Christmas Garden Berlin 2019 — a magical wonderland of Christmas lights, lasers and music set in the Botanisher Garten in Berlin.
COVID-19 We are believers in the life-changing aspects of travel. While travel may at this time be limited, not possible, or beyond your personal safety boundaries, that doesn’t mean you cannot dream, plan or get inspired, and our stories will help you do just that. If you do hit the road, traveling near or far, always remain informed and respectful of an area’s safety guidelines. Remember that operations and hours of businesses may temporarily change. To help guide your decisions about traveling during the pandemic please visit the CDC and check with local travel destinations.
Michael Hodgson
Winner of a Silver Medal from the North American Travel Journalists Association for travel writing excellence in both 2018 and 2019, 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), and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
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.
On-demand accident insurance perfect for adventures near or far
All it takes is one accident to cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills before health insurance kicks in, if it ever does. On-demand accident insurance provides a financial safety net for adventurers anywhere in the world or even at home.
A Noyo River kayak tour plus dinner with a view
A Noyo River kayak tour with Liquid Fusion Kayaks is a slow-paced 1½-hour easy kayak tour designed for all ages and abilities. Expect to see river otters, sea lions, seals, osprey, loons and a host of other wildlife, not to mention enjoy a peaceful outing on the water.
Oak Alley Plantation: A picturesque estate in plantation country
Oak Alley Plantation is an historic plantation country site that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana along the Great River Road. It is owned and operated by the Oak Alley Foundation. The plantation is named for the 28 oak trees that form a magnificent alley up to the main entrance of the estate.
California railbiking: pedaling Skunk Train railbikes in Mendocino
On a Skunk Train Railbikes Explorer Package, pairs of riders pedal a two-seat, motor-assisted railbike along historic railroad tracks beside Pudding Creek and up into majestic redwood groves. The roundtrip railbike tours depart from the Skunk Train depot in Fort Bragg, Calif.
Houmas House: a luxurious plantation country estate
Houmas House estate is a New Orleans area attraction located in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Once one of the biggest and richest plantations in Louisiana’s plantation country, it’s now a destination for lovers of architecture, gardens and fine dining, as well as an entertainment venue.
Explore New Orleans Plantation Country along the Great River Road
Explore New Orleans Plantation Country along the Great River Road following the Mississippi River. Discover wild bayous, vast plantation gardens, luxurious antebellum mansions, stories of folklore and slavery, and innumerable culinary delights. Plantation Country will delight.
Top things to do in Jefferson Parish – historic neighbor to New Orleans
Rich in culture, diverse in its people, and steeped in tradition, there are so many things to do in Jefferson Parish. And its only minutes away from New Orleans. Think swamps and bayous to quaint historic districts, a trendy art scene, and contemporary restaurants. Jefferson Parish is the quiet neighbor to the Big Easy, one you definitely want to meet.
Is it safe to stay in a hotel? What you need to know to stay healthy
Wondering if it is safe to stay in a hotel room because of the coronavirus? No one wants to catch COVID-19 and certainly not from a hotel stay. Many hotels, inns and B&Bs are working to ensure guest and employee health and safety when guests are staying in a hotel. Learn the health tips you need to keep your hotel visit safe.
An Iditarod adventure – In March, Nome Alaska goes to the dogs
Experience the lighter side of an Iditarod adventure. The Iditarod is an epic sled dog race held in March that begins in Anchorage and ends nearly 1,000 miles later in Nome. It has been an annual sporting event in Alaska since 1973, attracting spectators and the best dog sled mushers from around the world.
How to travel in a post-pandemic world – respect, safety, patience
The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a huge impact on travel. When you do however start to travel in a post-pandemic world, be sure to travel with respect and patience, and always travel safely, paying attention to local regulations.
Start to learn languages – Top language learning apps and websites
A look at some of the best language learning apps and language learning websites available today. The best ways to learn languages, aside from immersive experiences, are with language tools you can use at home, online and offline, that you can take with you when you travel.
Goodbye Berlin – Hello to a world forever changed
In two short weeks, we went from happy travelers to anxious escapees. Therese and I held hands and stared out the airplane window. It was goodbye Berlin. Hello to a world forever changed. From Tegel airport to London Heathrow to Los Angeles and then home, each airport provided a glimpse of a world turned upside down because of COVID-19.
Fear of COVID-19 – traveling in the age of coronavirus
Should we be traveling in the age of coronavirus? We make our living as travel writers and photographers. For us, it’s either travel, or find another line of work. But the fear of COVID-19 is real. How do we travel and still stay safe from coronavirus? Read our personal essay on learning to stay calm and travel despite a fear of cornonavirus.
