Wildlife Watching
Best Binoculars for an
Alaskan Wildlife Cruise
From budget essentials to image-stabilized optics — our picks for every deck and every budget.
Prices from Amazon.com · May 2026 · Subject to change
Wildlife Watching
From budget essentials to image-stabilized optics — our picks for every deck and every budget.
Prices from Amazon.com · May 2026 · Subject to change
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just about pastel villages and cliffside lemon groves — it’s also home to some of the most spectacular hiking in Italy. Whether you’re looking for panoramic coastal views, ancient footpaths, or quiet mountain trails, Amalfi offers unforgettable routes for every level of hiker.
The most iconic hike on the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods stretches between Agerola and Positano, offering sweeping views of the coastline, Capri, and terraced vineyards. It’s moderately challenging but accessible for most travelers, and every turn rewards you with postcard‑worthy scenery.
🗺️ Starting Point (Agerola – Bomerano)
🍹Ending Point (Positano – Nocelle)
This is the classic, most popular route.
Starting in Amalfi town, this lush, shaded trail leads you through waterfalls, moss‑covered ruins, and a protected nature reserve. It’s a refreshing contrast to the sunny cliffside paths and perfect for a cooler, quieter hike.
This downhill route winds through lemon terraces and medieval stairways, connecting the hilltop town of Ravello with the seaside village of Minori. It’s a great option for travelers who want a scenic walk without steep climbs.
Hiking the Amalfi Coast lets you experience the region beyond the tourist hotspots — through ancient footpaths, quiet villages, and landscapes that feel untouched by time. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore this world‑famous coastline.

Foreign currency exchange is the act of exchanging one type of currency for another. For example, if you’re planning an international trip to Europe, you may want to plan ahead and exchange U.S. dollars for Euros so that you are prepared to cover cash expenses as soon as you arrive without having to stop at an exchange office at your destination. Two hundred euros should get you through until you get to an ATM.
Making ATM Withdrawals – USE A BANK ATM!
The best way to get cash in Italy is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies and is better than any rate you’re likely to get exchanging currency at an exchange office or a bank.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to select the option for conversion by your bank. It’s a good idea to check with your bank for specific details about their foreign ATM conversion fees and any other charges that might apply.
Italian bank ATMs are called bancomats and some don’t charge a local ATM operator fee — but avoid using independent ATMs. These third-party ATMs charge like a wounded bull, and it’ll be obvious which ATMs are affiliated with a bank and which aren’t.
Cash and Currency Tips for Europe by Rick Steves
Foreign Currency Exchange Services (pnc.com)
How long does it take to receive foreign currency bank notes that are ordered at a PNC branch?
Standard foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by the end of the next business day. (during business travel season please allow 1 – 2 additional business days)
Customers may request overnight delivery for a $15 charge. Overnight delivery foreign currency orders entered before 4:30 p.m. ET will be delivered to the branch by noon the next business day. Overnight delivery is only available Monday through Friday and isn’t available on bank holidays.
Foreign Currency Exchange | Fifth Third Bank (53.com)
Fifth Third customers can buy and sell foreign currency at their local branch with competitive exchange rates. And when you return from your trip, Fifth Third can buy back any unused foreign currency, exchanging it back into U.S. dollars. Contact your local branch if you have questions about a particular currency carried.

Location: Inside the magnificent cathedral, nestled between the first and second pillars on the right side of the central nave, lies a well-kept secret. A narrow stairway beckons curious visitors to explore the depths below.
The Journey
As you descend, the air grows cooler, and the echoes of centuries past envelop you. The stone steps, worn smooth by countless pilgrims and worshippers, lead you further into the heart of history. The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on the ancient walls, revealing faded frescoes and cryptic inscriptions.
Santa Reparata Basilica:
At the base of the stairway, you arrive at a hidden chamber – the site of the ancient Basilica di Santa Reparata. Archaeologists painstakingly unearthed this sacred space during an extensive campaign from 1965 to 1973. Here, the past whispers its secrets, and the stones themselves seem to hold memories.
Discoveries Await:
Explore the remnants of Santa Reparata – its mosaic floors, fragments of marble columns, and crypts where early Christians once sought solace. Imagine the faithful gathering here, their prayers echoing off the vaulted ceilings. Perhaps you’ll glimpse traces of devotion etched into the walls – symbols, graffiti, or cryptic messages left by pilgrims seeking grace.
A Timeless Connection:
As you stand in this subterranean sanctuary, consider the layers of time that converge here. From the early Christian Basilica to the grand cathedral above, Santa Reparata bridges centuries. It’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring quest for meaning.
Darn it, why won’t the links work?
