Columns

by Lew Toulmin (First of two parts)

Tell your friends and relations that your next vacation is cruising a French canal on an upscale hotel barge and you are sure to get some envious glances, but does the reality match the myth?

That was the question my wife, Susan, and I had before cruising down the Burgundy Canal aboard the Horizon II, Aug. 2-8, 2009, as guests of French Country Waterways (Box 2195, Duxbury, MA 02331; 800/222-1236, www.fcwl.com).

Our cruise was from Tanlay to Venarey-les-Laumes, northwest of Dijon, France, and it covered about 45 miles on the canal...

by Julie Skurdenis

Buenos Aires’ history stretches back almost 500 years. In 1536 King Carlos I of Spain sent Pedro de Mendoza to the Rio de la Plata in what is now northeastern Argentina to establish a fort. This fort was the first site of what eventually became Buenos Aires.

Forty-four years later, Juan de Garay “refounded” the city just a mile and a half from the original site, naming it Ciudad de la Santisima Trinidad y Puerto de Santa Maria de los Buenos Ayres, or City of the Holy Trinity and Port of Holy Mary of the Favorable Winds — Buenos...

Many ITN readers who are addicted to international travel find themselves, periodically, in discussions with relatives, friends and acquaintances who express not being able to understand the lure, attraction, charm, etc., of international travel, particularly to very adventurous, challenging destinations.

How should the international travel addict respond?

One thing is certain. It makes no sense to ever try to force your love of international travel down someone else’s throat.

I contend that, in general, these “don’t get it” inquisitors fall...