My wife and I were customers at one of the estimated nine million yard sales and garage sales that take place each year in the United States.

“Oh Look,” my wife Fyllis exclaimed with surprise and delight. “I’ve been looking for antique candle sticks like these for ages.”

“And I’ve been searching for an old-fashioned brief case like this one,” I replied, lifting my find from a pile of items spread out on a long table.

We were far from home, enjoying a vacation in upstate New York, when we came upon a yard sale while driving to a restaurant for lunch. While we’re not frequent fans of those outdoor displays, we decided to check this one out as part of our immersion in the destination we were visiting.

In addition to our acquisitions, we enjoyed chatting with other folks who were perusing, and sometimes purchasing, the merchandise, and observing what kinds of objects were native to the setting. In addition to what we bought, we spotted bottles of Loganberry soda, jars of tomato butter, Onieda flatware and other home-made and home-grown products and produce.

Check out yard sales near where you live and when you travel

Whether close to where you live or held at a destination you’re visiting, these events offer opportunities to pick up something you may have been seeking or an object that catches your fancy, and to interact with other shoppers and those with something to sell.

Yard sales also provide a bit of nostalgia, given their roots in past decades.  They began to spring up during the 1950s and 1960s when some people began to realize that they could pick up a bit of extra cash by selling goods they had accumulated but no longer needed, or wanted.

Since then, these activities have evolved to become in ways as recreational as they are financial. Buyers meet and greet their hosts, chat with other participants and may mingle with new neighbors. Some people enjoy perusing what others have collected over time, keeping an eye out for a rare item and haggling good naturedly over the price.

Yard sales come in a variety of types and sizes

These mini-marketplaces come in a variety of types and sizes, and await discovery by people close to home or far away. At the top of the list is what’s aptly titled “The  World’s Longest Yard Sale.” That describes what takes place along U.S. Route 127 as it winds 690 miles from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, Tennessee, spanning six states along the way. Stretches of this rural highway introduce travelers to a variety of cultures and local dialects.

Some roadside marketplaces settle for a century-size length. Virginia’s 100-mile Yard Sale, which actually covers 10 additional miles, follows a meandering route through a number of towns. The focus is on antiques and vintage treasures.

The two-day Kansas-Oklahoma 100 Mile Highway Sale leads to a dozen tiny towns. In addition to individual vendors and small gatherings of dealers along the way, there are large group sites where several dozen people offer their wares.

In addition to clothes, kitchen gadgets, toys and other usual items, the 301 Endless Yard Sale in North Carolina includes some unexpected things like high end antiques, old farm equipment and even the occasional boat over its 100-plus mile route. More than 500 vendors set up along the way.

Yard sales with historic roots

Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale doubles the length of that path, as it winds over 200 miles along the U.S. Heritage Trail from New Buffalo to Detroit. Adding to the usual offerings are fresh garden produce, homemade jellies and jams, and live entertainment.

Another historic route hosts the U.S. 40 Yard Sale. It occupies an 800-plus mile section of Interstate Route 40 from Maryland to Missouri. That road was one of the first national highways created in 1926 when it linked New Jersey with California. Today, it’s traversed by thousands of visitors seeking bargains and hard-to-find collectibles.

If your travel schedule doesn’t coincide with any of the seasonal yard sale offerings, there’s always Indiana’s Antique Alley. That is a year-round destination for those seeking vintage treasures. Two interlocking loop trails lead to hundreds of dealers in the scenic eastern area of the state. They display everything from hand-crafted wood items and stained-glass pieces to furniture and vintage clothing.

If you visit a yard sale, you could find that long-sought item for which you’ve been searching for months or even years. Or you could just enjoy inspecting the displays, interacting with other shoppers and reliving a chapter from the country’s recent past.

For a list of yard sales which take place throughout the United States, log on to garagesalefinder.com and gsalr.com.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn.  He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.

Each year, more than five million people usually visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The American Museum of Natural History, located nearby, attracts some four million callers annually.

Other museums around the country appeal to far fewer folks, but those who frequent them find much to educate, and in many cases entertain, them. We’re talking collections focused on potatoes and mustard, locks and alleged landings of unidentified flying objects, and other offbeat galleries. Some may be located near where you live, while others might tempt you to stop by when you’re traveling.

This museum is no small potatoes

The Idaho Potato Museum showcases that state’s famous spuds. Exhibits include the world’s largest potato chip, a 14 by 15-inch crisp; how fries were introduced to the White House by Thomas Jefferson, and 1,600-year-old vessels which are believed to be the first containers used specifically for potato storage.

(For more information log onto Idahopotatomuseum.com)

More than 5,600 jars of mustard from over 60 countries greet callers at the National Mustard Museum in Middelton, Wisconsin. Other displays include hundreds of mustard memorabilia items and exhibits depicting the use of the condiment throughout history. Those who wish to take home a souvenir may choose from a long list of recipes, a mustard jar opener and clothing ranging from a “Mustard Happens” apron to a “Poupon U” T-shirt. (mustardmuseum.org)

Locks that keep the “bad guys” out

A unique bolt that sprays tear gas is among items seen at the Lock Museum of America in Terryville, Connecticut. It’s home to the largest collection of locks, keys, handcuffs and ornate door hardware anywhere.

The building occupies the site of the Eagle Lock Company, which during its lifespan (1833-1975) was the largest trunk and cabinet lock manufacturer in operation. The establishment claims to provide an introduction to “the genius of lock makers who over the centuries have constantly tried to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.” (lockmuseumofamerica.org)

An other-worldly experience

In 1947, a rancher in New Mexico discovered metal debris near a trench that spanned hundreds of feet. That became the basis for conspiracy theories alleging that the fragments were from an extraterrestrial spacecraft which had crashed. In fact, it belonged to a military balloon that was designed to detect nuclear tests by the Soviet Union.

That incident is recalled at the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell. It preserves materials and information connected to the event and other unexplained phenomena related to unidentified flying objects. (roswellufomuseum.com)

Those who happen upon an unusual structure in Grand Marais, Michigan also might imagine that they have been transported to a never-never land. It’s a 16-foot-high building comprised of two oversized barrels, with windows shaped like pickle jar lids.

That quirky wooden wonder was erected in 1926 in the shape of a pickle barrel. The larger cask of the Pickle Barrel House, as it’s known, serves as the living area and bedroom, while the smaller adjacent drum contains the kitchen.

In keeping with its history, the furnishings echo 1920s décor. In keeping with its architectural theme, exhibits at the Pickle Barrel House Museum trace the history of the building, showcase the story of pickling and include vintage photographs and pickle-themed memorabilia. (michigan.org/attractions)

Art that’s “too bad to be ignored”

An equally quirky experience awaits guests at the Museum of Bad Art in Boston, whose motto is "Art too bad to be ignored." It was founded in 1933 after an antique dealer showed an appallingly bad painting he had recovered from the trash to friends, who suggested that he start a collection.

Perhaps surprisingly, the museum sets rigorous standards for works it will accept. Its tongue-in-cheek explanation is that "Nine out of ten pieces don't get in because they're not bad enough. What an artist considers to be bad doesn't always meet our low standards.” (museumofbadart.org)

Walking home to our apartment while exploring Venice, we share a wave through the window with the owner of Baba, our local osteria. Leaving for a day of sightseeing, a cup of my favorite pistachio gelato awaits me despite the early hour. At the Bar Dugole, we relax after a day of sightseeing and order the regular: vodka for my husband and Amaretto for me. And we sit and watch everyone else in Venice try to figure out where the hell they are! But more on that later.

Dorsoduro or San Marco - it is all Venice

Welcome to UNTOURS, a wonderful well-kept secret that may change your concept of travel forever. The program offers tourists a unique opportunity to not be tourists. Serving close to two dozen European countries, Untours inundates you with information, puts you up in unusual accommodations, provides whatever transportation is necessary to get around and voila! You are a local. (Yes, that works as well in Italian as it does in French…)
We were learning about our neighborhood but on our terms. Rise early or sleep in. Sightsee or stroll around town. Cook in or eat out. And whatever the choice, we returned to our apartment, a much roomier and warmer ambiance than any hotel would provide. The orientation told us where to get the best produce, meat, fish, pastries and, of course, wine and gelato, the afore-mentioned shop which just coincidentally was directly next door to our apartment.

Our favorite local discovery while exploring Venice? The Filler-Up Wine Shop. Bring in any empty bottle and fill it with the wine of your choice for $2.50-$4.00 a bottle – less than you would pay for a glass at a local trattoria. What a terrific way to recycle empty water bottles!

We stayed at a small but cozy 2-story apartment with a full kitchen, lovely balcony, and wood-beam ceilings.

First it just felt homey – then it was home. The fact that it was built in the 1700s was just a bonus. The building across the alley was so close I could reach across the balcony guard rail and tap on their window.

But then everything in Venice is in tight quarters. Venice is an old city – it looks old – sometimes very old. The water-logged foundations date back to the 11^thcentury; the newer building facades are as recent as the 15^th. So many buildings stripped of paint and plaster on both sides of a small alleyway, I expected them to crumble before my eyes until I reminded myself they have looked pretty much the same for over 500 years.

Going from the crowded parking lot area with throngs of cars, buses, and vans — the last vestiges of the auto industry I was to see for a week — I was transformed into another world, exploring Venice filled instead with canals, gondolas, water buses, cobbled streets, alleyways, bridges and cafes. Picture everything that makes any city run – buses, taxis, fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, postal services, FedEx deliveries, garbage pick-ups – but they're all boats! And the city still runs.

Expect to get lost while exploring Venice.

And thank goodness, because that is the best way to explore the city and find those gems that are not part of the major tourist itineraries.

Among those gems is Pinocchio Island, home to a local Geppetto whose real name is Roberto Comin, maker of magical marionettes. These brilliant little string creatures represented all aspects of Venetian historical and theatrical culture, lovingly produced by Comin for 25 years in a workshop over 350 years old. Requests now come in for characters from Shakespeare to Cleopatra and yes, a Johnny Depp look-alike that was given to the actor for his birthday. The costumes rival the intricacy and elegance of any Medici gown or regal accessory. Want a marionette dopple-ganger of yourself? It’s doable, but it'll cost you about $600.

Ghetto Campo de Nova — the original

Another unusual find, especially surprising in such a Catholic city, home to well over 100 churches, is a small square that is actually referred to as Ghetto Campo de Nova where there are five synagogues, several kosher restaurants and residents sporting traditional Jewish skull caps known as yarmulkes. The kosher menus include antipasto and spaghetti, as well as bagels and potato latkes. Talk about an ecumenical meal! With a little imagination and a lot of Manischewitz wine, you could be in Israel!

