Catching The Winds Of Change In Cuba

Eating Well in Europe If you let yourself tune in to the experience, a meal is a travel thrill in itself — as inspiring as visiting an art gallery and as stimulating as a good massage. On a recent visit to France, I sat amid a crush of happy French diners in an atmospheric, wood-timbered restaurant. Glasses filled the room like crystal flowers; portraits of long-forgotten city fathers kept an eye on us from the walls. Most restaurants have a well-priced menu of the day — offering a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a fixed amount. [] two people can order and share one appetizer, one pasta dish, one fish dish, and one dessert — or choose two appetizers and two pastas — or whatever combination appeals. Many sit-down restaurants take the mystery out of tipping by including a service charge in the bill. Eating at a corner cafe costs only a little more than lunch at a fast-food joint, but you'll be chowing down on local fare that’s typical of the region. Communing with others over good food, served in a setting respectful of tradition and place, is cultural tourism at its tastiest. Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

Renew your passport, hop a flight, pick a flavor, and treat yourself!

Cruise ships have a reputation for encouraging a measure of gluttony.

A proud tradition

Viking Cruises, a company known for offering river cruises, on Friday announced that it was launching a new cruise line for ocean-going trips.