Lower-priced hotels have long been the realm of Muzak-filled lobbies outfitted with worse-for-wear furniture and industrial carpeting. But the genre has entered a new era. A wine bar? A sleek lounge area? Free Wi-Fi?

Photo: Dog and Master
Keywords: sherry scribner dog dog trainer lab Photo: My girlscats at homeKeywords: cats animals nature home Photo: ZooCatWild Cat at the ZooKeywords: cat zoo wild wildlife nature

Missed the Inca Trail? A guide to alternate treks
There was no space on the Inca Trail. “Estás seguro?” I pleaded with dormant Spanish, or “Are you sure?” in English. I was sitting face to face with the ninth Peruvian salesman that day to offer the same answer. He was positive. No space on the Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, but his alternative trek was the real deal, he said.

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