During a 10-day adventure in Antarctica in late 2014/early 2015, our first onshore activity featured a visit to a penguin rookery. The penguins had built nests of small rocks and pebbles, and the females were sitting on their eggs. There were only several chicks visible, as hatching was slower than usual that season. We all were dressed in layers of clothing, anticipating a chilly experience (the temperature was 29ºF), but because there was no wind and the sun was bright, reflecting...

Before arriving in London, my adult son and I visited Rome, Oct. 24-29, 2014. We stayed at Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri (Via Frangipane, 34, 00184 Rome, Italy; phone +39 06 679 6426, www.hotelforiimperialicavalieri.com) and were very satisfied. The staff was great, especially Paulo (I think that’s how he spells his name). He was a sweetheart.

My room had a balcony. It was very pleasant to sit out there and soak up the atmosphere. Our single rooms came to about $123 each per night,...

Along with two other couples, my husband, Scott, and I arranged to rent a van in Sydney, Australia, for a week, March 20-26, 2014. We would drive east to the Blue Mountains and then north as far as Port Macquarie before returning the van in Sydney.

We picked up the vehicle from East Coast Car Rental (200 O’Riordan St., Mascot, NSW 2020, Australia; phone +61 2 8338 9111, www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au), located near the Sydney Airport.

While finishing the paperwork, we were told...