormous: 663,267 square miles -- one-fifth the size of the entire continental United States.

Anchorage is the perfect jumping off point for some of the best adventures in the entire state. As your base, you can head north to Denali National Park on the scenic Alaskan Railroad, then south to the Kenai Peninsula and the charming town of Seward. But first begin in Anchorage's museums, where you can get a background on who the real Alaskans are and what the Last Frontier is all about.

Taking Your Taste Buds on a European Tour
Rick Steves

Eating and drinking in Europe is sightseeing for your taste buds. Every country has local specialties that are good, memorable, or both. Here are many of the fun experiences that stick in my mind after 30 years of travel. Seek out any of these on your next trip.

Athens: A New Look for an Old City
by Rick Steves

My advice has long been to see the big sights, then get out. But visiting it recently to research a new guidebook, I've seen a dramatic change. The city has made a concerted effort to curb pollution, clean up and pedestrianize the streets, spiff up the museums, build a new airport, and invest in one of Europe's better public-transit systems.

Ancient Olympics Meet Wild West
by Rick Steves

If you want to get away from it all when traveling in Greece, head for the Peloponnesian Peninsula. When I visited ancient Olympia recently for a new TV show and guidebook, it was worth the four-hour drive from Athens.

 

Italy's Cinque Terre & Vernazza
Rick Steves' Europe

Italy's Cinque Terre is a quintet of villages clinging to a bit of rugged coastline between Genoa and Pisa. You can choose any village for a home base, but Vernazza is my favorite.

At the top end of town a little road hits a post, effectively a dead end for drivers. Like the breakwater keeps out the waves at the bottom of town, the post keeps out the modern storm at the top. No cars enter this village of 600 people.

 

Siena's Palio Sets Stage for Touring Tuscany
by Margaret M. Johnson

Siena is best known as the city of the Palio. One of Italy's most famous festivals, the Palio is a frenetic, bareback horse race involving 10 contending contrade (various districts of the city). The July 2 race (Palio di Provenzano), held since 1656, celebrates the Feast of the Visitation. The second race (Palio dell'Assunta), added on Aug. 16, 1701, the day after the Feast of the Assumption, is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

From Switzerland to Germany's Baltic Sea Coast
Romantik Tours

This itinerary starts in Switzerland and takes you to the German North and Baltic Sea coast. Starting point is the Swiss city of Zurich. The tour finishes at the Island of Usedom, shortly before the Polish border. ...

 

10 Best Bargains in Salzburg
by Karen Brown

Karen Brown -- traveling to Europe for over 30 years and best known as the author of Karen Brown's travel guides -- shares her 10 Best Bargains in Salzburg, Austria, a favorite tourist destination in Europe.

 

Safari in Botswana
by Anne Z. Cooke

Guests who've traveled with Sanctuary Lodges, Abercrombie & Kent's group of African safari lodges, tend to agree: Chief's Camp, in the Okavango Delta, comes as close to the classic safari lodge as you can find in Botswana.

 

Norway's Ultimate Natural Thrill
Rick Steves' Europe

Frankly, if you go to Oslo and don't get out to the fjords, you should have your passport revoked.

Norway's greatest claim to scenic fame is its deep and lush saltwater inlets.

Sognefjord, Norway's longest (120 miles) and deepest (more than a mile), is tops. Sognefjord offers Norway's best combination of scenic wonder and accessibility.

 

Ventures in Western Norway
Bo Zaunders World's Fare

Our Norwegian venture began when we took the train from Oslo to Bergen. Choosing rail proved auspicious.

I've always liked trains. They are (in Europe anyway) comfortable and relaxing, even luxurious. And you can enjoy the scenery with not the slightest concern about oncoming traffic.

Speaking of scenery, we had heard that the views would be spectacular during this six and a half hour journey across Norway's mountainous midriff.

Suffice it to say, they were.

One of the many waterfalls -- with or without rainbows -- that we encountered as we wound our way to Stavanger.

 

Mediterranean Enchantment Cruise
World's Fare By Margaret M. Johnson

After several years of shouting "no cruise for me," I'm happy to report that I'm now a seasoned veteran and have just returned from yet another delightful maritime experience -- this time aboard a floating palace called MS Noordam, one of 14 ships in the Holland America fleet.

With tastes of Italian, Spanish, and Tunisian cultures, I found cruising round the Med both enchanting and delicious.

