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Six Flags Great Adventure: Half a Tank Gets You Where Thrills Abound

April 28, 2026 krubin723 Leave a comment

The Joker coaster. For those for whom riding coasters is more sport than entertainment and are forever seeking out the latest, greatest, newest, biggest, bad-est thrill ride to stop your heart and defy gravity, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is your ultimate destination © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin & Laurie Millman, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

For those for whom riding coasters is more sport than entertainment and are forever seeking out the latest, greatest, newest, biggest, bad-est thrill ride to stop your heart and defy gravity, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, is your ultimate destination.

Packed into a relatively compact space considering the 3-dimensional thrills, are 14 coasters. And like ski areas, the coasters have a progression of development – from little ones in kid-friendly areas like the skiing learning area (that gets them conditioned and hooked early!), up to coasters rated a 5 for thrills (equivalent to skiing’s double black) that pull enough Gs to rival what a fighter pilot, aerobatic flyer and even an astronaut might experience. You progress from small turns and tilts and drops up to the dramatic, thrilling, heart-pulsing, screaming twists, turns, topsy turvy rolls and gravity-defying plunges.

*The Joker coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, where you dangle independently © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

When we watched how people dangle on The Joker coaster ride, we basically said, “Are they kidding?!!

On a recent visit just after Great Adventure opened for the season, we get to see construction underway for the newest mega-coaster (much of it is still so secret, they refer to it as the “Purple Project”), which is expected to be open in 2027. It is going up in the newly expanded Shoreline Pier section, where visitors will get to ride five new attractions opening later this season, and a revamped Boardwalk made to evoke the Jersey Shore.

“Project Purple”, which promises to be the first or best in six coaster categories, is under construction at Six Flags Great Adventure and expected to open in 2027 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We watch as workmen in their orange suits are suspended as they piece track together.

During a press preview, we learn that the new, massive roller coaster – a successor to Kingda Ka – will be a first or biggest in six coaster categories but little else is disclosed.

It will be uniquely different, unique to this park, was all Ryan Patrick, the park’s communications manager, teased. Does it use some new technology like magnets? Won’t say. Who is inventing/designing/engineering it? Ryan will only say it is a top global coaster company.

We get more from Colin, who publishes @coliwood and videos at www.youtube.com/@ColiwoodStudios/videos, and is a veritable expert on Six Flags Great Adventure. He tells us it will be the world’s first coaster that launches from a still position and go up to 375 feet high – so high, the FAA had to be consulted. It will be intense (though not quite 5G of force).

*Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk is where there will be five attractions opening this season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk is a new rides area that channels the vibe, electricity, nostalgia and charm of New Jersey’s iconic oceanside amusement piers. While the new coaster is expected to be open by 2027, this season it will offer five attractions – four new to Great Adventure – along with classic boardwalk treats, fresh theming, and entertainment.

• Barrels O’ Fun: This spinning family coaster in wooden barrel-inspired cars that dip and twist like bobbing buoys on the surf, designed for young thrill seekers.

• Flying Scooters: A nostalgic favorite found on piers up and down the Shore puts you in control of your own flight around the boardwalk. Riders soar on winged scooters, using the sails to swing, dip, and glide—choosing between a gentle breeze or a more thrilling ride with each push and pull.

• Wave Swinger is a breezy seaside swing ride that lifts you into the air, spinning above the midway with sweeping Boardwalk views and a weightless, soaring sensation. It evokes the nostalgia of the Flying Wave, which thrilled generations at Great Adventure from 1974 to 2007.

• Hypno Twister is a dazzling, light-drenched spinning ride that whirls you through swirling colors and hypnotic rotations. Four interlocking, rotating arms perform a mesmerizing dance that delivers pops of weightlessness.

• Super Roundup is a high-energy crowd pleaser that sends standing riders spinning in fast, accelerating circles as its platform tilts 80 degrees – with centrifugal force holding everyone to the wall. A classic that’s been delighting Great Adventure guests since 1974, Super Roundup reclaims its original name in a new location after a complete mechanical makeover, having previously twirled under the names Fantasy Fling, The Tornado and Swashbuckler.

The Shoreline Pier will feature entertainment from day into night. On select dates and times, guests can enjoy: stilt walkers, live musicians and roaming acts and performance artists.

When the sun goes down, Boardwalk Nights, will feature stage performances feature vocalists, dancers and gravity-defying acrobats.

Wild Safari Park

*The Safari Off-Road Adventure at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

One of the iconic highlights of Six Flags Great Adventure is Wild Safari, one of the largest safaris outside of Africa, and home to more than 1,200 animals representing six continents. It offers guests up-close look at wildlife across expansive, naturalistic habitats via safari vehicles (no longer self-drive). The tour can now can be accessed from within the main park (Safari Off-Road Adventure, a 35-minute tour), as well as a separate tour from the Wild Safari Base Camp (a 45-minute tour).

*Animal Encounter with a snake at Wild Safari, at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wild Safari Base Camp is a standalone wildlife experience at the main safari entrance. The area features animal encounters, educational presentations and interactive experiences aimed at deepening guests’ connection to wildlife.

You may well spot its newest arrival, a brown bear cub named JJ, born to mother Hollywood who are spending time together in their own dedicated habitat space among the park’s brown bears.

We do the Safari Off-Road Adventure from Frontier Station inside the theme park – no longer a self-drive, but you pack into a large open safari truck.

It is amazing for me that the last time I visited the Safari Park it was a self-drive experience and the same elephants we saw when my sons were boys (now fathers themselves) are still there and have been since 1974.

The elephant, we learn, is a “keystone animal” which means if they are removed from their environment, it would cause the eco-system to collapse. Elephants clear trees that open up pathways for migratory animals and vistas to see predators.

We see giraffes, lions, elands, antelope, zebra, red kangaroos (we see baby roos), bears to list just a few of the 1,200 animals that inhabit the Safari Park (each time you visit, you would have a different experience – it is especially exciting to glimpse a newborn bear, J.J.). We come upon a herd of Barbary sheep where two are engaged in a headbutting joust.

*When you go through Wild Safari, be on the lookout for baby J.J. and mother bear, Hollywood © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Safari Park is also dedicated to conservation and our tour guide highlights the fact that 40% of the population of lions in the wild and a similar percentage of giraffes are lost every 15 years.

*Wild Safari, one of the largest safaris outside of Africa, is home to more than 1,200 from around the world, including these kangaroo © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The safari park is a conservation area – the 350 acres were acquired in the 1970s and 52 acres of it are kept pristine, attracting migratory birds, beaver, possum, turtles, eagles. (you can buy a $5 pin that helps fund the conservancy).

Our guide tells us that the wetlands are “nature’s air conditioner” – the flowers suck the humidity out of the air, keeping the air cool and dry.

*Overnight in luxurious glamping tents inside the safari park at Savannah Sunset Resort © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

You can actually overnight in luxurious glamping tents within the Safari Park, at its Savannah Sunset Resort – even feed giraffes that come right up to the porch which is raised up on stilts to eye level, and listen to the lions roaring at night (their enclosure is just a little beyond where the tents are). Glamping guests are driven in and out of the tent area by the resort (which is completely encircled by the safari park/habitat), and are given a tour of the safari park in those special vans instead of the big safari truck vehicles.

Motion is the Common Denominator

After our Safari Park tour, we venture throughout the park – seeing all manners of rides that have as a common denominator motion.

(If you ae prone to motion sickness we recommend taking Bonine or Dramamine 30-60 minutes before so you can enjoy the rides. Also, many of the rides require you to place absolutely everything that might fall or choke, like backpack, cell phone, etc. into lockers that are located right by the entrance to the specific ride – usually a clue as to the intensity of the experience.)

Among the heralded and noteworthy coasters:

THE JOKER™ has a unique track that runs in between the seats, so you are free flying through the ride. After strapping into your “4-D” wing vehicle, you shoot up 12 stories, zooming over hills and pivoting forward with only the sky to catch you. These seats were designed with a one-of-a-kind magnetic technology which allows you to swivel and free-fly with weightless effort.You plummet into a beyond-90° drop before shooting back up into the pandemonium for a series of sudden direction changes and flips as you tumble up and down the coaster’s levels. As if that weren’t enough, The JOKER sends you down a second ultra-steep drop before finally letting you go.

BATMAN-Inspired Experience (rated a 5 in thrill level) – reopening this spring – is an intense, 50-mph juggernaut. Climb aboard the BATMOBILE and prepare to sweep through the city suspended from an overhead track, your feet dangling in the air. With five inversions and enough G-force to plaster you to your seat, this ride is not for the timid. Following a 10-story lift to the top of the world, brace for a full 360-degree loop right from the start, then a fully inverted roll and a second loop about ten seconds later, a double set of wingover loops and corkscrew descents. As you soar above the park, you briefly experience 4 G-force, pressing you to your seat with four-times the amount of normal gravity; all while taking on the gravity-defying twists and turns.

*El Toro harkens back to a wooden coaster with high-tech improvements to provide a smoother ride experience © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

El Toro (rated 5) , an award-winning coaster, has been improved to provide a smoother ride experience. The coaster combines the aesthetics of a classic wooden ride with ultra-modern technology making it one of the best wooden roller coasters in the country. Ride up nearly 19 stories and brace for the first drop of 176 feet at a 76° angle—the steepest of any wooden roller coaster in the country. Fly through the tracks at a jaw-dropping 70 mph over a series of hills specifically designed to give you maximum airtime, meaning you’ll lift off your seat and defy gravity- a total of nine opportunities to experience zero gravity.

SUPERMAN™: Ultimate Flight (rated a 5 in thrill level)- The first coaster in which passengers ride parallel with the track, you flyface down, head first. The ascent begins by climbing 106 feet high, only to plunge down into a 50° angle drop, pressed into place by the strong G-force. Flying at 50 mph, you go headfirst into a pretzel-shaped loop, swooping up 78 feet high before diving back to the ground only to come right back up again. Then, take on a high-speed horseshoe curve, an insane helix and, finally, a 360° inversion which lands you back where you took off.

*Superman , Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Skull Mountain (ranked 3 thrill level): With no light to guide you and plenty of twists and turns, this all-indoor roller coaster combines heart-pounding speed with the fear of the unknown. With only lanterns to guide you, you’ll take a seat in what looks like an old mine cart before the lights go out and you go full speed ahead. Suspended in darkness, you are sent down what feels like a 100-foot drop, but is really only 37 feet. You continue to twist and turn, completing horizontal helixes and drops that feel record breaking in the dark. Then, when you least expect it, you blast into daylight.

*The Flash, the first boomerang coaster in North America © Laurie Millman/ goingplacesfarandnear.com*

THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity is the first boomerang coaster in North America, Once you strap in, you launch forward reaching speeds up to 59 mph. You travel through a 180° twisted drop, and zoom through the zero-g roll. Then, right when you reach the vertical tower, you launch backward and do the whole course all over again.

Nitro (rated 5)- This over-the-top, intense “hypercoaster” goes all out in speed, height and airtime. You take off toward a 233-foot hill. At the top, you fly down a 215-foot drop at 80 mph as you zoom into the second hill, up another 181 feet high over the treetops, and down so fast you lift right out of your seat in pure weightlessness. Then you are blasted into the totally original hammerhead U-turn, a paralyzing swift reversal, into impossible horizontal loops, a 540° helix spiral and finish off with a series of camelback hills – traveling a whole mile of track.

*Medusa, the world’s first floorless coaster © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Medusa (rated 5): Strap into the world’s first floorless coaster and prepare to climb 142 feet before you’re sent reeling down a twisting 132-foot drop at a 55° angle. You take flight through a 114-foot vertical loop, followed by a 96-foot dive loop. Then, a zero-gravity roll where you feel weightless as you move through the cobra-like track.

Runaway Mine Train (rated 4) appears tame but once you strap in, you haul up a 60-foot hill and drop 39 feet, your mine car losing all brake functions as you reach 38 mph. The train chugs through a series of twisty helixes and curves and a pulse-quickening drop across a shimmering lake

*Runaway Mine Train at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The starter coasters:

Lil’ Devil Coaster (still rated 3 for thrill): This small, mild thrill coaster is just the thing for Junior Thrillseekers to build courage (and height!) up for the max-thrill rides. This beginner thrill ride for kids has a top speed of 15 mph, a 13-foot drop and plenty of gentle twists and turns, so “even the most timid of riders can conquer this adventure.”

HARLEY QUINN™ Crazy Train is a family-friendly junior coaster. Take a seat in the crazy train and go 26 feet high, then take off on a figure-eight trail of small hills and crazy twists and turns at a max speed of 22 mph (“perfect for little villains as they train for the big coasters”).

*Daffy Duck Hot Air Balloons, in the family friendly section at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Other family-friendly (non-coaster) rides: Air Jumbo; Air Safari; Barnstormer; Bugaboo (or thrill seeker), Bugs Bunny Camp Carousel; Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots; Carousel; Daffy Duck Hot Air Balloons; Enchanted Teacups; Fender Benders; Giant Wheel; Jolly Roger spinning ride; Porky Pig Camp Wagons; Raja’s Rickshaws.

*Justice League: Battle for Metropolis was a fun, non-coaster ride at Six Flags Great Adventure © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

There aren’t many rides that do not involve thrilling coasters or heart-stopping, head-spinning motion. But for those (us) who are not coasties looking for the next thrill, we loved JUSTICE LEAGUE™: Battle for METROPOLIS (rated a 2) ride in MovieTown, where you sit in a car and get to shoot The Joker and Lex Luthor using your handy laser gun as you cruise through the streets of Metropolis. The visual effects are fun and the cars do twist and jerk (they can revolve 360 degrees), but just to the point where you might feel uncomfortable, so total fun. At the end, you get to know your score (how many bad guys you shot) and you can purchase a photo of yourselves in the ride.

*Houdini’s Great Escape is a haunted mansion ride © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Another is Houdini’s Great Escape, a haunted mansion ride featuring an “ultimate” séance to bring the legendary magician back from beyond (it wasn’t open for our visit)

In addition, there are a score of water attractions like the Saw Mill Log Flume (a 4), and a whole separate Hurricane Harbor water park, one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 attractions.

To see descriptions of all the coasters: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions?ride-category=coaster

To see descriptions of all the attractions: https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions

*Even non-coaster rides at Six Flags Great Adventure involve motion © Laurie Millman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Motion-oriented rides dominate the experience at Six Flags. To prevent nausea, take over-the-counter motion sickness medication (like Dramamine or Bonine) 30-60 minutes before riding, eat a light, bland meal, and stay hydrated. On the ride, keep your head straight, look forward and avoid closing your eyes. Afterward, sit in the shade, sip water, and use ginger candy to settle your stomach.

To get the most out of your visit, upgrade to the Fast Pass which lets you go through a much, much faster line.

For those who want to travel near to feel like you are going far, Six Flags Great Adventure is a great destination – just three gallons of gas each way to be transported into a fantasy land.

Six Flags Great Adventure boasts four attractions: Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Wild Safari and Savanah Sunset Resort and Spa.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is one of North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operators with 26 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia.

Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, 732-928-2000, www.sixflags.com/greatadventure.

