Make Memories on a Viking Ocean Cruise

I am excited to tell you about the Viking cruise we enjoyed in October. I am a huge fan of Viking river cruises, but this was our first Viking OCEAN cruise. It certainty did NOT disappoint!

Viking is well know for river cruises, but they diversified in 2015 with their first ocean vessel. They now have a fleet of six identical ocean ships with worldwide itineraries. They offer popular cruises in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The ships also visit Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Caribbean and Africa. For those wanting a truly one-of-a-kind experience, they have around-the-world cruises!

These "small ships" have just 930 guests on board. The decor is very elegant with a modern Scandinavian design. These photos were taken by my husband in the "Explorer's Lounge", which quickly became my favorite spot on the ship. The multi-purpose area is great for a light breakfast, a quiet area to read during the day or a relaxing drink at night. You can see for miles with their telescope!

The cruise was truly top notch! The ship was gorgeous, the food was amazing and the service was impeccable. I know why they have won the highly acclaimed "Travel & Leisure #1 Ocean Cruise Line" award for three years in a row! With their smaller ships, Viking can dock in places where larger ships cannot. This access allows them to offer more culturally rich outings.

Viking cruises are adults ONLY and an excursion is included in every port. Their modern staterooms are spacious, and each one has its own veranda. In addition to the main dining room, they have two specialty restaurants that are included in the price. We enjoyed the selection of fine wines and beers that were complimentary with both lunch and dinner. I loved having afternoon tea in the "Wintergarden".

Viking have some wonderful promotions with special contracted air prices. Contact me if you would like information on any of their ocean and/or river cruises. I would be happy to help you plan a dream vacation!

Don't delay - the rooms sell out quickly!

I fell in LOVE with Savannah!

I have just returned from a weekend in Savannah and can't wait to tell you about it!! 

I have never spent more than a few hours in this interesting city. I was excited for the opportunity to spend more time there. For those of you who have not been there yourself, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. It is bursting with Southern charm, amazing food and one-of-a-kind stores. It reminds me of Charleston, SC - another great weekend getaway.

Savannah is very picturesque with a network of squares and charming cobblestone streets. Be kind to your ankles by wearing good walking shoes! A great way to see the city is the hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour.

Our hotel was on the riverfront, and the views were amazing. There are several major hotels in this area. I would recommend a stroll along the river. We discovered that they offer a free ferry taxi service from the hotels that was FUN - and very convenient.

Bring your appetite when you visit Savannah! There are so many great restaurants to try. Those who visit in the fall can sample Southern-inspired food at the popular Food & Wine Festival, which is held at the Georgia Railroad Museum. You never know what you will see when dining. We enjoyed a Southern meal on the waterfront - and watched the steamboat go by!

No visit to Savannah would be complete without a stroll down Broughton Street. Browse in the locally-owned boutiques and stop to have some coffee. Visitors fall in love with Savannah's Southern hospitality, enchanting architecture and beautiful Spanish moss.

Contact me to plan your Savannah getaway. It's a great destination for a winter break. I would be happy to share our own Savannah experience and help plan yours!

Ready for a fall break?

Fall is a great time to travel with shorter lines, less expensive flights and lower temperatures! Best of all is the ability to enjoy gorgeous fall foliage.

Here are my top five suggested places to travel during the fall months.

1. Europe
Take advantage of shoulder-season airfares and less crowded airports now that the kids are back in school. I am a huge fan of traveling in October with great weather for exploring.
We have done several river cruises in October, and we absolutely loved it!! The weather is cooler of course - but you just need a light sweatshirt or jacket. We did enjoy basking in some lovely autumn sunshine. River cruising is a magical way to explore smaller cities and stunning views. I took this picture of fall colors from our Rhine River cruise.

2. Montreal & Quebec City
If you prefer not to spend extra time in airports, I would highly recommend a visit to the quaint historic areas of Montreal and Quebec City just across the border in Canada. A cruise is a popular way to see this beautiful part of Canada as well as the Maritime provinces. There are many options of cruises departing from both Boston and New York. Plus, there are many low-cost flights to these cities.

3. Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA
A weekend trip to gorgeous Charleston has always been a favorite of ours. The heat is oppressive in the summer months, which is why we love visiting in the fall. We love touring the cobblestone streets on a horse drawn carriage and the views of elegant southern homes. I took this picture of a beautiful home near Battery Park.

