Ready to travel with your small dog?

 JACKSON GOES TO CAPE COD! No, this is not the title of a children's book. I'm excited to tell you about Jackson's first plane ride. We had a lovely time in this gorgeous area.

I went to Cape Cod for Thanksgiving to visit my son. He suggested I bring my beloved French Bulldog, Jackson. I was a bit dubious at first - but he was a surprisingly great traveler!

We flew on Delta Airlines, and they required a Health Certification from our vet to prove that Jackson was up-to-date on his shots. The veterinarian kindly gave me some "anxiety pills" and "motion sickness pills" that made a world of difference. Jackson was very calm and didn't make a sound! He happily snuggled in his carrier. We flew from Greensboro to LaGuardia airport, where Jackson loved the pet area. We then flew to Boston, and my son picked us up. 

If you haven't visited Cape Cod before, I would highly recommend it. We stayed in the Harwich Port area and visited nearby Chatham. Just look at the stunning views!

I had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. We took the dogs for walks on the beach. Jackson had a blast playing with his Frenchie "cousins"!

The town was all decked out for Christmas. We found lovely gifts at the local boutiques. There are several excellent restaurants in the area. We made the best of a rainy day by enjoying a movie at a cute little theater in Chatham.

If you are interested in visiting the Cape Cod area, I would be happy to tell you more. It's a delightful place to visit in all seasons.

Looking for a MAGICAL holiday gift?

If you are looking for an unique gift for a loved one - I've got you covered! The gift of travel makes lasting memories. Research has shown that an "experience" is what most people are dreaming about, not another sweater! A travel gift certificate comes in any amount and is always the right size.

The gift of travel can take so many different forms. The amount is applied to the cost of their trip. You give the gift certificate, and your loved one picks the destination. They can mingle with animals on an African safari. They could also explore Europe on a river cruise or a barge trip. These small ships are a delightful way to experience the local culture and cuisine.

I've also got you covered if you need a gift for the whole family. I would highly recommend a trip to Disney or an adventure vacation in Costa Rica. If they want relaxation, then a vacation in the Caribbean at a beautiful all-inclusive resort is the perfect gift.

If they would prefer something closer to home, there are so many amazing trips right here in the US. Some destinations are only a short drive away. Enjoy food and history with a weekend in Charleston, SC. Wine lovers would be thrilled to tour Sonoma and Napa Valley. Skiers dream about a trip to Colorado or Montana for fresh snow and long runs. Las Vegas truly has something for everyone.

Give them a travel gift certificate and let them decide where they want to go. I can even put the travel voucher in a special gift box. The gift of travel gives the recipient something to look forward to and is something they will always remember!

What a fabulous train trip I had!

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! 

I had an amazing train trip through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Our trip began in Calgary. The train trip itself was so much fun. Our glass domed rail car had huge picture windows. It was perfect for taking photos and enjoying the incredible scenery. We enjoyed delicious meals in their elegant dining car (and unlimited adult beverages throughout our days on board!)

We also had days trips in a luxury motor coach to Banff and Lake Louise. This was a great way to enjoy stunning views you can't see from the train. I really loved the views in and around Banff.

A stop in Banff requires a visit to the iconic Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel. We enjoyed the afternoon tea in their beautiful dining room.

It was so much fun exploring the shops and restaurants in downtown Banff. There are scenic views in every direction. This photo was taken on the main street. 

We went from Banff to boating! Our itinerary included a boat trip on Lake Minnewanka. This is a gorgeous glacial lake in Alberta.

There are breathtaking lakes across Canada. We also stopped at Emerald Lake. Look at the photo to see why it has this name!

Then it was on to magnificent Lake Louise. We stayed at the Faimont Château Lake Louise. We loved this view from our hotel room!

Our trip ended with thee nights in gorgeous Vancouver, British Columbia. This photo was taken at Coal Harbour, which is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I am in Vancouver.

Contact me to book your seat on the Rocky Mountaineer. It is a wonderful way to explore Canada.

My amazing river cruise in beautiful PORTUGAL!

I just returned from an Emerald Waterways river cruise in Portugal, and I'm so excited to  share my experience!! Many people have asked me what it was like traveling at the present time with COVID-19 restrictions. 

Firstly, current regulations did require us to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. If you are traveling internationally, you will need to check with your travel advisor to determine the rules and regulations for the particular country you are visiting! Emerald Waterways also required us to be fully vaccinated.