__________________

© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us atfacebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Cultural travel, Ecotourism, Experiential Travel, Hotels & Resorts, Nature and Wildlife, Nature, Wildlife, Outdoors Adventures, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel, Travel Trends

Cruises, Hospitality, Destinations Implement Responsible, Sustainable Tourism Practices

April 21, 2026 krubin723 Leave a comment

In Dominica, *known as “the Nature Island of the Caribbean”*, *visitors can join rare, responsibly guided encounters with resident sperm whales through Secret Bay’s Swimming with the Whales & Marine Safari (photo: Dominica)*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travelers are increasingly mindful of their responsibility in preserving and protecting the people, the environment, and the ecosystems of the places they visit and are actively seeking out travel entities – transportation, hospitality, dining, attractions, and destinations – that incorporate sustainable, responsible practices.

Here’s a sampling of how cruises and resorts are not just implementing but also modeling conservation, preservation and regenerative practices, while the revenue from tourism helps fund and sustain these programs.

Cruising

Havila Voyages, the Norwegian coastal operator, recently completed a historic 12-day voyage aboard its Havila Polaris, powered by biogas, reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 90%. Combined with the fleet’s advanced battery systems which enable ships to sail for up to four hours with zero emissions, Havila is demonstrating that cleaner, quieter travel at sea is ready to scale for the future. Silent, low-emission cruising allows access to fragile areas like the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord without environmental harm, while journeys along Norway’s 34-port coastal route connect travelers to authentic communities through more than 70 immersive excursions, from dogsledding to Sámi cultural experiences. Its “Havila Food Stories” program partners with local producers and serves seasonal, à la carte menus that have reduced food waste to just 69 grams per guest per day, cutting more than 60 tons annually. With ships designed for future hydrogen conversion and a goal of fully climate-neutral operations by 2028, Havila Voyages offers a compelling example of how responsible travel and bucket-list experiences, from Northern Lights viewing to the Midnight Sun, can go hand in hand.

*The Boat Company donates proceeds from its Alaska expeditionary cruises toward conservation initiatives.*

While sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing the impacts travelers have on a community or ecosystem, regenerative tourism goes a step further with a focus on making destinations better than they were. That has been the mission of The Boat Company– one of the world’s only non-profit cruise companies – since its founding 46 years ago. All of The Boat Company’s proceeds (beyond operating expenses) from its week-long expeditionary cruises between Sitka and Juneau through Alaska’s Inside Passage are reinvested back into conservation initiatives (theboatcompany.org, 360-697-4242).

Boating and Biking Egypt: The Nile’s Hidden Banks: This tour blends slow, low-impact travel with active exploration, exploring by e-bike small villages and immense monuments rarely seen and sailing aboard an all-suite ship: https://www.boatbiketours.com/tours/egypt-the-nile-a-journey-to-ancient-wonders/]

Hospitality

*At Finolhu in the Maldives, guests can join the Coral Reef Propagation Project, ocean clean-ups, Citizen Science programs and megafauna dives (photo: Finolhu)*

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll in the Maldives, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort is committed to safeguarding one of the world’s most delicate and vibrant marine ecosystems. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 2011, Baa Atoll is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth – home to over 250 coral species, more than 1,200 fish species, and the world’s largest known aggregation of manta rays at nearby Hanifaru Bay. Its location above a deep ocean channel creates nutrient-rich currents that attract whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles year-round, making it one of the few places on the planet with this level of protected aquatic abundance. As part of a UNESCO-protected biosphere, Finolhu is largely self-sufficient. Guests can do their part in making a difference by joining the Coral Reef Propagation Project, led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, which aims to rebuild the resort’s reef; ocean clean-ups conducted in partnership with Parley for the Oceans; and Citizen Science programs and megafauna dives, which help track individual animals and contribute to ongoing marine research.

*Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort plays an active role in conservation through its on-site turtle sanctuary (photo: Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan)*

The first Hyatt-branded property in Mazatlán, Mexico, Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, has earned the prestigious Platinum Beach Certification for its sustainably maintained shoreline and partnership with local, environmentally responsible suppliers. The resort has also implemented water-saving technologies including aerators and automatic flushers, energy-efficient systems like heat recovery equipment and LED lighting, reduced plastic use, and landscaping with endemic plants to support local biodiversity. The resort plays an active role in conservation through its on-site turtle sanctuary, where guests can participate in the protection and preservation of these remarkable animals.

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, Rivera Nayarit, Mexico, is an eco-conscious, adults-only, all-suite all-inclusive resort. Nestled between the golden sands and surf-friendly beaches of Banderas Bay and the lush Sierra Madre Mountains, it offers an unplugged, nature-focused getaway. On property, an organic garden and farm supply fresh herbs, produce, and eggs to the resort’s restaurants, reinforcing its sustainable ethos. The resort also supports the local community through its “World of Care” program, donating food and supplies to Wet Nose Rescue and caring for rescued animals, among them, Joker, the resort’s adopted dog and mascot. In addition, the hotel sponsors a local primary school, with team members supporting students through gifts, monthly visits, and meaningful activities.

*El Cielo Resort & Winery pairs luxurious vineyard accommodations with a commitment to sustainable hospitality (photo: El Cielo Resort)*

Located in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., El Cielo Resort & Winery pairs luxurious vineyard accommodations with a commitment to sustainable hospitality. Guests stay in Tuscany-inspired villas, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and explore the property’s organic vineyards while supporting eco-conscious practices woven throughout the resort experience. Sustainability initiatives include pioneering solar energy as one of the first wineries in the region to install solar panels, cultivating grapes without synthetic pesticides to preserve soil health and biodiversity, and utilizing trained Harris’ Hawks as a natural, chemical-free vineyard protection. The resort also captures rainwater in custom-built reservoirs to support sustainable irrigation and create habitats for migratory birds, alongside additional environmentally mindful touches such as lightweight wine bottles, natural corks, water treatment systems, and LED lighting designed to reduce light pollution.

*Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica, known as “the Nature Island of the Caribbean” (photo: Dominica)*

Dominica, the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” continues to lead the way in eco-conscious travel, integrating sustainability into everyday life. Offering a balance of preservation and experience, Dominica is a model for sustainable tourism in action. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, engage in conservation efforts and discover the island’s rich cultural heritage. Through a blend of community-led conservation, innovative eco-luxury and immersive nature experiences, the island offers travelers meaningful ways to connect with and support the environment. Visitors can take part in hands-on conservation experiences like sea turtle nesting season at Rosalie Bay and join rare, responsibly guided encounters with resident sperm whales through Secret Bay’s Swimming with the Whales & Marine Safari, supported by the world’s first marine protected area dedicated to the species. Across the island, eco-forward properties like Coulibri Ridge and Secret Bay continue to redefine sustainable luxury, complemented by low-impact activities such as guided e-bike tours and cultural experiences like the Roseau History Tour; Sea Cliff Eco Cottages’ offers “garden-to-glass” Cocoa Martini, crafted using upcycled cacao husks in partnership with a local chocolate producer. Dominica also has one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and untouched trail systems. Its annual Hike Fest invites travelers to explore iconic landscapes, from Boeri Lake and Chemin Létang to the legendary Boiling Lake, through guided hikes taking place on Saturdays in May.

*Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica’s cloud forest (photo: Hotel Belmar)*

High in Costa Rica’s cloud forest where regeneration is visible and measurable, Hotel Belmar is a family-owned icon. Finca Madre Tierra, recognized as Costa Rica’s first carbon-neutral farm, supplies eggs, dairy, shade-grown coffee, sugarcane, and seasonal produce to the hotel. Guests can visit milk cows, learn cheese-making, pick coffee, and press sugarcane, deepening their connection with Monteverde’s agricultural traditions. On property, Belmar closes the loop through composting and a biodigester that turns organics into clean gas, making farm‑to‑table‑to‑farm a daily practice. Sustainability in practice: Belmar’s bio-intensive garden plots feed regenerative dining, garden-to-glass mixology that replaces bottled inputs, a plastic-free bar program, environmentally preferable products, and an air‑dry laundry solarium that reduces energy consumption. Rooms and shared spaces rely on beautifully crafted furnishings, supporting regional makers while celebrating Monteverde’s woodworking heritage and its long tradition of forest-based craft. In the forest, SAVIA employs local forest mobility experts, uses tree-friendly anchoring with high-tension ropes and cables rather than bolts, and offers themed expeditions from dawn birding to nightfall canopy study, creating paid interpretive work while keeping impact light in a rare ecosystem known for exceptional biodiversity.

Guests can also participate in programming like Monteverde Exploration with local guides and farm-to-table experience which generate income to farmers, educators, and naturalists and sends guests home with transferable skills in composting, pickling and planning. Every stay helps to underwrite a year-round economy tied to food, music, ecology, and science, supporting both the local community and the surrounding forest. Multigenerational ties to local farmers, craftspeople, guides, and musicians help sustain the region’s distinctive culture, creating a shared ecosystem of livelihoods that strengthens the surrounding community while helping to protect the cloud forest’s special environment. The hotel’s Artist Residency Program further expands this cultural exchange, inviting artists to spend time on the property and develop new work inspired by the cloud forest (hotelbelmar.net).

*Calabash Cove Resort & Spa integrates regenerative, low-impact operations into its boutique, adults‑only experience on Saint Lucia’s coast (photo: Calabash Cove Resort)*

Set on a secluded hillside overlooking Bonaire Bay along Saint Lucia’s biodiverse northwestern coast, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa integrates regenerative, low-impact operations into its boutique, adults‑only experience. The resort maintains a strict plastic-free policy, eliminating disposable containers and using recycled-material lunch boxes and biodegradable straws. All hot water is solar‑heated, lighting relies on LEDs, and an on-site water‑treatment plant recycles water for irrigation. Guests receive a free reusable aluminum bottle on arrival, with free still or sparkling water refills throughout their stay to eliminate disposable bottles. Local farms supply produce and seasonal vegetarian and vegan menus highlight Saint Lucia’s ingredients while reducing the footprint of higher‑impact foods. Kitchen oils are collected and repurposed to heat laundry water, further reducing external energy demand.

Sustainability in practice: Closed‑loop practices underpin daily operations. Grass cuttings are mulched and composted, kitchen scraps are sent to a local pig farmer, and rainwater is collected for property use. Timers on pool pumps help reduce energy demand and mosquito fogging has been discontinued to allow local birdlife to flourish. Marine stewardship includes reef and turtle‑protection training led by Saint Lucia’s Fisheries Department, where staff learn to identify nesting periods, safely relocate eggs, and tag previously untracked turtles to support long‑term conservation monitoring. Landscaping is maintained by on‑staff gardeners who prioritize native vegetation and habitats, supporting wildlife that thrives along the cove’s protected shoreline. The resort’s intimate 26‑room scale keeps impact low while enabling meaningful guest participation through beach cleanups, nature-positive activities, and plant-forward dining (calabashcove.com).

*Alaia Belize guests can explore the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich on curated, conservation-minded excursions (photo: Alaia Belize)*

Set on 20 oceanfront acres on Ambergris Caye, Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection offers an upscale base for exploring one of the Caribbean’s most ecologically diverse destinations. Guests can snorkel the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visit Caye Caulker, and explore the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich, all through curated, conservation-minded excursions.

*Sustainable forestry practices at Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand (photo: Banyan Tree Phuket)*

Sustainability and community-driven practices are woven throughout Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, nestled between white sandy beaches and coconut groves. Guests can participate in the resort’s sustainable initiatives, such as a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, sustainable beach cleaning and cooking classes that promote sustainability and community engagement.

*Six Senses Laamu is celebrating the impact of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning marine education and conservation center (photo: Six Senses Laamu)*

Six Senses Laamu is celebrating the impact of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu, the “SHELL.” This2,336-square-foot marine education and conservation center offers guests and local communitiesimmersive experiences with the local marine environment, including coral regeneration, seagrass conservation, and sea turtle research. Through the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), the SHELL hosts a dedicated team of marine biologists working with partner NGOs including Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. Together they have grown over 10,000 baby corals across five species, released more than 12 million coral larvae onto the resort’s house reef, and conducted genetic studies of sea turtles.The team has also cataloged over1,000 turtles and 140 manta rays in Laamu Atoll, contributing to scientific research and publications.

*Six Senses Kanuhura launched Kanuhura Coral Census (photo: Six Senses Kanuhura)*

Six Senses Kanuhura launched Kanuhura Coral Census, thefirst long-term 3D reef monitoring program implemented by a resort globally. It usesadvanced imaging and AI to create living digital replicas of coral reefs, offering a deeper understanding of reef health, biodiversity, and resilience. These insights help guide a more mindful, long-term approach to reef restoration, ensuring that the surrounding ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

*Imperial Hotel Kyoto aligns heritage with sustainability (photo: Imperial Hotels)*

Imperial Hotels across Japan’s heritage cities – Tokyo, Kamikochi, Osaka, Kyoto – align heritage with sustainability. Imperial Hotel Tokyo has reduced plastics by 87.7 percent versus 2019, reducing 13.9 tons by shifting amenities to bamboo, wood, and biomass and replacing PET with paper cartons; it operates on 100 percent CO2-free electricity and advances circularity through recycling loops that turn coffee grounds into cattle feed and repurchase the resulting milk, while used cooking oil becomes Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The Osaka hotel reinforces circularity by turning kitchen waste into fertilizer and buying back vegetables grown with it and supports EV drivers with charging stations.

Imperial Hotel Kyoto, which opened March 5, 2026 inside the restored Yasaka Kaikan in Gion, preserves its cultural fabric through adaptive repurposing and reusing more than 16,000 tiles to reduce construction impact while sustaining local craftsmanship. The property supports living culture through performances. Craft atelier visits, including an imperial doll workshop, ensure fees reach local artisans. Community engagement includes food education in schools, cleanup activities in Osaka and Kamikochi; disaster support agreements in Tokyo and Osaka provide shelter for stranded residents and travelers. Imperial Hotel Kamikochi runs on net zero CO2 energy using regional hydropower and offsets, encourages refills with a lobby spring water fountain, and has reduced plastics by roughly 90 percent through amenity changes. Conservation work with the Kamikochi Beautification Association supports stewardship of the national park.

*The Lake House on Canandaigua is the only hotel in New York State to receive Beyond Green certification (photo: The Lake House)*

The Lake House on Canandaigua, a luxury hotel in the Finger Lakes, has earned a Beyond Green certification – the only hotel in New York State to receive the recognition – joining a global portfolio of hotels recognized for advancing sustainability, environmental stewardship and meaningful community connection. Operated by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green is a curated collection of hotels and resorts committed to responsible travel worldwide. Member properties are vetted against more than 50 sustainability indicators aligned with the best global practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing places where sustainability is deeply embedded in both philosophy and practice (lakehousecanandaigua.com).

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Ecotourism, Experiential Travel, Sustainable Travel

Mindful Travelers Seek Out Responsible, Sustainable Travel Providers

April 15, 2026 krubin723

Destinations are protecting their cultural and natural resources by imposing strict regulations and limits on guided safaris through its animal preserves, such as the Kahna Tiger Sanctuary in India © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travel “opens our minds, connects us, and makes the world a smaller place,” notes Sustainable Travel International. “Done well, tourism is a force for good that lifts communities out of poverty, improves living standards in developing countries and safeguards the world’s natural and cultural treasures.”

On the other hand, “Tourism also accounts for 8% of global emissions, litters the planet with plastic, threatens species, and overburdens communities.”

A growing cadre of travelers are mindful of their own responsibility and seek out travel companies, hotels, transportation and destinations that make responsible, sustainable practices their mission, infused into their operation and their mindset.

