Albania's Blue Eye: seeing nature at work
Outside of the Albanian beach town of Sarandē, an underground spring attracts visitors from around the world -- even those who don't follow the rules.
Going Mobile Dan Webster
MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024
MONDAY, JULY 8, 2024
Albania: From scenic lake to scenic sea
From the lake-side city of Shkodēr to the beach town of Vlorē, Albania's surprisingly good roads offer spectacular views -- especially along the country's coastline.
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Shkodēr: Two nights in Albania's scenic north
From Rozafa Castle to the shores of Lake Scutari, Shkodēr offers impressive things to see, not to mention a feel for Albanian history -- and hospitality.
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024
Life is good when enjoyed in an Albanian arbor
On our recent trek through Albania, eating lunch at a combination cheese factory, winery and outdoor restaurant gave us a chance to experience yet another side of this surprisingly enjoyable country.
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Albania isn't afraid to face its troubled past
All over Albania, bunkers built for decades by its former communist government, remind everyone of the country's repressive past.
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024
Albania: One of Europe's undiscovered treasures
You may have to look hard to find it on a map, but Albania is poised to become Europe's next popular tourist attraction.
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024
Traveling can be hard at 39,000 feet
Those of us who regularly fly internationally are accustomed to how difficult the process has become. Even so, some airports are far harder to negotiate than they should be.
MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Florence: a city full of great memories
When it comes to international travel, it's the simple acts of kindness and trust that can make the best and most lasting impressions.
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
Pop quiz: How travel savvy are you?
Traveling around the world can teach you a lot about different cultures. See if you can answer three simple questions involving domestic and foreign sites.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024
A 'burnt slab of sandstone' looms over Cape Town
In his historic ocean voyages, Captain James Cook grew familiar with South Africa's Cape Town and its noted geographical wonder, Table Mountain.
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
Oaxaca: Deep in the heart of Mexico
Mexico has any number of locations worth visiting, but Oaxaca deserves to be at the top of any international traveler's list of desired destinations.
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024
Island life: In search of Tolkien's Hobbiton
Amid his country's many natural splendors, New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson has built an attraction that thrills fans of "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
Island life: Mediterranean magic and more
Travelers who love to get away from the bustling crowds may find what they desire on any number of the world's islands. From Hawaii to Italy, we've visited more than a few.
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024
Kites in the D.C. sky mark a fun family reunion
Even a short East Coast visit can be fulfilling, especially if you blend it with a few choice activities enjoyed with friends and family.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024
Last and longing looks at America's paradise
On our third trip to the Hawaiian island of Maui, the charm of the Valley Isle struck us more than ever.
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024
More Maui: the tip of a dormant volcano
From hiking the heights of the dormant volcano Haleakalā to enjoying the country feel of Pa'ia Town, getting away from Maui's resort areas can feel refreshing.
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024
In Hawaii, you can't beat a bowl of poke
Between beach-going, golfing and simply driving around, picking a good place to order poke is a true Hawaiian treat.
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024
Maui: a bit of heavenly Hawaii
The second-most visited island (behind Oahu), Maui can give you the feel of old Hawaii -- if you choose to look for it.
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024
Bali's allure is its connection to nature
The beauty of Indonesia's tourist treasure may not be the first thing visitors notice. But once free of city traffic, the island's natural charm becomes evident.
MONDAY, FEB. 26, 2024
A time in Tokyo: a notion of then and now
The Oscar-nominated movie "Perfect Days" reminded me of a short stay in the crowded Shinjuku section of Tokyo that played out like a fever dream.
MONDAY, FEB. 19, 2024
Belfast: a bustling city with a proud past
Once known as the world's premier shipbuilding site, today's Belfast boasts a number of attractions that reflect the good -- and the bad -- of its past.
MONDAY, FEB. 12, 2024
When traveling, finding time to relax is key
Traveling abroad is rewarding, but it can be stressful, too. Seeking out places to wind down is important, and city parks are good places to do just that.
SUNDAY, FEB. 4, 2024
Hawaii truly is America's island paradise
Anyone who visits Hawaii has a favorite island, but those who have lived there -- yet are forced for some reason to leave -- know what it's like to leave a bit of yourself behind.
MONDAY, JAN. 29, 2024
Food is the universal language for travelers
While touring abroad, especially when visiting a small city, knowing at least a bit of the local language can make all the difference.
MONDAY, JAN. 22, 2024
For travelers, 11 must-see museums
Travelers who are interested in learning about the world have any number of museums to visit. Here is a list of 11 that are among the most intriguing.
Dan Webster has filled a number of positions at The Spokesman-Review from 1981 to 2009. He started as a sportswriter, was a sports desk copy chief at the Spokane Chronicle for two years, served as assistant features editor and, beginning in 1984, worked at several jobs at once: books editor, columnist, film reviewer and award-winning features writer.
In 2003, he created one of the newspaper's first blogs, "Movies & More." He continues to write for The Spokesman-Review's Web site, Spokane7.com, and he both reviews movies for Spokane Public Radio and serves as co-host of the radio station's popular movie-discussion show "Movies 101."