Big Sur in winter, without the crowds! Except that Big Sur has few places to stay and little to do, so even in the busiest months, “crowds” is relative. But we’ll allow it. [NYT]

Tribune staff reporter vacations in Spain and Morocco. Sample line: “My wife, Bonnie, and I explored the ancient and contemporary sides of both countries in early November 2005.” Please enjoy. [ChiTrib]

Bev takes the Ghan train through Australia. Like so many of us did when the route launched two years ago. In case you missed the 400 stories that ran, this one will do. [LAT]

We can’t even begin to tell you how many ways our head is being made to hurt by reading the statement “Wellness spa treatments are a hot travel trend. But do they work? Therein lies the rub.” The story’s about spas that pair up medical services with traditional spa menus, but we couldn’t read it because when some copy editor thinks its funny to use “there’s the rub” in a deck, we run screaming for the hills. [WaPo]

Grandpa Harry crosses (not sails!) the Atlantic on the QM2. Better to check out our strategy guide for first-timers, here. [Chron]