Travelers have more reason than ever to bring along a cell phone, thanks to new text-messaging tricks for weather, translation, flight updates and more—all of which are free (excluding your provider's fees). Find out more
While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with my father, in honor of his 50th birthday, I met a lovely Canadian woman named Deb and we spent the next week and a half at each other's side. Mount Kilimanjaro isn't a normal place for a first date, but the fact that I hadn't showered in nine days didn't deter her (or my) interest. Thank goodness, because we've been inseparable ever since! We've now been married for almost four years and have traveled the world, but Kilimanjaro will always hold a special place in our hearts. —R. Bryan Simon, Roanoke, Va.More True Stories
13 nights' accommodations, sightseeing tours, and the train ride of a lifetime—crossing the grass steppes and deserts of Central Asia, from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, $1,440. Get the details
Walt Disney World's new attraction doubles as one of Florida's tallest mountains, peaking at 199 feet. The Himalayan-themed ride, which simulates a runaway train, formally opens in April. However, the soft-opening starts this month, and they'll be running the ride sporadically. Hover around the entrance and you might just get waved on. More news
True to its name, the Travel Gear Blog delivers frequent reviews detailing the pros and cons of all sorts of slick, compact, and weather-resistant products. While the focus is on outdoorsy equipment (backpacks, tents, fleece jackets), a little digging reveals posts on wrinkle-free, machine-washable silk loungewear as well as a portable, lightweight "SmartGym" system that allows travelers to work out in the privacy of their rooms (travelgearblog.com).
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