Travel the World with Jann by Jann Segal

I have been to 93 countries and 46 states in over four decades. I have traveled largely independently, but have lately been doing quite a bit of travel with great providers. Throughout these pages you will notice that I mention the best ways to travel to certain destinations. I honestly feel that my recommendations provide you the best travel value and experience for your money. I always add a little “extra” to each trip based on my reading and research. I hope you enjoy my articles.

Explore Iceland: High winds and empty spaces

Iceland is a vast amount of small land. That is right. Vast in its smallness, a land of contradictions. A land where people live in harmony, but not necessarily near any neighbors. It is rich in the soil from the volcanoes, yet also rich in empty and barren land. There are dark and murky waters and streams with lava flows near enormous lava fields which are overlooked by abundant rainbows. This land, rich in large and empty spaces, was the first to develop the small and traditional turf houses. Today, there are still numerous tiny houses everywhere. This is the land of fire. And the land of ice. A land of contradictions.

Photo: Dan King

Clotheslines are a window into the soul of other people’s lives. From a seemingly small part of life, you can observe the daily ins and outs of the culture, the things you don’t get to see as a tourist. This is part of why we travel. Not just to see the sights, hear the sounds, and taste the wonderful food. We also travel to gain some insight into how the locals live, maybe even get to meet the people. Taking a look at the clotheslines outside of someone’s home is a perfect way to gain this understanding. And many tours give you the opportunity to see that, thus allowing us to understand the social and economic conditions of a country and the people who live there. But if they don’t, pay attention to the sights you see along the way. Even an unwitting tour guide will pass a local community on the way to a major sight. Some of the places that have given me this particular vantage point I took with Grand Circle Travel (www.gct.com ) or Overseas Adventure Travel (www.oattravel.com ). And of course, many I have taken independently.

Exploring South Africa, Malaria Free

I was greatly disappointed to learn during some of my recent adventurous travels, that I get severe reactions to all the various anti-malarial drugs. For this reason, I felt that I would never be able to go on an African safari. Of course I consulted my physician, but I also did a significant amount of research. In the end, I took a magnificent trip to South Africa with Grand Circle Travels (www.gct.com) on their Highlights of South Africa trip. I traveled from May 12 to June 11 2016. I ended up taking a wonderful cultural tour that hit all the high notes of South Africa, and also had 12 safari days out of 30, and not one mosquito bite!

A Walk in the Park in South Africa

One thing I had not planned on was taking so many great hikes and nature walks in South Africa. I went on the Grand Circle Highlights of South Africa trip, which I took in conjunction with Outlook Safaris Classic Safari trip. This was exactly the combination of trips I wanted to take in South Africa, since I wanted to enjoy both the nature and culture. This trip had it all! South Africa is a land of true unrivaled beauty with a variety of vast and stunning scenery. Being able to hike amongst it was a real treasure that provided some unforgettable experiences. I traveled from May 12 to June 11, 2016. I purchased my own pre-trip from Outlook Safaris (http://www.outlook.co.za/) and the South Africa base trip and post trip to Victoria Falls from Grand Circle (www.gct.com) .

The Smart Traveler: When Things Don't go as Planned

Things do not always go as planned on a trip. You can travel with as much planning and care as your mother would approve of, and still the unexpected happens. Travel surprises can occur on every trip, but the smart and experienced traveler can always find a solution, and return home that much more a savvy traveler.

Visit Vietnam and Feel the Tears of History

There is no denying that travelers can feel the tug of history when they travel. I have unknowingly felt it several times, only to realize later what it was. In Munch, Germany in 1973, I felt intimidated for some unknown reason. As it turned out, I was on a street where Hitler had given a famous speech, and where many buildings stood that were part of the Third Reich. In 1994, I stood on the pier in Famagusta, Cyprus and took my time amid the fact that I was holding up my taxi and others I was traveling with. I lingered for some unknown reason. I learned only when I got home, that was the dock where the ship The Exodus was turned back and all on board faced certain death. In Cove, Ireland in 2010, I stood where many immigrant ships departed including the Titanic, and tears streamed down my cheeks. This became all the more personal for me, when I later realized my paternal grandmother likely left from those very docks since she had attained an Irish surname, quite a departure for a Russian refugee. I thought all my grandparents had departed for the New World from Russia via Liverpool, but she was the only one I could not locate on Ancestry.com. My ancestry had located me.

