Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena is situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia and was Spain’s gateway to its new empire. Trading in gold, silver, tobacco, and, regrettably, enslaved people, the city boomed. These days, Cartagena draws tourists from all over the world, many of them arriving…

I lolled back in my pool side lounge chair, opened my eyes, glanced out at the navy blue strip of ocean I could view through the railing slipping silently past as we cruised to our next gorgeous Caribbean port, and lazily mulled over whether to apply more sunscreen, move into…

Lake Tahoe is a destination perfect for a getaway, provided you appreciate skiing or hiking or nature, golf, shopping, gambling, fishing, boating, or dozens of other outdoor activities.  Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal clear waters,…

Airport security checkpoints have long been a source of stress for traveling families. Between managing carry-on bags and keeping track of children, the screening process can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. Recognizing these unique challenges, the Transportation Security Administration has launched a new initiative designed to make air travel…

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited destinations. It is deemed one of the largest capital cities on the globe, with a population of over 11 million people. As the capital city of Thailand, the appeal is easy to see with its spectacular temples, exotic sites and a variety…

I used to take an exorbitant amount of clothing when I traveled. Used to car trips where we had plenty of room and no weight restrictions, I crammed everything in just in case I might change my mind about what to wear. So when I began to travel more often…

Don’t laugh. Often, when I travel, one of the first places I seek out is the local cemetery, and not just during Halloween season. Why? Because there, believe it or not, you can learn a lot about the place you’re visiting — about its people, about its history, about its…

For years, I celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I hope to continue. I love the cozy feeling of being on a vessel that transports me, and a…

Often referred to as the Rose-Red City, Petra stands among the deserts and mountains of Jordan as a legacy frozen in time. Carved from a wall of sandstone within the Great Rift Valley, the first sight of the 130-foot facade and its intricate designs and columns conjure up an ancient…

Scattered across the waters of the South Pacific, Vanuatu stands as one of the world’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations. This Y-shaped archipelago of 83 islands offers visitors an authentic Melanesian experience wrapped in pristine natural beauty, active volcanoes, and some of the most culturally diverse communities on Earth. Vanuatu…

There are two reasons why cable car rides are utterly irresistible. Firstly, the engineering that enables a length of wire to haul a small metal cabin up steep mountains and across gaping valleys is intriguing. But more importantly, there’s the gorgeous view from the top, with a city or countryside…

“We have lost only one man,” said Alpha Omega, our Devil’s Pool guide, a tall stick of a man, “and that was because he saved a guest who chose not to take his advice.” All the guides standing at the edge of the briefing room/cafeteria considered this statement solemnly, their…