TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR

Imagine a Hawaii with untouched beaches and an unspoiled countryside. No tall buildings, mega resorts or malls. And nary a stoplight to be found. It's hard to believe such a place exists, but it's real and it's Molokai, the "Friendly Isle."
BY DEBBIE STONE | January 30, 2017 at 6:00 a.m.

Shed your cares...and your parka, and head to Maui this winter

There's a reason Maui continuously gets rated as one of the world's best islands by readers of various travel publications. Actually, there are multiple reasons for this distinction. Many of them hit home for me on a recent visit to this tropical locale.

A Giacometti pilgrimage

Switzerland is known for many things, including top-of-the-line watches, rich chocolates, fine selection of cheese, diversity of languages, picturesque natural beauty and its neutrality in regards to world affairs. What most folks don't realize is that this charming country also has a reputation for art, rivaling that of numerous other …

The Anasazi never had it so good!

I've stayed in a number of interesting places over the years, including an ice hotel, treehouse, yurt and even an Earthship. But, I think the most unique accommodations to date has to be a cave.

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SOCIAL SECURITY COVERS YOU WHEN YOU’RE ABROAD

Can I get my Social Security benefits if I live outside the U.S.?

Basel: beyond description

Single word descriptions of Basel don't do this Swiss city justice. Titles such as "Cultural Capital of Switzerland" or "Oldest University Town" barely scrape the surface when trying to characterize this eclectic and exciting town.

Los Poblanos offers peace in an urban setting

It's hard to imagine tranquility in the middle of an urban environment; yet, at Los Poblanos, that's exactly what you'll find. The historic inn and organic farm is a little piece of paradise located in of all places, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Discover the wonders of the Maine Coast aboard a century old schooner

"Ready on the peak? Peak's ready! Ready on the throat? Throat's ready! Heave away!" With those words, I found myself pulling a thick rope in tug of war style as if my life depended on it.

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Silver City is a New Mexico gem

History takes center stage in Silver City. This small, picturesque town that sits 6,000 feet atop the Continental Divide in southwestern New Mexico sprang to life in 1870.

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Don't expect ordinary when you journey to the 'edge of the world'

Kissing a codfish was never on my life's to-do list. In fact, up until recently, I could honestly say it was note even in the realm of remote possibility. But, there I was at Skipper Hots Bar in Straitsview, Newfoundland, puckering up to smack a big one on this buggy-eyed …

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Following in the footsteps of pilgrims

Meet Victoria Oubina, a resident of the seaside village of Cambados in Northern Spain. She's a retired "marisquera" or shellfisher, who had to stop school at nine years old and go to work in order to help her family.

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Happy 100th Birthday, National Park Service!

Washington State is blessed with three stunning National Parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic.

An epic journey to inspire the spirit

From atop the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the trail down appears daunting. It weaves and snakes its way amid the layers of rock, eventually vanishing from sight. I take a deep breath, step off the ledge and begin my descent into this vast and imposing abyss.

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Savor Northern Ireland one bite at a time

To be honest, I didn't have high hopes for good food during my stay in Northern Ireland. My expectations were low based on a trip I had made to the Republic of Ireland many years ago. I recalled eating lots of potatoes, breads and bland stews, along with the proverbial …

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Bewitching Baja

I've seen many Oscar-worthy productions in my life, but perhaps the most memorable was performed by a pod of grey whales at Lopez Mateos in the Sea of Cortez.