Get Out of Town

May 4, 2025

On a Backroads Tour of New Zealand’s South Island

Most of our time on the South Island was spent on a Backroads tour, and it's easy to see why so many people love the company—they make traveling so easy. But there are trade-offs. Plus: The exquisite Blanket Bay lodge. 6

April 23, 2025

Navigating the North Island of New Zealand

We spent nearly a month exploring New Zealand—doing the North Island on our own and the South Island mainly with the Backroads active tour company. 6

March 19, 2025

Don’t Be So Quick to Write Off Phoenix

With five million people living in the Phoenix metropolitan area, there has to be something interesting to do—besides play golf or lie by a pool—for a few days, right? 7

February 4, 2025

The Two Sides of Florence

While the city center has several major attractions, it has become an open-air mall and, at least during the holiday season, is thronged with visitors. Across the river was more my style: calmer and altogether more interesting. 18

January 26, 2025

The Most Magical City in the World

Venice is fundamentally unique, like something out of a fantasy novel; it shouldn't exist, and of course, someday it probably won't. And I love it. 15

November 20, 2024

One and Done in Sedona

The hiking around the Arizona town is amazing, but crowds are everywhere—and that's not even counting everyone on the astral plane. Plus: A side trip to Monument Valley. 27

September 11, 2024

A Proper Visit to Santa Monica and Beyond

I don't want to live in L.A., but I do like visiting it—especially when I get live jazz, a deluxe park, a retrospective of a favorite artist, quality pastries, and more. 8

August 8, 2024

A Quickie in San Francisco

Great food and terrific architecture make strolling around San Francisco a treat—and now, when you're ready for a break, you can call for a self-driving car. 2

July 21, 2024

Dipping a Toe Into Southern Corsica

After two weeks in Paris, a non-city destination sounded like just the thing, so we rented a villa outside the Corsican town of Bonifacio and reveled in the natural beauty of the island's southern tip. 1

July 3, 2024

The Exquisite Luxury of Taking Paris for Granted

Two weeks in Paris allowed us to relax and enjoy the city, kind of like spending a long weekend with an old friend versus trying to catch up over dinner. 9