Category: Destinations
EXPLORE EUROPE
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Norway
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Louvre Museum: Historic meets modern in Paris
Depending on who’s talking, the Louvre Museum in Paris is the second-most-visited site in the French city. And the world’s most-visited museum, with nearly 10 million people touring the grand halls in 2016 (although that number slides up and down a bit from different sources). This, for example, is where the Mona Lisa resides.
Munich Peace Church a treasure built of garbage
The East-West Peace Church is hidden in a grove of trees in Munich’s busy Olympic Park. Most...
A road with irons: Dolomites Via Ferrata Tridentina
I stood at the bottom of the cliffs, staring up at my first Dolomites via ferrata, or “road with irons,” -- the Via Ferrata Tridentina. “Where does it go?” I asked the others with me as we slipped on our harnesses and helmets to head out on the Tridentina route in Italy’s Dolomites. I squinted into the sun, trying to make out any of the iron stairs, cables or ladders along the route on the rock face stretching to the sky above. “Can we see it from here? It doesn’t go straight up THAT, does it?”
Entranced by light on a Hurtigruten stop in Honningsvag Norway
I was entranced by the light. Honningsvag is of course beautiful in a simple way, but mid-day in November in northern Norway the sun is already pretending to set. This time of year there is only twilight for a few hours mid-day. The light sparkles off the windows of the homes and paints the hills with a red glow.
Swiss Carnival parade a clean version just for kids
Carneval (a.k.a. Fasching, Mardi Gras, etc) is a time for debauchery in many locales where it is grandly celebrated. But in some small towns there are several days of parades, including ones just for kids - like this Swiss carnival parade I photographed.
Picturesque Mousehole Harbor a favorite of artists
Mousehole has retained much of its charm with narrow streets, art galleries, quaint shops and half-timber cottages. The harbor wall and two breakwaters are there to shield the Mousehole village from winter gales and pounding waves as well as to create a peaceful shelter for visitors to sit and stroll.
EXPLORE NORTH AMERICA
- Canada
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- Utah
- Washington
- Washington DC
Otter Island Lighthouse in Canada’s Pukaskwa National Park
Otter Island and its historic lighthouse, part of Pukaskwa National Park, is located on a very remote section of Canada's Lake Superior shoreline. The lighthouse, built in 1903, sits on the northwest tip of Otter Island.
A ladybugs love-in at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
One feels very fortunate to be able to stumble into a ladybugs love-in when on a hike. We encountered thousands upon thousands of ladybugs on a February hike in Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park in California. The colorful display is mind-boggling, colorful, spectacular and unforgettable.
Mallory Square sunset celebration captured in bright colors
Key West can leave a dent in your wallet. But there are a few things to do in Key West that are both free and amazing. The Mallory Square sunset is one.
Kauai: Daytripping to Hanakapi’ai Falls on the Na Pali Coast
We had our plan for the day, come hell … or just a helluva lot of Hawaiian rain. We wanted to “run” the first two miles of the Na Pali Coast from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach, and then thrash through the jungle to the stunning Hanakapi’ai Falls, “only” another two miles.
New Orleans Jazz Fest: jazz everywhere you look in Nola
New Orleans isn’t just a Mardi Gras party town. Think jazz music everywhere you look! On street corners, in parks, on balconies and, of course, in clubs. Then there is the jazz highlight of the year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest in late April, a.k.a. just New Orleans Jazz Fest.
9/11 memorial at Boston Logan Airport stirs emotions and pride
Memorial to the 9/11 terrorist attacks attract attention, visits and bring up many emotions. New York, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon. But HI Travel Tales discovered just recently there is also a 9/11 memorial at Boston Logan Airport tucked away next to traffic-filled arrival roads.
Creative, tasty meals at Ogi Deli in Elko, Nevada
When you’re driving along Interstate 80 across frequently spectacular yet periodically desolate Nevada desert, eatery choices can be, well, less than inviting. So when we first found this amazing deli in Elko – now called Ogi Deli, but it was “2 Dames and a Deli” when we discovered it – we were utterly delighted.
Fish frenzy at Thanksgiving Point gardens Salt Lake City
It’s difficult to not be impressed with the twisting and turning koi with their mouths gaping open at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Their yellow, oranges and browns mix up with lily pads, causing a bright eye-catcher.
Hansen Creek Trail: Crystal hunters dig for amethyst
Hansen Creek trail is an interesting hike not too far from Seattle, and better known for its crystal hunting fame than as a hiking destination, for good reason.
Make the most of a visit to Smithsonian’s African-American museum
The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., hit its...
EXPLORE ASIA
- South Korea
- China
DMZ tour Korea: Wear shoes you can run in (updated 2018)
It’s an eerie feeling to be told you need to wear shoes you can run in when you visit Panmunjom on a DMZ Tour Korea, just outside of Seoul.
Dali old town in China full of surprises, culture and history
On our entire trip through the Yunnan province in China, monks were irresistible subjects. Mostly they were quick to get out of the way of photos, and you had to be quick at stealing a snap. These two, though, were casually strolling down the street in Dali old town.
EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICA
What To Do In South America
Five tips for staying warm in Antarctica
Antarctica brings up a stark vision of snow, icebergs, glaciers, wind, and barren landscapes. With...
EXPLORE CENTRAL AMERICA
WHAT TO DO IN CENTRAL AMERICA
Traveling with MS: Finding accessible adventure in Costa Rica
Travel naturally inspires individuals to experience new cultures, food, adventures, and activities. Traveling with MS (multiple sclerosis), especially to exotic locations such as Costa Rica, adds an additional challenge that demands careful planning and flexibility.
EXPLORE SOUTH PACIFIC
- Fiji
- New Zealand
- Australia
Fiji’s Garden of the Sleeping Giant: Orchids forever!
While we will admit to being fans of visiting botanical gardens anywhere in the world, Fiji's Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one that is truly special. Yes, really. Even non-flower lovers and non-botanical garden enthusiasts – and there was one among us – should put this on their Fiji list.
Postcard New Zealand: Waitangi Treaty Grounds a must-see
Near the town of Paihia and located approximately 60 kilometers north of Whangarei in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Any visit to New Zealand’s northern reaches should include a trip to see this significant historical landmark and memorial site.
Cuddling with Lucy at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Roll your eyes if you must, but I’ve always dreamed of holding a koala. Not sure why that has been so important to me … perhaps the stuff of childhood fantasy. But I got my wish in October 2013 during our stay in Brisbane, Australia. My wife and I had heard about Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (www.koala.net), located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of Brisbane City Center.