Tour operators who practice sustainable, responsible travel in their operations and their policies are careful to limit their carbon footprint, avoid plastics and pollutants, hire locals and buy local, are respectful of local culture, heritage and environment, and often give back a portion of the tour price to the community or assist and support community projects like schools, water, and health clinics. Wildlife, nature and safari companies show great care in how they interface with animals and the ecosystem, limiting interactions, and often sponsor conservation projects. And some are designed to engage the travelers actively in the projects or research.

Galapagos is the poster child for the necessity for responsible, sustainable eco-tourism and a model for how to practice it, limiting the number of permits available to be on the Inca Trail or access Machu Picchu © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Destinations are also making sure their desire for economic development and progress does not kill the golden goose that make their places so desirable to visit, so take action to regulate and limit tourism.

Responsible travelers can make more informed choices of tour companies, hotels, cruiseships, transport modes and service providers. They gain first-hand understanding of the pressures on communities and ecosystems, and become ambassadors to advocate for environmental protection at home. An added benefit is that they also bring these ideas and practices to their own home and community and become advocates for the lawmakers and policy makers.

*Concerned about the ill-effects of overtourism, Peru strictly limits the number of people who can be on the Inca Trail or access Machu Picchu on any day © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Here is a list of widely respected sustainable, responsible travel companies:

IntrepidTravel.com specializes in environmentally, culturally and socially responsible tours for small groups in destinations worldwide.

G Adventures, based in Canada, is renowned for trekking, safaris, ecotourism, cultural tours around the world and for small group tours that prioritize local economic benefits and community-based projects.

Natural Habitat Adventures partners with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to offer specialized, eco-conscious wildlife tours, including polar bear and Galápagos trips.

And Beyond specializes in luxury, conservation-focused tourism in Africa, Asia and South America.

Much Better Adventures focuses on adventure travel that supports local communities and contributes to habitat conservation, with 5% of revenue going to conservation funds.

Exodus Adventure Travels offers trips that often include “citizen science” opportunities, such as collecting water samples for research.

Global Exchange offers socially responsible Reality Tours to 30 developing countries worldwide.

Journeys International is a US-based family-owned global adventure travel company specializing in guided cross-cultural explorations, nature safaris, treks and eco-tours in remote corners of the globe.

Tribes Travel is a UK-based travel company offering holidays and safaris that operate on fair trade and responsible travel principles.

World Expeditions, based in the UK (with offices in USA), offers trekking and small group adventure holidays, based on responsible and sustainable travel principles

Much Better Adventures focuses on adventure travel that supports local communities and contributes to habitat conservation, with 5% of revenue going to conservation funds.

European Safari Company operates in partnership with Rewilding Europe to fund conservation through tourism.

White Desert provides luxury travel to Antarctica using sustainable aviation fuel.

Slow Travel

Parks & Trail NY highlights its advocacy for repurposing obsolete rail lines and canalways for multi-use recreation with an annual 8-day, 400-mile Cycle the Erie biking/camping trip, from Buffalo to Albany © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Bike tours are not only friendly to the environment, but are stimulating to mind and body and bring you to places you would otherwise never see and interactions you would never otherwise have. Among our favorites: BikeTours.com; Discovery Bicycle Tours; Wilderness Voyageurs; BoatBikeTours; Backroads; Trek Travel; Exodus Adventure Travels; Duvine; and Butterfield & Robinson.

Advocates such as Parks & Trails NY (ptny.org), which operates the annual 8-day, 400-mile Cycle the Erie biking/camping trip (this year taking place July 11-16, https://cycle.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour) but you can bike the 356-mile Erie Canalway between Albany and Buffalo anytime (https://eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling), and several tour operators offer an inn-to-inn program) and Rails to Trails Conservancy (railtotrails.org), help promote recreational multi-use trails.

Rails to Trails Conservancy can help you plan your next outing with detailed trail guides. RTC’s Hall of Fame guidebook features 39 trails from all across the country; you can also reserve a copy of the NEW Great American Rail-Trail^® guidebook featuring 50 trails along the route of the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, which, when completed, will span 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington State. A hike, bike, ride or roll along the Great American Rail-Trail—or any of our nation’s incredible trails—is a perfect way to experience trails during America’s 250th year.

Rails to Trails Conservancy promotes the use of multi-use trails like its award-winning Great Allegheny Passage trail, and is presently working to link 3,700 miles of trails into the Great American Rail-Trail © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Each guidebook includes all you need to plan your next trail adventure, including maps, detailed trail descriptions, photos, and trail use notes, whether you want a forest path, a rugged mountain trail, an urban exploration, or a trek along a coastline. Nationwide, over 40,000 miles of trails exist for walking, biking, rolling, running (railstotrails.org)

RTC is promoting Celebrate Trails Day, April 25, 2026, and invites everyone to be a part of this annual springtime celebration by joining an event or simply spending the day your way on a trail near you. RTC is also celebrating 40 years and decades of progress made for America’s trails. Need celebration inspiration?

While Rails to Trails and Parks & Trails NY advocate for re-purposing abandoned and obsolete rail lines, rail travel is very much a treasured experience that exemplifies sustainable travel.

Rail travel: Consider a vacation by rail – Europe is easy to get around (RailEurope, Eurail and Vacations by Rail); Canada (VIA Rail, canadiantreainvacations.com), Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com) and Japan is famous for its scenic rail routes, Bullet train and excellent train system (https://www.japan.travel/en/see-and-do/scenic-railways/).

*Japan’s rail network is legendary (photo: Japan Rail)*

Iconic rail journeys include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe) famous as a top luxury train, it features 1920s-vintage Art Deco cars and travels between cities like London, Paris, and Venice); Rocky Mountaineer(Canada); Glacier Express(Switzerland) known as the “slowest express train in the world,” it crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz; Rovos Rail(Africa) luxury travel, particularly the Pretoria to Victoria Falls route); Maharajas’ Express(India); Belmond Royal Scotsman(Scotland);Trans-Siberian Railway(Russia/Asia) classic route spans from Moscow to Vladivostok); Andean Explorer(Peru), South America’s first luxury sleeper train, traveling from Cusco to Arequipa, offering high-altitude views.

*The Belmond Royal Scotsman (photo: Belmond)*

Also: Bernina Express(Switzerland/Italy), picturesque, known for traversing steep grades and dramatic, icy mountain landscapes); Eastern & Oriental Express(Southeast Asia),travels through Malaysia and Thailand; Seven Stars in Kyushu(Japan), a luxury train traversing the Kyushu region.

Amtrak Vacations (amtrakvacations.com) offers packages along its famous routes:

California Zephyr: Travels between Chicago and San Francisco, widely considered one of the most beautiful trips in North America.

Coast Starlight: A scenic route connecting Seattle and Los Angeles along the Pacific coast.

Empire Builder: Follows the path of Lewis and Clark from Chicago through the Pacific Northwest.

Grand Canyon Railway: A historic railway bringing travelers from Arizona to the edge of the Grand Canyon, operated by Xanterra Travel Collection (Xanterra.com)

*America has our share of historic and scenic train routes, like the Grand Canyon Railway, operated by Xanterra Travel Collection © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Voluntourism

Earthwatch connects people with scientists worldwide to participate, collaborate and contribute in environmental research, while empowering them with knowledge they can apply to conserve the planet (earthwatch.org/expeditions/browse). Examples:

Amazon Riverboat Exploration: Help conserve wildlife within the Amazon Basin as you search for pink river dolphins, macaws, and other iconic species, on the Yarapa River, Peru (8-11 days, from $4,795)

Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge: Join scientists studying the effects of climate change in the polar bear capital of the world in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada (11 days, from $4995)

Conserving Wild Bees and Other Pollinators of Costa Rica: Help study bees, hummingbirds, and pollinators critical to ecological health. 7 days (from $3995), San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica

Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal: an archaeological adventure in Muge, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarém, Portugal (7+ days, from $4495)

Browse 2026 Earthwatch expeditions (click “View Dates and Join”to find a departure that works for you. Contact inquiries@earthwatchexpeditions.com to book;2026 booking inquiries are being handled by Natural Habitat Adventures (https://www.nathab.com/).

Biosphere Expeditions is an award-winning, non-profit organization that makes it possible for ordinary people to join scientists in the field doing hands-on research in marine, mountain, and tropical ecosystems. Examples of 2026 expedition opportunities: Azores: Whales, dolphins, and turtles; Sweden: Brown bear monitoring; Maldives/Oman: Coral reef and marine conservation; Tien Shan (Kyrgyzstan): Snow leopard research; South Africa: Leopard and biodiversity monitoring. The expeditions are open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or prior experience and range from a weekend to several weeks. Two-thirds of the fee goes to the conservation project. (https://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/)

More sources to find responsible, sustainable travel and ecotourism experiences:

Transitions Abroad (www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/responsible/ecowebsites.shtml)

Responsible Travel International, sustainabletravel.org

Planeta.com features news, articles, an eco-travel directory, and recommended reads.

Seven Tips for Responsible Hiking In Moab’s Fragile Backcountry

*Hiking in Arches National Park. Moab Adventure Center advises hikers on their own responsibility to preserve the fragile landscape © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

MOAB, UT— Hiking the vast wilderness of multicolored rock and sand surrounding Moab, Utah, is the most accessible and popular activity for visitors to the region. Thanks to the stewardship of local agencies, associations and responsible tour operators such as the Moab Adventure Center, over 1,000 miles of diverse trails are available, most leading to unparalleled vistas, iconic arches and overlooks.

While scanning the horizon for yet another breathtaking geological masterpiece, hikers are urged to respect where they stand – on trails lacing through a fragile environment of cryptobiotic soil. It is the foundation for most all desert plant life.

“Off-trail footsteps can damage the crust’s living organisms for many decades,” stressed Kam Wixom, former guide and current Marketing Director for Moab Adventure Center.

To help secure this fragile eco system, Wixom offers seven eco-friendly tips to protect the environment when exploring afoot.

Avoid campfires in the wild that can quickly escalate into wildfires that result in devastating consequences for the area’s fauna and flora. Instead, make your campfire in areas specifically designated for them.

Plan your routes carefully, stay on established trails and let others know of your backcountry plans and destinations.

Wear natural sunscreen. If you plan to take a dip in a stream or waterhole along the way, remember, some commercial sunscreen ingredients can be very damaging to the fauna and flora. Consider sun-protective clothing so you don’t need sunscreen at all.

Leave no trace. Trash is out-of-place and unsightly plus animals may mistake it for food. As certain items decay, they may pollute the surrounding soil or water, creating a catastrophic knock-on effect for the entire ecosystem.

Choose eco-friendly gear. As Charlotte Cross, a lifestyle writer at Essay Roo and Lia Help tells us: “choosing to purchase sustainable and eco-friendly hiking gear supports and encourages sustainability within the field.” Utilizing clothing and gear made from recycled materials further reduces your environmental impact.

Save on energy by using solar chargers and solar-powered items such as flashlights and lamps.

Ditch the bottled water that correlates to millions of tons of single-use plastic. Instead, buy reusable water bottles that will keep everything cooler and fresher for longer periods than plastic bottles.

People with pets visiting the Moab region are invited to use Moab’s pet-friendly trails and remember to use a leash and carry out pet excrement.

Moab Adventure Center’s Tours into Arches National Park include guided hikes suitable for all ages:

Arches National Park Guided Morning Tour: A four-hour adventure including VIP park pass with timed entry reservation, replete with expertise of professional guide.

Arches National Park Guided Sunset Tour: Arches at its most magical in golden hour light and with fewer crowds. In this four-hour adventure guides bring the landscape to life with their fascinating stories.

Private guided hiking in Arches National Park and surrounding region can be also arranged.

Follow this link to the Top Hikes in Moab as handpicked by local guides.

To learn more about trail hiking, visit MoabAdventureCenter.com and sign up for a free Insider’s Guide. To explore trip options and book a hiking adventure, visit www.moabadventurecenter.com or call 435-259-7019, 866-904-1163.

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Beach Holidays, Caribbean Travel, Family Travel, Villa Vacations

The Secret to the Perfect Family Beach Vacation in Mexico’s Quintana Roo

April 5, 2026 krubin723

*This troupe of Mayan dancers performs a sunset ritual up and down Puerto Morelos beach. We were excited to see them again during this second visit, right in front of our villa*, *Casa Brisa y Mar*, *in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Laini Miranda & Dave E. Leiberman, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

We figured out the secret to the perfect family beach vacation in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

We visited Puerto Morelos about six years ago, well before we were a family of three and found it to be such a beautiful, relaxing, easy and affordable vacation that we decided to return with our two-year-old daughter. We convinced our brother and sister-in-law to join us with their 18-month old.

Puerto Morelos, in the region of Quintana Roo, is ideally located just a 20-minute drive from the airport. Once in the beach zone of P.M., you’ll find the palm trees, clear blue water and soft sandy beaches you picture of the Caribbean.

For our first trip, we rented a car and stayed in an Airbnb on a gorgeous white sand beach about a 10-minute drive from town. This time, with toddlers in tow, we opted for a car-free vacation, staying as close to town as possible. We split our week between four days at the villa in town and three days at an all-inclusive resort. There was one obvious winner.

*The back patio of the Casa Brisa y Mar villa features an 8-person dining table, lounge chairs, beds, hammock, and a pristine lounge pool cleaned regularly by the grounds crew* *© Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The villa we found, Casa Brisa y Mar, was so perfect that we’re honestly hesitant to write about it out of fear it will get too popular for us to rent in the future. But it was such a dream, we can’t keep it to ourselves.

Casa Brisa y Mar is a beachfront property just a few minutes’ walk from the center of town. The large building is split into four units: a four-bedroom villa on the ground floor, and a two-bedroom apartment and two one-bedroom apartments on the upper floors. The upstairs apartments all have balconies facing the ocean and the same access to beach chairs, umbrellas, and rental bikes available at the building’s entryway. It is also possible to rent out the full property for an extra large group.

*Your private unobstructed beach at the villa. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The main beach section of Puerto Morelos occupies a fairly short stretch of sandy shore between the Fives Oceanfront Resort to the north and the pier just beyond the town square to the south. It takes about 20 minutes to walk. If you’re looking at a map, the zones passed either of these edges would definitely be considered “off the beaten path” of P.M. and warrant a car, especially if traveling with kids. Casa Brisa y Mar is ideally located right in the middle of the best beach bars and about a five-minute walk from the town square. The property sits on the part of the beach that boasts the deepest expanse of soft white sand and a close beach walk to the town square, yet far enough from it and the moored boats that the ocean is clear.

*Six years after our first visit, Puerto Morelos retains its peaceful fishing village charms © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We walked the full 20-minute stretch and decided Casa Brisa y Mar was not only in the best location, but also the nicest looking villa on the beach with the most ideal beachfront setup (most of the other beachfront villas are set back further from the public beach, behind shrubbery). Note that if you are looking at any all-inclusive beach resorts supposedly “in” Puerto Morelos, these are on a stretch of ocean that does not have much of a beach and tends to have murky water.

*Casa Brisa y Mar is set on some of the best section of Puerto Moreles beach ideal for a family vacation © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Villa

The four-bedroom villa at Casa Brisa y Mar occupies the full ground floor, with two-bedroom and one-bedroom units on the upper 2 floors, each with private oceanfront balconies. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Upon entering the big wooden doors on the street, you first pass a small courtyard with beach chairs, umbrellas, a few bikes available to rent, and a tiny office where the manager works during business hours, available to answer any questions. Passed this door is the entrance to the four-bedroom villa. A large open plan kitchen, living and dining area with direct views to the ocean connects the three main bedrooms: two ocean-view king rooms with sliding glass doors to the oceanfront patio and one room with two double beds.