Getting lost is a given – did I mention that?

People spend as much time looking up at the signs designating different sections, squares and churches of the city as they do looking down at maps, phones and GPS's. My favorite response from a young street vendor: “Go right, over the next bridge, then ask someone else.” And then when you don't think things can get any worse, you see the sign you've been searching for and it points in both directions. I thought about giving up and going home, but I had no clue how to get there.

We wandered everywhere, sitting at cafes to eat or drink wine, always aware of how little English we heard – again reinforcing the idea of living like a local. And the more we wandered, the more enjoyable were the discoveries: a delightful mask store, street musicians in jeans playing Vivaldi, an out-of-the-way Leonardo DaVinci Museum.

Discovering Piazza San Marco, a World Heritage site and symbol of Venice.

Not every stop in Venice is off-the-beaten-path. Like the Spanish Steps in Rome and the Uffizi in Florence, it’s the symbol of the city. So if you want to avoid tourists, don't go there, especially not on a weekend. But part of the reason they're there used to be the pigeons. My unfiltered 19-year-old memory recalled the square covered with them. Decades later, my first thought was, “Where are all the pigeons?” Then I saw them. “Oh yes, over there by that guy with all the bird food.” But, after years of discouraging the pigeon population, the birds are not what they once were.

We took the vaporetto to the island of Murano.

We left the canals behind and felt the freedom of open waters as we entered the lagoon surrounding the city. Murano, world famous for its glass figurines, jewelry and home décor since the 11^thCentury, is a must-see destination if you want to be absolutely sure you're buying Murano glass and not a knock-off. A visit to the factory offers insight into how the glass is made, the colors created, the intricacies of the designs and the skills of the master glass blowers. Makes you better appreciate the high prices you then encounter in the gift shops...sort of....

I was amazed at the intricate convoluted shapes in colors so vibrant and translucent that the light passing through intensifies the whole experience. I wanted to decorate my whole house with cups, vases, dishes and elaborately designed decorative pieces, but I settled for a pair of earrings.

Visiting the Lido

As we exited another vaporetto at Lido, the beachfront community, we were transported to another era, that of a modern beach town hawking flip flops, beach toys and sunglasses. And then I saw a bus! One with actual wheels. Dorothy, you're not in Venice anymore!

A wide sand beach with crowded umbrellas and chaise lounges could be seen on one side, and isolated blankets on the other. Large elegant hotels front the tree-laden boulevards with greenery everywhere, a color sorely lacking in the squares and alleyways of Venice. It was a fun diversion, but I was so happy to get back home, pick up some Branzini from the fish market in Santa Margherita Square, plus a water bottle full of wine from the Filler-Up shop, and dine out on our balcony.

There's something more special about discovering such treasures.

The essence of the Untour experience can be summed up discver it yourself. There's something more special about discovering such treasureson your own rather than being herded there as part of a group, according to a pre-determined time schedule that dictates how long you can spend looking before it hurries you through because the bus — in this case, one on water — is leaving to go to the next stop.

It was so much nicer just to pick up some fresh fish, wave to shopkeepers we had befriended, and return home to sit on our porch, sip yet another glass of wine and savor our most recent exploits. And feel reassured that no one has ever been irretrievably lost while exploring Venice, but if so – how lucky for them. They're still there!

For more information, visitwww.untours.com.

Fyllis Hockman

Fyllis Hockman is a multi-award-winning travel journalist who has been traveling and writing for over 30 years — and is still as eager for the next trip as she was for the first. Her articles appear in newspapers across the country and websites across the internet. When not traveling, she is almost as happy watching plays or movies, working out, and sitting on a barstool next to her travel-writing husband.

Pamplona never sleeps during fiesta

Next Sunday is the first of eight runnings of bulls in Pamplona. The Fiesta of San Fermin in Pamplona, known as the Running of the Bulls in the US, is a nonstop, 24-hour party. From July 6 to July 14 there is always dancing in the streets, bands around every corner, and continuous supplies of wine from bottles being passed through the streets, carried by seemingly thousands in the crowd. Six bullfights are held every evening and the spectacular European-championship fireworks light the skies every night.

Originally a religious festival, not wild revelry

San Fermin is a religious festival commemorating the patron saint of Pamplona and I have been attending religiously for the past 47 years. Why do I go back year after year? Bullfights can be found in scores of other Spanish towns and proces­sions are a way of life in Spain. People dance everywhere and bands play throughout the world.

But in this fortress city in northern Spain in the foothills of the Pyrenees, these elements combine with the diverse personalities of people from around the world to create an addictive atmosphere. The magic of this fiesta in Pamplona is the virtual suspension of time combined with a chance to live life minute by minute once one is swept into the unique world of Fiesta. It is this creation of an altered state that makes this festival unique.

Made famous by Hemingway·in his novel "The Sun Also Rises," and described more recently by James Michener, who extolled the experience in a chapter in "The Drifters," the festival is most popularly known for its Running of the Bulls. It was Michener's book that introduced me to the fiesta. I made my first journey only months after reading his descriptions.

The morning run in Pamplona

The world's view of the fiesta is broadcast on TV and splashed across newspapers for two to three minutes each morning at 8 am. Six fighting bulls, averaging more than 1,000 pounds each, and seven steers run through throngs of anxious runners dressed in the traditional garb of white with red scarves. Most of the thousands of runners who cram the narrow course that winds between ancient buildings succumb to natural panic. They cringe in doorways and dive over fences to avoid the rampaging herd. But experienced runners dare death by coming as close to the horns of the fighting bulls as possible and then, hopefully, escaping injury by diving to the side at the last instant.

Over 47 years, I have experienced this group adrenalin rush along every cobblestone of the run in Pamplona. I have run toward the bulls as they first step out of the corral onto Calle Santo Domingo, whirling and sprinting for 50 yards through the 15-foot­-wide chute in front of the horns before diving to the side. I've seen a runner only an arm's length from me get caught by a bull, watching in anguished slow motion as he was tossed on the horns and eventually driven through the barricades by the 1,200-pound animal. I was transfixed as townspeople carried his bloody body to a nearby ambulance.

Running beside my youngest brother, I'd been trailing the bulls into the entrance of the bullring when one suddenly stopped and turned around. The ensuing panic was wild. My brother and I leaped to the barricades, clinging for our lives while the bull decided whom to charge.

Obviously, there is no logic to this event. It may be a form of sen­sation addiction.

The running is dangerous

Ambulances and first-aid stations are positioned alongside the barricaded streets and, after the run, do a brisk business. Dozens of runners are injured every day. During the past 100 years, hundreds have been seriously gored, but only 13 men have been killed by the bulls. Click here for a good video about how to run the bulls.

Some refer to this as a sport; others, perhaps more accurately, term it simple madness. No one really knows why the "running" started. Years ago the local butchers were also the men who herded the bulls into the arena from the corrals on the outskirts of town. This herding or running of the bulls down to the arena eventually developed into the exciting spectacle seen every morning from July 7-14.

Two ways to see a bullfight -— well dressed and formal or drunk and singing

The bulls that run in the streets of Pamplona each morning perform in the bullfights in the Plaza de Toros that evening. Some of the best bullfighters in Spain come to Pamplona to fight for what has been called the rowdiest bullfighting crowd in the world. Many of the spectators, mostly those sitting in the cheap seats under the blazing sun, spend the entire bullfight singing, dancing, and spraying each other with bottle after bottle of champagne. They register their displeasure with underperforming toreros by raining seat cushions and the fruit from their sangria buckets down on their heads.

The serious patrons of the fights sit well-dressed and clean in the expensive shaded seats reservedly observing what has been called a ballet in blood. Aficionados may tell you they love bullfighting, yet hate what the bull must endure. The only consolation is that these creatures are allowed to live a bucolic four to five years — a full two to three years longer than their beef-supplying brethren — and they die a "noble" death.

Pamplona means more than only bulls and bullfights

This fiesta is far more than sim­ply the early-morning run and evening bullfights, however. Officially this is a religious festival commemorating San Fermin, a black bishop martyred by the Moors. This Christian background is reflected in an occasional religious procession. The rest of the fiesta is pure escapism. While the bulls may conjure death and fear, the wild abandon of uninhibited drinking and nonstop dancing celebrates living life to its fullest.

Bars and cafes remain open virtually 24 hours a day. Each day is packed with street performers, marches, concerts, and hundreds of other activities. Local families pore through the newspapers and programs to carefully plan daily activities. At noon, papier-mache giants begin their march through the nar­row streets of the old town, halting regularly to dance to music provided by an accompanying traditional band.

Every night some of the world's most spectacular firework displays light up the sky for almost half an hour. This is the site of the annual European firework championships, where carefully selected companies explode their best and brightest pyrotechnics, leaving each night’s spectators with stiff necks vowing they have never seen anything to match it.

San Fermin's closing ceremony of takes place amidst throngs of revelers at midnight July 14.

Bands and crowds of people holding candles gather again in front of the town hall. As the bands begin to play a slow song of grief, the people fall to their knees, some hitting their heads on the streets in sorrow. They lament, "Woe is me. San Fermin is over. We must wait another year for San Fermin." The music quickens. The crowd again responds, dancing wildly and happily. The slow, sad dirge and the fast, happy music alternate, until the candles have burned to small nubs and dawn begins to peek over the mountains outside of Pamplona. Once again, this city rests, waiting for the next year and another exercise in exuberance.

Charlie Leocha

Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has worked in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.

Vicky Tohopu’s quiche defies French tradition. She binds it not with butter and flour, but with a grated breadfruit shell harvested steps from her open-air kitchen. Inside there’s a fragrant mixture of coconut, basil, and lime pulled from the valley’s volcanic soil.

Under the table, a puppy named Cleopatra, marked by natural eyeliner, chews on a guest’s slipper.

“Everything is vegan,” Tohopu says.

She gestures to the jungle surrounding the NIU Shack on the island of Raiatea. The air smells of wet earth and heavy rain, worlds away from the manicured, overwater-bungalow fantasy of French Polynesia.

Survival in the mountains

Tohopu built this mountain refuge to survive. Fifteen years ago, doctors gave her two months to live. She rejected the diagnosis and returned to her ancestral land. She unplugged herself from the grid, installed solar panels, and pumped fresh water from the river.

She healed herself through a radical return to nature, and now she feeds visitors the proof: fresh coconut water that fizzes on the tongue like soda, a natural carbonation that occurs as the nut dries and the sugars turn.

“This is the beginning of the process,” she tells visitors who come for yoga and plant-based cooking. “The real change happens when you get back home.”

