If you think green beer and corned beef are the only makings of St. Patrick's Day, you haven't been celebrating in Ireland. That's not to say that the U.S. take on the holiday is wrong--Chicago pretty much tops the charts with its extravagant green river--but over in the land of Blarney, it's a whole different festival.

St. Patrick's Day actually started out as a religious holiday celebrating the life of St. Patrick. And while there are still a few souls who start the day in church, the focus of the holiday swung from reverence to revelry a long time ago. Today, Ireland indulges in a full six days of eating, drinking, and merrymaking in honor of their country's patron saint.

When I first heard that there was an earthquake in Chile, I wasn't too worried. I'd lived through months of temblores during my year abroad, so I assumed it was one of the smaller varieties that used to set my apartment swaying. It wasn't until I learned it was a massive 8.8 terremoto that I started to panic.

What I love about travel is the way it expands your worldview. I admit that I have occasionally felt like I had it hard here in the U.S. But all it takes is a trip beyond our borders and I remember how very lucky I am.

And inevitably when the citizens of my host country open their arms and welcome me, treat me like a guest in their beautiful country, I am humbled anew. Travelers are acutely aware that the world is not a collection of different people and countries, but rather a global community where people rely upon one another. And they understand that the gift of travel comes with responsibilities.

Good news for any woman who, like me, appreciates a good bathroom in the sky: Japan’s All Nippon Airways is rolling out ladies-only restrooms this month. Next time you have to powder your nose on ANA, ladies, the seat will be down and your spirits (the airline hopes) will be up.

Dear Editors,

Does Mexico charge a departure tax when returning to the U.S.?  If so, what is the tax and does it have to be paid in pesos?

B in Phoenix

Hello Phoenix Traveler,

This week's question comes from a traveler in Phoenix:

I'll admit it: I’m a sucker for forbidden-fruit destinations and travel taboos. I love finding beauty in places that were no-goes for travelers not long ago; my two favorite trips of 2009 were to the charming countries of Colombia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But one mysterious land that I’m not sure holds much mystery for me is North Korea—and its government is sending out the invitations.

Nicholas Wolaver is a PR man by day and an Olympics superfan and historian by...well, also by day. He’s managed to marry his interests with a career that’s sent him to a half-dozen Olympic Games—experiences he blogs about at Olympic Rings and Other Things. From his temporary post in Vancouver, he talked to us about his travels, Vancouver and Whistler tips, and social media at the Olympics.

I’m not sure why, but putting a piece of food on a stick always puts a smile on travelers’ faces. Maybe it’s because we associate skewered snacks with childhood pleasures like lollipops and popsicles; maybe it’s because sticks make for easy cleanup when we’re on the go.

Either way, certain destinations are held in high esteem for their unforgettable (for better or for worse) meals on sticks. Here are 10 picked especially for brave travelers—stick it to your friends when you complete one of these challenges.

It is with heavy hearts that we at the Window Seat have been watching the coverage of the disaster in Haiti. Political instability, economic poverty, and a series of natural disasters have kept many would-be tourists from experiencing the rich culture and beautiful shores of this small country--but this has not kept the travel industry from responding with donations and acts of charity. Here’s how a few travel companies have stepped up to help.

Travelocity: As of Tuesday, 1/19, Travelocity/Sabre Holdings and its employees have already committed $30,000 to relief efforts.