Destinations
You've Got Celine Tickets — Now Here's How to Build a Perfect Week in Paris
That is me and a friend at one of her shows — the view from our seats.
September 24, 2026
Notes from around the world
A little fuel for your travels.
Useful ideas about boutique hotels, smart flight details, and places worth taking the long way to find.
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LATEST FROM JIM
Do You Really Need a Travel Advisor in the AI Era? Here's the Truth
AI can suggest a destination, sketch out a route, and help you turn a vague idea into a list of possibilities. That’s useful. I use new tools as part of a changing travel landscape, and I don’t think you need to choos…
November 1, 2026
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Top 10 European Christmas Market Trips Worth a Week Off (Strasbourg, Colmar, and Beyond)
A European Christmas market trip can be much more than a quick stop for mulled wine and a souvenir ornament. Give it a week, and you can pair festive evenings with beautiful old towns, excellent food and a change of p…
November 1, 2026
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Does Shoulder Season Really Matter in 2027? What's Changed for Europe Travelers
There’s still something special about Europe in spring and fall. The light can be lovely, the pace may feel gentler than midsummer, and a well-chosen destination can give you room to enjoy the trip rather than race th…
November 1, 2026
Read the noteShoulder Season in Europe: Why October and May Are the Smartest Months to Go
Mid-October is one of my favorite times to think about Europe. The summer rush has eased in many places, the light is lovely, and a city break or country escape can feel a little more like your own.
October 16, 2026
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The Trump Passport and the New US Passport Design for 2028
Two passport developments are being discussed at the same time, and they are easy to conflate. One is a commemorative passport for America’s 250th anniversary. The other is a redesign of the standard U.S. passport, wh…
October 12, 2026
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Which Side of the Plane to Sit On: How to Pick the Best Seat on a Plane
The best seat on a plane is the one that suits the flight you’re actually taking. That sounds obvious, but it’s easy to choose by seat number or a little window icon and miss the details that make a real difference: t…
October 9, 2026
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I accidentally went to Seville during Semana Santa
I thought I was going to Seville. I had no idea I was arriving for one of the biggest weeks of the year.
October 7, 2026
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Hidden European Gems vs Crowded Tourist Traps
Picture this: you're waiting hours for the Mona Lisa or paying €8 for a mediocre cappuccino in crowded Venice.
December 15, 2025
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VIP Perks vs DIY Booking
Busy travelers often wonder whether they should book business travel themselves and save the hassle.
December 15, 2025
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The Busy Professional's Guide to Stress-Free Adventure Travel in 2026
As a busy professional, you may have found yourself staring at your vacation days thinking, "I need an adventure, but who has time to plan one?" After years of helping professionals step away from work well, I've foun…
December 4, 2025
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