Tahiti’s outer islands, where time moves differently

A different reality thrives on Tahiti’s outer islands. Here, sustainability is not a slogan, but a rhythm of life dictated by the land and the ancestors. In a world obsessed with speed and efficiency, these islanders believe real resilience requires a different currency entirely: patience.

The rhythm of the vanilla bean

On Huahine, a short ferry ride from Raiatea, slowness drives the economy.

On a plastic folding table at the La Mao plantation, the air is heavy and fragrant. Joe Maraama, a guide with a comedian’s timing, holds up a dark, wrinkled pod. Vanilla refuses to be rushed. The vine demands three years to mature. When the orchid finally blooms, it opens only in the morning; farmers must pollinate it by hand before noon. This clock dictates the island’s rhythm.

“You work only half a day,” Maraama says. “No rush.”

Locals surrender the afternoon to the Pacific pace: fishing, swimming, drinking beer, playing ukulele.

Harvest deepens the commitment. Beans can’t simply bake in the sun. Farmers have to cure them for three hours a day over four months to capture the flavor. Then, to distribute the oils and texture, farmers rub every bean by hand once or twice a week.

Maraama grins and pantomimes the motion. “One massage, one shot,” he laughs, referencing the local brew, Hinano Beer.

Tahitian vanilla commands a global price because farmers won’t hurry. Its value lies not just in flavor, but in the refusal to trade quality for speed.

Waiting for the tide to turn

Huahine’s landscape proves that working with the environment is better. Near the village of Maeva, ancient stone V-shapes cut across the water. These fish traps, some dating to 1888, catch mullet, snapper, and parrotfish riding the high tide back to the sea.

They require no bait, no lines and no fuel.

“The fish come in at high tide,” Maraama says. “At low tide, they can’t go out.”

This sustainable technology lets the fisherman sit back with a cooler of beer for 30 minutes. The ocean delivers dinner.

Ancestral practice meets modern living

Erwin Eperania, the sustainability coordinator for Tahiti Tourisme, says Tahiti is looking beyond carbon footprints on the outer islands.

“Sustainability is not just about conservation,” he says. “It’s about respect for land, sea, and the people whose hands care for them.”

The government moves to protect this fragile economy of patience. It has applied for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) to shield the hand-massaged Tahitian vanilla bean from cheap global rivals.

Tahiti is also rewriting your itinerary. Officials encourage tour operators to send visitors to off-grid spots like the NIU Shack, perhaps to prove that luxury does not require air conditioning.

Yet challenges remain. Fresh water is scarce, and trash gets shipped back to Tahiti Nui.

Eperania offers a spiritual directive: “Let the Mana of each island set the pace.”

(Mana is a sacred force that embodies the life and spirit of the islands, the people, and the culture.)

Tourism officials hope travelers will stop rushing and settle into the local rhythm.

“When travelers slow down,” Eperania adds, “they leave a lighter footprint.”

On Raiatea and Huahine, locals measure their worth differently. They trade quick profit for quality, and connectivity for patience. The price of paradise is not a room rate. It is the willingness to slow down to massage a bean, or wait for the tide.

Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can’t solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

My husband and I are travel writers. Which means when we get to a destination, we explore every aspect, constantly seeking out stories. Until we got to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. That didn’t happen. And it was almost like – dare I say the word? – a vacation. But let’s back up a bit.

We are a lot older than our last trip thirty years ago when my husband had the temerity to actually hazard driving. To put the roads in context, they’re dangerous and death-defying. We weren’t trying that again. But to give them their due, as you drive around the harrowing roads (with someone else driving), sometimes the fear subsides sufficiently to ooh and ahh around every turn at yet another spectacular view -- cliches abound -- and yes, more so on Tortola than other Caribbean islands. It's not unusual to hear someone say, "Don't bother craning your neck -- it's just another magnificent view."

So this time we were greatly limited in our usual practice of exploring every nook and cranny. This time, no crannies. So other options. A guided island tour; a ferry to Jost Van Dyke island; a lobster fest on the island of Anegada. But we still had 10 days left and we were stranded. So we gave ourselves permission to enjoy the hotel beach and pool, something we’ve never had time for before.

WHILE THE ROADS IN TORTOLA MAY SEEM HAZARDOUS, THERE’S A THRILLING VIEW OR BREATH-TAKING SITE AROUND EVERY BEND AND TURN IN THE ROAD

So, yes, the beach is pristine, the azure sea inviting, the canopy trees enveloping, the chaise unimaginably relaxing. The reggae music in the background toe-tapping enticing. And I haven't even had my first Painkiller yet -- more on that later. I lay cocooned trying to visualize all the other island attractions I've yet to discover. I'm just not sure I want to. Fortunately, I pretty much wasn’t able to.

Later, sitting on my hotel balcony, another rum drink in hand and listening to the madding cacophony of coqui tree frogs singing their nightly repertoire, I couldn't be further away from the ambiance of my usual city life. I was very okay with that.

Although during certain times of year, swimming is discouraged on Tortola due to unusually powerful undertows, beaches still reign supreme on the island. There are beaches for snorkeling, some for diving, others surfing, secluded spots for quiet reflection, others attract the partying crowd. The BVI, comprised of 60 islands and cays with six inhabited, is also the "Sailing Capital of the World."

One getaway we allowed ourselves was a short ferry ride to Jost Van Dyke, BVI’s smallest inhabited island. White Bay, home of the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar, lives up to its name. So does the Soggy Dollar. Rumor has it that coming off the boats -- the only mode of transportation to the island – sailors’ money would get wet on the approach. The bar -- home to the original Painkiller (we're still getting to that) -- was willing to accept their mangled money -- i.e., their soggy dollars....

THE SOGGY DOLLAR BAR IN JOST VAN DYKE ISLAND IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS IS THE ORIGINAL HOME OF THE LUSCIOUS PAINKILLER, THE BVI’S SIGNATURE RUM DRINK

People come for the express purpose of having a good time -- and are determined to do so. Painkillers help. These magical drinks -- Pusser's rum (and only Pusser's rum) with coconut cream and fruit juice -- were first created at the bar in the 1970's and has since become the signature drink throughout the BVI.

Because of high tides, swimming on Tortola is sometimes discouraged but the water on Jost van Dyke is calm and inviting. I was so afraid I was going to go home and have to admit I had spent two weeks in Tortola without going into the ocean. Thank you, Jost Van Dyke!

Rejuvenated by a swim, we headed out to the second most famous bar on the island -- Foxy's, part of a whole even-more commercial open-air market. It makes Soggy Dollar look like a laid-back neighborhood hangout. A large mural dominates the bar area.

But most of my unknown comrades were there for the atmosphere, loud music and a bar covered with pennants, hats, assorted license plates and dollar bills hanging precariously. With every corner covered, it's a lot to take in. Foxy Callwood, who opened the bar in 1968, is a man of many stories which he is more than happy to share and share....

THE J.R O’NEILL BOTANICAL GARDENS IN ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL TREAT

The city center of Road Town, Tortola’s capital, offers your typical cruise ship fare so the less said the better. Not a dig at Tortola -- just true of every Caribbean Island. But right in town is the J.R. O'Neill Botanical Gardens -- a hidden oasis that justifies a trip to town. A labyrinth of interlocking paths engulfed in greenery -- admittedly a tad redundant since the entire island blankets you in greenery.

Small, large, low, high and enormous, with leaves the size of surfboards that make you stop and stare. Plants are light, dark, thin, thick, mottled, marbled – a mini-rainforest in the middle of a city.

Did I mention the roosters -- they're everywhere, either strutting about in their feathered finery or sparking a cringe-worthy pillow on the head during their very early morning greetings – repeated multiple time throughout the day. There’s no stopping them.

Alas, again without a car, we returned to our pool and our beachfront. We managed to adjust very well to our new reality. We’ve never had time to read books on a working trip before. We could get used to this…

For more information, visit BVITOURISM.COM or call: 1-800-835-8530.

Bobby Chase and Sarah Butler are childhood friends, so they were excited when their parents told them they were going on a family vacation to a working farm. Because the adults don’t know each other, the youngsters understood that they would be heading to different places. They looked forward to sharing stories about their experiences when they returned home.

Much to their surprise, their accounts had little in common. The Chases visited the Dogwood Hills Guest Farm in Harriet, Arkansas, which invites the public to “Stay with us and learn.”

Among tasks that Bobby enjoyed were gathering freshly laid eggs, feeding animals, picking berries and helping in the garden. His parents took classes in cooking, cheese and pasta making, quilting and other crafts. (For more information log onto thefarmex.com.)

Much of Sarah’s time at the Leaping Lamb Farm in Alsea, Oregon was spent hiking, taking nature walks, fishing with her father, observing the resident donkey and peacock,  and playing with the cats that live in the barn. (leapinglambfarm.com)

In each case, the young people experienced just a sampling of activities and attractions that were available. That variety is typical of many farms and ranches which welcome guests to enjoy an immersion in a way of life which otherwise they may never experience.

Unwind and meet animals at farm and ranch vacations

For those seeking a relaxing respite from city life, or a change of pace from their daily routine, going to a farm or ranch can provide an opportunity to slow down, take part in some new kinds of tasks, and get up close and personal with a variety of animals. A number of these sanctuaries also offer an unexpected selection of things to see and do, along with always comfortable, in some cases luxurious, accommodations.

