How to Start a Career as a Tour Guide
If
you have a passion for local area history and attractions, and love showing
it off to visiting friends and relatives, why not spin your talent for
telling travel yarns into a successful career as a trusted tour guide
....
Exploring
the Temples of Angkor
No
matter what your spiritual bent, Angkor remains one of the most mind-blowing
religious complexes on the planet. Check out the complete guide to Angkor
Wat, Ta Prohm, and other cultural gems in Siem Reap, Cambodia with travel
tips and ticket info ....
New Year's Resolution - Take A Vacation!
Why
give something up? - when you can plan on getting something great! There
are a world of tips and hints for would-be road trippers, but here are
five to help you get your New Year's resolutions off on a more positive
note this year ....
Fraser
Island isn’t just an island paradise. It’s a unique and luxurious
combination of Australia’s rich natural heritage, its earthy roots,
its wholesome majesty, and its refreshingly simple essentials .... 
The
neighborhood, which spreads across the third and fourth arrondissements,
is one of the liveliest and most charming areas of Paris, and one that
I'm proud to call home. Come along for a virtual tour of the chic cafes,
trendy boutiques, and delicious restaurants ....
With
Spring Break just around the corner, you can take a few precautions and
still have the time of your life. For example, if you want to avoid touring
all the Mexican bathrooms during Spring Break, then eat yogurt every day
for a week before you leave ....
As
most world travelers will tell you, photos of Arizona's top tourist draw
just doesn't do it justice. Get a taste of the depth, breadth and awesome
grandness of the Grand Canyon with our guide to how to get there and what
to see ....
Along
with inspriing religious ferver, the main cathedral in Paris is full of
mystery romance, and intrigue. Take a virtual trip to Notre Dame for spectacular
up close views of it's famous rose window, rooftop gargoyles and street
level stone carvings ....
Celebrations
include lots of feasting, partying and parading just before Ash Wednesday
- when the Church rules of fasting and sacrifice take effect. It's been
that way in Christian countries around the world since the Middle Ages.
Today, New Orleans leads as the No. 1 "Mardi Gras Mad" city
in the nation ...
It's
New York CIty's No. 1 tourist destination, attracting some 20,000 visitors
per day. Check out visiting hours, and find out how to get tickets
to the planet's most famous (and romantic) observatory, with more on how
to get there and the best times to go ....
Cancun
is popular for college students on break, but there is plenty of room
for families and less seriously devoted party goers to have a great time
while the Spring Break is going on...and any other time of the year.
Despite
the touristy allure of more famous spots such as Phuket, Krabi and Ko
Phi Phi in Thailand, the pristine beaches of your imagination still exist
in Southeast Asia. They just require a few border crossings ....
The
icon of the city's romantic nightlife, the Eiffel Tower gets a redesign
for its 120th anniversary ... plus more fun facts about one of Paris'
most sought-after tourist attractions including how to get there, admission
and visiting times ...
Sure,
there are amazing rides and entertainment. Still, most families still
don't know about the many free or reasonably priced activities that are
on offer in their world class family-centered resorts. Here are some of
the best ....
Now
more than ever, major tourist destinations, hotels and airlines are realizing
the economic power of the over-55 crowd and are making a special point
of offering bargain travel discounts to lure the senior adventurer....
South
Padre Island offers an expansive five mile stretch of beach, with ample
lodging to accomodate any budget. A trip into Mexico is only a thirty
minute drive, for those spring breakers who want an international experience
.... 
What
could be better than a wedding at the beach? The sand, the sun, the surf,
(and the wind) - that make a beach wedding so special - can also present
special problems. Just remember that it's not all fun in the sun, and
careful planning is required to successfully pull off a fun seaside ceremony
....
Cherry
blossoms are rooted deep in the culture of Japan, and the seasonal burst
of white and soft pastel blooms is now celebrated annually throughout
the U.S. as well. Check out where and when to see this spectacular annual
display. And don't forget the camera! .....
The
island-city of Hong Kong is one of those rare places in the world that
wears its charisma right on its sleeve. There's no need to warm up to
its charms and no need to pull out tourist maps and guidebooks to find
special places ....
A
flower filled, fragrant spring followed by equally dazzling summer days...
heralds of a season of festivities in British Columbia. The western province,
particularly in Vancouver, offers a banquet of attractions and special
events ....
