A familial journey to Israel, launched with a simple cheek swab

Little did I know when my daughter gave me a DNA kit that what she was really giving me was a chance to meet family, discover my past, and see Israel with a newfound cousin at my side.

Seeing Lake Winnipesaukee from the M/S Mount Washington is a N.H. must-do

The boat has been taking families on tours of Lake Winnipesaukee — informing, entertaining, and feeding them along the way — for nearly 150 years.

Worcester has upped its game

It took an unexpected detour to show me the city’s charms, which are real and worth experiencing.

If you go . . . The M/S Mount Washington

The M/S Mount Washington sails Lake Winnipesaukee from Weirs Beach in Laconia from May to October.

Check In
Check In: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
We need an escape and some peace and quiet. A friend recommended a resort in Cancun. Cancun? Wouldn’t that be crazy? Nope. Happy to report my friend was right.

Bump in the Road
Our travel writer had so much bad luck on a recent trip, he cried on a sidewalk
Christopher Muther had been blessed with decades of smooth travel for a very long time. But lost luggage, lockbox hell, and a flat tire finally caught up to him — all at once.

Latest Headlines in Travel

Travel Troubleshooter

Why did Frontier make me pay extra for my checked bags?

When Lorine Lashock buys tickets on Frontier Airlines, the fare includes two checked bags. Frontier thinks otherwise, and charges her $100 on her return. Can she get her money back? 8:40 p.m.

Here, there, and everywhere

Travel news you can use. 7:48 p.m.

VIP LOUNGE | Emily Bautista

The VIP Lounge with actress Emily Bautista

Bautista is excited about her return to New England as the lead in the North American tour of “Miss Saigon,” which is at the Boston Opera House June 12-30. 3:22 p.m.

CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Don’t tell me where I can vacation, OK, Mr. President?

You’ve recently tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba. How about I don’t dictate your travels, and you don’t dictate mine? 10:39 a.m.

The symphonic politics of Rick Steves

A chat with travel guru Rick Steves, who joins the Boston Pops to take audiences on a musical trip through Europe. 1:11 p.m.

The VIP Lounge | Adam Levin

The VIP Lounge with Adam Levin of X Ambassadors

The multiplatinum-selling Los Angeles-based band will return to Boston to perform at Royale on June 18. 7:05 p.m.

Rainy day diversions on the Cape

Cape Cod beach day a washout? Here’s where to hang until the sun shows up. 2:40 p.m.

Getting to the Great White Continent

We cruised with a lively bunch of fellow passengers, of varying ages and from a variety of countries, to toast our arrival to Antarctica. The adventure had begun. 12:18 p.m.