Travel

The Royal Clipper gives passengers more incentive to venture ashore than the big ships do.

It's no floating hotel

For those who prefer a smaller ship . . .

By Lauren Viera, Chicago Tribune

There are cruises. And then there are cruises for people who hate cruises - at least of the big-ship variety.

Motley crew of 12 pals cruises Baltic ports

By Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald

COPENHAGEN - The sightseeing boat was halfway down the cafe-lined canal when the pilot started back toward the pier. "We have to pick up more people," the guide said. As we neared the mooring, we started yelling. "It's Sam!"

THE WORD ON BUSINESS TRAVEL

Winging It

Inquirer business reporter Tom Belden blogs about the frustrations and joys of air travel in and out of Philadelphia.

10 for the Road: 10 for the Road You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.
Top 10: Best Large-Ship Cruise Lines From Travel+Leisure magazine's 2008 reader poll (last year's rank in parentheses): 1. Crystal Cruises (1)
Senior Traveler: Sizing up likely retirement spots: By John J. Hilferty , For The Inquirer

In the midst of your traveling - passing a villa in Sorrento, a cottage in Galway, a manor house in the Cotswolds, an adobe in Arizona - how often have you asked: What would it be like to live here?
Travel Troubleshooter: Bought off-line, the airfare soared: By Christopher Elliott , TRIBUNE MEDIA

Question: Is there a difference between the price you pay for an airline ticket online, compared with off-line? I recently tried to buy a ticket for my mother on Expedia. She wanted to visit my brother in North Carolina, who was on life support.
Foreign Exchange: What a U.S. dollar buys (in commercial trades; consumer rates may be lower). Country Sept. 25 Year ago Australia (dollar) 1.20 1.14
Personal Journey: Dolphins were a highlight: By Erica Lamberg , For The Inquirer

We thought it would be a simple boat ride to a secluded beach off Cabo San Lucas for a few hours of swimming and making sand castles. Instead, it was an adventure that wasn't pictured in the Disney Magic cruise booklet or listed among the port-of-call excursions.
Haul that ball: The folks at High Sierra Sport have answered the pressing question: How do I haul around my volleyball, basketball or bike helmet on the go? With the Hauler, of course.
Check on delays at the airport: When do you start thinking about how long it will take to get to your gate at the airport? AeroChannel.com is a simple Web site designed to streamline your getting-to-the-airport experience.
Green in progress: At Arizona's Arcosanti, a laboratory eco-city, visitors enjoy themselves responsibly.

By Andrea Sachs , Washington Post

ARCOSANTI, Ariz. - Arriving at this experimental eco-city, I was acutely aware of my nongreenness. I had spent the morning expelling carbon on my flight to Phoenix. My rental car was messy with empty soda bottles, a few plastic bags, and a banana peel that I didn't plan to mulch. A piece of paper with directions had accidentally escaped out the car window, floating toward a patch of spiky cactus.
Hunt for Red October Go south for season's openers - like N.C.: By Jay Clarke , Miami Herald

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Soon the leaves will turn gold and red, and the hillsides here and elsewhere in western North Carolina will burst into a kaleidoscope of color.
Hunt for Red October Done ogling foliage? No reason to be idle: By Marjie Lambert , Miami Herald

Most of New England's lobster and clam shacks close just after Labor Day, and soon after that, the whale-watching tours off the Maine coast shut down. But if you think there's nothing to do in New England in the fall except enjoy the glories of the foliage changing color, you are oh-so-wrong.
Travel Deals Save on Caribbean stays, cruises: By Carol Sottili , Washington Post

Here are travel bargains around the globe, by land, sea and air. Deals sell out quickly and are not guaranteed to be available. Restrictions such as day of travel, blackout dates, and advance-purchase requirements may apply.
10 for the Road: You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.
Travel Troubleshooter Promised transfer didn't happen: By Christopher Elliott , TRIBUNE MEDIA

Question: What are your rights when a tour operator fails to deliver part of your vacation package? I recently booked a one-week vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, through Apple Vacations. It included accommodations and transfers to and from the airport.
Foreign Exchange: What a U.S. dollar buys (in commercial trades; consumer rates may be lower). Country Sept. 18 Year ago Australia (dollar) 1.25 1.16