TRAVELS NEAR AND FAR

Draw a circle around Page, AZ and you’ll find numerous natural wonders. Among them is Horseshoe Bend, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes in the state. This near-perfect circular canyon, which is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, was carved into the earth by the Colorado River and is a result of erosion. It was formed by water following its natural path of least resistance, however, in this case, the route was not a straight line, but rather a substantial 270 degree curve.


February 6, 2023 at 6:00 a.m.


Discover quintessential Switzerland in the realm of the mighty Matterhorn

Ah, the Matterhorn! One of the most distinctive of all Alpine peaks and a symbol of Switzerland, this mountain exerts a powerful draw on people’s imaginations. Its unique shape is recognizable all over the world. This is partly due to the fact that the Matterhorn’s image has been used on …

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Worlds away, yet so close

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a different kind of national park. It was created back in 1974 as part of the Federal Parks to People program, which called for national parks in metropolitan centers. Nestled between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, this 33,000-acre park makes an easy day excursion …

Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Nashville

If you’re a first timer to Nashville, you’re in for a treat. Expect to have ample opportunities to hear quality music, both in hallowed halls, as well as in the numerous bars and honky-tonks. After all, this is Music City! But you might be surprised to discover that museums also …

Follow in the sandal steps of the Romans as you walk Hadrian’s Wall Path

I’ve grown fond of long walks that take you from one inn to another, with picturesque scenery to admire along the way and only a daypack to carry. Several years ago, I did a portion of the Wales Coastal Path, organized by Celtic Trails, and the experience was so memorable …

Embrace the dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park

A recent visit to Chicago for a wedding spurred on a side trip to nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the remaining national parks on my list. The Dunes is actually two parks in one place. Indiana Dunes State Park, which was created in 1926, is surrounded by the …

Monet's house and garden is a feast for the senses

It wasn’t enough for me to stare in awe and drink in the beauty of Claude Monet’s ravishing paintings of water lilies in Paris’ wonderful Musee de l’Orangerie - which by the way, is a must visit attraction for art lovers in the City of Lights. I needed to make …

Soak in ‘magic water’ at Durango Hot Springs

I’m a sucker for hot springs and over the years, I’ve soaked in a number of these soothing havens, particularly in the Southwest. This region is the ideal spot for restorative dips, from riverside locales to mountain pools, and boasts such destinations as Truth or Consequence, Ojo Caliente and Jemez …

Handmade traditions prevail on Murano and Burano

A trip to Venice is often on many travelers’ bucket lists. With its picturesque canals, narrow streets and numerous historic sights, this renowned destination is a magnet for tourists, who flock there en masse. Some keep to the main areas, never venturing off the beaten path during their stay. Others …

Take a trip into the universe at Lowell Observatory

As I peered into the high-powered telescope, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was hard to fathom that I was actually staring at Saturn, rings and all. It looked exactly like the pics in textbooks and how the media depicts the planet. And the fact that I was viewing it …

Tour a city of the dead beneath a city of the living in the Paris Catacombs

I’m typically not drawn to ghoulish or gruesome attractions, even on Halloween. But morbid curiosity got the best of me during a recent trip to Paris. It was there, in the magnificent French capital, that I learned of the Catacombs and immediately knew I had to explore this “Empire of …

Taste your way through the ‘City of Canals’ on a street food tour

Food tours are one of the best ways to get to know a city. I like to take them not only to learn about the regional cuisine, but to get to know the area from a local’s perspective. It’s a meld of food, history, culture and geography. Plus, an extra …

No Reservations

We’ll enthusiastically encourage you to jump into the unplanned travel universe

Expect to get wet when you visit world famous Rhine Falls!

Waterfalls are a magnet for me, especially powerhouses like Rhine Falls in Switzerland. As Europe’s largest waterfall, it’s on many visitors’ must-see list when they’re traveling through this picturesque country.

Get up close and personal with the Alpacas of Oregon

Whenever possible, I seek out encounters with animals, whether it’s trekking with llamas in northern New Mexico, riding a camel in Egypt or lumbering through the jungles of Thailand atop an elephant. I’m fascinated with animal behavior and look for opportunities to observe creatures of all kinds. I’ve been fortunate …