Learning about the Indomitable Spirit of the Icelandic People

Photos: Jann Segal

They say if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. On the Overseas Adventure Travel trip, Untamed Iceland, we were not only on the road less traveled, but true to the OAT travel philosophy, we met locals who truly embodied the spirit of the harsh and unforgiving nature of the country. But they did so with big and open hearts that looked into the optimism of future, warmer days.  And I got to experience first- hand the kind of harsh conditions that country had to offer, which made me appreciate the people we met even more.

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 Pier 39 in San Francisco and See the Sea Lions

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.

Visit Phoenix and see John Lennon's Piano

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.

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.

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.

Beatles Tourism Up Worldwide

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.

Visit FDR's Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY

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.

Visit the Dwight Eisehower Library in Kansas

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.

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 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.