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 …
There may be no more diverse destination on the planet than Hawaii. Not only is the terrain amazingly varied – deserts, beaches and lush rainforests, mountains and oceans, deep valleys, and soaring volcanoes – but the climates there range from sub-arctic to tropical. The available activities are almost without end. The culture is a mix of Polynesian, Asian, European, and American. But perhaps the most varied aspect of the Islands is the way that this …
Brrr, it’s getting cold outside! The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and keeping warm inside the house has become a top priority. But fortunately for travelers who are seeking a winter vacation, there are destinations where temperatures are well above freezing.
So, where can you go? Well, there are five continents to choose from that can easily fulfill the two essential components of a good winter getaway: sun and beautiful beaches. Here …
St. Petersburg is a city that has made one of the most remarkable urban turnarounds in American history.
I used to travel to St. Petersburg occasionally on business in the late-90’s. Back then, it seemed a somewhat nondescript small city without a bustling business scene…but with an aging infrastructure and a quiet downtown after the sun went down.
But when I began visiting St. Pete (as the locals call it) again in recent years, I …
Sitting amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia – yes, the mountains actually do have a bluish tinge – Roanoke is a city in which many cherished old red-brick buildings have been re-purposed into cool restaurants and hotels. With a population of about 100,000, it’s a surprisingly-cosmopolitan city, with sophisticated cultural amenities, important historical sites, excellent dining and nightlife, a vibrant downtown, and more memorable experiences than many larger cities. And here are some …
If you are like most who have never been to Hawaii, the state’s islands blend into a mass of unpronounceable vowels and indistinct images of a tropical paradise. The geography of the islands is not difficult, however, and all it takes is one trip to make visitors long to become experts. So if you have never been, or if you have only been to one island, this introduction should whet your appetite and familiarize you …
More than 15 years after it was enacted, the number of Americans with driver’s licenses or identification cards that are REAL ID-compliant remains low.
The enforcement deadline for the REAL ID Act is drawing near. Starting May 3, 2023, the Transportation Security Admission (TSA) will require travelers ages 18 years old and above to present either the new REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or valid compliant identification cards, to fly domestically. Yet, the number of Americans
Most visitors to Mexico head straight to the country’s stunning beaches, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. However, there is an abundance of delights in store for those who venture beyond the beaches to Mexico’s beguiling magic towns. The Mexican tourist board has selected 132 pueblos to be included on a list of so-called ‘magic towns’. The towns are chosen for a combination of characteristics, including culture, architecture, natural beauty, cuisine, and indigenous history. …
In February of this year, Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth closed the Waipio Valley Road to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, for all but residents. Access is now being restored with the partial reopening of the road to more traffic effective September 19th.
Officials cited the hazardous conditions present due to the deterioration of the steep roadway. Since that time, road crews have been working on safety improvements for the only vehicle entrance into the …
Savannah, Georgia, is best known for its historic squares surrounded by moss-covered oaks and horse-drawn carriages. If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere, a peek into the south’s history, and excellent cuisine, consider Savannah, GA, as your next destination
This coastal Georgia city has much more to offer than the cobblestone streets lined with canopy trees. The setting for the novel and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” Savannah’s glass brims …
After two years of isolation and exploring the backyard, families are eager to travel again. But higher travel costs are daunting the prospects of hitting the road this summer. Yet, with only a few weeks of summer left, is there still an opportunity to travel without breaking the bank? The cost of fuel and the large number of travelers have made road trips, flights and hotel stays prohibitively expensive for many families. A few tips …
The U.S. Department of State is permitting an initial test of online passport renewal for 25,000 individuals. The pilot program is part of a Biden administration effort to make travel and passport acquisition easier to accomplish. The State Department will allow up to 25,000 applicants to complete the renewal process online in a first come, first served order.
Pending the results of the test, the process will be rolled out to the public in general …
Sail beyond the coast of sunny California with American Cruise Lines’ 8-day “San Francisco Bay” itinerary, its first California cruise. Operating round trip from San Francisco, the 190-passenger American Jazz —launched in 2020 —will carry guests along the Napa, Sacramento, and San Joaquin Rivers for a truly unique week spent sailing the Golden State. Cruise into the heart of wine country with a stop in Napa, joined by calls in Vallejo, Stockton, and Sacramento.
“American …
