J.R.R. Tolkien famously wrote that not all those who wander are lost, but we were. I had planned a daytrip from North Lake Tahoe, to Virginia City, to Grover Hot Springs, and back. After an enjoyable few hours touring Virginia City, I punched...
Part of the fun of overseas travel is partaking in local customs and that, naturally, includes a traditional beverage (or two). Whether you’re sipping tea in the Sahara or chugging a Fosters with your new Aussie mates, sharing a drink can go a long way...
Vienna is one of my favorite cities in the world. Long on charm, style and tradition, Vienna is undergoing a massive infusion of energy, money and building. A Ritz-Carlton has just opened and the Hotel Topazz, a Design Hotel, opened last year. There is an...
A trip to Russia can seem daunting to some travelers. The Cyrillic alphabet looks confusing, the complicated language sounds harsh and unsettling memories of the Cold War still remain. Yet for those with an adventurous spirit, Russia has much to offer. Whether you choose to...
It happens to the best of us. We go on a long-awaited bucket list trip, point our expensive new cameras at the incredible scenery all around us, and are rewarded for our efforts with photos that are distinctly… below average. ...
Volunteer vacations are having a moment. Like many travelers, I like the idea of seeing the world and making a difference at the same time, but it’s also a big commitment. With unlimited time off, I’d be happy to build a library or dig a...
The clouds over Puget Sound threatened rain as my husband and I readied for a winter weekend hike. But then, what else is new? There’s a saying in the Pacific Northwest: If you wait for the skies to clear up, you’ll never go outside. We pulled...
What the bicycle is to Amsterdam, the kayak is to Vancouver. People kayak before work and after work, and I have no doubt that some kayak to work. There are nearly a dozen kayaking outfitters and half a dozen kayaking clubs in the city, and...
December is a prime travel season, that time when everyone hits the airports for family obligations and holiday travel. By Jan. 1, I’d flown from Seattle to Europe to southwest Florida and finally home to the Pacific Northwest – about 10,000 miles overall. ...