Travel
the Hogwarts train, visit platform 9 1/2, or visit the real-life castles
and cathedrals where the popular movie series is filmed. See for yourself
why the moody, mysterious landscapes of England and Scotland have suddenly
gone Hollywood ...
For
most travelers the first place to look for a hotel is right in the heart
of high priced tourist areas. While location is important, experts advise
that if you widen your choices you'll have a more affordable trip. Don't
be surprised if you find that cheaper accommodations can also mean a more
pleasant vacation ....
Today,
curious tourists outnumber would-be Hemingways on the main boulevards,
but the spirit of the district persists in the crowded backstreets. The
Latin Quarter is best explored by wandering its streets aimlessly, but
be sure not to miss the major highlights ....
There
is a crescent-shaped string of jewel-like islands between Puerto Rico
and Trinidad and Tobago. Taking a preeminent position among this distinguished
group is St. Lucia, populated by towering palm trees and surrounded by
a seemingly endless palette of every shade of blue and green ....
The
choices are extensive in Cancun, the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. From
tropical gardens and sandy beaches nearly touching the Caribbean Sea to
gazebos surrounded by acres of blue pools, an unforgettable wedding is
the perfect beginning to a memorable special day ....
A
one hour's drive north up the coast from Edinburgh lies the Scottish town
best known as the ancestral home of golf. Today, St. Andrews not only
remains the headquarters to one of the world's oldest golf clubsm but
represents one of the planet's most challenging courses ....
With
an economy anchored in fishing and trade and a robust immigrant population,
the city is rough around the edges and unapologetic about it. Look beyond
Marseille's tough exterior, however, and you'll be rewarded with a unique,
diverse experience ....
Oslo
is Norway's capital city with a population of about half a million. Compared
with places like New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, it's little more than
a village, although first-time visitors are always surprised at how big
Oslo can be when it comes to history, culture and natural beauty ....
While
it is best known for its castles, historic attractions and stunning scenery,
Scotland is also famous for providing guests with luxury world-class hotel
accommodations. Discover some of Scotland's top 5-star estate and castle
hotels offering congenial, high-end service and posh surroundings ....
The
season dictates the scenery and activities in Iceland much more than in
most other travel destinations. You may find yourself choosing what many
tourists do...making a trip to Iceland in every season .....
As
a very busy summer air travel season kicks off, planning ahead is essential
especially when traveling with children. Packing expert Susan Foster,
author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler, offers these ten tips for
smart family travel ....
Savor
the sights and sounds of the marketplaces of Paris - the vendors hawking
their wares, the shoppers trading neighborhood gossip, the smell of fresh
bread. In Paris, outdoor street markets are more than just a place to
buy food. They are a living, breathing cultural institution ....
You
and the kids are going to Disney World! But are you familiar with the
myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt
Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable
fee to Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best ....
Vacationing
with a large group can be a wonderful experience. Feeling part of a family
is especially important for children. But don't kid yourself - a family
reunion can be a lot of work! If you're planning a family reunion vacation
this summer, here are a few tips to follow ....
Scotch
whiskey (or whisky, without the "e", as it's spelled throughout
the world - except for the U.S.A. and Ireland) has risen to become one
the country's top industries and a major tourist draw. Take virtual tour
of major Scotch malt whisky trails from coast to coast ....
The
nickname for frequent business travelers - road warriors - says it all.
Business travel may seem glamorous to those who get to stay at home, but
if your job requires frequent trips out of town — you know just how
stressful it can be. Here are some suggestions for your next trip to make
it all a bit easier ....
Go
on a virtual tour of the best and most popular beaches in the US and worldwide
with tips on how to get there, and what to see and do as summer heats
up for a sweet life lived - at the beach! ....
Clinging
to the rocks that rise out of the waters, there is a necklace of five
villages on the Italian coast — strung together by walking paths
that hug the stone walls and provide incredible views of the junction
of land and sea. These five small villages are known as the Cinque Terra,
the five lands ....
Think
of Florence, and Michelangelo immediately comes to mind. The famous artist
lived and worked in Florence during the height of the Renaissance, leaving
an unmistakable trace on the historic city. You could easily spend your
entire vacation trying to see all of his work, but here are some major
highlights ....
