Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Economize, pack light, think layers, develop a color theme STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER You'll want clothes that look...

It was late November when Keller and Cookie toured Lisbon last. LONDON IN SPRING, LISBON IN FALL MAKE SMART SENSE FOR THE ENTERPRISING TRAVELER STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS, PHOTOS BY BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" It's a lovely feeling to arrive in a foreign destination and not feel crushed, crowded or surrounded by other tourists. The harbor in Toulon, France, off season in early December. HERE ARE more tips on making the most of your time and money, thinking outside th

Europeans love the Alpenhof Lodge, tucked against the spectacular Grand Teton Range in Wyoming. The inn has the ambiance of a Swiss or Austrian chalet, with flowers in the window boxes, a full hot breakfast, and Old World hospitality. It even has a yodeling website!

Oversized European soaking tubs, eco-friendly products, robes and slippers await at Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle. Room with a view,...

When the hotel siren sings seductive songs, answer the call and book yourself in! Las Vegas has some of the world's top hotels, and the...

Escape to a world of dreams, moonlight and indulgence on a barge trip or cruise. We celebrated our 100th cruise on Carnival Miracle. Try a relaxing week on the water for a rejuvenating break I have sailed the world, beheld its wonders, from the Dardanelles to the mountains of Peru..... --from "Sweeney Todd" and the song, "No Place Like London" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER One of the world/s prettiest harbors is in St. Thomas. LIKE Anthony in "Sweeney Tod

Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway is one of Alaska’s most scenic excursions. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the historic train climbs steep mountain passes, crossing trestle bridges and waterfalls on its way to White Pass Summit. It’s a breathtaking journey through gold rush history and rugged wilderness.

A HOTEL WITH HEART, AMBIANCE, SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, TOP-NOTCH SERVICE The Pan Pacific Hotel's appointments are artful and Asian inspired, creating an atmosphere both soothing and stimulating. Above, a view from the 10th floor elevator and at right, the tastefully decorated lobby. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THROUGH MY years of travel, I've developed two hotel ratings lists -- "top ten" and "ten worst." It changes with new finds -- sublime inns and gu

See Seattle from its most spectacular vantage point—the water. Compare the narrated harbor cruises of Argosy Cruises with the intimate sailing experience of Far Niente Sailing Charters to discover breathtaking skyline views, Puget Sound scenery, and unforgettable Pacific Northwest sunsets

Cruising's pleasures heightened by exhilarating Alaskan adventure

SO THIS is an homage to the beauty of flowers and those who tend them, a salute to the world of blooms which surrounds us. I am thankful for their offerings: the rainbow's hues, the fragrance of nature's finest perfume. To flowers! To those seductive enticers of bees and hummingbirds -- and to the blooms which lured a couple of lucky kids with cameras into the wondrous world of gardens thousands of miles apart.

Catalina Island

A mother's love of all things theatrical inspires lifelong affection for drama, movies, costumes and make believe

Throughout Egypt, handsome and friendly children greeted American visitors who wonder if they are safe now. Friendship with brilliant guide, encounters with children, foster worry for their safety Adept as a guide and translator, Amr took the photographer and writer through Egypt, proudly sharing his country's wonders. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AS NEWS of bloodshed in Cairo commands our attention this week, we wonder about our friend Amr. We met this

Split between Montana’s wide-open landscapes and California’s coastal beauty, we’ve discovered that “home” isn’t tied to one place, it’s rooted in nature. From mountain air to ocean breezes, the natural world connects our lives across distance, grounding us in a shared sense of comfort, belonging, and peace.