by Randy Keck (Second of two parts on Portugal)

The focus of my June 2011 journey to Portugal was four inspiring days in the central portion of the country’s largest region, the Alentejo. It was my good fortune to be hosted by the new L’AND Vineyards, only a 45-minute drive east of Lisbon.

L’AND’s setting provides views of the distant, hilltop, 13th-century castle ruins of nearby Montemor-o-novo village and proved to be an idyllic base from which to...

Many ITN readers who are addicted to international travel find themselves, periodically, in discussions with relatives, friends and acquaintances who express not being able to understand the lure, attraction, charm, etc., of international travel, particularly to very adventurous, challenging destinations.

How should the international travel addict respond?

One thing is certain. It makes no sense to ever try to force your love of international travel down someone else’s...

by Randy Keck (Second of three parts, go to part one or part three)

My tour of Kenya and Tanzania in late February 2011 continued with my flying from the Masai Mara back to Nairobi, where I had lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, known far and wide for its meat-on-a-spit selections which are hand carved at tables by roving waiters.

Reunited with my guide Nickolas, we departed on the rather uneventful four-hour drive to Amboseli National Park, noted for its vast herds of...