Travel

So when I finally went on a whale watching tour for the first time in my life, I had a jittery feeling just like most other days at sea. As a reporter, whale watching was something I wanted to try, but it was also something that made me uneasy.

We made a day trip to Iejima and were instantly in love. The ferry ride from the Okinawa main island was an easy 30 minutes, and once you’re on the island, it is like a breath of fresh air (literally.) Iejima one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the Ryukyu Islands chain.

In the next few days, Japanese will be headed to shrines and temples to usher in the new year.

I am the kind person who feels an urge to add the word “video” or “digital” whenever I hear the word “game.” To me, board games seem too prototypical to be interesting. In an age where computer graphics can do it all, what’s the point of doing it the old way, with a dice, miniatures and maps?

The military can be a great travel agency. My family has been stationed overseas for the last 9 years, first to Hawaii, then Germany, and now, Japan.  In Hawaii, I learned how to surf.

Travelers can be especially difficult to shop for during the holiday season. What do you get for friends or loved ones who would rather be off exploring a new city with nothing but a backpack and a few personal belongings in tow than anything else? Plenty! Think outside the box — or suitcase — to pick the perfect present for your favorite...