Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Make your journey fun, safe and smooth sailing when you're traveling with four-footed pals

HORSE HAS BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN WE THOUGHT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and JANE MILDER This scene, of horses in pasture framed by the Crazy Mountains, epitomizes the grandeur of Big Sky Country to many Montanans. No horsing around. The horse goes back farther than we imagined. So an homage seems in order. With Fourth of July parades and the horse the star of the rodeo, we have new scientific information about his history. But first, allow me so

Jazzercise was born in California. This group works out in San Diego. That's Debbie Walters in the center, one of Cookie's Jazzercise coaches

Experience the beauty of San Diego Harbor aboard the sailing yacht Jada. Cruise past iconic waterfront landmarks, enjoy spectacular skyline views, and discover why a day on the water is one of the best things to do in San Diego.

Expert tango dancers move with the music at Pampas Argentine Grill. STORY: CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Is there a dance more...

Tucked along the shores of Mission Bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With affordable sailboat rentals, inviting aquatic amenities, and the lively Barefoot Bar & Grill for sunset gatherings, it’s a can’t-miss destination for anyone visiting San Diego.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Sailing on the Californian is as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific Ocean and safely back. For this sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and nearly 100 large-ship cruises -- the pride of San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. Getting the sails ready then putting them back after the sai

Bruce Keller and his mother, Jean Keller, board a harbor cruise at Oceanside, where Jean taught Keller to paint as a lad. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS RECENT PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER, and CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" It's always a bit melancholy in our home on the second Sunday in May. Both Keller and I are orphans now. We remember lavish brunches, parties, cruises, corsages and other merriment when we think of our mums. We had similar celebrations, albeit thousands of miles and s

San Francisco: Where Every Hill Leads to a Story Few cities capture the imagination of travelers quite like San Francisco. Perched between the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vast expanse of the San Francisco Bay, the city offers a blend of history, culture, and iconic scenery that feels almost cinematic. For visitors arriving for the first time, the moment the red towers of the Golden Gate Bridge appear through the morning fog is unforgettable—a welcome to one

A visit to Alcatraz Island is more than just a trip to a former prison—it’s a journey through history, mystery, and unforgettable views of San Francisco. From the scenic ferry ride across the bay to the immersive cellhouse tour, discover why Alcatraz is one of the most unique and essential stops for any San Francisco itinerary.

Not every cruise is right for every traveler. From large resort-style ships to intimate luxury vessels, choosing the right cruise line can make the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one. Here's how to decide which cruise line, ship, and itinerary best fits the way you like to travel.

Arslan's plates are pretty, the prices are reasonable, and the quality remains high.This is a place where the chef talks to you while he warms your lamb, sautes your onions and heats your pita bread!

Dreams inspire trip, tattoos; roadies set off with a poem POEM by CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS by BRUCE KELLER This week, twin dreams came down to us with travel forecasts bold. Our vision puts us on the road (We're doing what we're told.) Midlife crisis? Call us nuts. For sticks and stones don't phase us. We're grabbing gusto, bucket listing, singing, playing, praise us! We've bought twin Harleys, new tattoos so on the road we

Pansies are perennial favorites in Ashland, Oregon, and this one was part of a shop windowbox display. STORY by Christene Meyers ...

All roads lead to Rome for her grandeur and gaudiness, her enticing ethnic mix, her intoxicating blend of elegance and bawdiness. Here is a city which hosts the Pope and more women in tight pants than anywhere else in the world. So a salute to Francis and sexy women. Why should they be mutually exclusive? Where else can you admire hundreds of statues and monuments paying homage to the human form, then round a corner to come face to face with a $12-shop-window apron