My two adult daughters and my wife and I returned from three magnificent weeks in Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Vietnam (Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City) and Cambodia (Siem Reap and Angkor) on Jan. 19, ’04.

Initially, we contacted several travel companies with a desired general itinerary; however, eventually we had our tour set up by Phuong Chi of All Asia Travel Company (274 Cong Quynh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; e-mail...

In September ’01, shortly after the tragedy of 9-11, we traveled to Ireland for two weeks and then to the Isle of Man. As U.S. citizens, we were met in both places with kindness, understanding and concern.

When we arrived on the Isle of Man, a game of golf was immediately scheduled. But on the chosen morning, when we arrived at the King Edward Bay Golf Club via taxi, the only person around was the golf pro. After renting clubs to my husband (I don’t play), he told us he was leaving...

Over the years, I heard and read a lot about the Maginot Line, and I always wanted to visit the most impressive part of it. Because it extended from Luxembourg to Switzerland, with another section from Switzerland to the Mediterranean, I needed some help and turned to the French Government Tourist Office. The problem was that the tourist office couldn’t (or wouldn’t) answer simple questions like “Where is the best site to visit?” and “When is the best time to go?” I was referred to a website...