Columns

Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey — London. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe an occasional dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from London — a reminder of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

Wearing a red robe and a warm smile, Eddie works as a verger at London’s Westminster Abbey. As a church official, he keeps order in this space, which is both very...

CONTINUE READING »

Sometimes I happen across a title or phrase which sticks in my mind as though it is trying to convey a personal message. That happened while I was trying to think of a topic for this month’s column. When my mind free-floats in this manner, I typically just follow along to see where it leads. What began to play repeatedly this time was the phrase “up the down staircase.”

“Up the Down Staircase” is the title of a novel published in 1964 that was released as...

CONTINUE READING »

The world’s largest freshwater wetland, the Pantanal, covers up to 70,000 square miles of western Brazil and parts of Bolivia and Paraguay. With an estimated 10 million caimans, it contains the largest population of crocodilians in the world.

CONTINUE READING »
A coppersmith in Montepulciano, Italy. Photo by Cameron Hewitt

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here are a few of my favorite European memories of artisans in action — reminders of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

When you’ve traveled in Europe, you see how traditional, local businesses are making way for cookie-cutter chains and synthetic conformity. In historic city centers, as rents go up, longtime residents,...

CONTINUE READING »
Andalucía celebrates life with soul and with passion. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from the south of Spain — a reminder of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

In Spain’s Andalucía region, revelry and religiosity go hand in hand. The same passion and energy dedicated to partying is put into long, solemn religious processions that clog the narrow streets of...

CONTINUE READING »
The heretic Giordano Bruno stands on the spot where he was burned. Photo by Cameron Hewitt

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European memories from Rome — a reminder of the enchanting Italian ambiance that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

A statue of Giordano Bruno marks the center of Campo de’ Fiori — my favorite square in Rome. Five centuries ago, Bruno challenged the Roman Church and was burned at the stake right...

CONTINUE READING »
Stonehenge, a celestial calendar marking the seasons for 4,000 years. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

As we’ve had to postpone our travels because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here are a few of my favorite European memories from England — reminders of the fun that awaits us at the other end of this crisis.

On my first trip to Dartmoor National Park, back when I was a student, word of the wonders lurking just a bit deeper into the moors tempted me away from my hostel in Gidleigh. I was told of an especially rewarding hike...

CONTINUE READING »
A Hoffman’s two-toed sloth — Costa Rica.

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 544th issue of your monthly worldwide travel magazine, keeping you abreast of your travel possibilities… and of travel news you might find of interest.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many US airlines, including all of the big three (American, United and Delta), made it possible for travelers to change all tickets or get refunds without having to pay fees. This was especially...

CONTINUE READING »