Columns

March 2019 issue | Appears on page

Peeling back layers of history in Evora
By Rick Steves
The 16th-century marble fountain, on Evora’s main square, was once an important water source. Now it’s a popular hangout for young and old.

From Romans to Moors to Portuguese kings, the proud little town of Evora -- set amid the cork groves of Portugal's Alentejo region -- has a big history. Just 90 minutes east of Lisbon, Evora has impressive sights -- Roman ruins, a 12th-century cathedral, and a macabre chapel of bones -- coupled with a laid-back local scene and a hearty cuisine that makes me think of Tuscany.

From the second century B.C. to the fourth century A.D., Evora was a Roman town important for its...

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March 2019 issue | Appears on page 2

Most-visited cities and most expensive cities. Outlook for commercial space travel. Remembering Philip Wagenaar
By David Tykol
Toes of the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The figure was built with bricks, shaped with plaster, then gilded.

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 517th issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine. This is our 43rd Anniversary issue! Thank you, all, for subscribing, telling others about the magazine, patronizing our advertisers, submitting articles and trip reports to print or just letting us know what you'd like to see. It all builds into the final product: International Travel News.

If you're reading ITN for the first time, having received a free sample copy, we hope...

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March 2019 issue | Appears on page 35

The Geografile
By Bryan Henry

Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to extend suffrage to women, in 1918.

March 2019 issue | Appears on page 40

The Geografile
By Bryan Henry

Borneo is the world's only island divided between three countries: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.

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March 2019 issue | Appears on page 48

Emergency medical evacuation
By Wayne Wirtanen

There are basically two types of overseas emergency-medical-evacuation policies. First is the type of coverage supplied by Divers Alert Network, or DAN (Durham, NC; 800/446-2671, www.diversalertnetwork.org).

DAN is primarily designed for scuba divers, but anyone can join. Their basic coverage is called "DAN Membership," and for a year's protection the cost is $35 for an individual or $55 for a family (including spouse or domestic partner and children under 24 in school and...

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March 2019 issue | Appears on page 49

Embracing solo travel is empowering for women
By Rick Steves
Carrying yourself with confidence is one of the keys to a successful solo travel experience. Photos by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

I've been inspired over the years by female colleagues and friends who happily and safely travel solo overseas. There are challenges but also many rewards awaiting women who venture out on their own.

Whether it's due to concerns about loneliness or safety, many women put off their travel dreams because they don't want to do it by themselves. But traveling with the wrong person can make you feel lonelier than traveling alone. When you're solo, you're more...

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March 2019 issue | Appears on page 50

Winter self-drive - Portugal’s Algarve (First of three parts)
By Randy Keck
Painters whitewashing in traditional style in Porto Côvo, Portugal. Photos by Randy Keck

From late November to early December 2018, my wife, Gail, and I did an 8-day, self-drive exploration of Portugal's sun-blessed Algarve holiday playground.

The enviable mild winter climate makes the region a highly popular part-time and full-time retirement destination for thousands of British expats and other Europeans. We were there to discover the off-season heart, soul and pulse of this desirable stretch of gorgeous Atlantic coast some 280 kilometers south of the...

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February 2019 issue | Appears on page

What's new in Spain and Portugal for 2019
By Rick Steves
Lisbon’s trolleys can get unbearably crowded, so have a plan if you want to ride one. CREDIT: Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe.

Like many travelers, last spring I visited Barcelona dreaming of seeing Antoni Gaudi's breathtaking Sagrada Familia church. When I got there, the ticket office was closed, with a posted sign: "No more tickets today. Buy your ticket for another day online." Thankfully, I knew to book tickets in advance.

Along with Sagrada Familia, Spain's other sights to book ahead include the Picasso Museum, La Pedrera, Casa Batllo and ...

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