Travel Blog
News Stories by Doug Stallings
On the Radar: Australia's North Queensland
Many travelers head up to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, but the region north of Cairns offers a chance to experience tropical rain forests and Aboriginal culture. Take the cable ferry across the Daintree River, and you'll see a spectacular part of the country that most casual visitors miss.
(More)
Cuba Travel News: Fly Off to Havana (Now Legally)
Americans can once again travel to Cuba legally on a cultural tour—and without applying to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for a special license to travel.
(More)
Japan Travel Update: What You Need to Know
March's earthquake and resulting tsunami caused massive destruction along the coast of north-eastern Honshu but had a relatively modest impact on the rest of the country. Thanks to our team of Japan updaters, here's a summary of the affected areas and what you need to know about the ongoing rebuilding and repair.
(More)
All-Inclusive Luxury Cruise News
While mainstream cruises add-on-costs grow, luxury cruise lines are going increasingly all-inclusive, covering everything from gratuities to airfare. The last hold out, Crystal Cruises, recently announced it's going all-inclusive, too.
(More)
Norwegian Epic: A First Look
Editor Doug Stallings sailed on last weekend's New York inaugural sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) new ship, the massive, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic. The Epic is NCL's largest cruise ship, with alternating Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries throughout 2010. He loved many aspects of the ship—outstanding entertainment; lovely décor, especially for an NCL ship; a wide range of restaurants; excellent solo cabins; and really fun water slides—but he also has some serious reservations about many issues on board.... (More)
Cruise Ship Cuisine From a Chef's Point of View
Editor Doug Stallings recently had the chance to sample the cuisine on a new luxury ship, Silversea's Silver Spirit, as well as Cunard's Queen Mary 2, and was able to speak to Cunard's executive chef, Jean-Marie Zimmerman, who gave me some useful insight into the cruise-ship experience from a chef's point of view....
(More)
5 Places to Travel with Your Tax Refund
Tax refund season is the ideal time to travel, especially if you've received some unexpected cash flow. As luck would have it, most warm-weather destinations are entering their low seasons just as refund payments are arriving in bank accounts. Here are some destinations to consider....
(More)
9 Tips for Dealing with the Most Stressful Travel Disasters
It seems nowadays that travel is nothing but stress. As a person who usually travels by choice rather than necessity, I can say that I for one am traveling less. It's such a hassle to buy a ticket, to get through the airport, to get on the plane, and to get through the flight, that I can hardly relax on a short vacation trip. But there are particular situations that will try the patience of the best of us. Here are some simple tips to help you get through those stressful times....
(More)
Exchanging Your Money Abroad: 10 Simple Tips
With bank fees rising every year and exchange rates seemingly in constant flux, what's the best way to change your money? It's a common question. Here are some simple rules to follow.... (More)
How to Choose the Caribbean Island That's Right for You
If you know yourself and know what you want, you can find perfection in the Caribbean—but that's often easier said than done. Here's how to choose....
(More)