Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
Where History and Nature Meet in Panama
By Linda Tancs
Located in the eastern sector of the Panama Canal, Chagres National Park is a place where history and nature meet. It’s home to the forest that shelters the Chagres River (the largest river in the canal’s watershed) and where you’ll find remnants of the Camino Real, a colonial route that transported goods like gold and silver from coast to coast before the canal was built. Comprising over 300,000 acres, hiking opportunities are abundant, like the peak of Cerro Jefe and its spectacular views of the canal. Rafting, kayaking and fishing are popular activities as is visiting the indigenous Emberá community by canoeing up the Chagres River. Book a tour operator for the best experience, such as an indigenous culture tour or a full-day jungle expedition.
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A Fortified City in France
By Linda Tancs
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in France known for its medieval citadel, La Cité, comprising numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where the town stands. Take a guided tour of the ramparts for the best experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Robin Hood’s Castle
By Linda Tancs
Robin Hood is a product of English folklore famous for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire is dubbed “Robin Hood’s castle” because it served as inspiration for the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Built in the 1300s for John, Lord Lovell, its hexagonal shape may have been inspired by Queenborough Castle in Kent. Now a picturesque ruin following the English Civil War, a free audio tour will bring its history to life. For great views of the estate as well as the surrounding countryside and woodlands, be sure to climb the East Tower.
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Railway 200 Celebrations in Britain
By Linda Tancs
The Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the U.K. As part of the festivities, the iconic No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ will be in operation between Pickering and Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways. Between March 22 and March 30 you’ll have an opportunity to ride on this locomotive designed by celebrated railway engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. It became famous in 1959 for setting the post-war steam speed record of 112 mph during a test run, due in no small part to its sleek, aerodynamic design that reduced air resistance and enabled exceptional performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this masterpiece of British innovation.
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The White City
By Linda Tancs
The city of Arequipa in Peru is dubbed the “white city” because its architecture is built with white volcanic stone called sillar. But its volcanic nature is not limited to its buildings. In fact, the city in surrounded by huge massifs that rise in the north, northeast and east sectors of the city. The most iconic is the Misti volcano, towering over the city at over 19,000 feet. Take an excursion into the countryside and you’ll also find a volcanic range surrounding Colca Canyon, thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the giant Andean condor.
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Stockholm’s Masterpiece
By Linda Tancs
City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings. It might be best known as the site of the Nobel Prize banquet, but it’s also a celebrated example of the Swedish National Romantic style, a Nordic architectural style that was part of the National Romantic movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can admire the architecture by walking along City Hall Park. Guided tours of the building are available in Swedish and English and include access to the Blue Hall, the Golden Hall, the Council Chamber and the Gallery of the Prince. In season you can climb City Hall Tower for panoramic views of central Stockholm.
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Hungary’s Red Gold
By Linda Tancs
Located east of the Danube River, Kalocsa, Hungary, is a town in the central part of the country. Its claim to fame is its paprika, known as “red gold.” Indeed, it boasts 8,000 acres of farmland growing the red peppers that have been giving dishes like goulash its distinctive taste for centuries. Not surprisingly, the town has a Paprika Museum. Located in Holy Trinity Square, it explains everything you could ever want to know about paprika, including its planting, growing, digging and harvesting. Buy a few bags while you’re there and support the local growers.
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A Legendary Wine Trail
By Linda Tancs
Officially launched as a tourist trail in 1953, France’s Alsace Wine Route winds its way through 105 miles of picturesque towns, hills and vineyards from the north to the south of the region. The route is especially enjoyed by cyclists along the adjacent Vineyard Cycle Route. Beyond the beauty is plenty of history, including the fact that the world’s oldest wine is found in Alsace. Dating from 1472, it’s located in the historic wine cellar at the Hospices de Strasbourg. Reputedly still drinkable, the remnants in the barrel have survived fires and two world wars.
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Home of the Dutch Masters
By Linda Tancs
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, telling the story of 800 years of Dutch history. It features more than 8,000 works of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Combining the Gothic and the Renaissance styles, the iconic building beckons visitors to Amsterdam.
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A Quaint Toll Bridge
By Linda Tancs
During the 18th and 19th century, many roads in England were maintained by turnpike trusts established by Parliament which had the power to exact tolls for road maintenance. One of those toll bridges is the Bathampton Toll Bridge outside Bath. It includes a toll house, which is still functioning as accommodation for a toll collector and is thought to have been built for the Bridge Company Turnpike Trust in the 19th century. The iconic arch stone bridge carries a minor road across the River Avon. Both the house and the bridge are Grade II listed properties.