I can’t open the attachment!!
Yahoo mail client may be the culprit. Here are a few know issues with Yahoo WebMail which is also the behind-the-scenes webmail client for AT&T Mail and other companies that use it.
Millions of people created Yahoo or SBCGlobal/ATT.net emails in the 90s–2000s and still use them because:
Yahoo still has over 200 million active users globally.
This includes:
All of these log in through Yahoo’s system, so they count as Yahoo Mail users.
Yahoo’s built‑in PDF viewer is notoriously glitchy — especially with tickets, QR codes, or PDFs generated by museums.
On your email:
Then open it directly from your computer.
If it opens locally, the file is fine — Yahoo’s viewer is the problem.
Yahoo sometimes blocks PDFs if:
Try downloading it instead of previewing:
If it downloads but won’t preview, the file is safe — Yahoo is just being picky.
Yahoo’s previewer fails on:
Download → open locally.
If you’re using Edge, try this:
If the sender used:
Yahoo won’t open it.
Ask the sender to:
This happens more often than you’d think.
Try one of these:
Edge → Settings → Cookies → See all cookies → search “yahoo” → Delete
Yahoo’s web interface is the part that causes most of the trouble:
But the Yahoo Mail service itself is fine — it’s just the web app that’s flaky.
Using a different email app bypasses all of that.
This is the easiest and most stable option.
Benefits:
You just add your Yahoo account once and it works like any other email.
You can add your Yahoo account to Outlook.com and use Microsoft’s interface instead of Yahoo’s.
Benefits:
If you want something powerful and independent.
Benefits:
If you’re on your phone, the Yahoo Mail app is actually more reliable than the website.
Benefits:
Disembarking from a cruise at Canada Place in Vancouver and heading straight to the airport is incredibly easy. Whether you prefer speed, budget‑friendly options, or maximum comfort, Vancouver offers several convenient ways to travel between the cruise terminal and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This guide breaks down each option so you can choose the best fit for your travel day. Prices in CAD as of 2026; confirm on translink.ca or yvr.ca.
The Canada Line SkyTrain is the most popular way to get from the cruise port to the airport.
How it works:
Cost: Typically $4–$6 CAD (adult single fare; no AddFare outbound). Frequency: Trains run every 6–10 minutes.
Why choose it: Fast, inexpensive, and reliable — ideal for most travelers (elevators available for luggage).
If you want a door‑to‑door option, taxis are lined up directly outside the cruise terminal.
Travel time: ~18–20 minutes Cost: $35–$50 CAD (metered; traffic-dependent) Good for: Families, heavy luggage, tight schedules
Rideshare services operate throughout Vancouver and are easy to book once you exit the terminal.
Travel time: ~20 minutes Cost: Usually similar to taxis ($35–$60 CAD), sometimes cheaper depending on demand/surge.
Several companies offer pre‑booked transfers from Canada Place to YVR.
Travel time: ~20 minutes Cost: $120–$170 CAD depending on vehicle type Best for: Groups, luxury travel, guaranteed pickup
A public bus option exists but requires walking to Burrard Station and takes significantly longer.
Travel time: ~1 hour Cost: $3–$7 CAD Not recommended unless you’re on a strict budget and have plenty of time.
| Option | Time | Cost (CAD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyTrain | 26–30 min | $4–$6 | Most travelers |
| Taxi | 18–20 min | $35–$50 | Convenience & luggage |
| Rideshare | 20 min | $35–$60 (varies) | Flexible pricing |
| Private Car | 20 min | $120–$170 | Comfort & groups |
| Bus | ~1 hr | $3–$7 | Strict budget |
You’ll be on the waterfront side, facing the sails of Canada Place.
The hotel sits directly above the cruise terminal. Follow the pedestrian walkway that slopes upward toward the hotel lobby area.
Once inside, follow signs for “Waterfront Station / SkyTrain / SeaBus”. These signs are very visible and consistent.
You’ll exit onto Howe Street or Cordova Street, depending on which escalator you take.
Turn left (east) and walk along W. Cordova Street for about 2 minutes. You’ll see the historic brick Waterfront Station building ahead — it’s large and unmistakable.
Go through the main doors into the grand hall.
Inside the station:
You’ll see the fare gates directly before the escalators leading down to the Canada Line platforms.
Trains are clearly marked:
5–7 minutes, depending on where you start at Canada Place.
Florence is at its best around a shared table—slow‑braised meats, handmade pastas, deep Chianti reds, and the unmistakable aroma of bistecca alla fiorentina drifting from the grill. For a group, these restaurants offer the right mix of authentic Tuscan cooking, comfortable group seating, and memorable atmosphere. Average cost per person (full meal with wine and coperto): €30–€50; steak adds extra.
