The Traveler's Journal

Sometimes, having a long layover between flights can be a good thing, especially if you plan for the opportunity.

Whether uptown or downtown, Manhattan is like no island anywhere else on the planet.

Draped across a broad valley in the upper Rhine River, this tiny nation is tucked between Austria and Switzerland, yet its 30,000 citizens enjoy one of the world's highest per capita incomes.

Although the ratios have changed, many cruise ships still sail with large contingents of single travelers, mostly female. That's why many lines till provide eligible gentlemen the opportunity to cruise for minimal fees.

One year after their long voyage across the Atlantic, a feast was given to celebrate the survival of the Pilgrims in the New World.

Straddling the Straits of Bosporus, Istanbul is a city of divides, capital of two of the world's great empires, and the bridge between Europe and Asia.

It these days of relatively quick intercontinental connections, we'd like to recall two milestones along the way.

On this day in 1949, Frank McNamara was embarrassed when he was unable to pay a restaurant bill because he'd forgotten his wallet. The idea that ensured changed the world.

Although the waterway across the isthmus that separates Africa and the Middle East opened on this day in 1869, people have been navigating between the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas for 4000 thousand years.

Situated in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, the island consists of a single volcanic peak ringed by lush low hills. Its recorded history dates from the voyages of Columbus, but, as Alexander Hamilton might have noted, there's much, much more.

Hawaii's 53 state parks spread across its chain of islands. Some preserve, honor, and perpetuate the ways and lore of its earliest inhabitants.

No longer on the endangered species list, these ungainly "sea cows" actually enjoy the attentions of respectful humans. Crystal River, Florida is the perfect place for such encounters.

What happens when that car you've rented leaves you stranded somewhere? A few thoughts to keep in mind before you drive off the lot.

Situated at the very southern end of South America, where the great Andes finally flatten into endless pampas, Torres del Paine certainly ranks among the world's most magnificent national parks.

Numerous edifices around the world reflect the quirky character of their creators, none more so than Fonthill. Situated on the outskirts of Doylestown, PA, this tiled castle is the quixotic vision of artist and craftsmaster, Henry Chapman Mercer.

Mention hostels, and most Americans picture groups of youthful pack-packers and dormitory style accommodations. While not inaccurate, many hostels around the world offer so much more.

The Hawaiian state fish with the very long name is just one of sights to see while snorkeling. But there are also tides of factors to be aware of.

The Mayan and Aztec ruins of Mexico are magnificent, but the US also has numerous and impressive preColumbian structures to explore. Consider the Earthworks in Newark, Ohio.

Shaped like a wolf's head, the province of Brittany juts into the Atlantic off France's northwest coast. It's population and terrain are like no where else.

Dia de los Muertos, the day of the dead, is observed throughout Mexico, but no where more fervently than in the state of Oaxaca.