Section: All Travel

A Couple Exposes the City of Roses *** By Perry Montoya; photos by Brandi Montoya

Okay, take it now.  I will admit that it is there for the taking.  More, I will gladly give it to you. Indeed, if my “man card” is to be surrendered after an article such as this . . . take it!  I'd......more

Stars of the Silicon Valley

"They" say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few from last week's visit to some Silicon Valley icons.........more

Riviera Maya is Big on Little Ones

Kids. Whether you have them, have one on the way, or are simply young at heart, you’ll go loco for Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa. Squeals of delight pervade the family-friendly property, a sprawling all-inclusive resort with a private beach hugging the Caribbean Sea. This wasn’t......more

Love on the Beach

Every Valentine's Day, committed couples from around the world gather on Siesta Public Beach to renew their wedding vows. While many have participated faithfully for years, for us, it was a first that came gift-wrapped in wonderful surprises, including a personalized certificate......more

I Cracked Up the Cat

At Gaylord Palms’ “Shrek the Halls” 2011 Christmas Event Puss ‘n Boots and me…. we’re buds! My hubby treated me to a weekend of revelry at Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, FL for my birthday in December. The resort, normally a feast for the senses any......more

Welcome to Charleston

Elegant and edgy, Charleston is sure to capture your attention… and your heart. Less than 300 miles from Ocala, it’s a short trek to a magical getaway. Think gardenia-scented antebellum charm, toss in windswept shoreline, culinary delights and lively......more

Penguin on a Plane

Flying Penguin? Every now and then you stumble upon something silly in cyberspace that just makes you smile. That was the case with this post on Southwest Airlines’ blog which is populated by posts from employees, customers and just plain fans of the......more

The Charms of Our Farms

Sarasota/Bradenton is  coveted for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultural venues. And if you want to get down to earth, there's no better place than here.......more

Spend a Year in Australia *** By James Cave

A year may sound like a long time, but when you're exploring Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes, it will seem like weeks! Before you book your flight to Australia, check out this overview of  the best things to see and do in the land down under. Top......more

Frommers’ Top 10 Vacation Destinations for 2011

Each year, Frommers' editors, authors and experts from around the world sit down to talk about the best cities, islands, beaches and other vacation destinations for the coming year. They aim for a list that steers clear of too-hot spots or places that are so under......more

Argentina *** Story and photos by Dominick A. Merle

Argentina wine is booming, Evita's busting, the gaucho is all but gone and the tango's making another comeback. MENDOZA, Argentina---Once a year this laid-back city at the foot of the Andes sets aside the siesta, cerveza and empanada and rolls out the red carpet......more

Condé Nast Traveler Votes for Paradise Coast

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently heralded Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades as a winning combination, placing three area properties in the 2010 Top 100 Reader’s Choice for Mainland U.S. Resorts.......more

Bradenton has Something to Brag About

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Visit Florida reports.......more

Riviera Maya and All That Jazz

Every evening was electric. My husband and I were front and center, bare toes buried in the cool sands of Mexico’s shores. There’s an unstoppable energy in the air, not unlike that found walking the streets of Manhattan. Only take that throttle and kick it up......more

Into the Blue: Merging Sea and Sky in Cyprus *** By Barbara Barton Sloane

A Zen parable says: “When a fish swims, it swims on and on and there is no end to the water. When a bird flies, it flies on and on and there is no end to the sky.” Here on this ancient island, one enters into......more

Polo: The Sport of Kings

Mention polo, and most people conjure up images of Prince Charles, wealthy aristocrats and fine-bloodline ponies. The common folk tend to associate polo with the rich jet-setting life played out in the international media. Not here in Sarasota. But for the beauty of the sport, champagne......more

Around the World Heritage Sites *** By James Michael Flanagan

...from Angkor Wat to Zanzibar "We shall not cease from exploration and in the end of all the exploring, will be to arrive where we started and to know the place for the first time.” ~ T.S. Eliot On a tour through China a few years ago, my......more

VIDEO: Auckland, New Zealand *** By Mark Shea

In Auckland, Mark took a 'favorite five' tour with Dr Maya, checking out the Mt. Eden lookout, the Parnell French Market, Mt. Eden shopping village, Piha Beach and finally fish and chips at Mission Bay. ......more

London – It’s Your Cup of Tea!

