Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

When renting a car abroad, think small and don't be shy

AVOID TROUBLE BY DOCUMENTING EVERYTHING, PHOTOGRAPHING DAMAGE, OBSERVING LOCAL SIGNS Renting a car abroad -- here in Sardinia -- calls for advance planning. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER RENTING A CAR while traveling abroad can be unnerving. Daunting questions arise: What do you do about a bang or a ding noticed before you take the car out of the lot? How will you transcend a language barrier? Do you book at home before you go, or wait and take your cha

Few names in ocean travel carry the history and romance of Cunard. That story comes alive in Long Beach, California, where the legendary Queen Mary remains permanently docked—and continues to connect travelers with the golden age of ocean liners. Today, Cunard carries that tradition forward with its modern fleet, including the beautifully refreshed Queen Elizabeth.

Bruce Keller 6:03 PM (0 minutes ago) to me Step aboard the legendary Queen Mary in Long Beach and experience a remarkable piece of maritime history. This iconic ocean liner offers fascinating history, elegant spaces, waterfront views, dining, and unique stories around every corner. Whether you're a history lover, cruise enthusiast, or looking for something different to explore, the Queen Mary is a memorable California experience worth adding to your travels this year.

For this couple, the world's great cruise ship lines offer opportunity to perform magic, dancing, and other treats. SINGERS, HOOFERS, MAGICIANS ANSWER SEA'S SIREN CALL TO ENTERTAIN PASSENGERS Gowns, boas, beautifully pressed and stored, await their time in the spotlight. A stage hand does inventory. An actor's life for talented singers and dancers aboard Royal Caribbean. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER SPACE IS SMALL , but spirits soar for thousands of

The Pyramids of Guimar convinced famous Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl of a connection between Tenerife's ancient Guanche people and the civilizations in Central America and Egypt. PYRAMIDS OF GUIMAR INTRIGUE -- ARE THEY CONNECTED TO OTHER IN DISTANT LANDS? STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The grounds of the Casa Charcona Museum contain nautical lore, sculpture, pottery copies, mummies and much more, as Cookie discovers. This inhabitant of Tenerife i

The Cadiz Cathedral, "Catedral de Santa Cruz," offers spectacular views of the city and port from southern Spain. ANCIENT PORT CITY OFFERS GARDENS, CHURCHES, PARKS, PEACE, FLAMENCO PLUS GREAT SURFING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cadiz is known recently for shopping and surf, plus history! All roads point to Cadiz now, a hot new tourist spot. WHEN CHRISTOPHER Columbus set forth from Europe, his last steps were taken in Cadiz. From this lovely and ancient c

The New Orleans skyline is bathed in light as Natchez departs the dock. Lively evening on the Mississippi harkens back to Mark Twain days and life on the river "The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable. Considering the Missouri its main branch, it is the longest river in the world--four thousand three hundred miles." From Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS

The colorful Lyceum Theatre houses San Diego Rep in Horton Plaza. A PLAY-LOVER'S BRAVO! SALUTING FOUR RRIFIC SAN DIEGO COMPANIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS ART By BRUCE KELLER & THEATER COMPANIES SAN DIEGO'S year-round growing season produces more than lush landscaping. Our city offers a lively and varied theater crop. San Diego theater can't be beat for quality and diversity. I spend time in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, St. Louis, San Francisc

BEAUTIFUL 'BUTTERFLIES' prompts look at what makes great theater Fabulous acting, subtle direction and a wonderfully rich story make "In the Time of the Butterflies" a class act. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS FILE PHOTO and BRUCE KELLER PHOTO IF YOU'VE seen a play that moved you to tears, a play that you couldn't stop thinking about, you've been "socked in the kisser by art." The San Diego Repertory Theater is producing a fabulous play, "In the Time of the Butterflies," a lyrica

Discover the vibrant soul of Andalusia with a journey to Seville, Spain—a city where history and modern life move to the same rhythm. From the haunting passion of flamenco to the intricate beauty of the Alcázar, Seville delights at every turn, offering a rich and unforgettable experience for every traveler.

New Orleans celebrates life with food, fun, jazz on the river

This New Year's paella features shrimp, but you can add other seafood, sausage or chicken! Be creative. Happy 2014. PAELLA WILL PLEASE -- PUT YOUR OWN SPIN ON IT FOR A NEW YEAR'S WEEK FEAST This paella, prepared by Ecuador born Carlos Montero, features seafood. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NOTHING SAYS "eating" in Spain the way the paella pan does. A celebration is underway the moment the pan is placed on the grill. Our favorite paella has plenty of se

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

Step inside Peratallada, a medieval village near Girona where cobblestone streets, ancient stone architecture, and tucked-away dining spots create one of the most enchanting stops on a Costa Brava road trip. Discover why this hidden gem deserves a place on your Spain itinerary.