Large mass-market cruise ship sailing Alaska's Inside Passage

How to Choose an Alaska Cruise: Big, Luxury, or Expedition

July 22, 2026

By

The first time I saw Glacier Bay, I watched it slide past from a balcony on a big cruise ship — coffee in hand, the Margerie Glacier calving somewhere in the distance, everything beautiful and just out of …

Continue reading “How to Choose an Alaska Cruise: Big, Luxury, or Expedition”
FARO, ALGARVE

How to Plan A Trip to the Algarve – Beyond the Beaches!

July 17, 2023

By

The Algarve is the much-beloved summer southern destination of both Portuguese and Europeans alike, with a stunning topography of golden cliffs descending to meet the Atlantic Sea. Many hotels here even offer elevators to reach the beach below! …

Continue reading “How to Plan A Trip to the Algarve – Beyond the Beaches!”
Budapest

10 Things to Do In Budapest

July 12, 2023

By

Budapest is a fantastic city to spend a long weekend or to linger a little longer during a multi-stop Europe trip.  If you’re boarding a Danube river cruise here, I highly encourage you to arrive a few days …

Continue reading “10 Things to Do In Budapest”
STAY HEALTHY

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling: 7 Tips To Help You Avoid Getting Sick

July 8, 2023

By

There’s nothing quite like taking a vacation to get your mind and body back in shape. Being able to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life is a huge benefit of travel, but unfortunately, that also means exposure …

Continue reading “How To Stay Healthy While Traveling: 7 Tips To Help You Avoid Getting Sick”
Portimao

Best Algarve Towns for History Lovers

July 4, 2023

By

Explore the best towns of Algarve, Portugal and discover its rich history. From the Moorish influences to its colonial past, uncover the diverse and unique cultural heritage of this beautiful region, and uncover the many attractions that makes it a must-visit destination.

Banff mountain town

Eight Things To Do in Banff

May 29, 2023

By

Banff is a fantastic town in the Canadian Rockies that’s well worth a multi-day stay, perhaps on your trip with Rocky Mountaineer.  Wondering what to do with your free time here?  Here are my top suggestions.   Please note:  …

Continue reading “Eight Things To Do in Banff”
What do in denali

What to Do in Denali National Park in Alaska

December 12, 2021

By

Unlike most wilderness areas in the continental USA, you don’t have to be an extreme backbacker in the remote wilds to see wildlife here in Denali – you have excellent chances of spotting amazing animals even without sleeping in a tent! Here are some of the top activities to do in or near Denali National Park – linger a while here to appreciate this incredible preserve, and resist itineraries that have you rush your experience!  

things to do in Cartagena

8 Things To Do in Cartagena, Colombia

October 28, 2021

By

On my most recently visit to Cartagena, I stayed at the incredible Casa San Agustin hotel – one of the top boutique hotels in the city, a member of both Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. It was so wonderful being back in Colombia – the friendliness of the local people, the vibrancy of the culture, the incredible culinary opportunities, and the gorgeous architecture of this colonial walled city remains just breathtaking!
Read my article to find out more about this beautiful hotel as well as my top tips for things to do in Cartagena.

Wachau Valley Danube River Cruise

7 incredible countries you’ll explore on a Danube River Cruise

September 25, 2021

By

In Central and Eastern Europe, you’ll find some of the most spectacular landscapes, architecture—castles, churches and war memorials—as well as some of the most colorful, inviting cultures in the world.  But what’s the best way to see it all? A river cruise down the Danube River, of course.

portugal lisbon

The best places in Portugal for history lovers

September 25, 2021

By

For tourists with a penchant for history, Portugal remains a very popular destination, with 17 UNESCO world heritage sites and thousands of years of history to discover. Whether you are spending time in the bustling metropolises or venturing further off the beaten track, there are plenty of prominent historic sites for you to discover right across the country. Here are 3 of the best places in Portugal for history lovers.