A lively Florence classic beside Mercato Centrale, perfect for groups who want a fun, bustling evening. The menu is huge—ribollita, Florentine steak, wild boar pappardelle, seasonal soups—and the staff is used to seating larger parties.
🌐 www.trattoriazaza.it • 🗺️ Map
Tripadvisor: 4.3/5 (16,362) • Google: 4.5/5 (31,079) • Guru: 4.5/5 (60,769)
Warm, rustic, and deeply Tuscan. Giovanni is known for slow‑cooked meats, wild boar, and handmade pastas. It’s intimate without being cramped, and groups of eight fit comfortably.
🌐 www.trattoriagiovannifirenze.it • 🗺️ Map
Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 (2,140) • Google: 4.8/5 (5,941) • Guru: 4.7/5 (8,629)
Steps from the Duomo, this charming osteria serves beautifully prepared steaks, truffle dishes, and classic pastas. It’s atmospheric and cozy, with enough space for a group dinner that still feels special.
🌐 www.osteriadelproconsolo.it • 🗺️ Map
Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 (5,267) • Google: 4.4/5 (1,774) • Guru: 4.5/5 (5,192)
A welcoming, candle‑lit restaurant specializing in Tuscan steaks, soups, and slow‑braised dishes. The dining room is spacious enough for larger groups, and the service is consistently warm.
🌐 www.ilpaiolo.com • 🗺️ Map
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5 (3,122) • Google: 4.5/5 (4,241) • Guru: 4.5/5 (7,988)
A beloved Santo Spirito institution serving simple, home‑style Tuscan cooking. It’s casual, local, and ideal for groups who want a traditional, no‑frills Florentine meal.
🌐 www.trattorialacasalinga.it • 🗺️ Map
Tripadvisor: 4.3/5 (3,322) • Google: 4.5/5 (4,401) • Guru: 4.4/5 (8,267)

The Florence outpost of Naples’ legendary pizzeria, Da Michele keeps things beautifully simple: perfect dough, blistered crust, and just two classic choices—Margherita or Marinara—done exactly as they’ve been since 1870. It’s quick, lively, and ideal when you want an authentic Neapolitan pizza without fuss.
Bistecca Florentina, with all of the trimmings and wine, at a very reasonable cost. Delizioso!
🌐 www.rossocrudo.com • 🗺️ Map • Via dei Servi, 85 rosso



Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 (543) • TheFork: 9.1/10 (2,371) • Guru: 4.5/5
Lively, social night (€35–€50/person): Trattoria Za’ Za’ • Classic rustic Tuscan (€30–€45/person): Trattoria Giovanni • Cozy near the Duomo (€35–€55/person): Osteria del Proconsolo • Steak lovers (€40–€60/person): Il Paiolo • Casual local favorite (€30–€45/person): La Casalinga • Mid-priced Bistecca (€30–€45/person): Rosso Crudo
Prices are approximate per person for a full meal (antipasto/primo/secondo + house wine + coperto). Bistecca alla fiorentina is priced per kg (€50–€90+ shared) and can push totals higher. Reservations essential for groups of 8 — book ahead!
Here’s a simple walking route from Loggiato dei Serviti (Piazza della Santissima Annunziata), through Florence’s historic center, to Piazza Santo Spirito.

Piazza Santo Spirito is the lively heart of the Oltrarno, a neighborhood known for artisans, cafés, and a relaxed local vibe. Anchored by Brunelleschi’s Basilica of Santo Spirito, the square comes alive from morning markets to evening aperitivi, making it one of Florence’s best spots for outdoor dining and people‑watching.
Start: Loggiato dei Serviti / Piazza Santissima Annunziata
End: Piazza Santo Spirito Time: ~25–30 minutes (longer if you stop to nibble)
Walk straight down Via dei Servi.
• Caffè San Marco (just off the route) Great for a cappuccino or pastry before you set off.
As you reach the Duomo, continue toward Via Calzaiuoli.
• I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti Famous for panini — perfect if you want a quick bite.
• Cantinetta dei Verrazzano Bakery + wine bar; schiacciata and pastries are excellent.
Walk through the piazza and exit via Via Porta Rossa.
• Procacci Historic truffle bar — tiny truffle sandwiches and a glass of bubbles.
• Casa del Vino (slight detour) One of Florence’s best wine bars with classic crostini.
Turn left toward the river.
• Cibrèo Caffè (in Helvetia & Bristol) Elegant Tuscan small plates.
• Obicà (on Tornabuoni) Mozzarella bar — modern, light, and stylish.
Once across, you’re in the artisan quarter.
