Get Out of Town

August 3, 2025

Notes From Up North

Highs and lows on a visit to Healdsburg, Mendocino, and San Francisco—including being dwarfed by redwoods, wandering on the edge of bluffs, cosplaying Jessica Fletcher, riding in robotaxis, and eating very well. 1

July 27, 2025

Sleeping in Style at Ojai’s New Hotel El Roblar

The town finally has a cool hotel—one that manages to feel both completely fresh and like it's been there forever. 17

June 18, 2025

There’s More to Peru Than Machu Picchu

While the Incan ruins are understandably a highlight of any visit to the country, you'd do well to expand your horizons—not just to Lima, but also the Colca Canyon, Sacred Valley, and the stunning city of Arequipa. 2

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