*Casa Brisa y Mar provides comfortable space to accommodate our multi-family getaway. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The largest bedroom on the left features a king bed, sofa bed and kitchenette area, and large bathroom. The king ensuite bedroom on the opposite side has a similar layout, but without the kitchenette and sitting area. The double bedroom is perfect for up to four friends or kids. This is the only room with windows that face the interior courtyard as opposed to the beach, a plus for our scenario since it also stayed darkest during the day for toddler naps. A large separate bathroom is opposite this room in the shared hallway, so each bedroom essentially has its own bathroom.

*Casa Brisa y Mar* *has plenty of kid-friendly amenities, including pack n play (with its own mosquito net, that we luckily didn’t need), baby bath, and beach toys.* *© Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

There is a fourth large king oceanfront bedroom that is accessible through its own door in the inner courtyard, as well as its own patio door connecting it to the villa from the outside. This layout worked out perfectly for our friends (without kids) who joined us, as they could have a private space detached from the shared living room and kitchen, but still share access to the full patio/outdoor areas. They, of course, also have a key to the front door of the villa.

*Three of the four bedrooms in the villa look out to the beach © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The kitchen is well-stocked to prepare meals at home, including plasticware to take drinks to the outdoor patio area, and a blender that we appreciated for making our own piña coladas. The living room features a huge comfy couch, large dining table, big bluetooth Bose speaker, yoga mats, and many board games inside the living room furniture.

*The outdoor area is perfectly appointed with enough variety of lounge furniture to appease everyone in your large group. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Patio

All three King ensuite bedrooms have sliding glass doors that open to the patio (exclusive to the villa), which has a large outdoor dining table under an awning (perfect for the few days it rained mid-day), a small pool, multiple queen beach beds and chaise lounges. There was also a large covered bin full of beach toys that kept our toddlers happy while at the beach.

*The day bed and hammock were perfect for storytimes.*© Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There’s an additional area right on the beach with a few more chaise lounges and umbrellas, just set back enough from the public beach to feel like a VIP area, but still within steps of the ocean. The pool in the middle of the patio is the perfect size to cool off on a hot day, and even has a little tiled area surrounding the perimeter where our kids liked to walk. Of course this feature requires adult supervision, but it actually served as an amazing giant water table for our toddlers when they didn’t want to go all the way in. Everything about the outdoor area is perfectly thought-out and we especially appreciated this area during the kids’ naps.

*The Casa Brisa y Mar* *hosts even provide yoga mats. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The team at the villa was kind enough to provide a pack ‘n play, a high chair, and a baby bath (there are only showers in the bathrooms). We really appreciated the huge outdoor bin of beach toys on the patio, as well as the pool noodles. Plenty of plastic cups and plates can be found in the kitchen and living room credenza. They even left family-friendly bug-spray by the door.

Casa Brisa y Mar’s own section of the sandy beach lets you feel like you’re part of the energy of the public beachfront with your own shade and privacy, and was especially nice for those toddler nap times! *© Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

*Coconut vendors carry bags of fresh coconuts up and down the beach; they’ll even cut them up for you to eat the flesh once you finish its water. © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Puerto Morelos with Kids

*The very family-friendly Puerto Morelos town square. © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

We love Puerto Morelos because it is so easy to stroll with toddlers and there’s a wonderful playground right in the town square. There’s also an excellent small bookstore across the street from the playground that has an amazing collection of children’s books in both English and Spanish, as well as tons of affordable gifts. Most afternoons and evenings, the town square fills with an artisan market and performances in the center. Our toddlers loved watching the circus acts on the nights we wandered into town after dinner.

*Enjoying the entertainment in Puerto Morelos town square © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Some of our favorite restaurants

Punta Corcho – Right off the town square in a beautifully designed upstairs open-air restaurant with views overlooking the ocean. Recently awarded a Michelin star, it isn’t cheap, but well worth it for a special dinner. Go without kids if you can so you can more leisurely savor their creative menu and incredible cocktails.

El Dorado – If you don’t want to leave the beach, walk a few feet south of Casa Brisa y Mar for excellent fish, tacos and other Mexican classics at reasonable prices.

Paradise Beach Club – Just north of the villa, you can take advantage of this beachfront bar’s chaise lounges and umbrellas if you want beach service and great food and drinks. They serve surprisingly good cheeseburgers (as well as fresh coconuts and all the classic beach cocktails you could want). They also have a covered bar area with porch swings that keep kids entertained. We enjoyed waiting out a thunderstorm here, while still feeling like we were on the beach. To us, this had the most laid-back vibe of all the beach bars.

Muelle Once – We liked this spot so much we ate here three times in one week. Walk just a few feet beyond the town square on the street or beach and you’ll find this beautiful venue with multiple dining areas: a big indoor restaurant and bar, a large covered patio with views to the ocean, and beach beds on the sand below. We found this small stretch of beach to have some of the clearest water in Puerto Morelos.

Local Coffee + Shop – In the heart of the town, just two blocks from the beach, this vegan friendly spot has some of the freshest healthy food in P.M., some of the best coffee drinks we’ve ever had (which is saying a lot for people from NYC and SF) and amazing veggie-forward brunches. If you’re looking for an antidote to tacos and fried seafood, this is your spot. Don’t miss the Golden Dirty Latte with espresso, turmeric, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and honey.

*Ordering in from Taqueria El Poblano Puerto Morelos* *The patio was perfect for evening meals and post toddler bedtime hangs. © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Taqueria El Poblano Puerto Morelos – This excellent restaurant is actually located in the less touristic city zone on the other side of the highway, and only accessible by car. BUT, from the invaluable tip of the guys at the Dive shop next door to the villa, we learned that they do delivery! Perhaps our best meals of the week were the two we ordered the Parillada (assorted grill dinner) for 6 that they delivered right to our door. The second night we added a whole grilled fish to this order, which we highly recommend. We were able to take advantage of the large outdoor dining table on the patio to enjoy the view of the ocean at sunset while feasting on amazing grilled meats (served with guacamole, beans, queso, and a huge stack of fresh tortillas). All 6 adults and 2 toddlers ate until we were stuffed and we still had leftovers, all for the same price as 2 entrees at one of the more touristy spots in the beach zone.

Running and Salsa

*Running in Puerto Morelos! © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

These are two activities we highly recommend during your stay in Puerto Morelos. For the former, we found a lovely run on the quiet road that runs out of town to the north. Aside from a bike tour and occasional car, it’s mostly just you, the road and the trees.

If you’re looking for some fun nightlife just steps from the villa, check out the awesome salsa trio at Los Molcajetes that we stumbled upon on our last night. It’s a party there on the weekends. We found the crowd to be a cool mix of locals, expats, and tourists. Great place to dance and have some mezcal and late-night food. We think we’ll kick off our next Puerto Morelos vacation here.

Excursions

We opted for an extra relaxed trip for this visit, but there’s a lot to do in Puerto Morelos and the surrounding towns if you want to venture out. The hosts at Casa Brisa y Mar will help you arrange any excursion.

*Playing in the cenotes, from our first visit to Puerto Morelos © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Cenotes – La Ruta de Los Cenotes is right in greater Puerto Morelos. Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes that the ancient Maya civilization considered sacred. Drive your rental car, call an Uber, or arrange a tour and check out as many cenotes as you have time for. You can easily visit 4 or 5 in a day, or spend the afternoon exploring one larger complex. Swimming, rope-swinging and zip-lining into these crystal-clear jungle pools make for an adventurous and memorable day that feels totally magical for kids and adults alike.

Akumal – About an hour south of Puerto Morelos you’ll find this public beach and small eco-park famous for its sea turtles. Pay the small fee to swim in the protected area with the turtles right off the beach.

*Mayan dancers at Xcaret, an archaeological theme park. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Xcaret Park – We haven’t been to Xcaret ourselves, but you’ll see signs for this popular cultural eco-themepark all over Riviera Maya. It’s about 35 minutes drive from Puerto Morelos and can easily be visited as a day trip if your kids are hankering for an eco theme park with rides, swimming, wildlife, and shows.

Travel Tips

In addition to helping make tour arrangements, Casa Brisa y Mar can arrange a car service to pick you up at the airport, which was the best deal we found since Uber drivers are not allowed to make pickups at the airport.

Learn more about Casa Brisa y Mar and book directly at their website: https://www.casabrisaymar.com/.

You can also find them on all the standard booking platforms, including Airbnb, and Booking.com.

For more travel planning information, visit mexicancaribbean.travel.

__________________

© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

International Travel, Tips for Travel

Urgent Passport & Visa Service Requests Spike Due to Current Global Conflicts – Must-Know Tips

March 31, 2026 krubin723

*India is one of the destinations where demand for visas is increasing the most © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Edited by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Middle East airspace closures and reroutings have disrupted thousands of flights and triggered emergency consular guidance for travelers in the region due to the current Iran war, which has correlated to ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services experiencing a significant increase in urgent traveler support requests, especially for last-minute visa checks, emergency passport renewals, and itinerary-related document reviews.

Antoinette Leon, COO & SVP of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services, elaborates on this increase, while explaining how the current global conflict has spurred delays in travel document issuance and made global routing more fragile. She also details the specific consequences of self-filing for travel documents right now and her 3 top tips for travelers navigating international trips during these conflicts.

On spikes in specific ItsEasy.com service requests due to the conflicts:

Since the latest Middle East escalation and resulting reroutings, we have seen a large increase in urgent travel document requests, especially for last-minute visa checks, emergency passport renewals, and itinerary-related travel document reviews. That increase is supported by the broader reality that Middle East airspace closures and reroutings have disrupted thousands of flights and triggered emergency consular guidance for travelers in the region.

We have seen a surge in urgent requests from U.S.-based travelers whose itineraries included Gulf, South Asia, and Europe-Asia connections, especially when airline changes suddenly altered stopovers, entry timing, or document requirements.

As many flights between Europe, Asia, and the Gulf are being rerouted via Egypt, travelers are dealing with cancellations and limited options instead of normal schedules.

People are getting stuck and suddenly needing a transit visa. We are seeing more travelers ask us to review whether a rerouted connection changes their visa exposure, if they can still transit cleanly, and if they need to shift quickly from self-service to expert support.

How multiple conflicts have made global routing more fragile:

The most immediate travel shock right now is clearly the current March 2026 Iran war and resulting disruption across Gulf airspace, which has directly affected airports, flight paths, advisories, and commercial operations. The attacks affected Dubai and broader Gulf aviation, while governments including the U.S. and UK have updated warnings and consular guidance for travelers in the Middle East.

That said, multiple worldwide conflicts have already made global routing more fragile, so each new escalation creates problems for visas, transit assumptions, and schedule reliability. The current disruption is intensified because airlines had already been avoiding other conflict zones, making Iranian and Iraqi overflight routes more important before this latest escalation.

How global conflicts have spurred delays in travel document issuance:

The conflict has resulted in delays in travel document issuance, even when the visa rules themselves have not formally changed. The biggest drivers are flight disruptions, changes in embassy or consular operations, traveler backlogs, and the need for emergency guidance as governments respond to evolving security conditions.

Visa demand is rising most in:

Europe (Schengen)
- Asia (Thailand, Japan, Vietnam)
- India
- China
- Brazil

The consequences of self-filing for travel documents right now:

1. Travelers often submit for travel documents based on the trip they originally booked, not the trip they are actually taking after cancellations, route changes, or emergency rebookings.

In a normal season, this can be inconvenient, but during a conflict-driven disruption cycle, it can lead to missed flights, denied boarding, incorrect visa type selection, invalid timing, or failure to prepare for revised transit or entry requirements. Governments are actively warning that conditions are changing quickly, and flights through the Middle East are not operating as they would under normal planning assumptions.

2. Self-filers may miss the insurance, advisory, and overstay implications of staying longer than planned or traveling against updated guidance. UK guidance for Oman notes overstay fines, and broader travel advice reporting warns that insurance coverage may be affected when travelers go against government advisories.

Leon’s 3 top tips for travelers navigating international trips during these conflicts:

1. Treat your itinerary as provisional until departure. Travelers should repeatedly re-check airline status, transit points, and official advisories in the days before flying because routes through the Gulf and between Europe and Asia have been changing quickly, with cancellations, resumptions, and detours all happening in short succession.

2. Review your document position against your backup routing, not just your original ticket.If your carrier diverts you through a different hub or forces an overnight connection, the key question becomes whether your passport validity, visa status, or entry eligibility still work for the revised trip. That is where professional review matters most, because conflict-driven rerouting can create a document problem even when the traveler did everything right for the original booking.

3. Avoid leaving document fixes until you reach the airport counter. In the current environment, the gap between “I think I’m fine” and “I am not boardable” can be very small, especially when advisories, airline rules, and immigration expectations are shifting. Travelers should verify requirements in advance and use expert help for urgent passport renewals, visa corrections, and application review when timing is tight.

Why using a passport, visa service like ItsEasy.com is important today:

As international travel becomes more complex, travelers often need assistance navigating visa requirements, passport renewals, and urgent travel documentation. ItsEasy.com streamlines the process by offering services such as expedited passport processing, visa assistance for numerous countries, and expert guidance on evolving travel requirements.

With constantly changing regulations and entry policies, having professional support can save travelers crucial time and prevent frustration and stress. Whether preparing for an unexpected trip, renewing an expiring passport, or securing the correct visa, services ItsEasy.com offers help ensure travelers are fully prepared before they depart. In a world where global events can quickly reshape travel plans, having reliable passport and visa support is becoming more valuable than ever.

Is the increase in passport applications related to concern over needing to prove citizenship to vote?

So far, the increase in passport applications is not related to fear of needing one to vote. The surge is mainly driven by travel demand, visa requirements, global uncertainty and proof of citizenship if stopped by ICE. Having Passport Card on you at all times is highly recommended.

Adventure Travel, Cultural travel, International Travel, Solo Travel, Women Travel

Women Power the Surge of Solo-But-Not-Alone Travel

March 20, 2026 krubin723

*Agra, India. Several tour companies – G Adventures, Goway and Road Scholar among them – cater to travelers wanting to explore India solo but not alone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

One of my favorite things about travel is how you stumble upon revelations – “eureka moments”. One of these came on my Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Coastal Maine trip in which I joined the swelling trend of women traveling solo (bike tours are ideal for this). We stopped at the Seal Cove Auto Museum where the exhibit, “Engines of Change: A Suffrage Centennial.” honored the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. What was so fascinating was learning that the bicycle, and later the car, were instrumental in the movement’s ultimate victory in winning the right to vote because it gave women the freedom and mobility to travel outside their own cocoons and spread the word. (Mobility is inherent in the very word “movement”.)

The Seal Cove Museum, visited on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Coastal Maine trip, pays homage to the 100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage, noting that bicycles and cars were “Engines of Change.”© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Another interesting fact: it was Bertha Benz, inventor, business partner and wife of Karl Benz, who, fed up with her husband’s endless tinkering and reticence to take his invention on the road, on August 5, 1888, grabbed her children and became the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance (65 miles) – an astonishing break with social norms of the time.

Indeed, women are powering a growing movement toward solo travel, and travel companies are adapting – not only creating women-only tours and departures, but suspending single supplements on certain departures, or facilitating a shared room (with same-sex person) to avoid paying the single supplement.

Solo travel – dominated by women travelers – continues to surge in popularity, with more travelers jetting off on journeys alone. In the United States, the Solo Travel market, valued at $95 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $192 billion by 2030 according to Research and Markets.

