Travel
All the comforts of home
Vacation boats bring bit of luxury to Snake, Columbia rivers
Date: 05/27/2012 | Sports
Remembering his past
Snohomish veteran and POW visits WWII sites in Europe
Date: 05/27/2012 | Local News
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to www.ricksteves.com.
Date: 05/26/2012 | Life
Always read the fine print when planning your vacation
Question: I'm writing on behalf of two friends who booked a trip of a lifetime to Italy recently. They also purchased trip insurance through Access America. A couple days after paying for the insurance, they found out that the husband had to have hip replacement surgery. It was a situation that...
Date: 05/26/2012 | Life
Venture out of cruise ship territory for adventure
I used to think there were independent travelers and cruise passengers, two mutually exclusive categories. But now, with cruising shedding its newlywed and geriatric stereotypes, all kinds of tourists are finding shipboard travel to be appealing.
Date: 05/26/2012 | Life
Off-beat in New York
What to see to get a real feel for the fascinating city
Date: 05/26/2012 | Life
Inbox: digital groceries, pay for news, tag your bag
Miscellany from our inbox ...Electronic coupons at Safeway
Date: 05/24/2012 | Bizblog
Send us your vacation snapshots
Everyone's a photographer, right? Well, almost everyone. Since photography went digital and cameras got smaller and phones became cameras, we can now record every cute smile, every kick of the soccer ball, every gorgeous sunset.
Date: 05/22/2012 | Life
Number to remember: 1.6
The road signs in Sweden mark distances in kilometers. To convert kilometers into miles, remember it is 1.6 kilometers to one mile. Divide the distance in kilometers — let's say its 72 klicks — by 1.6 to get the distance in miles — 45. As you ride down the road you will find...
Date: 05/20/2012 | Sports
On the road in Sweden
A cyclist will find a number of different road surfaces in Sweden. I rode on well-paved roads and dirt roads (filled with potholes), as well as gravel and rock roads (some of which I had to walk the bike because the surface was too treacherous to ride).
Date: 05/20/2012 | Sports
Camping: Allemansrätten -- the Right of Public Access
Allemansrätten -- the Right of Public Access -- allows anyone to roam freely in the Swedish countryside. As long as the land is not cultivated, most of Sweden's nature is available to explore. Except for the area nearest a person's house, you're allowed to camp on another person's land for up to 24...
Date: 05/20/2012 | Sports
Little bit of Sweden
A bicycle/camping trip to Sweden is a memorable experience
Date: 05/20/2012 | Sports
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to www.ricksteves.com.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Life
Send us your vacation snapshots
Everyone's a photographer, right? Well, almost everyone. Since photography went digital and cameras got smaller and phones became cameras, we can now record every cute smile, every kick of the soccer ball, every gorgeous sunset.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Life
Croatia's Split a modern city with ancient roots
While most of Croatia's coastal towns seem tailor-made for tourism, Split is real and vibrant.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Life
Chandeliers both beautiful and offbeat
As buildings evolve, great influence is always placed on light, both in the architecture of the building and the various sources used to provide it within. One of the striking ways to light any room is with a chandelier.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Life
How, where to view the 'Ring of Fire' eclipse (video)
LOS ANGELES -- Sunrises and sunsets often dazzle, but they'll have a special ring to them in a few days for people in the western United States and eastern Asia: The moon will slide across the sun, blocking everything but a blazing halo of light.
Date: 05/19/2012 | Nation & World
How, where to view the 'Ring of Fire' eclipse (video)
LOS ANGELES -- Sunrises and sunsets often dazzle, but they'll have a special ring to them in a few days for people in the western United States and eastern Asia: The moon will slide across the sun, blocking everything but a blazing halo of light.
Date: 05/17/2012 | Nation & World
JetBlue makes no-fly list mistake, removes toddler
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Officials say an 18-month-old girl was mistakenly pulled off a JetBlue flight before it left Fort Lauderdale because airline employees thought her name was on the U.S. no-fly list.
Date: 05/12/2012 | Nation & World
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to www.ricksteves.com.
Date: 05/12/2012 | Life
Traveling doesn’t have to mean vacation from workouts
When summer is in sight, it's easy to suddenly remember the New Year's resolutions that have gone by the wayside. Instead of packing only coverups and sun hats for your impending vacations, how about some workout clothes?
Date: 05/12/2012 | Life
Markets, museums and more in Nice
A hundred years ago, bigwigs from London to Moscow began flocking south to the French Riviera and the sun-drenched city of Nice. They came to socialize, gamble and escape the dreary weather at home, and ended up creating Europe's first tourist boom.
