Local Travel News

Valley of Fire: Spectacular side trip from Vegas

ADAM GORLICK

OVERTON, Nev. — You’ve done your time in Las Vegas. You’ve given generously to the casinos, gorged on their food and overdosed on their glitz. You need an escape from the Strip. The Grand Canyon is too far. The Hoover Dam is too... Full story

Northern Germany: Hot & Cold attractions mix up winter trip

FRED SWEGLES

After exploring the Brandenburg Gate, the Pergamon Museum and Checkpoint Charlie, I went to the beach. In Germany. In January. On a bitingly cold Friday, 3½ hours north of Berlin by train, I hiked along the shore of the Baltic Sea, a... Full story

Quiet side of Alps

Slovenia’s Lake Bled has mountain charm without cars and crowds

CHRIS MEYER

A picturesque mountain lake. Soaring Alpine peaks. A storybook island church. A medieval castle overlooking the scene from high atop a rock cliff. And no crowds. Dare I let the secret out? When you mention that you’re going to Lake Bled,... Full story

Cruise trends drift toward higher prices, single studios

BETH J. HARPAZ

NEW YORK — If you’re planning a cruise vacation in 2010, get ready for higher prices, better entertainment, water parks, and one of the most innovative concepts to come along in awhile: Rooms designed for solo travelers on the Norwegian... Full story

Vancouver takes final steps for its Olympic moment

JEREMY HAINSWORTH

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — As snow falls on the craggy peaks providing the stunning backdrop to this glimmering city on the Pacific, Vancouver prepares to welcome thousands of athletes and visitors from around the world for the 2010 Winter... Full story

Celebrities, seniors hit the trails at Sun Valley’s 2 ski areas

ANNE WALLACE ALLEN

KETCHUM, Idaho — It seems everyone who spends time around Sun Valley has stories to tell of celebrity encounters. They stood in line at the bookstore last week behind Bruce Springsteen, or at Tully’s Coffee the other day with Arnold... Full story

Enjoy Rocky Point and roll into a volcanic zone

Byron Marlowe

I brought in the new year in Rocky Point, Mexico. Travel to Rocky Point is as safe and desirable as ever, and this modern resort destination is full of all the activities my family enjoys in beach destinations across the world at half the expense.... Full story

Quartzsite: Winter visitors find bargains

BYRON MARLOWE

Every winter, the tiny town of Quartzsite transforms into the vendor capital of the world. More than a million visitors congregate to browse through swap meets, gem shows, art and crafts shows as well as scores of other booths offering antiques,... Full story

Enjoy Four Corners with half the driving

Byron Marlowe

Four Corners National Monument is the only place in the United States where you can be in four states at one time. It’s a picturesque moment standing in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado all at once, so bring your camera and favorite... Full story

Snuba: 1 descent leaves you pining for more

GREG BLUESTEIN

ROATAN, Honduras — Breathing underwater was a strange sensation. It was even stranger because I’ve never been scuba-certified. Stranger yet that my wife — who is reluctant to even duck her head under water — was happily... Full story