http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/index.html en-us Copyright 2013 The Seattle Times Company Mon, 20 May 2013 07:10:07 PDT Mon, 20 May 2013 07:10:07 PDT MattBase 1 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/art/ui/stlogo_231.gif http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005927_backcountryescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Getting away from it all in Arizona, Alaska and beyond on adventure tours. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005927_backcountryescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 13:09:16 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021001110_hawaiipigsxml.html?syndication=rss Hawaii’s hospitable habitat has long been overrun by opportunistic outsiders, including feral pigs. So upon returning to Hawaii, a writer goes hunting. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021001110_hawaiipigsxml.html?syndication=rss Sun, 19 May 2013 10:01:04 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/19/an-alaska-cruise-photo-gallery/?syndication=rss Here are some more of my favorites of the hundreds of photos I shot during my week aboard Star Princess. (Click on the photo below, then click on “slideshow.”) I’ll make a final blog posting Monday to sum up my thoughts about the cruise — will I do it again? — and respo Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/19/an-alaska-cruise-photo-gallery/?syndication=rss Sun, 19 May 2013 09:32:33 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993103_columbiahillsstateparkxml.html?syndication=rss ‘Gems of Our Washington State Parks’ series profiles a park with history, artifacts and eye-popping scenery in the Columbia River Gorge. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993103_columbiahillsstateparkxml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 19:03:23 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993230_travelwisedealsxml.html?syndication=rss Always check the fine print on travel packages — and comparison-shop. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993230_travelwisedealsxml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993089_thaipartyescapesxml.html?syndication=rss The monthly full-moon party on Ko Phangan draws tens of thousands of tourists, but there’s much more to the Thai island than hard partying — and a new airport may bring far-reaching change. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993089_thaipartyescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993220_geoquiz19xml.html?syndication=rss Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020993220_geoquiz19xml.html?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020932750_readers-best-washington-state-parks.html?syndication=rss Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020932750_readers-best-washington-state-parks.html?syndication=rss Sun, 19 May 2013 09:29:51 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-faqs-internet-seasickness-tipping-and-smoking/?syndication=rss Here’s a roundup of cruise FAQs, with my answers alongside some of the standard info from Princess: Q: How does Internet work onboard? A: Pretty badly, in my experience. Princess clearly cautions that the ship’s satellite internet is slower than what you’re accustomed to in the cit Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-faqs-internet-seasickness-tipping-and-smoking/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-if-sourdough-country-isnt-entertaining-enough-heres-whats-onboard/?syndication=rss Onboard entertainment varies from cruise to cruise, ranging from Vegas-style shows in a large theater to piano-bar crooners, comedians and all the way down to passenger talent shows. On the booking circuit, this looks to be about the next notch down from tribal casinos, but hey, it’s all inclu Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/18/alaska-cruise-if-sourdough-country-isnt-entertaining-enough-heres-whats-onboard/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-shore-excursions-are-key-and-they-can-cost-you/?syndication=rss If, like me, you’re a cruising skeptic, time on shore in Alaska will be an important component of any cruise you might end up taking (to please your significant other, or because you have no other way to see Glacier Bay, or whatever). Shore excursions are also a major moneymaker for cruise lin Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-shore-excursions-are-key-and-they-can-cost-you/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 14:46:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993129_comingupcalendar19xml.html?syndication=rss A long-range calendar of festivals and fun beyond Seattle Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993129_comingupcalendar19xml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 21:01:04 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-i-lost-ounces-on-the-cruise-ship-diet/?syndication=rss OK, I’m eating crow now, which will probably just make me lose even more weight. Turns out I’ve lost a pound this week while cruising to Alaska on the Star Princess. My final weigh-in, Friday afternoon: 197, down from 198 last Saturday when we left Seattle. We’re home at 7 in the m Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-i-lost-ounces-on-the-cruise-ship-diet/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:06 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/get-ready-for-the-summer-crush-at-sea-tac-airport/?syndication=rss  You and 99,999 other passengers; that’s the averagel crowd on a summer day at Sea-Tac Airport.  And it could be even busier this summer season, which traditionally begins Memorial Day weekend.  Last year the airport had a record 33.2 million passengers; this year it’ Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/get-ready-for-the-summer-crush-at-sea-tac-airport/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 18:16:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005046_retirementbudgetescapesxml.html?syndication=rss A Washington retiree sells her house and hits the road full-time, hoping to “see the whole world before I die.” Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2021005046_retirementbudgetescapesxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:04:53 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-a-refreshing-walk-in-the-woods-away-from-ketchikans-tourist-traps/?syndication=rss KETCHIKAN – We had only a morning in port at Alaska’s self-described “First City.” It isn’t called that because it’s largest; with just about 8,000 population in its city limits it is actually the fourth-largest city in Alaska, which says something about the empti Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-a-refreshing-walk-in-the-woods-away-from-ketchikans-tourist-traps/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:07:13 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-youre-on-vacation-is-alcohol-on-your-mind/?syndication=rss You’re on vacation. You’re ready to let down your hair, kick up your heels, even do the funky chicken if the spirit moves you. The cruise ship’s alcohol policy matters to you. On my Princess cruise to Alaska, while food of all types is included in the cruise ticket, alcoholic bever Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/17/alaska-cruise-youre-on-vacation-is-alcohol-on-your-mind/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:06:56 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020997322_apusamericanairlinesboarding.html?syndication=rss In a quest to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines is letting passengers board sooner if they travel lightly. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020997322_apusamericanairlinesboarding.html?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 17:31:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-dopey-souvenirs-from-the-northland/?syndication=rss Every place has its dopey souvenirs that tourists love. In Seattle, it’s anything made of Mount St. Helens ash. In Alaska? Take a look… Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-dopey-souvenirs-from-the-northland/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 09:01:06 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/readers-pick-their-favorite-washington-state-parks/?syndication=rss Seattle Times readers have spoken­­­ on their favorite Washington state parks.  And we’ve created an interactive map with their picks. If you’re looking for somewhere to camp, picnic, hike, or  simply enjoy the scenery, take a look at your fellow Washingto Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/readers-pick-their-favorite-washington-state-parks/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 13:31:07 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-glacier-bay-is-a-religious-experience/?syndication=rss I walked out on deck from my windowless cabin Wednesday morning to spirit-soaring sunshine glinting off jagged, snowy mountains that seemed to be reaching for the North Pole. This day, the Star Princess would be the first cruise ship of the season into famed Glacier Bay. The weather was a huge gift. Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-glacier-bay-is-a-religious-experience/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 15:31:06 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-right-people-in-the-right-jobs-but-a-kitschy-captains-party/?syndication=rss One thing I like about this voyage: some of the people they’ve brought to their party. –In a place such as Alaska, where nature is the star, it’s to the cruise line’s credit that they have an on-board naturalist of the caliber of Michael Modzelewski. He grew up in Cleveland, Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-right-people-in-the-right-jobs-but-a-kitschy-captains-party/?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 13:46:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997611_americanairlinesboardingxml.html?syndication=rss Passengers with just a personal item - no rolling suitcase - now can board the plane before most others. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997611_americanairlinesboardingxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:50:18 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997606_flightattendantxml.html?syndication=rss Flight attendants may need to add high-tech duties to their jobs. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997606_flightattendantxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 12:16:07 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997505_newmexicoroadtripxml.html?syndication=rss A scenic driving route around New Mexico. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020997505_newmexicoroadtripxml.html?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01:02 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-gooey-dessert-of-the-day-and-a-weigh-in/?syndication=rss OK, since my initial weigh-in, I held steady the first day (did brisk walks around the deck); lost a pound the second day (lots of walking around Juneau), but now I’m up two pounds. (The desserts are ganging up on me.) All I had for breakfast was Raisin Bran, grapefruit and yogurt. Honest. Her Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/16/alaska-cruise-gooey-dessert-of-the-day-and-a-weigh-in/?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 12:16:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2020993508_cdatebook17xml.html?syndication=rss A detailed, categorized calendar of events all over Seattle and Western Washington, May 17-23, 2013. Entertainment http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2020993508_cdatebook17xml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2020993536_highlight17xml.html?syndication=rss Syttende Mai, May 17, Seattle; and Poulsbo Viking Fest, May 17-19. Entertainment http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2020993536_highlight17xml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 21:01:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/15/alaska-cruise-3-things-worth-doing-in-skagway-seattles-gold-rush-twin-city/?syndication=rss SKAGWAY, Alaska – What a charming town full of history is Skagway – or Skagua, Skaqua, Cquque, Schkague, or any of a bunch of other historical spellings for the native Tlingit name that means something like “wind-rippled waters.” By original custom, the Tlingit didn’t h Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/15/alaska-cruise-3-things-worth-doing-in-skagway-seattles-gold-rush-twin-city/?syndication=rss Sat, 18 May 2013 15:01:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993053_readerslensoutdoors19xml.html?syndication=rss Seattle Times reader Xing Du’s close-up look at a little duck by Kirkland’s Juanita Bay. Outdoors http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2020993053_readerslensoutdoors19xml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 17:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020989474_apusairlinesdelays.html?syndication=rss The government says that fewer flights arrived on time and more were canceled in March than a year ago, but fewer passengers lodged formal complaints against the airlines. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020989474_apusairlinesdelays.html?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 15:16:07 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020989127_airportstripperxml.html?syndication=rss Oregon man who got naked at Portland International Airport to protest TSA airport screening is in court fighting a federal fine. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020989127_airportstripperxml.html?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 10:19:18 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020989092_belizepyramidxml.html?syndication=rss Destruction at Nohmul complex in northern Belize is condemned by government which promises “vigorous” investigation. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020989092_belizepyramidxml.html?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 11:31:05 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/14/alaska-cruise-all-about-my-cozy-cabin-on-star-princess/?syndication=rss A thing I like about the cruise: My cozy cabin, on the Star Princess’s Lido Deck. It’s an interior room with no windows, the lowest-priced cabin, and I like it just fine. No worries about the midnight sun – yes, it’s Alaska – keeping me awake. It’s a model of effi Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/14/alaska-cruise-all-about-my-cozy-cabin-on-star-princess/?syndication=rss Fri, 17 May 2013 22:16:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020984433_troubleshooterfeesxml.html?syndication=rss Airlines are boosting ticket-change fees and adding new fees. What can passengers do? Not much, writes columnist Christopher Elliott, except take a train or drive instead. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020984433_troubleshooterfeesxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 14 May 2013 16:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020982456_rickstevesxml.html?syndication=rss Rick Steves gives the lowdown on cheap flights and cheap sleeps in Europe. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020982456_rickstevesxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 14 May 2013 17:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020982272_apusairlinefees.html?syndication=rss U.S. airlines collected more than $6 billion in baggage and reservation change fees from passengers last year - the highest amount since the fees became common five years ago. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2020982272_apusairlinefees.html?syndication=rss Thu, 16 May 2013 09:48:34 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/14/alaska-cruise-waking-up-in-the-49th-state-and-visiting-juneaus-calving-glacier/?syndication=rss JUNEAU – I stepped out on deck this morning around 8 to find we’d left behind the foggy ocean – and the rolling seas – and were plowing through scenic Frederick Sound. It was raining. Hard. I stopped on the bow and happily helped take a “we both want to be in the pictur Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/14/alaska-cruise-waking-up-in-the-49th-state-and-visiting-juneaus-calving-glacier/?syndication=rss Wed, 15 May 2013 07:46:30 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020979803_swedenmidsummerxml.html?syndication=rss Midsummer is the party of the year that calls for a lot of singing, a smorgasbord of salty fish, bottomless glasses of beer, and aquavit. And maybe a maypole dance. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020979803_swedenmidsummerxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 14 May 2013 15:02:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020979417_bikesmuseumxml.html?syndication=rss Bike passageway that runs through and under the Rijksmuseum, Netherlands’ national museum is reopened after a long fight during the museum’s renovation. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020979417_bikesmuseumxml.html?syndication=rss Mon, 13 May 2013 15:46:06 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/new-virus-stirs-concern-but-no-restrictions-on-travel/?syndication=rss News is percolating among international travelers  about what’s called the Novel Coronavirus, a new and deadly disease that can cause severe respiratory illness and fever. The number of people infected since it was spotted last year is very low so far – 34 people from April 2012 to Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/new-virus-stirs-concern-but-no-restrictions-on-travel/?syndication=rss Mon, 13 May 2013 15:46:06 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/alaska-cruise-the-crew-is-very-very-very-nice/?syndication=rss To avoid being a grouch, I promised to find at least “one good thing” a day about cruising. My good thing for Departure Day: The crew on the ship couldn’t have been nicer. Throughout the busy departure day, everybody I encountered was pleasant, patient, relentlessly cheerful, helpf Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/alaska-cruise-the-crew-is-very-very-very-nice/?syndication=rss Mon, 13 May 2013 14:01:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020977625_hawaiinewxml.html?syndication=rss Taking a look at the islands, where tourism is on the rebound (and hotel prices are rising) Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020977625_hawaiinewxml.html?syndication=rss Mon, 13 May 2013 13:01:07 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020977479_riocablecarxml.html?syndication=rss A cable-car system over some of Rio de Janeiro’s shantytowns links six hilltops in a 2.3-mile route. It’s become a popular tourist attraction in the Brazilian city. Travel http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2020977479_riocablecarxml.html?syndication=rss Tue, 14 May 2013 13:53:04 PDT http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/alaska-cruise-aint-no-sunshine-where-weve-gone/?syndication=rss It was warm and mostly sunny when we left Seattle,  but it didn’t stay that way for long. All day Sunday we were motoring along at about 22 knots in fog and mist. But the cold didn’t stop movie fans for the Star Princess’s Movies Under the Stars. Northwest Traveler blog http://blogs.seattletimes.com/northwesttraveler/2013/05/13/alaska-cruise-aint-no-sunshine-where-weve-gone/?syndication=rss Tue, 14 May 2013 12:01:04 PDT