A week in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy’s mosaic

Hidden in the far northeastern corner of Italy, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has been a crossroads for centuries. Bordered by Austria and Slovenia, the region stretches from the Alps and the Dolomites in the north to the Adriatic sea almost an hour’s drive to the south, where populations from the Romans to the…

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Want to catch the April 2024 eclipse in the USA? Start planning now

Even as we travel around the globe, it’s easy to forget that our planet is part of a much larger celestial dance. Sure, we mark the orbit of the Earth around the Sun each year, but nothing reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than the experience of watching the Moon slide…

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Escape the obvious in Paris: Try the Crazy Horse cabaret instead of the Moulin Rouge

France-based travel journalist Anna Richards understands the allure of the Moulin Rouge and why that may be your first preference for cabaret while in Paris - but here's why she thinks you should consider the Crazy Horse. Cabaret dancer Lola Kashmir doesn’t divulge her “real” name to me. When dancers perform their debut show at…

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11 things to know before going to Brussels

It's been my honor and pleasure to call Brussels home for many years – the Belgian capital is a vibrant European hub that welcomes millions of visitors every year with open arms.  However, there are some insider tips about Belgian culture, and Brussels in particular, that will make your trip go a little more smoothly.…

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How to get around France

The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car).  However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around – especially if you want to explore the French countryside – it’s not always the easiest or even cheapest option. The French rail network is superb, and traveling…

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First-timers’ guide to Fontainebleau

History and art enthusiasts will have plenty to admire in Fontainebleau, not only at the palace, which for eight centuries was called home by the 34 French kings and two emperors who embellished and enriched it, but also at Vaux-le-Vicomte, which predates and inspired Versailles. And when your mind is full and you want to…

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10 things every traveler should know before going to South Africa

Let’s not beat about the bush: South Africa has a bit of a scary reputation. Much is said about the country’s crime rate, but much more is said about everything that makes this diverse destination so magnificent. It is a country that never stops doling out gifts to the traveler – world-class surf breaks, eclectic local cuisine,…

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