General Travel

October 21, 2025

Turkmenistan: Toasting marshmallows at the Gates of Hell

Turkmenistan’s top tourist attaction is a giant, fiery pit four hours north of the capital. The Darvaza Gas Craters, better known as the Gates of Hell, have been burning ever since a sinkhole occurred in 1971. Today it is a dangerous but fascinating sight I was privileged to experience in my recent trip to the mysterious desert country. This is the second of a three-part series on Turkmenistan.

October 7, 2025

Italy travels: My five favorite trips over 11 years

Since retiring to Rome in 2014, I’ve made countless trips across Italy, from Sicily to the Alps. Many Italians don’t leave the country during their vacation. I do but I can see the appeal. Here are my five favorite trips in Italy, in order, with transportation and price info and links to more detailed blogs.

September 30, 2025

Traveling in Muslim countries: Today’s trip to Istanbul reminds me of what lures me back to land of Islam

I’m going to Istanbul today. Turkey is one of 17 Muslim countries that I’ve traveled in, much to the chagrin of many Americans. I love traveling in Muslim countries for a variety of reasons, from the history to the architecture to the fact that they are just so different. I give 10 reasons why I’m lured to the land of Islam plus some travel tips for worried travelers.

September 23, 2025

Danger zones: Ten most dangerous places I’ve traveled

Danger zones: Sharks are very common off Australia

I’m heading Wednesday to Turkmenistan, one of the most isolated countries on earth. It made me think of all the dangerous places I’ve been during 47 years of international travel. To be honest, most have been in the United States. But I have been to a few overseas that were either sketchy when I visited or have grown downright frightening today. This is my top 10 list.

September 16, 2025

Italy tourism seeing a drop in American tourists but their fears of crowds and danger are misplaced

Fewer Americans are visiting Italy this year as they fear the crowds of the Jubilee, the drop in exchange rate and political instability. But the fears are misplaced and some travel agencies have experienced a recent surge. Here’s a quick analysis.

September 12, 2025

The art of getting lost: Why the best discoveries happen off the map

Many travelers worry about getting lost. Why worry? Sometimes getting lost leads to the best adventures. Guest blogger Grace Morgan describes the art of getting lost and how it helps and not hurt.

September 9, 2025

Skopelos Trails: A British woman uncovering — literally — paths of Greek island’s simple past

Heather Parsons moved to Skopelos in 1987 when it had one asphalt road. It pains her to see the little Greek island lose part of its soul through over tourism. She did something about it. Her Skopelos Trails organization has helped uncover 200 miles of old trails, good now for hiking and getting away from crowded beaches. I joined her on a hike Saturday.

September 2, 2025

Greek island guide: Ten spots even Greek gods would love

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.

August 30, 2025

Business class: Discover the most luxurious experiences around the world

(Director’s note: Do you envy all those people in the big comfy seats in business class when you walk past to your cramped seats in coach? Business class has become more affordable. London-based guest blogger Jessica Harris, who specializes in airline trends, lists some of the business class flights and their amenities available.) If you’ve […]

August 19, 2025

Pasta with grandma: NonnaLive gives tourists a taste of dying art of cooking pasta by hand

The changing role of the Italian woman and the declining Italian economy has led to a dying art in the Italian kitchen: Making pasta by hand. But two enterprising young women in a small town near Rome are teaming with 15 Italian grandmothers to teach tourists the fine art. I took the class and filed this report.

August 5, 2025

Italy underrated: 10 things you didn’t know were great but are

Italy has so much to offer so many people, millions of visitors have no idea how many other great features fall under the radar. From fruit to Molise to Italian drinking habits, Italy is full of surprises. Here are 10 of my favorites.

July 29, 2025

Abruzzo: Chillin’ out in an outdoor Italian wonderland

PESCOCOSTANZO, Italy – I hate July in Italy. July is our dog days. La Dolce Vita is La Schifo Vita (The Life Sucks), Rome especially is steaming. It’s crowded. It’s just late enough in summer for the beaches to become packed but not late enough for the city to let out its hordes for holiday. […]

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