Once we arrived in Porto, we were greeted by our travel director. We had our temperatures taken, and our luggage was thoroughly sanitized. Then, we were escorted onto the ship where we were greeted by the ship captain, the ship manager and the concierge manager. We were welcomed with a refreshing drink!

Once settled in, we began our magical cruise on the beautiful Douro River! I loved sitting outside at the front of the ship as we slowly meandered down the river. It was incredibly beautiful and just so peaceful! We floated by so many stunning views.

The food was divine, and the wines were fabulous! I always enjoy the regional food and wine that is provided on a river cruise, which really gives you a taste of that region. There were early morning exercise classes on the upper deck. I enjoyed a Yoga stretch class one morning and a Pilates class another day! They also have a small fitness room and a small pool to cool off in on the sundeck. You can even book hair and spa appointments if you like!

We enjoyed the daily included excursions. They offered a choice of a regular tour or a more active one. We toured a local winery. I took part in the hiking tour that was the more active option, and it was followed by everyone meeting for a Port wine tasting! The photo below was taken at the winery. 

Another trip highlight was exploring Salamanca when we crossed the border into Spain. We also had an interesting tour of the prehistoric Coa Valley Archaeological Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We appreciated a wonderful dinner at the Quinta Da Pacheca winery one evening, which is the location of this photo.

There was so much to do on board as well, including a cooking lesson from the chef, a cocktail making lesson and a tile painting class - just to name a few. In the evening, there was super fun entertainment. We enjoyed movies under the stars, a singer and even a disco night. My favorite activity on board was the BBQ lunch we had on the sun deck as we slowly cruised along the river.

Safety was of the utmost importance, and our temperature was taken every time we returned to the ship. They also provided us with PCR tests three days prior to our departure back home to the United States.

Contact us if you are interested in learning more about river cruising in Europe. I definitely would recommend this amazing way to explore and relax.

 

Six amazing destinations you can visit RIGHT now!

People are ready to travel again! This urge to explore is supported by increased vaccination rates and reduced travel restrictions. Travel over the Independence Holiday weekend in the United States was the second highest reported in history.  

It’s important to do your research because each country has different restrictions on attractions and events. Even if you are vaccinated, you won’t know who is vaccinated at your destination. The travel industry has increased their cleaning protocols.

Where do you want to go? This is easy for some travelers who need to rebook cancelled trips. Others are ready for a bucket list trip after living through the difficult pandemic. Some travelers might need some ideas for their next trip. 

Here are six places to consider for your next adventure.

1. Alaska 

Alaska is home to incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. There are many different ways you can experience Alaska by water and land. Cruises are resuming this summer, and you can book to travel now or next year. There are a lot of cruise options from the larger cruise ships to small and intimate vessels. I recommend adding a few days to explore in beautiful Denali National Park, before or after your cruise. For those who want an Alaskan land experience, you can choose from an escorted coach tour, a rail journey or even a small group hiking trip. I had a wonderful trip with my extended family a few years ago. It was a magical trip!

2. Hawaii 

When I think of Hawaii, I think about the incredible scenery and beautiful beaches. I love the amazing flowers and cool ocean breezes with low humidity. Each of the four main islands in Hawaii has its own unique identity. This gorgeous destination offers something for everyone with an array of water sports, golf, trails, biking and so much more!! I absolutely love Hawaii and hope to return there soon. 

3. Napa & Sonoma 

If you are a wine enthusiast, how about a trip to the beautiful wine country in California? I would highly recommend a road trip that includes a couple of nights in San Francisco and Monterey. We loved exploring beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. The food and wine was divine!

4. Canada 

The borders to Canada are finally reopening! Train trips through the Rocky Mountains are running again. I am doing this trip next month and can't wait to see the amazing scenery in places like Banff and Lake Louise once again. Have you been to Vancouver? The scenery is spectacular and there are lots of places to explore, like Whistler and Victoria on Vancouver Island. 

5. Grand Canyon 

I always tell my clients they should visit the Grand Canyon. This must-see destination is truly spectacular, and the pictures don't do it justice! There are several travel options. You can start with a couple of nights in Las Vegas. Some prefer a road trip. Another option is to fly into Phoenix, Arizona so you can spend a few days exploring Sedona and Flagstaff before traveling to the canyon.

6. Portugal 

River cruises are at resuming in Europe - yeah! I am so excited that I will be travelling to Portugal this month for a cruise on the Douro River. There are several different companies who offer these cruises, and this itinerary is extremely popular. If you are a wine lover like me, or just enjoy a relaxing cultural experience, this river cruise is for you.

