Warm up in the British Virgin Islands
When I last visited the British Virgin Islands 20 years ago, I checked out its inviting beaches, visited historic and natural sites, and oohed and aahed at the magnificent scenery. During a return trip there last fall, I relived those experiences and discovered some new ones. The British Virgin Islands, or BVI, transcend a typical sun, surf and sand vacation with opportunities ... READ MORE
Explore the Gulf Coast, America’s Mediterranean
Sugar-sand beaches, gentle breezes, warm winters, shrimp and grits and quirky fun — that’s what’s in store on a trip along the coastline from Pensacola, Florida, to Mobile, Alabama, known as “the Mediterranean of the Americas.” Exploring this part of the Gulf Coast can be a one-or-more-week meander — a mix of relaxing on beaches, fishing for red snappers, paddling marshes ... READ MORE
Yellowstone’s natural wonders & wildlife
Stunning panoramic vistas and copious wildlife are the showstopping hallmarks of Yellowstone National Park. The world’s first National Park, established in 1872, Yellowstone is home to the iconic Old Faithful geyser and so much more. My husband, Chris, and I recently embarked on a two-week National Parks bus adventure with Globus tours. We wanted to see it all while avoiding hours... READ MORE
Japan and South Korea by cruise ship
Some overseas trips are not like others. Although I’ve vacationed in Europe and places as diverse as Tunisia and Colombia, I never felt so “other” as I did in Japan. And as I discovered, that was not a bad thing. My husband, Chuck, and I chose to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in Japan. We wanted to go somewhere neither of us had ever been, and we were both curious... READ MORE
Why and how to access an airport lounge
Spending time in airports is one of the worst parts of travel. They’re uncomfortable, loud and crowded. And even a measly bottle of water will cost two or three times as much when purchased at an airport. However, there is a more enjoyable way to pass time in an airport, whether you’re awaiting your first leg or killing time during a layover: an airport lounge. A lot of... READ MORE
Remnants of Civil War forts surround us
When out-of-town guests stay over, you may want to plan an outing more unusual than to the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol or the Smithsonian’s museums. Instead, the Washington area’s Civil War forts can make for interesting and less crowded destinations. Around the city is a “ring of forts” — the remnants of a system of Civil War fortifications that, by 1865, totaled 68... READ MORE
Visit Richmond for its diverse museums
Once viewed as a buttoned-up town with a dark history, Richmond today is owning its past and blossoming into a vibrant metropolis that celebrates diversity of all kinds. The city’s multiple museums offer days of contemplation. One of Richmond’s many history museums, The Valentine Museum, offers an introductory overview of Richmond’s jewels, warts and wrinkles. Situated in the... READ MORE
New rules for airlines — what they mean
You’ve probably seen some coverage of the Department of Transportation (DoT) big “New Rules” announcements this past spring. Some of the coverage has been a bit over the top, but overall the new rules are good (rather than great) news for consumers. Refunds Probably the most important new rule requires airlines that owe you a cash refund to make that refund fully, promptly and... READ MORE
Hitting a homerun in Cooperstown, N.Y.
I recently got an up-close view of the types of World Series winner rings given to baseball players on the 1924 Washington Senators team and the 2019 Washington Nationals. In a display case nearby was a glove used by Bucky Harris who, in 1924, played second base for and managed the Washington Senators when they won the World Series. These almost sacred artifacts are part of the... READ MORE
Visit Scottish Highlands aboard a barge
I leaned back in my deck chair, basking in the sun and enjoying the warm breeze. Languorously I gazed at the lush Scottish scenery slowly slipping by. Wait, what? Sun? Warm breeze? Scotland? It was August, and my wife, Katherine, and I were cruising down the Caledonian Canal from Inverness, through Loch Ness, to Fort William on a colorful, retrofitted barge during what passes for... READ MORE
