The three most popular places to travel this year may surprise you. Exotic: Burma. A tourism boycott was lifted last year that has already made it the “No. 1 emerging destination” pick by the U.S. Tour Operators Association. www.myanmar-tourism.com (Runner Up: Israel and Mediterranean) U.S.: Florida. Most beaches, such as Pensacola and Melbourne, will see a slight increase in… Read More
Ten Things You Should Know If You’re Planning to Visit Downton Abbey
One of my favorite shows is Downton Abbey (PBS). Sadly, this week will be the finale for Season Three. Those of you who have watched this show know its many charms, but did you know that there is a ‘real’ Downton Abbey? It’s Highclere Castle and you can tour it. Ten things To Know Before You Go: 1. Highclere Castle,… Read More
The Hobbit
With the movie just being released (based on the bestselling book series), I thought that Hobbit fans might be interested… Destination: Hobbit Hot Spots Where to go for a glimpse of Middle Earth (aka New Zealand) BY JESSICA PASSANANTI The movie set built in Matamata, New Zealand, to represent Hobbiton, Bilbo Baggins’s hometown; Hobbit Valley, seen from a Hobbiton window…. Read More
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Quarter-inch-long bioluminescent glowworms that radiate a tiny blue light dangle from the ceiling of these caves deep in the lush, subtropical hills of New Zealand’s North Island. Visitors ride in an inflatable raft along the underground Waitomo River with Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours. Slowly adjusting to the darkness, they admire what looks like a turquoise starscape. Why… 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
Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