From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and Sherlock Holmes to Shakespeare, London is drenched in majesty, history and lore. Explore its endearing customs and age-old traditions. Witness the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard; sip traditional afternoon tea; ride a......more

Cruise Alaska, The Land of the Midnight Sun

Caribou, Moose and Bears, oh my! Alaska is a naturalist’s wonderland. It’s a place where glaciers thunder, whales breach and eagles soar. There’s no better way to discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska than on a cruise vacation. You’ll have captivating on-board......more

Cabo San Lucas: The Jewel of the Baja Peninsula

Hideaway for the rich and famous, favorite of honeymooners, family-friendly for kids and Party Central for singles, Cabo San Lucas is a red-hot vacation spot. Perched at the southern tip of the beautiful Baja Peninsula, this vibrant resort town draws international visitors ......more

China – Land of Exotic Beauty

The great land of China has an unrivaled allure. Forever linked to its ancient civilization by venerable treasures such as the Great Wall and Yangtze River, it also boasts the modern, towering skylines and bright city lights of Beijing and Shanghai.......more

Pet Friendly Resorts in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota has not only earned its moniker as the "Cultural Capital of Florida," it could easily lay claim to the "Canine Capital," as well. This city by the bay on the west Florida coast is replete with pet friendly parks, restaurants and resorts,......more

In the Lap of Luxury at Sonoma Wine Country Inns *** By Emma and Yuri Krasov

The Pacific was not pacified. Between the strong wind and the deafening sound of rushing waves there was no place for a peaceful stroll on a beach or a picnic under a rock. I had to scramble the initial plan and resort......more

Sunset Cruises in Sarasota, Florida

One of the most dramatic ways to experience a Sarasota sunset is aboard a cruise. There are several to choose from, and all afford opportunities to witness the area’s sea life, blazing sunset and opulent waterfront mansions. Whether you prefer a party boat, dinner cruise or......more

Paris, La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light)

A land of poets, painters and pure romance, Paris is one of the world’s most beloved cities. Stroll the shady tree-lined streets of the Champs-Elysées. Sip café au lait at a sidewalk bistro as a mime captivates passers by.......more

Beautiful Italy (Bella Italia)

Of all the countries in the world, there is perhaps none more magical than Italy. This dream destination is blanketed in a rainbow of colors; from lush vineyards and snowcapped mountains to golden sands and deep blue seas.......more

Eagle Island, Georgia – The Naked Truth

There are no less than seven mirrors gracing the walls of my tiny home. Not due to vanity, but rather, insecurity – and – to create the illusion of space. Eagle Island Lodge has but one mirror. The expansive structure certainly holds its own stripped of......more

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Sarasota Under 5 Dollars *** By Elana Galerman

A down economy may mean a decline in spending, but it doesn’t have to equal a decline in fun. Sarasota has many ways for visitors to explore and make long-lasting memories, even without a lot of padding in their pockets. Let’s count the ways to have fun......more

Sarasota’s Golf Resorts Entertain Non-Golfers

Gracious greens, softly undulating fairways, tranquil waters… it’s no secret that Sarasota’s resorts boast some of the lushest links in the country. Longboat Key Club and Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offer gorgeous championship courses that challenge golfers from novice......more

Wiesbaden, a Fairytale Comes to Life *** By Maralyn D. Hill

Little did I expect my e-saver ticket to Frankfurt would lead to Wiesbaden. I was looking for a historic city with impressive architecture, parks, culture, good food and wine. Also, spas and some shopping would be nice. Of course, I only had three......more

VIDEO: Five Basics of Puerto Rican Music and Dance *** By Mark Chesnut

Puerto Rico is a hotspot for music lovers, thanks to its diverse musical and dance traditions. An excellent place to sample five important aspects in one night is at the Le Lo Lei Festival, a weekly performance, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This VIDEO......more

Worship On Water… A Different Kind of Trip

The Novelty The inaugural Worship On Water (WOW) departed from Cortez Village, Florida, last Sunday. It was an historical event. Little did I know when I guiltily packed my tiny camera – leaving behind my larger conspicuous one (it is church, after all) – that there would......more

Taking “The Impressionists’ Route” to French River Cruising *** By Lou Freed

For an art lover, Canal & Company's seven-day autumn riverboat cruise on France's Oise River may be the perfect getaway for viewing the quaint villages and tranquil landscapes of France. It's a relaxing way to become immersed in the creations of the Impressionist artists, who glorified......more

Without Prior Notice: Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country *** By Stacey Wittig

