The conference room was almost totally silent as five travel writers and I awaited the arrival of one of the most recognizable people in America. This June, the legendary Dolly Parton agreed to promote her beloved Dollywood theme park with a group interview. It...
If you ask me, tourism is getting better. This summer, I celebrated 10 years of writing about the group tourism industry. My professional introduction to the business started with a five-day tour of Arkansas in 2003, followed shortly thereafter by a lengthy...
"One of my favorite hotels sits in the middle of a desert. After seeing nothing but mountains of sand as far as the eye could see, the green oasis surrounding Evason Ma'in Hot Springs in Jordan felt like a mirage. "The hotel lies beneath dramatically cascading hot...
I've toured hundreds — maybe thousands — of places during my 10-year career in travel journalism. But a short visit to Memphis this spring led to a tour experience like no other I had ever had: a visit to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I spent two days in...
"This was all your idea," said my mother for the second time to double check I had heard her. It was indeed my suggestion we take the time-honored mule ride down the Grand Canyon this past spring. Although my mom was never a big fan of heights, I felt convinced the...
In my 10 years of working in the world of travel journalism, I've been incredibly blessed to see some of the most amazing places on earth. And I'm happy to report that many of those places are right here in the United States. One of my great joys in traveling...
Some works of art take people's breath away. They stick with you long past your short visit. Our staff relate pieces of art that spoke to them while on the road. 'The Pieta by Michelangelo leaves me without words. Housed in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican...
I rarely use this column as a soapbox, but one particular element of traditional travel has been getting under my skin lately. So I hope you'll indulge me for a few minutes while I make my case for this idea: "Elegance" is outdated. You may not realize how prevalent...
Bear Stew, McCleary, WA Bear Festival Last month I complained about there being so many cruise and travel industry awards being given these days that it is virtually impossible to determine who or what is really the "best." However, I also commented that there are...
We asked our staff, 'What great international experiences have you had "¨that aren't available at home?' Here is what they had to say! 'One thing you just don't find in America very often is a group of monkeys hanging out in the shade near a 400-year-old mausoleum....
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