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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Palm Springs must see delights: where the rich and famous escaped Hollywood
The Elvis Presley home in Palm Springs is a major attraction and a striking presence, with its unusual modern design. DESERT RATS: TAKE THE STARS TOUR, SEE WHERE THEY LIVED AND PLAYED IN PALM SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Palm Springs and its star-studded list of residents came about because the studios wanted to keep stars close to L.A. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE STARS come out in Palm Springs. Or at least star-gazers do. Many of the greats who once luxuriated in t

Christene Meyers
Apr 11, 20194 min read


San Diego in spring: splendors aplenty in a favorite American city
San Diego in spring is a sight to behold -- with blue skies, feathery clouds and a dinner or lunch cruise aboard Hornblower. "To what...
Jaime Hazerian
Apr 4, 20193 min read


Gators galore as we track this crafty creature in the Everglades
This alligator gave our tour boat the eye on a recent trip into the beautiful Everglades of Florida. Everglades caper: on the gator trail...

Christene Meyers
Mar 21, 20193 min read


Fort Lauderdale - Finding fun in fantastic Fort Lauderdale, from fine digs to water taxi
Fort Lauderdale's beautifully renovated Hilton Double Tree Gallery One offers all-suite accommodations, gorgeous views of the city's famous waterways, a handsomely designed patio for relaxing and dining, fine contemporary artwork and easy access to the city's famed Water Taxi service which makes a regular stop here. Here's the view from our suite. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER On a recent sunny day, Fort Lauderdale's popular Water Taxis were enjoyed by an

Christene Meyers
Mar 14, 20194 min read


Norwegian Cruise Line: Fun, freedom, choices
Discover why Norwegian Cruise Line is a favorite among cruise travelers. From outstanding dining and spectacular entertainment to exciting destinations and the freedom of Freestyle Cruising, find out what makes an NCL cruise such a wonderful way to explore the world.

Christene Meyers
Mar 10, 20194 min read


Theater in spring spells glorious goodies on the San Diego boards
Hershey Felder channels Beethoven via a father and son who knew him in Vienna in a glorious production at San Diego Repertory Theatre's...

Christene Meyers
Mar 1, 20194 min read


Why You Should Visit Madrid: Discover Spain’s Vibrant Capital City
A fine place to start your tour of Madrid is at the Royal Palace, where nearby is an 8th Century Arab wall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Madrid is a city that invites you to slow down, look around and enjoy the experience. As the capital of Spain, Madrid offers an exciting combination of history, culture, art, food, shopping, entertainment, and everyday Spanish life. From the magnificent Royal Palace and the elegant streets of the his

Christene Meyers
Feb 22, 20195 min read


Whale bonanza as great grays head south to give birth, play in Baja
A misty blast of water from the whale's blow hole helps us see him, as our Hornblower boat moves closer. For sailors worldwide, the San...

Christene Meyers
Feb 15, 20194 min read


How to Use a Eurail Pass to Save Money on European Train Travel
Planning a European rail adventure? A Eurail Pass can make travel easier, more flexible, and often more affordable. Learn when a Eurail Pass is worth buying, how to use it, and tips to get the best value on your European vacation.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 8, 20195 min read


Flamenco feast in Spain features performances of famous showy art form
Flamenco dancers dazzle with their movements and hypnotic footwork. CENTURIES OLD DANCE TRADITION LIVES ON IN ENGAGING SPANISH VENUES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The swirling and twirling of scarves is part of the flamenco tradition. AS A YOUNG bride on honeymoon in Granada, I witnessed my first flamenco dance. I was mesmerized. The dancers were a mix of ages and shapes, but all had the expressive moves down pat -- their arms and feet moving in time to

Christene Meyers
Feb 1, 20193 min read


Toledo -- historic, stately, welcoming, multi-ethnic walled city
Toledo stands proud on the plains of La Mancha, a testimony to the possibility that three cultures can coexist in peace. HISTORIC CITY IS...

Christene Meyers
Jan 25, 20193 min read


Donkey Tours format needs repair rates a huge "hoofs up" for unique European experience
Donkey Tours of Barcelona boasts one of the most engaging guides two veteran travelers have experienced in decades of globe trotting. ...

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20192 min read


Herculaneum travel guide: 'Lost city' is well preserved, historic village five centuries B.C, better preserved than Pompei and nearby
Buried beneath the slopes of Vesuvius, Ercolano (in Italian) was once a thriving "vacation town" for wealthy Romans. Herculaneum or Ercolano -- is just 10 miles from Pompei, worth a sidetrip. Many believe it is better preserved and more interesting than the better known Pompei. The town next to it renamed itself Herculaneum (formerly Resina) in 1969 to reflect its connection to the "found city."

Cookie & Keller
Jan 11, 20193 min read


Best of Europe: Picking the right tour can make a huge difference
The glories of the Amalfi Coast come alive with Can't Be Missed Tours, known for intimate exposure to the landscape. The personalized...

Christene Meyers
Jan 4, 20193 min read


Where in the world will you go in 2019? What's hot for the new year
Malta is an enticing, beautiful place, if you've been before, or have yet to go. Here near the Blue Grotto, a series of lovely caverns...

Christene Meyers
Dec 28, 20184 min read
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