What to pack on UnCruise in Alaska

What to pack for UnCruise in Alaska

September 7, 2021

By

Are you unsure of what to pack for your UnCruise in Alaska?  It’s one of my favorite ways to experience Alaska and you can read my previous trip report here. UnCruise does a great job of telling you …

Continue reading “What to pack for UnCruise in Alaska”
lisbon portugal

Best Things to do in Lisbon and Porto That Aren’t Touristy

August 22, 2021

By

Since I’ve been to Lisbon more times than I can count (and lived there!), I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do that are a bit more off-the-beaten-path.  I still recommend visiting all the popular sites like St George’s Castle, the Jeronimos Monastery, or wandering around the Alfama neighborhood, but here are my personal favorites if you have visited previously or like to get off the beaten path a little bit – or want suggestions for a rainy day!

Uncruise2

Exploring Alaska on the Wilderness Explorer with UnCruise (Initial Trip Report)

July 6, 2021

By

If you want to EXPERIENCE Alaska, take a small expedition boat with
UnCruise Adventures through the Inside Passage where you’ll be reminded at every turn that we are truly only guests in this Great Land. Hike, kayak, explore low tides, photograph bears, watch for whales. It’s impossible not to fall deeper in love with Alaska when you UnCruise.

Aveiro

What to do in Central Portugal

May 30, 2021

By

Central Portugal is one of the most visited areas on day-trips from Lisbon, but it deserves much more than a cursory eight hour tour in just one day.  History and church lovers will delight in visiting the monasteries, cathedrals, and castles that abound in this lush, beautiful area.  If you’re interested in the history of the Knights Templar (and their Portuguese successors, the Order of Christ), this area is rife with locations built by/for the Templars – your imagination will sure to be inspired!  I’ve visited this area more times than I can count, and there’s still something new to be discovered each time.

Scenic train rides Switzerland Bernina

8 Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland

April 26, 2021

By

There is no better way than traveling by train, especially when there are so many options and routes and every route worth exploring. Some of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland are very easy to incorporate into your itinerary planning. Beyond their sharp punctuality, surplus scenic routes, friendly service, the Swiss rail system provides you with an amazing experience and panoramic views that you can’t get enough of.

Where to see bears in Alaska

Where to see bears in Alaska

April 5, 2021

By

If your goal is to see bears in Alaska, you need to choose an itinerary that visits these specific areas. These remote regions are home to hundreds of bears who all congregate during salmon season and are practically posing for pictures.  You can do this as a day trip and fly roundtrip back to Anchorage the same day, or for an amazing experience you can stay the night in nearby wilderness lodges to get extra bear-viewing time.

Hawaii

Seven things NOT to do in Hawaii

March 11, 2021

By

There is so much to do in the Hawaiian Islands – a wide range of activities and experiences – however I always like to share my top things NOT to do when visiting this fantastic vacation destination.   Here are seven things to avoid on your next Hawaii trip. 

leopard on brown trunk tree

How to choose an African safari

February 17, 2021

By

When you choose an African safari you need to look beyond just the dates and the pricetag. Choose an African safari by looking closely at the value, not just the price-tag. Avoid disappointment by carefully examining these four things to consider before making your decision.

Monsaraz 4591770

Portugal’s Alentejo Region: A Place Where Time Stands Still

January 29, 2021

By

The Alentejo is one of Portugal’s best kept secrets, often referred to as “Tuscany before the tourists arrived.” You’ll fall in love with its rural scenery, farm to table cooking experiences, sweeping plains of olive groves and cork trees, horse riding on traditional ranches, and stays on gorgeous estates with wine-tasting, bird watching, hiking, and other activities included.

Blackberry Mountain

Best hotels and resorts in the USA to replace your international vacation 

December 18, 2020

By

There are an incredible number of fantastic vacation options right here in the continental USA. If your nest-egg for your annual European vacation has gone unused this year, why not think about making reservations at one of these American properties instead?
In this article I’ve assembled a list of some of the most fantastic properties for all styles of travel – seaside escapes, rural retreats, wellness-focused getaways, desert ranches, mountainous adventures, and more.

Dubrovnik Croatia

When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?

December 9, 2020

By

To help you figure out when to schedule your trip, I’d like to share a local perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of each season as well as some travel tips for that time of year.  Here’s a summary of what each season offers, with more details and ideas for your itinerary below. 
Summer is best for: beaches, watersports, festivals, and island hopping. 
Fall is best for: land and water-based outdoor activities, national parks, sightseeing, and food tourism. 
Winter is best for: holiday festivals, Carnival, winter sports, and spas.
Spring is best for: land-based outdoor activities, whitewater rafting, national parks, and sightseeing.