Visit Bosnia and see Vestiges of the Bosnian War

Bosnia and Herzegovina, or just Bosnia for short, is a fascinating tourist destination, newly emerging as a country to visit after years of war. Signs of the war from the 1990's are everywhere, with bullet holes remaining in many of the buildings in Bosnia’s largest city of Sarajevo, as well as other cities where the war took its toll. The airport area became a place of refuge as people tried to flee, so the closer the tourist gets to the airport in Sarajevo, the less the ravages of war. Tunnels remain for tourists to see where the local people tried to transport goods to safety while they tried to live normally during the Bosnian war.

The Smart Traveler: Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a necessary evil, especially as you get older, or have less people in your life who can help you in the event of an emergency. If you plan a long trip with a complicated itinerary or travel on an organized tour, there is plenty that can go wrong that could cost you money. So the question is not really whether or not you should purchase the insurance. It is how to best maximize that purchase so you will get a return on your money. If you travel often enough, and if you are smart in the way you make your purchase, travel insurance can actually pay for itself.

Travel Strategically During Troubled Times

When times are difficult and world events make you wonder if things have really come to an end, you may also be wondering where it’s safe to travel next. There is no stock answer of course; it all depends on where the crises are in the world, and type of crisis it is. Three primary types of crises come to mind: an economic or financial crisis; a health crisis, and a geopolitical crisis.

An economic or financial crisis

Photos by Jann Segal

An economic or financial crisis, such as the Great Recession of 2008 which some are still feeling, can put a damper on your travel plans. This may also include unemployment or the fear of unemployment. There is however, no need to stop travelling. Inexpensive countries, less expensive accommodations such as guest houses, inns and hostels, or even camping are all options. If you are used to taking the high road in your travels, taking that different path may open you up to experiences you may have never encountered otherwise. For inexpensive destinations consider Central America, South America, and parts of Asia. Less expensive accommodations and even camp sites are available everywhere. And it truly creates local color. Staying in the US can be a more expensive option, but if you do local camping to state of national parks, it can cut back on travel dollars.

A health crisis

Health crises may cause you to say home and completely avoid airports until it is over or at least contained. But if the wanderlust is still veering you overseas, try to avoid routing through countries where there is the greatest problem. It is international travel that helps spread illness of any kind. Travel with good hand sanitizers and avoid budget accommodations. Spend a little more to be in clean and safe accommodations. Consider it a form of insurance. If you have never stayed in more upscale European hotels for instance, it can be an eye opener and a completely different experience.

A geopolitical crisis

In a geopolitical crisis, you have no choice in terms of what to avoid. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, attendance at places like Mount Rushmore was up at least 15% from past years. People avoid other trouble spots like the Middle East, but that does not mean the entire Middle East. If Israel is having problems go to Egypt or Jordan, and visa versa. Many second and third world countries have problems, but once the problems have been taken care of, a new country is open for your travel business at great prices. Columbia, El Salvador and several others in the Americas are shining examples of this. A geopolitical crisis is also an excellent opportunity to see more of the United States. Many people strive to see all 50 states. If you have that desire, a crisis like this is a perfect time to do so. National Parks and Presidential Libraries are perfect destinations.

Whatever events unfold and however you decide to handle them, remember to travel strategically and watch the national and world news. The BBC is excellent for world travelers and really keeps you up to date. Follow world events on the internet as well. Wherever you go in your travels, stay safe and healthy.

Visit North Dakota: Its Not Just Used for Storage!

Nobody thinks there is much to see in North Dakota. In fact, many people who have only seen 49 of the 50 states, have done so because they missed seeing North Dakota when they had the chance on a South Dakota vacation. So if you plan to go to South Dakota anyway, fly into Bismarck, North Dakota first and stay at the Rough Riders Hotel in nearly Medora, about two hours away by car. From there it is just steps to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Visit Vietnam's Rice Paper Village

On a recent trip to Vietnam with Overseas Adventure Travel, this author was exposed to one of the most unique and extraordinary villages in the world, whose sole function is to produce rice paper. This village is one of the largest in the country for the creation and distribution of rice paper and rice noodles. The side trip to Tho Ha is an optional excursion during the Inside Vietnam trip, and is part of OAT's enhanced itineraries. The village is worth a visit for its uniqueness and glimpse into rural life, since it is like no other a traveler will experience anywhere else in the world. The buildings in the village itself are also unique, with some going back as far as the late 1800's.

