The Real Downton Abbey and 3 Other Majestic English Manor Houses That Star in Films
If the Downton Abbey movie and TV series has you fantasizing about life in the elegant and storied surroundings of England’s stately homes, you are not alone. The stories and history made in these estates are legendary.At one time, there were tens of thousands of country houses owned by Britain’s noble families. The English countryside is still dotted with breathtaking architectural...
This Hotel Serves a Cocktail Made with Gold
If you haven't been to Montreal recently, the Golden Square Cocktail at Montreal's new Four Seasons Hotel (VIDEO ABOVE) is just one reason to book a trip or a pre or post cruise stay in the second-largest French-speaking city in the world.Montreal still has its European lifestyle, credentials as the fashion capital of Canada, and a UNESCO City of Design.It's...
3 Hurricane-Free Caribbean Islands
Recent, extreme hurricanes have devastated favorite Caribbean island communities.For travel, the impact of more extreme hurricanes is double. It can take years for tourism infrastructure in island destinations to rebuild and welcome visitors again, so your favorite destinations and resorts may be unavailable. Plus some travelers avoid Caribbean island vacations (and cruises) during the Atlantic summer and fall hurricane season, especially during...
The Return of a Legend: Singapore's Raffles Hotel Re-opens
It's one of a handful of heritage hotels around the world that define a destination. The storied Raffles hotel is synonymous with Singapore. And after closing for more than two years for restoration and re-imagination, Raffles re-takes center stage as a hospitality icon in this South-East Asian city-state – and the world.First opened in 1887, Raffles' restoration retains what makes the...
This Italian Wine Region is Now a UNESCO Site
Pop the cork on the bubbles! If you're a fan of sparkling wine, you are likely already familiar – and in love with – Italy's signature rival to French champagne.Finally, Italian prosecco is getting some recognition - you might agree it's long overdue. After a 10-year wait, Italy's Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene have been designated the country's 55th UNESCO World Heritage...
Where Every Gaming Teen Wants to Travel This Summer
If your family has a teen who spends time immersed in electronic games, take heart! We've discovered the perfect summer holiday everyone in your family will enjoy.There's a vibrant summer destination that not only delivers an unforgettable skyline and cityscape, shopping, culture and food scene ranging from gourmet street food to Michelin-starred cuisine… and one of the world's most exciting...
Video: The Only Place in the World with 3 Real Viking Ships
It's the best place in the world to discover your inner Viking! Scandinavia's seagoing warriors have re-captured the world's imagination. But Vikings were not imaginary. This culture in Norway, Sweden and Denmark built incredibly engineered, sea-worthy ships, developed sophisticated artistry, mythology… even a form of democracy – over a thousand years ago in the tough northern European climes. And there's one place...
What You Need to Know to Hike or Bike Europe's Most Famous Pilgrimage Trail
It's been a physical test of spirituality since the Middle Ages. And more recently, Christian pilgrims have been joined by active travel enthusiasts on the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile (800 km) route across northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.Whether you're making a modern-day pilgrimage for your own spiritual growth, interested in retracing the most...
Put America's Oldest Cities On Your Travel Bucket List
You don't have to be a history buff to make a point of visiting the oldest cities in the U.S.Since the establishment of European settlements in what is now the United States, beginning in the 1500's, some of these cities may have been eclipsed by bigger or more glamorous neighbors. But they all retain both historical charms and modern-day attractions that...
Canada's National Cocktail Turns 50 - And Here Are 4 Great Places to Drink It
It's as Canadian as maple syrup. The Caesar is Canada's national cocktail. Created in a hotel bar in Calgary in 1969, it's been the only-in-Canada favorite game night, summer patio, and 'hair of the dog' Sunday brunch cocktail. Caesars even prompted an exclusively Canadian cocktail mix: Clamato juice, a combination of clam and tomato juice, which you can find on...