With
dozens of Web sites devoted to finding the best hotel rooms, the cheapest
flights and everything in between, a new challenge is taking shape. Who
do you trust to help you find the best deals and service? When it comes
to quality, who do you believe? ....
And
so much easier! Many of the best 'secret' spots now have an Internet web
site that lets you find out how to get there, see pictures of local scenery
and sightseeing destinations, book lodgings and plan your meals ....
Because
of the immigrants from around the world who made BC their home, British
Columbians can boast that they know how to serve a nice cuppa. This is
a guide to some of the great tearooms around the province ....
Whether
or not you are partial to a pint of larger, ale or dark British beer ('bitter'),
to visit some of the country's pubs is a must for most tourists while
traveling through the UK. Here are some of the best and most traditional
found in London and throughout England ....
There's
history, adventure, Gold Rush lore, and glaciers! Everything awaits on
an Alaskan cruise - at top ports of call in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan
and Tracy Arm - with stunning scenery and photo ops galore ....
The
UK and many European countries offer accomodations for pet owners to stay
with their furry friends. The USA and Canada may not have the same reputation
yet, but man's best friend is making inroads when it comes to travel in
North America ....
Time
flies when you’re having fun - the miles fly by, too! You can make
a long family car trip seem a lot shorter if you have fun with your kids
along the way. Plan ahead with a few car activities and then making the
journey can be as much fun as the destination. Here are a few ideas to
get you started ....
Spanning
about 200 miles or so from Little River at the North Carolina line to
the Georgia border with Savannah (think Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head),
the South Carolina coast offers sweet weather, historic towns and plantations,
teeming tourism meccas… and the beach ....
A
magnet for painters, poets, writers, Lake Como continues to lure millions
of tourists from around the world each year. Just an hour's ride from
metro Milan, Lake Como towns are steeped in art and culture, lending a
deep sense of beauty beyond their already breathtakingly scenic location
in the Italian Alps ....
Families
who have discovered home exchange, swapping houses with another family,
know the joy of returning from a busy day of sightseeing to a cozy home
where they can rejuvenate and recharge their batteries ....
This
beautiful coastal city is named after Richard Henry Dana (1815-1882),
a sailor and author famous for his novel, Two Years Before the Mast.
In it, he refers to Dana Point as "the only romantic spot in California."
Here's why, along with a a few of my favorite things to do while visiting
Dana Point ....
With
budgets getting tighter, theme parks are even more popular these days.
If you are thinking about a trip, take a virtual tour to the amusement
parks that are drawing the biggest crowds and decide which of the most
popular is your number one choice ....
In
July and August, Argentines don't hit the surf, they hit the slopes! Summer
is ski season in the southern hemisphere, where top resorts in Bariloche,
Las Leñas and Ushuaia are the places to chill ....
Scotland's
castles offer a tale of ancient kings, knights and warring clans that
helped shaped the country's history. Check out the some of the best preserved
specimens throughout Scotland that allow visitors an up-close look at
medieval as well as modern-day royal castle life ....
Men
on their own just don't attract the same sort of unwanted attention as
single women. When it comes to traveling for business, safety and security
are of primary concern for women. Here are some essential tips to help
ease the stress and make your hotel stay more enjoyable and hassle-free
.... 
Travelers
from all over the world know about the prominent tourist spots in Thailand.
Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi (PP Island) are popular beach destinations,
but Thailand has many other hidden vacation paradise spots waiting to
be discovered and experienced ....
The
wines of South Africa grow in a country of wild beauty and sharp contrasts.
Mountains and valleys provide spectacular views as you travel through
South Africa on Route 62, the longest wine route in the world ....
Although
most visitors think of sun, surf and beautiful beaches when planning a
trip to Honolulu, there is also the excitement of city life in downtown
Honolulu - the business center of Oahu - filled with color, excitement
and the hustle and bustle of vendors, shoppers, business people and tourists
....
Sideways,
the Hollywood movie starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, has
created a booming tourism industry in Santa Barbara - with interest in
tours and tastings at featured wineries that co-star in the Oscar-nominated
film ....
