Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Dolphin bonanza: we happened to be on the water when a pod of 5,000 dolphins hit the coast off southern California. This close-up of one of them shows what spectacular creatures they are. THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: Whale watch! WHALE OF A TALE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WHERE DOLPHINS ARE THE MAIN EVENT ON DELIGHTFUL ADVENTURE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Whale watching in Ventura THE MIGRATION of the whale is one of nature's most impressive odysseys. Being on

Dream big and start checking off that travel bucket list idea. From gliding across continents on sleek trains to drifting along storied rivers by boat or soaring over oceans by plane, the world is waiting. Promise yourself one unforgettable journey this year—ride a legendary rail line, cruise a hidden waterway, or fly somewhere you’ve always dreamed of. Adventure begins the moment you decide to go.

WE LOVE LISBON! It's a favorite European city. So we wanted to show off "our town" to my brother Rick and his partner Jane during our two weeks together in southern Europe. We did it in style, by tuk-tuk, that time honored transportation mode invented in 1879 and offering close-up views along with a few fun bumps.

Sail in style with Celebrity Cruises, where modern luxury meets exceptional value. From world-class dining and chic design to attentive service and curated shore experiences, every detail feels elevated—without the ultra-luxury price tag. Discover why savvy travelers choose Celebrity for a refined cruise that delivers more for your money

Autumn is a perfect time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota's Black Hills. Fine fall weather is predicted for the...

Gondolas line the canals of Venice, offering rides with serenades and views you won't see anywhere else. SAVOR THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST ELEGANT CITIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" VENICE MAY be sinking inch by inch, but her allure rises each year. So popular is the classic Italian destination -- with its gondolas, piazzas and bridges -- that the city started charging an entry fee -- a so-called tourist tax. B

Unlock Europe for less with tourist cards that bundle transport, museum entry, and skip-the-line perks. From Paris to Rome, these passes can save money, time, and stress while helping you see more in fewer days. Discover how to pick the right card for your trip, stretch your budget, and avoid common pitfalls so your itinerary flows smoothly across iconic cities and hidden gems.

The view from our room at the lovely Ostello del Castello, where we spent a few peaceful nights before boarding Bernina Express for a...

Riding the Bernina Express to St. Moritz is one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. This scenic rail adventure climbs through the Swiss Alps, crossing soaring viaducts, gliding past glaciers, and winding through postcard-perfect villages. From dramatic mountain views to engineering marvels, the Bernina Express delivers an unforgettable travel experience on the way to glamorous St. Moritz.

The most appealing aspect of Montevideo is the friendly, welcoming feeling one gets while strolling its streets, visiting a free museum or enjoying a beverage.

Veteran cruisers, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller have made travel and cruising the world a priority. They offer enthusiastic...

Discover the raw beauty of the American West with a journey through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—where erupting geysers, roaming wildlife, and jagged mountain peaks create one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the United States. From iconic landmarks to hidden scenic moments, this guide from WhereIsCookie.com reveals why these neighboring parks deserve a top spot on your travel list.

From playful dolphins to ancient sea turtles gliding through turquoise water, Hawaiian marine life encounters are unforgettable. Snorkeling reefs, watching whales offshore, and respecting the fragile ocean ecosystem reveal the magic beneath the waves. In this WhereIsCookie.com story, discover the sea creatures and coastal moments that make Hawaii’s waters truly extraordinary.

From the rhythm of late-night tango to the aroma of sizzling steaks, Buenos Aires captivates travelers with its unmistakable blend of European elegance and Latin passion. In neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, colorful streets, historic cafés, and lively plazas reveal the city’s artistic soul. Whether you’re strolling grand boulevards, savoring a perfect Argentine steak, or watching dancers glide through a passionate Tango, Buenos Aires invites you to slow down, stay ou

At Palm Springs Tram, the Coachella Valley spreads out in the far distance, looking from the mountain-top vista. Far below is the city of Palm Springs The tram is a great escape when temperatures in Palm Springs can climb to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It's 35-40 degrees cooler at this lovely vista. TRAM RIDE YIELDS GORGEOUS VIEWING PLEASURES HIGH ABOVE PALM SPRINGS Layers are appropriate for Bruce Keller & Christene "Cookie"Meyers in late spring. By early May, the park is war

Our lovely Uruguayan guide, Paulo, takes a mate break at one of our stops. NATIONAL DRINK HAS ANCIENT HISTORY, GIVES JUST THE RIGHT BUZZ...

Tango began in brothels and tawdry dance halls to become a much admired and very popular dance form, known for its fabulous dancers and...

NOW A QUAINT little tourist town in southwestern Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento has a rich and stormy history.

Cormorants abound off the tip of South America, with a motor boat trip from Ushuaia. From a distance they resemble penguins, which are...

Antarctica cruise takes travelers deep into the southern hemisphere to view hundreds of penguins