Five tips to guide your travel plans in the time of coronavirus
The social sphere is all abuzz with questions from travelers and what to do about travel plans in the time of coronavirus. The biggest concern seems to be getting stuck or quarantined somewhere and not being able to get home. Read our five travel tips to guide your travel plans in the time of coronavirus.
How good is evacuation coverage or travel insurance for coronavirus?
Travelers are concerned about coronavirus and wondering if travel insurance will protect them if they decide to cancel or change their travels or get sick with coronavirus during their trip. We talked to experts at Global Rescue and World Nomads to find out how good evacuation coverage or travel insurance for coronavirus really is.
The best of the Adirondack Coast – top things to do in the Adirondacks
The spectacular Adirondack Coast snugs up to the shore of Lake Champlain in New York. There is so much to do and see in the Adirondack Coast you could spend months here and not experience it all. But don’t fret. I’ve put together a best of the Adirondack Coast sampler for you.
How to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning
Traveler’s diarrhea, a.k.a. Montezuma’s revenge, Delhi belly, Aztec two-step, tourista, the runs, or whatever popular name you wish to call it, is not only inconvenient and unpleasant, it can become a serious health risk. Here is how to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning.
Point Au Roche Lodge – A delightful Adirondack Coast bed and breakfast
Point Au Roche Lodge is a delightful place to base out of when exploring the Adirondack Coast, a very beautiful part of New York situated along the western shore of Lake Champlain and in the shadows of the High Peaks, New York’s tallest mountains. Point Au Roche Lodge is a luxurious bed and breakfast without being pretentious. Read our review here.
Conquering the Streif ski run by hiking the Streif in Kitzbuhel Austria
Skiing in the famed Hahnenkamm downhill ski race on the Streif in Kitzbuhel, Austria is considered a lifetime accomplishment for professional skiers. Hiking the Streif is something anyone can do in the late spring, summer and early fall. We explain the ski race while showing you how to go about hiking the Streif yourself.
Visiting the Reichstag Dome – Amazing Berlin views and history
If you are planning a trip to Berlin, then visiting the Reichstag dome is an absolute must, not only for the Berlin views, but for the amazing history. The Reichstag dome and the Reichstag building along with the celebrated TV tower have become iconic symbols of Germany’s capital, Berlin.
The Art of Pi: Making pizza at Carriage House Cooking School
I’ve always loved making pizza. Which is why the “Art of Pi – Making Artisan Style Pizza At Home” cooking class at Carriage House Cooking School with Chef Curtiss Hemm was so perfect for me. Learn how to make the perfect pizza margherita and get the recipe here.
Christmas at the Tierpark in Berlin – a shining Christmas wonderland
While we can’t promise falling snow, Christmas at the Tierpark in Berlin (also known as Christmas at the Zoo and Weihnachten im Tierpark) comes as close as you can get to a perfectly illuminated Christmas wonderland.
Christmas Garden Berlin – Christmas lights and mulled wine
There is something very magical about Christmas lights at the Christmas Garden Berlin. Add in equal parts of Christmas music and servings of hot glühwein (German spiced mulled wine), and you have the recipe for an enchanting evening at the Berlin Botanic Garten.
Top hotel safety tips: Your hotel room safety is important
There is a lot you need to take personal responsibility for to ensure your hotel safety: from knowing how to escape a fire and deal with potential theft, to what to do in the event of an unlikely terrorist attack. Your hotel room safety is very important, and you need to be prepared. That starts by following a few key hotel safety tips.
Pack a sleep travel kit to help you sleep when traveling
Do you have a travel sleep kit? Time zone changes, a different bed and pillow, and more can play havoc with a traveler’s attempts to sleep. Which is why anyone who travels should pack sleep travel kit to ensure sleep is as blissful as possible.
Helena Great Northern Hotel – the best hotel in Helena Montana
If you’re planning on spending a night or two in Helena, Montana why not stay at the best hotel in Helena while you’re at it – the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel.
48 hours in Helena Montana: Visit Helena an unheralded treasure
There’s a lot about Helena, Montana, that deserves a closer look. Plan a visit to Helena, and not just as a quick pass-through on your way to somewhere else. Trust me on this – you need 48 hours in Helena, Montana to fully appreciate all this town has to offer.
What to do in Bergen: The ultimate Bergen city guide
Our What to do in Bergen city guide will help you make the most of your upcoming visit. It is so very easy to fall in love with Bergen. Visit Bryggen a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Theta Museum, the Bergen Maritime Museum, Bergenhus Festning, and ride the Fløibanen funicular for starters.
