Lynne is the author of dozens of Caribbean Island guidebooks, but France is her free-time passion. Readers are invited to send Lynne travel questions about any of the Caribbean islands as well as France and the American southwest, especially Sedona, Arizona, her hometown.
Bonaire‘s capital, Kralendijk (say CRAWL-in-dike), is more like a village than a city, which makes it ideal for strolling. The tongue-twister name comes from the Dutch word koralendijk, which means coral dike. And, there is, in fact, a coral dike, or reef, just off the town’s shore. If you just can’t get your mouth around this word, call the capital...
On St Lucia chocolate tourism is a big deal, and visitors have a choice of popular tours that plunge deep into the history, culture, and process of making a gourmet chocolate bar. August is the island’s designated Chocolate Heritage Month honoring a cocoa legacy that dates back to the 18th century. But, in reality, many of the island’s top resorts...
Mother Nature apparently created St Lucia for romance. The picturesque island is wrapped in dreamy scenery, alluring scents, and melodic sounds. A perfumed rainforest covers the mountainous interior, and pillow-soft white sand lines the coast. World famous mountains, the Twin Pitons, soar from the warm, clear Caribbean Sea on the southwest shore. In the north, the idyllic Pigeon Point National...
Aruba resorts are known for indulging guests. All-inclusive family packages include endless activities, food, and drinks throughout the day. Couples and adult friends often opt for less expensive resorts without a meal plan, all the better for restaurant and bar hopping. High-rise big-name properties on Palm Beach offer nonstop action — with watersports, casinos, shops, and top restaurants onsite or nearby. The downside?...
Kid-friendly Aruba is ideal for families who enjoy playing on sandy beaches and trying water sports. Since many hotels have spacious suites and offer a huge number of activities for all ages, you may never leave your resort. If you do want to explore, Aruba has an incredible national park, a paved seaside trail for walking and biking, several animal...
Discover the treasures of old San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2 days. San Juan is the oldest town in the United States, established in 1508 by Juan Ponce de León. His home, La Casa Blanca, is now a museum and his tomb is in the Catedrál de San Juan Bautista. Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) is a neighborhood in the capital city of San Juan. This...
Don’t confuse Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) with the modern city of San Juan. The greater metropolitan area has grown up around the original colonial town to become a sprawling modern megacity that is the capital of Puerto Rico and the most populated area on the island. Old San Juan is a seven-block historical district set on a small peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic...
Give yourself plenty of time to explore St Lucia‘s best outdoor attractions. Don’t spend all day on the beach. Get out and discover the island’s stunning sights and surprising natural features. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens Covering six acres and winning multiple awards as a favorite tourist site, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is a peaceful retreat after a day on the...
You don’t have to be an underwater fan to find adventure on Bonaire. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the well-protected Marine Park is the island’s foremost attraction, but you also may enjoy spending a few days on dry land. Hike the trails in a national park, bike along the scenic shoreline or mountain trails, and explore historic villages. Hike Bonaire Start...
When you go to Aruba, don’t miss its rum shacks and fusion dishes. Aruba’s inventive cuisine is a flavor-packed fusion of popular recipes from South America, Holland, Spain, India, and Africa. Chefs use local produce and fresh-from-the-sea fish to create meals enhanced with just the right amount of spice. Expect the daily catch to include mahi-mahi, grouper, or red snapper. Be...
The west side of Puerto Rico, known for its idyllic beaches and pristine natural environment, is rich in offerings for anyone who loves the outdoors. The Porta Del Sol, or “Gateway to the Sun,” stretches from Aguadilla in the northwest to Cabo Rojo in the southwest. Drive west along Puerto Rico’s Rt 22 to discover the colorful region, which marches...
Puerto Rico‘s East Island has many attractions that can be explored on day trips from the San Juan area, but sometimes a day just isn’t enough. To really experience the best of this side of the island you must rent a car, book overnight accommodations, and strike out with a sense of adventure. In about a half hour you’ll come...
Strasbourg is a fascinating mix of Germany and France and combines their traditions, languages, architectural styles, and cuisines. The city has been tossed about between the two countries for centuries, but currently, it flourishes as a thoroughly modern metropolis in the Alsace region. It is considered the symbolic heart of modern Europe. At the end of World War II, the victors and new world powers...
The forested lake-studded Vosges Mountains stretch through the Alsatian countryside less than an hour drive west from Strasbourg, Colmar, or Mulhouse on highways A4 and A31. Two vast regional parks tempt travelers to abandon towns for year-round outdoor adventures. Seek out farmhouse inns (ferme-auberge) for overnight lodging. Follow signs posted along back roads to rustic restaurants that serve hearty meals featuring...
Like all of Alsace, Colmar has been German and French at various times throughout history. Before that, the region belonged to the Roman Empire. As a result the city is full of ancient treasures, which saved it from destruction during World War II. Even the bad guys couldn’t bring themselves to bomb the half-timbered houses and historically significant buildings. The...
When in Alsace, France, spend at least two days in Mulhouse, a metropolis the French government officially brands a City of Art and History (Ville d’Art et d’Histoire). The most interesting tourist sites are connected by a modern bus and tram system, and a small fee buys you a day-long pass. While the city has the most pleasant sightseeing weather...
What’s so special about the Alsace wine route and food tour? Vineyards and medieval villages scattered over the Alsatian countryside. They make the province one of the most beautiful in France. Follow this independent itinerary to discover amazing landscapes and taste some of the best food and drink in France. Nineteen towns along the route are home to 27 Michelin-starred...
St. Lucia is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. The island’s landmark twin-peak mountains, Petit Piton and Gros Piton, have UNESCO World Heritage status. Rainforests, beaches, marine life, and the world’s only “drive-in” volcanic crater are steadfastly protected by the government. Well-preserved gorgeousness is simply everywhere you look. This independent island nation floats like a teardrop-shaped...
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth and a lush country with astonishing natural beauty. Superb Caribbean beaches circle the coast and deep rain forest covers the interior mountains. Two Spanish forts guard the capital city of San Juan, and much of the small old town is a protected World Heritage site filled with elegant colonial buildings. Puerto Rico’s Diverse Charisma...
Bonaire is best known as a spectacular destination for divers. But the top reason for visiting Bonaire is the opportunity for complete relaxation on a totally authentic Caribbean island with a laidback vibe. You won’t find chain stores or cookie-cutter restaurants serving fast food. You’ll have plenty of leisure time to explore the island, enjoy a waterfront dinner with someone...
Taking the fast-speed ferry from St. Martin to St. Barth and finding every seat was equipped with a seasickness bag. I, however, enjoyed the crossing with no problems.
Rick Steves. He matches my travel style precisely. I’d follow him anywhere.
“Not all those who wander are lost.” (J.R.R. Tolkien)
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
I prefer to travel alone or with a like-minded companion who lets me be the boss of everything.