Travel blog

It was 40 years ago when the music died at Graceland. The home that Elvis Presley bought in 1957 so that he and his mamma and dad could “stretch out in,” would never be the same. Following a $137 million expansion project this year, the famous home is welcoming visitors once again. In addition, the campus features two museums, a performance sound stage, and multiple shops and restaurants -- all honoring the life and legacy of Memphis’ famous son. Here’s what to see and do at Graceland:

The top travel trends for 2018 are out and they are good news for thrifty, budget-conscious travelers and those on fixed incomes. According to the list created by DailyMail.com, one of the things we can expect in 2018 is a move away from lavish escapes in favor of more authentic experiences found off-the-beaten-path. One of the main trends we can expect to see is a rise in grassroots, local dining where refinement is measured by the quality of the experience -- not the thread count of the linens or the number of stars the restaurant holds.

The small Italian town of Orvieto seems to have somehow escaped the temptation to give into progress. While other tourist destinations have a Starbucks on every corner and four-lane highways rush past ancient monuments, it’s still possible to close your eyes and imagine this place the way it was centuries ago. Visiting here is a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle, a chance to pause in the midst of your Italian travels.

Single travelers around the world are often tempted to save some money by sharing the cost of a room. Such an offer may seem tempting, especially for those with limited budgets, but is room sharing with a stranger really the best option? What are the drawbacks? Are there other ways to save a buck without compromising your comfort and safety? Here are a few things to consider and some tips you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re a traveler facing a single supplement:

While weighing your suitcase for the third time to ensure it meets the airline’s less-than-generous allowance, or scrambling to renew the passport you just realized was expired, it can be easy to forget why travel is a gift. We get so caught up in the details we forget what a privilege it is to experience our world. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to remember all the things we have to be grateful for -- and if you’re fortunate enough to have some exciting travel experiences on your list, consider yourself doubly lucky. Here are some of the many reasons travelers have to be thankful:

As the days grow shorter and the mercury dips, it’s easy to get discouraged. But before you succumb to the months of snow chains and parkas, consider this: blue skies and warmer weather are as quick as a plane ride away! To help bust the winter blues and seasonal doldrums, US News has just released the rankings of this year’s Best Winter Vacations. Topping the list of what’s hot is one of our personal favorites, Costa Rica!

Mazatlán is making a comeback. Luring visitors with postcard-worthy beaches and charming sidewalk cafes, the “Pearl of the Pacific” is once again in high demand. Thanks to the revitalization of the Centro Historico and a new host of museums and theaters, there’s more to see and do in one of Mexico’s best-loved destinations. Here are some top tips and things to do on your next visit to Mazatlán:

The kids are grown and you’ve just retired from work. Now you’re ready to travel the world, but with so many places to go and things to see, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t break the bank or affect your fixed income. Here are a few ideas for how to plan a money-friendly trip, particularly how you can eat on a budget while traveling:

Getting some shut eye on an overnight flight can seem next to impossible, but a few winks can make all the difference when you land and need to hit the ground running. Here are some simple tips and on-board essentials that will make it easy to nod off. Here’s what you can do to get some sleep on your next flight:

As you prepare to hit the road this fall, make sure to take along your best travel resource, your phone. Small and compact, a Smartphone is the modern-day explorer's north star. Find a restaurant, check the weather, even send a postcard...all with something small enough to fit in your pocket. Here are the travel-related Apps we consider essential for your next great escape: