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This is our collection of newly published articles

The National Park Service designated New River Gorge in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia as the United State’s newest national park in December 2020. This addition to the National Park System marks a significant recognition of the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 70,000 acres, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, along with a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

The New …

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Nothing says love more than chocolate – well, at least for most people. Why not plan a getaway to a destination known for chocolate? Go to a far flung part of the world where the heavenly creation of sweetened food made from cocoa beans excites your taste buds. What could be better than combining your love for travel with your love for chocolate?

Belgium

In the European Kingdom of Belgium, surrounded by the Netherlands, Germany …

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Just a stone’s throw north of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast is Tarpon Springs—an enclave that, with a hint of imagination, mirrors the charm of distant Mykonos. The town’s fortunes started in 1887 with the arrival of railroad service north all the way to New York, but sprang to life at the dawn of the 20th century by the discovery of rich sponge beds just offshore. The arrival of Greek sponge divers in 1905 from …

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With the exception of Native Americans, every citizen has roots tracing back to an immigrant ancestor. This gathering of diverse backgrounds is not just a characteristic of the American identity; it is the foundation of the nation’s unparalleled success. The Tenement Museum in New York City attests to our immigrant legacy, exploring the immigrant experience and its central role in shaping our country.

Immigration is the narrative of the United States, often referred to as …

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Belgium, though modest in size, stands tall on the European map, boasting an convergence of cultures. This nation, situated among some of Europe’s most influential countries, offers a unique blend of landscapes, architectures, and culinary influence.

 

Belgium sits in Western Europe, sharing borders with the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. The country’s landscape is diverse, featuring the sandy beaches of the northwest, the agricultural central plateau, and the forests of the Ardennes. The Meuse and …

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Any trip to San Diego is likely filled with visits to the beach, perhaps the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, maybe even Sea World, or the museums of Balboa Park. Once you’ve checked off the ‘must-do’ tourist items on any San Diego sightseeing list, how about some off-the-radar stops popular with locals to grab a little peace and quiet and re-center?

#1 Self Realization Temple and Gardens — Encinitas

Located 20 miles north of Downtown San …

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A road trip around the South Island of New Zealand with my partner was a fun-packed adventure. From breathtaking scenery to amazing wildlife, not to mention the friendly (and occasionally quirky!) locals, our road trip provided us with an abundance of incredible memories.  Here is my pick of ten highlights from our South Island escapade.

Jet Boating at Buller Gorge

For a thrilling jet boat ride through pink granite rock canyons, head to Buller near …

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Iceland’s most scenic and popular route is the “Golden Circle” of approximately 300 kilometers of breathtaking views, often traversed in a circular pattern out and back from Reykjavik. Within the Golden Circle lie some of the country’s top attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls, and Geysir in the heart of an active geothermal valley.

One of the best parts of the Golden Circle is Iceland’s well-developed and easy to follow system of …

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On most tiny tropical islands, the activities for the day predictable: snorkeling, diving, a spot of swimming, and cocktails served in coconut shells. If that’s all you require, the non-stop action at Club Med Kani in the Maldives can feel rather disconcerting. I was dubious about the enforced jollity of zumba classes, aqua-aerobics, sunset yoga, cookery lessons, a stage show every evening, and even a disco until the early morning hours. But on the second …

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I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain.  Leading the way are four hyped-up dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa, and Enea; hot in their heels are truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.

Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition, a daily event which, for the dogs and their handlers, is a time to demonstrate their kinship, their bond. These …

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Deep inside the jungles of Colombia, archeologists have discovered an extensive array of ancient rock paintings, hailed as the “Sistine Chapel of the Ancients.”  These glyphs represent a significant milestone in the study of pre-Columbian history and offer a new window into the lives of people who lived during the Ice Age. This discovery, made in the Serranía de la Lindosa and nearby areas, including the Chiribiquete National Park, was led by a British-Colombian team …

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Long-haul flights can be daunting, often involving hours of travel across multiple time zones. Fear not.  With the right preparation, long-haul journeys can be more comfortable and even enjoyable. Here are a few salient tips for the next long-hour flight on which you find yourself.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

The seat you choose can significantly impact your comfort. Consider opting for an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom or an exit row for …

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Cruise vacations offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. Unsurprisingly, a significant part of the cruising experience is the time spent in your cabin. While most cabins provide comfort and serenity, certain locations on a ship can detract from the overall enjoyment due to noise, excessive motion, proximity to public spaces, or obstructed views. To ensure a pleasant cruise experience, avoiding certain cabins and working with a knowledgeable travel consultant to select the …

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The first thing you’ll notice as you get closer to the Northern Idaho town of Coeur D’Alene is the ethereal beauty of the mountains, lakes, and forests surrounding it.

And the first thing you’ll notice as you enter the town is that this place is different.

Coeur D’Alene (pronounced kor duh·layn), in fact, seems delightfully stuck in another era. As you enter town, for example, you’ll find plenty of authentically restored, early-1900s Craftsman and Queen …

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