ABOVE THE VINES

George Hobica, 06/29/12

Syndicated travel journalist and founder of Airfarewatchdog.com

So, does any airline still have a Rule 240?

James Weis, 06/29/12

Africa travel expert

Much of what we know about Africa is what we see in the media, a land of lions and giraffes, war and poverty. The Africa I know and love is a land of beauty and wonder that I have now dedicated my life to sharing with travelers.

Erica Firpo, 06/29/12

freelance travel writer and contributor to Oryx, Fathom, New York Times Globespotters, Telegraph, city editor of Luxe Guide. Rome-based and ready to go

With Rome having hundreds of restaurants and cultural sights, and a lightly confusing transport etiquette, I rely on a few apps to get me through my days. So here's what's on my phone.

Pam Grout, 06/29/12

Author of National Geographic's 100 Best Volunteer Vacations

If only we could channel the passion of Justin Bieber's fans into something useful.

Bob Schulman, 06/28/12

Travel editor, WatchBoom.com

For two years at the end of the century, a gold strike in the Yukon region of western Canada lured shiploads of wanna-be miners to the area, many by way of the tiny northern Pacific port of Skagway. Between newcomers to town and the lucky few who came back from Dawson with gold dust in their pokes, upwards of 15,000 miners typically could be found moseying around Skagway's 70 saloons and dancehalls on a given day.

Departures Magazine, 06/29/12

Years ago summer was lo-fi -- a season more about escape than entertainment. No longer.

trivago, 06/29/12

World’s no. 1 hotel search

Wedding season brings festivities and families together, but after the ceremony is over its time to celebrate -- in private.

Oyster, 06/29/12

Oyster.com visits, photographs, reviews and rates each hotel. We uncover the truth, before it's "uh-oh" time.

Who hasn't ducked into a hotel to make use of a clean public restroom while on vacation?

Benedict Cooper, 06/28/12

Travel Writer

And I had no idea Brussels had such a thriving Congolese community.

Carly Cylinder, 06/28/12

Owner, Flour LA

I've arrived to my first destination, Monteverde, the cloud forest. For two weeks I will be traveling by myself, until my boyfriend Alex comes to meet me. I will meet people from all over the world, get myself into what I consider to be near death experiences and live the pura vida way of life.

Nick Anderer, 06/28/12

Executive chef of Maialino

I love this city, everything about it and even, perhaps especially, the things many people hate about it: dirty streets, frenzied traffic and a general disregard for rules and order. Each time I go back for a visit, nothing seems to change. I get the feeling that Romans can't be bothered with trying to tidy things up.

Barbara Barton Sloane, 06/28/12

Travel Editor, Westchester Guardian, www.barbarabartonsloane.com

As I toured some of the iconic desert modern homes, I suddenly got it.

John Oseid, 06/26/12

Travel writer

You've been invited to get all gussied up in black-tie or flowing gown for an elegant soirée of waltzing and sipping champagne. Did anyone mention that the affair was to be held in a horse stable?

Rebecca Tinsley, 06/27/12

Journalist and human rights activist

There is good news for lovers of Art Nouveau, one of Europe's oddest cultural phenomena.

Love Letters, 06/27/12

An anthology of reflections on American places

There's nothing like the prehistoric eyes of an eight-foot gator gliding toward you to make you hit a golf shot efficiently.

Lee Abbamonte, 06/27/12

The youngest American to visit every country

Traveling alone, whether you're a man or a woman, is one of those taboo things for some people and is the most adventurous way to travel for others. It can be the single most rewarding travel experience that you will have or it can be lonely and depressing. It's all what you make of it.

Dwight Brown, 06/27/12

Film Critic and Travel Writer

Every May thousands of golf fans head to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for The Players, arguably the most noted tournament outside the four majors and certainly the most fan-friendly. The rest of the year, this amicable town located in St. Johns County, Florida, just south of Jacksonville, is a haven for golfers.