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Taking the Kids: The presidential election is a great teaching moment
If only it were that easy.
The 15th Amendment to the U.S Constitution reads,“ The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” It ...Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Devin Kawaoka
From playing a doctor on “Chicago Med” to starring opposite Harrison Ford and Michael Urie in the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking,” Devin Kawaoka is in his element bringing diverse characters to life. He’s particularly fond of Charlie, the fictional character he portrays in “Shrinking.” “Charlie is the kindest, most level-headed, ...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Finding medieval charm in Germany’s Erfurt
Long ago I gave up looking for an untouristy, half-timbered medieval German town, but a few years back, I stumbled upon it in the sleepy town of Erfurt.
The capital of the German region of Thuringia, Erfurt has history swinging from its eaves. It's most notable as the place where Martin Luther studied and became a monk, and (by translating the ...Read more
Taking the Kids: Jackson Hole, the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone
Can art protect wildlife? Actually, it has, we learned at the unique National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Thomas Moran’s paintings of mountains, canyons and geysers helped convince Congress to establish Yellowstone as America’s first national park in 1872. Jackson Hole is the ...Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Sung J. Woo
For Sung J. Woo (“Everything Asian,” “Love Love,” “Skin Deep”), favorite locations often make appearances in his books. His upcoming novel “Lines” – which deftly weaves a story of love, loss and forgotten possibilities – is set in suburban New Jersey, downtown Manhattan, Waimea (Hawaii), Portland and Breitenbush (Oregon). “...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Châteaux day trips from Paris are a royal treat
I always feel like a king when I get to explore the splendid châteaux near Paris. A highlight of one memorable trip 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.
There are several sumptuous palaces studding the region around Paris. ...Read more
Taking the Kids: Leaf Peeping 21st-Century-Style
Ready to get out of the car? Leaf peeping through the windshield is so 20 th c entury, not to mention boring. Why not zipline above the fall foliage, bike amid the changing leaves, see the foliage from a train – or a vineyard, perhaps, time- traveling back in history.
These days, there are more active ways to enjoy changing leaves. The ...Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Chiara Aurelia
For Chiara Aurelia (“Luckiest Girl Alive,” “Cruel Summer”), getting to travel is a major perk of her job. “I was recently filming a project that had to take an unexpected hiatus, which provided me with the perfect opportunity to take the European summer adventure I've always dreamed of,” said the New York-based actress. “Within a ...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Reflecting on ruin at Vesuvius and Pompeii
The ancient city of Pompeii – famously ruined in AD 79 when mighty Mount Vesuvius blew its top – is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Few visitors know that you can easily visit the summit of the towering volcano. And those who do enjoy a commanding view.
You can get to Vesuvius with a train/bus/hike journey. You start by ...Read more
Taking the Kids: An affordable fall getaway
Time to get away? You can — even on a limited budget. You can easily plan an (affordable) fall getaway where you get outdoors biking or hiking, seeing wildlife amid the fall colors or alternatively, exploring a new city or heading to the beach during shoulder season. Get some input from the kids on what they would like to do. Revel in your ...Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Iain Matthews
With a career spanning some 60 years and more than 50 albums, Iain Matthews is a veteran of touring and recording. Now based out of Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands, the former frontman for the folk rock band, Fairport Convention, said he is looking forward to hitting the road to promote his Oct. 25 solo album, “How Much is Enough?” (...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Český Krumlov: The Czech Republic's fairy-tale town
Nearly four hours south of Prague, this fairy-tale town of 13,000 is buried in the hills of the southern Czech Republic, an area much appreciated for its pastoral countryside. With its delightfully cobbled Old Town, rare Baroque theater, and colorful castle, Český Krumlov feels lost in a time warp.
The town has long attracted visitors. Tucked...Read more
Taking the Kids: Celebrating Halloween for more than a month
Hope you have your witch’s hat and broomstick ready!
These days, whether you want to experience spooky rides, haunted houses or stay in a haunted hotel, Halloween events in many places have already started.
Just be mindful not to insist kids do anything they’re not ready for. That certainly includes homeandleisure/travel/takingthekids/s-3428135">Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Radhika Vekaria
Born in the United Kingdom to Indian parents from East Africa, multi-instrumentalist Radhika Vekaria now resides in the United States – Los Angeles to be exact. Her multicultural upbringing speaking several languages at home is evident on her latest album, “Warriors of Light,” which offers dreamy vocals in English, Tamil, Sanskrit and ...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Denmark's countryside delights, from Viking ships to fairy tales
Copenhagen is a thriving metropolis and the main attraction in Denmark. But a trip here isn't complete without a swing through the cute Danish countryside. In under two hours, you can time-travel from modern Copenhagen to a 10th-century Viking ship, 17th-century castle, or 19th-century fairy tale.
While today's Denmark is small – roughly ...Read more
Taking the Kids: To the Arctic and learning more about climate change
They must have partied really hard. The 80-plus guests were lying on the black sand beach, intermittently groaning, or taking a restorative dip in the water.
We were on day four of our two- week Abercrombie & Kent Arctic Cruise Adventure “In Search of the Polar Bear”. We hopped onto ...Read more
Celebrity Travel: Go away with Kellie Gerardi
Becoming an astronaut was a no-brainer for Kellie Gerardi, who was born in Jupiter … Florida, that is. “I’ve always been fascinated with space, but I definitely think growing up in Jupiter with a view of the Space Coast gave me invaluable exposure to human spaceflight,” said Gerardi. “I quite literally had front-row seats to the final ...Read more
Rick Steves’ Europe: Volterra and San Gimignano are two sides of Northern Tuscany
I’m in Volterra, my favorite hill town in Tuscany, sitting under rustic, noble stones at the base of a palace that made commoners feel small six centuries ago. Bats burst through the floodlights amid ghostly towers held together with rusted iron corsets. These stones have soul. The countless peasant backs they bent so many centuries ago gave ...Read more
What's new at Fright Fest this year? Here are the scary Six Flags Over Texas details
FORT WORTH, Texas — All things creepy and crawly awoke on a mid-September night at Six Flags Over Texas.
The Arlington theme park held a preview night for its annual Halloween event, Fright Fest. The spooky celebration lasts until Nov. 3 at 2201 Road to Six Flags.
Around 1,000 people, mostly employees, were at the park on Thursday, said ...Read more
Taking the kids: 17 fall festivals we love
It’s fall. Time to celebrate apples, cranberries and pumpkins. Time to appreciate livestock, scarecrows and everything chicken. Explore covered bridges. Raise a stein at a family-friendly Oktoberfest. Commemorate films, storytelling, architecture and regional foods.
Who doesn’t love a fall festival? Typically, they are free, offer all kinds...Read more