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! …
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 …
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 …
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 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: …
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most extraordinary luxury trains in North America. Follow these planning tips to simplify the itinerary design process!
Northern Portugal is a region that is perfect for travelers who are interested in adventure activities, winemaking, hot springs, and history. Here are my itinerary suggestions for this magical region of Portugal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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!
These Morocco travel tips may help to make your next trip just a little bit better! Find out why I recommend reserving dinner ahead of time on your first night and other useful tips for your Moroccan adventures!
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
What’s it like taking the bus between Marrakesh and Essaouira in Morocco? Here are some insider tips to make this comfortable journey just a bit easier!
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, …
Try to add on a trip to Banos if you’re traveling through Ecuador! Here, a client kindly submitted a guest blog after I planned a trip for her to Quito and Banos.
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
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!
I submitted these ten travel tips a few years ago to a Twitter account that contacted me asking for advice. I recently found them on my computer, and realized I should share them with my readers too! Here we go…
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 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!
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.
I love Ecuador and have been there several times! A client contacted me about itinerary recommendations for her trip in March. Here’s a proposal for 5 nights in Quito and 2 nights in Banos.
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 …
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!
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…”
Been to Vegas before and looking for something new? Or perhaps you’re tempted by a cheap flight but not sure if it’s up your alley? On a recent trip to see a friend, we took advantage of a few off-strip opportunities that you may want to consider on your next trip!