Whether
real or imagined, there have been countless stories of Nessie sightings,
and the very name has conjured up monsters of the deep, mysterious happenings
and, in more recent memory, tons of newsprint and famous photos. But the
question remains. Is "Nessie" real? ....
Boston
is often called the capital of Irish America because of its thriving Irish
community which dates back to colonial times and continues to the present
day. The Irish Heritage Trail is a self-guided, three mile walking tour
that covers 300 years of history ....
Get
ready to leaf through the season's best colors coast-to-coast from early
September to later November. With cool, crisp mornings turning into warm
afternoons, prepare for all kinds of adventures as you drive, hike, or
walk through some of the most spectacular, but short-lived, scenery of
the year .....
Topping
the list of the best places to visit in Ireland is the Ring of Kerry,
with the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher a close second. Sure, the scenery
is grand, and the people are warm and welcoming - but what do tourists
say they most dislike about the Erin Isle? ....
Too
late to travel to Paris? Take a virtual walk around the city's Notre Dame
cathedral to view gargoyles, grotesques, and other beasties that have
made it the one of the most visited sites in all of Paris. Click on the
photo thumbnails for larger images of Paris' 'gargoyle gallery' and more
....
Without
a doubt, Italy's shining stars when it comes to history, art and culture
are Rome and Florence. Luckily, the two cities are located in close proximity
to each other, and Italy's extensive and efficient train system makes
transportation between the two cradles of civilization a breeze ....
Discover
fall in Aspen, with brilliant changing leaves, a colorful cultural calendar
and affordable accommodations. Hotel rates drop and restaurants offer
discounted menus as seasonal Autumn rates attract travelers from near
and far to revel in spectacular fall color ....
Breathtaking
scenery and exciting wildlife combine to make Great Smoky Mountains National
Park the most visited national park in the United States. The park, located
on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, also makes the record
books as the largest protected areas in the US ....
The
end of summer brings its own special joys, including a trip to the state
fair - where visitors can feast on cholesterol-raising fair food, take
in thrilling amusement park rides, and celebrate their state's unique
culture ....
In
West Virginia, it doesn't matter if you take the high road or the low
road when it's time to make your choices for where to eat, sleep or shop.
Travelers will find an eclectic selection of basics from five diamond
to country comfort ....
Yellowstone
National Park is one of the United States' most visited national parks.
Spanning across the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are awe-inspiring
geysers and hot springs, including famous Old Faithful ....
As
fuel and travel costs increase, more travelers are discovering the beauty
and the benefits of low cost travel hot spots. Here are a few top alternatives
from a top travel expert who also offers related tips and advice on saving
big on hotels and other accommodations ....
In
late autumn and late winter to very early spring (mid-March at the latest)
the conditions are the best for spectacular displays by the northern lights,
and Iceland is one of the best places on earth to catch them ....
Every
year in the last week of September, a huge area at the foot of the statue
of Bavaria is turned into a vast "Festwiese" for 16 uproarious
days until the beginning of October in - where else? - Munich, the world's
most famous beer capital .....
I've
been back many times - for pleasure and business - and stayed in hotels
and rental apartments. I love Paris in the springtime - and in autumn!
- and each visit to Paris is as magical as the one before. Here are a
few hints to enjoy your Paris experience at any time of year ....
In
North Carolina fall color typically begins in early October and lasts
for as long as six weeks - producing stunning reds, golds, yellows and
oranges, complemented by wildflowers like the white and blue asters and
the royal purple ironweed ....
Hit
the slopes with information on every imaginable place to ski and snowboard
with the best snow on earth ... in our guide to finding the perfect white
powder at ski lodges and resorts in the US and worldwide .... 
With
lush wildlife, pristine beaches and an array of outdoor adventure activities,
Puerto Rico is quickly becoming one of the world's most popular ecotourism
destinations. Find out why and where to go to experience nature at its
wildest with trips to PR nature preserves and national forests ....
If
you are one of the millions who are interested in the supernatural and
real apparitions, Halloween is no substitute for the real thing. Where
are the places that let you experience ghostly apparitions all year long?
Check out these sites offering the spooky details ...
The
Egyptian Museum holds a mind-blowing number of treasures. The two-story
pink-toned building in the center of Cairo exhibits over 120,000 relics
from ancient Egypt. But unless you know what you're looking for, it's
easy to get lost. Here are some tips to help you navigate this world class
historical collection ....
Many
tour groups stop in Aswan en route to the magnificent ruins of Abu Simbel,
located approximately 300 kilometers south, but those who choose to stay
longer are rewarded with a host of worthwhile diversions ....
Navigating
Buenos Aires is much simpler for visitors with a basic knowledge of the
city's public transportation systems. Although buses are ubiquitous, The
simplest form of public transportation by far is the Subte, an underground
metro system that covers the main barrios of Buenos Aires ....
World
class white powder awaits at Banff National Park amid the breathtaking
splendor of the Canadian Alberta Rockies, with a guide to how to get there,
where to stay, eat, and ski ....
Wildly
popular throughout the European Middle Ages, the era of high Gothic missed
Italy almost completely. Only in Milan did the idea catch on in favor
of building tall and elaborately decorated cathedrals in the great French
Gothic style ....
Plan
your exotic destination trip to Latin America, with a list of top travel
tips to help you get the most out of visiting the southerly areas of the
Americas. Take advantage of some valuable experience and get to know Latin
America as it truly is ....
Paris
is one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, famed for its world-renowned
chefs, inventive fusion cuisines and expensive Michelin-starred restaurants.
Even the street food is delicious, making it easy for bargain hunters
to find good food at cheap prices. Check out some of my favorites ....
This
year, discover the gamut of American seasonal traditions as communities
nationwide turn on the holiday lights for illuminated parades, Nutcracker
ballet performances, fireworks displays, street caroling, Dickens festivals,
winter sleigh rides, choir services, and long-awaited visits with Santa
in all 50 states ....
If
you have a big family, you know that it's count-down time for preparing
the Christmas travel itinerary. The kids are excited, and looking forward
to seeing all their cousins and relatives, but to ensure everybody arrives
safely here are a few tips to help make holiday travel fun and memorable
....
If
you're traveling overseas, you're going to need a passport. If you already
have a passport, check the expiration date to see if needs to be renewed.
Plus more tips and advice for ensuring against unpleasant surprises at
the airport during a busy travel season ....
Of
the neighborhoods, or barrios, of Buenos Aires, San Telmo contains the
most old-world charm. An afternoon stroll through the heart of San Telmo
will reveal cobblestone streets, rich with history, museums, antique stores,
quirky boutiques and charming bars and cafes ....
America's
premiere Thanksgiving Day parade happens in - where else? - the nation's
premiere city, New York - where the stars of stage, screen and television
join a giant procession of parade floats and balloons - live! - in a grand
Thanksgiving Day tradition ....
Get
the facts before you go with info, advice and safety tips on campfires,
and weather, and bears (!) plus lots of good common sense suggestions
for fun camping and wilderness trips ....
Germany
during the holidays means enjoying the festive Christmas Markets that
are great for gift shopping and for experiencing regional culinary specialties.
Check out information and locations on some of the most popular markets
for really enjoying Christmas in Germany ....
Isn't
about time for a Caribbean vacation right about now? If your're going
for Spring Break, on holiday with the kids, or on a romantic Caribbean
honeymoon you'll find the perfect destination on one of the islands of
the Caribbean ....
Today,
experienced dancers and novices alike flock to Buenos Aires to explore
tango culture. Sexy and seductive, the tango is synonymous with Argentina,
and a visit to Buenos Aires isn't complete without delving into this classic
art form ....
French
children can count on waking up to find presents from Père Noel,
this after staying up the night before for the main celebration —
on Christmas Eve. Discover what else goes into the making of a fine French
Christmas with more on holiday customs, sights, sounds, food and feasting
...
Each
year, thousands upon thousands of religious pilgrims descend upon Rome
to visit the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican. No matter
what your religious beliefs, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel is an important
stop on any visit to Rome because of its historical and artistic significance
.... 
The
grape vines of Chile and Argentina were planted by missionaries who came
from Spain in the mid-sixteenth century. Vineyards were planted in 1551
and wines were first produced in Chile in 1555. No surprise then that
the wines of South America are today winning awards in the traditional
wine market ....
Honeymoons
and Valentine's Day are not the only times to consider a romantic vacation
in the sun warmed beaches of the Caribbean. Every couple can use a break
from the everyday routine – at any time of the year ....