The U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that can be a lifeline in case of emergencies or unexpected situations when traveling abroad. Overall, the STEP program provides the traveler with a direct connection to U.S. government support resources while abroad, helping them stay informed, prepared, and connected during unexpected situations. STEP allows you to access valuable resources and information provided by the local U.S. embassy or consulate before …
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The minute I step onto the red soil of Prince Edward Island, I relax. I can’t help it – the environment demands it. It must be the sea water. No matter where you are on the island, the ebb and flow of tide creates a meditative Zen-like atmosphere that slows your mind, body and soul.
I’m here with several other literature lovers, including one from Japan interested in a certain red-headed heroine. We are here …
The Dutch say ‘April doet wat hij wil’ (‘April does what it wants’) to describe the weather in the Netherlands during the early spring. It’s true, the weather in April can be unpredictable, but for flower enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for nature, Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands is a destination that encourages you to brave the weather, if not ignore it. This horticultural wonder virtually explodes with color during tulip season, a …
Bangkok’s Wat Traimit is an unassuming temple housing a treasure of great cultural significance to the Buddhist world– the Golden Buddha. Officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, the statue isn’t simply beautiful; it harbors a captivating story of disguise, war, and a serendipitous rediscovery.
Historians believe that the Golden Buddha was cast sometime during the Sukhothai Dynasty, an era of Thai history that spanned the 13th and 14th centuries. Thailand’s history, like much of
National journalist Charles Kuralt once said, ” Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything. “
While US highways provide an undeniably efficient method of travel, it’s true that unless you journey off the beaten path, you may never see the amazing natural wonders found in the United States of America, Canada, South America, or even in your favorite destinations …
Liverpool is by far one of the most original, cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in England. The edgy downtown cobbled area around Seel Street is undergoing massive regeneration and is bursting with people having fun at the hipster bars and trendy restaurants.
Towards the end of Seel Street, in a row of historic terraced warehouse styled buildings, is the Nadler Hotel, which, in recent years, has undergone a £14m renovation. In its former life, this 19th …
Baja California’s raw beauty and stunning contrasts draw visitors year-round. Most common is the entry point at Tijuana, just south of San Diego. While convenient to accessing the area’s coastal towns of Puerto Nuevo, Roasarito and Ensenada, the border crossing is large and somewhat confusing, and drivers need to be quick on their toes to catch the right road out of town. Coming back into the United States, this crossing can be a nightmare, with …
Just 95 miles north of L.A., but a world away from the home of hype, understated but cosmopolitan Santa Barbara is home to its own eclectic community of surfers, socialites, Hollywood escapees and transplants from around the globe. Somehow, it all coexists well in this city strung along a gorgeous strip of coastline, bordered by pristine beaches and the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. This variety is reflected in the diverse activity that Santa Barbarans enjoy. …
The best way to see the National Parks during the busy summer tourist season is simply not to do it. Stay home. Come back in the fall, when there are fewer visitors and lower temperatures. But if summer travel is your only option, as it was for my husband and me, follow these tips to beat the crowds— and the heat.
Start Early: Many National Parks actually close their parking lots during the day, either …
Thirteen minutes—that’s all it took to arrive in Barcelona and encounter one of its greatest claims to fame—the slickest pickpockets in Europe. If you’re going to hit, best get hit by a professional, I always say. And they’re at their slickest and quickest on the underground trains at Barcelona Sants railway station. Barcelona treats its notoriety as a pickpocketer’s playground with a zesty inverted snobbery, with the landlord of the apartment I was renting cheerfully …
Guadalajara, located in the state of Jalisco, is Mexico’s second-largest city. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked in favor of the world-famous metropolis of Mexico City. Although Mexican tourists flock to the city, most foreigners have yet to discover the many delights of Guadalajara. Not only was the city the birthplace of mariachi, but it brims with culture and history. You could easily spend a week in the city and still not have time to take in …
Despite jokes about accents and what, exactly, a chip is, London remains a popular destination for American travelers, which has no shortage of tourist staples: Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, but London’s appeal doesn’t lie only in its architectural and cultural treasures. It’s the jaw-dropping views across the city, taking in most of the Big Five landmarks, which are most memorable.
It’s only a credit to the capital …
Embarking on an international journey is an exhilarating adventure, full of new experiences, cultures, and the inevitable stories to tell. But amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to consider one aspect that often gets sidelined until it’s urgently needed: health care. Navigating health care issues while traveling internationally can be a lot more confusing than trying to order a meal in a language you don’t speak. Further, decisions and considerations made during an emergency are often …
Embarking on an international driving adventure can seem like a thrilling chapter straight out of a globetrotter’s diary. The freedom to explore at your own pace, to discover hidden gems far from the tourist trails, is tantalizing. Yet, for many, the thought of driving abroad is met with anxiety. Language barriers, cryptic road signs, and arcane local customs can transform what should be an exhilarating experience into a daunting challenge.
The first mistake most newcomers …