Dear Reader,

This month’s Travel Post starts out with an easy and economical way to see the major cities in Japan from unusual vantage points. Our writer calls it tower hopping.

Next, everyone who travels could probably use a few travel tips -- like this one, for example: scanning your passport, tickets, reservations, and other travel documents to an online account means that if anything unexpected happens on your trip, you can download the documents from an internet café anywhere in the world.

A rendezvous with Galapagos Islands wildlife was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for our next writer. He states that (for now, at least) the 19 islands that make up the archipelago still have the same wondrous impact on visitors as they did on Charles Darwin in 1835.

One of the first things the educational guides point out to hikers in Parque Arvi, a Colombian eco park, is the dragon tree. “The sap from this tree is red like blood,” they say -- from which comes the name Dragon’s Blood.

The list of health benefits attributed to this dark, viscous liquid is long.

Tübingen is a university town with a population of almost 90,000, more than one quarter of which is made up of university students. The Old Town is exactly what you think of when picturing Germany; there are timber-framed houses, market places, cobblestone streets, and even a brewery. But according to our writer, the people defy just about every stereotype you’ve heard.

Not a lot of people know about Cerro Ancon, a jungle oasis within Panama City. It offers not only a taste of the natural beauty of Panama, but also some excellent photo opportunities.

Read these stories -- and see the great photos that go with them -- here: http://www.travelpostmonthly.com.

Fair winds and following seas,
Janette

Janette Jones
Editor, Travel Post Monthly

This Month’s Featured Stories:

• Tower Hopping in Japan - For those who like breathtaking views, but don’t want to climb Mt. Fuji, try tower hopping! Every major city in Japan has a tower with an observatory. During our past two Japan trips we visited six unique towers. The prices range from 600 yen ($7.75) to 820 yen ($10.50) to ride to the top. All are easily reached via train and/or bus.
• Tips for Traveling - No matter if you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned pro well on her way to joining the Travelers’ Century Club, there are a few things that will make your trip easier.
• Sail in Darwin’s Wake While You Still Can - Absolute silence, except for the breathing in my snorkel. A sleek, dark black body suddenly appears, gliding silently, effortlessly, close enough to touch. Just as quickly it’s gone. Another appears. The narrow, pointed head, small ears, bull neck, and powerful flippers are huge in the crystal clear, tepid water. The sea lion’s large brown eyes look directly at me as it rolls, dives, and frolics with dolphin-like antics.      
• How to Find (and Drink) the Blood of a Dragon - The next time a little person asks if you believe in dragons, say yes. Then go one step further and say, “I’ve even tasted its blood!” Now watch those little eyes pop open. 
• Somewhere in Southern Germany - When I started my university career, little did I know it would take me to a picturesque town in the middle of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. But where better to spend my semester abroad; it is gorgeous and warm in summer while beautiful and white in winter, and the people defy just about every stereotype you have ever heard about Germany.
• Cerro Ancon, Panama City, Panama - Located on the northeast end of Panama City, overlooking the Panama Canal, is Cerro Ancon. It’s the highest natural point in Panama City and has excellent views of the Panama Canal, Bridge of the Americas, Casco Viejo, and the modern skyline of Panama City …