Savannah is very similar, and we look forward to our own upcoming trip to explore this charming area in early November when a cousin comes to visit. Both of these destinations are known for their friendly locals and amazing cuisine.

4. River Cruising in the U.S.A.
If you enjoy history, then you will love taking a river cruise from several destinations in the United States! Create memories with a round-trip voyage from 'Music City'. Board a paddle boat steam boat in Nashville to travel back in time! Enjoy live onboard entertainment and lecturers about the musical roots of this area. This cruise ONLY runs in November and sells out quickly, so contact me TODAY to reserve your spot.

5. New York City and/or Washington, DC 
We prefer to visit New York or Washington, DC once the leaves change - and the temperature becomes bearable. Iconic Central Park in NYC is just spectacular with fall foliage. There are always new gems to explore in NYC. I took this photo of the Oculus on our last trip. Plus, there are tons of great shows to see. Cooler weather - and shorter lines- make fall a perfect time to travel to Washington, DC. You could spend weeks exploring the amazing museums, monuments and memorials. 

So, where do YOU want to got this fall? Contact me for information about these wonderful destinations. You pick the place, and I will take care of everything else!

Practical Passport Advice

Get Ready for Your Next Vacation with these Travel Tips!

Problem: You’re planning a Caribbean cruise for next year but your passport is expired.

Solution: Avoid expedited fees and ensure your passport will be processed in time by renewing your passport AT LEAST six weeks before your trip. Plan ahead so that nothing will stand in your way of sipping daiquiris on the beach. Renewals can be made by mail or in person at select local post offices. Click here for more details.

Problem: You found a great deal on a last-minute flight to Paris, but your passport expires in five months.

Solution: Many countries will NOT let you through customs if your passport expires in less than six months. Your Travel Advisor can assist you with expedited passport and visa processing without the need for in-person appointments. This gets you one-step closer to saying 'bonjour'!

Problem: You’re traveling to India and don’t know if you’ll need a visa.

Solution: Visa requirements depend on country, length of travel and the reason for your visit. Most short-term visits to countries in the Caribbean and Europe do NOT require a visa; however, countries further from home, such as India, might. Have no fear when booking with Cruise Planners because we have a partnership with CIBT Visas. They can quickly determine whether or not you’ll need a visa and assist with the processing. Let the experts handle your visa, so you can focus on packing!

Problem: You’re cruising round trip from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, but you don’t have a passport.

Solution: You may be able to circumvent passport requirements when traveling on closed-loop cruises departing from/returning to the same United States city. However, Cruise Planners always recommends that travelers carry a passport when visiting international destinations for identification and emergency purposes.

Cruise Planners' Tip 1:

Save a copy of your passport on your computer. Clients can use the Passport Vault on the Cruise Planners' mobile app so you can access a virtual copy of your passport from anywhere in the world. It's also a good idea to leave a photocopy of your passport with a family member or friend back home.


Cruise Planners' Tip 2:
Remember to wear a colored shirt when you get your passport photo made. You can't wear a white shirt because it blends in with the photo background.

For more information, contact Jan McDiarmid at Cruise Planner's. Email Jan at jan@takeasuitcase.com or call 336-790-8911. Jan can plan a trip to any destination!

Have you spent time with stunning VICTORIA?

Victoria, British Columbia that is! It is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and deserves a spot of your bucket list. Many cruise ship lines stop here on the trip to Alaska from Seattle. If you are planning a trip to the west coast of Canada, I would definitely suggest a few days in beautiful Victoria. You will be be glad you did!

I am lucky to have a great reason to visit Victoria each year! I was born here, and we go back once a year to visit family. On one of our trips, Stuart and I took the small float plan from downtown Vancouver to British Columbia's inner harbor. We were amazed by the stunning views during the 15-minute crossing. You can also take a ferry from Vancouver. There are travel options from Seattle, including commercial flights, a high speed ferry or a seaplane to Victoria.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, and the iconic Parliament Buildings are illuminated in the evenings. I highly recommend taking the tours they offer during the day. Victoria is home to the world famous "Empress Hotel". They are known for their delightful serving of British afternoon tea. Those who prefer stronger drinks will enjoy having a drink in their bar that overlooks the gorgeous inner harbor.