Date: 05/12/2012 | Life
Loyalty miles program needs an upgrade
Question: I'm having an issue with Points.com I thought you might be able to help resolve. I recently traded 6,000 American Airline miles for 6,000 JetBlue miles, with a transaction fee of $100. The interface stated that the estimated processing time was five to...
Date: 05/12/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 05/05/2012 | Life
Art, history and more at museums
Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York, N.Y.www.tenement.org/
Date: 05/05/2012 | Life
Be prepared and know your rights before renting a car
Question: My wife rented a car at the Orlando airport from Budget recently. Even though she said she did not want or need the extra loss damage waiver insurance, she was informed that her car insurance was "invalid" and that in order to rent the car she needed Florida insurance.
Date: 05/05/2012 | Life
No reservations about traveling with no reservations
I like a getaway. The problem that I kept running into is that with all the online deals, recommendations, customer feedback, I found myself ending up in all the wrong places.
Date: 05/01/2012 | Life
Sedro-Woolley railway offers a deal for moms
Don't throw momma from the train. Put momma on the train.The Lake Whatcom Railway is offering scenic train rides that are a bargain for families looking for a way to spend the day before Mother's Day riding the rails.The Mother's Day Train Ride takes place at noon May 12.
Date: 04/30/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 04/28/2012 | Life
Protect yourself against rental car company claims
Question: I recently rented a car from Thrifty in Toronto for two weeks. I travel more than 26 weeks a year and rent lots of cars, but this is the first time I have been scammed by a rental car company.
Date: 04/28/2012 | Life
Dresden one of Europe's best secrets
At exactly 10:15 a.m. in the courtyard of the Zwinger palace complex in Dresden, 40 Meissen porcelain bells began a sweet, three-minute melody.
Date: 04/28/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 04/21/2012 | Life
Tips to break the ice when traveling abroad
I'm not naturally a wild-and-crazy kind of guy. But when I'm shy and quiet, things don't happen, and that's a bad rut to travel in. The meek may inherit the Earth, but they won't enjoy it.
Date: 04/21/2012 | Life
Pompeii, Naples give glimpse of Roman history
The ancient city of Pompeii -- famously ruined in A.D. 79 when mighty Mount Vesuvius blew its top -- is one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions. Few visitors make it to the top of the towering volcano, but those who do enjoy a commanding view.
Date: 04/14/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 04/14/2012 | Life
Expedia should help with 'travel nightmare'
Question: We booked a ticket from Washington, D.C., to the Bahamas recently through Expedia. It was a code-share flight Bahamasair (www.bahamasair.com) operated by US Airways.
Date: 04/14/2012 | Life
Make a garden fairy, see rhodies Saturday
When all the rest of the county is heading north to the tulips Saturday, hop on a ferry to Whidbey for a little "Meerkerk Magic."
Date: 04/13/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 04/07/2012 | Life
Frequent flyer gives tips for seniors
Journeywoman.com's Evelyn Hannon has been traveling solo for 30 years, and has learned a thing or two about senior travel.
Date: 04/07/2012 | Life
Read fine print on cancellation policy
Question: I recently booked a room at Hotel H2o in Manila (www.hotelh2o.com) through Hotels.com. I had to cancel my stay just before my trip, but I was incorrectly charged a one-night penalty.
Date: 04/07/2012 | Life
TSA urged to review plastic airline handcuffs
NEW YORK -- Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., has asked the Transportation Security Administration to review security procedures -- including the use of restraints on commercial aircraft -- after plastic handcuffs apparently failed to subdue a disturbed pilot on a flight from New York City to Las Vegas on...
Date: 03/31/2012 | Nation & World
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 03/31/2012 | Life
Molly Brown museum looks at woman behind myth
DENVER -- Thousands of miles from the ocean, a museum tells the story of a woman made famous by the Titanic. No, her name was not Rose, and a movie about her life, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," starring Debbie Reynolds as a plucky lifeboat survivor, was a hit decades before Kate Winslet's doomed...
Date: 03/31/2012 | Life
Air France should have refunded cancellation under European law
Question: In late December, my Air France flight from Paris to Strasbourg was delayed because of an electrical problem.
Date: 03/31/2012 | Life
Get the scoop on John Muir Trail at Lynnwood REI
Have you dreamed of backpacking along California's famed John Muir Trail?You can learn about the beautiful trail that winds along the spine of the Sierra Nevada for more than 200 miles at a free talk at Alderwood's REI store Tuesday evening.
Date: 03/31/2012 | Life
A spirited way to drink in European culture
Finishing dinner at Rome's Ristorante da Fortunato, my friend Stefano explains that his greatest joy is an after-dinner drink called grappa.