Do you like surprises? I do. When driving past the golf course at night, I am pleasantly surprised when dark, humped shadows turn into elk cows and calves grazing peacefully. I like the unpredictably of our Arizona sunsets. Would we so admire the hot reds, fuchsias and......more

Cruising the Amazon; A Journey of a Lifetime *** By Ralph Collier

Sell the farm, mortgage the kids, postpone the Botox treatments. Do whatever you have to do to get to the Amazon River in Peru - and five'll get you ten, the adventure of your dreams awaits in that part of the world.......more

Enchanting Sedona

Your Truth may not lie in crystals, astrology or past life regression, purveyors of which you’ll find in abundance in the quirky, New Age capital of Sedona, Arizona. But you are guaranteed to experience an overwhelming, maybe even mystical sense of exhilaration in the presence of......more

Sailing Sarasota

Sarasota is a sailor’s delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of......more

Caribbean Rendezvous

The only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves against our boat, the soft hum of the engine, and the ubiquitous serenade of our seagull companions. The sea breeze sweeps the hair from my face with a cooling mist. Engulfed in the ineffable beauty of the......more

Forgotten Florida

Nestled amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida; The Sandpiper Inn. An anachronistic single-story resort perched on the Gulf, the intimate enclave is a step back in time… to when innocence prevailed and nature ruled. I have a passion for wildlife, but also for......more

Romantic Anguilla

Once upon a time... Fairytales do come true. And sometimes, twice. Ten years ago, Patrick and I eloped to an obscure Caribbean island known mostly to the rich and famous. We agreed on Anguilla because neither of us had been there, and on Cap Juluca Resort for......more

Friend-Ship: Sailing the Islands of Abaco

“It’s not a glitzy vacation,” I warned my friend Tracey, a former party diva. “There are no nightclubs, no casinos, no scheduled activities.” Now a devoted wife and multitasking mother of two – three, if you count their therapy dog – Tracey was about to turn......more

Palm Beach, Florida

The minute you cross the bridge to Palm Beach you know you've entered another world, one of European-styled mansions, spotless palm-lined streets, long sandy beaches, and Worth Avenue. The rich and famous live and play in this exclusive city that oozes wealth, privilege and high-octane glamour......more

London and Paris: A Whirlwind Tour

We arrive in time for traditional afternoon English tea, unaware that The Dorchester was recently named London’s top tea venue by the Tea Council of Great Britain. I also admit I didn’t know this hotel was among the top ten in the world when I booked......more

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is rich in history, and in the late 1800s, "rich" was the operative word. It was a grand time of magnates, marvels and magnificent monuments... theatrical resorts, lavish architecture and conspicuous luxury.......more

Hot Dog Digs

The hot trend in travel is for resorts to cater to pets as well as their owners, and Sarasota overlooks no "de-tail" while leading the pack. In this pet-friendly paradise, every dog has its day, whether it's uptown, downtown, beachside or bayfront. Here's the scoop on......more

Cruising the Baltic Sea with Crystal

Everyone looks glamorous. It’s like being in a movie, and we are all stars. The Captain’s Welcome Reception is some combination of senior prom night and the scene from the film “American President” when Annette Benning joins Michael Douglas at the White House State Dinner. Fanfare,......more

St. Maarten: The Good Life

Sometimes, less is less. And I wanted more. Romance, fine dining, nightlife, shopping, a change of pace and culture. My husband, not so much. He craved quiet time, a sunny beach… and a really great massage, but then, so did I. We both needed to at......more

Ireland… Forty Shades of Green

Green has been fashionable for centuries. It is the color of nature; it soothes, refreshes and heals. A strong energy that attracts positive power, green represents honesty and truth. How fitting that Southern Ireland is blanketed in green, and according to a song by Johnny Cash,......more

Getting Personal in the British Virgin Islands

“There’s a spirit among yacht crews – a can-do attitude. If I were stranded in the Sahara desert and could choose 12 people to help get me out, I would pick 12 ‘yachties.’ I don’t know how they would do it, but they would.” ~ Tim......more

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Who’s the Boss?

“You've always got to remember, rock and roll's never been about giving up. For me, for a lot of kids, it was a totally positive force... not optimistic all the time, but positive. It was never, never about surrender.” ~ Bruce Springsteen DANCING IN THE DARK Live music......more
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The Hermitage in Russia White Cliffs of Dover Cap Juluca Resort, Anguilla Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Eiffel Tower Sailing the Abacos Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon Riviera Maya, Mexico Vow Renewal on Anguilla

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