This is the January 2019 issue

Features

Mt. Ararat, as seen from near the Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia.
Impressed with a custom tour of the Caucasus
By Steven Emmet
Appears on Page 6
 
The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Though less expensive, the high tea there was not up to the standard of that which we enjoyed at the Burj al Arab Jumeirah hotel.
Luxury on the sea: a month-long cruise from Dubai to Cape Town
By Judith Anshin
Appears on Page 18
 
A detailed pietà carved from radishes on display in Oaxaca.
Wonderful winter celebrations in Mexico
By Birute Skurdenis
Appears on Page 41
 

Travelers' Intercom

Pearl Assist airport services
By Stephen Addison
Appears on Page 12
 
Narrow roads with no shoulders require constant vigilance on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Photo by Ron Carlson
Rental cars and the collision-damage waiver
By Ron Carlson
Appears on Page 13
 
Multiday passes for the Alps
By Janet Weigel
Appears on Page 14
 
Convenience, frustration at the Relax
By Albert Podell
Appears on Page 24
 
Adriatic Balkans tour with OAT
By Tom Kilroy
Appears on Page 24
 
Praise for All Around Italy
By Patrick L. Wikstrom
Appears on Page 26
 
Edna R.S. Alvarez and guide Charlie Vogt birding in Refugio Paz de Las Aves, Ecuador.
Selecting a private guide (for birding in Ecuador)
By Edna R.S. Alvarez
Appears on Page 26
 
Portrait of Madame Ginoux, one of van Gogh’s “L’Arlésienne” series. Photos by Lorenz Rychner
Van Gogh at the Kröller-Müller
By Lorenz Rychner
Appears on Page 29
 
Dining in Cape Town’s suburbs
By Alan Ramsay
Appears on Page 45
 
Travel tips on luggage
By Robert A. Siebert
Appears on Page 46
 

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Columns

Cruising might not be for everyone, but it’s an economic, efficient, and popular of mode of travel in Europe and beyond. Photo by Cameron Hewitt
The pros and cons of cruising
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves

 
One of the best ways to see the University of Cambridge is by punting on the River Cam. Photo by Cameron Hewitt
Choosing between intellectual rivals: Oxford vs. Cambridge
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves

 
Blogging, trip planning, and sending updates back home are great ways to combat loneliness while dining solo. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Embracing solo travel is empowering for women
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves

 
Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye, is nestled deep in its protective harbor, where colorful homes look out over bobbing boats and the surrounding peninsulas. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Scotland's majestic Isle of Skye
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves

 
A footpath is all that connects Italy’s Civita di Bagnoregio to the “mainland.” Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Beyond the blockbusters: Discovering remote sites in Europe
Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental

By Rick Steves

 
Cast in bronze, with a marble base, the Three Graces fountain (1869) in Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux, France, depicts Zeus’ daughters Aglaea (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth) and Thalia (Good Cheer).
US restricts Americans from staying at certain Cuba hotels. Ryanair flight held in France.
Boarding Pass

By David Tykol
Appears on Page 2
 
Chef Myint Oo and a bowl of the Rakhine Hot and Spicy Chicken Curry with garnish. Photos by Sandra Scott
What’s Cooking in… Myanmar
What's Cooking in...

By Sandra Scott
Appears on Page 48
 
Porto Venere is the perfect jumping-off point for scenic boat rides along the Italian Riviera. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Italy’s Riviera — beyond the Cinque Terre
Rick Steves' Europe

By Rick Steves
Appears on Page 49
 
The Geografile
The Geografile

By Bryan Henry
Appears on Page 49
 
View of the Mediterranean from the terrace of our apartment “Promenade” in Nice.
Cemenelum - Roman city on the French Riviera
Focus on Archaeology

By Julie Skurdenis
Appears on Page 50
 

Funniest Thing

When you're hot, you're hot
By Douglas Molander
Appears on Page 46
 

Where in the World? Correct Answers