Photos by Jann Segal

Visiting markets in foreign countries can be a real awakening as to how the locals live. Many open air and floating markets are fascinating and exist around the world. Some of the most fascinating can be found in developing countries, but there are certainly no limits. Here are three you might went to check out in your travels to Asia.

Photo by Jann Segal

San Francisco is a delight to visit any time of year. It is especially nice however, when the weather is bright and sunny, and the many sights are available to enjoy. One such sight is Pier 39 on Fisherman’s’ Wharf, where the seals can be found all day long.

Photos by Jann Segal

One of the most interesting things to observe and explore on any trip are the landmarks. Some are unmistakable, some are magical, and some make it in movies and become the hallmark of the film. Kuala Lampur's Petronas Towers are all three in one. They are one of the first things you see when you enter the city, and one of the last sights you behold as you leave.

Photo by Jann Segal

Planning a trip to Liverpool can be fun, especially if you are a Beatles fan, where Liverpool now brings in over two billion a year as the capital of Beatles tourism. Most people make the trip as part of a longer trip to Europe in general or the United Kingdom in particular. The Liverpool portion of this trip may be just a one or two day stay, so you want to make the most of it.

Book your Beatles tours on the Internet. There are many, and you want to find the right one that fits your time frame and interest. Some, like the Magical Mystery Tour, is two hours long, and runs four times daily from the Albert Dock. This “ticket to ride” costs approximately $30 US. The tour concludes at the famed Cavern Club on Mathews Street. These tours sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

There are also half day and full day tours, which are much more expensive, and include more in a single day if it’s more convenient to tour that way. Black taxi drivers are also an option for a four hour tour, as well as expert Blue Badge Beatles guides like Jackie Spencer, who is top ranking in Trip Advisor.

Book the tours of Paul McCartney and John Lennon‘s childhood homes yourself online if you want to save money. Tours depart from Liverpool City Center or Albert Dock several times a day, depending on the times of year. Standard admission is about $28 US for adults and $10 US for children. The childhood homes are now the property of the National Trust, and are quite popular, so it’s best to book in advance.

Buy tickets to the Beatles Story Museum once you are there. The museum is open seven days a week except for December 25 and 26, and it’s open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last admission for the day at 5:00 PM. The cost is approximately $25 US for adults and $15 for children, with different family saver prices. They now have two different locations. The original location is at Albert Dock, and once you have finished there a shuttle bus takes you to the second location, Beatles Story Pier Head at the Mersey Ferry Terminal.

Visit Nikko, Japan to Hear, See and Speak No Evil

Photo by Jann Segal

The Japanese flock to Nikko, Japan especially on weekends. Yet very few American tours do. If planning a trip to Japan, this might just be the highlight of your trip, in an already extraordinary country.

Photo by Jann Segal

With so much happening in the the world today, it seems that Europe would not be a safe bet for travel, right? Well, unless your personal safety is at risk (and for the majority of tourists it is not), the decision not to go right now could be a mistake. You can always avoid countries (or parts of countries) that are politically inconvenient for you if that is an issue. Europe is large enough in geography, cultural diversity, and scope to offer you the vacation you are looking to have, and at a price you are willing to pay.

Photo by Jann Segal

Turkey is known for many things and many kinds of wonderful foods that are typical of the Middle East and Balkan countries. They have baklava, various types of kabobs, and many wonderful teas and coffees. But a first time traveler there will be surprised to learn about a secret that is a pure joy on salads: pomegranate seed oil.

Unraveling the Mystery of Higher Airfare

With a government investigation currently underway about the alleged collusion in airline pricing, this author felt it was tine to share some details on how to find a better price in airfare.The results are alarming.

Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia and Take a Music Wakng Tour

If planning a trip to any of the Eastern European capitals that were once part of the former Yugoslavia, one must-see city is Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is charming beyond belief, everyone speaks beautiful English, and it sits at the crossroads of more cultural influences than most people are aware of. Besides the influence of the former Yugoslavia and its the Russian, Slavic and formerly Communist influences that arose with those historic relationships, it has also historically been linked to Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Venice (which was not always part of Italy). So for this reason, the food is a splendid combination of tastes and ethnicity, and the musical heritage is outstanding.

Photo by Jann Segal

Many people like to travel and give to the people in the countries on their journey. It can be rewarding to lighten your suitcase as you go rather than fill it up with souvenirs. Some tour companies allow you to do this as part of their regularly planned activities. If you are traveling solo, you need to seek it out.

Photo by Jann Segal

A trip to South Korea is an exquisite experience, filled with cherry blossoms, grand palaces, handicraft streets and whole handicraft villages, as well as an amazing if not somewhat creepy availability to the DMZ of North Korea just an hour outside of Seoul. And a visit to the North Korean Demilitarized zone is indeed worth the effort. No dramatic changing of the guard with the majestic pounding drums and vibrant color guard as seen at the palaces in the South. Instead, it is an active military area, with soldiers training on both sides for a possible confrontation with each other. United Stated military escorts join the bus as they tour the JSA, or Joint Security Area.

There is so much to see and do in Phoenix that is cultural. You can mix culture with a little Beatles tourism by visiting the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).The piano that John Lennon used to compose "Imagine" is on display at the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix. It is not the white Baby Grand piano he used when making the video. That piano is on display at the Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool. This more modest Steinway is part of a private collection and is in the Artists Gallery at MIM.

Photo by Jann Segal

There are many tricks for purchasing less expensive plane tickets, some I leaned from my travel agent mother. Its best not to book a flight for travel during high season if you want to save money. Shoulder season (spring and fall relative to hemisphere of course) are always the cheapest for hotels and airfare. This is true for organized tours as well. As for booking air, well, I was always taught to avoid Saturdays, Mondays and Fridays, since they have the highest rates. I read recently that for some destinations Saturdays can be a better time to book air, so it’s best to check around. And not all hotels or airlines are created equal when it comes to price. Some carriers purchase a great hedge contract on fuel and can offer much lower prices than the others. . They all purchase hedge contracts on fuel, it just depends on who has gotten the best one. It is typically reflected in the air fare.

How do you decide where you want to travel? I am pretty much open to going anywhere it is safe and where there will be no health issues for me. Those are my only two criteria. In the US I intend to see all 50 states (only a handful left ...yay!!), but for international destinations, safety and health calls it. I wanted to go to Peru, but had to pass on Macchu Pichu because I get altitude sickness at about 9200 feet and would not be able to leave the higher attitudes to acclimate. So since I didn’t feel like dealing with an extreme headache, I took an Amazon River trip instead. I would love to return to the Middle East, but well, safety and political factors keep putting that trip on hold. Fortunately there is a whole world out there, so I try to see what I can when the country becomes available to visit if it was not before. Some Latin and Asian countries are now open for travel where they were not before, and are getting safer all the time. As for the rest of the US...I am a presidential library buff, and as luck would have it, the states I have not yet seen, and which have little else to draw me, have a presidential library or some other form of presidential history I have not yet seen.

Mixing and Matching Travel Resources in Asia

I always said I would not write an article about how I effectively combine hotel and airlines points to create great trips. I figured that if I did, the travel industry would change how they do things to make it much more difficult. Well, they have started making things difficult anyway, so I figured there is no time like the present to share with travelers how I created the most exotic and wonderful Asian trip

Explore Africa: A World Like No Other in Zimbabwe and Botswana

Africa is a continent, a whole world in fact, like no other. There are the charming cities in the southern Garden Route of South Africa as well as their wineries. The scenic Garden Route, starting in Port Elizabeth, eventually leads to magnificent Cape Town. There are the townships in Cape Town and Johannesburg that reveal to us the sordid history of South Africa and how Apartheid forever changed the face of that country – both the good and the bad of it. And of course, there is stunning Kruger Park, the largest of all the national parks, and one of the many homes to the Big Five.

Explore Illustrious Istria

For travelers with a true wanderlust, Istria and the Istrian Peninsula can be a revelation. It can be explored from both Croatia as well as Slovenia, and both sides of Istria are unique. It also has a beautiful Adriatic coastline in Trieste, which is a very industrial Italian city, and one where locals from the region go for shopping.