• Gelateria Santa Trinita One of the best gelaterie in Florence — perfect mid‑walk treat.
Walk down Via Maggio, then turn right toward Piazza Santo Spirito.
• Osteria Santo Spirito Baked gnocchi, lively atmosphere.
• Trattoria La Casalinga Classic Florentine home cooking.
• Il Santo Bevitore Modern Tuscan, great wine list.
• Tamero’ Pasta Bar Handmade pasta, casual and fun.
• Gusta Pizza Beloved Neapolitan pies — fast, cheap, delicious.
• Borgo Antico Outdoor seating on the piazza, great for aperitivo.
Dining in Italy is a highlight of every trip. Expect fresh ingredients, regional specialties, and relaxed service. Lunch is often lighter and quicker, while dinner is a multi‑course experience. Prices vary by city, but even budget meals are flavorful and satisfying. Tipping is minimal — rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated. Prices below are approximate per person in USD ($) with € equivalent in parentheses (~1 € ≈ 1.16 USD, March 2026). Add €2–€4 (~$2.30–$4.60) coperto/cover charge.
| City | Low (Quick Lunch/Street) | Mid (Casual Full Meal) | High (Upscale/Multi-Course) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalfi | $17–$29 (€15–€25) | $41–$70 (€35–€60) | $81–$139+ (€70–€120+) |
| Bologna | $14–$23 (€12–€20) | $35–$58 (€30–€50) | $70–$116+ (€60–€100+) |
| Florence | $14–$23 (€12–€20) | $35–$64 (€30–€55) | $75–$128+ (€65–€110+) |
| Milan | $17–$29 (€15–€25) | $46–$75 (€40–€65) | $93–$162+ (€80–€140+) |
| Naples | $12–$21 (€10–€18) | $29–$52 (€25–€45) | $64–$104+ (€55–€90+) |
| Rome | $14–$23 (€12–€20) | $35–$64 (€30–€55) | $75–$128+ (€65–€110+) |
| Sorrento | $17–$29 (€15–€25) | $41–$70 (€35–€60) | $81–$139+ (€70–€120+) |
| Turin | $14–$23 (€12–€20) | $35–$58 (€30–€50) | $70–$116+ (€60–€100+) |
| Venice | $17–$29 (€15–€25) | $46–$75 (€40–€65) | $93–$162+ (€80–€140+) |
| Verona | $14–$23 (€12–€20) | $35–$64 (€30–€55) | $75–$128+ (€65–€110+) |
| Item | Typical Price ($ / €) |
|---|---|
| Espresso ☕ | $1.40–$3.50 (€1.20–€3) |
| Cappuccino | $1.75–$5.20 (€1.50–€4.50) |
| Soft Drink | $3.50–$5.80 (€3–€5) |
| Beer (Draft) 🍺 | $5.80–$9.30 (€5–€8) |
| House Wine (Glass) | $5.80–$10.40 (€5–€9) |
| Mid‑Range Wine (Glass) | $9.30–$16.20 (€8–€14) |
| Spritz (Aperol or Hugo) 🍹 | $7–$13.90 (€6–€12) |
| Cocktails | $11.60–$18.60 (€10–€16) |
| Bottle of House Wine | $20.90–$40.60 (€18–€35) |
| Mid‑Range Bottle | $32.50–$58 (€28–€50) |
Prices are approximate 2026 averages per person (tourist areas often 20–50% higher). House wine is usually the best value. For groups of 8+, sharing large plates like bistecca alla fiorentina lowers per-person cost. Book reservations ahead for popular spots!
The ETA is a new digital travel authorization required for visitors who don’t need a visa to enter the UK. It works much like the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA. Once approved, it’s automatically linked to your passport — no printouts needed.
Your ETA covers entry into all parts of the United Kingdom:
It does not apply to Ireland or the rest of the European Union.
Yes. American passport holders must have an ETA before boarding a flight to the UK for:
If you’re planning a UK trip in 2026 or beyond, the ETA is now part of your pre‑departure checklist.
The application is quick — most travelers are approved within hours — but the UK government recommends applying a few days before your trip just to be safe.
Your ETA is delivered digitally and tied to your passport, so there’s nothing to print or carry.
The current fee is £16 (approx. $22).
The UK has announced that the price will increase to £20, but has not yet confirmed the exact date. If you’re traveling soon, applying early may help you lock in the lower price.
Your ETA is valid for:
You can use it for multiple trips during that time — perfect for travelers who love returning to the UK.
The online application takes just a few minutes. You’ll need:
That’s it — no interviews, no embassy visits.
Always apply through the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
Avoid third‑party sites that charge extra fees.
