Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

+ Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire is the largest of its kind in Europe, a vast ruin open to the sky. We visited with...

Castle Howard's grand entrance and courtyards hosted the wedding reception of a famed British singer Ellie Goulding to a Sotheby's art...

Step aboard the historic Madaket and experience the charm of Eureka from the water. As the last surviving passenger ferry of Humboldt Bay, the Madaket offers a unique glimpse into the region’s maritime past. Cruise along Eureka’s bustling waterfront, where working docks, fishing boats, and coastal scenery create an unforgettable Northern California experience.

Since England's first steam locomotives chugged out of Stockton and Darlington in 1825, England has held rail travel close to its heart.

Autumn arrives in the northern hemisphere. Here, Norway's gentle slopes and hills resemble parts of Montana. FIND BEAUTY IN THE INEVITABLE CHANGE OF SEASONS “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. “ – Albert Camus STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The grass was just beginning to turn as autumn began earlier this month with Cookie and Keller in the Netherlands. WE LOVE to travel in autumn. The kids are back in school, the evening air is crisp a

Italy's Amalfi coast boasts winding roads with lovely views of the bay and water life below. Honolulu's harbor has beauty and history,...

With her faithful service dog, a young visitor poses her animal next to a one of the AKC Dog Museum bronzes. DOG DEVOTEES DELIGHT IN...

Children's pools, playgrounds, rowing ponds for all ages, beautifully kept greens greet the eye at Central Park East. A calming stroll...

With America's 250th birthday just around the corner, there has never been a more exciting time to visit New York City. The nation's largest city is preparing for historic celebrations, while the annual Fourth of July festivities already showcase the patriotic spirit that makes New York a must-see destination. From iconic landmarks and world-famous museums to spectacular waterfront events, tall ships, and dazzling fireworks over the harbor, New York offers visitors a front-ro

Bromeliad, heliconia, anthurium, ginger, mango, spider lily and more await viewers at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. A gecko suns...

The most spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast are from the air or sea. HIDDEN OAHU: NA PALI COASTLINE OFFERS STUNNING TERRAIN, NATURAL...

The quaint, colorful fishing village of Burano boasts some of the world's finest lace and high-end clothing shops. MINUTES FROM VENICE BUT A WORLD AWAY, A THE LAGOON ISLANDS FORM A QUARTET OF CHARMING ISLANDS BECKONS THE TOURIST STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" A master craftsman demonstrates his glass-making skills on Murano. WHEN IN VENICE, don't miss the opportunity to take a side trip to Italy's lovely and nearby lagoon islands of Mur

Hotel with music lessons: Christene Meyers, aka Cookie, and Bruce Keller, known by his surname, signed up for ukulele lessons at Hilton...

Discover unforgettable aerial adventures with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. This whereisookie.com story highlights one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking experiences—soaring above lush valleys, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. If you're planning a Hawaii travel bucket list, learn why a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour is a must-do activity for incredible island views and unforgettable memories.

The Elvis Presley home in Palm Springs is a major attraction and a striking presence, with its unusual modern design. DESERT RATS: TAKE THE STARS TOUR, SEE WHERE THEY LIVED AND PLAYED IN PALM SPRINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Palm Springs and its star-studded list of residents came about because the studios wanted to keep stars close to L.A. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE STARS come out in Palm Springs. Or at least star-gazers do. Many of the greats who once luxuriated in t

Fort Lauderdale's beautifully renovated Hilton Double Tree Gallery One offers all-suite accommodations, gorgeous views of the city's famous waterways, a handsomely designed patio for relaxing and dining, fine contemporary artwork and easy access to the city's famed Water Taxi service which makes a regular stop here. Here's the view from our suite. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER On a recent sunny day, Fort Lauderdale's popular Water Taxis were enjoyed by an

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

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...