Award-winning travel writer Elizabeth Harryman shares tricks for travel during the holidays. 

National Geographic Travel editor-at-large Don George recounts his recent cruise to the Galápagos Islands aboard a small Celebrity ship specially designed for the archipelago and its wildlife. He says it was a life-changing and healing experience.

Travel writers Jim Benning and Elizabeth Harryman discuss Colombia’s emergence as a tourist destination. The South American country is known today more for its hospitality and scenic beauty than drug wars and gangsters, they say. Among the attractions discussed are world-class coffee, a gold museum, and a major bicycle event. 

Fran Golden is the co-author of 100 Things to Do in Alaska Before You Die. Fran tells what made her fall in love with the Last Frontier, from majestic scenery to encounters with wildlife. She also narrows down her list to the No. 1 thing every visitor must do.

The crisp air and bright colors of fall inspire travelers to embrace the outdoors. Chez Chesak, executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, is an avid skier, biker, and backpacker. He offers tips on making the most of autumn’s cooler days and shares his favorite fall hiking and biking spots.

The Land Down Under offers just about every outdoor adventure venue imaginable, from sandy beaches to bustling cities to the harsh beauty of the outback. Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jessica Fender tells about her experiences on a Contiki escorted tour aimed at travelers age 18 to 35. Jessica cuddled a koala at an animal sanctuary, took a surfing lesson, and climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Travelers fall for Italy for many reasons, not least the delicious food and wine, the amazing art, and the country’s fascinating history. Author and Italy expert Susan Van Allen shares insights on making the most of any visit. She’s the author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go. Not only that, she appeared in her own one-woman show, portraying 5 characters in an Italian-American family, and she was a staff writer for the Emmy Award–winning TV show, Everybody Loves Raymond.

What’s it like to stay in the new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel in Disney World? What’s new at Disneyland? Jordan Poblete, creator of the blog DisneyExaminer.com, offers tips on visiting the parks and shares his recent live-action role-playing experience as an overnight guest on Galactic Starcruiser.  

River cruising in the U.S. is gaining in popularity for good reason. Riverboats are smaller than most ocean-going cruise ships and offer a more intimate experience. Riverboats also put you right into the rich culture of America’s heartland. Is a river cruise right for you? Guests Nick Chabarria and Elizabeth Harryman Lasley share their own experiences cruising U.S. rivers and offer insights for those considering riverboating on the Mississippi or other U.S. waterways.

Nick Chabarria is a public affairs specialist for the Automobile Club of Missouri. Travel journalist Elizabeth Harryman Lasley is a former travel editor of Westways magazine and a former cohost of OnTravel, a radio show that aired to a million listeners in 167 countries on the American Forces Network and at OnTravel.com.

RVs offer a comfortable way to see the country and camp in the great outdoors, but they may not be for everyone. Brad Wright, a copy editor at Westways and AAA Explorer, recently rented an RV and explored the Oregon Coast with his wife, Daysi. He shares his experience as an RV newcomer and offers tips to others considering RV travel and exploring Oregon.