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Who has not been captivated by tales of knights and dragons, of medieval feuds, battles, and betrayals? Serving as the backdrop for each of these stories is a castle. Visiting a castle can provide a playground for the imagination, allowing the mind to revel in legend and lore. Walking through grand halls past suits of armor, torches, and tapestries, one cannot fathom so many stories embedded in stone. More than a getaway from the stresses …

There’s a word for happy accidents, those series of unplanned events leading to good memories: serendipity.  I am convinced the best trips are those in which we allow serendipity to go along for the ride.  On a trip to London several years ago, I did something I do with some regularity and never with regret. I had always wanted to go to Glastonbury.  It was on my “someday” list. On the spur of the …

The first time I visited Santiago five years ago, I loved it so much that I thought it could be fun to live there for a while. It felt big enough to be lively and small enough to manage, with stunning scenery and a cosmopolitan flair.

Now I’m sitting on the balcony of my tiny apartment watching the snow on the Andes turn delicate shades of pink in the sunset. I’ve become more Chile-street-smart these …

Tracing your cultural heritage and family genealogy is a fascinating undertaking. Family origins have an interest that goes beyond mere intellectual curiosity. We feel bound by our connections to the past, by archetypal respect for all that has come before us. The mystery of your family’s origins is waiting to be uncovered, no matter what your race or country of origin. With a bit of planning and skillful research, it is possible to reveal the …

Sitting amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia – yes, the mountains actually do have a bluish tinge – Roanoke is a city in which many cherished old red-brick buildings have been re-purposed into cool restaurants and hotels. With a population of about 100,000, it’s a surprisingly-cosmopolitan city, with sophisticated cultural amenities, important historical sites, excellent dining and nightlife, a vibrant downtown, and more memorable experiences than many larger cities. And here are some …

With a super long Adriatic coastline, over 1200 islands and islets, beaches lapped by crystal clear waters, and dozens of scenic coastal towns, the best way to see Croatia by far is by boat.

Forget what you think you know about cruise ships. A much more comfortable and convenient way to travel by sea is by taking a mini-cruiser charter. Imagine sailing on a luxury yacht with your closest friends or dearest ones, and having …

If you are like most who have never been to Hawaii, the state’s islands blend into a mass of unpronounceable vowels and indistinct images of a tropical paradise. The geography of the islands is not difficult, however, and all it takes is one trip to make visitors long to become experts. So if you have never been, or if you have only been to one island, this introduction should whet your appetite and familiarize you …

You want to go to Australia this winter, but published fares are through the roof. Guess kangaroos, the outback, and Crocodile Dundee will just have to wait for your arrival, right? Not necessarily. With a little patience and a good travel advisor, you might just luck into one of the real secrets of inexpensive travel… international airline consolidators. These airline ticket brokers purchase airline tickets directly from the airlines in bulk at discounted fares …

Is it really possible that less is more? If you are talking about small ship and niche cruising, the answer is a definitive “Yes”! Whether you want to cruise on a tall-masted ship, sail the Amazon, visit small, secluded islands, or see Antarctica up close and personal, niche cruising offers a fantastic alternative to mega-liner cruise ships. Because most niche cruise lines are operated by smaller companies, their itineraries and even their existence are often …

Bangkok is a city that reveals itself one street, one alley, and path at a time. After two weeks, I continued to venture further each day, walking and taking tuk-tuks to different sections of the city, keeping my bearing by knowing where the Chao Phraya river was situated relative to my location at all times. The Chao Phraya was my main transportation route each day as I visited by water taxi the many temples in …

Located in the northeast of Scotland is the port city of Aberdeen, home to over 250 castles and ruins of castles. The epic scenery brings to mind scenes from the silver screen, such as Harry Potter, James Bond 007 films, the Kingsman, and Outlander, to name a few. The hidden forests, green meadows, moors, and castles are a traditional part of Scotland. Aberdeen’s castles vary from the whimsical 16th-century fairytale-looking Crathes Castle to the stately …

With almost perfect temperatures the whole year, the Canary Islands are a popular getaway for travelers. Particularly Tenerife, the most populous island in the chain. Picturesque sand beaches stretch along the coasts surrounding cloud-covered mountains, and small villages once lost to volcanic explosions have been born anew. A flourishing culture with art, delectable food, and tasty wine… the Tenerife life is rest and relaxation immersed in naturally stunning views with a healthy helping of adventurous …

The most common mistake travelers make is NOT taking a camera when cruising. “After all,” they say, “a smartphone is all use when I’m home. Why should I also bring a heavier camera?”

Cruises represent new challenges most of us don’t face in everyday life. We don’t spend as much time outdoors; we don’t need to contend with never-ending glare, and our subjects are usually within eight feet of us. Also, …