Daughter will need prescriptions while abroad
The Washington Post Three (Facebook, Instragram, Twitter), XE Currency or OANDA, TripAdvisor, Skyscanner or Hopper (for snagging cheap fares), TripIt (for planning), Goby or Localeur (for local events and attractions), Google Translate, Google Maps or Citymapper, GateGuru (for long layovers or delays), Hotel Tonight (for last-minute bookings), Postagram (for DIY postcards), Skype or WhatsApp (for free long-distance chatting). You might also want to add some podcasts for your listening pleasure, such as TED Talks, the Moth, Extra Pack of Peanuts, etc.
Q: I will be visiting Denver this weekend. Does anyone have any mustnot-miss items? I will have access to a car. Other than a hike, my itinerary is open. I will be staying in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
A: Denver has really blossomed over the years, and you can easily walk or bike around the city. Some of the top spots: Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum (opened in 2011), LoDo Historic District (for shopping, cafes, brewpubs), 16th Street Mall (pedestrian mall designed by I.M. Pei), City Park (Denver’s version of Central Park) and kayaking in Confluence Park. For day trips, Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park are a given, but you might also consider Golden, for its Old West charm, and Boulder, a happy hippie paradise. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an incredible place to see a show or to just wander around.
Q: Our family of five (ages 15 to 52) is going on a weeklong trip to Amsterdam next March. We have a variety of different interests/adventure levels/travel experience — one person loves art (while others get bored), one loves food (but we also have a picky eater), one loves to just wander around new cities (and another is a type-A planner), and the teenage boy is annoyed by almost everything. Are there notto-be-missed activities that might appeal to everyone in the group? And, related, is a full week in Amsterdam too long? We’re happy to split the trip between cities/countries but weren’t sure what would be the best places to add, or how long to spend in each place.
A: You could probably keep yourselves entertained in Amsterdam for a week. The art-lover will be very happy, as the city has wonderful galleries and museums: My favorites are the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk. The city offers fun canal tours, the famous Red Light district and beautiful gardens and parks. And if you want to get out of the city for a day, there are daylong excursions you can take to other spots in Holland or even to Bruges. You can get an idea of what’s available on Viator.
Q: I will be in Tampa for work (high stress event — long hours and lots of smiling), and I would like to extend my trip with a few days of rest, relaxation and fun. Do you have suggestions for places to stay and things to do? I am looking to stay near the water and away from the convention center.
A: If you’re willing to drive a little, Siesta Key is about an hour away, and the beach is fantastic. Close to Tampa, if you’re looking for ocean, Clearwater Beach is one choice: consider Sandpearl Resort.
Q: Next year I will be taking a tour of the Baltic states that will begin in Tallinn, Estonia. I’m wondering if going to Iceland for a few days before to do some sightseeing and get over jet lag is a good plan? If so, how long a stay in Iceland would you recommend? A: Absolutely! Iceland is tiny. I did it in 24 hours as the first stop on an aroundthe-world trip, but I suggest at least doubling your time — two or three days should suffice.
Q: My daughter and I have recently done the challenging trails of Zion and Yosemite and are looking for a place to do it again in October. I want to use some United Miles, so it could be anywhere, but, of course, it can’t be too cold. Hawaii and Cinque Terre (have already done Amalfi) come to mind — we have already done Spain.
A: How about a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, which was re-popularized by Cheryl Strayed and Reese Witherspoon. Or, the South West Coast Path, the U.K.’s longest National Trail (long on history, short on toughness), Te Araroa in New Zealand or Hong Kong’s mountainous trails.