There are farms that are home to animals beyond the usual chickens, cows and other familiar beasts. For examples, the Heritage Farm in Flora, Indiana touts itself as a petting zoo. The big attraction is a herd of dozens of alpacas, and among chores involving them are feeding, helping the shearers and assisting with their health care. A 400-foot zip line provides a much faster experience, and accommodations range from a modern guest house to an 1850s log cabin. (heritagefarmevents.com)

Some farm and ranch vacations immerse guests in history

History also lives at the White Stallion Ranch nears Tucson, Arizona. Its original house was built in the 1900s of mud and straw adobe brick, and a section of that early construction is still visible. Accommodations have greatly expanded to include 43 guest rooms and a four-bedroom hacienda. Given the name, it’s not surprising that activities are focused on horseback riding, cattle sorting and penning, and other cowboy-related routines. In addition, the ranch offers a choice of other things to do that includes archery, rock climbing, tennis, a swimming pool and a spa and fitness center. (whitestallion.com)

Guests at the Abbey Road Farm Winery in Carlton, Oregon sleep in an even more unusual setting. It has comfortable suites in three silos, two of which were part of the property’s original grain storage facilities and that are outfitted now with plush beds, heated floors and Jacuzzi tubs. This vineyard produces small-batch wines which guests may sample, along with gourmet multi-course breakfasts prepared by the onsite chef. (abbeyroadfarm.com)

Learning about ecofriendly practices during farm and ranch stays

Those seeking a more basic place to lay their head at night may be interested in knowing about Otter Creek Farm in Johnsonville, New York. The choices there include a new rustic “corn crib” creek side cabin and comfortable, well-stocked tents. Along with walks around the 465-acre spread and hobnobbing with the animals, guests may take a tour to learn about regenerative farming practices, which include such environmentally friendly approaches as topsoil renewal, biodiversity and resilience to climate change. (ottercreek.eatfromfarms.com)

There’s no surprise what the main focus is at the Bison Ranch Lodge in Pingree, North Dakota. This third-generation family farm and ranch operates as a hunting outfitter for customers who come to fill their freezer with bison meat. It also offers fishing, bird watching and enjoying the serenity of the open prairie. The Lodge utilizes reclaimed barn wood and other items acquired from the property and nearby farms and ranches. (bisonranchlodge.com)

You may meet and greet some unusual creatures while vacationing at a farm or ranch

Given its name, you probably can guess who awaits at the Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins in Harland, Vermont. Honored as that state’s best farm by Yankee Magazine, it invites visitors to help feed the animals, collect eggs, milk the sheep and – depending upon the time of year -- learn about cheese making. Anyone looking to come face to face with different denizens of the spread may check out the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, miniature dairy animals whose milk has high butterfat content that’s makes it well suited to turning out butter and cheese. (fatsheepfarmvermont.com)

Websites are available to help people seeking a farm or ranch visit narrow their search.  FarmStayUS.com employs filters that zero in on the kinds of facilities and activities users are seeking. These include accommodations, activities and amenities.

FarmStayPlanet.com offers visits to farms, vineyards, ranches and other related venues around the world. It donates part of its revenue to charities that support small farmers in East Africa and work to reduce animal suffering in the agriculture industry.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn.  He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.

Betty Gordon and her husband Don were looking forward to a wide range of leisure activities and sightseeing opportunities as they checked into their vacation hotel. When they departed several days later, they had enjoyed everything on their wish list.

They had taken dips in the property’s swimming pool and sunbathed on an oceanfront beach. They took a horse-drawn sightseeing carriage ride along the city’s cobblestone streets through its historic neighborhoods. They visited what’s described as the largest inclusive playground in the world, which was designed to be welcoming to children with a variety of disabilities.

That facility was of particular interest to Betty, who has been confined to a wheelchair for many years. Despite that challenge, she has been able to live, travel and participate in activities which in the past would have been beyond her capability.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people – about 16 percent of the global population – currently experience significant disability. This number is increasing due in part to population aging.

In the United States, one in four adults (28.7 percent) has some type of disability.  These include challenges relating to mobility, hearing loss, cognition and other conditions.

In recent years, government-mandated alterations to facilities, improvements provided by companies seeking to attract these customers and other changes have opened the United States, and the world, to exploration by people who in the past could not avail themselves of that opportunity.

The Gordons were benefiting from some of these changes. Their experience only scratched the surface of alternatives to travel that await those who seek them out.  From basics like wheelchair ramps and push-button door openers to some surprising facilities and services, the range of assistance available to people with a handicap who seek to travel is broad and growing.

Help at hotels

The Marriott, Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels are among world-wide chains that share a reputation for offering wheelchair accessible rooms and other disabled-friendly facilities. Many individual properties also fit into that category.

The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a top-flight retreat in Cooperstown, New York has ADA-compliant guess rooms with wheelchair roll-in showers, roll-under sinks, lowly placed  light switches and other features. Ramp slopes to common areas and a pool lift are among the amenities.  (For more information log onto otesaga.com.)

Those seeking to challenge Lady Luck in Las Vegas, Nevada also find a friendly environment. The Main Strip, where most of the hotels, attractions and activities are located, is very accessible, with wide, smooth sidewalks in most stretches. Among welcoming hotels is the world-famous Bellagio, located mid-Strip, which offers three types of accessible rooms, has a swimming pool with a lift and includes its own casino. (visitlasvegas.com)

Accessible-friendly cities

Other cities also reach out to those seeking a disabled-supportive environment. Betty and Don Gordon found much to like about Charleston, South Carolina. For starters, it has been named several times by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 Small US City. The terrain is flat and its historic area is compressed and welcoming to pedestrians. That makes it ideal for a walking or wheelchair tour. For those who prefer to ride, free wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses loop around the city. (charlestoncvb.com)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the adjoining 60-mile stretch of ocean coastline, offer a something-for-everyone choice of seashore settings. Its tourism office has adopted a Sensory Friendly Pledge to create a welcoming, inclusive beach experience for everyone. Trained personnel are available at attractions and restaurants to support visitors who may require assistance, and the city’s airport has a program which allows travelers with a disability to alert personnel that they may require assistance. (visitmyrtlebeach.com)

London is continuingly improving accessibility throughout the city with inclusive designs such as step-free access, ramps and smooth surfaces. These and other facilities help residents and visitors who need assistance to access the transport network, top sights and accommodations. (london.gov.uk)

The bus system in Paris is fully accessible, with frequent services to most areas in the city. Many of the major tourist sites in the city have elevators, ramps, and staff available to help people who need it. An added bonus is that most of the museums and cultural activities in the city are available free, or at a heavily discounted rate, for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Priority access to the Eiffel Tower is offered to visitors with a disability.  They also pay a reduced ticket price, as does a person accompanying them. (paris.fr)

Going by train or ship

In the United States, Amtrak has a menu of options for disabled travelers, beginning with wheelchair lifts and other boarding assistance. Most train stations in major cities, and many others, are accessible. A horizontal bar, which is detectable by someone using a cane, alerts people that they are approaching the ticket counter. Passengers with mobility impairments may be pre-boarded. If meals are offered, they can be brought to a person’s room or seat. (amtrak.com)

Many railway companies in Europe offer assistance for passengers with a disability or reduced mobility who need assistance along the way. Those who need to bring a caregiver along on the journey may be eligible to apply for a complimentary Eurail Pass for that person. (eurail.com)

Passengers aboard cruise ships who require individual help also have options. For example, every vessel in the American Cruise Lines fleet has accessible staterooms with wide doors and bathrooms large enough to accommodate a wheelchair along with grab rails, a shower bench and other conveniences. Most have an elevator that reaches every stateroom deck. Guests may complete an Accessability Questionnaire before they embark. American Cruise Lines’ ships navigate U.S. waterways and coastlines, and offer more than 50 itineraries. (americancruiselines.com)

Most ocean-going cruise ships also are disabled friendly. Because many of them were built relatively recently, they were designed with accessibility features in mind. They offer staterooms which provide easy access to people in a wheelchair, accessible bathrooms and mobility assistance in getting off, and back on, a vessel when it is docked at a port. (cruisecritic.com) 

Plan Ahead

It’s wise to check in advance about available facilities and services how and where you will be traveling, and staying. What assistance does the transportation carrier offer?  What facilities does a hotel provide?

Because only a small number of hotel rooms are designed for guests with a disability, make your reservations well ahead of when you will begin your trip.

Check the hotel’s website or call to discuss its accessibility features. Make sure that what it has available will meet your specific needs.

When you arrive, inspect the room before you unpack. Does it contain everything you’ll need? Is it large enough to maneuver in comfortably?

You might wish to look at the accessiblego.com website. It enables people with disabilities to book their travel arrangements.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn.  He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.

Cal Singh, who runs the company says, “Weeks of preparation can be lost by one delay.”

He’s rebuilt his entire travel operation around that lesson. Every business trip now includes backup flights, refundable bookings, and extra insurance. Because he learned what airlines don’t want you to know: They’re not in the business of making you whole. They’re in the business of getting you from point A to point B. Everything else is your problem.

It’s not just business travelers, of course. Donna Glass’ experience with United tells the same story. Her recent flight from San Francisco to Orlando was delayed multiple times and then switched to a completely different aircraft. She arrived in Florida early the next morning, having spent more than 12 hours in the airport.

Her airline offered her two $15 food vouchers and 7,500 frequent-flyer miles.

“We lost an entire day in Orlando,” Donna said. “The airline basically blew us off.”

Here’s the real question regulators refuse to ask: Is that fair?

The compensation illusion

When airlines talk about “reasonable compensation,” they’re working from a narrow playbook. The DOT focuses on immediate, basic costs like the price of your airfare. Europe goes further with its consumer protections, offering compensation for delays. But even the strictest rules exclude the real-world damage caused by delays.

Airlines are just following the law. But the law was written in a different era, when travel was simpler and airlines were more generous with their passengers. Now, delays are chronic and airlines are watching every penny. Regulators haven’t caught up.

Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO of Stasher, an airport luggage storage network, sees the ripple effects every day. He’s watched thousands of passengers absorb costs that go way beyond a meal voucher.

The hidden costs are very high, and the passengers pay nearly all of them.

“The hidden costs are very high, and the passengers pay nearly all of them,” Wedderburn-Day said. “Airlines are basing fair compensation on their own operating expenses and regulatory requirements, rather than actual economic impact on travelers.”

Maybe that’s the problem. The delay tax exists because airlines calculate compensation based on what it costs themto reschedule flights, not what it costs you to miss the reason you flew in the first place.

TinLeg, a travel insurance company, has the receipts: In 2025, the average payout was $388 per claim. The single biggest culprit was airline delays. TinLeg found nearly 28 percent of all claims were tied to flight delays, up from 26 percent in 2024.

Sometimes, airlines will voluntarily cover some of your expenses, such as toiletries or a change of clothes, to a point.

Even when airlines are generous, there’s a catch

If you can get an airline to compensate you for your expenses, which can happen, there’s a problem that customers create for themselves. Raymond Yorke at Redpoint Resolutions has watched travelers leave money on the table because they didn’t document everything.

“The travelers who get reimbursed quickest are almost always those who kept receipts, took photos, saved emails, and wrote down what happened, in real time,” Yorke says.

A safer bet is to buy travel insurance, but you still have to keep your documentation for some claims. (With bigger travel insurance companies, flight delay claims are automatic and don’t require any documentation.)

“A proper travel protection plan can fill the gap airlines won’t,” says Carlos Cividanes, vice president of business strategy and development at TravelSafe Travel Insurance.

But even travel insurance won’t end the delay tax.

What needs to change?

Justice’s point about the cascading effects of delays is central to understanding why the current system is broken. It treats delays as isolated incidents affecting one person. But when you’re running a company, leading a team, or managing a critical life moment, a delay ripples outward.

Michal Strahilevitz, a professor of marketing at Saint Mary’s College of California who studies business ethics, thinks the whole compensation framework is backwards.

