UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tikal Your Travel Bone at Iconic Mayan Site

Published August 5, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Tikal’s Temple I rises to a height of 154 feet (47 meters). Photo by Robert Waite.

For those planning their post-COVID travels, or who just like a good read, our roving contributing writer Robert Waite sets foot this time in the fabulous Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha, which flourished two millennia ago in the jungles of what is now Guatemala.

It was the New York of its day, a massive complex complete with “skyscraper” temples, plazas, and palaces. When it seems safe to go, you may well want to add it to your future travel plans.

By Robert Waite

Tikal, Guatemala – Anyone who still buys into the myth that the Americas needed to be discovered by Columbus to be “civilized” has not wandered among the pyramids or across the expansive plazas of Tikal.

Beginning around 350 B.C. and stretching into the 5^th century A.D., at a time… Continue reading →

Posted in archaeology, Baby boomer travel, Bucket Lists, Central America, cultural travel, History | Tagged Ancient Mayans, Guatemala travel, Mayan civilization, Tikal, Tikal Guatemala, Tikal travel, UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 9 Comments

Nara, Japan: a World Heritage Feast

Published June 11, 2018 | By Clark Norton

Gold lanterns light the way in one of Nara Park’s many shrines.

Seventh in a Series

Just an hour by train from Kyoto, Nara is a sometimes-overlooked jewel of a city that has played a key role in the historical and cultural life of Japan.

Often visited on day trips from Kyoto — certainly possible if you get an early start — Nara is well worth an overnight stay to keep from being too rushed. We stayed two nights and didn’t regret it, even though we had to change hotels after one night due to a booking error.

If you have more time, Nara is also a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside and villages filled with history, hot springs, and, in season, cherry blossoms.

Nara Park and World Heritage Sites

Japan’s first permanent capital during the 8th century AD before the imperial base was moved to Kyoto,… Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Baby boomer travel, cultural travel, History, Japan | Tagged Great Buddha, Nara deer, Nara Japan, Nara National Museum, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Leave a comment

Eight Great Reasons to Visit Japan

Published April 24, 2018 | By Clark Norton

A shrine near Kyoto boasts hundreds of vermillion-colored gates.

First in a Series

My wife, Catharine, and I are just back from two weeks in Japan, with the jet lag to prove it. And while I don’t count jet lag among the reasons to travel to (or from) Japan, it would never be enough to keep me away.

Here are eight great reasons to travel to Japan — 10-hour trans-Pacific flights notwithstanding. (This list is intended to provide an overview — I’ll get into the nitty-gritty of traveling there in future posts.)

The People. We were continually amazed and impressed by how polite and helpful the Japanese people are. This ranged from our airbnb hosts and attendants in subway stations to cashiers in grocery stores, servers in restaurants, and just about everybody else we came in contact with. We were never made to feel unwelcome or rudely dismissed by… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel | Tagged Japan travel, Japanese gardens, Japanese public baths, Japanese trains, Kyoto travel, Nara travel, Nikko travel, sushi, Tokyo travel, UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 5 Comments

Top European Natural Wonders (Part 1)

Published February 24, 2016 | By Clark Norton

Norwegian fjords are among Europe’s most scenic sights. Photo from VisitNorway.com.

Europe is rich with natural wonders – from lakes and mountains to islands, river valleys and seaside vistas. You can even find them in the skies above.

Since any Top Ten list would be totally arbitrary, we’ll stick to a “Ten Top” list, with the understanding that more such lists could – and no doubt will – be on their way in the future.

Several of these natural wonders are familiar names; others may be new to you. But they’re all fully deserving of the title – and a visit.

Here are the first five of the ten; the remaining five will appear in my next post.

The Fjords of Norway

They go by differing names like the Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord, Trollfjord, and the Hardangerfjord, but they all have one feature in common: these slivers of deep-blue water… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel, Europe, National Parks | Tagged Amalfi Coast, Antrim coast, Croatia, Fjords, fjords of Norway, Flam Railway, Giants Causeway, Gibraltar, Italy, northern Ireland, Norwegian fjords, Plitvice Lakes, Rock of Gibraltar, UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Leave a comment

According to government and private surveys:

Leading-edge baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1955) and seniors account for four out of every five dollars spent on luxury travel today.
Roughly half the consumer spending money in the U.S.--more than $2 trillion--is in the hands of leading-edge baby boomers and seniors.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) travel more than any other age group.
When asked what they would most like to spend their money on, baby boomers answered “travel” more than any other category, including improving their health or finances.