Travel around the world in under a day at Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg – the world’s largest model railway. Stride like Gulliver through an ever-expanding miniature world that includes Europe, the United States, and soon South America.
Michael Hodgson
Winner of a Silver Medal from the North American Travel Journalists Association for travel writing excellence in both 2018 and 2019, and a gold medal for photography excellence from the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association in 2021, Michael has authored more than 16 books and penned many hundreds of feature articles over the years. His travels have taken him to all seven continents. He is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Danube cycle path – biking the Danube from Regensburg to Vienna
The Danube cycle path from Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria, is a very popular and classic cycling route for a reason – mostly flat bike paths beside a very scenic section of the Danube River.
Historic Hotel Boulderado: a landmark Boulder luxury hotel
The Hotel Boulderado has been a Boulder, Colorado centerpiece and landmark since 1909. Experience living history and modern amenities with a stay at this historic luxury Boulder hotel.
Stargazing tips: dark skies, stargazing apps, and proper gear
From the best stargazing apps to unforgettable stargazing locations and Dark Sky preserves, we share stargazing tips that will make your next stargazing adventure memorable.
Death of a wildebeest: Great Migration crocodile attack
The Great Migration is considered the world’s largest migration of wildlife with over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles moving from Tanzania to Kenya each year. Nearly 250,000 wildebeest die during the migration, many to drowning and crocodile attack.
Photographing the “Big Five” while on an African photo safari
For travelers heading to Kenya on a photo safari, getting a glimpse of the “Big Five” animals tops many photography bucket lists. Being able to photograph the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard – requires skill, timing and patience.
Put St Nikolai Kirche memorial in Hamburg on your list
The St Nikolai Kirche has been a part of the Hamburg skyline since the 12th century. In ruins since World War II, just its spire remains standing. The spire and restored crypt below serve as a haunting and moving memorial to the horror of war’s devastation.
Christmas Garden Berlin at the Botanical Garden: 2021 photo tour
The beloved Christmas Garden Berlin, closed due to the pandemic in 2020, returned in 2021, for its magical, illuminated journey through the Botanical Garden Berlin. Enjoy a photo and video tour of the 2021 trail of lights and music.
I tested positive for COVID while traveling … now what?
Testing positive for COVID while traveling is a fear many new and veteran travelers share. Who wants to get stuck for an extended period far from home, let alone while sick with COVID? Know your options before you travel so you stay as comfortable as possible and get home quickly, too.
Bike the Bridge: Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Bike the Golden Gate Bridge with us! Ride with us as we pedal eBikes from Blazing Saddles bike rentals along San Francisco’s stunning waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito, and take the Blue & Gold ferry back.
Photo Safari Tips: Make the most of your African photo safari
10 essential photo safari tips to ensure you get great photos on your African photo safari. It’s less about the camera than you may think.
Visit Winters: California wines, cuisine, and a side of adventure
You may not have heard of Winters, but you do need to visit Winters, located just 40 minutes from Sacramento. It’s a quaint farming town that will delight anyone interested in wine, world-class cuisine, and fun adventures such as hot air ballooning.
Why I Love Kenya – For 43 years I dreamed of returning
I fell in love with Kenya in 1978. It took me until 2021 to return. Despite the years between visits, it didn’t take long for me to remember why I love Kenya so much. Kenya still had much to teach me and so much love to give after all these years.
Travel safe: 10 things you should NEVER do while traveling!
Travel is fun … until it’s not. Like when someone breaks into your home because they knew you were away or robs you at your hotel because they knew you were coming. Know the 10 things you should never do while traveling to ensure your safety and protect your valuables.
Floating in a hot air balloon with Yolo Ballooning Adventures
Flying in a hot air balloon over Yolo County in Winters, California with Yolo Ballooning Adventures is spectacular and fun. Finish off the sunrise balloon flight with a bubbly rosé at Turkovich Family Wines.
