Chinas new airport in Guangzhou has made it easier to travel to remote areas such as Lijiang, a town with ancient wooden houses and cobblestone streets. (Bryan Chan / LAT)
Ethiopias rich archeological sites, such as the stelae in Aksum guarded for more than 30 years by Berhane Gebrewahid, above, make the African country a fascinating destination. (Marco Longari AFP/Getty Images)
A United flight in Chicago. The airline offers seats with extra legroom, but that usually means paying $29 to $99 more. (Richard Derk / LAT)
Experts say 10 weeks of semiprivate study, twice a week, can help you mingle with the locals. (Richard Derk / LAT)
The key to a smooth vacation is in the planning. A schedule can help you remember what needs to be done, from getting documents to tossing perishables from the refrigerator. (Béatrice de Géa / LAT)