While women-only travel companies developed early on, when women were uncomfortable traveling alone on a trip that likely would have couples or catered to men, as the culture has accepted that women are independent and as women have come to be independent and confident travelers, they have been seeking out the active, immersive, experiential and adventure travel programs that span the world. Now the active and adventure travel companies (hiking, biking and the like) are catering to solo travelers without distinction, though most of solo travelers are women (and women of a certain age).

No place is beyond the reach of solo travelers with adventure and active travel operators facilitating travel, like the four-day hiking/camping trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

These programs open up the world to women, who might like to travel alone, but not actually on their own, and immerse in exotic locales and cultures, get as physical as they like or go at a comfortable pace. Places as far flung as Bhutan, Uzbekistan, the Serengeti, Antarctica are no longer out of reach.

“Solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of United States Tour Operators Association. “Rather than navigating a destination entirely on their own, solo travelers can join guided tours that let them connect not only with the places they visit, but also with like-minded explorers.”

Many members of The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) cater to solo travelers with dedicated itineraries, programming, and waived solo supplements that remove some of the traditional barriers of traveling on one’s own. Here is a sampling of tours tailored to solo travelers by USTOA tour operator members:

*Angkor Wat rises out of the jungle. G Adventures has introduced a “Solo-ish” tour to Cambodia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures have reimagined solo group travel by placing community at the core with front-loaded itineraries to encourage quick connection. All of G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures are led by female guides and include a “Me Day” for independent exploration. The trips are designed exclusively for solo travelers aged 18 and up – 68 percent of whom are female. “No more worrying about being the odd one out — you’ll be travelling with a community of people stepping out on their own to welcome whatever the world brings their way.” There is an emphasis on providing security and safety to alleviate the main concern about traveling solo – such as complimentary arrival transfer to your first hotel. The tours also offer a discounted My Own Room option. For example, on the 10-day Solo-ish Cambodia tour, travelers trek through the lush jungles of the Cardamom Mountains, dive into the turquoise waters of Koh Rong, and indulge in local cuisine (from $1,349 pp). Other new tours: Solo-ish Sicily (8-days, $1784); Solo-ish Ecuador (7 days, $1049) as well as programs in Bali, Morocco, India, Belize, Morocco, Costa Rica, Mexico, Vietnam, Jordan, Guatemala, Egypt, Turkey, Nepal, Uzbekistan. “Where’s your heart calling you?’ (https://www.gadventures.com/solo-travel-tours/, 877 982 6201 (24/7), https://www.gadventures.com/)

Visiting the colorful souks of Marrakech, Morocco © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Goway recently launched a line of itineraries designed specifically for women traveling solo. All trips are tailored for female travelers and the price includes a private room. The 12-day Secrets of India: A Women’s Journey traces northern India’s heritage from Delhi to Agra. Travelers are immersed in Indian culture with small group touring, enriching museum and temple visits, a majestic boat ride in Lake Pichola where white marble palaces frame the shore, and a dining experience at Molecule Air Bar which combines gastronomy with theater. Departures are available in October and November 2026 and January and March 2027, priced from $6,785 pp (goway.com).

EF Go Ahead Tours offers curated trips for solo travelers that include a private room at no added cost, plenty of time to explore independently, as well as group activities designed to maximize bonding between travelers. The Ireland for Solo Travelers tour is a whirlwind cultural immersion with visits to Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and of course plenty of stops at pubs for pints of Guinness. Each activity is designed to maximize bonding between travelers. Departures available through 2028, starting at $3,409 (goaheadtours.com)

For solo travelers seeking value and fewer crowds, Globus offers Escapes itineraries with off-season savings and no single supplement on most of its departure dates. The eight-day Swiss Escape begins with sightseeing in Zurich and Neuchâtel with its medieval cathedrals and castles. Next up, spend a few days soaking in the grandeur of Lake Geneva before heading to Lucerne. The tour concludes in Lugano, the city famous for its blend of Swiss and Italian culture. 2026 departure dates are available in October, November, and December with prices starting at $1,799 (globusjourneys.com)

Abercombie & Kent offers 50% on single supplements for select 2026 journeys. The company’s nine-day Glorious Gardens of England and Chelsea Flower Show journey centers on the world-renowned five-day extravaganza of brilliant blooms and expertly designed gardens. Guests will visit English castles and estates known for their immaculately designed grounds including an exclusive tour of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, where you’ll tour areas typically closed to the public.  Departs on May 13, 2026, price starts at $19,193 with single supplement savings (abercrombiekent.com)

More tour operators offering tours for solo travelers can be found at ustoa.com/blog/national-plan-a-solo-vacation-day.

Travel Companies Respond to Rise in Solo Travel

*Wild Frontiers’ Rajasthan: Taj, Temples & Tigers offers a safari through India’s tiger reserve © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

More than 70 percent of passengers on Wild Frontiers’ small group tours are solo adventurers. Not only will Wild Frontiers match a solo traveler to share a room (to avoid paying a supplement), periodically the company will reduce or waive the supplement if there is no one to match, and, periodically, waives the supplement on select tours booked (a discount up to 100% of the supplement is presently running through March). Examples: Guatemala: Tikal & Beyond,16 days from $4,478; Mongolia: Nomads Of The Steppe,10 days, from $3954;Tanzania: Safari, Serengeti & Maasai Heartlands,10 days from $5499; Oman Desert Adventure: Wahiba Sands & Empty Quarter, 12 days from $5,451; Viva Colombia, 12 days from $5,375. Also: Georgia and Armenia, experience the Silk Road in China, or go to the other end of the trade route to Turkey.

Update: Wild Frontiers is extending this solo travel deal on new bookings until April 14 to save 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% on single supplement costs for your own private room on a selection of group tours (https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_US/solo-offers)

“Traveling solo rarely means traveling alone. On our small-group tours, you’ll share extraordinary moments with like-minded travelers — then retreat to your own space when you need to reflect and recharge. You can travel as a single traveler on any of our vacations, from our escorted tours to our walking vacations.”(wildfrontierstravel.com, info@wildfrontiers.co.uk)

As it happens, because of demographics, the ardent traveling seniors who join Road Scholars (formerly known as Elderhostel) educational and experiential tours are often traveling solo and of these, a majority are women.

*Petra, one of Jordan’s archaeological wonders. Road Scholars has introduced a new Exploration of Egypt & Jordan tour for solo travelers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

In response, Road Scholar has created a special collection of learning adventures for solo travelers. Many of the programs are dedicated to solo travelers, while others have specific dates for solos. Road Scholar’s Go Solo programs include: Explore Delhi, Agra & More Highlights of India, 12 days, from $3,899; The Splendor of Nepal, a new eight-day program, priced from $2,299; Classic Tuscany and the Treasures of Florence, a new 13-day trip priced from $6,999; The Best of Central Europe, a new 18-day program, from $8,799; A Taste of Costa Rica, a new 9-day program, from $2,849;Go Solo: Independent Buenos Aires, a new 10-day program, from$ 2,499; The Best of Bhutan, a new 17-day program, from $7,199; An Exploration of Egypt & Jordan, a new 15-day tour, from $8,399; Peru’s Sacred Valley, Lima & Machu Picchu, a new 9-day program, from $3,349 (https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/solo-only/). Road Scholar, roadscholar.org, 800-454-5768).

Bike Tours, River Cruises Are Ideal for Women Traveling Solo

*Bruges to Amsterdam bike tour by boat: BoatBikeTours offers solo travelers the best of all worlds: biking and sailing on small barge hotels and sailing vessels © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

I have loved traveling solo on bike tours, where inevitably I am welcomed into the group, which tend to be small and caring (it could also be something self-selective about bike tour people). Also the ready availability of e-bikes level the playing field in physical ability to tackle hills or distance. Among the companies: Discovery Bicycle Tours (discoverybicycletours.com), BoatBikeTours (boatbiketours.com), Wilderness Voyageurs (wilderness-voyageurs.com). In addition, special experiences like the annual eight-day biking/camping Cycle the Erie trip organized by Parks and Trails NY (ptny.org) afford a phenomenal solo-but-part-of-group experience.

For a similar reason, river and canal cruises aboard small ships and barge hotels are also ideal for solo travelers..

For 2026, Tauck is removing the biggest obstacle to solo travel – the dreaded “single supplement”. Tauck is removing the single supplement on all Category 1 cabins for all its European river cruises (250+ departures in 2026), and offering up to $1,000 off single supplements on higher category cabins. This includes its new Bordeaux, Paris, & The Seine, sailing aboard the newly launched ms Serene. In addition, Tauck is offering single supplement savings up to $600 across more than 100 land journeys spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and North America trips including the new A Week In… Nova Scotia (tauck.com).

5 Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2026

*Taiwan’s National Palace Museum. Taipei is considered one of the safest cities in the world for women traveling alone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Women are embracing solo travel in a big way. Google searches for “solo female travel” jumped 44% in 2025 compared to the year before.

But while more women are eager to explore on their own, safety is still the top priority when choosing where to go especially as global events continue to shape traveler confidence.

InsureMyTrip took a closer look at the safest cities for women traveling solo. Using data from the Numbeo Crime & Safety Index, researchers focused on what matters most to women traveling alone: how safe it feels to walk alone (day and night), and lower risks of mugging, robbery, or physical attack.

The 5 Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2026

Taipei, Taiwan
Tampere, Finland
Tartu, Estonia
Lugano, Switzerland
Hong Kong

(While Muscat, Oman ranked #2 overall in the data, it has been excluded from this ranking due to the evolving situation in the Middle East. The data was collected prior to the current conflict.)

“Women traveling solo aren’t just looking at things like attractions and affordability, they’re asking, ‘Will I feel safe walking back to my hotel at night?’” said InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow. “This ranking really zeroes in on the everyday safety factors that shape how comfortable women feel while traveling solo.”

For full rankings and methodology, visit: https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-advice/travel-inspiration/best-cities-solo-female-travel/

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

International Travel, Tips for Travel, travel insurance, travel safety

Global Insecurity Heightens Need for Emergency Plan, Travel Insurance

March 8, 2026 krubin723

Visitors Happiness Desk, at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, in happier days. UAE, a major Mideast hub which is cultivating international tourism to drive economic growth, was dragged into the US-Israel conflict with Iran, and thousands of travelers stranded when it was forced to close its airport © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Americans Stranded by Sudden Onset of Iran War

Hundreds of thousands of Americans found themselves stranded without immediate, clear evacuation plans after airspace closed and flights were cancelled in major hubs including Dubai, Doha, Amman and Tel Aviv. Some 500,000 to 1 million U.S. nationals were living in or visiting the Middle East when the US and Israel launched its attack on Iran on February 28 without warning and without preparation or planning for getting civilians out of harm’s way.

Travelers in a dozen countries were impacted: Israel, Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates.

With many Mideast countries lacking a US ambassador, and many embassies closed, they had little support. As of March 7, just 27,000 Americans were able to return home. The U.S. State Department, which days later set up a telephone number for people to register for assistance, reported having “directly assisted” nearly 13,000 Americans with security guidance or charter evacuation flights.

*The Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. UAE, a major Mideast hub which is cultivating international tourism to drive economic growth © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Ongoing Situation: Thousands remain in the region under a “Depart Now” advisory, with many relying on private groups or commercial flights as they become available. Israel was providing bus transportation to Egypt and Jordan for Americans to connect to flights.

The U.S. Embassy in Iran continues to advise remaining citizens to shelter in place or depart by land if it is safe to do so (https://ir.usembassy.gov/security-alert-iran-march-7-2026/).

The State Department was advising U.S. citizens in Iran in need of help to call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance, or contact the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland by email at BernACS@state.gov or phone +41-31-357-7011. Since the U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, is serving as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.

Also, the State Department advised that the Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz was open. U.S. citizens entering Armenia from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 180 days visa-free. U.S. dual-nationals who plan to enter Armenia on an American, Iranian or Armenian passport do not require advance approval. Taxis are available from Agarak to surrounding cities and to Yerevan.

The Turkish land border crossings with Iran are open (Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow) for entry by Turkish and third country nationals.

Rising Global Travel Risks Drive Increase in Travelers’ Security Membership Purchases

Growing concerns about safety, instability and unpredictability in international travel are driving a significant increase in Global Rescue security memberships. From January 1 through March 5, security + travel membership purchases increased 29% compared to the same period in 2025.

The surge reflects a broader shift in traveler behavior as individuals seek professional security support and crisis response capabilities before traveling internationally. The purchasing trend aligns with findings from the Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, which showed that most travelers expect international travel in 2026 to be more dangerous or increasingly unpredictable compared to pre-2020 conditions.

According to the survey, 38% of travelers say international travel danger in 2026 will be unpredictable and 36% believe it will be more dangerous. Only 1% believe international travel will be less dangerous.

“Travelers are clearly signaling that uncertainty and instability are influencing how they plan international trips,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “More people want professional support behind them before they travel — access to intelligence, crisis response teams and the ability to get help quickly if conditions deteriorate.”

“These perceptions are shaping behavior,” Richards said. “Travelers are not necessarily staying home, but they are becoming more deliberate about preparation and risk management. Security memberships provide a safety net that gives travelers direct access to experienced security professionals when situations become volatile.”

Global Rescue’s Security Membership includes 24/7 access to teams of military special operations veterans and intelligence experts; real-time alerts and destination-specific security advisories’ and mergency response and extraction services during conflict, civil unrest and security crises.

“Travelers are seeing increasing headlines about conflict, political instability and security threats in multiple regions,” Richards said. “In that environment, having a professional crisis response capability is becoming an essential part of international travel planning.”

For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Tips About Travel Insurance

*Travelers to Petra, the wondrous archeological site in Jordan, are involuntarily impacted by the US-Israel war on Iran © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

With nearly 14,000 flights canceled from large airports in 10 countries across the Middle East and hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded in the immediate aftermath of the US-Israel attacks on Iran on February 28, most coverage has focused on stranded passengers and airport shutdowns.

But travelers are learning the hard way that acts of war exclusions and timing of purchase are determining who gets reimbursed and who doesn’t with their travel insurance.

According to InsureMyTrip, an insurance comparison platform that helps travelers find the most appropriate travel insurance for their needs:

Many travelers assume any cancellation is automatically covered, but standard policies don’t work that way.
Travelers who bought insurance after the conflict escalated may not have coverage for cancellations tied directly to the event.
Airlines and government repatriation efforts are playing a major role in helping travelers get home, while insurance often supports with delay benefits, assistance services, and reimbursement when eligible.
Interest in Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades is increasing as travelers look for more flexibility in uncertain global situations.

“This moment is less about insurance failing, and more about travelers learning how coverage actually works during global disruptions,” the company said.

InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow offered this guidance:

Travelers going to, from, or through Middle East hubs right now should stay flexible and informed. Check your flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport, look for waivers or rebooking options, and enroll in the State Department’s STEP program for real-time updates. Conditions are changing quickly, so having a backup plan is important.

Timing of purchase matters because once an event is considered “foreseeable,” new travel insurance policies typically won’t cover losses tied directly to it. That’s why we always encourage travelers to buy coverage early, ideally right after making the first trip deposit, so they have the broadest protection and options like Cancel for Any Reason.

There’s also a difference between cancellation coverage and travel delay support. Cancellation coverage may reimburse prepaid, nonrefundable costs if you can’t take the trip for a covered reason. Travel delay benefits help if you’re stuck mid-trip, covering things like meals, hotels, or transportation while you wait. Both are helpful, but they apply in different situations.

