Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Planning a trip to Cody, Wyoming? Discover one of the town's most fascinating attractions—the Draper Natural History Museum and the live Raptor Experience at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. From Yellowstone wildlife exhibits to unforgettable encounters with eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks, this family-friendly guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 visit.

Glacier National Park, often called the "Crown of the Continent," is a million-acre sanctuary in northern Montana where ancient glaciers have carved some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to unplug or a high-adrenaline mountain adventure, Glacier offers a rare, pristine ecosystem that feels truly wild.

Yellowstone Park in our back yard! Time for our annual nostalgic pilgrimage celebrating a world wonder. To drive it, we plan at least a three-hour journey -- to one of the park's five entrances. Our favorites are the stunning Beartooth Highway to the Northeast Entrance, or the less frightening, equally beautiful road to Cody, Wyo., and the park's East Entrance.

Gone to the dogs and delightedly so with Nick and Nora on the road

Discover the quiet beauty of Stillwater County, Montana, where wide-open landscapes, peaceful wetlands, and the unforgettable calls of migrating sandhill cranes create one of Big Sky Country's most rewarding wildlife experiences. Whether you're a birdwatcher, photographer, or scenic road trip enthusiast, this hidden corner of Montana offers a chance to slow down and connect with nature

One of San Diego's most versatile actors, Rosina Reynolds, plays a neuroscientist who has created a non-biological being. Talented actor Nick Cagle plays the creation "born" over the course of the play. The production is excellent in all aspects. 'UNCANNY VALLEY' POSES THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS ABOUT ROBOT TECHNOLOGY AND ITS PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS The Lyceum is the attractive down town home of San Diego Repertory Theatre. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and S

TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA "I call her "firefly" 'cause oh, my. She radiates moon glow. Wants none of that noon glow. She starts to glitter when the sun goes down 'Bout 8 p.m., it's mayhem........."

NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND OFFERS ART DECO DELIGHTS IN A TOWN THAT GREW FROM RUBBLE Napier is proud of its art deco design and buildings dating back to the 1930s after a 1931 earthquake leveled Napier. Napier goes all out for holidays and festivals. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN YOU first set eyes on the mid-sized town of Napier, New Zealand, you get a large feeling that "vintage" is in style all year. You expect to see Gatsby stroll by, in a dapper suit, w

Las Vegas loves to go big, and the High Roller delivers. Rising above the Strip, this giant observation wheel lifts you into a slow, smooth spin with jaw-dropping views of the neon skyline and desert beyond. Day or night, it’s pure Vegas magic—perfect for photos, laughs with friends, and that “wow, we’re really here” travel moment you won’t forget.

below: Unique Australian Artwork Jazzes up Melbourne's hidden venues The variety and caliber of Melbourne's graffiti varies greatly, but the center portrait especially caught our eye. Bruce Keller poses with an enchanting mural painted on a Melbourne, Australia, alley wall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE ALL know the sadness and frustration of seeing a beautiful wall, bridge or fence blighted by graffiti. Tasteless, vulgar, even obsc

RIGHT ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP, LEGENDARY HOTEL HOSTS PARADISE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A flightless pelican -- wounded by fishing line and unable to fly -- is among pampered guests at the Flamingo's wildlife habitat. These unusual Asian white-faced ducks whistle not quack. You'll see flamingos in the art at the legendary hotel -- and in the bird habitat. THE BEST KEPT secret on the Las Vegas strip is not the view from a fancy hote

Wellington Auto Museum known as the Southward Car Museum - wonders unfold with vintage autos, cable cars and rare organ

DUNEDIN has the feel of a big city minus the crime, pollution and sleaze. The country's second largest town has a distinct, rural feel. You'll see plump sheep grazing on the drive into town -- the harbor is a few miles from city center. And you'll see dairy cattle, responsible for beautiful cheese you'll find at the fashionable shops. Once in town, head to the train station to book a trip on the famed Taieri Gorge Railway. Ride the world-famous Taieri Gorge

THE ODDITY and variety of the Southern Hemisphere birds has helped biologists define a larger group of mostly extinct birds, many of them flightless. They're called paleognaths, who knew?

Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches. A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as one enters Cunard' Queen Elizabeth. OLD WORLD ELEGANCE LIVES ON IN CUNARD'S THIRD 'ELIZABETH' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Glittering chandeliers, beautiful wood,marble and tapestries adorn Queen Elizabeth's ballroom. TO BUY 'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' THE NOVEL CLICK HERE W HEN THE QE2 retired, I was one sad girl. I'd cr