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Montenegro: My long-awaited return reveals one of world’s hottest new travel destinations

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It had been 45 years since I last went to Montenegro. Back then it was part of Yugoslavia and the capital of Podgorica was called Titograd, a city so ugly it’s shocking Yugoslavia’s leader allowed his name to be associated with it. Since then, so much has happened yet some things haven’t changed. I spent 10 days in Montenegro this month and hit everything from the star-crossed capital to the gorgeous mountains to the steaming sea and bay. Here’s the first of a three-part blog.

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Stadio di Domiziano an underground look at Ancient Rome’s athletic past and an odd emperor

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Everyone knows the Roman Colosseum. Few know another stadium was built in 86 A.D. shortly after the Colosseum was built. Emperor Domician built Stadio di Domiziano to promote athletics among his Roman citizenry. It was used for running events, wrestling and javelin as well as military training. In 2014 the city opened up the stadium ruins to the public. They’re located five meters below the current Piazza Navona.

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Greek shipbuilder putting wind in sails of dying art

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Yannis Bountalas is part of a seven-generation family of Greek shipbuilders on the Greek island of Skopelos. Two hundred years ago, his family built boats that sailed the world, carrying goods from their island. After modernization took over the industry, they began making small replicas of some of the most famous boats in the world. Marina and I found him in his tiny shipbuilding factory high on the island’s hill. We saw boats three meters high and created to the exact detail.

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Greek cuisine: World’s No. 2 cuisine healthy and hearty

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We’ve come to Greece every August and we’ve gone about 10 times in each our lives. A major draw is the food. In our latest trip, I took extensive notes of what has been ranked as the world’s No. 2 cuisine behind Italy. I also interviewed two renowned chefs for an inside look at what gives me the cravings from md-winter on.

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Rome in summer: 15 tips on how to beat the sweltering heat

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(Director’s note: I’m in Greece on a working vacation and in my stead I’m re-posting a popular blog I did from 2019 on how to beat the heat in Rome. With Rome experience its hottest summer in recorded history, the tips are still valid.) How hot is it in Rome this week? It’s so hot […]

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Greek island guide: Ten spots even Greek gods would love

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Marina and I are headed to Skopelos Wednesday for our annual August Greek island vacation. I’ve been to 10 Greek Islands which seems like an appropriate number to produce a small travel guide. They range from the huge, Peloponnese, to the tiny, Tsougrias. I’ve got a nice map and added links to more in-depth articles and blogs I’ve written about specific islands. You’ll find something you’ll like for your next adventure.

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My 10 favorite trips: From Nepal to French Polynesia

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Being a former sportswriter, I’m into top 10 lists. Top 10 restaurants. Top 10 wines. Top 10 travel tales from hell. With my annual trip to Skopelos, Greece, approaching, I thought I’d do my top 10 trips of my life. I’ve traveled for 45 years and been to 110 countries. This lists stretches from Ecuador to French Polynesia.

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Italy and climate change: It’s hot as Hell here and all signs say it will only get worse

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It’s hot as hell here in Rome. It hit a record 109 degrees last week. I mercifully got my living room air conditioner fixed but that’s only a temporary solution to the bigger problem facing Italy. Like the rest of Europe, Italy is facing massive consequences due to climate change. People are dying from the heat; people are evacuating fires. People who say climate change is a hoax haven’t spent time in Rome this month. This is my analysis.

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