 

An Unforgettable Mediterranean Wedding

You are planning your marriage and you want to be sure that is a sunny, unforgettable day?

How about celebrating this special day in a Mediterranean environment?

We would like to suggest three very different, but sunny destinations from the portfolio of 200 Romantik Hotels & Restaurants.

 

Dublin's Irrepressible Spirit
Rick Steves

Ireland is still vibrant as can be for travelers. And Dublin offers the best urban thrills in the Republic of Ireland. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Dublin -- Ireland's capital

The Dingle Peninsula Escape to Pure Ireland
Rick Steves' Europe

Be forewarned, Ireland is seductive.

Gaeltachts are national parks for the traditional culture, where the government protects the old Irish ways. The Dingle Peninsula -- green, rugged, and untouched -- is my favorite Gaeltacht.

As you explore the lush Dingle Peninsula, you'll see why the Emerald Isle got its name.

 

Five-Star Ireland: Luxury, Golf & Spas Await
World's Fare Margeret M. Johnson

It's been 25 years since my first visit to Ireland.

Our budget then hovered around Frommer's original "Ireland on $10 a Day," so accommodations were strictly bed and breakfast -- some nights all of us sharing one room -- with an "ensuite" bathroom available only at certain locations.

Thinking back, nearly everyone I knew who went to Ireland then stayed at B&B's.

Fifty visits later, I'm happy to report that B&B's are a thing of the past for hubby and me. We recently had the pleasure -- make that distinct pleasure -- of visiting three five-star properties where the "ensuite" bathrooms are marble, the breakfasts are top-notch, the spas and golf courses world-class.

 

London's May Fair Hotel Rocks
World's Fare By Anne Z. Cooke

I wish I'd stayed in the penthouse suite, at the five-star May Fair Hotel in London, but my budget refused to stretch. I did get a leisurely tour and a glass of cabernet, however, long enough to admire the very large bed and marvel at the pink and gold clouds that framed the city's skyline at sunset.

Taller than its neighbors here in the Mayfair district, the nine-story May Fair Hotel's terrace actually enjoys 360-degree views, a rare highlight of any stay in this posh retreat.

 

Plan Ahead for a Memorable Roman Holiday
World's Fare By Margaret M. Johnson

Rome, Italy's capital, and largest city, has nearly 3 million inhabitants in an area of 580 square miles.

With more churches than there are days in the year; monuments dating back to the 1st century; ancient, medieval, renaissance, and baroque art and architecture; some of the richest museums and galleries in the world; breathtaking fountains and obelisks; and Vatican City, the center of Christianity. Rome is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

 

Tutka Bay Lodge Luxury Alaskan Style
Anne Z. Cooke World's Fare

It's hard to put a label on Tutka Bay Lodge, in the southwestern corner of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Some might call it a bed-and-breakfast.

Tutka Bay Lodge, at the foot of the glacier-capped Kenai Mountains, is surrounded by wilderness. Kachemak Bay State Park, on its border, is a vibrant ecosystem, its finger-like fiords harboring a thriving population of birds, whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea otters. The combination offers no better and certainly no more stellar introduction to Alaska.

 

Exploring the Pacific Northwest
World's Fare By Cindy Ross

Tucked away in the far northwestern reaches of the Continental United States is the Pacific Northwest.

The Pacific Northwest forms a land of endless diversity and unparalleled beauty, from looming volcanoes to wave-battered coastline, from rainforests to glacial peaks.

And on the edge of it all, an expanse of glimmering skyscrapers in the city of Seattle.

 

Cycling Maine's Acadia National Park
World's Fare Cindy Ross

Acadia National Park is America's first national park east of the Mississippi.

The park provides an amazing cornucopia of recreation with more than 100 miles of hiking trails, many of which were laid out by Native Americans, and 57 miles of the most unique system of stone carriage roads on the planet. John D. Rockefeller Jr. had the foresight and wisdom way back in 1913 when the automobile was first invented to see it as a menacing threat.

 

San Francisco Weekend
Diana Korte World's Fare

It's walkable and loveable and according to many travelers, boasts some of the best food and wines anywhere.

Dine, wine, shop and get around on cable cars and buses when it's too far to walk.

If you're yearning for a big-city vacation and have a weekend to spare, why not come to San Francisco, the city on the bay.