Savana, Queen of the Desert
It is that beguiling hour betwixt day and night, when the sky is fast transforming from tangerine to mauve and buriti trees are stark in silhouette, as we set out in search of a female maned wolf named Savana — not actually a wolf at all but the largest member of the South American Canidae [&helli
Go Green Thailand
The Land of Smiles is dealing with the challenges of pollution, climate change, and the millions of annual tourists. Creative adaptations abound, and travelers can make a difference by seeking out greener, more ethical options that are not sacrifices, but actually improve the travel experience. 
Just the Walking
I first saw the finish line of the Camino while on a road trip in Spain that took me through Santiago de Compostela. In the morning, the first pilgrim arrived, shuffling into the plaza of St. James’ Cathedral, dropping his backpack, sinking to his knees on the cobblestones, shaking with something
Romance Railway
Editor’s Note: This story won a first-place writing award for Terri Colby, who was named the 2024 Mark Twain Travel Journalist of the Year by the MTJA. Three musicians take the stage in Andalusia’s capital city of Seville. Their haunting voices, hand claps, a
All Hands to the Past
Have you ever wondered if time travel is possible? After an 8-day voyage aboard a century-old wooden trawler, I think it just might be. Just standing and looking up at the billowing red sails, I feel connected to the past sailors, in a way I hadn’t imagined. I had embarked at Dunstaffnage Marina n
Touring the North
For 21 years, Thund consulting firm has been teaching the world about the delicate balance of Iceland’s plant and animal life. Using meticulous research, the scientists at Thund offer educational tours that focus on Icelandic flora and fauna. They cater not only to individuals, but also to large c
A Luxury Lab for Green Living
They say that it is the arrival that should be savored, when all the travel is behind you and adventure lies ahead. I’ve never enjoyed this sweet moment more keenly than arriving at Calanoa Amazonas in Colombia. I step off the high-speed boat that has whisked me 60 miles along the Rio Amazon from
Road Scholars
It’s the time when summer ends and we get ready for new adventures. Whether it’s heading back to school for some book-learning, or entering a different kind of class on our luxe expeditions to the Med, the islands, and points beyond, here’s how we’re getting prepped. Wrapped As light as a
The Charms of Coimbra
While the bustling capital city of Lisbon, the rolling hills of the Douro Valley, and the scenic beaches of the Algarve are some of the most popular spots to visit in Portugal, the cozy and quaint town of Coimbra is worth a visit all on its own. One of the country’s oldest cities, nestled amid [&h
Tropical Tracks
An enormous country like Australia has a lot of land to cover, but fortunately, the beautiful eastern coast is easy to explore by rail. This exciting journey involves two legs: Sydney to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Cairns. A standard long-distance train known as the XPT (“express passenger
Sizing It Up
“Chicken or pasta?” We cruise enthusiasts are appalled by what passes for dining choices aboard those multi-hour flights that transport us across the Pond. And don’t even mention lack of comfort, sub-par entertainment … and jet lag. Fortunately, there is a seagoing option when it comes to
Ship Review: Icon of the Seas
Kicking off 2024 with a sailing on Icon of the Seas from Miami, Florida, I learned that this largest ship at sea has been a dream of Royal Caribbean Group for years. President and CEO Jason Liberty, speaking at the ship’s naming ceremony in January, shared: “Icon of the Seas is the culmination
Beauty and the Bottle
The Italian Lakes are among the most beautiful and popular places to visit in Europe. The glory of nature lies all around with glistening waters, picturesque lakeside villages, medieval castles and imposing mountain views. Stretching from the River Po in the south to the lower Alps and the Dolomites
A Centennial Family Cruise
Living to the age of 100 is an amazing feat … but celebrating a centennial birthday aboard a cruise ship with family from all over the country is truly extraordinary. We set sail from Miami last spring on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky with four generations of the Guthmann clan to honor o
Discovering China on the Shanghai Train
There’s no better way to travel from Beijing to Shanghai than on the tracks. China is home to the world’s longest high-speed rail network, with a length of over 42,000 kilometers (26,098 miles). The Chinese rail network gives travelers a rare opportunity to see parts of China and aspects of dail
Luxury … With a Twist!
Explora I’s Lobby Bar soars midship from Decks 4 to 5 but it doesn’t call to mind the traditional cruise ship atrium with its riotous activity and zooming glass elevators. This inviting space, the social heart of Explora Journeys’ first ship, is part living room, with plush seating and cockt
4 Countries, 2 Wheels, 0 Experience
“But, we haven’t even sat on a bike for four years!” My response to my wife’s idea to embark on a two-week cycling adventure down the Danube was hardly enthusiastic. But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed. What’s not to love about cycling along beautiful paths beside one
Galapagos by Tiny Cat
Swimming next to inquisitive sea lions, adorable penguins, graceful sea turtles, and a multitude of colorful schools of fish was worth taking four airplanes and numerous buses to reach the EcoGalaxy in the Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger, three-deck catamaran was built to fit ecological paramete
Power Pop For Better Ships
ABBA, the internationally revered pop group, has been giving joy and excitement to hundreds of millions for more than five decades. Now, they’re showing themselves to be environmentally conscientious as well by backing a new generation of wind-assisted ships. The Swedish megastars are partnering
Virgin’s Forest
Hats off to Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s prestigious collection of luxury accommodations, for raising awareness of — and money for — mangrove conservation. Visitors to Necker Island, Sir Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands, are being encouraged to make a c