To learn more about these six travel dentations, contact us for more information. We would be delighted to plan your next adventure.

River cruising is BACK!!

River cruising is FINALLY resuming! You are probably asking yourself how this amazing way to travel has changed. River cruise companies - in Europe and in the United States (US) - are requiring their guests to be fully vaccinated. Now is a great time to book your next river adventure.

As the American Steamboat Company is advertising, "you can cruise America’s iconic rivers and embrace the freedom only American Queen Steamboat Company can provide." Guests will relax while being...

• FREE from face masks;
• FREE from social distancing;
• FREE from pre-trip quarantining; and
• FREE from pre-trip COVID testing. 

Guests are FREE to enjoy stunning views and delicious meals! If you are interested in exploring the iconic rivers right here in the US, the American Steamboat Company offers an authentic paddlewheel river boat experience across the country. Their package includes a pre-cruise hotel stay, unlimited beverages, included shore excursions and free WiFi. It even includes daily entertainment, bicycles and hiking sticks! They offer cruises on the Mississippi River, Columbia River and Snake River. 

So what about Europe?

Europe is reopening to visitors, and you can get some amazing deals on river cruises in 2021 if you are ready to travel internationally again. For example, Emerald Cruises plans to kick off its 2021 river cruise season in July and operate no fewer than 38 river cruises in Europe by the end of the year. The line's Rhine River sailing will depart from Basel, Switzerland on August 19, 2021. The first Danube cruise leaves Nuremberg, Germany on August 30, 2021. River cruising in Portugal departs from Porto on July 31, 2021.Guests must be fully vaccinated in order to sail. Their packages include gourmet beer and wine with lunch and dinner, excursions, transfers, tips and much more. They have bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available on board. At least one active excursion is included in each itinerary, including yoga classes, Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in a heated pool and their ‘walk-a-mile’ class on the Sun Deck. Book by August 31, 2021 on Emerald Cruises to save up to $2,000 per couple on Danube, Rhine and Douro river cruises. They are also offering reduced, refundable deposits and free single supplements.

I am personally looking forward to returning to river cruising in Europe. I am booked to sail on the Douro River with Emerald Waterways in August, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I LOVED my trip to Chatham, Cape Cod!

Looking for a summer vacation on the East Coast? 

If you haven't been to Cape Cod, I highly recommend it! My son recently bought a condo in the Harwich Port area. This charming seaside community is situated along Nantucket Sound. Of course I needed to visit him - and check out this gorgeous area! We flew into Boston airport, which is about 100 minutes from the Chatham Bars Inn where we were staying. If you don't enjoy a car ride, there are smaller airport options in the Cape Cod area.

The Chatham Bars Inn did not disappoint! This iconic, historic hotel opened in 1914 and has hosted famous guests over the years such as Henry Ford and William Rockefeller. During World War 11, the Chatham Bars Inn was a summer home to Princess Julianna of the Netherlands and her three daughters. In 2006, new owners completed a $100 million renovation while retaining the wonderful old-world charm and introducing modern amenities. The Chatham Bars Inn is a world-class luxury resort today with the charming main building and several quaint cottages.

The Chatham Bars Inn has a prime spot right on the beach. Guests love their large heated pool, tennis courts and boat rides to nearby Nantucket. It has several restaurant options, and the food was delicious! They even have their own farm, and you can take home yummy produce over the summer period. The location was divine, and it was a short walk from to the main street in Chatham. We enjoyed wandering down the tree lined streets and popping into the quaint gift shops, galleries and ice cream stores.

Cape Cod is surprisingly large as it encompasses 15 towns. It incorporates multiple beaches and harbors that are extremely popular tourist attractions. Harwich Port is a short, 10-minute drive from Chatham and offers a variety of areas to explore.  We enjoyed a drive to Provincetown at the northern tip of Cape Cod for lunch, which was about a 50 minute drive along stunning scenery. You can also take a ferry from Boston to Provincetown. This fascinating historic area is bursting with maritime character.

Contact us to learn more! I would be delighted to help you plan a trip to beautiful Cape Cod!!

Exciting NEW travel destinations!

The travel industry is heating up!

To make sure you are ready to go, check your passport expiration date. You can't travel if your passport expires within six months of your departure date. Surging travel sales mean that passport offices across the country are backlogged. I strongly recommend that you renew early to avoid any travel delays. Click here for more details about passports and visas.

I've got some exciting news to share with you!

