top of page
Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Gators galore as we track this crafty creature in the Everglades
This alligator gave our tour boat the eye on a recent trip into the beautiful Everglades of Florida. Everglades caper: on the gator trail...

Christene Meyers
Mar 21, 20193 min read
Finding fun in fantastic Fort Lauderdale, from fine digs to water taxi
Fort Lauderdale's beautifully renovated Hilton Double Tree Gallery One offers all-suite accommodations, gorgeous views of the city's...

Christene Meyers
Mar 14, 20194 min read


Norwegian traveler tries Norwegian Cruise Line with happy results
Norwegian Cruise Line's colorful design carries through inside, with lively contemporary art and many other enticements. NCL's Spirit,...

Christene Meyers
Mar 10, 20194 min read


Madrid: stately boulevards, baroque palaces, history, mystery and more
A fine place to start your tour of Madrid is at the Royal Palace, where nearby is an 8th Century Arab wall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS...

Christene Meyers
Feb 22, 20194 min read


Donkey Tours format needs repair rates a huge "hoofs up" for unique European experience
Donkey Tours of Barcelona boasts one of the most engaging guides two veteran travelers have experienced in decades of globe trotting. ...

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20192 min read


Herculaneum: historic village looks at life five centuries B.C.
When Vesuvius erupted, the explosion covered nearby Pompeii, but not as deeply as Ercolano, thus the preservation. ANCIENT RUINS OFFER...

Christene Meyers
Jan 11, 20193 min read


Best of Europe: Picking the right tour can make a huge difference
The glories of the Amalfi Coast come alive with Can't Be Missed Tours, known for intimate exposure to the landscape. The personalized...

Christene Meyers
Jan 4, 20193 min read


Where in the world will you go in 2019? What's hot for the new year
Malta is an enticing, beautiful place, if you've been before, or have yet to go. Here near the Blue Grotto, a series of lovely caverns...

Christene Meyers
Dec 28, 20184 min read
Lights, glitter, goodies of southern Europe salute the holiday
This store in Madrid was cranking up its displays for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving (which is not celebrated in Europe, of...

Christene Meyers
Dec 21, 20182 min read


Feast your eyes on Filoli for history, holiday splendor
Each room of Filoli is artfully decorated for the holidays. This one showcases a painting of the flower-loving second owner. UNIQUE...

Christene Meyers
Dec 14, 20183 min read


Oregon Shakespeare Festival: All hail a wondrous arts achievement
The Allen Elizabethan Theatre features a classical setting for three plays each season at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Three theaters...
Jaime Hazerian
Dec 7, 20184 min read
Torrey Pines: perfect retreat with spectacular trees, ocean view
The magnificent Torrey Pine stands bent and endangered, but still glorious in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Torrey Pines Reserve...

Christene Meyers
Nov 30, 20183 min read


Thanksgiving feasting abroad: Find a fun place for a meal or snack to make a holiday special even where Thanksgiving isn't celebrated
Cookie's favorite Thanksgiving meal is not turkey -- although it is available on cruise ships and in many hotels catering to Americans on Thanksgiving. It's rare lamb chops with asparagus, lentils and a balsamic drizzle. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" TRAVEL IS FUN for us, and no part of travel is more pleasurable than exploring the gastronomic pleasures of far-away places. Especially on holidays, a special meal is a highlight of the t

Christene Meyers
Oct 25, 20183 min read


Salute to New Orleans: sassy, sultry, seasoned city celebrates tricentennial
The Dukes of Dixieland have been around New Orleans for decades. They specialize in traditional New Orleans jazz. THE BIG EASY SURVIVES...

Christene Meyers
Oct 11, 20183 min read
Autumn around the world offers color, light, bold but wistful change
Autumn in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana's Northern Rockies, with splendid color and snow already down. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS...

Christene Meyers
Sep 27, 20182 min read


Fort Lauderdale's water taxi lures adventurer, sun seeker, tourist
CITY'S FRIENDLY WATER TAXI SERVICE IS TOPS FOR SIGHT SEEING, LEARNING, ENJOYING THE CANALS Fort Lauderdale's mansions along the canals...

Christene Meyers
Sep 20, 20183 min read


North Coast Rep - Autumn harvest delights San Diego play goers with theatrical gems
From left, Teagan Rose, J. Todd Adams and Joanna Strapp in "Blithe Spirit." SOMETHING FOR EVERY THEATER LOVER WITH BUMPER CROP OF SHOWS...

Christene Meyers
Sep 13, 20183 min read


Ka-ching! Hooray for Harvey's Lake Tahoe, treasured through the years
The view from a high room at Harvey's Lake Tahoe is stunning. Snow remains on the mountain tops most of the year, and that will increase...

Christene Meyers
Sep 6, 20183 min read


Tippet Rise 'piano man' keeps wealth of instruments in tune
Michael Toia is the full time piano tuner at Montana's acclaimed Tippet Rise Art Center. He keeps the priceless piano collection in top...

Christene Meyers
Aug 30, 20184 min read


Travel tips: Pack a perfect carry-on, limit baggage, plan ahead, be safe
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers atop the Space Needle in Seattle, planning their time there and another few tickets in the...
Jaime Hazerian
Aug 2, 20185 min read
bottom of page


