Boise, Idaho is a terrific town. It provides easy access to outdoor activities like river rafting, as well as sophisticated attractions usually only found in big cities.

There’s a large Hewlett-Packard campus on the outskirts of town. And many HP executives who spent a couple of years there, return when they retire, drawn by the great weather and laid-back lifestyle.

It’s especially attractive to people who love the outdoors. It’s easy to enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, fly-fishing, or hiking, and then spend the evening enjoying drinks and dinner downtown. Or heading south of town for a rollicking performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Read more…

With incredible natural beauty, exciting regional cuisine, and a hip, inventive culture, Seattle is one of America’s most vibrant cities. And the hotels in Seattle offer everything from classic elegance to cutting-edge cool.

Sadly, everything you’ve heard about the Seattle weather is true. “Patchy morning fog with partial afternoon clearing” is a great forecast in Seattle. And even though it gets much less rain than, say, Miami, it’s still grey and misty much of the time.

All that moisture keeps everything lush and green. But if you’re determined to enjoy the sun, — and catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier — come in July or August. Otherwise, come prepared with a Goretex coat, a sturdy umbrella, and sensible shoes. Read more…

Although Maui and Oahu get more visitors, Kauai is a wonderful destination with some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii and lots to see and do.

No matter what your style or budget, you’ll find a wide assortment of Kauai lodging to choose from, whether you prefer a luxurious resort hotel, a laid-back motel, or a condo.

You can stay anywhere on the island and still see all the major attractions — it’s that small. And it’s easy to get around. Read more…

Ten or fifteen years ago, travel agencies made money by selling travel services to consumers. Airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and rental car agencies paid travel agents commissions every time they made a reservation. So their services were essentially free to consumers.

Back then, there was no reason not to go to a travel agent for all your travel needs.

But by the mid 1990s, online travel agencies like Expedia and Travelocity made it easy for consumers to make their own airline, hotel, and rental car reservations. And travel review sites like Tripadvisor, Fodors, and Frommers, Read more…

Fifteen years ago, there were no great places to stay in Old Montreal. But that’s all changed, and today, the city’s Old Town is home to some of the most attractive hotels in Montreal.

The 30-room Auberge Bonaparte, which overlooks Notre Dame Cathedral, is one of the most romantic Montreal hotels.

Rooms have wrought iron furnishing, hardwood floors, and spacious armoires. Many have whirlpool baths. The Centaur Theatre is next door. And the street-level restaurant is one of the best in town. With Duck Confit, Chicken with Brie and Port, and Veal with Morels and Cream, it would be equally at home on the Left Bank. Read more…