The city of San Antonio is celebrating 300 years since its founding by Spanish friars and Spanish settlers with historic events all year. That’s why the “Summer in Spain” initiative focuses specifically on the city’s artistic Spanish heritage.

One way to enhance a travel experience is to stay at an historic property. These distinct sites offer a glimpse into the region’s culture and history and set the tone for daily and evening adventures. Price points and room styles vary from location to location. My trips have included a sparse room at a former U.S. Army barracks to an opulent suite at a restored Asian palace. Each experience has demonstrated why it’s important to occasionally select an historic place as a place to stay. 

What is a petrified forest? They look like trees, but when you touch them they're cold. Transformed by minerals in sediment, volcanic ash, and groundwater, the trees have become fossilized. No longer wood, these trees tell the story of the climate and ecosystem millions of years ago.

A two-day trip to a mega city, with a preponderance of excellent attractions, can be overwhelming. With jet lag slowing my pace, coupled with intermittent rain dissuading outdoor activities, I set aside one day to learn about Hong Kong’s history. The best place to begin my adventure was at the Hong Kong Museum of History. This museum was established in 1975 “to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of Hong Kong.” 

My love of history has inspired countless trips to museums around the world. It’s a wonderful treat when I only have to drive a half an hour to visit a spectacular event. While traveling exhibits include only a small portion of a museum’s collection, they allow a wider audience to become exposed to an important topic. 

Like other travelers, I selected Tucson for its geographical location. I wanted to embrace a dude ranch experience, and also sip margaritas while munching on southwestern guacamole as the sky became a canvas at sunset. I was looking for a laid back vacation that weaved together the accoutrements of a desert environment while simultaneously enjoying Mother Nature’s handiwork. If you don’t enjoy riding horseback through the arid desert, then skip the dude ranch and settle instead for one of Tucson’s full service resorts or city hotels.