A blog for the traveler who wants both luxury and a good deal.

Read our most recent posts about journeys…

Ilocos: Philippines are more than beaches

Boracay. Palawan. Those are the names that have grabbed all the international tourist attention for the Philippines because of their gorgeous beaches. But this country offers so much more, especially for fans of UNESCO World Heritage sites. We are a group of 10 travel...

Chengde Mountain Resort is China’s secret

by Stephen Henson | Asia-Pacific

Mention the city of Chengde to Westerners and they reply, “Oh, the place with the pandas, right?” No, that’s Chengdu. Say “Chengde Mountain Resort,” and people assume it is a new hotel complex. No, it was built in the 1700s as a summer palace for the Qing emperors....

History comes alive at Sweden’s Vasa Museum

by Stephen Henson | Europe

Acke didn’t want to be one of the 145 seamen aboard Sweden’s Vasa warship for its maiden voyage in 1628. The work was hard, wages were low, and living conditions were atrocious. And this voyage was to last just 1,300 meters before he would have to swim for his life....

10 unusual things to do in Maui

by Stephen Henson | North America

Like everyone else, you’ve maneuvered the twisting road to Hana, braved the cold for sunrise at Haleakala, taken a sunset catamaran cruise, enjoyed the more authentic Old Lahaina luau, snorkeled off a famous beach. Are you ready for something a little more offbeat? We...

How to see The Broad art museum in L.A.

by Stephen Henson | North America

The line formed more than a half-hour before the 11:00am opening and eventually stretched for a block. It was mostly young people, even on a weekday, chatting, checking their phones. And it was a patient crowd, those of us who arrived without a timed reservation,...

How to see Budapest in two days

by Stephen Henson | Europe

More and more people now want to visit Eastern Europe, and that puts Budapest and Prague near the top of their travel list. Given enough time, Vienna is the perfect third stop. But what if you are limited to only a week? I will show you how to see the highlights of...