Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Venice remains one of the world’s most magical destinations, where centuries of art, history, and culture rise from the water. Our visit revealed both the romance of the floating city and the growing challenges of over tourism, including new visitor taxes designed to protect this unforgettable Italian treasure.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK is best shared with friends -- and most pleasantly, with chums from another country. We showed off the nation's oldest national park recently to our friends, John and Sue Speight, an adventuresome English couple we met a few years ago on a Southeast Asia cruise.

The Spanish mission-style structure is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros, taverns and a performing arts center. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise.

Discover the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon—one of America’s premier theater events. Featuring classic Shakespearean plays and modern productions, this iconic festival delivers world-class performances in a charming, walkable town known for its vibrant arts scene.

A VISIT TO Julian, California, is a journey back in time to a more innocent, leisurely day. People still say "hello" and strangers with a map might find themselves guided to their destination -- "why it's just up the street and around the corner. I'll take you. I'm going that way."

Discover one of the most scenic stays in southern Spain at the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro. With panoramic views over Málaga and easy access to historic landmarks, this stop is a highlight of any Andalusia road trip itinerary.

Nestled beneath the towering granite walls of Yosemite National Park, the legendary The Ahwahnee—now known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel—has welcomed presidents, royalty, and Hollywood icons for nearly a century. Opened in 1927, this grand mountain lodge blends Native American, Art Deco, and Arts and Crafts design with breathtaking views of the valley’s soaring cliffs and waterfalls. From elegant dining to fireside storytelling, a stay or visit here offers a glimpse into the

STARS SHINE BRIGHTLY FOUR DECADES LATER; LIVINGSTON PLANS A PARTY TO CELEBRATE

Experience Montana history at the Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge. This iconic 1893 landmark blends historic elegance with modern amenities in the heart of downtown. Explore nearby shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and the scenic Beartooth Highway while enjoying one of Montana's most celebrated historic hotels.

THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world has a nice rhyming nickname. It also offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. Julian, California, a small, quaint mountain town in southern California, offers history, fun hotels, shopping, scenery and perhaps the best fruit pies in the state.

Discover the timeless charm of the Barrister Bed and Breakfast, a historic Victorian inn in Helena, Montana. Housed in a beautifully restored 1874 mansion, this elegant retreat combines antique décor, modern comforts, and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy homemade breakfasts and a convenient location near downtown Helena’s shops, museums, and landmarks. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a relaxing getaway, the Barrister offers a memorable Montana experience.

Step into Montana history at the Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge. This beautifully restored landmark combines Old West character, modern comfort, and a prime downtown location near Beartooth Highway adventures. Discover why generations of travelers, adventurers, and history lovers continue to choose the Pollard as one of Montana's most memorable places to stay.

Step into the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming -- where rodeos, frontier history, and the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West bring cowboy culture to life. Just east of Yellowstone, Cody blends adventure, heritage, and wide-open landscapes into one unforgettable destination.

The ranch, located on the banks of the Clark's Fork River, provides a peaceful escape from the challenges of a busy life. A family-operation for over seventy years, the Cary's pride themselves in a well-kept and clean facility, amazing food, a relaxing atmosphere, and clients who return year after year, inviting their friends and family to join.

Looking for the perfect mix of beaches, adventure, and nightlife? This Cabo San Lucas travel guide covers why this Baja destination is a must-visit from iconic views to unforgettable ocean experiences. And don't miss a side trip to Todos Santos and Hotel California

B&Bs, shopping and attractions, including a vintage trolley which will take you around in leisurely and colorful fashion. ONE OF THE town's stand-outs, perhaps its most colorful offering, has put Jacksonville on the map. It's the Britt Festival

Beautifully crafted metal sculptures including elephants, eagles and even a desert jeep with passengers are positioned to suggest roaming the deserts of San Diego County, near our home here in southern California. Outside of the town of Borrego Springs lies Galleta Meadows, inspiration of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Dennis Avery.

VISIT TO GRAND DAME SHIP REKINDLES DREAMS OF HER GLORY DAYS The Queen Mary is aglow with lights and a special Diana Exhibit, along with her hotel and dining options. Parties are a Queen Mary tradition; these two "put on the Ritz." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IN MY DREAMS , I'm holding my grandmother's white-gloved hand as we enter the reception area of the Queen Mary. It's the 1950s and I'm a little girl. We're setting off on a glamorous Atlantic cro

OLD WORLD hospitality meets contemporary design and artful flair in Spain's Parador Aiguablava on the spectacular Costa Brava.

The Crazy Mountain Inn is a welcoming stop in the heart of Montana, offering comfortable lodging, local hospitality, and easy access to some of the state's most beautiful scenery. Located near the towering Crazy Mountains, it's an ideal base for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Guests can explore nearby small-town attractions, discover the Yellowstone River region, or simply relax and enjoy authentic Montana charm away from the crowds.