A Black Forest Fairy Tale

Home of Little Red Riding Hood, Germany's Schwarzwald delights families with hikes to glacial lakes, rustic mountaintop huts, farm tours, and cozy spa-hotels.
Plus: innocent pleasures in southern Bavaria.

Rick Steves

Home Of The Hardy Alpinists, paragliders and Indians visiting Bollywood film locations may love the Alps, but the mountains truly test locals.

Tubing Texas Houston heat too much for you? Grab an inner-tube and head to the cool waters of Guadalupe River State Park.

Plus: nearby attractions.


Weekend Getaways

Dog Days In Mammoth Four-legged companions love Mammoth's doggie bakery, pooch-friendly patios and lake-lined trails.

More photos | Comment

Undiscovered China Camp San Rafael's hidden state park has the water views, campsites, trails and fishing you'd usually drive hours for. Comment

Under Covers

Rustic Retreat Named for the explorer who discovered Carson Pass, the lakeside Kit Carson Lodge offers off-the-grid family fun.

Plus: High Sierra's Clair Tappaan Lodge


John Flinn 
Klutzy Readers Report Back
A flood of comments on the "Sicko" column shows varied views on health care abroad.
Read the original "Sicko" column.

Tripping

Spain's City Of Art Artist and Barcelona local Will Shank paints a picture of the city's best museums, Gaudi designs and human pyramids.

Travel Troubleshooter
Christopher Elliott
Voucher Fun With Funjet
Fine print: Credits for delayed honeymoon flights may only be good on charter flights. Comment.

Shall We RV? Now with golf courses, waterslides, spas and cable TV, RV parks make roughing it easier. Comment.

On Travel Ed Perkins
Bump And Whine
Tell the government how you feel about new airline "bumping" rules. Comment.

Column archives: Budget Travel, Cruise Briefing, Departures, Guidebook Guide, Hawaii Calls, On Travel, Rick Steves, Under Covers

see all Chronicle Travel stories

Tipsy On Night Train In an effort to gin up new business, Amtrak offers $100 in free booze on some overnight trips. Comment.

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Featured Neighborhood   Golden Gate Park Celebrate summer in S.F.'s favorite outdoor playground. Or join the debate over a car ban. More Neighborhoods East Bay | San Francisco Resources Wine Country Reno-Tahoe Ski & Snow Outdoors Food & Dining Transportation Gay & Lesbian More sights, neighborhoods, shopping and entertainment in Bay Area Traveler. More San Francisco deals, specials, and packages at Must Do Travel.