“Airlines do not compensate passengers for pain, suffering, or emotional distress caused by delays,” she says. “But in an ideal world, they would at least try.”

The data backs that up. AirHelp surveyed Americans and found that 41 percent lost money on their last flight disruption. Meanwhile, 91 percent believe airlines should pay compensation for disruptions. And 84 percent of Americans would support an EU-style compensation model, one that actually accounts for losses.

Airlines need to be financially responsible for the total economic cost of delays that they incur.

“Airlines need to be financially responsible for the total economic cost of delays that they incur, and not merely direct costs,” says Wedderburn-Day of Stasher. “There is no incentive yet to change because travelers all bear downstream costs. The model changes only when airlines start to experience the financial bite of chronic unreliability.”

That’s true. Right now, airlines have no reason to operate more reliably because they don’t pay the true cost of delays. The expense is yours to bear. Until that changes, expect more delay taxes.

So here’s my advice: If you’re planning to fly, build redundancy into your bookings. Get insurance. And document everything. Because airlines aren’t going to make you whole. The system isn’t designed to.

At least, not yet.

Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can’t solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

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Dan and Doris Beatty spent the afternoon at an inviting oceanside beach. While they enjoyed the sun, sand, and surf, they had to deal with no-see-‘em biting bugs, be mindful of the strong offshore current, and, when they returned to their hotel room, wash residual grit from their bodies.

The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun’s rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt and sting-free. That’s because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the inner-city hotel where they were staying.

These rooftop pools provide people with added appeal and places to replicate a seaside sojourn without having to travel from their place of accommodation. Many make up for any lack of ocean views with attractions and ambiance.

Rooftop Swimming Pools Are Perfect for “Staycation” experiences

Gas prices are rising, and airport congestion is still unpredictable. Many folks are rethinking long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home escapes. Some are opting for a “staycation” summer, finding an escape right where they live.

For residents of the Nation’s Capital, and those who visit it, that can include the hidden rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington, DC hotel. Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold, colorful wall mural, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol Building and city skyline.

Art also enhances the experience for guests atop the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, Florida. Along with a 360-degree view of the city below, the heated swimming bath is overlooked by a larger-than-life mural created by an acclaimed graffiti artist.

Playing Chess by a Rooftop Swimming Pool in Florida

It’s oversized chess pieces that greet those enjoying the Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Florida. That is the only such installation along the self-proclaimed Emerald Coast, which stretches about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. If they’re not relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon, guests may participate in wine tastings, yoga, bingo nights, and other enticing activities.

People travel far to gaze in awe at the New York City skyline, and there are few more dramatic views than that from the rooftop pool deck at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn. A dramatic Water Tower Bar overlooks the pool and poolside cabanas. Guests of the property may book a complimentary pool time slot, and others may reserve a time slot through resortpass.com.

For a classic yet unexpected location, look no further than the rooftop’s Water Tower. These kinds of structures are an iconic sight throughout the city, but at Art Williamsburg, that edifice can serve as your very own private event venue. Perfect for gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, cocktail and other occasions, the Water Tower has a private bar, can be furnished for your event, and is accessible by elevator.

People Take a Chance at a Rooftop Swimming Pool in Las Vegas

Have you ever surfed on a rooftop? You can ride the FlowRider Wave Ride at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its advanced waveform technology provides a safe yet thrilling environment where people can “hang ten” and test their boarding skills. The innovative design gently absorbs impacts, allowing everyone to master the waves with confidence and enjoy a unique experience right on the Las Vegas Strip.

Dallas Joule Hotel pool

Another thrill awaits those checking out the rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. It’s cantilevered over the streets below, and the clear-walled edge gives the fortunately false impression that swimmers might plunge off the top of the building.

Worrying that you may fall to your death, or trying to surf high above city streets, may not be on your bucket list. However, they’re among the unusual and unexpected activities that swimming pools perched on the roofs of some buildings offer and are available to those who wish to take part.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

Names like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head conjure beauty and long, sandy shorelines. But how many of us know the history and tourism in Oahu. Have you visited the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace? These sights exemplify the stark differences between tourist Hawaii and natural Hawaii.

For my short-lived visit, I stayed in the far southwest corner of the island. However, I filled every day with activities, both natural and historic. When I suggested that I put together a post about the two sides of Hawaii — history and nature — the response was positive. So, here it is.

The history and tourism in Oahu of the Hawaiian Islands

Prior to visiting Hawaii, I recommend that travelers read James Michener's Hawaii. This novel based on history provides an overview of the islands and their development.

Michener looks at the different ethnic groups and how they came to be on the islands. The original group fled from Bora Bora. This formed the royalty of the island. Then the missionaries came. Michener leads the reader through the establishment of Chinese and Japanese families as members of the community and shows how each of them contributed to the development of the islands. Michener uses historical facts to develop the story of his novel.

From missionaries to businessmen

The novel begins in the ninth century and ends in the mid-1950s. The novel shows how the descendants of the original missionaries became the leading families in terms of business, wealth, and politics. The many intermarriages resulted in all of the originals becoming known as the family. Some married Hawaiians. Most were sent to America to be educated. When they left the ministry they went into business on the islands. Over the years, these businesses developed into the most powerful and successful ones on the islands.

Visit the Bishop Museum, founded in 1889 when the Islands were a kingdom. The museum originally was intended to house the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last heir to Kamehameha I. Bishop Museum boasts the largest collection of Hawaii and Pacific area artifacts in the world. The restored Picture Gallery provides a window into the nineteenth century. Pieces from the Museum’s extraordinary collection of oil paintings and rare books from the museum library will be displayed on a rotating basis.

Learn about the independent kingdom of Hawaii

TheIolani Royal Palace sits as the spiritual center of old Hawaii. This unique state started as an independent kingdom. The Iolani Palace, the home of the monarchy, had electricity, plumbing, and phone service prior to both the White House and Buckingham Palace. Much of the furniture which had been sold when the building was turned into an office. The building has been repurchased and restored. Here the businessmen who took over the government imprisoned the last Hawaiian Queen.

Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial are devoted to the surprise attack that started WWII with Japan. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free to all visitors. Get tickets online prior to coming to the memorial or the National Park Service gives out over 1,300 free walk-up tickets each day on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to arrive early for these walk-up tickets; the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center opens at 7 a.m.

The USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941, when their ship was bombed by the Japanese Naval Forces. This loss of life represents over half of the Americans killed during the worst naval disaster in American history.

READ ALSO: 5 Under-the-radar national parks to visit this year

Touristic Hawaii — History and tourism in Oahu

These sites mentioned above, except for the Arizona Memorial, are little known outside of Hawaii. Most visitors come to these islands to enjoy the wonderful weather, beaches, surfing, and tropical vegetation. Waikiki is a name known far and wide for luxury beach vacations and swaying palm trees. For me, this Honolulu beach is far too urban.

Since I had a rental car, I had the freedom to drive across the island. Rental cars are not terribly expensive and they make staying in vacation homes much easier and convenient.

See the Kapi'olani Farmers Market and a drive north from Diamond Head

I drove to the big Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) farmers market and bought greens for dinner and papaya for the next day's breakfast. The stalls were filled with exotic fruits and vegetables. The market operates on Saturday morning from 7:30 until 11 a.m. and on Tuesday evenings from 4-7 p.m.

A spectacular drive up Highway 72 takes visitors from Diamond Head to the Makapuu lighthouse. The setting for this point is wonderful and is reached by hiking about three miles (round trip) up a trail from a carpark. Parking can be tight and the trail is a path populated with families, strollers, pooches, and camera-clad sightseers. From the top of the point, the views northward up the Makapu’u beach stretching toward the North Shore is breathtaking.

Enjoy few tourists and wild nature on the western side of Hawaii

On the other side of the island, the drive up the western shore of Hawaii will quickly convince travelers that Hawaii is not only a haven for the wealthy. Here, small houses are packed into communities and cars seem to fill everyone's yards. The beaches stretch for the most part rugged, but some seem manicured. This side of Hawaii escaped discovery by most guidebooks and tourists. It shows us the hidden rugged part and the uncrowded part of today's history and tourism in Oahu.

At the far northern end of the shoreline, the road stops. It is a dead-end. Prior to the road ending, there is a small cave, Kaneana Cave, where legend says mankind emerged and his existence spread throughout the Waianae Coast. On the road back to civilization Makaha Beach Park has some good surfing and a nearby town with a collection of stores and a surprisingly good Hawaiian restaurant filled with locals, Hannara Restaurant. It serves everything from breakfast to Korean to Hawaiian specialties like Kalua Pig and cabbage, Lau Lau, Poi, and Loco Moco. If looking for local culture, this is the place.

It is tourist time again with Disney, Olina Beach, and a Luau

Finally, we come to the cluster of upscale hotels at Ko Olina. Here, the Four Seasons, Disney's Aulani Resort, and Marriott's Olina Beach Club rise side by side. At the far northern sector of the neighborhood, Paradise Cove Luau beckons. Some come to Hawaii and never leave this corner of Oahu. There is swimming in four lagoons and a manicured landscaped garden surrounding the area. The nearby Paradise Cove Luau is one of Oahu's top entertainment venues, with a full show, rides on outrigger canoes, and a luau show complete with a roasted pig pulled freshly from the pit. A more perfect place to end your trip through the history and tourism in Oahu cannot be found.

To finish off any tour of Oahu make sure to make your way to Kamehameha Bakery for their Malasadas. The local transportation worker who told us about this place lit up when he described malasadas. Ours did, too, when we tasted them. These wonderful pastries and donuts provide a reason themselves to return to this industrial section of Honolulu, not too far from the airport. I'll even bet your taxi driver knows his or her way to get here when visitors head to the airport to depart. Also, if kids are in tow, make sure to try Hawaiian shave ice (not shaved ice).

Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has worked in Washington, DC, for the past 19 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.

A crowd gathered in Philadelphia recently to enjoy a reenactment of George Washington’s commissioning and wreath-laying at the tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. Nearby, people were allowed to board a collection of historic ships to sail along the Delaware River.

Celebrating America’s semiquincentennial birthday

These are among the examples of activities being planned and undertaken to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. They recall the moment when the Founding Fathers, who had gathered in Philadelphia, declared independence of the 13 American colonies from Great Britain.

This historic event joined together disparate people with equally diverse backgrounds. It took place in Virginia, where Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the New World. The Massachusetts Plymouth Colony, which was created in 1620. Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore in 1632.

