Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Stunning sunset over Vancouver from the Blue Horizon Hotel, which offers small, enticing balconies with splendid views. TOURISTS CAN...

The majesty and magic of Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., have captivated millions since Jennie Butchart had an idea. GARDENS BORN OF...

Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage to sea life --...

Jazzercisers hit the Midway stage in San Diego Saturday, raising voices and big bucks in the fight against breast cancer. GLOBAL EXERCISE...

Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage to sea life --...

Old Piney Dell grew from a mountain cabin to a world class restaurant with old world European service and offerings. WOULD RESTAURANT...

Nick and Nora love huckelberry ice cream, a roadie treat in Julian, California which they visit twice a year. "Charley is a mind-reading...

Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller take to San Diego Bay and a Flagship dinner cruise, with spectacular views. TAKE YOUR PICK OF...

Nubian goats are part of the fun for school kids and families.   Egg-laying chickens entertain city kids and archaeological digs are...

Singapore's sound and light show attracts visitors from all over the world. Highlights are these magical "lit-up trees." The Grand Palace in Bangkok is best visited through a tour.  Our Viator cut through the throngs. If you're with a tour, there's power in numbers. IF YOU DON'T MIND GROUPS, A GOOD TOUR'S THE TICKET TO MAKING THE MOST OF TIME, MONEY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IN OUR COMBINED decades of global travel, we have always taken tours, chiefly a

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a fascinating departure from gambling, and a treasure trove of crime lore. MANIA FOR THE MOB: GRIT,...

Pick out your glass of fruit and vegetables, and it will be blended with juices or coconut milk for a smoothie in Thailand. A buffet in...

ENJOY THE REAGAN LIBRARY FOR A WELL ORCHESTRATED TRIBUTE TO A DEDICATED PRESIDENT Flowers are left at the foot of Reagan's bronze each...

The sampans navigate the harbor in Hong Kong, taking tourists around for 350 Hong Kong dollars ($70 a couple, U.S.) You can get cheaper fares to take you around the Aberdeen area, if you negotiate. The sampan is part of Hong Kong lore, distinct because it is maneuvered with oars at the stern.  Retirees make up the majority of the sampan drivers. TAKE A MUSK OX RIDE, HOP A BULLET TRAIN, JUMP ON A JUNK, OR BIKE, BABY! In Halong Harbor, we were happily jostled about in our tour

Artist Aki Narita calls her room design "Geisha Goldfish" incorporating two favorite elements of the Japanese culture. Art floor celebrates Japanese culture -- book a hotel room to enjoy the view of your own art show The approach to Park Hotel Tokyo leads one through lovely gardens. A plaque in each art room gives details about the artist, here Aki Narita (see above). STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER ONE ROOM  feels like an underwater hideaway, with red gei

Cookie and Keller pause against the sparkling skyline, enroute back to their digs at the stylish Langham Hong Kong.                      ...

Thrilled guests watched a pair of whales blow -- thanks to Hornblower staff who make announcements on sightings, explaining various whale...

TOUCHING PLAY WITH FINE ACTING, A COMIC EDGE AND A TOE-TAPPING TRIO TO SET THE MOOD Manny Fernandes and Carla Harting square off and eventually admit their attraction in a winning play at San Diego Rep. From left, Richard Tibbets, Jim Mooney and Alicia Previn set the tone for "Outside Mullingar," a lyrical tale of family, loyalty, pride and love.  The pastoral pull of Ireland's countryside comes inside with "Outside Mullingar," San Diego Rep's first-rate production.  STORY By

These jellyfish -- as graceful as ballerinas -- attract viewers from all over the world, and of all ages at Aquarium of the Bay. A...