To protect reimbursement options, travelers should review their policy now, keep receipts for any extra expenses, and document delays or cancellations. It’s also smart to check airline and hotel policies first, since many are offering flexibility that can solve the issue without filing a claim.

If you’re already traveling and a crisis happens, whether political unrest, war, terrorism, climate events, or a pandemic, safety comes first. Follow guidance from local authorities and your embassy and register for alerts if you haven’t already. Travel insurance doesn’t arrange government evacuations, but many plans include 24/7 emergency assistance services that can help you understand your options, coordinate care, and navigate next steps. Depending on the situation and the policy, some travelers may have trip interruption benefits if they need to cut a trip short, but coverage always depends on the specific policy and circumstances.

“The bottom line: know your destination, know your coverage, and give yourself flexibility whenever possible,” Morrow advises.

InsureMyTrip expects a surge in travel insurance claims as frustrated fliers try to recoup losses. While the company doesn’t handle claims directly, its experts are offering guidance to help travelers avoid common mistakes that could slow down, or sink, their reimbursement.

Here’s what travelers need to know:

Not everything’s covered: Travel insurance isn’t a “catch-all.” Always read the fine print to understand exclusions.
- Paperwork matters: Missing receipts, reports, or proof of expenses are top reasons for denial. Don’t delay: Waiting too long to file can make a claim ineligible. Save everything: Receipts, doctor’s notes, police reports, and unused tickets are key for a smooth process.
- File online: Digital submissions are often faster and easier to track.

Bonus tip: InsureMyTrip customers get free access to a claim advocate, a service that reviews denied claims, contacts the provider, and assists with appeals.

Cancel For Any Reason Insurance

Just three months into 2026, several global events have already upended travel plans and left many uncertain about their upcoming trips. From the ongoing government shutdown to the unrest in the Middle East, travelers are increasingly prioritizing flexibility when planning.

According to Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison platform, interest in Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage has surged roughly 27% since the start of March amid recent global events.

Despite its name, the add-on offers more flexibility than travelers may realize, extending well beyond impulsive cancellations. This benefit functions as an extension of standard cancellation coverage, allowing travelers to cancel for reasons standard policies typically exclude and still receive partial reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

While exact exclusions vary by policy and provider, common scenarios where standard coverage may fall short, and CFAR can step in, include:

Unsafe travel conditions, but no official government closures or travel bans
Voluntary job changes or schedule conflicts
Traveling despite receiving a doctor’s orders to remain home
Events that were known and foreseen before the policy was purchased, such as winter storms, hurricanes, and government shutdowns
Government-mandated airspace closures due to military action
Visiting regions with level 4 travel advisories
Financial constraints that arise after a trip is booked
Simply changing your mind and deciding not to travel

“Travel insurance policies with the CFAR upgrade provide the most flexibility to cancel your trip,” shares Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations at Squaremouth. “This upgrade typically increases a policy’s cost by about 40% to 50%, but we’ve already seen how valuable that added flexibility can be for travelers affected by major events in 2026.”

Important Eligibility Requirements

“Travelers need to know that CFAR is not a standalone policy and is only available as an upgrade to a comprehensive plan,” Valdez continues. “In most cases, it must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit, depending on the provider.”

“That said, while this may be the only benefit that provides flexibility where standard coverage falls short, it does have limitations. CFAR typically reimburses between 50% and 75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, requires travelers to insure 100% of their trip expenses, and generally requires cancellation at least two to three days before departure,” she adds.

As global events continue to impact travel in 2026, Squaremouth encourages travelers to consider adding CFAR to their coverage for greater flexibility and financial protection.

Learn more about the Best Cancel For Any Reason Insurance for 2026 here.

Claims for Medical Issues

*Purchasing travel insurance for the medical coverage is recommended on big international trips such as biking in Cambodia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Travel insurance is an important investment for big-ticket trips like cruises, tours, safari, renting a home and for international travel. One of the most important reasons to purchase travel insurance is for the medical coverage – especially evacuation in the case of a medical emergency – since your health insurance policy including Medicare do not cover medical services when you travel abroad.

Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison platform, wants travelers to understand how travel insurance can protect travelers if they fall ill and their trip is disrupted:

If You’re Too Sick to Travel: If you, your travel companion, or a non-traveling family member gets sick before your trip, you could cancel your trip and be covered by a comprehensive travel insurance plan under the Trip Cancellation benefit. This benefit can reimburse you for 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, including flights, hotels, tours, excursions, and more.

If You’re Too Sick to Finish Your Trip: If you get sick while on your trip and need to go home early, the Trip Interruption benefit can reimburse you for unused trip expenses, plus the additional transportation costs you incur to get home. Typically, this benefit covers at least 100% of your unused, prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. However, some plans even cover between 125 – 200%.

If You Need Medical Treatment While Traveling: It’s important to understand that most domestic healthcare insurance plans will not cover you abroad. However, emergency medical insurance can cover the costs of medical treatment during your trip if you get sick or are injured, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications.

More serious cases could require emergency evacuation to a suitable medical facility, especially if you’re traveling in a remote destination or on a cruise. Medical Evacuation coverage, which is included with most travel insurance plans, can pay for transportation to a hospital in the event of a medical emergency or even back to the U.S.

If You Change Your Mind About Traveling: While concerns about traveling for fear of getting sick or simply no longer wanting to travel during flu season are not covered reasons under standard travel insurance policies, travelers can purchase optional add-on benefits like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR). These benefits provide the most flexibility, allowing travelers to cancel or shorten their trip for any reason and receive partial reimbursement, typically 50-75% of insured trip costs. It’s important to note that these benefits are time-sensitive and must be purchased within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit date.

Because travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen events, it’s crucial to buy a policy early to maximize your coverage. For coverage to apply to getting sick, such as with the flu, you must be healthy and able to travel at the time of purchasing your policy.

For a more in-depth overview, Squaremouth’s ‘Does Travel Insurance Cover the Flu?‘ article provides a deep dive into how travel insurance may apply to the flu, including coverage explanations and answers to frequently asked questions.

SOVENTURE Warns Travelers of Hidden Coverage Gaps in Popular Vacation Activities

*Snorkeling in Galapagos. Mishaps when snorkeling may not be covered unless specifically listed in your travel insurance policy © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Turning now to more mundane vacation travel planning, SOVENTURE is highlighting frequently overlooked gaps in travel insurance coverage that can affect families, cruisers, honeymooners, and other leisure travelers.

Popular vacation activities such as snorkeling, ziplining, hiking, parasailing, skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, and ATV or UTV excursions are often classified as “risky” by insurers, which can lead to coverage exclusions under many traditional travel insurance policies.

Some of the most common coverage gaps involve experiences that feel routine, family-friendly, or low-risk:

Cruise and Tour Excursions – Activities sold directly by cruise lines or resorts are often assumed to be automatically covered, but that is not always the case. Even widely booked excursions can fall outside standard policy coverage, depending on how an insurer classifies the activity.

Motorized Vehicles – Another common blind spot involves motorized vehicle rentals and guided excursions. Many travelers don’t consider a scooter ride, guided ATV tour, or Jet Ski rental risky, but insurers often do, especially when traveling outside the United States.

SOVENTURE policies explicitly includes a wide range of popular vacation activities; covers excursions sold by cruise lines or resorts; offers strong medical and emergency evacuation coverage; and clearly defines what is and isn’t covered.

More information at https://www.soventure.com/explore-plans/

Finding Best Travel Insurance to Meet Your Needs

InsureMyTrip.com is one of three platforms which travel guru Pauline Frommer recommends where you can put in the details of your trip and personal details (age is key), and get a bullet-list comparison of insurance policies. The others are SquareMouth.com and TravelInsurance.com (which I used to obtain a quote, comparison and link directly to the insurance company to complete the purchase)

“No one company is best for every trip,” she advised at the New York Travel & Adventure Show. “Usually the one in the middle that covers the most things is the best.”

Also, she warns, “Never buy insurance through the company you are traveling with.”

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Cultural travel, Historic Places, Nature and Wildlife, Outdoors Adventures, Places of History

Celebrating Jack London’s 150th Makes Sonoma County, California Visit Extra Special This Year

February 18, 2026 krubin723

Visiting Jack London State Historic Park gives intimate insight into the iconic novelist during the 150^th anniversary of his birth, including how he pioneered sustainable farming techniques on his “Beauty Ranch.” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

A major highlight for a visit to Sonoma County, California, this year takes place at one of my favorite places: Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen: the celebration of 150^th anniversary of novelist Jack London’s birth, with a full year of public programming and special events.

Planned events through 2026 include a quarterly speaker series featuring scholars and London’s great-granddaughter, a “Call of the Wild Day” family celebration with art, music, and guided walks, and gala events. The program also introduces new offerings such as an online “Around the World on the Jack London Trail” guide and themed trail challenges to highlight London’s global travels and local legacy. This yearlong initiative aims to blend heritage interpretation with immersive experiences in a beautiful, hike-friendly setting at a California state park.

I am lucky to visit the state park on Jack London’s actual birthday (admission free that day!) and visit the cottage he lived in while he and his wife, Charmian, were building their dream home, Wolf House. (Wolf House tragically burned down just before they would have moved in, but you can visit the spectacular ruins.)

Visit the modest cottage where Jack and Charmian London lived and wrote while he was developing his Beauty Ranch and building Wolf House to get intimate insights their life together © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The cottage – amazingly modest for such a successful writer – is filled with original furnishings and artifacts and photos – you even see the fireproof safe where he stored his manuscripts. The cottage gives you such an intimate window into the man – you see a large office, but it is the tiny porch room with a simple cot where he slept and worked – and get a peek at his personality and idiosyncrasies (like how he liked to play practical jokes on his guests, who slept in a separate building).

*The office in the cottage is the biggest room, but Jack London preferred to do his writing in a tiny porch room © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

The Cottage was the Londons’ principal home on the Beauty Ranch, which he eventually expanded to 1400 acres through acquisitions and used to experiment with sustainable farming techniques.

London purchased the wood-framed Cottage, built in the 1860s, in 1911, along with the Kohler and Frohling Winery buildings where he housed workers and guests. They lived in the cottage while building the Wolf House, but enlarged it after the Wolf House burned in 1913 until it included some 3000 square feet of living space. Here in the cottage, he wrote many of his later stories and novels; a disciplined writer, he produced 1000 words a day, while Charmian edited, typed manuscripts and letters in the expansive office.

*The tiny porch room in the cottage where novelist Jack London preferred to write and sleep © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

You actually have to go out of the cottage to an adjacent building that served as the kitchen and their dining room, where you see the piano that London bought as a gift to woo Charmian.

As the docent notes, these two buildings capture Jack and Charmian’s bohemian lifestyle and their unique working relationship. (You can visit the cottage noon-4 pm.)

After touring the cottage, I take one of the many hiking trails through a redwood forest – this one to the small “lake” Jack London used for fishing.

*Jack London pioneered sustainable farming techniques at his Beauty Ranch © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

You realize what a visionary London was – he pioneered sustainable farming (he called it “model farming”) and ranching techniques here, experimenting and learning by trial and error (his bet on Eucalyptus trees did not turn out well). It was a noble mission for him: the docent tells me that London realized that settlers were constantly overusing the land but could mov West to new land, but when you reached California, there wasn’t much more West to go, so you better not deplete the land. He eventually expanded his Beauty Ranch to 1400 acres. Charmian wrote, “He had ideas on the profession of farming that will do the world more good than the stories he could ever write.”

*Hiking through Jack London State Historic Park brings you to gorgeous views © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Not to be missed is the House of Happy Walls, the grand stone home that Charmian London and Jack London’s stepsister, Eliza Shepard, built after London died in 1916 at the age of 40 (all the more remarkable to consider his body of work in such a short life). The stunning Arts & Crafts structure was Charmian’s home from 1935 until 1952. She put it into her will that it become a museum to London. Today, the newly re-designed exhibits in the museum showcase the adventurous and inspiring lives of the Londons.

House of Happy Walls, built by Charmian London and Jack London’s stepsister, Eliza Shepard, after Jack London’s death, now serves as a marvelous museum to the novelist © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The fascinating exhibits help you appreciate not only what a brilliant writer and amazing adventurer Jack London was, what but what a decent human being. I came away with the intention to re-read “Call of the Wild,” then read for the first time “White Fang,” and go down the list of his many books (a bookcase in the gift shop is filled with first editions). It makes me wonder why Americans venerate the bad-boy Ernest Hemingway when Jack London is the better writer and a more noble, heroic man.

On weekends talented Piano Club volunteers play Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway grand piano bringing the House of Happy Walls to life (it was the piano that Jack London gifted to her to woo her.) (open 10-5 daily)

*The ruins of Wolf House are dramatic, befitting Jack London’s novels © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

From here, I hike another trail to the ruins of Wolf House – the dream house that Jack London was building that burned down in 1913 just before it was completed, at a cost of $75,000 ($1.9 million today). Ironically, with the 1906 San Francisco earthquake in mind, London had San Francisco architect Albert L. Farr, construct the 15,000-sq. ft., 26-room structure to be earthquake proof. Built in the Arts & Crafts style, the design was described as “rustic and individualistic”. Jack’s library measured 19 by 40 feet, and a two-story high living room measured 18 by 58 feet. Even in 1911, it was designed to include a water heater, electric lighting, refrigeration, a built-in vacuum cleaning system, laundry facilities (including a “steam dryer rotary wringer”) and a wine cellar. Even the ruins are impressive – and dramatic.

I stop to visit the modest grave sites of Jack London and Charmian on my way back.

Frankly, all of America should be celebrating Jack London’s 150^th, the way Britain is celebrating Jane Austen.

*Hiking through a redwood forest at Jack London State Historic Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

You can visit this state park over and over and do new and different things.

Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, jacklondonpark.com, 707-938-5216

Before you head up the winding road to Jack London State Park, stop at the market right at the base and pick up a picnic.

Glen Ellen, a charming classically historic Californian town, is right in the middle of a score of wineries (Benziger Winery is next door to Jack London State Park, 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, benziger.com, https://benziger.com/tours-and-tastings/; also, Imagery, its sister winery, is one of our favorites;), the Sonoma Regional Park (hiking), and Sonoma Botanical Garden.

*Hiking along Sonoma Coast State Park provides sensational, quintessentially California views © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Spend another day trip traveling less than an hour further to some of the most magnificent coastline in California: the Sonoma Coast State Park, where there are stunning trails that hug the cliffs and go down to beaches and get drinks and food at Fishetarian Fish Market on Bodega Bay watching the sun go down.

*You may well forget what continent you are on at Safari West © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Get carried away to another continent at Safari West – spend a day, or even better, overnight in their glamping tents (luxurious). After 35 years, Safari West is transforming toward nonprofit stewardship through the newly formed Safari West Zoological Society — “a thoughtful step that strengthens our commitment to Research, Education, and Conservation and supports the animals we cherish for generations to come.” (Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404, 800-616-2695, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com).

*Finish the day with a sunset dinner at Fishetarian Fish Market on Bodega Bay © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Here is what else is new and happening in Sonoma County:

New in Wellness

*Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has introduced a recurring Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Park Rx- Forest Bathing Walks: Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is a guided walking practice that originated in Japan which focuses on slowing down, reducing stress, and engaging the senses to support mental and physical restoration. In Sonoma County, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers a recurring Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program, held on the fourth Sunday of each month from March through November. Led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy practitioners, the experience introduces participants to simple techniques designed to deepen presence and enhance the restorative impact of time spent in nature. The program highlights Sonoma County’s commitment to accessible, science-backed wellness experiences set within protected natural landscapes.

