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Narikala Fortress, overlooking the Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia, dates to the 4th century.

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 541st issue of your monthly worldwide travel magazine, “yours” because it is largely comprised of letters, articles and photographs submitted by you and your fellow subscribers.

One regular reader of ITN, Helen Harper of Mill Valley, California, wrote, “Thanks so much for all your work on this magazine. I love it and eagerly await its arrival each month, especially now that we can only dream and plan for travel, which we hope...

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La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios on top of the Cholula pyramid. Photos by Julie Skurdenis

For me, Mexico is inextricably linked to its pyramids. Yes, there are colonial-era churches to visit, plenty of them, plus markets full of color and activity, miles of beaches, fiestas throughout the year and — let’s not forget — the fabulous food. But it’s the archaeological sites that keep drawing me back.

Mexico is rich in archaeological sites, many of which boast pyramids built by Mexico’s great Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya,...

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We invite readers to keep sending in your valued travel tips (125-word limit or close) related to anything that enhances the travel experience while actually traveling. Here are the latest (each followed by my own comments).

 

Marcia Bansley (Atlanta, GA) — Here are some tips I can offer.

• I always use a travel agent to set up my trips and Delta Vacations (800/800-1504, www.delta.com/us/en/delta-vacations), when possible, for good deals on hotels.

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Due to the end of colonialism, Africa spawned 17 new nations in 1960 alone.

Arcos, Spain, where locals “see the backs of the birds as they fly.” Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from the south of Spain — a reminder of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

I’m in the little hill town of Arcos de la Frontera, just south of Sevilla. Today, my goal is to connect with the culture of small-town Spain.

Arcos smothers its hilltop, tumbling down all...

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Well-preserved Rothenburg welcomes visitors. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from Germany — a reminder of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

In Europe’s tourist towns, the best social moments combust after a long day of work, and after the guests say good night. In an Irish pub in Galway after closing, the door is locked and the musicians play on...

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The cathedral’s sublime dome dominates the Florence skyline. Photo by Rick Steves

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from Florence — a reminder of the artistic wonders that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

After my first day in Florence, I remember thinking, “I’ve seen more great art in a few hours than many people see in a lifetime.”

Geographically small but culturally rich,...

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Farmers market in Nevesinje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Photo by Rick Steves

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories in what was a part of Yugoslavia — a reminder of the adventure that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

Looking for a change of pace from Croatia’s touristic Dalmatian Coast, I’m driving east from Dubrovnik to the city of Mostar, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Almost everyone making this...

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