Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Master builder Bruce Keller, whose specialty is high-end La Jolla, Calif., projects, is spending part of his summer in the Beartooths, helping Cookie with their summer home. REMODELING POINTER: YOU WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE BEAUTY,BUT AT A PRICE! PATIENCE IS A PREREQUISITE Expert framer Tom Giamanco traveled from San Diego to help. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WAAAAAAAAH. RICKY. I've been making my own personal "I Love Lucy" home movie. I'm thinking of the fam

Lisbon, Portugal delightful city awaiting your discovery and our stay in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower.

Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food food

A rafting trip with Absaroka River Adventures is one of the best ways to experience Montana's wild beauty. As we navigated exciting rapids on the Yellowstone River, stunning canyon views, wildlife sightings, and nonstop adventure made every moment memorable. The knowledgeable guides balanced fun and safety while sharing local stories and expertise. For travelers seeking scenic thrills and authentic Montana hospitality, Absaroka River Adventures delivers an unforgettable river

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.

You might not expect a northern California wildlife preserve along the rugged coastline. But B Bryan Preserve has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock for over a decade.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDIAL BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE FOR YEAR-ROUND RECREATION, ART, NATURE VIEWING, FABULOUS DINING The Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding is a unique B&B. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'D NEVER SPENT time in Redding, Calif., but the opportunity seemed too good to miss when our travels took us to Mount Shasta for a friend's 60th birthday party. Dara Engelhardt and Logan Engelhardt are part of the family enterprise that is G

PERFECT SETTING, CALM CALIFORNIA WATERS HELP GIRL GET BACK IN THE BOAT Pelicans at Moss Landing were part of the lure to get Cookie back in the kayak after an accident derailed her. Cookie musters her intrepid bravery chip and prepares to kayak again. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A KAYAKING KID am I now, thanks to friends who coaxed me back onto the water. They knew I'd had a kayaking accident on my one and only attempt at the sport -- hit by a wave in

Cookie at Oceanside Harbor in southern California, with Nick and Nora, beginning a recent two-week odyssey. COOKIE'S MOTHER'S MILK: TRAVEL ENRICHES, ENLIGHTENS, ENERGISES Cookie, right, age three, sister Peny with their mother Ellen. Already, she was a "seasoned" traveler. I KEEP my passport renewed and ready to go, and my bag is always packed. I could be ready to head for the airport with a half hour's notice. I don't really care where I'm going, as long as I'm on my wa

PURPLE MARTIN'S MAJESTY GROWS FINE ORGANIC FARE James Walker Hayes washes freshly picked produce at the organic farm he and his partner, Kelle Martin, run. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse, above, is a few miles back toward town from the farm, then up the road a bit. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE APPROACH to a gardener's Eden is a good half hour outside of Point Arena, Calif., down a winding country road dense with fir, cedar, pine and redwoods. Yo

TRAVELER'S BALANCING ACT: HAVING A GOOD TIME MEANS ENJOYING THE MOMENT, BUT BEING READY TO BE SPONTANEOUS, SMELL THE ROSES One of the continent's largest markets was a surprise find for our travelers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The rugged Costa Brava provided a scenic vista with surprising views. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MY GRANDFATHER said, "When a plum falls from the sky, open your mouth." Thanks for the wisdom, gramps. I've enjoyed many a "plum" on yo

Step into the ancient world at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites on earth. From grand Roman streets to the iconic Library of Celsus, discover why visiting Ephesus is an ancient town, a wonder of the world, is thrilling because of its history and beauty. I've visited five times, and it never loses its magic and sense of wonder. From the moment you board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, you're bound for another

Historic Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, manatees swim, frolic and even give birth in the waters below the boat house! Bonnet House is situated on a coastal barrier island -- with a walkway to the Atlantic Ocean on the east of the property, and the Intracoastal Waterway bracketing the West.

Plan the perfect Fort Lauderdale getaway with visits to Flamingo Gardens and the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, plus a comfortable stay at the Hyatt. This itinerary highlights South Florida's unique wildlife, lush gardens, and relaxing accommodations for an unforgettable trip.

THE WATER taxis glide by the town's exciting nightlife, outdoor eateries, the famous shops of Las Olas Boulevard, beautiful beaches, yacht clubs and majestic cruise ships traveling in and out of Port Everglades. Nothing worldwide compares to Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway. Its lovely canals are so unique and beautiful, they have earned Fort Lauderdale the moniker “Venice of America.” Water Taxi is the best way to see them!