This is our collection of newly published articles
After three weeks of exploring Austin, I’m still not used to the car-centric Texan lifestyle.
In my imagination, I’d pictured Austin as an artsy place of bars and restaurants, cinemas, museums and theatres, all within casual strolling distance. Instead, I met sprawling highways that divide the suburbs into isolated clusters of activity. If I set off for a walk here, I suspect the police would arrest me for suspicious behavior. Who knew that visiting the …
Have you ever heard of Tuvalu? Or perhaps met someone who’s visited? If your answer is “no,” you’re not alone. This remote Pacific nation remains one of the least visited countries in the world. Tuvalu offers a rare opportunity to experience natural beauty far from the tourist crowds. At the risk of ruining a paradise, let me tell you about this remarkable country.
In the heart of the Pacific, about 620 miles north of Fiji …
In the Rif Mountains of Morocco, the bewitching blue city of Chefchaouen was certainly somewhere I dreamt about visiting for many years. Happily, I finally made it there and I’m pleased to say that captivating Chefchaouen lived up to expectations.
With its blue-washed buildings, cute plazas, and delightful doorways, the small city is a feast for the eyes. To add to its appeal, it’s home to a huge population of adorable cats. In fact, Chefchaouen …
The U.S. Department of State has stopped processing applications for passports that feature the “X” gender marker. As it stands, passports will only be processed and issued for individuals identifying explicitly as male or female, a spokesperson for the department confirmed.
This recent action follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order establishes the current official stance of the U.S. government by mandating the recognition of only two genders – male and …
We recently wrote about Close-In Bookings: Too Late To Book For Spring? In that story, cruise companies told us that folks were booking closer to their departure dates than in years past.
While the norm was to book a year or more in advance, the trend now is booking for departures less than a year in advance, with many booking their cruises only six months or less before their sailing dates. Why the change? We …
If your travel plans include venturing across state borders or collecting passport stamps, it’s essential to know what your health insurance will cover while you’re far from home. Facing an illness or injury abroad can be more than just unpleasant—it could lead to hefty out-of-pocket costs, even if you’re enrolled in Medicare. Many standard health insurance policies also do not cover international travel.
Medicare isn’t universally accepted outside the United States, and coverage can vary …
Foula is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the UK, situated 20 miles west of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Its isolated location, amidst rugged seas and dramatic cliffs, paints a beautiful yet challenging picture of life removed from pace and place. Foula’s history is as fascinating as its geographical features. The island’s name is thought to derive from the Old Norse “Fuglaey,” meaning “bird island.” Its abundant seabird populations and Norse heritage …
On the rocky shores of Hudson Bay sits Churchill, Manitoba—a small, unassuming town filled with natural beauty, First Nations culture, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Referred to as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill offers up its unparalleled wildlife encounters to visitors. Churchill promises, and delivers, a wholly unique experience.
Churchill is located in the northern part of Manitoba, Canada, along the western coast of Hudson Bay. Despite its remote location …
Unfortunately, it may well be that Bibury needs no introduction. Already the small village of Bibury is attracting plenty of visitors risking the very quaintness that gave rise to its popularity. William Morris, a noted textile designer and artist from the 19th century, once described Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England,” an appraisal consistent with the village being featured on lists of the most picturesque locations worldwide.
Bibury’s correct pronunciation is “buy-bu-ree,” a …
Having your luggage misplaced or lost is one of the ongoing perils of airline travel. Fortunately, Apple AirTags offer a reliable solution to track your luggage in real-time, providing a bit more peace of mind during your travels. This guide will walk you through the steps of effectively using Apple AirTags and offer insightful tips to maximize their utility.
Getting Started: How to Use AirTags to Track Your Luggage
Integrating Apple AirTags into your travel …
Until the 2010 Olympic Games brought it to the attention of the world, Vancouver was a quiet British Columbia city that was often forgotten when planning vacations. The renovations and revitalization of city has left a region with great food, wine, culture and activities, all between the Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped mountains.
Granville Island
As you cross into Granville Island, the world changes quickly as you no longer feel like you are in big …
If you have a craving to get up close and personal with Argentina’s stunning mountains, waterfalls, and lakes, look no further than El Chalten. A small settlement amongst the rugged peaks of Patagonia, it’s a magnet for trekkers who flock to the town in the summer. Close to Chile’s border, El Chalten is situated in the heart of the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park.
Every year, visitors add considerably to the town’s current population of …
There’s a strange fact about Costa Rican people – while they’re enormously proud of their beautiful country, they cringe when you mention the capital.
“To be honest, it’s not somewhere we’re really proud of,” one tour guide told me. “If you only see San Jose, you haven’t seen our country.” An Uber driver taking me to the apartment I’d rented was equally discouraging. “Maybe you can take some day trips out of town to the …
Amsterdam’s cityscape, with its narrow houses tilting at various angles like rows of dominoes frozen mid-fall, at times looks like a scene from a Dr. Suess story. These leaning buildings, far from being architectural mistakes, represent centuries of adaptation to the unique challenges posed by building a city on swampland.
The foundation of Amsterdam’s architectural character lies, quite literally, in its unusual geology. The city was built on a swampy delta, where the River Amstel …
