Sailing Stones, Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, CA No one has ever seen one of the “sailing stones” on Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa move, but evidence of their travels is visible in the long track marks that trail behind them in the dusty ground. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how the rocks—which can weigh hundreds of pounds—make their way across the dry… Read More
If Going to Ireland, Be Sure to Kiss the Blarney Stone
If you’re planning on traveling to Ireland this year, be sure to include a trip to the Blarney Castle. The word blarney came to mean flattery because of the grand tales surrounding the stone’s powers. Its past can be traced back a millennium, during which people have constantly bickered over its ownership. The bluestone block eventually became a symbol of… Read More
New Year’s Resolutions and Beercycling
I’ve been thinking that I need to combine my favorite interests with my New Year’s resolutions to ensure that I succeed. Just when I was pondering my resolutions, I came across an article about beercycling. There are tours that combine exploring the best sights of Europe with cycling and beer drinking. Now we’re talking! The tours typically last a week… Read More
Donations and Destinations
DONATIONS You can play Santa to those in need…As we start the final countdown to Christmas (single digits now, folks), I want to remind everyone that this is THE season to remember charitable contributions. Not only will you get tax credit for 2012 if you donate before 12/31, but you’ll also know that you’ve done a good (and oh so… Read More
Top Ten Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling This Holiday Season
1. To avoid jet lag be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before your flight. Avoid or minimize alcohol consumption or at least drink a glass of water for every cocktail you consume. 2. Exercise. Walk around the city or neighborhood or airport or the hotel (or work out in the hotel gym or take a swim in… Read More
Three Towns That Are All About Christmas
If you’re ever in the area and need a little holiday cheer… #3: Santa Claus, Indiana takes its name seriously. It recruits 150 elves to personally reply to the thousands of letters Santa Claus gets every year. #2: North Pole, Alaska has ice hauled in to create its wonderland of ice sculptures. We’re talking about 2.2 million pounds of ice!… Read More