Visit Bali and see their Sacred Spaces

Indonesia is filled with many temple complexes, and you can certainly get "templed out" if you are not careful. The major temple complexes in Java, one Hindu and one Buddhist , are among the most important temple complexes in the world. In Bali there are thousands of temples and shrines, Hindu and Buddhist alike. A visit to these monuments will likely bring you a sense of peace regardless of your religion if you go with an open mind and a caring heart. There is a great deal Westerners can learn from the Eastern religions, and the experience of visiting these sacred spaces is at once educational and peaceful. You can see them on your own with private drivers and other transportation arrangements. However, for a very comprehensive two week trip to Indonesia to see them including as visit with a local family and schools, contact Overseas Adventure Travel.

India: Visit the EXotic Temples of Khajuraho

India is perhaps better known for its temples and monuments than any other country in the world. While traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel on the Heart of India trip, weary travelers undertook a long train ride followed by a long bus ride along dry and dusty terrain without any real understanding of what the fuss was all about. Upon reaching the site they understood to be a temple complex, they were told quite plainly, "This is the heart of India."

Lima: Enjoy a Restaurant with a View

Planning a trip to Peru to see the sights but don’t want to mess with the altitude of Machu Picchu? There is plenty to see in and around Lima that will more than satisfy your curiosity for archeological sites. A drive to the city of Caral four hours north of Lima, takes you through some amazing moonscape to see the oldest civilization lever discovered. Another site, Pachacámac, is about an hour outside of Lima, and is the start of the famous Inca trail. But one of the biggest treats of them all awaits you right in Lima.

Photo by Jann Segal

Explore the World and Discover...How Many Countries has it Been Now?

People travel the world every day, and make a lifetime career of this wonderful hobby. Many never know how many countries they have been to. Some don’t even care. However it seems that if one is going to take the time and effort to see the world over the course of years, it would at least be an interesting factoid (if nothing more) to know how many countries they have traversed. Because of the way countries are defined and the separate lists that exist for this, in many cases it can be more than expected.

The Smart Traveler: Tips for How to Handle Jet Lag

How your body handles jet lag can make the difference between planning your next overseas adventure, or deciding to either travel in the US or not not travel at all. There are however, some very tried and true tricks for beating jet lag, especially on long overseas flights. It took decades of travel to learn them, and it was trial and error, but this author finally learned how to overcome a 17 hour time difference literally overnight. It may not work for everyone, but here are three major things to consider.

Visit Omaha: Union Station, Beatles Tourism and All

Nebraska is not first on everyone's travel to-do list by far. It is not even second. However, if planning a trip to America's heartland, Omaha is a must. There is fine food, beautiful homes and mansions worth driving past, and museums that will delight even the most discerning museum-goer. It is not New York City by far. It is not even Kansas City. It is very home-spun, with a great mix of people and a lovely Old Market area that will surprise anyone from either coast because yes, they have parking. It is a large city in America's heartland and truly worth the visit.

Hanoi Above and Beyond

A trip to Hanoi, Vietnam is a journey unto itself, and one that will provide lasting memories. However, many tour groups often overlook some parts of Hanoi and surrounding areas that really delve into the nooks and crannies. There are many of course, and they are offered by many different companies. However, Vietnam Awesome Travel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi was easy to communicate with from the States via email, made reservations over email as well, was quick to respond, and didn't require payment until we met in Hanoi. They offer a variety of tours, but here are three locations to consider offered in two different excursions that many US tours do not include.

Photo by Anita LaVasseur

In past years, elephants helped build Asia as part of a necessary transportation infrastructure. Over the years they have been abused. Many elephant orphanages and sanctuaries have sprung up in various countries to stem the abuse, but much of it still continues and only now is even recognized as abuse. In Thailand for instance, it is still possible to ride on the back of an elephant and watch them perform a show where they paint with their trunks. In Nepal, in Chitwan National Park, elephant rides are offered as part of a jungle safari. Those days are quickly coming to an end with more and more people feeling that kind of activity exploits the animals.

