After years of trying on every ocean, in numerous ships and on dozens of islands, I finally saw it. On Feb. 6 of this year, from the waterfront patio of the Fort Young Hotel in Dominica, I finally saw the fabled “green flash.” It was bright green, sort of twinkly, very surprising and very brief. I was elated.

Some of you know exactly what I am talking about, but for those who don’t, the green flash is a sunset (or sunrise) phenomenon usually observed from ships and sometimes on shore...

In case a traveler is injured abroad, medical care will be necessary and all initial care will be local. The quality of care can and will vary greatly, and if the trauma is severe, hospitalization and surgery may follow. Not every case demands evacuation; high-class medical care can be obtained in many developing nations. The difficulty lies in finding or making one’s way to such care when sick or injured.

There are many common misconceptions regarding medical care while traveling....

Our getaway to Lisbon in early March 2006 was intended as a late winter escape from New York’s prolonged freezing temperatures. Lisbon’s temperatures were in the low 60s during the day and the flight from New York less than seven hours, making it ideal for my daughter Katie and me with only four days to spare.

Jet lagged and sleep deprived, on arrival in the early morning in Lisbon we decided on a couple of quick bicas at our hotel, the upscale Pestana Palace. Even with eyes half...