A Favorite Weekend Getaway

Have you spent time in charming Charleston?

It's hard to believe that we have lived in Greensboro, NC for almost two decades! We have always enjoyed exploring Charleston, SC. This seaside city is perfect for a weekend getaway, and we try to go every year. If you haven't visited this gem, I would highly recommend it!!

We have visited at every time of the year, and I can officially say there is no bad time to go! If you like the heat, the summer months are perfect. If you prefer cooler temperatures, I would suggest a trip in the spring or fall. Winters are moderate, so this city is an ideal destination for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year or the long Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. It is an easy five hour drive from Greensboro, NC.

My favorite part of the historic area is the waterfront Battery Park with the incredible mansions that exude southern charm. A horse drawn carriage is the best way to view this area as you travel along the cobblestone streets. You feel like you are transported back in time when you clatter along the streets. Here is a photo taken on our last trip in February.

I would also suggest a stroll along Waterfront Park. Visitors of all ages love exploring the four block city market. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. Watch where you are going so you don't trip on the cobbled streets! Don't forget to visit the world famous "Rainbow Row". These iconic, pastel-colored Georgina row houses were built between 1748 and 1845. You can also book a walking tour if you want to learn more about the history of this area.

If you are interested in visiting a plantation, the best known one is Magnolia Plantation. It is  one of the oldest plantations in the south and is know for its lush gardens. Another popular plantation tour is Boone Hall, which dates back to 1681. You can explore the main house and see the original slave cabins.

Traveling with children or a history buff? Then you definitely need to plan a tour of historic Fort Sumter, which is a sea fort that was in two important Civil War battles. There is also the military museum at Patriot's Point.

Charleston is well known for amazing Southern cuisine, and there are lots of good restaurants to visit. A trip has often included a visit to Magnolia's, which is always top notch. During our last trip, we visited their sister restaurant - Blossom. It is hard to choose which one we like better! Both are very popular, and I would definitely recommend that you make reservations.

If you interested in planning a weekend getaway, I would be happy to help you book a hotel and any excursions that you might like to include. Give me a call at 336-790-8911 or email me. I hope you enjoy exploring Charleston as much as I do!

Why Alaska is Amazing!

Alaska has wide appeal for all age groups. Visitors fall in love with the stunning landscape, charming towns and exotic wildlife. There are many ways one can explore this amazing region. An Alaskan cruise is a popular choice to visit many areas. Now, there are more choices than ever! Here are my ideas for your next visit.

1. Hiking in the Fall
With temperatures in the 40's and 50's, fall is a great time to get outdoors in Alaska. Hikers rave about the 30-minute walk to Exit Glacier from Seward or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail near Anchorage. Denali is a popular destination for experienced hikers. Don't forget to wear layers and bring water!

2. Northern Lights
Visitors can enjoy this stunning natural display from mid September to late April. The best time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Northern Lights is from 10 pm to 2 am. I recommend you plan two to three days in a northern town like Barrow or Fairbanks to experience this amazing sight. An afternoon nap is a good idea!

3. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is located in a broad, flat delta. The refuge's marine waters are home to more than 44 species. The drier upland habitats boast populations of both brown and black bears, caribou, moose and wolves. Along the coast of the refuge, the waters of the Bering Sea host a variety of marine mammals, including harbor, ribbon and bearded seals as well as walrus. Don't forget your camera!

 4. Scenic Drives

Renting a car is a great way to explore Alaska. Take the Nome-Teller Road to travel to the western most point in the United States. The drive is two hours without stops. When you arrive in Teller, you are actually 55 miles from Russia. There are many great day-trip options from Anchorage. Drive south from  to enjoy the shorelines of Turnagain Arm or drive north to enjoy the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive. The views are breathtaking.


5. Cruises
A cruise is a popular way to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska. There are three cruise options - northbound, inside passage or southbound. Many cruises leave from Vancouver, British Columbia or Seattle, Washington. I would recommend a few extra days in Vancouver. Click here to read about this wonderful city. A cruise is a relaxing way to see stunning views. The ships offer delicious meals, a great selection of entertainment and comfortable rooms.

Ready to go explore Alaska? I would be delighted to plan your trip. Contact me for options and pricing. 

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.