If you like to walk - you will enjoy the spectacular views from the inner harbor. No stroll would be complete without exploring the quaint shops on nearby Government Street and Douglas Street. Wear comfortable shoes because you can walk for miles! History buffs will love the Royal British Columbia Museum and IMAX Theater. Other popular destinations include the beautiful Beacon Hill Park or a tour of Craigdarroch Castle (a Victorian mansion).
 
A trip to Victoria is not complete without exploring the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens. Covering over 55 acres, these gardens are absolutely amazing. If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to visit during the late afternoon so you can stay for the nightly entertainment shows in the illuminated gardens. Saturdays are magical when the skies explode during the firework displays.

With a mild climate, Victoria is known as the "California of Canada". It is definitely a gorgeous place to visit that will provide you with lifetime memories. I can schedule a trip at any time of the year to meet your needs and budget. Contact me today to fall in love with lovely Victoria.

Stuart's Latest Travel TIPS & APPS!

My husband, Stuart, frequently travels domestically and internationally for work. He enjoys sharing his experiences and travel knowledge.

I sat down with him recently and asked him for his Top 10 Travel Tips. I wanted to share these gems with you!

1. ALWAYS reconfirm your flights at least 24 hours ahead of departure. It's easy - just enter your "airline reference or locator number" on the airline's website. The airlines often make changes to their flight schedule or have last-minute equipment changes.  A change in aircraft means you have a new seat! You can change your seat assignment online (subject to availability). Stuart suggests you avoid the seats in front of the exit row because they often don't recline.
2. When booking a hotel, read the fine print or confirm the price with your travel agent. MANY hotels now charge resort fees and additional room taxes, which increases the published price. Before you leave, download WHATSAPP to stay in touch with family and friends wherever you are.
   
3. Long security lines in customs are no fun, so Stuart suggests that you download the FREE app MOBILE PASSPORT that will speed you through US Customs. It's available at one cruise port and 25 major airports. Your information is encrypted and is officially authorized by US Customs. Once your passport profile is set up, you can receive an encrypted barcode when you arrive at the port or authorized airports, which lasts for four hours. As soon as you arrive turn on your phone, send customs your flight information, and follow the Mobile Passport control signs to the designated Mobile Passport Control line. You will see the envious looks of travelers waiting in the long custom lines!
   
4. Avoid leg cramps on long flights by wearing compression socks and drinking lots of water. Get up and walk around at least once an hour to keep your blood moving.
5. Download some reading material and videos to your laptop or tablet before you go. Many of the airlines have removed the seat-back personal entertainment feature or charge for their in-flight entertainment. Don't forget extra headphones!
   
6. Most airlines are charging baggage fees for domestic flights and some low-cost carriers are doing it on international routes - so PACK SMART.  Don't take more than you need. Roll your clothes so they fit better. You will have to check your bag if you over stuff the pockets in your carry on because it won't fit in the overhead compartment. Look on the airline's website for the baggage allowance as they do vary. BEWARE that a 'Basic Economy' ticket may only allow a personal item - not luggage.
7. Prep for the screening line. Wear comfortable shoes that come on and off easily. Before security, empty your pockets and remove your belts. Ladies should also take off their costume jewelry. It's a good idea to put these things in a plastic bag in your carry-on luggage to save time.
8. Planning a road trip? Take advantage of one of the FREE apps for your mobile device. Stuart relies on WAZE that offers step-by-step navigation, avoids traffic delays and even suggests where you can get the cheapest gas on your route. "HERE WE GO" is another popular app.
9. Traveling to a foreign country? Stuart suggests that you copy and paste the name and address of your hotel(s) into your notes on your mobile device so you can show it to the taxi or Uber drivers, who may not understand English! Several countries in Europe banned Uber, so Stuart uses the TAXI.EU app that is used in over 130 European cities.
   
10. When traveling internationally, Stuart suggests you download XE CURRENCY CALCULATOR to access live exchange rates and calculate what it will cost in US dollars.

Contact me to put these tips to use. Tell me your timing and budget, and I will provide many great travel options! I can book it all, from flights and hotels to cruises and excursions!

