Michael Austin

The Novodevichy Cemetery, where the ghosts of Gogol, Chekhov, Molotov and Prokofiev, among others, hang out.

Russian Accent

I’m not sure what to expect in Moscow. Sure, I know everything has changed, but I also know the old Russia abounds, albeit dressed in the new garments of capitalism, or at least capitalism’s cousin a couple times removed. I gaze out the window of the 24-story Hilton Leningradskaya and think, “But everything still looks Russian.”

Swiss Treats

It takes a leap of faith to toboggan by the light of the moon on a cold winter night. But our guide atop Switzerland’s Mt. Rigi promises us warm mugs of wine and gooey cheese fondue once we finish gliding beneath the stars, high above the villages that festoon the fairytale shores of Lake Lucerne below.

This mountain, less than an hour from Zurich, is most famous for its views, but we see only flickering lights through a miasma of chilly fog. Nevertheless, the thrill’s in the speed and the slow burn of frost on our cheeks as we safely navigate the well-lit trail.

Nordic Bite: Iceland's Dining Revolution

My culinary experience in Reykjavik does not begin well, but I blame the Vikings. It was they who concocted the ammonia-laden fermented shark meat I accidentally sample at the food court in the city’s weekend flea market, as well as the boiled half-a-sheep’s-head my tablemate scarfs down at the BSI Bus Terminal’s cafeteria (jaw and tongue intact).

Visit artist studio and exclusive exhibits (including the work of Ernesto Bertani, whose works include "De Corazon, above) as part of an artist insider tour in Buenos Aires.

On the Trail of Great Art (and Artists) in Buenos Aires

As fluid in movement as his colorful paintings, Argentine artist Ernesto Bertani whirls and swirls around his crowded atelier in the San Cristobal neighborhood of Buenos Aires. From behind doors, beneath tables and inside cabinets, he pulls paintings from storage, some dating back three decades.

A showcase of the best of the blogosphere, brought to you by Washington Flyer.

Washington Flyer’s Best Travel Blogs of 2011

We traveled the planet to find the very best places for our readers to visit—and now we’ve “traveled” the web to track down and share the best of the blogosphere.

Whether you’re visiting the farthest reaches of the planet or simply looking for a great cocktail in a Washington, D.C., bar, Flyer has the scoop on everything you need to know courtesy of our top travel and adventure bloggers.

See Istanbul Like a Local

I stand close to some of Istanbul’s most revered sights: the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Aya Sofya. Glorious sights—but I’m compelled to skip them. That’s how I introduce myself to Burcu, my young, chic guide.

The Drake Hotel doubles as a hot spot for entertainment and a wonderful place to stay.

Cool Central: Toronto's West Queen West Neighborhood

Betty Ann Jordan is worked up about her street. Which prompts her to speak in a clipped Canadian staccato and move like a point guard, zigzagging along sidewalks and ducking into shop entrances. I trail a couple paces behind her and try to keep up.

But there’s so much to see in Toronto’s West Queen West neighborhood—bohemian galleries, boutiques, cafés and plenty of what filmmakers might affectionately call grit to give the place atmosphere—I stumble behind like a distracted child.

The author swims through a fresh-water cenote in Riviera Maya.

Warm-Weather Escape: Riviera Maya

I float atop teardrop-colored water and can’t stop thinking about the dead. Not the blind albino salamanders or bat corpses I might see—though these would be eerie enough if I encountered a bloated floater amid all this darkness.

Jochen Keute

Cycling is one of Munich's favorite pastimes with 745 miles of bike lanes.

Little Big Town: Munich, Germany

On my nightstand sits a photograph of my parents, taken during their three-year tour in Germany before I was born. My mother is beautiful, with her long dark bangs swept to the side. She’s gazing at my father, a handsome young first lieutenant in full dress uniform. They are standing in front of a garden of roses.

Nell Whiting (all photos)

Longtail boats at dusk on Phi Phi Island.

Thailand for Beginners

It’s official—I don’t like the idea of being fish bait. In fact, I’ll go on record and say I don’t like it at all. But as I float in the turquoise water of the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s coast, fish don’t really care what I think.

I snorkel with friends alongside a series of islands that resemble Seuss-like creations of rocks that spring like dollops of rock candy from the sea. The 15-minute boat ride to get here from my hotel was bliss—and this? Not so much.