Elevate Sonoma features hyperbaric sessions that increase oxygen delivery in a pressurized environment to support healing, recovery, and overall well-being, while complementary red-light therapy aims to enhance results. The clinic brings a modern health and recovery option to Sonoma County’s wellness landscape, positioning the region as a lifestyle travel destination for visitors seeking restorative experiences beyond traditional wine and outdoor offerings.

Craft Brewing For a Good Cause

Russian River Brewing Company, the Sonoma County brewery behind Pliny the Elder, a craft beer repeatedly named among the best beers in the world, is pairing purpose with production in 2026. The brewery has introduced Russian River 110, a West Coast–style pilsner created to support Russian Riverkeeper, the nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Russian River watershed. A portion of net proceeds from expanded production, and the beer’s first bottled release will fund local conservation efforts. The release underscores how one of America’s most influential craft breweries continues to connect its beer, its place, and its environmental stewardship, giving visitors another reason to experience Sonoma County’s craft beer scene firsthand.

New in Wineries

*Katie Honey, who with her husband Dan Whalen acquired the historic Annadel Vineyard and Winery, hosts intimate, personalized wine-tastings in Sonoma, California’s wine country* *© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Sol Rei Wines, a boutique, women-owned producer known for low-histamine, low-sulfite wines that are lab-tested to be free of detectable pesticides and other residues, has opened a new tasting room in downtown Sonoma. The space is designed as a light, nature-inspired retreat that reflects the brand’s focus on purity, sustainability, and connection to the land and the craft of winemaking. Founder Katherine Kitzmiller created Sol Rei after a personal health journey led her to prioritize clean, intentional winemaking; the winery has quickly earned national honors for its 2023 vintage wines.

Marietta Cellars has just opened its first tasting room in downtown Healdsburg after 47 years as a Sonoma County staple known for its Old Vine Red and other approachable wines. The space, in a former police station near the Healdsburg Plaza, highlights the winery’s small-lot, artisanal selections rather than its widely distributed labels. Designed by co-owner and designer Lisa Steinkamp with a contemporary feel, the tasting room offers flights, glasses, and bottles of single-estate and experimental wines in a relaxed setting with indoor seating and a leafy patio.

Wolves Lovers + Thieves, a new tasting room focused exclusively on sparkling wines, has opened in Glen Ellen. The launch reflects broader confidence in Sonoma County’s tasting room growth this year, with several new wine destinations debuting.

Sonoma County Winegrowers and Reservoir launched Reservoir Farms, Sonoma, the first on-farm robotics and automation hub for vineyards and the flagship of SCW’s Farm of the Future initiative. The site includes fabrication space, an engineering workshop, and 14 acres of vineyard test blocks where startups and AgTech partners develop and test new tools with grower input. The hub addresses labor shortages, rising costs, and production pressures while supporting job growth and local innovation. Reservoir expects to bring six startups into the incubator by late 2025, strengthening Sonoma County’s leadership in sustainable, tech-driven viticulture. To arrange a Vineyard Adventure walk at one of the group’s seven vineyards, visit sonomawinegrape.org/visit/sonoma-county-vineyard-adventures, info@sonomawinegrape.org, 707-522-5860.

New in Restaurants

Bubbles & Delights Café, Petaluma’s newest breakfast spot, features a menu of scratch-made classics and bubbly drinks, including mimosas alongside farm-fresh eggs and hearty plates. Opening early for daily breakfast and brunch, the cafe adds a fresh, community-oriented spirit to Petaluma’s food scene.

Aroma de Cafe has opened in the heart of Railroad Square, one of Downtown Santa Rosa’s most historic districts. Owners Luis Rodriguez and Alejandra Bravo have relocated their well-loved brunch cafe from Fifth Street to the larger Railroad Square location, where they are continuing to serve Latin and American brunch favorites. The expanded space allows the cafe to grow while staying connected to the neighborhood’s historic character and steady flow of locals and visitors. Adding to its appeal, chef Carlos Mojica of Guiso Latin Fusion has introduced a dinner-only Latin-Italian menu, broadening the restaurant’s reach from a daytime brunch favorite into an all-day and evening destination.

Pick’s Roadside in the far northern Sonoma County town of Cloverdale has reopened with fresh energy while honoring its century-old roots. The drive-in first opened in 1923 and has become a local landmark known for burgers, milkshakes and root beer. After a complete renovation and menu reboot, the reimagined Pick’s features premium Wagyu beef burgers, classic shakes and a curated Sonoma County wine list. New owners Anidel Hospitality led the revival to preserve the site’s historic spirit and create a community gathering place with a Sonoma County Wine Country twist. The original neon sign and nostalgic feel remain.

New in Hotels

Madeira House a new boutique stay on the Sonoma Coast, is set where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean in the town of Jenner. The intimate property offers 11 rooms across three restored houses, pairing coastal restraint with warm, residential design. Many rooms offer river or ocean views, private decks, fireplaces, and select kitchenettes, while the overall experience is intentionally quiet and unplugged. With gardens, waterfront seating, and immediate access to coastal trails and beaches, Madeira House offers visitors a fresh lens on Sonoma County lodging beyond Wine Country, rooted in landscape, calm, and a strong sense of place.

Fresh off its grand debut as the flagship resort of Appellation – a visionary, culinary-first hospitality brand founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger – Appellation Healdsburg announced its acceptance intoSmall Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH), becoming the first Appellation hotel to join SLH. Located on the north side of Healdsburg in Sonoma County on 8 1/2 acres of lush landscapes, Appellation Healdsburg is a culinary-driven retreat designed to immerse guests in the region’s rich food, wine, and agricultural heritage. It features 108 guest rooms and suites, two pools, Terroir Spa, a thoughtful wellness program, dynamic programming, and expansive indoor-outdoor event spaces. Folia Bar & Kitchen offers progressive American cuisine fueled by live oak embers, led by Executive Chef David Intonato and Chef de Cuisine Reed Palmer, a Healdsburg native whose experience spans acclaimed kitchens including SingleThread, Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Amass in Copenhagen. After honing his craft globally, Palmer has returned home to honor Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage, shaping Folia’s menus around local ingredients and seasonal rhythms. Andys Beeline, the resort’s vibrant rooftop lounge, offers shareable bites, garden-infused cocktails and sweeping vineyard views. Channeling the region’s natural bounty into a deeply immersive wellness experience, Terroir Spa offers a sensory journey rooted in place, featuring treatments inspired by the surrounding landscape, locally sourced botanicals, and holistic rituals that reflect the rhythms of Sonoma’s land and lifestyle. At the heart of Appellation’s ethos is a celebration of craftsmanship. Through Crafted at Appellation, guests are invited to roll up their sleeves and dive into Sonoma’s creative spirit — joining local artisans, farmers, and makers in hands-on workshops that transform regional traditions into memorable, personal experiences. (www.appellationhotels.com/healdsburg or www.slh.com)

Travel planning help is available from Sonoma County Tourism, https://www.sonomacounty.com

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Best in Travel, Romantic Places

Best Places to Go When Winter Sparks Romance

February 9, 2026 krubin723

*Venice is undeniably one of the most romantic cities in the world © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Valentine’s Day and winter’s chill always spur couples to seek out destinations to kindle their romance – whether newlyweds on a honeymoon, or a couple looking to deepen their relationship, propose or celebrate some milestone (an anniversary or babymoon, perhaps?). Here are some places with just the right atmosphere to provide the spark.

10 Most Romantic Places in Italy to Explore with Your True Love

Denyse Pantaleo, a tour designer and manager at Walks of Italy, which organizes authentic walking experiences in Europe’s culturally rich destinations, offers this list of 10 of Italy’s most romantic places.

1. The Dolomites: Alpine Intimacy

For couples seeking a romantic winter getaway, the Dolomites in northern Italy offer snow-covered peaks and intimate alpine villages perfect for cuddling by a crackling fireplace. Experience the pulsating excitement of skiing, ice skating, and then indulge in fondue at a mountain lodge in towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and San Cassiano.

“The breathtaking backdrop of jagged peaks makes it one of Italy’s most romantic winter retreats,” explained Denyse Pantaleo, a tour designer and manager at Walks of Italy. “The Dolomites are stunning all year round, but, for me, they are extra special in the winter months.”

2. Rome: Eternal Love

*Rome is steeped in romance. Romance is in its name © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Rome, the Eternal City, is steeped in romance and history – the very word “romance” derives from Rome and the Latin adverb romanice). Stroll along its cobblestone streets, visit hidden courtyards, tuck into a cozy cafe to sip espresso for a taste of la dolce vita, and live your own “Roman Holiday.”

“For a truly romantic day, visit Il Sogno di Giulietta, a palazzo in the courtyard where Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet, once lived.”

3. Turin: Thermal Bliss

Nestled in the Piedmont region, Turin offers thermal spas like QC Termetorino for an ultimate relaxation experience. After a pampering spa day, explore the city’s rich history, such as the Mole Antonelliana and Royal Palace of Turin. Wrap up the day with a romantic dinner featuring local specialties like agnolotti and gianduja chocolate.

Turin is known for chocolate, coffee, cars, and soccer, with it being the home of Fiat and Juventus,” said Pantaleo. “It’s an elegant city set against the backdrop of the Alps.”

4. Verona: A Love Story

Verona, the setting for William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” is a perfect destination for couples seeking to write their own love story. Explore Juliet’s courtyard, take a stroll through its medieval streets, the Piazza delle Erbe, visit the Castelvecchio Bridge. (To get in the mood, watch the rom com, “Letters to Juliet.”)

5. The Amalfi Coast: Coastal Elegance

The Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters, the Amalfi Cathedral and sunsets at Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity, offers a dreamlike setting for romance.

“Stroll hand in hand through picturesque towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, savor fresh seafood and local delicacies,” said Pantaleo. (Be inspired by the film, “Under the Tuscan Sun.”)

6. Umbria: Wine and Tranquility

Escape to Umbria, Tuscany’s peaceful neighbor, where rolling hills, medieval towns, and vineyards set the stage for romance. Drive the Strada del Sagrantino, visit local wineries, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. From the serene Lake Trasimeno to the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Umbria is a tranquil retreat for couples seeking peace and intimacy.

“Umbria is perhaps the most unknown destination on this list, and that is all the more reason for couples to visit.”

7. Florence: Renaissance Romance

*The café at Bobli Gardens affords one of the best views of Florence © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wander through its historic streets of this UNESCO-listed city, visit the Uffizi Gallery, take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens (the charming café at the top offers one of the best views of the city). Florence’s beauty and timeless allure create the perfect atmosphere for couples to explore its artistic treasures and share intimate moments in this UNESCO-listed city.

“Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and it remains a city of art, culture, and romance to this very day,” revealed Pantaleo. “All you need to do is spend a few minutes in the city to understand why it attracted the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.”

8. Venice: Canals of Passion

*There is nothing more romantic than taking a gondola ride through Venice © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Venice, with its enchanting canals and gondolas, is the quintessential romantic destination. Glide through the Grand Canal, enjoy a private gondola ride as you pass under ancient bridges like the Bridge of Sighs, explore hidden gems like the Dorsoduro district.

9. Pompeii: Love Amongst Ruins

Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk through the well-preserved streets and discover the House of Venus, where intricate frescoes depict tales of love and beauty.

“For couples with a shared passion for history, Pompeii offers a unique backdrop for romance,” said Pantaleo. “A guided tour around the ruined ancient city is the best way to explore it. After your tour, visit Cantina de Vesuvio, a stunning winery on the slopes of the volcano.”

10. Milan: Fashionable Romance

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, blends sophistication with romance. Shop in stylish boutiques, enjoy gourmet meals in trendy districts like Brera and experience a night at the legendary La Scala opera house. With landmarks like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan offers a luxurious yet intimate setting for couples to indulge their passion for art, culture and fashion.

“If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, particularly when it comes to fashion, then Milan has to be on your to-do list when it comes to a romantic, Italian vacation,” stated Pantaleo. “And with Lake Como just a short train journey away, you can fit the perfect blend of city life and natural beauty into your trip.”

For more information: https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/travel-tips/most-romantic-places-in-italy

Top 5 Romantic Winter Experiences in Slovenia

*Ljubljana, Slovenia, captivates with its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

In winter, Slovenia turns into a storybook destination, where snow-covered landscapes, charming towns, and intimate experiences set the atmosphere for romance. From alpine escapes to cultural strolls, these five winter experiences are perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day in a truly magical setting.

1. Moonlit Winter Walks, Snowshoeing Adventures: Walking hand in hand through snow-covered trails is one of the most romantic ways to experience Slovenia in winter. Velika Planina, with its charming shepherds’ huts blanketed in snow, feels like a fairytale village and offers scenic winter walks and snowshoe hikes to nearby plateaus (getting your heart rate up and your endorphins firing). Pokljuka, a high alpine plateau within Triglav National Park, impresses with majestic spruce forests and sweeping views of the Julian Alps, while Pohorje reveals a winter wonderland of meadows and forests ideal for peaceful walks surrounded by pristine nature. (link https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/winter-hikes-and-snowshoeing-in-slovenia)

2. A Traditional Pletna Boat Ride to Bled Island: Lake Bled becomes even more enchanting in winter. Gliding across its misty waters aboard a traditional pletna boat, surrounded by snow-covered scenery, feels timeless and intimate. A visit to the island church and taking part in the tradition of ringing the wishing bell add a meaningful and romantic ritual to this iconic Slovenian experience.

3. A Couples’ Thermal Spa Retreat: Winter is the perfect season to slow down and reconnect in Slovenia’s renowned thermal spas. One of the most modern wellness centers is the Orhidelia Wellness Centre at Terme Olimia, where intimate spaces and private corners invite couples to create their own winter fairytale. Relaxation also awaits at the Riviera Wellness Centre in Terme Čatež, featuring six different saunas and cozy relaxation areas with heated benches. For shared indulgence, couples can enjoy honey- or beer-inspired treatments at Thermana Laško. (link https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/couple-pampering-in-slovenian-spas).

4. Romantic City Strolls Filled with Culture and Charm: Slovenian cities invite couples to wander through historic old towns, explore museums and galleries, and enjoy quiet moments in atmospheric cafés. Ljubljana captivates with its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene, offering countless romantic corners to discover during winter. The city comes alive with LUV Fest – the festival of love, art and wandering (February 8–March12) – bringing together cultural, artistic and culinary experiences during the off-peak season. Visit Ptuj – named the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026. In early February, Kurentovanje, Ptuj’s famous carnival, fills the town with traditional masks, folklore and lively parades.

5. Gourmet Dining and Local Wines in Atmospheric Settings: Slovenia’s culinary scene shines in winter – imagine candlelit dinners in rustic inns, elegant restaurants, and historic castle settings. Seasonal dishes paired with excellent local wines create the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. For an extra-special occasion, Slovenia’s Michelin-starred restaurants promise an unforgettable fine dining experience.