Visit the Truman Presidential Library in Independence

The Harry Truman Presidential Library is worth a visit to Independence, Missouri, about a half hour outside of Kansas City.. Independence is a quaint town, where the visitor goes back in time by just being there. The library and museum itself are on sprawling grounds. The interior is sleek and modern, and conveys much about Truman's presidency. As with many of the presidential libraries and museums, there is a replica of the Oval Office, as well as samples of the china used during his two terms. However, three items stood out, which made the library and museum exceptional.

Photo by Jann Segal

International travelers are being exposed to a new concept in accommodations around the world: farm stays and homestays. Put simply, this is like Air B n B with an extra twist, since the family actually engages with their guests and gets to know them, even arranging activities for them in some cases.

Photo by Jann Segal

With Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr both still performing live and giving tours, Beatles tourism is up both nationwide and worldwide. But any event related to the Fab Four is enough to get people on a plane to experience the inevitable closing of a remarkable era, and to take in as much as they can while it is still possible.

With the rise of so much terrorism worldwide, and no way to stop it any time soon, the European Union is considering bringing back passport controlled borders. Depending on the tourist’s country of origin, in some cases, that might also include a needing visa. In some cases, it might just mean a photo ID.

Dubrovnik's Adriatic Coast Jann Segal

Dubrovnik's Adriatic Coast

Dubrovnik, Croatia has a coastline along the Adriatic which is part of the Mediterranean. It is part of the former Yugoslavia, but there are many vestiges of a Venetian influence, when Venice was not part of Italy. And geographically it’s just across the Adriatic from Italy. So it is no surprise that this is some of the same kind of beauty that a traveler will find in parts of Italy. The Italian influence can be both seen and felt in Croatian Istria, which was once part of Italy, and is also off the Adriatic. But a trip to Dubrovnik in all its glory along with its troubled historical past is both beautiful and educational. But the beauty is undeniable, and places Dubrovnik right at the top of the list in terms of Europe’s most beautiful if a contest were to be held.

If you want to really take a drive off the beaten path in Lima visit the fishing village of Pucusan in the P ucuscana district, one of the 43 districts that constitute Lima. It is a great stop to visit any time of year, and has views which overlook all of Lima’s coast line. The amount of pelicans you will see are so staggering you will think you are in one of the Galapagos Islands.

Explore the Culture of Swaziland

There are many wonderful parts of Africa to visit while on a trip to South Africa, but one of the most beautifully unique is Swaziland. It is surrounded by both South Africa and Mozambique, and has a similar shared culture with Zululand, just hours away. The round huts you see as you drive thought the vast Swazi landscapes are identical to the Zulu huts in South Africa, but you are in a distinctly different country.

Photos by Jann Segal

So much has been written about travel to India it seemed there would be nothing new to write about after taking the Heart of India trip with Overseas Adventure Travel in November 2014. But India is a land of experiences. A land where the most unexpected and simple movement by a local can trigger an unforgettable memory that will not necessarily make it into a camera lens. Its a land where a local custom, either known worldwide, or unknown to most outside of India, will bring a tear to of joy, gratitude, or disbelief. India will not only awaken the senses, it will bring a lump to the throat of any traveler. India is a land that will generate powerful emotions.

Photo by Jann Segal

Franklin D. Roosevelt conceived the idea for the first presidential library to house all his papers and make them available to the pubic while he was president. It was one of the many trends he set throughout his four terms in office, and eventually led to the 1955 Presidential Library Act. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum and the surrounding FDR homes in Hyde Park, New York have been newly renovated. When you purchase the ticket to the Library and Museum, you do so at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center on the FDR grounds. The ticket is good for two days, and allows admission to both the Museum as well as the FDR home. The grounds to the rose garden where both FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt are buried are adjacent to the home, and are free to visitors.

Photo: Jann Segal

A visit to the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas feels like a visit to the Twilight Zone and the 1950s. Once on Eisenhower/Buckeye Blvd, the 21st century is gone. This is not only evident at the Eisenhower Library, but upon visiting the small town of Abilene itself.

Visit America's Presidential Libraries for a Grade A History Leesson

America’s Presidential Libraries and Museums are unique to our country. However, the 13 libraries and museums that are in the presidential library system (Lincoln’s has not been added but is great to visit so has been included here), provide a peek into the past of these amazing men, their times, and the challenges they faced. They also allow us a glimpse into the future of America if you follow the history closely enough. This article will provide an overview of some of the Presidential libraries and museums. Subsequent articles will focus on each of them specifically with details useful for travelers.

