A generation ago, young travelers hit the road with nothing more than a backpack, a few dollars and a Eurail pass to cover as many Western European countries as possible.

But these days, that Eurail pass can take travelers far past the west-to-east borders, all the way to the Black Sea.

Already jaded by her Western European experiences, Dara Bramson reports on her journey south and east as part of a new generation of intrepid backpackers.

While shopping maven Suzy Gershman tipples her way through Napa wines, she set a shopping challenge for her partner-in-crime, Sarah Lahey: visit three countries in five days to see what bargains she could uncover without compromising style or experience.

Dear Peter,

I’m often told that I have the best job in the world as Editorial Director for Suzy Gershman’s “Born to Shop” travel guides. Well, it just got better.

It’s no secret that most airlines aren’t going to be winning any awards for cleanliness.

But one woman’s story on Extra might really make you think.

So how dirty are airplanes? And what can you do to protect yourself?

Find out in this clip:

Dear Peter,

I am about to do a huge tour of Napa and California Wine Country for a new book, so I kicked off the research the way anyone would—in the city of San Francisco.

It was just a quickie visit, but the main purpose was to attend a re-corking workshop, something I had never even heard about before.

I was hoping for a perfect autumn week in New York, but instead got winter as I arrived to work on a TV show, go to some meetings and check up on what’s new in town.

The great thing about fall in New York City is that even if you don’t get crisp air and gorgeous leaves, there’s still a lot of energy on the streets and new stuff is constantly being introduced to catch your attention.

If you’re a woman traveling solo, this one is for you. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not safe to travel on your own. It’s entirely doable—if you pack a little common sense and have the right resources in hand.

In these tough times when daily stresses are compounded by the need to county every penny, you may yearn for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.

If your ideal spot is a luxury spa, Marjorie Hope Rothstein has some tips on stretching your travel dollars and where to find great deals this fall and beyond.

First, some tips:

World traveler and shopper extraordinaire Suzy Gershman is back with her latest missive.

Dear Peter,

I know you have a little house somewhere here on the river in Bangkok, and I keep peering out the window looking for it, but frankly, I’ve been very happy bouncing around town in my tuk-tuk and staying at an assortment of luxury hotels.