Podcast: Travelling to a communications black hole

Picnics signal a return to a simpler life, when there was plenty of leisure time to spend lazing about in a bucolic, pastoral setting, stuffing yourself full of delightful food and drink in the sun-dappled company of family and friends.

Travelers heading to or from Washington, D.C., through Reagan/National Airport can expect major ground travel disruptions and delays through July 18. Trains on both the Blue and Yellow lines will suspend operations on two track segments:

Jet lag—the grogginess, dehydration, and general discomfort that follows a long-haul flight, has always seemed unavoidable. Especially now, as airlines pack even more passengers into dry, pressurized cabins and decrease their average seat size. Right?

Love it or hate it, winter travel in colder climates requires some essential snow gear. That’s especially true if you’re heading to an affordable winter destination that’s on the colder side. From flasks and jackets to mittens and gloves, make winter less painful this year (no matter where you roam) with this essential winter gear for travelers.

Wondering which airports are most likely to put you behind schedule during the busy summer travel season? If you’re flying to the Boston, Chicago, New York, or San Francisco areas this summer—or even worse, connecting to another flight there—be especially wary.

Italy’s Riviera di Ponente, or Western Riviera, has long attracted travelers—in the late 19th century new rail connections made it easier for well-heeled and titled English and Russians to escape their dreary winters, but before and after WWII, destinations on the Côte d'Azur and Riviera di Levante (the Eastern Riviera), like Rapallo, Portofino, and later, Cinque Terre, stepped into the spotlight, drawing celebrity names and eventually flocks of tourists.

As the summer sun casts its scorching rays upon the land, weary souls seek refuge in tranquil havens that promise an escape from the oppressive heat waves. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, two luxurious retreats stand tall, inviting travelers to bask in the lap of luxury and cool mountain breezes. Welcome to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole – the epitome of opulence and serenity.

The Cammino BasilianoⓇ is a long-distance hiking route tracing the dramatic and varied landscapes of Calabria in southern Italy. It takes in an area of great cultural, historic and spiritual significance, once travelled by Basilian monks who left a collection of fine religious buildings and sublimely sited shrines in their wake. 

A year out was once the preserve of 18-year-olds seeking direction in life but today things have changed. Forget spending 12 months in a haze of alcohol, harem trousers and sunburn. Travel in your late 20s and early 30s is now an acceptable, and often far more rewarding, time to explore the world.

Though arguably best known — and most visited — for its stunning islands, Greece is astoundingly diverse. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Greece boasts mighty mountains and caves, salt marshes and cloud-forests. Its weather ranges from blazing summers to snowy winters. In short, few countries have such varied landscapes and seasonal extremes. Then there’s its ancient history, glorious food, and warm Hellenic welcome.

The first few years of having children takes its toll on your finances, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch dreams of travelling. Following a family road trip through Europe with her pre-school boys, Hayley Spurway shares some experiences and tips on budget family travel.

Anyone who has been travelling knows how difficult coming home can be. You’ve just spent months abroad, being stimulated every day by new sights, people and experiences; then suddenly you’re back to the old life – and it’s boring!