Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Explore the Cave Houses of Matera, Italy. Discover the Sassi region, UNESCO history, cave hotels, and the best things to do in Matera.

Best comprehensive Oahu tour blends scenery, history, cultural landmarks, island food, personal in an unforgettable day

Introducing our family to the pleasures of our much loved Hawaii added pleasure to the trip in many ways. Here we are -- Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, at left, with our Bay Area family, the Ganners: Steve, James, Amarylla and Peny, on the shores of Hilton's Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE LOVE to travel with our niece, nephew-in-law and their kids. Seeing a new place with a youngster g

London is a striking commentary on architectural evolution. This street scene illustrates the blend of history and innovation. With dozens of medieval landmarks like the Tower of London, there are beautiful modern buildings such as The Shard, with 26 stories, dozens of restaurants, residential living and a five-star hotel.

WE'RE BUS junkies. We've toured dozens of the world's great cities by bus and for our time and money, there's no better tour operation. It's a reliable, pleasant, economical choice. The worldwide company Big Bus Tours offers sightseeing tours in many cities around the globe. We've hopped on and off Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, London, Paris, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles and recently in Vancouver.

Discover North America’s top cities with Big Bus Tours. Hop-on hop-off buses make sightseeing easy while visiting famous landmarks and neighborhoods with a popular hop-on, hop-off format that operates open-top double-decker bus tours in many of the world’s top travel destinations. The flexible routes stop at major landmarks and attractions, allowing visitors to explore cities at their own pace while listening to guided commentary about the history, culture and highlights

MoMA's magic mesmerizes as we visit a fabulous New York museum

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

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.

​WE HAVE long admired the world's railway system. We've logged thousands of pleasant train miles from Australia to the United Kingdom

Depoe Bay, often called the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast,” offers one of the best chances anywhere to see gray whales up close. Between June and October, a group of about 200 so-called resident gray whales—members of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group—stay along the central Oregon coast instead of migrating all the way to Alaska. Around 40 of these familiar giants frequent the waters between Lincoln City and Newport, drawn by rich feeding grounds just offshore.

The museum offers a deep scientific perspective on the Pacific, revealing the unique ecosystems of Hawaii, including native birds, marine life, and volcanic geology that make the islands unlike anywhere else on Earth. Interactive displays explain how the Hawaiian archipelago formed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and how isolation created unique biodiversity. The museum’s science center and planetarium add dimension. It's great for families and curious travelers.

Fiji's "Bula Bus" takes its name from the language. "Bula bula" means hello and is a widely used greeting in friendly Fiji. Here, the bus...

Perched on the edge of the breathtaking Katoomba, this charming mountain town feels like a gateway to another world. Just a short journey from Sydney, Katoomba welcomes travelers with crisp alpine air, cozy cafés, and sweeping views of the legendary Blue Mountains. Whether you’re gazing out at the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at sunrise or wandering through eucalyptus-scented trails, every moment here feels quietly unforgettable. For WhereIsCookie.com, Katoomba isn’t j

The best hotdog in Honolulu is one of the treats you'll discover aboard the Waikiki Trolley, which offers various tours for discovering this exciting east-meets-west city and Oahu's capital. Here, John's World Famous Hawaii hotdog stand is popular with locals and tourists alike. TAKE THE SCENIC TOUR: HOP ON, OFF WAIKIKI TROLLEY FOR FUN TIME SOAKING UP BEST OF HONOLULU Even on a slightly cloudy day, Waikiki Trolley brings a sunny spin to Honolulu sightseeing. We recommend our

Valenca, in the far north of Portugal, offers a relaxing, artistic place to visit for a few days. Sturdy, stunning buildings date back to...

Cruise through the glitz of Hollywood on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, where iconic sights like the Walk of Fame and Beverly Hills unfold at your own pace. With open-top views, multiple routes, and 40+ stops, it’s an easy, flexible way to explore LA’s highlights in one unforgettable ride.

High atop Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge, with the iconic Sydney Opera House at the far right, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce...

Luiz, our fine Brazilian born guide in Porto, Portugal, took us around the city to its hidden corners as well as exploring its famous...

The Dam Square is still the city's heart. But today this former barrier between the River Amstel and the “Southern Sea” is one of the few places in the center of town that you cannot sail a boat to. The last part of the river leading to the dam fell victim to land-traffic in 1922. The street that replaced it is called "Damrak," meaning “Last section of the river, leading to the Dam.” Today, a subway line is being built in the old riverbed.