Is a Danube River Cruise Right for You?
Is a Danube River Cruise Right for You? Travelers are enjoying river cruises in record numbers, making it one of the hottest trends in travel. The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest river, flows through ten countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Explorers who want to be exposed to a wide range of cultures, languages, and experiences will soak up the sites along this sprawling waterway. The Danube also boasts an interesting blend of urban and rural sites. Those who appreciate dramatic natural scenes and also delight...
Read MoreTop European Cities to Visit in 2018
Top European Cities to Visit in 2018 2018 promises to be an exciting year to visit Europe! Here are our top picks of lesser-known European cities that are gems in their own right. Have fun exploring! Bucharest: Elegance Layered with History Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is also known as the little Paris of the East. This is a city of contrasts where historic buildings share space with towering, modern skyscrapers. The historic quarter is one of the area’s most popular leisure districts; numerous parks and lakes add to the city’s charm. The Cismigiu Gardens in the center of the city is...
Read MoreAlaska Cruise
An Alaskan cruise promises a spectacular front-row seat to some of the wildest maritime sights, interesting shore excursions, and natural beauty. So…should you take a cruise to Alaska? Read on for the many reasons why it very well may be the trip of a lifetime. When Should You Go? The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September. June, July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures rising into the 70s. Where Does the Cruise Go? You can expect an Alaskan cruise to usually follow one of two routes—the Inside Passage itinerary runs round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle...
Read MoreFun Family Activities in Kaua’i
The notion that Kaua’i is only for honeymooners and adventure seekers is untrue. The Garden Island is also an ideal place to travel with children of all ages—from toddlers to teenagers. Here are our top picks of the best spots for families in Kaua’i. Take the K Train For a unique, kid-friendly experience, stop by historic Kilohana Plantation and take a ride on the sugar cane train. Weaving through fruit trees, animal enclosures, and every part of the acreage, little ones will especially enjoy feeding the goats and pigs. The train ride ends right outside of Koloa Rum Co. for a little adult...
Read MoreCosta Maya for Families
A trip to Mexico’s breathtaking Costa Maya offers a wide array of nature, adventure, cultural and family activities that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages. Here are some of our noteworthy picks: Cenotes A unique system of underground rivers and caves on the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes are shrouded by a sense of mystique and awe. These sinkholes are underground or partly sheltered by rocks; others look like rocky, shallow ponds. You can explore the cenotes by scuba diving, kayaking or swimming on your own or via guided tours. Be prepared for some very cold water! Cenote Azul is a popular...
Read MoreCruises Are Beneficial For Your Wellbeing: Benefits of Cruise Travel
If you’re contemplating where to take your next vacation, a new study may provide you with some food for thought. Recent research shows that going on a cruise may improve our wellbeing – and the effects can apparently last for up to six months. While most travel is beneficial, cruises seem to be particularly so thanks to their multi-faceted nature, which includes time for relaxation, visiting multiple destinations and being able to experience a variety of new activities. The researchers, whose work has been published in the International Journal of Tourism Research, concluded this...
Read MoreWhy You Need a Travel Consultant
A large percentage of travelers are finding out that in offering more options, online travel sites have actually made it more confusing to figure out what they are selling. Many travelers dread the moment they have to sit down at the computer to research travel, wasting valuable time and feeling uncertain about their purchase. Seems like a good time to call in a pro, wouldn’t you agree? Here are 10 reasons why you should consider using a professional travel consultant: A travel consultant knows how to sell both the product and service —for example, the airline and resort or cruise...
Read MoreNew Orleans Family Fun
Maybe you want to enjoy Mardi Gras (surprisingly kid-friendly!) or soak up the Cajun vibes. Whatever your reason, New Orleans is a great place to bring the whole family. In fact, the Big Easy was ranked #1 on TripAdvisor’s list of the “7 Best Family Getaways in America.” Visiting New Orleans with kids may be one of the best vacations you’ll ever take … and here’s why! Top New Orleans Family Attractions Beignets. Treat your family to a New Orleans culinary staple (and this town’s guilty pleasure) at Café du Monde, an open-air French Cafe in the French Quarter. A local institution...
Read MoreCuba Cruise Itineraries
Located just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba is a world apart in many respects. For decades, visiting Cuba was impossible for nearly all Americans, but today, this traveler’s jewel is just a cruise away! Here are the top picks of 2018 itineraries from our preferred cruise lines: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE 4 Night Havana sailing on the Carnival Paradise from Tampa (prices* starting from $939 in May for an Ocean View Cabin) 5 Night Havana And Key West sailing on the Carnival Paradise from Tampa (prices* starting from $939 in July for an Ocean View Cabin) With the largest fleet at sea Carnival...
Read MoreCruising to Cuba
Cruising to Cuba A chance to see colorful, out-of-the-way ports and the opportunity to really get a feel for its culture, flavors and rhythms makes taking a cruise to Cuba the ideal way to see it. Why Should You Visit Cuba? The appeal of Cuba is that it has remained free of western influence and commercialization. The countryside is stunning, the beaches are gorgeous, and most of all, the people are warm and friendly. The island’s colonial architecture, history, and music add to its appeal, culminating in a unique vacation experience. When Should You Go? The prime time to visit Cuba is...
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