Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

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

Charleston's marina is a busy but peaceful place with shops, restaurants, 17,000 linear feet of dock space for both motorized boats and...

Savannah is famous for its inviting squares, beautiful oak trees and peaceful parks. The Capitol Building of Savannah is one of many...

​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...

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...

Hooray for Hollywood, where the famous letters stand in a well preserved forest near Griffith Observatory.  A day on the road with...

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...

In Amsterdam, your canal tour boat will slow down so that you can actually see seven bridges lined up.  Bruce Keller took this photo at...

Victoria, British Columbia, is a wonderful place to stroll, look and eat! The top-ranked food tasting tour in Canada is waiting for you on your next visit to this charming, ethnically varied city.  CULINARY WONDERS AWAIT -- FROM HISTORIC PUB TO FRENCH PATISSERIE TO A GOURMET HOLE IN THE WALL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Our tasting tour began at Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop, where we devoured delectable meatballs in a satisfying sauce. WE ALWAYS look for

A helicopter weaves through the rocks of Sedona's fabled landscape. Passengers number only six, plus the pilot. It's an exciting way to...