News Stories by Cate Starmer

Cate Starmer has been an editor for Fodor's Travel for 4 years covering diverse locations across the globe from Arizona to London, she was previously an editor for Hearst Publishing. She has written and updated guidebooks on a variety of topics such as tent camping and New York City restaurants. She has done countless radio and national television interviews.

• Practical Travel Tips

  Big Island Tsunami Update: Hawaii Hotel News

  While evacuation precautions thankfully ensured the safety of residents and visitors, the recent tsunami caused property damage to several waterfront properties. At this writing, two Big Island hotels are temporarily closed. If you have an upcoming reservation, be sure to contact your hotel directly for the latest updates.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on March 15, 2011 at 9:54:09 AM EDT Tagged: Hawaii, Hotels, Big Island
• Practical Travel Tips

  Japan Travel News: New Flight Cancellation Policies

  Many airlines have announced low-to-no-fee travel waivers, re-booking, or cancellation options in the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami. Some tickets can only be changed for a limited time, and can't be rebooked online, so it's best to act now. Plus, direct from our forums, travelers share their thoughts on their upcoming Japan trips.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on March 14, 2011 at 4:18:43 PM EDT Tagged: Japan, Tokyo, Air Travel
• Practical Travel Tips

  Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami Update

  At 2:46pm local time, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan. "The Ring of Fire" is unfortunately living up to its name. Combined with the recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the devastation in Japan proves that the Pacific Rim is where many of the world's most deadly and unpredictable seismic events occur. While there's a lot we still don't know about the Japan earthquake, here are a few things we do know.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on March 11, 2011 at 8:21:12 AM EST Tagged: Japan, Tokyo
• Trip Ideas & Itineraries

  

  Spring Break Ski Savings Spotlight: Keystone, Colorado

  Savvy skiers know that March is one of the best months for trips with solid bases and less crowds. Plus, better savings means the whole gang can go. Instead of one of the more massive—and pricey—Colorado resorts, consider a classic family-favorite like Keystone.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on March 03, 2011 at 6:24:34 PM EST Tagged: Colorado, Keystone, Skiing, Snowboarding
• Last Minute Travel

  

  3 Last Minute Martin Luther King Weekend Ideas

  Do you have a dream? In the spirit of Dr. King, here are three inspiring ways to spend your long weekend. January 17 is a national day of service, and marks the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on January 11, 2011 at 4:58:49 PM EST Tagged: Philadelphia, Savannah, Georgia
• What's New at Fodor's

  

  Great Travel Gifts Part III: On the Go Gadgets

  This holiday season, help out the travelers on your list with some useful electronic devices—and ways to manage them. After all, it’s a known law of travel that neatly packed wires knot themselves into chaos, un-touched, on even the shortest of journeys. Starting with modest ideas and leading up to extravagant inspiration, here are some fun tools to simplify tech transport and get the most out of travel adventures.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on December 08, 2010 at 9:08:58 AM EST Tagged: Community
• Best of the Best

  

  Royal Engagement: Will & Kate's Favorite African Lodges

  His Royal Highness William Windsor and Kate Middleton recently got engaged in Kenya, where the prince has been many times. With dramatic settings and impeccable service, luxury African lodges truly make everyone feel like royalty. Here are some of the places Will and Kate visited during their romantic trip.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on November 18, 2010 at 12:08:53 PM EST Tagged: Hotels, Kenya
• Trip Ideas & Itineraries

  

  Best Family Experiences at 5 Top National Parks

  Planning a family National Park trip this summer? Remember that even the most beautiful scenery can quickly become boring for little ones with short attention spans. Here are some of our top family experiences, from cowboy cookouts to animal encounters, at the most popular national parks.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on July 14, 2010 at 8:56:34 AM EDT Tagged: National Parks, Arizona, Wyoming, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, California, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park
• Life-Changing Trips

  

  Trip of a Lifetime: Rafting the Grand Canyon

  Most visitors to the Grand Canyon are lucky if they even get to glimpse a sliver of the Colorado River below during their whirlwind three-hour tour of the South Rim. However, putting yourself at the mercy of the river and exploring the depths of the canyon from aboard a raft is an entirely different, and otherworldly, experience. No other rafting trip combines so many days of staggering scenery, whitewater thrills, and magical hikes.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on June 30, 2010 at 7:30:35 PM EDT Tagged: National Parks, Arizona
• Trip Ideas & Itineraries

  

  48-Hour Foodie Trip: Toronto

  What better way to explore this multicultural city than a weekend culinary tour around the world? As you see the classic Canadian sights and recently expanded cultural centers, sample the city's diverse flavors such as the many varieties of charcuterie, European-style food market eats, and Ontario ice wine. Top it all off with some shopping and decadent chocolate and you have a perfect getaway.

  Posted by Cate Starmer on June 02, 2010 at 9:10:58 AM EDT Tagged: Toronto, Ontario