Amazing AMSTERDAM!

I am excited to tell you about Amsterdam! I have had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam a few times. My husband often stops there when he is on a business trip, which provides the opportunity to visit our son, Ben, who lives there. We find new treasures each time we visit the city. We love the character and charm of beautiful canals and 17th century narrow houses.

Amsterdam is a very walkable city. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes! Cycling is hugely popular in the Netherlands, and there are plenty of dedicated bike paths around the city.

The iconic canals are absolutely gorgeous, and a canal cruise is a must-do outing. The city looks magical at night when viewed from the water. Do you enjoy museums? There are many world-class museums in Amsterdam, including the famous Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (works by Rembrandt and Vermeer) and modern art at the Stedelijk Museum. No trip would be complete without a visit to the memorable Anne Frank House.

I recommend a visit too to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which is often open to the public. It is centrally located in the center of Amsterdam on the west side of Dam Square. TripAdvisor gives the palace a five-star rating.

Of course, a trip to the Netherlands is NOT complete without cheese tasting. If you like beer, you will love the microbreweries and the "Heineken Experience". I suggest you book your Heineken tickets in advance because this is a busy place. Beer drinkers will also enjoy stopping in a traditional Dutch pub known as a "brown cafe". There are trendy cocktail bars for those who prefer something other than pilsner or lager!

If you enjoy cafes, there are so many to choose from where you can sip a local coffee specialty called "koffie verkeerd" (similar to a latte). A well-known cafe is the Cafe Americain (yes the spelling is different) in the Amsterdam American Hotel that dates back to 1902. Vintage lovers will also appreciate the Cafe De Jaren, which is located in a former bank building and attracts a younger crowd with its spectacular outdoor terrace that overlooks the river Amstel.

For foodies, there is much to please your palate in Amsterdam with every type of restaurant imaginable from Michelin Five Star restaurants to popular food trucks. For those who like multicultural food, there is always something new and unique popping up all over the city. I am a fan of the Middle Eastern eateries in the trendy bohemian De Pijp district. My husband recently enjoyed a 'Taste of Amsterdam Tour', and he was absolutely amazed at the variety and caliber of the food offered from the food trucks. Think five-star flavors from food trucks!

Amsterdam is an easy trip with direct flights from many major airports, including Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina. Any amount of time in Amsterdam is memorable. Whether you want a dedicated vacation or a few days before/after a cruise or tour,  I would be happy to help you plan a trip to this amazing city. Call or email me to plan an amazing time in Amsterdam.

This is NOT your Grandma's Bus Trip!

Escorted tours have long received a bad rap for offering regimented and BORING bus tours for elderly travelers. It's time to take another look at coach tours!

You can explore many exciting destinations on a luxury coach with a personal tour guide. We work with Trafalgar Tours, and they  specialize in authentic activities that allow travelers to connect with the locals. How about as a cooking class in Florence, a winery tour in Tuscany or dinner with a family in a 17th century farmhouse in the Loire Valley? This is definitely NOT your Grandma's bus trip!

Founded in 1947, Trafalgar has a high satisfaction rating of 95%. They offer over 300 unique trips around the world. They escort guests to Europe, Great Britain, Russia, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. This is a great way to see areas off the beaten track without the hassle of train schedules or driving a car, which can be a scary experience!

Trafalgar creates trips that are perfect for couples and families. They deliver an immersive and cultural experience wherever you go. Enjoy riding in luxurious and air-conditioned coaches with a tour director, which is like having a 24-hour concierge that guides the way! So why drive when you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery? Your tour guide and local specialists take care of every detail so you can spend your time enjoying your destination.

They hand pick quality hotels at an affordable price. Plus, they offer VIP access to iconic sites such as the Vatican & Sistine Chapel, and the Eiffel Tower. That means you don't have to stand in line for hours so you can maximize your vacation time. This is the SMART way to travel! The package price includes tips, tolls, taxes, porterage and many of the meals.

Looking for a "budget" tour? Their Costsaver Tours are the perfect choice for solo travelers or those who are looking for lasting travel memories on a limited budget. Costsaver Tours offer tremendous value and provide a selection of hand-crafted optional experiences while leaving time for self-directed exploration.

