General Travel

December 26, 2023

Ghardaia: Algeria’s most traditional city likes the way it is

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Traveling to the most conservative city in a conservative country, I was overjoyed with the slice of Islamic culture I didn’t see in the previous 18 Muslim countries I’ve visited. To visit Ghardaia, you need to join a group tour and have permits and a tour guide. Nowhere else in Islam did I see married women covering up everything but one eye. The architecture is uniquely designed to keep houses cool during 120-degree summer temperatures and the food, again, was fabulous.

December 19, 2023

Sahara Desert: Camping in endless sand brings out the beauty and beast of Earth’s intimidating landscape

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The Sahara Desert is the size of China and Algeria’s portion is almost the size of Mexico. My Travelers’ Century Club and I spent a night camping in the desert and a day exploring the vast expanse that covered the southeast part of Algeria. The weather was perfect. We saw no other cars. But we saw plenty, including how intimidating a desert can be.

December 13, 2023

Algeria: In a bloodied nation where tourism isn’t a priority, this intrepid traveler explores an unspoiled culture

Not many tourists go to Algeria. Algeria doesn’t really care. What that leaves intrepid travelers like myself is an authentic country with so much to offer. A bustling capital. A beautiful desert. Ruins of Roman cities better preserved than the ones in Italy. I just spent nine days in Africa’s biggest country. This is the first of a series of blogs.

December 5, 2023

Alaska winter cruises: Escape the crowds and enter frosty serenity

Many people take Alaskan cruises in summer but the winter is too cold for most. Still, it’s an ideal time to visit. The light is better. The crowds are thinner. The landscape is whiter. Guest blogger Jamshaid Ali writes about some of the lures Alaska offers in the off season.

November 28, 2023

Africa: I’m off to Algeria, a rising star in international travel

I’m leaving Saturday for a nine-day trip to Algeria, a return to Africa where I’ve wanted to explore more for so long. I targeted West and Southern Africa but Covid stalled my plan. I’m ready to hop on the bandwagon as African tourism is growing like never before.

November 24, 2023

Business class travel: Three factors that make it worth it

With more people traveling after Covid, more people want to travel comfortably. Business travel has a reputation for being expensive but the comforts make it worth it. Guest blogger Harry Wilson gives three reasons to upgrade.

November 21, 2023

Italy soccer team qualifies for Euros as a nervous, embarrassed, rabid fan base finally exhales

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, already had not qualified for the last two World Cups and was in danger in not qualifying for the European Championships of which it’s defending champion. But it beat North Macedonia in Rome Friday and tied Ukraine Monday to barely go through. I went to the Friday game. Here’s my report.

November 14, 2023

Fettuccine Alfredo: It’s only Italian by birth in 1914 and we went to its birthplace in Rome

You can find fettuccine Alfredo in nearly every Italian restaurant in the U.S. but hardly any in Italy where it was invented. Why? We went to its birthplace, Alfredo alla Scrofa, in Rome to find out. We also tasted it for the first time. Here’s what we found.

November 10, 2023

International plane tickets: How to score discounts

If you haven’t noticed, flights are getting more expensive. If you’re looking for ways to cut the biggest costs of your trips, check guest blogger Harry Wilson’s tips on finding cheap fares.

November 7, 2023

Italy in November: Yes, it’s a wonderful month to visit

So many people make the mistake of coming to Italy in July. I have a better idea. Come now. November is a terrific time to visit. Flights are cheaper. Cities are less crowded. Weather is cooler. Yeah, it rains. Bring an umbrella. Wear a sweater. I offer 10 good reasons to visit during Italy’s off-season month.

November 3, 2023

Backpacks: Top three tips to pick what’s right for you

Looking for a new backpack? Guest blogger Harry Wilson gives three tips on how to pick the perfect one for you.

October 31, 2023

Travelers’ Century Club: My new travelers group of 100 countries covers the scope of world and travel modes

Last fall I joined the Travelers’ Century Club, a club for travelers who’ve been to at least 100 countries and territories. The list is loose and the checklist seems way too important for some members. But it got me in touch with 1,500 club members, many of whom have traveled more than I. During our long weekend in Madrid, Marina and I attended the TCC’s Mediterranean Chapter meeting and dinner.

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