Travel   

 

Travel Bookshelf: A world upon your coffee table

By June Sawyers , Chicago Tribune

Everybody likes to look at photos, and these coffee-table books will captivate readers with their images from around the globe. Plus, a guide to exploring England slowly.

 

Schussing down dunes: 'Sandboarding' takes true grit

Sandboarding takes true grit. But it's warm, inexpensive - and no lifts.

By Shira Springer , BOSTON GLOBE

FLORENCE, Ore. - When I walked into the Sand Master Park rental shop for a sandboard, I was a skeptical and avowed downhill skier. The prospect of riding a waxed, snowboardlike piece of wood on nearby dunes ran counter to my New England roots. I like my mountains snow-covered and my boots pointed forward. Sensing my reluctance to find my inner sandboarder, four-time world champion Josh Tenge slid around the rental counter and gave me a proper introduction to his sport.

 

Travel Troubleshooter: Ticket ordered but not delivered

By Christopher Elliott , TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Question: Can you help me with an airline reservation? I recently bought a ticket on South African Airways through Virgin Atlantic Airways to fly from Los Angeles to Johannesburg. My credit card was charged, and the airline promised to send me a paper ticket.

 

Airport Tips for the Holidays

Here are some pointers for using Philadelphia International Airport during the busy season: Check the status of your flight by contacting your airline directly, calling the airport at 1-800-745-4283, or visiting the airport's Web site (www.phl.org) and clicking on "Flight Information." Have your flight number handy.

 

Personal Journey: It takes a real man to get a pedicure

By Chris Rodell , For The Inquirer

She brought the sundae out on a little tray. There were big scoops of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, and an oozy river of creamy caramel. How could I resist? I did what any red-blooded American male would do.

 

Recent Foreign Exchange rates

Here is what a U.S. dollar buys (in commercial trades; consumer rates may be lower).

 

Freedom on display at Capitol Visitor Center

By Michael E. Ruane , Washington Post

WASHINGTON - The hand of Freedom rests gently on the hilt of her sword. Her hair falls in long ringlets from beneath her eagle's head helmet. And her face bears a look of perpetual amazement.

 

The Top 10 list: Best U.S. hideaways

Readers vote on their top private destinations.

 

Dunkable Dora

Dora the Explorer, the globetrotting TV cartoon character, has a new adventure: getting soaked at the beach, in the tub, or anywhere your little one's adventures take her.

 

A hail of two cities

MetroTwin.com pairs two great travel hubs, New York and London. You'll find new things to do and restaurants to try, offered by local experts who know their turf.

 

Tell Us About Your Journey

Did a travel experience move you, change you, give you a new take on life or just great memories? Tell us how, in 500 words or fewer. And send us a photo, with caption information. If we publish your piece, we'll pay you $50. (Response volume prohibits our returning or acknowledging your manuscripts or photos.)

 

Top 10

Ski Towns From Ski Magazine 1. Aspen, Colo. 2. Jackson, Wyo. 3. Crested Butte, Colo.

 

Ski clubs send travel costs downhill

By Jeff P. Lewis , For The Inquirer

Maryellen Doyle of Philadelphia is heading to the jagged Dolomites of Cortina, Italy, this winter. Kathleen and Howard Weisz of West Chester will be swooshing down the slopes at Steamboat, Colo., in February.

 

Aspen's two sides: The Xciting, the serene

By Peter Shelton , UNIVERSAL PRESS

ASPEN, Colo. - Buttermilk Mountain assumed two distinct personalities over a weekend in January. On the front side, filling the base area and the slopes closest to the valley, ESPN's Winter X Games XII spun along for three days and nights like a hip-hop, youth-culture circus on snow.

 

Sales on the slopes

By Harry Shattuck , HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Many ski resorts are offering early-season deals. Here are some to consider: Vermont Not only are rooms at the Stowe Mountain Lodge discounted this month, but guests who book a "Spa Spectacular" package in a studio room will be offered one complimentary "target massage" per room, an $85 value. Rates begin at $229 per night. www.stowemountainlodge.com.