Sunset 1802028

New: Rocky Mountaineer USA Route – The Rockies to the Red Rocks

December 1, 2020

By

This luxury train trip in the Southwest USA with Rocky Mountaineer is a fantastic option for travelers wanting an extraordinary American vacation. From vast canyons and chromatic deserts, to red sandstone landscapes that twist through the bright blue sky, this stunning rail route is filled with highlights best seen from the fantastic expansive glass-dome coaches.  The two-day train journey travels between Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. 

PXL 20201031

What Resorts Are Doing to Keep You Safe in Pandemic Times

November 8, 2020

By

I wanted to share some photos of the safety measures and current protocols in place for hotels. Some of these practices are truly impressive and a testament to the tourism industry’s ability to pivot and adapt. During our stay so far, it has been so easy to social distance and to be completely in control of how much we interact with others each day.

Nicolas sinanian entUE OIHnI unsplash

Puerto Vallarta: Eight Reasons to Visit

November 8, 2020

By

 Puerto Vallarta is more than just a beach vacation. It’s a vibrant, stunning juxtaposition of golden beaches, green jungles, meandering mountains, and intriguing culture. After returning from a fantastic stay in Puerto Vallarta,  I’m in love with this …

Continue reading “Puerto Vallarta: Eight Reasons to Visit”
Rocky mountaineer trip planning

How to Choose a Rocky Mountaineer Train Route

July 28, 2020

By

If a luxurious train trip through the Canadian Rockies has been on your bucket list, but you’re not quite sure which to take, don’t worry! I’ve designed a short, fun quiz to help you decide what type of train trip you should take. Click below to get started!

Bear Lodges Wellsboro

Exploring Wellsboro, PA, with a stay at the Bear Lodges

June 27, 2020

By

Sometimes we don’t have to get on a plane or travel far to get a change of scenery or escape the stresses of our day-to-day life.  Beautiful scenery, charming lodging, and a weekend of refreshing disconnect and recharging …

Continue reading “Exploring Wellsboro, PA, with a stay at the Bear Lodges”
AMA Waterways River Cruise

How You’ll Spend Your Time Aboard a River Cruise

June 20, 2020

By

On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. My goal is to match you to a luxurious but affordable vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.

Rhine River Cruise

4 Incredible Countries You’ll Explore on the Rhine

May 14, 2020

By

Whenever I advise my travelers on choosing a river cruise, I pay special attention to their interests, such as art, culture, food, active or wellness programs, history, and destination wishlist. Do you want to spend more of your time in Switzerland, Germany or France? What about the Netherlands? Let’s take a closer look at some destinations on the Rhine River and you’ll see why my clients keep coming back for more.

24 Gliding on the river

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love River Cruising

May 9, 2020

By

To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean liner experience for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on AmaWaterways just how superbly well they go together. AmaWaterways river cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

#2 Sydney Harbor Bridge fun facts

Where to Go in Australia

March 1, 2020

By

Australia is often a “bucket list” travel destination for my clients but they keep putting it off! “Maybe one day…” or “Someday I’d like to…” are some of the phrases they send me. I’m here to encourage you to stop thinking of Australia as a “someday” destination and urge you to make it a “this year” destination. Sure, the flight is long (let’s talk about the elephant in the room!) but once you’re there, you will fall in love with Australia and want to return again and again. I’ve helped clients plan trips to Australia with a variety of travel styles: a luxury train trip across the country, a self-drive itinerary, a romantic honeymoon focused on relaxation and wine-tasting, and an animal lover’s route to some of the best kangaroo destinations!

IMG 20190529

My Alaskan Day-Cruise in Prince William Sound with Lazy Otter Charters

July 13, 2019

By

We spent the day exploring Prince William Sound, found a young female whale feeding, spotted a rare Golden Eagle, photographed lots of birds, raced dolphins in the water, saw many families of sea otters, and got to see Cascade Glacier calving. The small boat got us so much closer to the glaciers than any large cruise ship could – I highly recommend a Lazy Otters Charter day cruise!