Solemn and serious activities will recall America’s 250th anniversary

These and other states and cities have planned a year-long list of festivities to recognize and honor this special birthday. Some will be solemn and serious, others less so. All will attract people from near and far who seek to recall and commemorate the nation’s birth and past accomplishments. Wherever you live, whatever your interests, there’s likely to be a choice of exciting and educational events that you may wish to attend.

Philadelphia will be a hub of celebration of the United States special birthday

Those activities in Philadelphia were kicking off a year-long party. At the Museum of the American Revolution, located just steps away from Independence Hall, immersive galleries, interactive exhibits and theater experiences relate compelling stories of the people and complex events that helped to spark the American rebellion.

Celebration of the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the self- proclaimed City of Brotherly Love got underway this fall with a parade of ships along the Delaware River, a Toast to the Navy gala, and a gathering at the tavern, which was the birthplace of the Marine Corps.

States will also get into the action. A web-based hub has been posted that helps residents of and visitors to Delaware locate sites associated with the semiquincentennial remembrance. It includes a three-day Revolutionary War driving itinerary; a calendar of events listing special exhibitions and other related activities. Visitors will get an overview of places with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. Among these are Cooch’s Bridge, the sight of the only significant military action in the state, and the Grand Opera House, the former site of a hospital that treated wounded from both sides during the fighting.

Massachusetts offers an immersion in early American history

A road trip through Massachusetts is like an immersion in history. That state kicked off its fetes by reliving the Battle of Lexington when, on April 19, 1775, the British sent 700 soldiers from Boston to destroy ammunition and other supplies, and the town’s militia confronted them, leaving eight colonists dead. George Washington then wrote, “The first blood was spilled,” and the American Revolutionary War had begun.

After Lexington, the British marched to Concord to ransack more military equipment.

Among the displays at that town’s museum is the iron-and-glass lantern that Paul Revere famously carried during his “midnight ride,” which is recalled in the familiar poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Events in Philadelphia and along the Delaware River that recall and recount the genesis of the U.S. Navy aren’t the only water-related activities planned. American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise company in the country, will launch an array of extended sailings throughout the year in honor of the nation’s founding. They will include Great United States, Spring Across America, and Civil War Battlefields itineraries.

Whether you prefer to wander by water, mull over museum displays or. check out places where important chapters of U.S. history were written, numerous opportunities will abound throughout the country to celebrate the nation’s special birthday.

For information about these 250th-anniversary events throughout the United States, log onto america250.org.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

In February 1926, a Black historian, journalist, and author named Carter Godwin Woodson launched the celebration of “Negro History Week.” Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford proclaimed Black History Month, asking Americans “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

In 2026, people throughout the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence. States and cities, museums, and libraries will host special exhibitions. Other places will be the sites of programs to recognize and recall that momentous occasion and the role of Black history, life, and culture in the nation’s and the world’s story.

The specific programs will vary widely, as will the contributions and causes of Africans and people of African descent. These events take on added importance at a time when some efforts are underway to ban books and excise them from the country’s schools, libraries, and public culture. Despite differences among projects, they share a common goal.

Black History Month Surprises

Some offer up enticing surprises. For example, many people are unaware that Brooklyn, New York — which stood firmly with the North’s Union states in the Civil War era — had significant ties to slavery. An exhibit in that borough has exposed that painful chapter of the past.

Boston’s Museum of African American History tells the story of men and women who changed the course of America’s past in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Black Heritage Trail explores the history of the city’s Black community in the 1800s, including the Underground Railroad, the abolition movement, and the early struggles for civil rights.

Atlanta, Georgia, was home to many civil rights leaders. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, which includes several sites related to King’s life and work. He was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in 1968 while leaning over a balcony railing, speaking with Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Washington, DC, is a treasure trove of museums that highlight the role Black citizens played in U.S. history. The centerpiece is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum’s collection includes more than 40,000 objects, not all of which are on display.

Detroit is another center of African-American lore. It was home to some of the largest hiding places, called “stations,” along the Underground Railroad route followed by people fleeing slavery to freedom in the North. Exhibits in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History includes the reproduction of a slave ship with life-size sculptures of people in shackles, as well as more uplifting exhibits like a case displaying products of Black inventors.

Celebrating Black History Month in Small Towns

Some small towns also pay homage to pages of African-American history. Memories of the Civil War are evoked around Winchester, Virginia (population about 27,000). The Star Fort was built by Union troops in 1863 at a place where a Confederate artillery emplacement stood. The house that served as Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters contains his prayer table, initialed prayer book, and other personal and family artifacts.

People and Places that played Big Roles in Black History

Any discussion of Black heroes must include Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist who, after escaping slavery, led dozens of other enslaved people to freedom. She used a network of antislavery activists and “safe houses” along the Underground Railroad route. In 1863, Tubman led an expedition of African-American soldiers in South Carolina, which rescued more than 750 former slaves.

Places associated with this remarkable woman are scattered far and wide. Among exhibits at the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, New Jersey, are African masks, metal shackles used on enslaved people, and vintage photos. I was intrigued by Harriet’s quote that “I was conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say – that I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

It’s an area of rugged foothills, limestone valleys, and dense forests. They occupied a canyon that separates the Appalachian Plateau from the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains.

The primary reason why this locale managed to escape the most dire consequences of the economic crash was the presence of the Pennsylvania State University. That institution provided both jobs and financial stability to those who lived and worked nearby, even through the depth of the Depression.

Somewhat later, a husband-wife team of newspaper columnists began referring to State College, the town where Pennsylvania State University is located, as the “Happy Valley.” That name stuck.

I recently visited the community and other nearby towns and returned home with an understanding of why Happy Valley is an apt title and description.

Penn State’s Art, Arboretum, and more Penn State offers a unique atmosphere characterized by youth, vibrancy, and culture.

Founded in 1855, it enrolls about 90,000 students each year and has 20 campuses throughout Pennsylvania, including its main site, University Park, adjacent to downtown State College.

The university and its surrounding grounds themselves offer an inviting choice of attractions. One is the collection at the Palmer Museum of Art. It spans centuries and represents a diversity of cultures, from American and African creations to works on paper.

The Museum is situated within The Arboretum at Penn State, a lovely, curated landscape that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and nature. Among its many features are 10 acres of garden spaces, 14 acres of rolling meadows, colorful seasonal plantings, sculptures, and gentle walking paths over which to explore the site.

Nearby, outdoor art turns the entire downtown heart of State College into an outdoor museum. A downtown Art Walk trail features 40 murals, sculptures, statues, stained glass and other works.

Treats for the Taste Buds in Pennsylvania’s Happy Valley

Treats for the taste buds rather than the eyes are served up at the Penn State Berkey Creamery, the largest university ice cream maker in the United States. The milk which is used comes from university cows and agricultural students contribute to making the delicious dessert. Among rotating flavors are some unusual choices like White Out, Monster Mash and Peachy Paterno, named after the university’s long-time football coach.

Those dairy delights hint at the variety of field-to-fork foods which add to the destination’s appeal. Amish family farms provide beef, cheese and produce that are raised and grown with loving care.

The Heirloom Farmer offers milk, muffins, honey and more, harvested from nearby fields. The history of the Way Fruit Farm dates back to 1872, when 1,000 apple trees were planned, and it continues under ownership of the sixth generation of the original owner’s family.

Museums recount history in the Happy Valley of Pennsylvania

History also lives in museums, which recount various chapters of the area’s story. Iron-making began in Pennsylvania as early as 1720 and evolved into a key industry due to the abundance of high-quality iron ore, limestone, and trees. While advances in technology led to the closure of most iron furnaces in the late 19th century, I was immersed in the heyday of that industry at the Eagle Iron Works and in Curtin Village. The story of how the region’s leading industry came to be is told there through hands-on demonstrations and walking tours. The Curtin Mansion engulfs visitors in the genteel ambiance of an upscale Federal-era manor house.

The Boal Estate has been that family’s home for over 200 years, and displays the original furnishings, artwork, and artifacts from around the globe. I found the adjacent small, but imposing, Columbus Chapel more intriguing. It houses what’s said to be the most extensive collection of Christopher-related items in North America, including an Admiral’s Desk, which is believed to have belonged to the famous explorer.

The Matson Museum of Anthropology displays casts of ancient fossil life. Artifacts that highlight various aspects of farming and rural life are on display at the Pasto Agricultural Museum.

Towns and Tourism in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania

To me, tiny towns that are scattered about the area, each with its own character and appeal, are equally varied and inviting. Boalsburg is a walkable community that clings to its quaint village atmosphere. Philipsburg displays ties to the region’s industrial past. Founded in 1795, Bellefonte (pronounced Bell-font) retains much of its original Victorian architecture. 

Another magnet for tourism is a diverse list of year-round festivals that appeal to a wide range of interests. From street fair to music fest, farm celebrations to a craft market, they add to the long list of attractions that draw more than five million travelers a year to experience and enjoy what State College and its nearby neighbors have to offer.

For more information, log onto happyvalley.com.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

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On a recent trip, I had a chance to wander through some German castle gardens. The only problem was that I visited as snow was falling. Now, summer is here and the gardens are full of life again.

This article was sent to me from the German National Tourist Office, focused on a part of Germany that I love best. This handful of castles and their gardens is only the beginning of scores of German palaces and castles surrounded by spectacular botanical grounds.

Germany’s castle gardens are spectacular and represent a vast diversity of styles, including French baroque and English landscape. The historical gardens in Germany are clustered geographically and are usually associated with the culture of one of the great German dynasties. The gardens are great for visitors: Almost all of Germany’s best gardens open early and are mostly free of payment.

Only one hour south of Berlin, the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Prince Franz of Anhalt-Dessau in the 18th century, its incredible English landscaping, palaces, and sculptures make this a worldly gem. The larger lake and channels make the Garden Realm an exceptional example of landscape design and planning from the Age of the Enlightenment. www.woerlitz.de

Sanssoucci, in Potsdam, close to Berlin, is since the 18th century the former summer palace and garden of Prussia’s King Frederick the Great. It is renowned for its palaces and Schinkel buildings and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque garden, which had gone out of fashion in the meantime, was redesigned in the style of a landscape park under Frederick the Great’s successors and was expanded by Frederick William IV, with famous structures such as Charlottenhof Castle, the Orangery, and the Roman Baths created by famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. www.spsg.de

Situated on both sides of the German and Polish border, the garden landscape of Bad Muskau Park is a special gem of eastern Germany and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, a nobleman, travel writer, and landscape gardener, designed this garden and park in the beginning of the 19th century, and it is one of the most beautiful in the world. Covering an area of around 830 hectares, Muskauer Park is made up of a number of smaller parks. All have different features, depending on which side of the border they lie on. Pückler based the gardens around his stately castle on the English Regency style common in the early 19th century. www.schloesserland-sachsen.de

The famous Royal Gardens, built in the 17th century in the district of Herrenhausen in Hannover, have various styles. The most important styles and genres of landscape design are authentically represented here: the baroque garden in the French style, the English landscaped garden and the botanical garden. There is also the historic grotto, where the arches have been transformed into a unique artwork by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Every year there is a fantastic fireworks competition. www.hannover.de

The spa town of Bad Kissingen, in northern Bavaria, is amassed with blooms. For centuries the town has been a getaway for famous guests such as Prussia’s Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. In the 20,000-square-mile Kurgarten, the visitor can see flower arrangements that change continuously. The 35-year-old linden trees that border the footpaths add to the symmetry of the park. The Luitpoldpark is an "English style" landscape garden with wonderful lawns. Native and exotic, young saplings and 100-year-old trees give this spacious park plenty of elegance and flair. The Rose Garden does not just have sweet-smelling roses to offer; a magnificent fan-shaped fountain is proudly situated in the center. www.badkissingen.de

Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has worked in Washington, DC, for the past 19 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.

