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Offbeat places and unusual destinations and a fresh look at old favorites written by people who have been there.
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Newest Feature
York: Medieval, Picturesque and Unexpected
by Patrice Raplee. Yorkshire offers travelers the opportunity to visit remarkable castles with majestic estates that have almost vanished over the years in England. Or, explore the region's scenic cities that offer a wide variety of historical attractions to antique shopping and tearooms. The most intriguing and picturesque medieval city to visit in Yorkshire is York. This culturally rich city was founded by the Romans and has one of the longest and best-preserved town walls in England, at just over two miles. The ancient wall encircles the city and affords visitors excellent views along its walkable ramparts. York's Roman wall is just the beginning of the area's fascinating history that chronicles the Vikings and Normans as well.Read about York's Castles, Vikings, and More
Other New Features
| Road Trip Through Big Sur, California: Five Don't Miss Sightsby Hank Barton. West of the more commonly traveled I-5 between San Fransisco and Los Angeles, Route 1 through Big Sur makes its way across about 90 miles of beautiful California coastline from Carmel to San Simeon under giant redwoods and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The western side of the route gives a view to the rocky cliffs and beaches of the Pacific. There are plenty of areas that look appealing and adventurous spirits will likely find interesting places, but here are some of the places that stole my heart on a north-to-south trip down Route 1. Read about Big Sur California and Route 1 | |||
| Going "Behind the Scenes" on the Norwegian Epicby George Bailey. I've sailed on other cruise ships but never one as large as the Norwegian Epic, and I've never been able to take a peek behind the scenes to see what goes on "backstage". Until now. This huge beautiful ship which made its maiden voyage in June of 2010 is one of the world's largest ships. And with its new tour of all the spaces and places guests never go, it is also one of the most fascinating. Read about Unique Tour of the Often Offlimits Parts of a Cruise Ship | |||
| St. George Utah: Hiking, Art, Wildlife, and Historyby Neala Schwartzberg McCarten. With a little help from my friends, I'm standing almost at the top of a stone "sand dune" in Snow Canyon Park. Eons ago volcanic activity and windblown sand combined to create the geologically diverse state park. The day before my hike I was gazing at stuffed (mounted) animals from all continents in the world. St. George offers quite a diverse palette of experiences. Enjoy the video of the hike, the stuffed/mounted animals, and more. Read about Attractions of Saint George, Utah | |||
| A Visit to the Crazy Horse Memorialby Lisa Waterman Gray. An almost regal facial profile, with aquiline nose, crowns meticulously carved rock on the distant mountain summit. Nearby a long, flat surface flanks a small archway that frames brilliant blue sky, and white paint marks where future carving will shape exposed rock. The completed image of a proud North American Indian chief with flowing hair, mounted on a prancing horse, is gradually emerging from the mountain's depths. This is the Crazy Horse Memorial -- the Lakota (Sioux) nation's tribute to one of its most revered chiefs, and the lifetime project of one tenacious family. Read about Chief Crazy Horse Memorial | |||
| St. Kitts: A Perfect Little Island with Great Diving (and more)by Denise Mattia. Whether disembarking a cruise ship for the day or arriving by plane every traveler passes through Basseterre, the charming capital of St. Kitts. Certainly Basseterre is wortth a stroll and exploration, but when it comes to diving, St. Kitts there's fun of a different nature under St. Kitts with the three dive operations and a watersports center on the island. There's a lot to do in St. Kitts and the high standards of the operations, hotels and restaurants and the polite Kittitians guarantee visitors a wonderful holiday. And, of the photos you can take underwater -- enjoy the video. Read about Diving in St. Kitts | |||
| Two Unique Independence Missouri Destinations: World's only hair museum, and puppets around the worldLisa Waterman Gray. Independence, Missouri is probably best known as the home of President Harry S. Truman. Visitors often flock to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, with a replica of the Oval Office and his famous 'The Buck Stops Here' sign. But Independence also offers tours a couple one-of-a-kind destinations. Read about Hair wreaths and great puppets | |||
| Museums and Tapas in Cordoba Spainby Inka Piegsa-Quischotte. A day trip to the fabulous city of Cordoba in the south of Spain combines outstanding art with mouth watering food. I've been living on Benalmadena Costa on Spain's sunny and easygoing Costa del Sol. One of the reasons, apart from the weather and the life style was, that several of Spain's most historic and fascinating cities, including Cordoba are within easy reach and very suitable for numerous day trips. Read about Munching and Museums (and more) in Cordoba Spain |