Kasbah

Trip Report – A Week In Morocco: Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains

July 3, 2019

By

Morocco was one of my favorite trips in all of 2018 and I already have plans to return.  I’ve also sent many clients to Morocco,  including honeymooners, and I definitely thought it was a very romantic, adventurous location after I visited it for myself. Here’s how I managed to blend cities, mountains, beach, and culture into one trip!

Montana6

5 Reasons To Visit Glacier National Park

February 23, 2019

By

If Glacier National Park is on your bucket list, you’re not alone – thousands flock to Northwestern Montana every year between spring and fall to explore the glacier-carved lakes and valley. While less than 30 actual glaciers remain, …

Continue reading “5 Reasons To Visit Glacier National Park”
Scape 92603

Itinerary: Prague, Budapest, and Dubrovnik

July 22, 2018

By

3 nights in Prague, 3 nights in Budapest, 1 night in Zagreb , [12 day G-Adventures tour], 3 nights in Dubrovnik. Includes:
-10 hotel nights, -First class train tickets between cities; -Food tour in Prague; -Food tour in Budapest; -Geopark Bohemian Paradise hiking excursion from Prague; -Dinner cruise on the Danube in Budapest; -Cycling and kayaking in Dubvrovnik

RM18 Morants 3 Train Exterior

Why I Love Suggesting Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips to My Clients

July 9, 2018

By

If you’ve asked me to surprise you with a vacation suggestion, you know that I am obsessed with Rocky Mountaineer. I have never had a client who did not come back raving from their experience with Rocky Mountaineer. Here are several reasons why you should book your next luxury vacation with them!

Sign 1786009

How to Visit Alaska (without going on a mega-cruise)

March 11, 2018

By

You don’t need to be on a mega-cruise to visit Alaska. This is one of the most awe-inspiring states I’ve ever visited, and it’s my belief it’s the perfect match for so many travelers’ wishlists. Here are 5 ways to visit Alaska without a mega-cruise.

Iceland

Iceland Honeymoon Itinerary

February 20, 2018

By

Iceland is a fantastic destination for a romantic trip, so when my clients asked me to put together an Iceland honeymoon itinerary, I was thrilled to do so. Their top priority was to see the Northern Lights and to experience many hot springs,  so I catered the itinerary towards this goal,  leaving additional time for romance and adventure!

Using Google Fi On Overseas Trips

Using Google Fi in Portugal & Other International Destinations

February 10, 2018

By

I’ve been a loyal Google Fi user since December 2017, when I first wrote this article. It’s now almost 2022 and I still remain very happy with Google Fi as a frequent international traveler.  I even used it for 5 months when living in Portugal last year.  Here is my initial report about using Google Fi in Portugal back in 2017 – I’m happy to report that I’m still very happy with this network carrier and I think it’s one of the best options for frequent international travelers.  

river cruising

Why River Cruising Is A Great Value

July 9, 2017

By

I wanted to explain to some clients why River Cruising can be a fantastic value for your vacation.  So I set off to do my own research and to compare the price of an Ocean Cruise, a DIY …

Continue reading “Why River Cruising Is A Great Value”
PORTUGAL

10 Days in Portugal: Client Itinerary

February 25, 2017

By

10 days in fairytale Portugal, staying in boutique hotels and castle-hotels, covering most of Portugal’s major areas and taking you from beaches to mountains, palaces, national parks, medieval towns, castles, and bustling cities!

Normandy

A Trip to Normandy with Bayeux Shuttle

February 10, 2017

By

I recently assisted guest poster Sophia Curcio with her trip to Paris, France. One of her bucket list items was a trip to Normandy to see the D-Day Beaches. Here’s her review of her wonderful experience! “It’s one thing to read in a history book the facts about what happened – it’s another to hear story after story of 19-and-20-year olds (and younger!) displaying remarkable acts of courage…”

An independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network — a Virtuoso® Member

 

  • Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39093
  • California Seller of Travel No. 2164892-40
  • Washington UBID No. 603 308 394

ASTAVerticalCMYK

Work with me

  • anna@travelobservations.com
  • 412-203-4061
  • Carnegie / Pittsburgh, PA –  Accepting clients across the USA

rocky mountianeer ad

Copyright © 2026 · All Rights Reserved · Travel Observations

Swell Lite from Organic Themes · RSS Feed