Date: 03/31/2012 | Life
On the whale's trail
Project highlights places to watch whales from the shore
Date: 03/30/2012 | Life
Top tip for driving on the left side of the road? Focus
I don't scare easily, but nothing puts the fear of God in me like driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Date: 03/17/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 03/17/2012 | Life
Pack light for cruise
You can limit luggage and still have apparel for all occasions
Date: 03/17/2012 | Life
Air travelers over 75 to get a break on security
CHICAGO — Some air travelers over the age of 75 will soon get a break at airport security checkpoints under a test program announced Wednesday that could allow them to keep their shoes and light jackets on and skip pat-downs.
Date: 03/14/2012 | Nation & World
Super cruise ship coming to Alaska
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Celebrity Cruises is planning to bring one of its popular super cruise ships to Alaska for the first time next year.KINY said the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice will make stops in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway in 2013.
Date: 03/13/2012 | Northwest
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 03/10/2012 | Life
Make a modern-day pilgrimage to English churches
While southern England gets most of the glory -- and the tourists -- the country's far northeastern corner harbors some of the best historical sites.
Date: 03/10/2012 | Life
Cirque du Soleil should warn patrons of parking problems
Question: I need some help. My friend and her husband have been extremely good to me this past year. It has been a difficult year for me personally and they have opened their home to me, and their friendship has been unmerited.
Date: 03/10/2012 | Life
Flight attendant goes berserk before takeoff (video)
CHICAGO -- An American Airlines flight attendant disrupted a flight Friday morning as it was about to take off from Dallas Fort/Worth en route to Chicago, saying over the aircraft intercom system that the plane was going to crash, alluding to 9/11 terrorist attacks and ranting about the airline's...
Date: 03/09/2012 | Nation & World
All aboard Whatcom Easter Train
Sometimes the Easter Bunny travels by train. Vintage train.And you get the chance to travel along to if you book a ride on the Lake Whatcom County Railway's special Easter Train.
Date: 03/05/2012 | Life
Ancient culture survives in Italian hill town of Civita
Of all the Italian hill towns, Civita di Bagnoregio is my favorite. Less well-known than Siena or Assisi, this stunning little gem has escaped the modern age mostly because of topography.
Date: 03/03/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 03/03/2012 | Life
Amtrak rooms don't live up to billing
Question: We recently traveled on Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento. It was not a good experience. When we entered the sleeper bedroom, it was readily apparent that the visual depiction on the Amtrak website was a gross exaggeration. The condition of the car was very poor.
Date: 03/03/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves’ Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 02/25/2012 | Life
Rick Steves: Adventure travel adds thrills to Europe experience
Adventure travel continues to be a major trend in the tourism industry, and while I'm not going to suggest you drop everything to climb the Matterhorn, Europe has plenty of thrills and chills to carbonate a stodgy vacation.
Date: 02/25/2012 | Life
Billing error leads to maddening runaround
Question: I recently booked a two-night stay at the Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria, through the Accor website. I was supposed to prepay $135 per night, but somehow, I made two reservations. My card was charged twice for one stay.
Date: 02/25/2012 | Life
See ‘Little Big Man’ at Everett Library
Catch a movie at the Everett Library. The free film at 2 p.m. Sunday is "Little Big Man," starring Dustin Hoffman as Jack Crabb, a 121-year-old Cheyenne Indian, whose adventurous and infamous story is recounted in Thomas Berger's book.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 02/18/2012 | Life
Be careful of web phishing scams on travel, rental sites
Shauna Kattler thought she'd found the ideal rental home in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for her Christmas vacation: a two-bedroom penthouse condominium with a hot tub and an impossibly perfect view of the Caribbean.
Date: 02/18/2012 | Life
Feel like royalty at extravagant French chateaus
Last summer, I felt like a king while exploring the splendid chateaus near Paris. One of the highlights was climbing under centuries-old exposed timbers through the attic of Vaux-le-Vicomte before popping out on the rooftop to a view of the spectacular garden.
Date: 02/18/2012 | Life
Want to see snowy owls?
Head north to Canada’s nearby Boundary Bay (gallery)
Date: 02/18/2012 | Life
Rio calm in 2nd day of police strike
RIO DE JANEIRO — Few police officers have adhered to a strike just days before this city's world-famous Carnival kicks off, official said Saturday.
Date: 02/11/2012 | Nation & World
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 02/11/2012 | Life
Remember to check car roof during prerental inspection
Question: I recently rented an SUV from Enterprise in Tenafly, N.J. A manager and I walked around the car before I left the lot. Neither of us saw any damage.
