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Illuminating escapes

Thanksgiving's over and the “Black Friday” shopping frenzy has subsided. It's time to relax for the holidays.

Is there any place where travelers can be safe?
By Gabriel Kahn | Wall Street Journal | November 29, 2008

For business travelers who frequently pass through South Asia, the attacks on two of Mumbai's most prominent hotels pose an unsettling question: Is there any place safe to stay?

You're on a roll thanks to tips about packing for trips
November 28, 2008
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How in the world do you expect to get all that stuff into (and out of) your luggage? With tighter airline restrictions – and surcharges – for travel bags, it's imperative that you travel lighter. And wouldn't it be great to travel with less confusion?

These ski towns keeping ‘true to their local roots'
Associated Press | November 30, 2008

The December issue of Travel + Leisure magazine recommends ski towns that “hold true to their local roots.” They include:

Old and new both define Japan

Ruthy Kanagy, 56, lives in Oregon but travels extensively in Japan, where she was born and raised. She is the author of the recently published “Living Abroad in Japan”.

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See Rock City and its fun pals

Lookout Mountain, overlooking the eastern Tennessee city of Chattanooga, is the location of a famous Civil War battlefield...

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Beach Report | New Myrtle Beach spot features French cuisine

Croissants Bistro & Bakery opened Nov. 5, and it already has fans new and old. The restaurant is at 3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway, Myrtle Beach.

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Biologist has his head in the clouds
Christmas comes to life at Castle McCulloch

The Christmas Castle Village, held on the grounds of Castle McCulloch, features Elfland, specialty crafts and gifts, photos with Santa Clause, a singing Christmas tree, Christmas treats and 40 actors.

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Take us on vacation

Send us a photo with someone holding the Observer's Travel section, and we'll try to include it in our weekly slideshow.

Full Slideshow
You'll eat up Newseum's offerings

Unless I'm fasting for a medical procedure, or had all my food stolen by bears, I don't miss meals. So when I tell you that when my kids and I visited the Newseum in Washington and we toured for six hours, totally skipping lunch, you get an idea of how unbelievably fascinating and engaging this place is.

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Free fun at Fayetteville museum

Admission is free to the Museum of the Cape Fear, in Fayetteville, which has announced a new exhibit and a holiday event.

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