Interested in going to Ireland and/or Scotland?  Ask us about Trafalgar's sister company Brendan Vacations, who are Celtic experts. They offer guided and stress-free vacations through the beautiful British Isles.

Ready to go?
Contact Us for more information for wherever YOU would like to go!

Tips to keep your sanity when traveling with children!

Traveling with children is not for the faint of heart! I have 10 travel tips that will help you enjoy your family summer vacation. Really!

1. Plan Flight Times & Seating
When choosing flight times, remember to plan around nap time and bed time with small children. In terms of seating, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats in the middle of the plane as they have more legroom and the possibility of a baby bed. Flying with a child under two? Don't assume that they fly for free - contact the airline  ahead of time to confirm if they charge a fee. Depending on the price, it may be worth paying for an additional seat for the extra space.


2. Allow Plenty of Time
If your vacation involves flying, leave early so you don't have to rush through the airport with young children. Check if your airline offers a "meet & assist" service because this can definitely be a lifesaver. It's also a good idea to let children move around before they board the plane to get some of their energy out before they have to sit still.

3. Don't Overpack

We all make the mistake of packing too much - but remember you can always purchase items wherever you are going. Parents are tempted to take a lot of equipment, but it must be lugged through the airport. A light stroller may be all you need because it doubles as a temporary bed for naps. Strollers are also a great place to store jackets and snacks.  If you must take a car seat, I would recommend  a car seat-stroller combination.

4. The Crucial Carry On
A well packed piece of carry-on luggage is a life saver for parents. Bring plenty of diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothing, soft toys and a pillow for babies and toddlers. Pack snacks, medicine in case they are not feeling well and suckable treats for pressure change. Many airports will allow baby milk and food in containers, but check with airports ahead of time. I also recommend that you pack extra clothes for yourself in case you get wet or dirty. Trust me, this has happened to me before!

5. Backpack
A backpack for both the parent and the child allows you to be hands free. Kids will love opening up their backpack to find new crayons, coloring books, small games, playing cards, toys and a portable DVD. I once wrapped up their play items, and they loved opening each one. Don't forget extra batteries or power packs. Young children can be responsible for packing up their own bags prior to arrival, which gives them something to do.

6. Load up your Tablet

Kids love to play with tablets. While at home you may be stricter with viewing times, but giving them special screen time will allow you to relax and keep your sanity. Remember holiday rules are different!  Make sure you have plenty of songs, TV shows, stories, games and Disney movies on your tablet. I recommend packing child-sized headphones so it is more comfortable for them to wear.

7. Choose a Resort Carefully
Often the family is crowded if they all have to sleep in the same small room. This also makes for tired (and cranky) vacation goers! Ask you travel agent for options such as a condo or a vacation rental home where you will have more room and can prepare some of your own meals.

8. A Pool is a Must!

Even if your accommodation is on or close to a beach, you will want to ensure that there is a pool for the kids to splash around and cool down. A pool saves you the hassle of getting off all the sand, and it helps children sleep well at night!

9. Plan for a Slower Pace
Find the right balance - don't overload your itinerary. Let everyone have a chance to pick an activity. Travel specialists find that the most successful family trips are where the children are involved in choosing an activity themselves.


10. Plan Ahead
It's better to plan as far ahead as possible. Don't wait to the last minute because flights get pricier the longer you leave it and resorts/cruises can be sold out.

Contact me so I can plan your trip. I just need your travel period and budget. This will save time so you can spend it getting ready (doing laundry and making sure clothes fit everyone!)

Fall in LOVE with Niagara Falls

You'll Love Niagara Falls!

As one of the world's natural wonders, Niagara Falls is a top tourist attraction. Visitors are awe struck with its amazing 170 foot waterfalls. Standing on the viewing platform and watching them crashing down is absolutely spectacular! You can't imagine the sound unless you have been there.

Niagara Falls is actually on both sides of the border - United States (US) and Canada. There are amazing views from the American side. I think some of the best views are provided from locations in Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side. Summertime is the most popular time to visit. Visitors who come between May and October rave about the magnificent fireworks and illumination show.

It's an easy destination to visit. You can fly into Buffalo, New York, as Niagara Falls is just a 35 minute drive from there. There are also many guided tours available - relax while someone else does the driving! I would highly recommend a side trip to Toronto, which is just an hour’s drive from this popular site. Don't forget to bring your passport!