Why Comillas?

At the time it became a fashionable place to vacation and eventually, the Spanish royal family began to spend their summers here. The building was designed as the home for one of Spain's most eligible bachelors. After making his fortune in Cuba-Spain commerce he wanted to build a summer house in his hometown. Tragically, he only spent a few nights in this home before passing away.

The outside of the house is decorated with glossy tiles depicting bright leaves and sunflowers that almost seem to move with the sun, and shiny wall tiles. These contrast with rough stones and bricks, each laid with geometric precision. Plus, surrounding the house were fanciful wrought-iron railings with built-in "hanging" benches and decor that added another form of whimsy.

The main gardens, always important for Gaudi, lie at the western end of the house. Besides Gaudi's desire to highlight the main entrance, the narrow shape of the land influenced his design. Behind the home on the southern side, there is a small grotto and narrow garden.

The public and private sides of the house 

The building itself is a display of colors, tiles, and location, with Mudejar, Gothic, and Oriental styles. Gaudi designed the house with a public side and a private side. A flamboyant façade with four stone columns stands at the western end of the building. It opens into the public areas. A visitor’s room, dining room, and living room are all reached through the grand entrance. The private side of the building includes the master bedroom and a large bathroom. These rooms are on the eastern side of the house and provide privacy for the owner away from the public area.

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Colors and light predominate in Gaudi's design. Tall windows let in the morning sun and they were designed with a modular system to allow additional light on the north-facing side of the home. Stained glass windows are featured in every room, allowing soft colors to mingle with sunlight. Every window features glass decor that reflects nature or music. Finally, take a good look at the ceilings. The beams and coffered details are extraordinary and are different for every room.

A building designed for the movement of the sun

This public/private layout was also influenced by the movement of the sun. The bedroom, private sitting room, and bathroom were on the eastern end of the building to take advantage of the morning sun. This is where the owner was expected to spend his early hours. Then, to take advantage of the sunset, the public rooms of the house were set on the western end of the home.

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Between these two ends of the home is a magnificent greenhouse along the southern façade and a phenomenal music room that opens to the northern side of the building. The music room or living room is equipped with wonderful acoustics, cantilevered windows that "sing" as they are raised and lowered, and which can be operated with only a finger because of the delicate balance in their construction.

Visit Gaudi's creation from November through February from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., from July to September from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and in July and August they are open a extra hour in the evening.  The last access to the site is 30 minutes before. There are also guided open for visits. Check the website for times of visits in English (normally about 12:30 and 4:30, however, they change with the seasons.) The best way to enjoy El Capricho de Gaudí is with a guide or a recorded guide (in five languages). Price will be €10.00 (For a basic entrance, you’ll pay €7).

On the website, they have more options for the towns in the region.

Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has worked in Washington, DC, for the past 19 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.

Pairing them with a sightseeing outing can turn a hands-on learning experience into a mini-vacation that satisfies your taste buds and tourism curiosity.

That was true for Marie Crawford. When she decided to enhance her culinary skills, she found that no cooking classes were offered in or very near to her Colorado hometown. She signed up to take a course at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

There, she learned to create recipes using locally grown, sustainable ingredients and “snout to tail” low-waste procedures.

Marie also turned her gastronomic gallivant into a sightseeing excursion. She visited the Colorado National Monument, which often is referred to as a “mini-Grand Canyon;” checked out Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, and snapped photo after photo at Rattlesnake Arches, which boasts the second largest concentration of archways in the world.

Similar opportunities to combine a culinary learning experience with stimulating sightseeing abound throughout the United States. After a search to find cooking classes that are of interest, people may hunt for things to see and do nearby.

Find food basic skills, development and preparation principles.

Among the culinary courses at Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana are food basic skills, development, and preparation principles. The region’s relationship with food traces back to the 1830s, when the Elysian Groves Plantation grew corn, sweet potatoes and other crops which were shipped to markets in the south and east.

Meal time in Texas often means brisket, chicken fried steak and pecan pie. At the Spread Oaks Ranch in Markham selections include fresh-from-the gardens and greenhouse veggies, and learning to pair wines with food. When they’re not preparing, or enjoying edibles, guests may select from a long list of activities including fresh and salt water fishing, hunting birds and stalking deer, wild hogs and alligators.

Agriculture has long shaped Idaho’s identity and the state’s food culture reflects a deep connection to locally grown ingredients and seasonal produce. Students at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene may study classical cooking techniques, nutrition and baking fundamentals.

Culinary Essentials, Nutrition, Bakeshop I and II

These classes also are offered at the Danville Area Community College in Illinois. They’re augmented by courses in salads, sandwiches, farm-to-fork and other topics, all taught by master chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen.

The choices at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana are equally varied, and are available at nine locations. In addition to overall Culinary Arts classes they include baking and pastry, dietary administration and beverage management.

Hands-on experience is a focus of study at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington. It blends classic cooking techniques with regional flavors. Students gain experience working in local kitchens, including the College Café.

Cook in a college café

Perfecting your pastry prowess, broiling brisket, and trying out regional recipes are just a few of the countless approaches to upgrading one’s culinary talents. Combining that learning experience with a sightseeing sojourn can offer benefits well beyond the plate and palate.

For a comprehensive list of cooking schools throughout the United States, log onto culinaryschools.org/us.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

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One morning, during my recent visit there, I observed nattily dressed men and women playing the genteel game of croquet. That pastime traces its roots back to England in the 1860s, when it was promoted by the Earl of Essex and became a popular, socially accepted form of leisure.

That afternoon, I watched a spirited polo match, which originated in ancient Persia more than 2,000 years ago and evolved to become known as “The Sport of Kings,” popular in high society.

When evening arrived, I ate dinner during my month-long stay at a number of what can only be described as “dive bars” which are dotted throughout the community. They compete for customers with white-tablecloth fine-dining establishments that offer excellent food at sometimes excessive prices.

This diversity is, to me, one of the Palm Beach area’s numerous inviting and intriguing traits. Walking or driving in the region introduces visitors to a smorgasbord of things to do and see, which range from upscale to underprivileged, from interesting man-made attractions to some of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiworks.

Palm Beach, Florida, has its share of inviting beaches – and more

For starters, Florida means inviting seashores, and this location has its share of them. Those seeking a serene setting and calm waters often head for Sandy Point Beach. Trails meandering inland from the Riviera Municipal Beach cross dunes and coastal hammocks, and this stretch of sand offers excellent shelling. Ocean Reef Park is often pounded by powerful waves, which can challenge all but the most accomplished swimmers.

This oceanfront location attracted Native Americans at least 3,000 years ago. Evidence of their habitation includes pre-Columbian archaeological complexes comprising burial mounds and cemeteries.

Early white settlers built the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse around 1860. Twenty years later, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Fagler constructed three resort hotels which transformed the tropical landscape into a winter resort for the wealthy, then he extended the Forida East Coast Railway to the area.

In 1902, Flagler built a spectacular mansion as a gift for his bride, a Beaux Arts–style modern manor adorned with pink aluminum-leaf wallpaper, which was more expensive at the time than gold. The 4,750-square-foot Grand Hall, Library with its painted cast plaster ceiling and silk- and wood-lined Drawing Room give visitors a feel for the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy at that time. So vast is that castle-like structure that my first thought upon entering was if I had ever lived there, I’d have needed a map to find my way around.

Reliving the Gilded Age in Palm Beach, Florida

Those who are there in mid-day may segue into a “Gilded Age Style” lunch in the Café des Beaux-Arts. It’s housed in the Pavilion, a 19th-century, iron-and-glass railway palace which also displays Flagler’s private railroad car.

Palm Beach continues to live up to its reputation as a retreat for the super-rich. Several years ago, Forbes magazine reported that the city was home to at least 30 billionaires – that’s billion with a B. As I strolled along Worth Avenue, past high-end stores like Valentina, Versace and Ralph Lauren, I agreed with its description as one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country which combines European sophistication with elegant style and grace.

Hanging out with locals in Palm Beach, Florida

I also enjoyed the balance provided by stores, restaurants, bars and other establishments that cater largely to locals. Along with their touches of resident vibe, they offer opportunities to meet and mingle with folks who live in the area. Often, they can recommend below-the-radar places to see, and things to do, that visitors otherwise might miss.

In an area where Technicolor flowers and multi-hued foliage grow wild, gardens might seem redundant. However, formal plantings add an inviting painter’s palette to the landscape.

Some, like the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, introduce human touches to Mother Nature’s handiwork. Ann was a renowned sculpture whose works are displayed among some 250 species of rare tropical palms, cycads and native plants, as well as in her home.

Wildlife thrived in Palm Beach, Florida

Where there are sea, sand and soil there’s likely to be wildlife, and it abounds at this destination. The John McArthur Beach State Park offers sightings of sea turtles, osprey and pelicans. Hikers in Phil Foster Park frequently encounter gopher, tortoise and herons. Droll-looking mammals referred to as sea cows congregate in large numbers in Manatee Lagoon, while in the visitor center there I enjoyed close-up views of animals of various sizes as they enjoyed a meal of lettuce and vegetables.

Getting close up and personal with those endearing creatures is one opportunity among many to meet and mingle with denizens of the Palm Beach area of Florida. Other experiences range from reliving the Gilded Age of high society to enjoying magnificent natural settings to checking out fun and funky places at which to sup and sip.

For more information, log onto thepalmbeaches.com.

Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves exploring new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won numerous writing awards.

