Nancy Monson

Fodor’s Expert Review
Choice and flexibility are the key attributes of sailing on the Gem, exemplifying Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Freestyle” sailing concept. Built in 2007 and updated in 2015, the Gem is recently out of dry dock, during which time its public-area flooring, lighting, and upholstery were refreshed with a lighter, brighter color palette.
The Gem is considered...

Fodor’s Expert Review
American Melody is the fourth and newest riverboat in American Cruise Lines’ fleet. Designed with the idea of bringing a contemporary-style hotel to the water (the ride is so smooth that you sometimes can’t even tell you’re sailing), it can host up to 175 guests. One sister ship—American Symphony—debuted in 2022 and another—American Serenade—is...

Whether you are an introvert, just a bit shy or simply prefer to travel on your own, it can be difficult to balance your inward-focused nature with your desire to see the world.
In the US, extroversion tends to be normalized more than introversion, says Laurie Helgoe, PhD, a clinical psychologist and educator with a special interest in introversion.

Monastery stays can save you a bundle. And you don’t have to be religious.
If you’re looking to travel on a tight budget, you might consider a monastery or a monastery-turned-hotel, which are available worldwide. Monasteries tend to be beautiful, historical, and low-key. Some have been updated, but rooms typically are on the minimalist side with no TVs. Meals, cell phones, and Internet service may or may not be available, and bathrooms may be communal.
Many monasteries adhere to the rules of ...

Learn about the pros and cons of river cruising versus ocean cruising.

Hate the idea of leaving your dog home when you go on vacation? This article reviews camps where you can pamper, hike, play and train with your dog.

Vermont's Cheese Trail

Follow the Coastal Wine Trail from Connecticut through Rhode Island to Massachusetts.

Travel article on visiting The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

See page 88.

How to photograph the Northern Lights

A story for USA Today's Pet Guide about the charitable arms of Petco and Petsmart.

Petco and PetSmart charities.

I have two stories in the current Pet Guide 2016 – USA TODAY, available at the Online Store: One on choosing a purebred puppy, and the other on the benefits of crate training.

Can’t decide whether to go to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun? Guest contributor *Nancy Monson offers the scoop on both to help you decide. (Warning: You may end up visiting the two—just as she did.)
I am not a gamer. I couldn’t care less about slots, blackjack tables and craps, and I dislike the smoky environment that pervades many casinos. And yet I recently visited Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, Connecticut’s two premier resort casinos near the Rhode Island border, lured by the expanding array of activ...

Is it time for a wellness vacation—one where you spend time destressing and focusing on your mental and physical well-being? According to recent research from the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel is an estimated $816 billion market and is expected to explode to $1.1 trillion by 2025.

Guide to Boston for American Way's website