Three New Sandals Resorts Coming to Jamaica

Sandals Resorts International announced it will add three new hotels in Jamaica. They will transform two all-inclusive resorts they acquired last year - the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark. The third resort will be built on a prime parcel of beautiful beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort. Just picture yourself relaxing on a beautiful beach!

Mystery Trip...

Some luxury travel companies are betting that adventurous travelers will embrace the unknown with the launch of 'mystery' trips. It's like a grab bag for travel!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announced its first Mystery Cruise. This 10-day sailing will launch from somewhere in Europe on June 12, 2022. Uniworld promises "a brand new itinerary, featuring over-the-top, unique experiences both on and off the ship" that have never been offered by Uniworld before.

The Rocky Mountaineer is Coming to the US! 

With many travelers eager to escape but still leery about wandering too far during the pandemic, the Rocky Mountaineer is launching a close-to-home option this summer. This is a great way to enjoy a luxury scenic train trip without international travel. The new Rockies to the Red Rocks journey is the Canadian company's first U.S. itinerary. It travels between Denver and Moab with an overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Contact me to book your next adventure!

Looking for summer travel ideas?

Warmer weather + vaccinations = time to travel! I want to share some suggestions for great summer trips. These destinations are perfect for couples, families or a guys' trip.

What about a visit to one of the National Parks such as the Grand Canyon? There are lots of options to explore this one-of-a-kind area. You can fly and drive or travel by train. I can also book you on an escorted group tour. Let us know what interests you so we can make this trip a reality! This photo was taken on my own personal trip to the Grand Canyon. I was amazed at the spectacular landscapes. As one of the "Seven Wonders of the World", this trip should be on your list!

Yellowstone National Park is popular trip for families. Did you know that Yellowstone is the oldest and largest of the National Parks in the US?  Known as the home of "Old Faithful", you can see geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. The park is also home to wildlife and exotic plants. Adventurous visitors enjoy all kinds of activities, including hiking, kayaking and fly fishing. This could be a customized land trip with flights, accommodation and car rental. Alternatively, you could book a rail trip or an escorted tour.

Interest in Dude Ranch vacations has grown tremendously - it is the perfect vacation with family and friends. Get off your electronics and get outside! This outdoor paradise is perfect for horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, river rafting, fly fishing, and so much more.  Ask us about Paws Up in Montana for a trip of a lifetime that will be talked about at family gatherings for years to come.

Have you always dreamed of a trip to Hawaii? There are new flight options to this popular destination. Even better, there are some AMAZING travel deals! We make it easy for you to enjoy this tropical paradise with a customized packaged to suit your needs and budget. Which Hawaiian island appeals to you? This photo was taken on beautiful Maui - one of my personal favourites spots.

It's time to relax and recharge. Contact us to help you plan a dream vacation for this summer!! 

Three ideal spots for Wellness Travel

Wellness Travel has been trending annually since 2015.  With the stress and challenges of 2020, it is no surprise that Wellness Tourism is projected to reach $919 billion by 2022!  A recent survey by the Global Wellness Institute found that travelers are increasingly focused on their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. These health-focused vacations offer stress reduction, much-needed rest and spiritual renewal. Take a deep breath and keep reading!

Wellness Travel is designed for every type of person. After a year of COVID-19, we all need a break! You can book a long weekend designed for total rest and rejuvenation. Center your mind with a yoga retreat or mindful relaxation. Recharge your body with healthy eating and spa treatments. Active travelers love outdoor adventures in natural settings.

Here are some Wellness Trips I would recommend.

1. Stay at a resort that specializes in wellness. Close your eyes and imagine relaxing in Napa Valley at a resort that can deliver the ultimate vacation experience with indulgent spa treatments, hiking trails and legendary wineries. If you prefer a sunny climate in the desert, there are resorts in Arizona that offer wellness programs with healthy delicious food that soothes both the body and soul! Looking for a Caribbean resort that offers a unique experience with dedicated fitness classes, soaking tubs and superb amenities? I would recommend the brand new wellness hotel in Punta Cana.

2. Have you always dreamed of a river cruise? There is nothing more relaxing than meandering up the river. These intimate cruises are offered in Europe, Asia and right here in the USA! Several of the river cruise lines in Europe have bicycles on board for their guests and offer guided bike tours. I can recommend a river cruise line that offers fitness facilities, yoga sessions, Tai Chi classes, guided meditation and massage services. After your class, relax in the pool or lounge on the sun deck as you enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around you.

