Washingtonians love the oasis of greater Palm Springs. Many “snowbirds” winter in the California desert known as the Coachella Valley. Others come for a “rain getaway,” enjoying a few days to golf and lying next to the pool. With over 300 days of sunshine, the appeal is clear, but often visitors miss the hidden gems. […]
vacations
Posted inAuto Talk
Traveling? Plan Ahead for Your Fueling Needs
Memorial Day is approaching, bringing with it the unofficial launch of the spring and summer travel season. While air travel is steadily increasing, a larger-than-average number of travelers are expected to travel by car due to the pandemic. State leaders are encouraging travelers to plan ahead, as the increased demand comes at a time fuel […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Great American Road Trip
Finding your travel comfort zone is different for each person, as everyone navigates a new, partially vaccinated country still reeling from the pandemic. As in 2020, close-to-home staycations continue to dominate, but some people are venturing farther, even internationally, in this brave new world. If you find yourself torn between staying put and jumping on […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Maui Now: What to Know Before Visiting Maui During the Pandemic
Everyone could use a little Aloha right now. Living day to day during the pandemic has created stress in people’s lives. Jobs, families, health and economic futures hang in peril, while lockdown challenges sanity. Are you dreaming of some island time to shake away the COVID-19 blues? Not everyone is comfortable traveling yet, but if […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Three Cottages to Get Away, Less than Three Hours Away
Cancelled vacations. Postponed honeymoons. Delayed holidays. This is how we will remember 2020. Travel plans all for naught. As this most-memorable year draws closer to an end, it might be the right time to plan a close-to-home getaway. A weekend or longer that feels like a vacation but is less than three hours from home. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Magical Mauritius — Hidden Gem of the Indian Ocean
In the Indian Ocean southeast of the continent of Africa, some 1,200 miles off the coast, lies the idyllic volcanic island of Mauritius. A hidden gem of lush and beautiful beaches, excellent year-around weather and diverse cultural life. Logistics Most visitors will arrive at the Port Louis airport via South Africa, Kenya, Dubai or India. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda — A Trek of a Lifetime
The mountains of Uganda and Congo bring to mind Hollywood stories like “King Kong” and “Gorillas in the Mist.” Known as the impenetrable jungle, this region makes trekking through dangerous and impossible without a guide. The 1988 film about the life of conservationist Dian Fossey and her work with mountain gorillas in the jungles of […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Africa’s Most Magnificent Waterfall
The photos don’t do it justice. The immense size of Victoria Falls and the tremendous amount of water flowing is hard to describe — or capture with a camera. You really must experience it; hear the roar, feel the vibration, taste the mist, witness the majesty. Victoria Falls straddles the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Turn your Summer Vacation into a Relaxing Staycation
Does social distancing have you worried about your summer plans? For many, summer is the time for the family vacation. The kids are out of school, the weather is fantastic, and the days are longer — allowing optimal time to venture to new places, catch some sun and spend more time with friends and family. […]