To my cluttered brain, there’s something orderly and satisfying about end-of-the-year travel lists, whether they recap the past 12 months or look forward to the next. So it’s not surprising that Travelzoo’s latest “WOW Deal Destinations for 2013″ caught my eye, especially since I’ve already visited four of five of the choices and wouldn’t hesitate to … Continue Reading →
From Abu Dhabi and Petra, Jordan in the Mideast to resorts in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii and other desirable vacation spots in the United States, dozens of travel getaways are up for grabs this month in an annual online travel auction sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers. As a longtime member of SATW, … Continue Reading →
The good news is that I’ve been to half of Lonely Planet’s newly-released list of Top 10 Cities for 2013. The bad news is I haven’t been to the other five — and I need to get moving.
Bet you didn’t know we’re in the middle of Michigan Trails Week? We are. It’s Michigan’s first official Trails Week, several days of walks, bike rides and safety classes being held around the state through Saturday. The aim is to promote the health benefits of getting out and enjoying the state’s vast network of trails, … Continue Reading →
While Sleepy Hollow conjures up images of dark, barren woods and a ghostly Headless Horseman, the state park with the same name just outside of Lansing should dispel any such fears — at least until the leaves fall. The 2,600-acre state park sits smack dab in the middle of central Michigan farmland. It’s a woodland … Continue Reading →
As my friends and I plan for a trip to Italy and Spain this month, we’ve been perusing guidebooks and websites to create an itinerary, one that includes not only major ruins, monuments and museums but also hot spots for dining, nightlife and entertainment. But as I browsed the fruit and vegetable stands at Detroit’s … Continue Reading →
Some of Michigan’s best-kept secrets are being discovered. The lastest jewel shining in the national spotlight is Traverse City. The Cherry Capital was named to National Geographic’s list of the Best Summer Trips for 2012 — along with such well-known destinations as Baltimore, St. Petersburg (the Russian one), Pawley’s Island in South Carolina, the Spencer … Continue Reading →
It’s truly a voyage of imagination this spring at the Globe Theatre in London, where actors from all over the world are performing some of Shakespeare’s most famous works in their native languages. How about Hamlet in Lithuanian (that would be Hamletas)? Or Much Ado About Nothing in French (Beaucoup de Bruit Pour Rien)? Some … Continue Reading →
One of the most remarkable excursions of my childhood was a two-hour drive east of Memphis to Shiloh National Battlefield. It was my first visit to a Civil War battlefield. I am not sure what I expected, but I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of the rural Tennessee landscape. Take away the stone monuments to Confederate and … Continue Reading →
If you’ve stayed at the Grand Hotel, you’ve experienced that sensation of feeling like you’re on a ship – but on land. So, it’s no surprise that the majestic hotel could play host to an event celebrating the history and opulence of the Titanic, the doomed passenger liner that sank after striking an iceberg on … Continue Reading →