The Rainbow Bridge lets visitors travel from the US into Canada (and vice versa). It takes just 20 minutes to walk across the bridge. There's a small fee to cross the bridge. Whether you go on foot, by bike or by car, you must have a passport or proof of identity. Adults can use a passport card or passport book, and a child's birth certificate will suffice. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency for more information.

One of the most popular ways to experience the falls is by boat on the famous 'Maid of the Mist'. This legendary water vessel has been offering tours since the 1840’s!  You can count on getting wet with this experience – but fortunately they do provide ponchos!  The falls can also be viewed by going up or down. Take the elevator down to the caves or book a helicopter ride for panoramic views. Located in downtown Niagara, the Skylon Tower offers an observation deck and revolving dining room.

If you decide you might like to spend a few days on the Canadian side of the border, there are lots of activities for all ages. Adults can visit the many wineries because Niagara is located in the Canadian wine country. There are also casinos and top-rated golf courses nearby. Families will enjoy visiting the Niagara SkyWheel, 'Marineland', a Safari Park, several water parks and the Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory. 'Old Fort Niagara' is located on the American side, which is a 17^th century fort that history buffs will really enjoy.

Contact us to plan an unforgettable vacation to Niagara Falls!

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

St. Patrick's Day is approaching - and that is the time of year when many people consider making a trip to beautiful Ireland! Access is easy with daily flights to most of the island's main cities.

Is Ireland somewhere that YOU have always wanted to go?  Maybe you would like to trace your Irish roots? This island is a good destination if you love Celtic music or want to sleep in a former castle! 

Ireland is steeped in a rich history and is a magical place to visit. The scenery will take your breath away with rolling green fields, a spectacular rugged coastline and rustic castles. You will marvel at the pretty quaint villages and enjoy freshly caught seafood. The pubs are filled with a great selection of drafts, friendly locals and toe-tapping music. No trip would be complete without some fresh fish and chips!

There are many ways to explore this island - stop over, city break or countryside tour. The best way to plan a trip is to determine your length of stay and interests. You can choose from an escorted tour to a self-driving trip (on the other side of the road!)

Ireland is known as a golfer's paradise with a great selection of courses. I can plan a special trip for you and your golfing buddies. The island offers great spots for hiking and biking, too! Dublin is a bustling city with a great selection of attractions. Are you starting to see green?

I can plan a trip to meet any budget. The BEST part is there is NO FEE for my services! Let's discuss where you want to go, and I will provide you with some options. Contact Us for more information.

KIA ORA from New Zealand!

Kia Ora!

This Māorian expression means 'hello'. The literal translation is 'be well and healthy'. Kia Ora is heard all over New Zealand and loved by Kiwis.

We recently returned from an amazing trip to New Zealand. We visited the beautiful Bay of Islands, which is located in the northern part of the North Island.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, I would HIGHLY recommend that you visit this absolutely gorgeous area. We stayed in Pahia and were extremely happy with our accommodation - it was a bed and breakfast (B&B) called Chateau Romantica. As you can see from this photo, the view was truly spectacular. Our hostess Inge, who is Austrian, was wonderful and made our stay magical. Our suite was spacious and very clean with a beautiful view. We slept well and woke eager for the delicious breakfast and stunning views. We enjoyed meeting other guests from around the world. This B&B was ideally located within easy walking distance of restaurants and the beautiful beach in Pahia.


There is so much to see and do in this area. Popular activities include boat trips to view the dolphins, parasailing and a jet boat ride through the famous "Hole in the Rock". Cultural fans will enjoy visiting the historic sites that are within easy driving distance. I would suggest a visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds (protected site of the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people) as well as The Store & Kemp House in beautiful Kerikeri, which are two of New Zealand's oldest buildings dating back to the 19th century.
Visitors rave about the ferry trip to Russell. This outing isn't complete without dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which is New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel and sits right on the spectacular waterfront. From here, browse through quaint shops, walk along the beach, stop for a glass of wine and enjoy watching the amazing sunset. Writing this post makes me want to go back to New Zealand right now!

Contact Us for more information! This is a great time to book travel to New Zealand.