Date: 02/11/2012 | Life
Mykonos offers a charming if crowded Greek experience
Mykonos is the classic Greek-island stop and, along with Santorini, it's the most touristy. But being on Mykonos recently reminded me how enduringly charming the Greek islands are, even when they're extremely crowded.
Date: 02/11/2012 | Life
U.S. travel warning for Mexico is updated
The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel warning for tourists planning to visit Mexico, adding information on drug violence on a state-by-state and city-by-city basis.
Date: 02/10/2012 | Nation & World
New, hip krewes join Mardi Gras in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS -- A new generation of parades is hitting the streets of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and they're throwing away old traditions of big, glitzy floats and celebrity kings and queens for smaller, greener and sometimes naughtier floats with a...
Date: 02/08/2012 | Nation & World
Toiletry kit makes security checks easier
What it is: A two-part kit from the Packing Genius line by Kiva Designs eliminates the need for those quart resealable plastic bags. The kit features a pouch made from superlight, 100 percent recycled fabric. Stuff nonliquid items in that.
Date: 02/07/2012 | Life
Storm slams Nebraska after dumping on Colorado
OMAHA, Neb. -- A powerful winter storm that covered parts of Colorado with up to 6 feet of snow crept east across the Plains Saturday, knocking out electricity to thousands in Nebraska as the blanket of heavy, wet precipitation downed power lines and made travel treacherous.
Date: 02/05/2012 | Nation & World
Operating a rental car can be tricky
Alix Davidson says she was "totally excited" when her car rental company recently offered her the keys to a Toyota Prius in Seattle. It was her first time behind the wheel of a hybrid electric vehicle.
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
Kit makes air travel easier
What it is: A two-part kit from the Packing Genius line by Kiva Designs eliminates the need for those quart resealable plastic bags. The kit features a pouch made from superlight, 100-percent recycled fabric. Stuff nonliquid items in that.
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
Free library classes teach a wide variety of skills
Want to know how to download e-books, make travel plans, fix your finances? Head to your local Sno-Isle Library for one of the Librarians as Information Guides free sessions.
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
Relax and enjoy a drink in Europe's public squares
I'm not the cocktails-at-happy-hour type of traveler, but last summer I savored a peaceful moment in Siena's great square, Il Campo, sipping a glass of "vin santo" as the early evening light bathed the red-brick stone.
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
3 romantic weekends
Nearby getaways offer relaxing options for Valentine's Day
Date: 02/04/2012 | Life
Storm blankets Nebraska after dumping on Colorado
OMAHA, Neb. — A powerful winter storm that covered parts of Colorado with up to 6 feet of snow crept east across the Plains Saturday, knocking out electricity to thousands in Nebraska as the blanket of heavy, wet precipitation downed power lines and made travel treacherous.
Date: 02/03/2012 | Nation & World
U.S. no-fly list doubles in size in one year
WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has more than doubled, to about 21,000 names, its secret list of suspected terrorists who are banned from flying to or within the United States, including about 500 Americans. The government lowered the bar for being added to the list, even as it says it's...
Date: 02/03/2012 | Nation & World
U.S. will charge $450 to renounce citizenship
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. citizenship is priceless to some, worthless to others. But now the State Department has a dollar figure: U.S. citizenship is worth $450.At least that's what it will cost you to renounce it.
Date: 02/02/2012 | Nation & World
Calling all horse lovers: Expo in March
The 13th annual Northwest Horse Fair and Expo is scheduled this year for March 22 to March 25 at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany, Ore.
Date: 01/30/2012 | Life
Have your paperwork ready before you fly
Question: I'm an Indian national residing in the United States. I was scheduled to fly from Houston to Mumbai on British Airways recently. My itinerary involved a short stopover in London.
Date: 01/28/2012 | Life
Northern Europe's sights getting a makeover
While the countries of southern Europe struggle with financial instability, those living in northern Europe are in stronger shape, thanks to their ability to produce more while consuming less.
Date: 01/28/2012 | Life
App helps you create custom photo collages
Available for: iPhone and iPad.What it does: Helps you create a photo collage from your library photos, Facebook albums or pics from the Web (if you're only pretending you took a trip to Africa).
Date: 01/24/2012 | Life
Divers find 12th body in cruise ship corridor
GIGLIO, Italy — Divers plumbing the capsized Costa Concordia's murky depths pulled out the body of a woman in a life vest Saturday, while scuba-diving police swam through the captain's cabin to retrieve a safe and documents belonging to the man who abandoned the cruise liner after it was...
Date: 01/21/2012 | Nation & World
Travel seminars
Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door: Hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds, or at Rick Steves' Travel Center, 130 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or go to
Date: 01/21/2012 | Life
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