Biking the Presidio and San Francisco waterfront on electric bikes
The perfect way to really experience and explore the San Francisco Waterfront — and the Presidio park — is on an electric bike or e-bike. Some of the best overlooks and views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen when biking the Presidio and the waterfront.
Adventure Cat Sunset Sail – Best Views in San Francisco
One of the very best views in San Francisco can only be had from the deck of a sailboat. Jump on an Adventure Cat sunset sail to see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The best railbike adventure – Find railbikes near me
Railbikes have been used on railroad tracks since the 1800s. It wasn’t until recently that individuals and companies began designing railbikes and offering railbike trips for the public. Railbiking companies are numerous. Our guide will help you to find the best railbike adventure near you and to understand what railbiking is.
River Fox Railbikes – Railbiking adventure near Sacramento
Riding historic train tracks on a railbiking adventure with River Fox Railbikes near Sacramento, California. Pairs of riders pedal two-seat, motor-assisted railbikes along relatively flat railroad tracks.
Choosing Bug Repellents: Which is the best insect repellent for travel
Biting insects all over the world are searching for their next blood meal. You need to know what the best insect repellent is for travel to help prevent a mosquito or tick bite that could carry a nasty disease.
Why I hate ticks and how to prevent tick bites
It’s not all that hard to realize why I hate ticks. The very thought of walking through woods and fields infested with ticks makes my skin crawl. Perhaps it is because of a tick’s predilection to attaching itself firmly to its host, in this case me, and then draining a seemingly prodigious quantity of blood from those dark and moist places where I would rather not have something alien nibbling. Even with my skin dipped in insect repellent and clothes soaked in permethrin, I am on edge.
Travel medical kit: packing a first aid kit for travel
When you are packing for your next international trip, there are a few items that are essential – passport, ID, money, smartphone and a compact travel medical kit. No matter what destination you are heading to in the world, a first aid kit for travel should go with you everywhere.
Immunizations you need: Important vaccinations for travel
Proof of a COVID vaccination is just one of the immunizations travelers need. Before you hop on a plane, you need to know what diseases you may come into contact with, and the important vaccinations for travel you should receive to protect you and your family.
Visit Oregon City – an historic town near Oroville California
The historic town of Oregon City, located near Oroville, California, was founded by Peter Burnett during the California gold rush in 1848. The infamous Burnett became the first governor of California.
Post-pandemic planning checklist for vaccinated travelers
When the CDC gave the green light to fully vaccinated travelers to begin hitting the road and flying again, the announcement generated numerous questions about travel preparation, planning and COVID protection. This checklist for vaccinated travelers is how to start planning your next trip.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort a perfectly located Palm Springs hotel
The Hilton Palm Springs Resort is an ideal place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of The Vineyard Shopping Center, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and downtown Palm Springs.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: rhododendrons, ocean views, whales
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg is a hidden and magical destination located on the California Mendocino coast. World-class rhododendrons draw many visitors, as does birding, whale watching, and peaceful garden trails.
A love for travel began with my mum
My love for travel and adventure began with my mum. I still take time on her birthday, on Mother’s Day and on International Women’s Day to honor her and thank her for all the gifts she gave me. Gifts that have made me a better traveler, journalist, photographer and, I hope, a better man.
Hiking checklist: 11 essentials for hikers anywhere in the world
From road trippers to adventure travelers, everyone who heads out on a hike needs to pack along emergency gear to keep them safe if things go wrong. The 11 essentials for hikers are items that are easy to carry and pack, and might just save a life – yours.
24 hours in Virginia City – mine tours, Cemetery Gin, and ghosts
Virginia City, Nevada, was the site of the richest silver strike in the world in 1859. Today, Virginia City still looks much like it did during its rough-and-tumble mining beginnings. We’ll guide you on a perfect 24 hours in Virginia City adventure itinerary with saloons and Cemetery Gin included of course.