Archives: Articles

This is our collection of newly published articles

Everything can happen in just a day on Little Cayman, and then again nothing much may happen at all.  Along the way, either experience becomes something to savor.  Just a short flight from Grand Cayman, this corner of the western Caribbean remains one of its quietest.  For those usually in a rush to do it all, be prepared to adjust quickly to the luxuriant pace of Little Cayman time–where the speed limit is usually 25 …

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As the home of Mount Fuji, there’s already an expectation that Shizuoka will be a scenic delight of any trip to Japan. But outside the shadow of Japan’s highest mountain is a cultural heritage, beaches, and fresh seafood cuisine.

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Anyone who has seen any footage of the recent fires in Southern California has to have been terrified. It looked as though Los Angeles, long seen by the world as a heavenly place, had been turned into a flaming inferno. The spreading, engulfing flames carried by high winds were beyond any human efforts to resist. It defied belief and still does. The situation is literally beyond comprehension.

California has suffered one of the worst disasters …

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If a $5 fee is a good way to slow overtourism and protect the fragile ecosystem, then shouldn’t $10 work even better?

That’s the question in Venice, which has announced it will bring back last summer’s tourist tax—and double it to boot—for 2025.

Venice in 2024 introduced a €5 charge for visitors on 29 high-traffic peak-season dates, in an attempt to curb the crowds that sometimes overran its famous, but delicate, canals. The tourism office …

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When traveling internationally, cellular data is important for many of us, whether we’re using our smart phones keeping in touch with friends and family back home or taking care of others matters such as banking or travel reservations. For example, when I land in Amsterdam tomorrow morning, I’ll want to book a train ticket to the city center, which I can do using the NS app. Why pay 40 euros or more to for a …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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