Thursday, May 17, 2007

Admit it: You're curious to see what exactly North Korea's capital looks like. (After all, it's part of the "axis of evil"!) Now you can, thanks to Charlie Crane's new book of 65 large-format photographs. We're showcasing 10 of his photos in a riveting slide show. It might just be more enjoyable than an actual trip to the country. Plus, read an excerpt from the introduction. read more

More Book Excerpts:

• Exotic Postcards: The Lure of Distant Lands
• You Can't Get There from Here: A Year on the Fringes of a Shrinking World
• Casting With a Fragile Thread: A Story of Sisters and Africa

Picking a cruise itinerary used to be a hassle. You had to wade through a dozen brochures, and you didn't get a good sense of the differences between itineraries. But that's starting to change. An Australian cruise company called Clean Cruising has come up with an innovation sure to sweep the U.S. cruise industry soon: virtual cruise itineraries. read post

• Fare prediction made easier
  The website Farecast has come out of beta testing, and here's our review…
• Google Earth for Middle-earth
  Planning a trip to New Zealand—middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings trilogy—just…

Five boutique properties whose rooms have atmosphere to spare, from sumptuous fabrics and chandeliers to paintings by an artist in the up-and-coming 13th arrondissement. read more

• Picky and Proud of It: Paris's Top Baguettes
• Face-Lift: Cultural News in Paris
• My Paris Is Better Than Yours

International airfare, flights within Australia, and 12 nights in happening Sydney, multicultural Melbourne, and the wilds of Tasmania from $1,799. why it's a deal

• Eat Like a Local: Melbourne
• Three Cutting-Edge Sydney Neighborhoods
• The Great Ocean Walk

Three historic Rockland inns are offering a two-night stay with breakfast, a lobster dinner, a ride on a lobster-hauling boat, guided lighthouse tours, and more from $373 per couple. why it's a deal

• Road Trip: Maine's Mid-Coast
• Walkable Cities: Portland, Maine

A two-week journey that spans Mexico's central and Pacific highlights, such as Acapulco's beach coves, Puerto Vallarta's snorkeling sites, and Guadalajara's community markets, from $1,100. why it's a deal

• 25 Reasons We Love Oaxaca
• Crash the Party: Mexican Wrestling
• Discount Airlines in Mexico

Anyone can now access the association's restaurant and hotel listings, and get driving directions and customized maps. Still, membership hath its privileges. read more

• Which Reward Programs Deserve Your Loyalty?
• Online Maps: Find Your Way to Free Directions
• Car Rentals Where Two Can Drive

ADVERTISEMENT