Travel

CODY, Wyo. – Wildlife watching outside Yellowstone National Park's East Gate isn't exactly like an African safari. The weather is slightly different. During one recent week, it will hit 96 degrees in Kenya; the mercury will strain to reach 30 in Cody. Gone are the shutterbugs hanging out of open Jeeps; faint-hearted photographers may prefer to crank up the heat, rolling down the windows only far enough to periscope their cameras out the cracks.

NEW YORK – Is New York the Big Apple – or the Big Bonbon? Connoisseurs say the city is turning into a destination for chocolate-lovers.

My 7-year-old had just one question when I told him that our itinerary in Japan included a sumo wrestling tournament. "Pops," he asked, "are they going to have really fat butts?"

One day, husband John and I, along with the dog, are going on a for-real backpacking trip – the kind where you stuff everything you need into a high-tech pack the size of a large latte and live off freeze-dried vittles for the weekend. But I have quite a ways to go before we set off into the real wilderness. I admit I'm high-maintenance – well, medium-maintenance, anyway. What I mean is, I've weaned myself off the blow-dryer, but I still need running water and don't like to be dirty for extended periods of time.

HARBIN, China – In the dead of winter, on a narrow side street in the middle of one of China's iciest cities, a standoff is unfolding. I am part of it. On this corner: Oriental Dumpling King, awash in fluorescent light, trimmed in fake gold and overstaffed with young women in green dresses.

RIPLEY, Ohio – A candle in the window of the preacher's house high on a hill overlooking the Ohio River meant the coast was clear, that runaway slaves could find temporary refuge on their flight from the South. For many – an estimated 3,000 – it was the first stop on the route to freedom that became known as the Underground Railroad, a series of safe houses where abolitionists, Quakers, free blacks and others hid fleeing slaves from bounty hunters.

RENO, Nev. – It's being billed as a combination of the reality television shows "Survivor" and "Amazing Race," but Nevada officials are hoping the winner will be the state's tourism industry. "Nevada Passage," a made-for-TV competition this spring, is intended to display the state's natural beauty and many varied opportunities for outdoor adventure.

JACKSON, Wyo. – Bleary-eyed skiers and snowboarders clambered into Teton Village's distinctive red tram car for its opening run, squinting as they glanced up at fresh snow sparkling under the morning sun. Some had been out late at the Mangy Moose Saloon the night before, but a storm had passed through, so those intent on first tracks managed a short night's sleep.