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British columbia’s quirky attractions: vancouver, victoria, okanagan valley and beyond
Everybody loves a road trip and kitschy, small-town landmarks are part of the fun. We’ve all seen them on highways and rural byways, massive roadside attractions that elicit a gasp or a guffaw — buffalo as big as locomotives, a helicopter-sized mosquito or a cowboy boot that would fit King Kong.More than 30 totem poles …
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Family safari in africa
The noise was wild and untamed—the primeval voice of Africa herself. The full-chested roars of two male lions echoed across the plain, striking terror into their prey and pumping adrenaline into our veins. Nine-year old Annalyse slipped her tiny hand into mine and squeezed it. I squeezed back with a sweaty palm. Naturally our first…
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Family safari in africa
The noise was wild and untamed—the primeval voice of Africa herself. The full-chested roars of two male lions echoed across the plain, striking terror into their prey and pumping adrenaline into our veins. Nine-year old Annalyse slipped her tiny hand into mine and squeezed it. I squeezed back with a sweaty palm. Naturally our first…
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Philanthropic travel ideas: how to volunteer on vacation
If you want to make a difference and lend a hand, here’s how to volunteer on vacation. I promise you, you will never be the same. Philanthropic travel is a life-changing experience. You might teach English to children in Brazil, do art projects with Nepalese orphans, help African women learn to use computers, or live…
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Cleveland boasts a vibrant art scene
Cleveland is in the news. I grew up in Akron, Ohio and Cleveland has changed a lot since I was a kid. A world-class arts and culture scene Today, visitors to Cleveland will find a vibrant culture scene in opulent vaudeville-style theaters and former industrial factories as well as in off-the-beaten path colorful neighborhoods. The…
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Cleveland boasts a vibrant art scene
Cleveland is in the news. I grew up in Akron, Ohio and Cleveland has changed a lot since I was a kid. A world-class arts and culture scene Today, visitors to Cleveland will find a vibrant culture scene in opulent vaudeville-style theaters and former industrial factories as well as in off-the-beaten path colorful neighborhoods. The…
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Machu picchu. stop-over in lima, peru is it safe? what to do?
Lots of trips to Machu Picchu and the other South American destinations stop in Lima for 8-18 hours. When my husband and trekked in Peru many years ago — Machu Picchu, the Cordillera Blanca — we too had a long lay-over in Lima. Recently I returned to Lima en route to Easter Island and discovered…
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Machu picchu. stop-over in lima, peru is it safe? what to do?
Lots of trips to Machu Picchu and the other South American destinations stop in Lima for 8-18 hours. When my husband and trekked in Peru many years ago — Machu Picchu, the Cordillera Blanca — we too had a long lay-over in Lima. Recently I returned to Lima en route to Easter Island and discovered…
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Royal India: rajasthan, the “land of kings”
From the moment I step off the plane, India starts working its magic on me. The air swirls with smoky sandalwood and spices, and the streets are teeming with people, cars, and cows. One of my favorite places to visit is Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings.” The Land of Kings Rajasthan is one of India’s most…
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Royal India: rajasthan, the “land of kings”
From the moment I step off the plane, India starts working its magic on me. The air swirls with smoky sandalwood and spices, and the streets are teeming with people, cars, and cows. One of my favorite places to visit is Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings.” The Land of Kings Rajasthan is one of India’s most…
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Chicago. friendly, cosmopolitan, best little city in america
I think of Chicago as “New York Light” or “The Other Coast”. A dynamic city on the shores of Lake Michigan that boasts art museums, ethnic neighborhoods, architecture, night life and superb shopping that could go head to head with any international city. The BEAN is the best place for a photo opp. The mirror-like,…
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Cruise the croatian islands or the Greek islands
Crystal clear seas and more than 1,000 islands lure sailors to cruise the Croatian Islands or the Greek Islands every summer. My husband and I chartered a 42-foot Jenneau sloop for a sailing holiday among these idyllic islands. Our two teenage daughters accompanied us – spending most of their…
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Best walks in San Francisco. secrets from the locals.
The best walks in San Francisco are free. As local residents, here are our secrets. Golden Gate Bridge Walk The Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco and is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Luckily, visitors have the opportunity to walk across the 1.7 miles span…
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Mellow mendocino – a favorite San Francisco getaway
There are many reasons San Franciscans drive north along the rugged, dramatic coast to Mendocino. With so may San Francisco-based IfOnly experiences, its hard to believe anyone would ever want to stray. Some of us seek distance from our stressed lives; others room for romance, or quiet for renewal. I go with my dog and…
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In Bali new friends lead to a magical memory
In Bali, I was reminded that there are all kinds of people who transform a ho-hum trip into a magical memory. One morning as the roosters announced a new day, my husband, two daughters and I met Mahdey, our hiking guide, in the hotel lobby in Ubud, Bali. He grinned widely, and enticed 9-year-old Annalyse and…
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Family travel on a disney cruise
My Mickey ears were cast aside in my teens when I graduated to American Band Stand and Woodstock. Later in life, as a parent, I bought new ears on our numerous family visits to the Disney parks, but I thought our Disney days were over when our daughters reached their teen years. Not so! A…