Author: Virginia Atwater

I’d heard about Savannah’s charm for years, but nothing quite prepared me for the reality of stepping into what felt like a picture-perfect movie set. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by something unexpected: the cleanliness. The streets were immaculate, the squares meticulously maintained, and everywhere I looked, people were unfailingly polite—holding doors, offering directions, greeting me with genuine Southern hospitality.

Savannah’s layout is unlike any American city I’ve visited. General James Oglethorpe …

Foula is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the UK, situated 20 miles west of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Its isolated location, amidst rugged seas and dramatic cliffs, paints a beautiful yet challenging picture of life removed from pace and place.  Foula’s history is as fascinating as its geographical features. The island’s name is thought to derive from the Old Norse “Fuglaey,” meaning “bird island.” Its abundant seabird populations and Norse heritage …

Change is in the air as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has shored up a number of consumer protections. The latest regulations mandate that airlines must offer consumers automatic refunds for both canceled flights and extensive delays, marking a significant stride toward heightened passenger rights.

The DOT now requires that if a U.S. airline cancels a flight or significantly delays it—domestically, by more than three hours, and internationally, by over six hours—an automatic refund …

Initially constructed in 1145 and later reconstructed over a span of 26 years following a fire in 1194, Chartres Cathedral stands as a pinnacle of French Gothic artistry. Situated in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral represents one of the most genuine and comprehensive specimens of early 13th-century religious architecture.

Chartres Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. …

I recently returned from a trip to Anchorage, and while I was there, I was struck by the local concern for the well-being of the indigenous community and local economies. I have seen those same concerns expressed to an even greater degree by native Hawaiian travel advocates. At a time when our planet and its cultures are as accessible as they are vulnerable, the importance of traveling responsibly has to be taken seriously.

“Responsible travel” …

Long-haul flights can be daunting, often involving hours of travel across multiple time zones. Fear not.  With the right preparation, long-haul journeys can be more comfortable and even enjoyable. Here are a few salient tips for the next long-hour flight on which you find yourself.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

The seat you choose can significantly impact your comfort. Consider opting for an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom or an exit row for …

Travel insurance is more than merely a prudent choice for safeguarding the funds you’ve invested in your holiday. An experienced traveler, I don’t travel more than 1,000 miles from home without it. Post-Covid, travel insurance has become a more commonly purchased travel accessory. The thought of having to shell out for the cost of a hotel to hole up with a COVID-19 infection contracted internationally is enough to convince me of the merits of purchasing …

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an subterranean church located 200 meters underground in the Andean mountains of Colombia, carved out of solid rock salt. The Salt Cathedral has become a top tourist destination and an important place of pilgrimage in Central and South America.

The history of the Salt Cathedral goes back to the Muisca indigenous people who occupied this region before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. The Muisca extracted salt from …

Hadrian’s Wall is a historically significant monument representing the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Constructed under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, the wall’s purpose, dimensions, and preservation efforts make it a fascinating subject of study for historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.

Hadrian’s Wall was built by Roman legions under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, who ascended to the throne in 117 AD. During his reign, he visited Britain in 122 AD and, …

Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is not only a place of rest for the deceased but also an important cultural attraction in the city. Cementerio de la Recoleta in Spanish, is a famous burial ground located in the heart of Buenos Aires. The cemetery has a rich history and is considered one of the most beautiful and important cemeteries in the world.

 Recoleta Cemetery was first opened in 1822. At the time, the cemetery …

Marie Catherine Laveau was a powerful figure in New Orleans during the 19th century. She was known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans and is still remembered today for her spiritual abilities, her healing powers, and her mystical legacy. Born in 1801, Marie Laveau lived through a time of great change in New Orleans, including the Civil War and Reconstruction. She played a significant role in the city’s history, and her influence is still …