- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
Valerie Rains
In this photo, I was…At the Dallas Arboretum in a "pioneer village" structure. It appears that Texan pioneers were significantly shorter than the Texans (and Oklahomans, like me) of today.I won't leave home without…At least one blank book and a stack of Saturday and Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles printed from their online archives
My most-prized passport stamp is…Peru, where I spent my birthday two years ago
My biggest travel gripe is…The no-win decision between the hassle of carrying on luggage and the cost of checking it
Valerie's Posts
April 27, 2012, 10:39 AM
In honor of our food–themed May/June issue (find it on newsstands now!), we’ve rounded up the most mouthwatering exhibitions currently on display at—or coming soon to—museums across the country.
In honor of our food–themed May/June issue (find it on newsstands now!), we’ve rounded up the most mouthwatering exhibitions currently on display at—or coming soon to—museums across the country.
Comments (1)
April 11, 2012, 12:41 PM
More and more properties are offering them; would you belly up to the bar to learn some new skills?
More and more properties are offering them; would you belly up to the bar to learn some new skills?
March 26, 2012, 5:37 PM
Are you ready for cherry blossom season? Try these new ways to figure out which foliage you're looking at.
Are you ready for cherry blossom season? Try these new ways to figure out which foliage you're looking at.
March 20, 2012, 10:37 AM
Our writer ponders how the cost of accommodations can affect vacation decisions.
Our writer ponders how the cost of accommodations can affect vacation decisions.
February 28, 2012, 6:55 PM
If you've ever thought that the airplane seatback safety information card just wasn't long enough, Sandra M. Pollino's 256–page Flying Fear Free is the book for you.
If you've ever thought that the airplane seatback safety information card just wasn't long enough, Sandra M. Pollino's 256–page Flying Fear Free is the book for you.
January 27, 2012, 5:58 PM
Hotels and resorts all over the country are adding electric car–charging stations. See where to re–charge while you relax.
Hotels and resorts all over the country are adding electric car–charging stations. See where to re–charge while you relax.
December 29, 2011, 11:46 AM
Paris and New York City are compared in a new book by Vahram Muratyan.
Paris and New York City are compared in a new book by Vahram Muratyan.
December 19, 2011, 11:19 AM
Ruth Stark's new book, How to Work in Someone Else’s Country, has advice for folks embarking on short- and long-term work projects abroad. And it's chock-full of tips leisure travelers can use, too.
Ruth Stark's new book, How to Work in Someone Else’s Country, has advice for folks embarking on short- and long-term work projects abroad. And it's chock-full of tips leisure travelers can use, too.
December 9, 2011, 1:48 PM
Alec Baldwin recently got booted off an American Airlines flight for refusing to power down his phone. What bad gadget behavior have you seen in the air?
Alec Baldwin recently got booted off an American Airlines flight for refusing to power down his phone. What bad gadget behavior have you seen in the air?
December 8, 2011, 4:22 PM
A slew of new air routes for your winter (and spring) getaways.
A slew of new air routes for your winter (and spring) getaways.
November 22, 2011, 2:55 PM
Believe it or not, my gold sweater earned me a pat-down at the airport. Here's why.
Believe it or not, my gold sweater earned me a pat-down at the airport. Here's why.
November 3, 2011, 2:09 PM
Here are some smart ways to protect your valuables on vacation.
Here are some smart ways to protect your valuables on vacation.
October 20, 2011, 10:30 AM
A recent survey of travel agents tells us that shopping and sightseeing are the most popular travel activities among female travelers. See the rest of their results here.
A recent survey of travel agents tells us that shopping and sightseeing are the most popular travel activities among female travelers. See the rest of their results here.
October 6, 2011, 10:35 AM
All too often, the surprises we encounter when traveling are of the disappointing variety. On a quick trip to Austin last weekend, my dirt-cheap room at a Super 8 was a veritable cornucopia of surprises—all pleasant!
All too often, the surprises we encounter when traveling are of the disappointing variety. On a quick trip to Austin last weekend, my dirt-cheap room at a Super 8 was a veritable cornucopia of surprises—all pleasant!
September 23, 2011, 2:55 PM
Leave dead batteries (and tangled cords) behind with these streamlined, portable power sources.
Leave dead batteries (and tangled cords) behind with these streamlined, portable power sources.
September 23, 2011, 10:28 AM
Surprises are great—sometimes. But when it comes to booking the best room in a hotel or making a beeline for a beloved landmark, taking a virtual-tour test-run can be a savvy traveler’s best strategy. Here are three new ways to get a sneak peek of your next trip.
Surprises are great—sometimes. But when it comes to booking the best room in a hotel or making a beeline for a beloved landmark, taking a virtual-tour test-run can be a savvy traveler’s best strategy. Here are three new ways to get a sneak peek of your next trip.
July 20, 2011, 2:18 PM
Next month, your underwater photography skills could win you a free dive trip in the Seychelles, a check for $5,000, and loads of other prizes.
Next month, your underwater photography skills could win you a free dive trip in the Seychelles, a check for $5,000, and loads of other prizes.
March 22, 2011, 2:39 PM
Collecting souvenirs while traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune to ensure the memory of the trip stays forever. Some travelers collect maps, others collect seashells, and some even collect hotel shampoo.
