Far Horizons

February 2015 issue | Appears on page 54

Iguaçu Falls, São Paulo and Bonito
By Randy Keck

(2nd of 3 parts on Brazil)

Despite increased access to our ever-shrinking planet, Brazil, the world’s fifth-most-populous country (about 200 million), remains an enigma to even the most seasoned international travelers.

Brazil’s identity is somehow obscured by rampant diversity on fronts ranging from complex ethnicity and a consistently unpredictable, often volatile economy to unparalleled natural world attractions. With a land area comparable to that of the...

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January 2015 issue | Appears on page 62

Japan: Osaka
By Randy Keck

(Second of two parts)

The second part of my late-July 2014 journey to Japan’s Kansai region began with a morning stroll around Kinosaki, one of Japan’s famed hot springs resorts, where we had enjoyed the baths the previous night. Our small group of three journalists was on a week-long exploration of Kansai as guests of the Kansai International Tourism Promotion Center.

Izushi soba

Departing Kinosaki, we traveled by minivan through clean, green countryside...

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December 2014 issue | Appears on page 62

Japan Kyōto and Kinosaki
By Randy Keck

(First of two parts)

In late June of 2014 I, along with two other journalists, participated in a trip through Japan’s Kansai region as a guest of the local tourism board. Our 6-day journey focused on utilizing the very efficient railway system to explore the Kyōto, Kinosaki, Osaka and Nara areas of Kansai. 

Being an aficionado of both Japanese cuisine and many aspects of the culture in general, this adventure was right up my alley.

We were accompanied...

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October 2014 issue | Appears on page 63

Guatemala: Central American adventure
By Randy Keck

(Part 3 of 3)

The final portion of my June 2014 journey to Central America began with a 6-hour transfer by bus from Copán, Honduras, to Guatemala City, Guatemala, followed by a connecting minibus transfer to the beautiful and highly popular colonial city of Antigua. 

Antigua charms

 Built at 1,500 meters’ elevation in an earthquake-prone zone during the 16th century, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish-colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala,...

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September 2014 issue | Appears on page 63

El Salvador & Honduras Central American adventure
By Randy Keck
At the Copán ruins in Honduras, the guide Fidel paused at a well-preserved arena. Photos by Randy Keck

(Part 2 of 3)

El Salvador along with Copán in Honduras are the focus of the second part of my report on a June 2014, 4-country visit to Central America, a journey and itinerary partially hosted for me and operated by longtime ITN advertiser SITA World Tours (Encino, CA; 800/421-5643). 

Upon my morning arrival in San Salvador by air from Managua, Nicaragua, I met my new guide, Suzy, and we immediately began an exploration of the hilly capital city, situated in the Salvador...

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August 2014 issue | Appears on page 63

Nicaragua: Central American adventure
By Randy Keck
Granada’s charming, early-19th-century Hotel Dario. Photo by Randy Keck
A look at Nicaragua (first of a 3-part series on Central America)
June 2014 issue | Appears on page 62

Your travel legacy — leaving a trail to follow
By Randy Keck
Your travel legacy — the importance of, and tips on, documenting your personal travels
May 2014 issue | Appears on page 63

It’s time for ITN to flourish
By Randy Keck

It is the spring season, a time of renewal and growth… . and time for ITN to sprout new buds and blossoms.

In order to do this, International Travel News must increase its subscriber base. And to accomplish that, we are formally requesting the participation of all current subscribers.

ITN is, for many of you, your most direct communication conduit to the exciting world of international travel. This magazine tells it like it is, without the frills. 

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