This is the July 2020 issue

Boarding Pass

Features

The dramatic façade of Saidnaya Monastery.
Visiting Syria – an extraordinary opportunity
By Chevy Chase, MD and Laurel Glassman
Appears on Page 6
 
One of the many roaming dogs we saw, catching some rays on Muri Beach.
Trading winter weather for a warm, relaxing stay on Rarotonga, part of the Cook Islands
By Marlene Lomas
Appears on Page 16
 

Travelers' Intercom

Airline miles can be inherited
By Wanda Bahde
Appears on Page 12
 
Sun and ocean meet at Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. Photo by Glenn Schmidt
Last-minute trip to Costa Rica
By Glenn Schmidt
Appears on Page 12
 
Edna R.S. Alvarez in Cricklade in southwestern England.
Appreciating tiny Cricklade
By Edna R.S. Alvarez
Appears on Page 15
 
Fond farewell to the Prinsendam
By Jean Byers
Appears on Page 24
 
Lady Gaga and Judy in Walvis Bay. Photo by Pat Lewinski.
Namibia with Exoticca
By Judy Pfaffenberger
Appears on Page 24
 
Recommended in Italy
By Florence Drake
Appears on Page 26
 
Travel Resource Challenge
By Evenyl Roemmich
Appears on Page 26
 
Planes are so close, you can almost get a free flight just by grabbing the tail — Sint Maarten.  Photos by Miyako Storch
Thrill of planes overhead in Sint Maarten
By Miyako Storch
Appears on Page 27
 

Calling All Readers!

A sign designating the 180th meridian on Taveuni, Fiji. Photo by Ken Levine
‘Experience’ collections
Appears on Page 21
 

Essay Contest Winners

Silk Road Map
Threading the Silk Road - Winners
Appears on Page 20
 

Calling All Readers! Call for Submissions

COVID-19 cancellations
Appears on Page 15
 
Unexpected Disembarkation
Appears on Page 35
 

Columns

Hikers atop Valahnúkur in the Þórsmörk (“Thor’s Woods”) region are rewarded with 360-degree views. Photo by Glenn Eriksen
Experience Iceland’s raw beauty
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves’

 
The ancient temple Maison Carrée is a well-preserved testament to Nîmes’ former glory as a regional capital of the Roman Empire. Photo by Rick Steves
Roman treasures in Nîmes
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves'

 
Even on the small island of Sicily, you'll find regional specialties, such as fish couscous and Busiate alla Trapanese, a twisty pasta with red pesto. Photo by Carrie Shepherd
Sicilian taste treats
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves'

 
Enjoy an edible scavenger hunt in the Mercado San Miguel, sampling authentic and affordable bites for a light meal. Photo by Rick Steves
Feeling the pulse of Madrid
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves'

 
With its spectacular garden and harmonious architecture, château Vaux-le-Vicomte inspired King Louis XIV to build Versailles. Photo by Rick Steves
Easy and rewarding day trips from Paris
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves'

 
Mid-pandemic, the outlook of border closures, airline flights and cruises
Boarding Pass

By David Tykol
Appears on Page 2
 
The Municipal Museum in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Photos by Julie Skurdenis
A bit of old Portugal in Spanish Uruguay
Focus on Archaeology

By Julie Skurdenis
Appears on Page 28
 
The Geografile
The Geografile

By Bryan Henry
Appears on Page 29
 
The alluring Frederiksborg Palace outside of Copenhagen, Denmark, back when free-range exploration was in flower, sans social distancing. Photo by Randy Keck
On-the-Road Travel Tips (part 4)
Far Horizons

By Randy Keck
Appears on Page 30
 
The Geografile
The Geografile

By Bryan Henry
Appears on Page 31
 

Funniest Thing

Periscope up!
By Pam Kelly
Appears on Page 27
 

Where in the World? Correct Answers