Travel | The Seattle Times

Travelers who visit Paris in winter get to experience a less congested, more European Europe. tms20191111104847

Travel

Vacation like a local by embracing Europe in the offseason

Every time I travel to Europe in the offseason, I find myself enjoying a cool and comfy tranquility — and not missing the heat and crowds that so often come with peak season. But even more than that, I enjoy catching Europe by surprise — at its candid best, living everyday life. When I travel...

Top Stories

Travel Troubleshooter | After booking through Hotels.com, this traveler is denied a room — and a refund
ANA to offer nonstop flights from Seattle to Tokyo’s Haneda airport; Seattle service from Narita suspended
Travel Troubleshooter | Expedia guarantees a price match on hotel rooms then reneges on their promise. What gives?
Is your Washington driver’s license compliant with REAL ID? We’ve got answers to your questions.
Tips from the Frugal Traveler: Writer Seth Kugel explains how to master frugal travel without skimping on fun
How to avoid crowds in Italy’s iconic Cinque Terre
Travel Troubleshooter | When American Airlines cancels a flight, are travelers owed more than a voucher?
Meander through the Danube’s big three: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

Don't Miss

(Gabi Campanario / The Seattle Times)

Travel

Need a vacation? Choose your own adventure from these 35 weekend getaways

Colorado’s Aspen and Snowmass make for a charming fall destination, with hot air balloons, entertainment, climbing and other outdoor activities.

Travel

This lesser-known Colorado town offers lower price tags and fewer crowds for a relaxing weekend getaway VIEW

Making your own poke bowl at Koi Shi Sushi & Bento is quick and easy.

Food & Drink

Here are the best new food options at the Seattle airport

In ‘Detours’, Candace Fujikane, an associate professor in the department of English at the University of Hawaii – Manoa, writes about an environmental bus tour in Wainai showed her how stories can be used to connect people with social justice.

Travel

Much more than a tropical paradise: This new travel guide will ‘decolonize’ the way you look at Hawaii

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Explore

Travel

Comparing Samsonite, Away and Calpak carry-ons in a suitcase smackdown

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Wellness

How to stay healthy on airplanes during flu season

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Outdoors

How fly fishing has become the new goat yoga VIEW

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Travel Season

Carry-on bags that are smarter (really, this time) VIEW

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Stephanie Zito, of Portland, says problems — like the time her vehicle got stuck in a sand dune in Morocco, just as a camel train came by — make for the best travel stories. (Courtesy of Stephanie Zito)

Travel Season

Want the best possible travel story? Lean into your vacation disasters VIEW

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Outdoors

In this photo taken Wednesday, May 30, 2018, a sail boat maneuvers near a large cruise ship near Juneau, Alaska. The waterfront near downtown Juneau hums with activity this time of year, with cruise ships, sailboats and other vessels and float planes, used to ferry visitors to various activities. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer) OTK

Travel Wise | Going on a summer vacation? Read the fine print first.

A Hike and a Happy Hour

Jake Hoffman, left, and Tyler Godwin check out the historical lime kiln from which this hike receives its name. (Evan Bush / The Seattle Times)

Read more in the series

Reader's Lens

Reader’s Lens | This sunrise snap frames the Seattle skyline behind a wall of fog

Reader’s Lens | A steady light among streaking stars

Reader’s Lens | Larch madness is here

READER’S LENS FOR ONE TIME USE ONLY
Chris Picard
altosaxc@aol.com
Seattle
2069406343
Magnuson Park
2019/09/26
I was out in the park looking for small things to photograph with my macro lens. I almost stepped on this little Pacific Tree Frog but it moved a little bit just in time. I love how it is so camouflaged among the wood chips and leaves on the ground. I used a Nikon D500 with a Sigma 180MM macro lens.

Reader’s Lens | A tree frog was trying to hide, but this reader spotted it. Can you?

Travel Wise

Travelers wait in lines at SeaTac International Airport before going through security Wednesday, November 21, 2018, the day before Thanksgiving.

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Travel Wise | From security to delays, flying is stressful. Here’s how to de-stress at the airport

Featured Columnist

Rick Steves' Europe

Spend solo time with your favorite artists at Europe’s overlooked sights

Northwest Hikes

Celia Barenfanger walks her dog Garol with (From left) Helena, Rich, and Amelia Solarte on Discovery Park’s Loop Trail on Saturday, December 8. 208680

6 truly beginner-friendly routes hikers of all skill levels can enjoy in Seattle and beyond VIEW

Escapes abroad

A man on his motorbike in Cat Ba town on Cat Ba island

Away from Vietnam’s tourist circuit, a Pacific Northwest travel writer finds comfort and charm in Seattle’s sister city VIEW

Boats dock directly at the canalside or by lower-level entrances directly off of the canal.

Seeking slice-of-life authenticity in Italy’s most touristy cities VIEW

Composer Edvard Grieg retreated daily to this picture-perfect studio on a Norwegian fjord.

House calls: Inside the homes of Europe’s top artists

The town of Varenna on Lake Como is the perfect place to savor a lakeside meal or aperitivo.

Nature and romance permeate in Italy’s lakes district