by Betty Patterson, Largo, FL

Not only do I enjoy planning vacations, I love the idea of sharing some of my favorite European spots with my family. Perhaps togetherness seemed more important after my husband died, but I also felt that the younger members of my family would indeed have fun together, and I with them. I knew I’d have to cross my fingers taking one-, 6- and 8-year-old grandchildren along, but I felt it was doable.

The planning begins

I really enjoy the...

by Beth Habian, Features Editor

We all travel for different reasons. Some, needing to escape extremely hectic lives, like to go to a quiet corner of the world to relax, enjoy a lush, natural environment and indulge with fabulous food and wine. Others need a bit more excitement, opting to get down and dirty with an adventurous journey, while still others like to immerse themselves in a different culture, absorbing the history of a place and interacting with the locals.

My last...

by Roxana von Kraus, Boston, MA

“American? Welcome. Welcome to Egypt!”

My being the only foreigner at the Alexandria bus station, my passport received special attention, with all the data recorded carefully in a worn-out register. I was on my way to the ancient Siwa Oasis, located 600 kilometers west of Alexandria and about 62 from Libya. (It is actually so close to the border that the entire area is considered a military zone and all visitors on desert safari need a special...