December 2002

GERMANY'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS
All across Germany, city and town squares fill with booths brightly decorated with evergreen and twinkling lights of the traditional Christmas markets; here are several of note. [Read More]

GIFT GIVING IN EUROPE
Gift-giving customs can vary dramatically from country to country, and the same item can send dramatically different messages. That's why it's wise to know something about the etiquette of presents in your recipient's country. [Read More]

GIFT GIVING IN THE FAR EAST
Linked inextricably with the keeping Wa, or the sense of peace and harmony, giving the right gift at the right time may be more important in Japan than anywhere else in the world. [Read More]

GIFT GIVING IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The emphasis of gifts is different in the Middle East, but this season all nations are praying for the gift of peace. [Read More]

GIFT GIVING IN LATIN AMERICA
In Latin America, good gifts need not be expensive as much as well-chosen to recognize the tastes and interests of its recipient. [Read More]

NO INNOCENCE ABROAD
Even in this holiday season, no place is free from rip-off artists, but pick pockets and con-men pay particular attention to travelers. [Read More]

GIVING GIFTS OF TRAVEL
There are many occasions for giving gifts, and many people are giving the gift of travel, and doing it in new and creative ways. [Read More]

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is a way of life in many parts of the globe, but no place more than Mexico, the land where it originated. [Read More]

RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS ONLINE
The Internet has revolutionized how many travelers plan their trips. Now several Web sites are trying to put the process of making restaurant reservations On-line. [Read More]

TWELVE TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS TRIPS
This will be one of the busiest travel week of the year. Here are tips to help ensure Santa's helpers and their gifts arrive on time. [Read More]

BEETHOVEN'S BIRTHDAY IN BONN
Two-hundred-thirty years ago tomorrow, Ludwig van Beethoven was born in a cramped room in the rear of a modest building on an alley in the town of Bonn, on Germany's Rhine River. [Read More]

JAPAN FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS
Japan can also be a perplexingly foreign place, especially for first timers. Here's how to get 25 practical, informative tips for independent travelers. [Read More]

UNDERGROUND DOWN UNDER
Cave lovers are delighted with the necklace of showy caverns hidden under the Blue Mountains, 100 miles west of Sydney, Australia.
[Read More]

YAPPING IT UP
An atoll pops out of the Pacific 500 miles southwest of Guam. There are four main islands, Yap, Map, Rumung and Tomil-Gagil, along with dozens of tiny islets. [Read More]

THE EXPLORERS CLUB
In 1904, seven diverse individuals founded an organization dedicated to advancing the field of scientific exploration. Now, the Explorer's Club has chapters through the world. [Read More]

DRESSING FOR THE COLD
Dressing properly for the cold is crucial. Here's a look at the cold protection provided by some of the zippier synthetic fabrics around. [Read More]

ESSENTIAL GRAND TETONS
Other mountain ranges may be larger, higher and snowier than this string of pointed peaks in northwest Wyoming, but few are as perfectly proportioned. [Read More]

XMAS MENUS AROUND THE WORLD
Everywhere Christmas is a holiday to be celebrated with joy, generosity and good food. Since traditional foods vary from nation to nation, here's what's on the menu today. [Read More]

48 HOURS IN ANTWERP
Few places evoke mystery and adventure like this 40-mile-long, tropical island off Africa's east coast. [Read More]

NEWPORT NEWS MARINER'S MUSEUM
How did Gulfport, Mississippi earn the distinction of being the world's root beer capital? [Read More]

 

[Return to Episodes Main]

Look through the list of fascinating places and off-beat features we’ve covered. Search text versions of past episodes and articles in our archives.