Collecting souvenirs while traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune to ensure the memory of the trip stays forever. Some travelers collect maps, others collect seashells, and some even collect hotel shampoo.
March 7, 2011, 11:57 AM
It's easy to feel down amidst recent news of the rising fuel and ticket prices. But with airports all over the world improving, your travel experience may not be so bad.
It's easy to feel down amidst recent news of the rising fuel and ticket prices. But with airports all over the world improving, your travel experience may not be so bad.
February 23, 2011, 12:26 PM
What would you tell a first-timer about to embark on an inaugural RV vacation? I want to hear all your best road-tested tips.
What would you tell a first-timer about to embark on an inaugural RV vacation? I want to hear all your best road-tested tips.
February 17, 2011, 10:50 AM
The latest deal to catch our eye is a $690 three-night sail through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
The latest deal to catch our eye is a $690 three-night sail through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
February 15, 2011, 6:50 PM
We were excited to learn yesterday that Chile plans to invest $4 billion to renew its airline fleet between 2011 and 2013. Even before this news, however, we've had Chile on the brain in a big way.
We were excited to learn yesterday that Chile plans to invest $4 billion to renew its airline fleet between 2011 and 2013. Even before this news, however, we've had Chile on the brain in a big way.
February 2, 2011, 3:34 PM
Have you set sail more times than you can count? Do you know deck plans like the back of your hand? Keep a souvenir from every port? Prove it by entering our contest for the world's best cruiser.
Have you set sail more times than you can count? Do you know deck plans like the back of your hand? Keep a souvenir from every port? Prove it by entering our contest for the world's best cruiser.
January 21, 2011, 10:20 AM
These days, designer collaborations are about as common as airline fees and even hotels are getting into the game. Here's what's new in hotel-branded fashion.
These days, designer collaborations are about as common as airline fees and even hotels are getting into the game. Here's what's new in hotel-branded fashion.
January 7, 2011, 5:29 PM
Winter weather has snarled more than a few trips over the years. What do you do when seasonal storms throw a wrench into your travel plans?
Winter weather has snarled more than a few trips over the years. What do you do when seasonal storms throw a wrench into your travel plans?
December 8, 2010, 3:01 PM
Some movies make us want to cringe, but can they also make us want to travel? The Utah Office of Tourism is counting on some pretty gruesome films to draw visitors to the state. But will it work?
Some movies make us want to cringe, but can they also make us want to travel? The Utah Office of Tourism is counting on some pretty gruesome films to draw visitors to the state. But will it work?
November 19, 2010, 4:56 PM
Finally, a device that makes it easy to transfer perfume into a TSA-approved, travel-sized container.
Finally, a device that makes it easy to transfer perfume into a TSA-approved, travel-sized container.
September 3, 2010, 2:14 PM
New search engine Hipmunk.com offers streamlined results with a wink—and a goggle-wearing mascot.
New search engine Hipmunk.com offers streamlined results with a wink—and a goggle-wearing mascot.
July 21, 2010, 12:03 PM
Weigh in on what makes America's top airports the best!
Weigh in on what makes America's top airports the best!
June 11, 2010, 12:16 PM
New light on top destinations: Amsterdam, Paris, and New York City.
New light on top destinations: Amsterdam, Paris, and New York City.
May 26, 2010, 11:09 AM
Share your best packing tips in our Ultimate Packing Smackdown, and you could win a trip to Egypt!
Share your best packing tips in our Ultimate Packing Smackdown, and you could win a trip to Egypt!
May 20, 2010, 11:07 AM
Have you ever had a frivolous reason to book a hotel room when you weren't on vacation? I want to hear about it! Anyone?
Have you ever had a frivolous reason to book a hotel room when you weren't on vacation? I want to hear about it! Anyone?
April 23, 2010, 12:36 PM
The world's best aerial views, now in paperweight form.
The world's best aerial views, now in paperweight form.
April 14, 2010, 11:40 AM
The rucksack returns in a more practical, stylish design.
The rucksack returns in a more practical, stylish design.
March 16, 2010, 3:47 PM
Check out the "Science Storms" exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, opening this Thursday.
Check out the "Science Storms" exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, opening this Thursday.
March 1, 2010, 11:10 AM
It's hard to beat a ballet flat when it comes to slipping through airport security with minimal shoelessness. One company's latest collection takes the jet-setting theme to new heights.
It's hard to beat a ballet flat when it comes to slipping through airport security with minimal shoelessness. One company's latest collection takes the jet-setting theme to new heights.
November 6, 2009, 5:21 PM
The grand prize? A four-day, three-night New York City getaway including airfare for two, accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria, a souvenir wardrobe item from the show, etc.
The grand prize? A four-day, three-night New York City getaway including airfare for two, accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria, a souvenir wardrobe item from the show, etc.
October 21, 2009, 12:09 PM
Hosang Park’s aerial photographs of Korean parks and public spaces may remind you of the joys of having a window seat on a flight.
Hosang Park’s aerial photographs of Korean parks and public spaces may remind you of the joys of having a window seat on a flight.
August 17, 2009, 10:19 AM
Wouldn't it be cool if you could carry your lodging around with you like a snail or a hermit crab (and get a mean workout in the process)?
Wouldn't it be cool if you could carry your lodging around with you like a snail or a hermit crab (and get a mean workout in the process)?
