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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Falklands lure Yanks to discover "Islas Malvinas," learn about the war
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, or "Las Malvinas" to Argentine people, is a peaceful town of less than 3,000 people. It is one of the...

Christene Meyers
Oct 3, 20244 min read


Venice captivates with its magnificence: canals, gondolas, bridges, buildings, timeless wonders
Gondolas line the canals of Venice, offering rides with serenades and views you won't see anywhere else. SAVOR THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST ELEGANT CITIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" VENICE MAY be sinking inch by inch, but her allure rises each year. So popular is the classic Italian destination -- with its gondolas, piazzas and bridges -- that the city started charging an entry fee -- a so-called tourist tax. B

Cookie & Keller
Sep 26, 20244 min read


Tourist card enhances Europe's charms seen through brother's eyes
Unlock Europe for less with tourist cards that bundle transport, museum entry, and skip-the-line perks. From Paris to Rome, these passes can save money, time, and stress while helping you see more in fewer days. Discover how to pick the right card for your trip, stretch your budget, and avoid common pitfalls so your itinerary flows smoothly across iconic cities and hidden gems.

Christene Meyers
Aug 29, 20245 min read


Art, nature, music merge in Montana's stunning Tippet Rise Art Center
A "bonus concert" arranged just days before, capped a weekend opening as world class musicians performed at Tippet Rise' Art Center....

Christene Meyers
Aug 22, 20244 min read


Colonia's history, Punta del Este's shopping and beaches beckon roadies
An historic wooden bridge and stone gate welcome visitors Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers to the old part of Colonia del...

Christene Meyers
Jul 25, 20244 min read


Montevideo itinerary: history, stately buildings, friendly people, fine food, many free attractions
The most appealing aspect of Montevideo is the friendly, welcoming feeling one gets while strolling its streets, visiting a free museum or enjoying a beverage.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 18, 20243 min read


Casapueblo with its Santorini look attracts nature lovers to Uruguay
ARTIST DREW HIS INSPIRATION FROM GREEK VILLAGE AND THE BIRD NESTS HE LOVED AND STUDIED STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Top photo: The colors...

Christene Meyers
Jul 11, 20243 min read


Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, World Trade Center honor best of New York
Highlights of New York include a visit to Tower One, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, holding her torch...

Christene Meyers
Jul 4, 20244 min read


A fond farewell to fellow traveler John: amiable, adventuresome friend
Yorkshire farmer and world traveler, John Speight, and his wife, Sue, enjoy a laugh with friends Bruce Keller, left, and Christene...

Christene Meyers
Jun 27, 20244 min read


Exploring Buenos Aires with a native son yields touring at its best; Official Tourist Card is fine option, too
From the rhythm of late-night tango to the aroma of sizzling steaks, Buenos Aires captivates travelers with its unmistakable blend of European elegance and Latin passion. In neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, colorful streets, historic cafés, and lively plazas reveal the city’s artistic soul. Whether you’re strolling grand boulevards, savoring a perfect Argentine steak, or watching dancers glide through a passionate Tango, Buenos Aires invites you to slow down, stay ou

Cookie & Keller
May 9, 20246 min read


'Museo Evita' fascinates, taking tourists into colorful life of Eva Peron
A short pleasant walk from the hop on bus takes visitors to Museo Evita. It's also an easy taxi ride from most of the centrally located...

Christene Meyers
May 2, 20245 min read


Up, up and away to the top of the world on Palm Springs Tramway
At Palm Springs Tram, the Coachella Valley spreads out in the far distance, looking from the mountain-top vista. Far below is the city of Palm Springs The tram is a great escape when temperatures in Palm Springs can climb to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It's 35-40 degrees cooler at this lovely vista. TRAM RIDE YIELDS GORGEOUS VIEWING PLEASURES HIGH ABOVE PALM SPRINGS Layers are appropriate for Bruce Keller & Christene "Cookie"Meyers in late spring. By early May, the park is war

Christene Meyers
Apr 24, 20244 min read


Buenos Aires opera house has world's greatest acoustics, ornate interior
Step inside the legendary Teatro Colón, the Buenos Aires Opera House, where world-class acoustics and stunning architecture create an unforgettable experience. From grand opera and ballet to guided tours, this cultural icon offers a glimpse into Argentina’s artistic soul in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Cookie & Keller
Apr 23, 20244 min read


Colonia itinerary: City's charms attract international visitors to quaint historic town
NOW A QUAINT little tourist town in southwestern Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento has a rich and stormy history.

Cookie & Keller
Mar 28, 20244 min read


Charleston South Carolina, Things to do for the belle of South offers history, color and gentility
Planning a trip to Charleston? This Charleston South Carolina travel guide highlights the best things to do, where to eat, and how to explore the city’s historic charm in a perfect itinerary.

Christene Meyers
Feb 15, 20245 min read


Savannah must see wonders: stately buildings, lovely parks, lively River Street, theater, boats, cafes and trolleys all invite inspection
Discover why Savannah, Georgia is one of the South’s most enchanting destinations, known for its historic charm, oak-lined streets, and vibrant food scene. From scenic squares to riverfront views, this Southern gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Christene Meyers
Jan 25, 20244 min read


CityPASS (Official Tourist Card) offers an economical fun way to enjoy a city's attractions
SAVE MONEY, TIME, WHILE SEEING THE BEST ATTRACTIONS A CITY OFFERS with CityPass

Christene Meyers
Jan 11, 20244 min read


Cruising the light fantastic on NCL's Viva, a floating resort, a fun 'city' with so much to do
VIVA HAS IT ALL: VITALITY, GLITZ, STYLE, OLD WORLD DECORUM, WITH SPIRIT AND MODERN TOUCHES TO APPEAL TO FAMILIES, ROMANTICS OF ALL AGES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" EACH TIME we book a ship, we research the architecture, art and design. It's important for us to be surrounded by intriguing artwork and inviting spaces to explore on these floating resorts. Set your sights on something new, daring and exciting for the new year. Here we

Christene Meyers
Jan 4, 20244 min read


Christmas time around the world is celebrated with lights, parades, food, fun
The Wynn in Las Vegas goes in for the holidays in a big way. Like everything in this exciting, colorful city, it's larger than life and...

Christene Meyers
Dec 21, 20233 min read


Lights up on Honolulu's trolley and best holiday lights in the country
Magazine's top city lights Honolulu is aglow with city lights, and Waikiki Trolley takes holiday revelers to the highlights. Bruce Keller...

Christene Meyers
Dec 14, 20234 min read
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