Enjoy the Beauty of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik,

Photo by Jann Segal

Croatia is possibly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its dramatic and rugged coastline that juts out into the Adriatic will surprise the unprepared traveler with a jaw-dropping reaction at the first sight of its magnificent beauty. Many tours only stay one or two days to give tourists a chance to glimpse at the drama of the scenery. However, for a tourist with about a week to spare in this glorious part of the world, the experience can be rewarding, and the food – especially the fresh made apple strudel – can be life changing. Yes, life changing apple strudel.

Cuban Travel Getting Easier Each Year

Cuban travel is getting easier for Americans by the day. Potential travelers still must be leery of third party travel agencies in other counties claiming to offer a legitimate "people-to- people " experience that may not be fully compliant with standards set by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). In fact, this is starting to be so wide spread a problem with unofficial trips advertised and shown in US dollars, that the OFAC web page encourages potential travelers to check with them if there is any doubt. This author has done exactly that.

Visit Central Asisa for New and Unique Experiences

Central Asia is a unique destination that is opening up more and more to travelers. Exotic and unique countries that will tax the sturdiest of traveler such as Kurdistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and others known collectively as "the five Stans" are becoming popular and affordable destinations that create a sense adventure in just the planning. This part of the world, known as the Silk Road because of the ancient silk trading routes that led from various Asian and Mediterranean countries to China, is beginning to see more and more Western tourists in search of a new destination.

Jann Segal

If you want to travel off the beaten path in Peru, book a day trip to Caral. The 4 hour drive from Lima is long, but you get to see a different part of Peru that not many get to see. Tours typically start at 6am and end at 6pm, with a stop in a nice little town for lunch on the way back that is also not frequented much by tourists.

Visit the Beach Boy's Monument in a Los Angeles Suburb

The recent movie about Brian Wilson's life, "Love and Mercy, " has garnered renewed interest in the Beach Boys especially with the 50th anniversary of the legendary album "Pet Sounds" coming up next year. Every form of media related to Brian Wilson, including the DVD on the Wrecking Crew (the name given the session musicians who performed for him and just about everybody else in the 60's) is now difficult to find, severely backlogged, or at least currently very popular.

Jann Segal

Bali is not a destination most Americans visit. In fact, the majority of English speaking foreigners there are from Australia. Americans should give this destination a second thought. On an airline like Taiwanese carrier EVA, it is easy to fly there with one change of planes, and from the West Coast there is literally no jet lag in spite of the time difference. The food is wonderful, the beaches among the most scenic in the world, and the authentic Asian Pacific island culture is second to none. Where else do you get to see the traditional fire dances like the one pictured above?

Photo by Jann Segal

I was on a back to back trip with Overseas AdventureTravel in October and November 2015 for nearly six weeks. This included about two weeks of solo travel as well as the organized tour. The two trips I took are among the most popular OAT offers in the area. They were Turkey’s Magical Hideaways, with eight days in between Crossroads of the Adriatic (which included Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia), with a few solo days after. What made this an outstanding trip and not just a really good one, were the interactions I had, with the locals both personal and cultural in nature, some as part of the organized portions of the trip, and some independently.

Photo by Tomaz Zavrl

Photo by Jann Segal

For travelers who do not get to experience autumn colors in the fall or holiday markets in the winter, one great way to do this is to visit the former Yugoslavia in Central Europe in October or November. The beauty of Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia is breathtaking in the fall, and the winter Christmas markets are on display in Slovenia in Ljubljana.

Photo by Jann Segal

A trip to the the Peruvian Amazon is a trip of quiet riverboat luxury, adventure, and unexpectedly delightful sights and sounds. This author traveled with OverseasAdventure Travel on their Amazon River Cruise and Rainforest trip in July of 2014. As with any OAT trip, there are always wonderful surprises lurking. On this trip, it was at the end of a long day aboard a skiff when we took a night time excursion into the depths of an Amazon tributary in the Pacaya-Simiria National Reserve.

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Dubrovnik's Adriatic Coast

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