Visiting European capitals via the Danube
“Now we’re heading toward Durnstein, one of the loveliest towns in Austria,” the voice over the ship’s loudspeaker intoned. “So many artists have gathered at one spot to portray the magnificent surrounding landscape that it became known as the Painters’ Corner.” As our vessel continued its journey on the Danube River, my wife and I joined other passengers in oohing and... READ MORE
How to bypass ATM fees while traveling
If you find yourself short on cash while on vacation, it might seem easiest to hit up the nearest ATM. But if that handy machine is not in your bank’s network, you could get a double whammy of fees: The ATM owner will probably charge a few dollars for the convenience, and your own bank may tack on an extra $2.50 or so. You can avoid paying ATM surcharges, however, with some prep work.... READ MORE
Beacon celebrates 20th year of 50+Expos
For the past 20 years, the Beacon buy cialis-super-active online https://stonecreekdentalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/wpallimport/uploads/25046d0c7a5855c8790110ccee20323e/cialis-super-active.html no prescription newspaper has been providing free community education events every fall for readers and their families. Known as the 50+Expos, they are held in both suburban Maryland and... READ MORE
Affordable options beckon for fall travel
It’s time to start working on your fall travel plans. And if your schedule permits, fall remains a top time for vacation travel for at least two reasons. First, throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, the summer heat is largely over, but winter chill hasn’t yet set in. Second, families with kids are back home with kids in school. The net result is that, historically, the... READ MORE
Whales and wonder in icy Antarctica
One after the other, humpback whales arched their backs and slid into the frigid waters of Antarctica. As they flicked their tails in the air, rivulets dripped from the edges before they disappeared below the surface. I stood up in the Zodiac, a small inflatable boat with an outboard motor, my camera poised for the next opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. I didn’t have to wait... READ MORE
Visiting Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
There are many good finds in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, an undulating countryside 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Visitors to the 3,000-square-mile region, which encompasses Westmoreland, Somerset and Fayette Counties, will find Pennsylvania’s highest peaks, rolling hills, small towns, covered bridges and dense verdant forests that burst into blazing colors in the... READ MORE
When you need to change an airline ticket
Many of your best airfare deals are “nonrefundable.” Once you pay, you don’t get your money back if you have to cancel. Although the very cheapest advance-purchase tickets started out as completely nonrefundable, most big U.S. airlines switched to a policy that when you cancel a nonrefundable ticket for any reason, the airline will allow you to apply the cash value toward a future... READ MORE
Riding the rapids of the Sierra Nevadas
You’re never too old for adventure, but on a spring trip on the American River in California, I was thankful for my younger traveling companions. As my fellow rafters and I whooped and thrust our paddles in the air to celebrate a successful run through the roaring rapids, our raft snagged on a rock, sending me flying into the water. I bounced off the river bottom, popped to the... READ MORE
Diverse Panama offers more than a canal
An American traveler, adventurer and author named Richard Halliburton swam the length of the Panama Canal a few years after it opened in 1914. He was charged 36 cents for the trip. Today, ships that follow in his footsteps — or, rather, his wake — pay $200,000 to $300,000 for the privilege. The average toll for the largest vessels, which use wider locks that began to operate in 2016, ... READ MORE
Which are the best hotel chains today?
The best U.S. multi-brand hotel chains are Hilton and Marriott, tied at a score of 80 out of 100 in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Hyatt at 79 and InterContinental at 78 follow closely, and Best Western scores above the industry average at 77. Chains scoring below average run from Choice at 74, La Quinta at 74, Wyndham at 70, down to Motel 6 at 64. Aggregate... READ MORE
