Columns

April 2018 issue | Appears on page 54

Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian walled garden
By Yvonne Michie Horn
Kylemore Abbey’s pleasure garden, with the head gardener’s cottage in the background. Photos by Yvonne Michie Horn

The baronial-style castle, known today as Kylemore Abbey, was mirror-imaged in Lough Pollacappul this September 2017 day. Clouds scudding across Connemara’s gray-blue skies wound their way in and around the grand edifice’s shimmering reflection. 

The castle’s setting against a wooded mountainside at the edge of the lake was breathtaking. Who could look at it and not wonder, ‘What’s it like inside?’

Regularly scheduled tours offer...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page

Estonia's singing revolution
By Rick Steves
Estonians enjoy a collective culture — and that includes sharing food and drink.

On my last visit to Tallinn, while I was admiring the view from the terrace atop the city walls, a kindly middle-aged man approached. From a satchel on his shoulder, he pulled out a stack of music CDs, all recordings of Tallinn's famous Song Festivals. While he was eager to make a sale, my friend was even more intent that I learn the story of how singing helped lead his country to independence.

In 2018, the scrappy Republic of Estoniamarks the 100th anniversary...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page

Discovering the Romance of Germany's Black Forest
By Rick Steves
The bucolic landscape of Germany’s Black Forest is punctuated by scenic towns and memorable hiking trails.

In Germany's southwest corner, the Black Forest ("Schwarzwald") is a range of hills stretching east of the Rhine River. Ancient Romans found the thick forests here inaccessible and mysterious, so they called it "black." Today, Germans and tourists alike are attracted to this most romantic of German regions -- famous for its mineral spas, clean air, hiking trails, cheery villages ... and cuckoo clocks.

Some travelers, driven by "bucket lists," get sucked...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page

Welsh revival: Cardiff sheds rust-belt past for glossy future
By Rick Steves
Sometimes called the “Welsh Big Ben,” the landmark Pierhead Building dominates the waterfront in Cardiff’s Docklands district.

Just an hour from major English destinations such as Bath and the Cotswolds, spunky Cardiff offers a taste of Welsh flavors that will leave you with great memories.

Most travelers planning a trip to Britaindon't realize you can hop a train in Londonand, in just over two hours, you're in Wales' revitalized capital. From there, you can easily side-trip to an open-air museum to experience Welsh-culture-on-a-lazy-Susan, or head into the lush ...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page

Making the most of your cruise
By Rick Steves
To avoid the worst cruise ship crowds, use amenities such as swimming pools during off-peak hours.

Last year I spent two weeks on a Mediterranean cruise, filming a one-hour TV show that will present an honest look at the pros and cons of cruising and will equip travelers with the knowledge they need to be smart cruisers.

You might not think of it as budget travel, but cruising can be extremely affordable. When you consider that the price includes accommodations, food, and transportation to far-flung destinations, it's simply a steal. But reckless spending on a cruise can rip...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page 2

Hotels and “Do Not Disturb.” “Smart luggage” restrictions. State Department warnings
By David Tykol
In the Western Sahara, the oasis city of Chinguetti, Mauritania, features the massive minaret of the 13th-century Chinguetti Mosque. Photo: © Sergey Mayorov/123rf

Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 505th issue of your monthly foreign-travel and reader-participation magazine. And if you’re seeing a copy of ITN for the first time, step on board, have a seat and buckle up. You’re in for a ride.

What you’re about to experience are the adventures of people who have traveled to places outside of the United States and wanted to share what they found or learned.

Whether they prefer to travel independently, enjoy tours or...

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March 2018 issue | Appears on page 43

The Geografile
By Bryan Henry

In 1991, South Africa became the first country to make the great white shark a protected species.

March 2018 issue | Appears on page 50

They’re called smartphones for good reason (Second of two parts)
By Mark Gallo

Smartphones have a number of functions that travelers find most useful, and I began describing a few of them last month, including the camera, the Geotagging feature and Google Maps. I’ve been referencing the iPhone 6’s functionality, since that’s what I use, but Android phones are similarly capable, if not more so. 

Uber

Like millions of other people, I’ve become a big fan of Uber, the phone app where you tap a button and get a ride that’s...

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