For more romantic winter experiences, visit https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/ideas-for-romantic-winter-experiences

Maldives

Vakkaru Maldives, set within the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, offers an intimate island escape where nature and serenity take center stage. Surrounded by swaying coconut palms, luminous turquoise waters, and immaculate white-sand shores, the resort provides an ideal setting for meaningful moments together. Created for couples seeking connection and indulgence, the Idyllic Romance Package features a floating breakfast experience in the in-villa private pool and a private in-villa breakfast; seaplane/domestic transfers; daily breakfast and dine-around dinner; bottle of champagne to enjoy in private villa; romantic room decoration upon arrival; a private destination dining experience on the beach; 60-minute signature couple’s massage at Merana Spa; 30-minute jet ski session. (Minimum 5-night stay is required. The offer is valid for stays from now until December 22, 2026.)

Bermuda

Once famous as the “honeymoon capital of the world”, Bermuda epitomizes romance, with stunning pink sand beaches, quiet, private coves, quaint lodgings and an endless array of activities, including Dolphin Quest. For our family it was the perfect destination for a proposal, and then a babymoon at The Reefs. “At the Reefs, we were able to be totally relaxed on picture-perfect beaches and enjoy amazing food and all the luxuries of a world-class resort, while being taken care of at such an intimate and laid-back place far away from our daily lives. All of that at just a 2 hour flight from NYC made this exactly the easy, stress-free, luxurious beach vacation we were hoping to enjoy before welcoming our newborn.”(The Reefs Resort, 56 South Shore Road, Southampton SN02, Bermuda, https://www.thereefs.com, 800-742-2008. For more information or help planning your Bermuda visit, contact the Bermuda Tourism Authority, https://www.gotobermuda.com/, 1-800-BERMUDA or on the island 441-296-9200.

Mendocino, California

*The breathtaking scenery on the Mendocino coast inspires romance © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Mendocino, California, is one of our favorite romantic destinations – the charming, northern California historic town is nestled on the rocky coast with stunning scenery, hiking trails, beaches and coves. And for romance, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa offers utter serenity. The inn’s website offers marvelous suggestions of what to do in the area, especially what might be pre-booked. Under Pre-Arrival Concierge, there are various services and activities, including massages, wine tours and tastings, horseback rides, chocolates, wines, restaurant reservations, that the inn can arrange for you prior to your arrival. Considering what is included in the experience – the wine tasting, light dinner accompanied by local wines and beers, lavish cooked-to-order breakfast from a seasonal menu (in the Great Room or served in your guest room), WiFi – this is an intimate inn (just 10 rooms) which provides the experience of a luxury hotel that is also a value proposition. Brewery Gulch Inn, 9401 North Highway One, Mendocino, CA, 95460, 800-578-4454, brewerygulchinn.com. For planning help: Visit Mendocino County, 866-466-3636, 707-964-9010, www.visitmendocino.com.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Best in Travel, Tips for Travel

New York Travel Show: Pauline Frommer’s Tips for Where and How to Go in 2026

February 4, 2026 krubin723

Viti Levu, Fiji is getting travel expert Pauline Frommer’s recommendation this year because for the first time, there are direct flights to Fiji from the US, making it more affordable. Among the interesting sights: the largest Hindu temple in the Pacific because of immigration routes © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travel is always life-enhancing and can even be life-changing. Travel has the potential to build bonds, forge new understanding, bring personal enlightenment, and today, is a significant component of physical and mental wellness we crave. But no matter what bracket you are in, a trip demands significant financial resources. So, where we get our information in order to make the many decisions and choices that go into a travel plan –destination, flight, accommodation, tours, attractions and experiences to build in, and all the other aspects of what to see and do, and where to get the best rate, fares and deals – is key.

Among the forces shaping travel, none is having more impact than artificial intelligence. A.I. is in everything from locating flights, hotels, tours, to learning about a destination and deciding what to see and do, and yes, make bookings and handing over credit cards.

While A.I. has had its benefits, there are caveats, as well – caveat emptor, to be precise (“buyer beware.”).

“AI is shaping how we digest travel information, and doing it badly,” travel expert Pauline Frommer says during her talk, “The Secrets to Not Overpaying for Travel & Having Soul Stirring Vacation,” to an appreciative audience at this year’s New York Travel Show.

The “First Lady of Travel,” Pauline Frommer delivers her hugely popular “The Secrets to Not Overpaying for Travel & Having Soul Stirring Vacation” talk at this year’s New York Travel Show © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There is false information – hallucinations – propagated through AI, and no way to correct and no one to complain to. “AI hallucinates too often and gets too much wrong.”

There are even travel guidebooks being created out of whole cloth by A.I. (and 5-star reviewed by bots) and sold on Amazon, filled with inaccuracies that a traveler might depend upon and then find their trip ruined.

Now AI is being used to generate airfares. One of the Frommer Researchers, which each year evaluates the various airline search engines, this year included Chat GPT and Grok. “They bombed – they never found the lowest price, and often came up with routes that didn’t exist.”

The best airfare search engines Frommer’s researcher found:

Momondo – found lowest prices most consistently. This search engine has been their top choice for many years in a row. Frommer said they particularly liked Momondo’s presentation, so you can see different prices by day, and it allows more filters than others (class, luggage rules, you can even filter by type of airplane). If you filter for luggage, it will show the airline list with the price of checked luggage included.

Skyscanner is also typically making their “best” list.

New to her list this year: Skiplagged, which tells you how to get a lower fare by booking a route where the connection airport or stopover is the destination you actually want, but offers a cheaper fare than if you go direct, so you get off the plane. Among the problems: the airline will likely then cancel your return (so if you do this, book one-way), but even ban you from flying them. “But it finds good prices.”

Online airline reservations systems are using AI for both dynamic and “surveillance” pricing where it bases its fare quote on who you are and where you live © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

AI is not only shaping how we digest travel, what we know, and helping make our choices and decisions, but is also shaping pricing, as companies – airlines and hotels, for example – begin to use AI for “surveillance pricing” and “dynamic pricing” (an even more refined “yield management” tool).

Perhaps you have noticed that if you search for a fare, leave it for hours when you return, the fare is higher. This is dynamic pricing – because the system has recognized that you are motivated to purchase the fare because you returned for it. AI helps calculate just how much you are willing to pay, based on your motivation.

Now AI is enabling these systems to go even further: “surveillance” pricing, in which AI calculates what you will pay based on where you live (the rent you pay), what travel you have purchased before, and other personal shopping data.

The Biden administration investigated and found that based on profiles (where you live, the rent you pay, what travel you have purchased before) it serves up different prices, so that if you search from New York City, you are quoted a higher fare than if you searched from Louisiana, or Uzbekistan.

How can you shield your identity to prevent such discrimination? Subscribe to a VPN ($15-20 /year) and when you do search, decide where to do it from. You can do the search from Kazakstan or Arkansas, with each place you will see a price difference and cheaper than if the system recognizes you live in New York.

Frommer cited Proton VPN which claimed to have found a 40% difference in hotel and air fares. “I’m not sure a 40% difference is true, but there is a big enough difference – I have VPN on my computer.”

Frommer’s tips for purchasing air fares: A study using AI to find patterns in 36 billion air fare transactions found it is best to:

Purchase your airfare on Sunday (6% cheaper for domestic flights, 17% cheaper for international)

Buy 1-3 months out for domestic travel (saving 25%); 18-29 days out for international (savings of 10%). “But I don’t think I would have the courage to wait 18-29 days out for an international flight.”

Fly red eye or early morning (best fare and less likely to be delayed or canceled)

Gateway Hopping – sometimes a different gateway airport can bring down the cost. For example, if you are headed from JFK to Berlin, a secondary airport, it may cost less to fly to Paris and take a cheap regional carrier to Berlin. That would involve two searches, maybe two different carriers. (If going to Florence, you might fly into Rome and take the train.)

Saving on Lodging

Pauline Frommer with a photo of her famous father, Arthur Frommer, who got the idea for his “Europe on $5 a Day” guidebook that became a travel guide empire, as a GI encouraging other GIs to explore. The Frommer guides continue to be geared to middle-market travelers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Like air fares, these days, you can avoid surveillance pricing by setting your VPN’s “Where I am in the world” to the Republic of Ireland because unlike the USA (Trump repealed Joe Biden’s rule against junk fees), the European Union prohibits hidden fees (like resort fees you didn’t know you were expected to pay – because the hotel can offer a cheaper, more competitive rate, and not pay the local occupancy tax).

Frommer recommends searching for hotels on Google Travel, Trivago or Skyscanner.

“Get a reservation you can cancel and rebook closer to the travel date.” (I like hotels.com and booking.com for their flexibility in canceling or changing reservations, the information provided and the comments.)

In business travel destinations (like Johannesburg, South Africa), rates tend to drop sharply the week before travel, but if you are not inclined to cut it that close and possibly be closed out, get the reservation you can cancel earlier.

Vacation home rentals no longer necessarily save money because of the added fees and cancellation policies (unless you are multi-generational family or some couples traveling together, in which case the space and use of kitchen and other living amenities adds value).

“Check hotel prices, too, as they may be lower. Take reviews with a grain of salt – 10% of AirBnB reviews are AI-generated fakes.”

Frommer also recommends using VRBO, which posts the contact information for the management company, then booking directly with the management company for a better rate.

Where to go in 2026?

*Florence in May – shoulder season has become as popular as peak season, because the weather is better © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.*

If you think that your bucket-list destinations will be more in reach, price-wise, in the off-season, you will find there is no such thing as an “off season” any more – these days, travel is ubiquitous throughout the year.

Seasonality is also going the way of the dodo. The peak travel season, summer, in places like Paris, Florence, Venice, the south of France, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic have been hit with such ferocious heat waves, that people are going to what used to be called the “shoulder season”, April-May, September-October, which are getting as pricey and crowded as summer.

Frommer said she visited Naples in March. “I thought it was low season but it was jammed and charging top dollar, and two museums were sold out. Usually southern Italy would have been dead in early March. Rome, Paris, London no longer have an off season, so consider secondary destinations.”

*Instead of crowding the name-brand destinations, find new places to explore, like Camogli, close to Portofino, Italy © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

But, Frommer advises, consider secondary destinations that are not as high on people’s lists, but also help destinations free themselves from the blight of overtourism, while spreading the economic and cultural benefits that tourists bring.

Instead of Amsterdam, visit Utrecht, a beautiful little city just a half hour outside Amsterdam, with the same canals, even more beautiful, Frommer says, because there are 2 levels, lined with cafes, bars, and fairy lights at night.

Even in May, Amsterdam is so crowded it is difficult to get a reserved-time ticket to the Rijksmuseum on the same day, while the Anne Frank House is booked up weeks in advance. Pauline Frommer is recommending people seek out secondary destinations like Utrecht to discover © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“Right now it is so important to consider secondary cities. Often Amsterdam is so damn crowded. But Utrecht has great museums – you can get a hotel for $65/night in November (half the cheapest available in Amsterdam). Often these “secondary cities” have the same types of attractions as the brand name destination, but fewer visitors and lower costs, Frommer advises.

Frommer offers a list of destinations and experiences “where you will find travel new all over again”, places that will have great celebrations, be affordable or accessible (see Frommers.com/BestPlaces2026)

Oulu, Finland: may well be best known for world air guitar championships, but Frommer is recommending Oulu this year because this little community 20 miles south of the Arctic Circle (incredible wilderness, the Northern Lights will be prominent this year, indigenous cultures), is designated the European Capital of Culture. Hundreds of artists of all sorts will descend on Oulu, creating site-specific performances.

Viti Levu, Fiji: because for the first time ever, there are many direct flights to Fiji from the US, making getting to Fiji finally affordable (and not because it’s the 50th season of “Survivor.”) Why go? Fiji is like Hawaii, with gorgeous beaches, but much less crowded and much cheaper on the ground than Hawaii, with lots of mom and pop resorts, and now, much cheaper to get there . It has traditional Pacific culture and the largest Hindu temple in the Pacific (because of immigration routes).

Jasper, Alberta, Canada: two years ago Jasper was afflicted with horrific wildfires. Frommer is recommending visiting now because you see how this community turned lemons to lemonade: “You can go and not realize what happened, but going specifically for fire ecology tours in burned areas, learn how to stop that from happening, how to regenerate and meet the people doing that – more important with climate change. [In fact, one of the Global Wellness top trends for 2026 is learning how to mitigate disasters.]. Also, Jasper is another place to experience the Northern Lights that are forecast to be spectacular this year. The Rocky Mountaineer train this year, because of FIFA World Cup, is not going to Vancouver-Banff-Jasper, but just back and forth between Banff and Jasper. “You see the highlights, the best stuff and pay less with great train experience.”

*Vienna, Austria is one of travel expert Pauline Frommer’s recommended destinations to visit in 2026 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Vienna, Austria this year is celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the Berg Theater, which presents classical music. “Every major name in classical music is performing. Last year, the city celebrated the 250^th birthday of Johann Strauss, opening a new museum to him. In Vienna, you enjoy the famous Lipizaaner white stallions, beautiful markets, a beautiful, loveable city.”

Kruger National Park, South Africa, is for those who want to take an African Safari but don’t have a trust fund: The park, which is turning 100 this year and may change its name, allows you to do a self-drive safari (which is rare), into all kinds of different ecosystems and the Big 5 animals. You pay a $100 fee to get into the park, then go to areas where there are resorts ($80-90 per night) or camping is allowed (pay as little as $20/night. When you go into the reserve in the morning , park rangers tell you where to go. “It’s a safari for a fraction of the cost – it’s not unusual to pay thousands a day for a safari.”

Hot Springs Arkansas – has one of the only national parks where what’s indoors more interesting – a bathhouse where Al Capone vacationed, where you can take the waters. It’s the only national park with a brewery in it, incredible architectural sites, a racecourse, and one of ‘fun-est’ yearly events in the USA: the running of the bathtubs.

(Interestingly, Frommer did not mention America’s 250th celebrations taking place all across the country, including a spectacular event in New York City, Sail4th, on July 4th.)

Meeting the People and More Travel Tips

*My volunteer greeter, Reiko, takes me around Tokyo, teaching me first how to use the subway, and visiting Tokyo’s major monuments © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

InternationalGreeters.org – locals in 60 countries, 400 cities who love their hometown and welcoming visitors volunteer to escort visitors for free. They are vetted and trained. Frommer went around Chicago with an International Greeter, a retired lawyer, to tour public art in a way she never could have appreciated on her own. In Tokyo, greeters take you around for a day, teach you how to use the subway, and show you the restaurants on the top floor.

TravelingSpoon.com and EatWith.com are foodie tour companies who have on tap the best local cooks (not commercial restaurant chefs). Frommer experienced this program in Palermo, Italy, in the home of an Italian nonna in her 70s who spoke no English (her grandson translated) and for two hours, she cooked with her in her kitchen, then the whole family showed up for “a raucus dinner party, for the cost of a restaurant meal.”

Sources to find multi-day tours operated in the destination include: TravelStride.com and TourRadar.com

These are marketplace sites. You put in the parameters of what you want and they shoot back tours from all over the world – often locally owned tour operators – offering a better rate than the name-brand multinational companies. The platforms earn a commission from the companies.

Travel Insurance is a must have for big ticket trips like cruises, tours, safari, renting home but not for a flight. Platforms where you can input your personal details (age, date, destination) and get a list of policies, prices and bullet-list of what is covered or not – from different companies so you can compare include: SquareMouth.com; InsureMyTrip.com; and TravelInsurance.com.

“You see policies from a lot of companies – with bullet lists of what is covered or not, so you can compare. Usually the one in the middle covers the most things. There is no one company best for every trip.” Frommer also advises. “Never buy insurance through the company you are traveling with.”

More information at Frommers.com.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

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