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New in Tel Aviv Israel
There's lots to do in Tel Aviv - with everything from a train station turned entertainment hotspot to a restaurant in which dinner is served in total darkness and visitors are escorted by blind waiters Read our roundup of what's new in Tel Aviv.Offbeat but Romantic - New York City on a Budget
New York City is home to some of the most romantic places in the United States. It is often thought that a romantic night in the Big Apple will cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to embark on romance at some of the eccentric finest dining and entertainment establishments in New York City, on a budget of course! Here's how to make your dream date a reality. Read more about Romance in NYCDiscover Barcelona on a Budget: Top 5 Tips
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, home to amazing Modernisme architecture, beautiful beaches, magical mountain trails and much, more. But between entry fees, dining on Las Ramblas and touring the sights, those heading to this top Mediterranean destination might find it a little tricky to discover the Catalan capital without leaving a massive dent in their wallets. However, it can be done! If you're looking to explore Barcelona on a budget, there are plenty of ways to enjoy all of Barcelona's gems without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to get you started. Read these Money Saving Tips to Enjoy BarcelonaThis Just In...
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50+ Years The Beatles: It All Began in Hamburg Beatles fans are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of the band's first album "Please Please Me" this year; but it was in Hamburg, the maritime jewel in northern Germany, where the Fab Four began their career as the not so fab five, and recorded their first commercially released record, "My Bonnie," on June 22/23, 1961. Thanks to a well-known night club owner who needed musical acts for his clubs in the infamous St. Pauli red light district, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Pete Best had come to Hamburg a year earlier. The rest, as they say, is history. Read more about The Beatles Started in Hamburg
Into the Ring: A parade of the most beautiful circus costumes under the big top Like the parade when the circus comes to town, this exhibition will present, for the first time, magnificent costumes and finery from the greatest circus companies in the world. In their braided coats or leotards, decorated with painted motifs, embroidery and sequins -- ringmasters, tragic and comic clowns, horse riders, acrobats, jugglers, animal tamers, trapeze artists and tightrope walkers will embody the magic of circus art in a flurry of color and light. The CNCS invites visitors to discover this universe from the first appearance of the modern circus in the 18th century to the mutations of the contemporary circus. June 15th, 2013 to January 5th, 2014. Read more about New exhibit on gorgeous circus costumes opens in France.
SkyCrest: The fun way to find your luggage I have one of those totally generic but much loved black pieces of luggage which I'm always losing on the luggage carousels. An artist friend painted a giant piece of fruit on her luggage. But I'm not so talented. Ah, but there is a solution. SkyCrest sent me a fun photo montage of NYC scenes to test. Not only do I love memories of my home town, but I can now spot it easily as it careens down the luggage chute. Read our review of SkyCrest Luggage Decals.
Lighthouse Season Opens With a New North Carolina Tower to Climb: Bodie opens North Carolina's prime lighthouse-climbing season begins with the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse opening for regular tours for the first time. The newly restored lighthouse, its magnificent first-order Fresnel lens cleaned down to the shine, becomes the sixth along the state's 320-mile coastline to allow visitors a top-of-the-tower view. Also expected to open for tours this spring: the restored 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton. Add this to the other lighthouses that will open. Not only is lighthouse-climbing great exercise, it offers a reward no gym can match -- a spectacular 360-degree view. Read more about Go Lighthouse Climbing in North Carolina
Enjoy a Cocktail Safari along Regent Street in London The Regent Street Cocktail Safari takes you to restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels along Regent Street, London W1. Shoppers will be able to enjoy multiple venues in one evening, tasting the signaturecocktails and small plates each venue has developed. The Regent Street Cocktail Safari has been created as an extension of the internationally renowned Regent Street Food Safari. Read more about London's Safari: Seeking the Regent Street Cocktail
The Year of the English Garden The English garden is enjoying its moment in the sun as the horticultural world prepares to celebrate 100 years of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as well as a raft of other anniversaries, openings and milestone events taking place in England this year. Read more about Enjoying England's Gardens