The TRAVELERS JOURNAL

It's not enough to be precipitous, heavily moguled or just plain terrifying. To attain legendary status, a ski run must also have some history behind it.

1019 - THE AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL

Jan 30th, 2011 1m 50s

A decade, a remarkable right of way first opened for public use, the first designated U. S. footpath from sea to shining sea. FMI - www.discoverytrail.org

1018 - MINIMUM CHECK-IN TIMES

Jan 29th, 2011 1m 52s

MINIMUM CHECK-IN TIMESOn time is no longer good enough. If you haven't checked in 15 minutes before departure, you might lose your seat on the plane.

1017 - WORLD CAPITALS YOU NEVER LEARNED IN SCHOOL

Jan 26th, 2011 1m 52s

How did Gulfport, Mississippi earn the distinction of being the world's root beer capital?

1016 - ON THE ROAD TO ZANZIBAR

Jan 25th, 2011 1m 53s

Few places evoke mystery and adventure like this 40-mile-long, tropical island off Africa's east coast. ] FMI - www.zanzibar.net

1015 - SECURITY ON THE ROAD

Jan 24th, 2011 1m 47s

The odds of being caught up in any terrorist situation are statistically minute, but keep these basic security precautions in mind no matter where you go. FMI - USA www.travel.state.gov, Britain www.fco.gov.uk/travel, Australia www.smartravelle

1014 - WHALE-WATCHING IN CALIFORNIA

Jan 23rd, 2011 1m 55s

Twice each year, more than 26,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to the Baja. Along California's coast, they celebrate the passing of whales. FMI - www.gocalif.ca.gov or www.newportwhales.com/

1013 - NOTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Jan 22nd, 2011 1m 53s

Traveling to view Aurora Borealis has become an increasingly popular pastime, especially for Japanese newlyweds, who consider witnessing them the greatest of good fortune. FMI â?? www.explorefairbanks.com; www.chenahotsprings.com

1012 - EXPLORING EL YUNQUE

Jan 19th, 2011 1m 51s

This rain forest draped across an anvil-shaped mountain on Puerto Rico's eastern end is protected by the U.S. Forest Service. FMI www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean/about/index.shtml

1011 - THE PARADORES OF PUERTO RICO

Jan 18th, 2011 1m 56s

The island now has more than two dozen moderately-priced, privately owned inns and guest houses situated in historic buildings. FMI www.seepuertorico.com/paradores

1010 - THE RICHES OF PUERTO RICO

Jan 17th, 2011 2m 4s

Named by Juan Ponce de Leon, the Caribbean's fourth largest island is a rich port indeed. FMI www.seepuertorico.com/

1009 - SKIING OLD FAITHFUL

Jan 16th, 2011 1m 46s

If you appreciate the joys of gliding across a spectacular, steaming, snow-deep valley, Yellowstone in winter is for you. FMI www.nps.gov/yell

1008 - THE MAJESTY OF YELLOWSTONE

Jan 15th, 2011 1m 50s

The establishment of Yellowstone Park marked a milestone in mankind's relationship with nature. FMI www.nps.gov/yell

1007 - SIMPLIFYING METRIC AND CELSIUS

Jan 12th, 2011 1m 55s

Despite years of creeping familiarity, metric measurements still mystify many Americans. Here are a few key formulas to simplify foreign conversions.

1006 - INSPECTING SAINT EUSTATIUS

Jan 11th, 2011 1m 56s

Lost in the Leeward Islands, there's one tiny Caribbean haven that hasn't been overrun by tourism. FMI www.statiatourism.com

1005 - THE NATURAL CARIBBEAN

Jan 10th, 2011 1m 51s

Caribbean countries are setting aside great swaths of territory where adventurous travelers can find unique treasures. FMI Cabritos Island www.lacotia.com, National Park of Guadaloupe www.guadeloupe-parcnational.com/ Bonaire Marine Park www.

004 - ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN

Jan 9th, 2011 1m 14s

The line of sight sailing of the Windward Islands makes for some of the finest yachting in the world. FMI www.caribbeantravel.com

1003 - THE ART OF ANTIQUE MAPS

Jan 8th, 2011 1m 52s

Old maps offer more than historical perspectives. For many collectors who love fine and rare things, they're an art form. Here's a place to pursue that art. FMI - www.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/

1002 - RETIRING DESTINATIONS

Jan 5th, 2011 1m 54s

As they approach the age of AARP, m,any savvy travelers use their vacations to preview retirement prospects.

1001 - DRIVING INTELLIGENCE

Jan 4th, 2011 1m 47s

When leaving home, it always helps to have an idea of what kind of roadblocks you're likely to encounter along the way.

1000 - BONING UP ON URUGUAY

Jan 3rd, 2011 1m 56s

For beef eaters, this South American nation tucked in a cozy coastal nook between Argentina and Brazil is a prime cut of paradise. FMI â?? www.turismo.gub.uy

999 - CITY OF JANUARY

Jan 2nd, 2011 1m 57s

January is a hot month down in Rio de Janeiro, the 485-square-mile city draped languidly in and around a range of lush peaks along Brazil's southeast coast. FMI â?? www.rcvb.com.br/rcvb_ingles/home.htm