January 2004

A DECADE OF DELIVERIES
On the final day of 2001, we look back on the first and eventful year of the third millennium and our 10th year on the air. [Read More]

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU
Though perfectly natural now, January first has been observed as New Year's day for only 250 years. [Read More]

ROMANTIC RETREATS
Planning a Valentine's Day escape? Romance and travel go hand in hand, but there's more to it than tropical beaches and paper- umbrella drinks. [Read More]

CALIFORNIA DREAMING
For over a century, California has loomed large in many travelers fantasies. Glamour and trendiness change, but its essence is eternal. [Read More]

DOWN IN DEATH VALLEY
A short description of the huge desert along California's border with Nevada might match many concepts of hell. [Read More]

HIGHWAY MAPS UNFOLDING HISTORY
Since 1900, the building of roads has profoundly changed the American landscape. Highway maps are the record of that evolution. [Read More]

A FIRST CLASS SURPRISE
If you have flown on any U.S. airline in recent weeks, you know big changes have taken place since September 11. [Read More]

COSTLY CARIBBEAN FAREWELLS
Many Caribbean islands charge a departure fee of $15 to $20 per person, which often must be paid in cash at the point of exit. [Read More]

PARK CITY PANORAMAS
Next month, the world's attention will focus on Salt Lake City, as it hosts the Winter Olympics. But much of the action will be centered 30 miles to the east. [Read More]

ON THE HIGHWAYS OF EUROPE
Most of Europe now uses one form of currency, but myriad differences remain among its nations. Consider the regulations of the road. [Read More]

AN ADVENTURE IN COPPER CANYON
Mexico's Copper Canyon covers four times as much area as Arizona's Grand Canyon, and in places more than a quarter mile deeper.
[Read More]

ON A CHOO-CHOO TO CHIHUAHUA
The Chihuahua Pacific railroad, which traverses Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara mountains, may be the world's most dramatic rail journey. [Read More]

IN EL FUERTE AND CEROCAHUI
Though thrilling, the train ride through the Sierra Tarahumara mountains offers few glimpses of Copper Canyon. For a better look, check out the small towns along the way. [Read More]

MIRADOR AND CREEL
Both literally and physically, the high point of the rail trip through Mexico's Copper Canyon is the tiny town of El Divisidero. [Read More]

MEETING THE TARAHUMARA
No journey through Mexico's Sierra Tarahumara mountains would be complete without visiting the reclusive Indians who give these mountains their name. [Read More]

THE FOUR KINGS OF MEMPHIS
The founders of Memphis, Tennessee had a prophetic sense to name it after Egypt's city of kings. Four kings have helped shaped this Memphis. [Read More]

COLD PRESCRIPTIONS
Whether for business or pleasure, travel schedules seldom make allowances for the colds and flu that are all too common this time of year.
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LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of driving a high-power vehicle faster than any public roads legally allow. Here's one way to satisfy that craving. [Read More]

LUGING IN LAKE PLACID
This year's Winter Olympics may be happening in Utah, but East Coasters can personally experience speed and thrill of Olympic luge and bobsled races. [Read More]

GIVING SNOWDOMES A FAIR SHAKE
Those hollow glass or plastic, liquid-filled spheres containing figurines and fake snow are the ultimate in travel kitsch. [Read More]

CAPTURING THE GREEN FLASH
The green flash is an occasional atmospheric phenomenon that for travelers can be so rare it borders on the mythical. [Read More]

AUTHENTICATING ALASKAN ART
Many Alaskan visitors are entranced by arts and crafts created by its native peoples. Here's how to tell the real goods from cheap knock-offs. [Read More]

KEEPING IN TOUCH AT SEA
In type-A age of telecommunications, it seems some cruise passengers crave constant contact more than midnight buffets. [Read More]

CAVE DIVING IN THE YUCATAN
The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are subterranean networks and hidden wonderlands for adventurous travelers. [Read More]

BASEBALL, EMPANADAS AND PINA COLADA
Though this winter's cold and labor strife still chill major league ball parks in the U.S., some of the games best players are stepping up to bat in the Caribbean World Series. [Read More]

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