In Europe

Footsteps

Where Victor Hugo Found Freedom

By ANN MAH

Hazel Thompson for The New York Times

Drawing room in Hauteville House where Victor Hugo lived on Guernsey. It is now a museum.

In exile on Guernsey, off the coast of France, Hugo poured himself into “Les Misérables” and his home’s decoration. More than 150 years later, the writer’s Guernsey is still present.

Slide Show: Victor Hugo’s Guernsey

Montjuïc Magic Fountain features music and colors at night.

36 Hours in Barcelona, Spain

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS

In the Catalan capital, tuna belly is painted with jamón fat, new galleries surface in the shadow of Gaudí and children play around the Magic Fountain.

Personal Stories

A Tourist in My Son’s New Home

By DOMINIQUE BROWNING

It is a wise mother who remembers the lessons that once came out of her mouth about how to be a good houseguest.

Q&A;

Ken Budd, author of “The Voluntourist,” in Costa Rica at a school where he taught English.

Taking a Trip to Lend a Hand

By KENAN CHRISTIANSEN

Six years ago, Ken Budd “saw the impact of small gestures” in Louisiana. Since then, he’s traveled the world as a volunteer. Here, he offers advice for “voluntourists.”

From Asia

Easy China, 3 Ways

By DAN LEVIN, KEITH BRADSHER and DAVID BARBOZA

Top left, Kees Metselaar for The New York Times; right, Gilles Sabrie for The New York Times; bottom left, Qilai Shen for The New York Times

Clockwise from top left, in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Insiders cut through the chaos to offer easy-to-use cheat sheets for spending a week in Beijing, Hong Kong or Shanghai.

What Are Your Tips for Visiting China?

The Fortress Walk, running a little more than two kilometers, has been open to the public since 2007. The trail side facing the presidential compound is lined with sensors to alert heavily armed soldiers hidden in bunkers if they have to defend the compound from intruders.

A Great View of Seoul, if You Follow the Rules

By CHOE SANG-HUN

A well-guarded mountain trek open for the past several years offers a picturesque panorama of the president’s compound and a sprawling city.

On the West Coast

Space Needle, via PR Newswire

Painting the Space Needle "Galaxy Gold," its original color, to celebrate the landmark's 50th birthday.

Heads Up

Seattle, 50 Years After the Fair

By CHRISTOPHER HALL

To remember its 1962 World’s Fair, Seattle is giving the Space Needle a fresh look and hosting a six-month celebration.

Tropical Trips

Frugal Traveler Blog

Fiji for the Rest of Us

By SETH KUGEL

Many Fiji resorts have a secret of sorts: a two-tier system with private cabanas for well-heeled travelers but also shared dorm rooms for those on a budget.

Check In, Check Out

The Shelborne’s new oceanfront pool area.

Hotel Review: The Shelborne South Beach

By SARAH STODOLA

The Shelborne features show-stopping common areas and a location to match. But glitches could rub the sheen off the glitz.

Tips

Practical Traveler

Getting Refunds if the Price Drops

By MICHELLE HIGGINS

A number of travel sites will help you get money back if the price of a room or flight drops after you reserve. So which one is right for you? Here’s a guide to three of the sites.

Have You Used These Services? Share Your Experiences

Letters to the Travel Editor

The 45 Places to Go in 2012

By NEW YORK TIMES

London, Havana, Lhasa and, yes, even the final frontier. A year’s worth of reasons to pack your bags and take off.

In Transit Blog

The Top 10 of 2011

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

A survey of the top articles of 2011 from The New York Times Travel section.

New York City App

The Scoop is an insider’s guide to what to eat, drink and do in New York from the staff of The Times. Want more? Check out our lists on coffee, shopping and home furnishing stores.