DESTINATIONS
Deep in the Heart of FRANCE
After over 50 years, Michael Webb revisits southwestern France. I have fond memories of my first trip to the Dordogne, a region of southwestern France that takes its name from one of the three rivers that flow through softly rolling farmland studded with medieval towns and villages. A college friend and I found a congenial…
Read MoreCar-Free Weekend in Santa Barbara
Go car-free and ride the rails to the Funk Zone for hip hotels, fabulous food and libations. Get a taste of Santa Barbara from freshly baked breads and exquisite dinners, to sunset cruises and tiki bars. It’s easy to get around this cool, coastal town without a car — just walk, bike or take…
Read MoreTOKYO Translated
The world’s most populous metropolis that sprawls across 23 city wards, islands and other towns and villages, boasting 9.26 million citizens can seem daunting but only from the outside. Gently peel off its layers, and every day will deliver the unexpected, treasured moments and memories, from shochu shared with sumo wrestlers to retired military-uniformed soldiers…
Read MoreSybaritic SRI LANKA
Michael Webb enjoys the more luxurious side of the cities of Sri Lanka. My first visit to Sri Lanka, many years ago, was a frugal adventure, bumping around in crowded buses from one ancient site to another, exploring the historic city of Kandy, and staying in a vintage guest house in the hill country of…
Read MoreHOKKAIDO Haiku
Most travelers head to Hokkaido for the world’s best powder skiing, but Japan’s northernmost and volatile volcanic island beguiles in the tranquil summer ‘green season’ too. Home of the indigenous Ainu, Hokkaido boasts the longest prefectural coastline in Japan, a remarkable 4460 kilometers of cliffs, bays, curvaceous peninsulas, remote fishing villages and evocative waves and…
Read MoreWandering with Wordsworth in England’s Lake District
Kristina Foster explores the Lake District discovering spectacular hiking trails and poetic history. Nestled in the northwest corner of England lies the Lake District, 885 square miles boasting the longest bodies of water and the tallest mountains in the country. As the first ray of summer sunshine emerges from the clouds, locals escape to…
Read MoreSALENTO: Italy’s Cool Heel
Puglia in southern Italy is big on bucket lists – but it’s the sub-region Salento, the tip of Italy’s heel that is quietly strutting its charms. Jane Adams heads down to where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Waking to an Adriatic dawn atop the rocky corniche south of Tricase, the mirror calm sea glowing…
Read MoreITALIAN Wine by Design
Jane Adams explores the modern architecture of Italy’s top wineries. Italian design is legendary – in fashion, cars, bikes, furniture and household goods. Just think Armani, Fendi, Ferragamo; Ferrari, Maserati, Pinarello, Alessi, Ilve and Bormioli. These brands spring easily to mind, as do food and drink market leaders like Aperol, Barilla and Lavazza. Italians…
Read MoreExploring the BALTIC STATES
Michael Webb takes a 12 day tour of the Baltic States. Having explored most of Europe, I left the three Baltic States–Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania–till last, hoping they would offer as authentic a taste of the pre-war era as Romania. I arrived too late–the three glorious capitals have been swamped by mass tourism and…
Read MoreDriving around POLAND
Michael Webb embarks on a 10 day road trip around Poland. Resilience is the greatest asset of the Poles, who retained their pride and sense of nationhood during two centuries of foreign occupation. Twenty years of independence between the world wars were succeeded by the brutal onslaught of the Nazis and the Red Army, devastation…
Read MoreSingapore’s Best Architecture and Food
Michael Webb visits Singapore to explore its culture, food and architecture. In its fifty plus years of independence, the city-state of Singapore has transformed itself into an Asian version of Switzerland: prosperous, clean, and meticulously organized. But the vibrant street life of its multi-cultural enclaves–Chinese, Islamic and Indian–still flourishes amid the gleaming towers. Taxis and Uber…
Read MoreA Family Friendly Road Trip through France
Kristina Foster embarks with her family on a voyage through France from the capital to the coastal south. I wasn’t sure what to expect on a fortnight long, winter road trip with the kids. Cooped up childhood memories of backseat battles with stinky brothers, side of the road toilet stops and barf bags came flooding…
Read MorePARIS IN WINTER
Michael Webb explores the City of Lights in winter, finding a new love and appreciation for its abundance of museums. For lovers, Paris is heaven year round; in winter it’s equally compelling for lovers of museums. The chilly gray days make the boulevards and outdoor cafés less enticing, and prompt you to explore treasures you…
Read MoreMYANMAR: On the River from Mandalay
‘Can’t you ‘ear their paddles chunkin’ from Rangoon to Mandalay? On the road to Mandalay, Where the flyin’-fishes play, An’ the dawn comes up like thunder outer China ‘crost the Bay! -RUDYARD KIPLING Any list of the world’s great rivers includes the mighty Irrawaddy (aka Ayeyarwady), the backbone and lifeline of the embracing troubled land…
Read MoreRomance at the Ritz-Carlton, LAGUNA NIGUEL
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Liz Laing explores the perfect Southern California couples retreat. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, nothing compares to the bluff side location of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, perched above the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views. The combination of nature, modern luxury, and the local art community of Laguna Beach makes…
Read MoreDutch Treat: Haarlem, Utrecht and the countryside
From Amsterdam to Haarlem, Michael Webb explores the busy city life to the quiet countryside in the Netherlands. Nearly every trip to the Netherlands begins in Amsterdam even though it has become one of the most expensive and touristy cities in Europe. It’s a short train ride from Schiphol, the country’s major airport, but you can…
Read MoreEnjoy the Modern Architecture of MILAN
From apartment buildings to museums, learn why Michael Webb keeps returning to Milan over Italy’s many other cities. Milan is my favorite Italian city (with Turin running a close second) for the way it reveals its treasures slowly. It has a few of the attractions that lure tour groups, including Leonardo’s over-restored Last Supper and a spiky…
Read MoreOld Meets New in HAMBURG
Hamburg never gets old – it is a feast for lovers of vintage and contemporary architecture, music, and everything maritime. This Hanseatic city continues to renew itself with the development of new quarters like HafenCity making it an exciting stop-over on any European tour.
Read MoreBig and Little in JAPAN: Why Tokyo is Good for Kids
From cute hedgehog cafes to the giant Pokémon headquarters and the city’s most urban shrine, little travelers can see curious places that are big in Japan.
Read MoreGeorge Town, PENANG: Heritage Hotel Capital
Penang has been named as the premier 2017 Asian ‘Must See’ destination, singled out its street food and art scene. Jane Adams gives her vote to the island’s capital George Town, for its wonderfully preserved heritage hotel.
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