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The Baltic Sea islands of Rügen and Usedom are known for their serenity — those quiet postcard-perfect days during the summer when the calm ocean waters reflect a cloudless sky. But this part of northern Germany, a long-cherished vacation spot for Europeans, also has its secrets.

You can discover some of them on a bike tour of Usedom’s legendary promenade. There, you can see the Art Deco villas confiscated from Jewish owners during World War II or the unsightly DDR-Turm, a remnant of the East German times. You can also continue your bike ride into Poland.

But those aren’t the only surprises. This area is quietly redefining what it means to be a sustainable tourist destination. Far from mere buzzwords, sustainability here is integrated into the DNA of business operations, nature preservation, and strategic planning, driven by local pioneers committed to a greener future. That, in turn, has revealed more surprises.

A bike tour through time in Usedom

The Europa Promenade, the longest beach promenade in Europe at 7 ½ miles, stretches from Bansin through Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck all the way to Świnoujśce, Poland. It’s a ride through the past best undertaken by bike.

This is a region famed for its distinctive spa architecture, with many grand villas constructed during a building boom between 1875 and 1900. The resorts of Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Bansin became beloved summer retreats for city dwellers.

One of the most common architectural styles is Art Deco, but the architects didn’t limit themselves. Some of the standouts are best described as eclectic because they blend several influences. Some, like the Germania villa, incorporate striking maritime details into their facades, with ships and mountains carved into the sides of the building.

Olschewski says during World War II, many Jewish owners were forced to abandon their summer villas and flee to Israel or the United States. Another scar along the beach is the DDR Turm, a resort built when Germany was divided (DDR stands for Deutsche Demokratische Republik). It’s a classic Plattenbau — a ready-made apartment — that clashes with the otherwise aesthetically pleasing architecture.

“It’s one of the ugliest things we have,” says Olschewski, an art historian. “But it is also worth preserving.”

If you feel ambitious, try cycling all the way to Poland on the other side of the island. That border, too, is a reminder of this region’s history. A tour of the promenade is more than a leisurely ride. It’s also a historical passage, revealing how Usedom has navigated its identity through centuries of geopolitical change.

And the journey is continuing.

Water-centric sustainable tourism

In Rügen, the Wasserferienwelt is pursuing another kind of sustainability. The family business, led by co-owner Till Jaich, has a nearly 70-year legacy steeped in maritime tradition. What began as a venture in outdoor recreation now encompasses nine marinas along the German coastline.

Jaich’s family moved to Rügen in the early 1990s, one of the first Western businesses to invest in the former East Germany.

“It was pretty complicated because we did not know the rules,” Jaich explained, detailing the challenges of establishing marinas where water sports were once forbidden for ordinary citizens.

But Jaich continued developing, eventually opening Germany’s first houseboat accommodations. The property’s dedication to sustainability is obvious, from locally sourced products to its energy-saving initiatives.

The marina’s deep connection to the Baltic Sea is also evident in every detail, right down to the robust construction of the floating homes, which are designed to withstand the region’s winters and winds.

Farther east, on Usedom, the Naturhafen Krummin is also doubling down on sustainability. Its goal is to offer a peaceful, natural experience while also being respectful of the fragile ecosystem in the Baltic islands.

Its commitment extends to the building materials they choose.

“We have a marina completely made out of wood,” explains manager Frank Schmidt. “Every beam you see grew here.” The Naturhafen (natural harbor) also deliberately kept the bay largely untouched — nothing built up, nothing changed — to ensure the experience is as close to nature and as sustainable as possible.

Schmidt says he sees a bright future for sustainability in the Baltic islands. At Krummin, that means focusing on quality instead of quantity. To manage traffic on the single main road of Usedom, especially during peak season, they offer flexible arrival and departure days, and even a pick-up service for guests arriving by train. Its houseboats achieve an impressive occupancy rate of over 300 nights, so there’s not much room for more tourists. There’s also an emphasis on authentic, nature-based activities like canoeing and hiking.

In Rügen, guarding the white cliffs

The iconic Königsstuhl National Park in Rügen is renowned for its dramatic interplay of green forest, blue sea, and white cliffs.

Gesine Häfner, a spokeswoman for the UNESCO World Heritage site, says the park operates under strict regulations that protect this fragile environment. For example, you can’t leave marked paths and can’t get too close to the edge of the cliffs, which are prone to erosion.

The National Park center itself offers an interactive exhibition that takes visitors through 96 million years of history, to a time when the chalk cliffs in the area were underwater. It shows how glaciers shaped the landscape and tells the story of Königsstuhl through engaging multimedia exhibits.

“The core motivation here is to educate people,” Häfner added. “To show them what we have here, and why it’s worth preserving.”

One standout feature is the new Skywalk, a cantilevered platform that allows visitors to experience the breathtaking views of the chalk cliffs without contributing to their erosion, a significant safety concern. Häfner noted that before the Skywalk, visitors would simply walk to the edge.

“But due to erosion, it wasn’t safe to keep it open,” she says.

The best way to reach the visitor’s center is to hike from nearby Sassnitz. It’s a memorable walk through ancient forests along the tops of the white cliffs. Even on a rainy day, Häfner says that visitors can still enjoy the center by simply taking the bus directly to the entrance from Sassnitz.

Usedom’s island-wide green vision for the future

Usedom isn’t just home to sustainable businesses. The entire island has plans for a comprehensive green transformation.

Michael Steuer, the managing director of Usedom Tourism, explains the goal.

“We’re trying to get the whole island certified as a sustainable tourist destination,” he says.

Usedom Tourism itself is already certified as a green business by GreenLabel, a regional accreditation program.

“The aim is to inspire others to join us on this path,” he adds. “It’s important to future generations.”

But what would a greener Usedom look like? One challenge is welcoming 1 million tourists per year to a town of 40,000 inhabitants. Planners hope to reduce the number of cars and encourage people to arrive by train.

Usedom’s tourism authorities already offer visitors a Usedom Card, which includes all public transportation, and encourages guests to leave their cars parked.

“This makes a lot of sense during the busy summer,” says Steuer.

A silver lining for climate change

And then there is the surprise. Beyond traffic management, Usedom is strategically adapting to changing climate patterns. Warmer weather has already stretched the season by a few weeks on both ends, beginning in May and ending in September. But even warmer weather means tourist season may soon start as early as March and last until October. That provides an opportunity to attract more visitors during the off-season and avoid a crush of visitors during the summer.

The collective efforts on Rügen and Usedom, from the innovative water-centric businesses and dedicated park conservation to the island-wide strategic vision for sustainable tourism, are a standout in northern Germany. These islands are actively shaping a sustainable future. And they’re showing that respect for nature, community, and forward-thinking business practices can create a resilient and more authentic travel experience for the next generation of visitors.

Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can’t solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Spas are ubiquitous – and most offer similar services: massages, facials, reflexology, hot coal treatments. I sought out the unusual. I’ve had several different massages over the years. A couple of facials. But they all had one thing in common. Tactile manipulation of various body parts. That and soft New Age-y music in the background to induce relaxation.

Neither was true at SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott on Singer Island. My body remained untouched -- at least by a masseuse -- and the sounds more resemble bells -- Tibetan bowls to be exact -- which more reflect a spiritual journey -- an affirmation of self --  than the usual relaxation escape.

THE TIBETAN BOWL TREATMENT AT THE SISPA AT THE MARROTT RESORT IN PALM BEACH, FL IS A ONE-OF-A KIND SPA EXPERIENCE

Every kind of sound -- different tones and pitches, highs and lows, soft and loud, close and far away. I felt the reverberations throughout my body, a magical, musical symphony coursing through every organ.

And there’s a theory underlining the enchanting experience. Mostly it’s based on aligning the chakras -- apparently, there are seven of them, points along the spine said to represent energy sources in the body. Each is associated with physical, emotional and spiritual functions. ranging from the root chakra between your legs up to the crown chakra atop your head. There’s also heart, throat and solar plexus -- and each chakra controls a different body part - and if the energy in any is blocked, it can have physical and emotional repercussions.

THE TIBETAN BOWL EXPERIENCE AT THE SPA AT THE MARRIOTT HOTEL IN PALM BEACH, FL ALSO OFFERS A LESSON IN HOW THE CHAKRAS IN OUR BODIES DETERMINE SO MUCH OF OUR EMOTIONAL MAKE-UP

Enter the Tibetan Bowls -- a sort of sound therapy to entice your brain to incorporate relaxation and health and peace; to release tension in the body; to bring clarity, improved self-esteem and the healing of negativity. One bowl was placed on each chakra and emitted its own sound when struck. I know one bowl was on my solar plexus, which is related to survival, heart, and communication and another on my head, connected to prayer and intuition. I lost count after that.

Elsa, a Reiki-trained master (a step-above my chakra-addled brain), encouraged me -- in her soft voice in my dimly lit room -- to be calm and listen to the sounds of the bowls, to close my eyes, breathe in and out and connect with the bowls, to focus on their message. Meditation was key.

I did the best I could while trying not to think about all these notes (paper ones, not musical ones) I should be taking. There’s a separate chant for each chakra, which Elsa repeated while circling the table on which I was lying. Apparently, each chakra also has its own color, but fortunately, I didn’t have to concern myself with that.

Different bowls were struck at different times, sometimes in conjunction with each other, other times in concert. The concert -- I mean the treatment -- ended with a grand finale (crescendo?) of all seven bowls playing in unison. It was mesmerizing. 

I may not have understood it all; I may have been a tad preoccupied with trying to remember the experience for this article rather than just experiencing it. But it did feel somewhat mystical and magical -- and I really didn’t want the session to end.

THE TIBETAN BOWL MASTER CIRCULATED MY BODY CHANTING ALMOST AS IF IN A TRANCE – AND I THINK I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AS WELL

But there’s even more to the overall spa experience to be explored at leisure either before your scheduled procedure or after. And yes, you can get all kinds of massages and facials you want. There’s a nail salon, a fitness room, a room with stone beds to lie on with cold cucumbers on your eyes (don’t ask -- or at least don’t ask me....), a steam room, a relaxation room with tea, infused water, fruit, and a Chex Mix assortment -- and of course a jacuzzi. The actual treatment may be the least relaxing option. The Mimosa at the end satiates the only sense that has not yet been gratified!

For more information, visit https://www.thepalmbeaches.com/listing/sispa-at-palm-beach-marriott-singer-island-beach-resort-spa

Fyllis Hockman

Fyllis Hockman is a multi-award-winning travel journalist who has been traveling and writing for over 30 years — and is still as eager for the next trip as she was for the first. Her articles appear in newspapers across the country and websites across the internet. When not traveling, she is almost as happy watching plays or movies, working out, and sitting on a barstool next to her travel-writing husband.