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Following a 10-day self-arranged tour of southern Italy, my wife, Jean, and I stayed in a splendid boutique hotel in Rome, May 31-June 4, 2013. 

Located in a lovely mid-city neighborhood, My Guest Roma (Viale XXI Aprile 12, 00162, Rome, Italy; phone +39 06 86 32 4590 or mobile +39 349 355 6758), though small, provided a restful stopover. 

The nice-size rooms, kept spotlessly clean, were colorfully and tastefully decorated and most comfortable. Some rooms had added bunks — helpful if you’re taking children.

The en suite bathroom, while on the compact side, nonetheless...

For Christmas 2003, my husband, Bernie, and I decided to give each other an extra-nice present: we would take a 9-day “Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Alps” tour in January ’04. Two days of the tour would be spent at the International Balloon Festival in Château d’Oex, Switzerland.

This unique tour is organized and operated by the Buddy Bombard Society (333 Pershing Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33401; phone 800/862-8537, e-mail travel@bombardsociety.com). Buddy is a balloon pilot, himself, and has operated these tours over 27 years. The Bombard Society does similar tours in Austria,...

When my grandson got married in November ’03, we promised to pay for his honeymoon (within reason, of course). He told me, “Grandpa, if you do that, we insist that you come along.” Somewhat unusual, to say the least, but we were honored. My wife, JoAnn, said she’d go anyplace as long as it was cool and unusual. I suggested Ecuador and agreement was unanimous. We set up the trip for April ’04.

We flew nonstop from Miami to Quito on LanEcuador, part of the LanChile group of airlines, on a Boeing 757. The flight was on time and cabin service was fine.

I had been to Ecuador twice...