3. If activity helps you unwind, you should head to Alaska for a week-long break. Get lots of fresh air in the rugged outdoors as you view spectacular scenery. I can arrange excursions for light hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking. 

There are so many options for Wellness Travel. Contact me for more details on these trips. I would be happy to help you plan a vacation that will reduce that stress we've all been experiencing!!

The Hawaiian Islands are OPEN!

 Have you had the good fortune to travel to HAWAII?

If you have not yet visited the Hawaiian Islands and it is on your bucket list, I wanted you to know that Hawaii is once again open to travelers. A trip to Hawaii is definitely PARADISE! Planning a destination wedding or a honeymoon? I can tell you that Hawaii has it all - it is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. A destination wedding is actually a cost-effective option for couples who love to travel!

Hawaii reopened to visitors from with the United States and a small number of other countries in October. To ensure safety, visitors must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers from the US, Canada, Japan and South Korea are allowed to bypass Hawaii's mandatory 10-day quarantine on most islands by following strict pre-travel testing rules. Starting February 18, travelers on select Delta and United Airlines flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) can enroll and use CLEAR's Health Pass to securely link their test results to their verified identity before traveling.

I am originally from the west coast of Canada and have been fortunate to have visited Hawaii a few times. The temperature in Hawaii is perfect with warm ocean breezes and low humidity year round. The average temperature ranges between 75 and 85F - pure bliss! You will be amazed at both the spectacular scenery and the gorgeous flowers.

Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean. There are six major islands, each of which has their own distinct personality. The most popular Hawaiian Islands to visit are Oahu, the Island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. There is so much to see and do in Hawaii! Relax on sandy beaches with all kinds of water sports, including jet boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. 

Do you enjoy adventure? Hawaii offers breathtaking scenery for walking, hiking, horseback riding and biking. I highly recommend helicopter and balloon tours to view the stunning beauty of each island. You can even schedule a submarine tour! Are you a golfer? The golf courses are absolutely gorgeous!

Many trips to Hawaii start in Honolulu, which is the capital of the Aloha State. It is situated on the island of Oahu that is known as "the heart of Hawaii". There are lots of things to see and do at nearby Waikiki Beach, where most of the hotels and resorts on Oahu are located. There are a wide variety of tours available. Travel back in time with a tour of Pearl Harbor. If you enjoy concerts and shows, there is a wide selection of entertainment,

 From Honolulu, you can take a short flight to visit the other Hawaiian Islands.The Island of Hawaii is known as the "Big Island", and it is home to beautiful waterfalls with lots of adventure! Maui is very popular with quaint towns to visit and lovely beaches, including the well know Kaanapali Beach. The scenery is spectacular - especially if you rent a car and drive the renowned "Road to Hana". Kauai is the 4th largest island and is called "the Garden Island". The scenery here is spectacular with tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air.

Contact us if you'd like to learn more about PARADISE!

Destination weddings & honeymoons without the stress!

The holidays and Valentine's Day are peak times for couples to get engaged. In fact, around 40 percent of engagements occur during this proposal season.CONGRATULATIONS if you or a family member are newly engaged!

After a period of europhia, many people start to feel overwhelmed with planning. So where do you start? A travel agent can take away a lot of the stress by helping you plan the ceremony, honeymoon or both events.

We can help if you want to be married somewhere locally or have always dreamed of a destination wedding. Would you like a ceremony in romantic Paris or Rome? Maybe you've always pictured yourself getting married on a small cruise ship in the Mediterranean. A travel agent can plan all the details, such as blocking hotel rooms for your guests, booking flights and having your dress delivered. We assist with all the details in planning a destination wedding.

Can you see yourself getting married on a beach or in a lush garden? There is a wonderful selection of all-inclusive Caribbean resorts that will make your big day magical. You choose where you'd like to go, and we can will customize the trip to meet your individual needs and budget. Once you arrive at the resort, your on-site personal wedding planner will take care of everything. This gives the happy couple time to relax and spend time with their loved ones.

Cost is an important part of wedding planning. A combined destination wedding and honeymoon is actually quite cost efficient. As an added bonus, your family and friends will have a relaxing vacation to look forward to!

Need help with your honeymoon plans? Tell us what you have in mind, and we can make that dream a reality. Make memories traveling in Europe, relaxing in Hawaii or a romantic all-inclusive resort with butler service. Couples love our FREE honeymoon registry that lets them create their own wedding website.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a destination wedding.