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.

That was Easy!

The name 'Cruise Planners' confuses many people. While I am a Cruise Planner franchise owner, I plan a WHOLE lot more than just cruises!

In these uncertain times, I have talked to many people who really want to travel again when it is safer. But, it is hard to plan a trip during this chaos. A travel specialist can really help with a 'trip planning service'. Let me tell you more!

You decide where you'd like to go, and we will take care of the rest! Hollie and I are here to help! We will provide you with up-to-date information on travel safety protocols due to COVID-19. You just have to worry about finding your passport and a bathing suit (that fits!)

Are you dreaming of a trip to Europe? Have you have always wanted to visit Ireland or France? You might be overwhelmed by planning a trip because you have no idea how to get from place to place or where to stay. Let us know which countries you would like to visit, and we will plan a complete package. Tell us your travel dates, so we can provide a detailed destination guide with helpful suggestions of things to do in each place.

Maybe you have always wanted to go on an African safari. How does a trip to Australia or New Zealand sound? I highly recommend a river cruise that stops in unique destinations. One call does it all because I have the inside the scoop on these destinations! I love river cruising, and I lived in New Zealand for years. I had an amazing time on our safari. As you can see below, the locals are furry! 

Are you thinking you'd like to go to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean? Tell us your interests, and we will help you put together a trip of a lifetime! There are stunning resorts for those who love lounging on the beach to water sports and everything in between. 

We can also help if you want to stay closer to home. How does a road trip right here in the US sound? We will help you select a route that includes all the places you have in mind. Plus, we provide suggestions about great places to stay, amazing food joints and the popular things to see along the way.

As an added bonus, we can also organize additional services like travel insurance and information on passports/visas. We will even provide you with some helpful packing tips!

Check out this article on the MANY advantages of working with a travel advisor. If you are ready to make memories in 2021, contact us to help you plan your next adventure.

Pairing rivers with trains in Switzerland!

According to Travel Weekly magazine, "Planes, Trains and Riverboats is a combination that is shaping up as a hot trend!" This lets travelers rebook their cancelled trips with train trips through Europe before or after their river cruise in 2021.

Pre- or-post train trips can be booked throughout Europe in France, the British Isles, Italy or Scandinavia for both river and ocean cruises. What really caught my eye is a train trip through beautiful Switzerland with its gorgeous lakes and mountain views that are absolutely stunning! Switzerland borders France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy, which makes this trip a great way to experience many different cultures.

There are several itineraries offered that can be customized to your needs. You get to select where you stop. One of the most popular river cruise itineraries starts or finishes in Basel, Switzerland. Adding a train trip from this destination provides easy access to Europe. If you are planning an ocean cruise that departs from Venice, you can easily add on a train trip between Switzerland and Venice!

These train trips are booked as packages with your choice of hand-picked hotels and/or overnight rail. You can also add optional excursions with fun activities such as a cruise on Lake Lucerne. These packages can be customized to fit your budget.

Travellers who are hesitant with COVID-19 can feel confident that every precaution has been taken with increased cleaning and sanitation. Train capacity is at 50% or less. Facial coverings are mandatory, and there is now contactless ticket control!

For those people who prefer the idea of a train trip closer to home, we can also help you plan a train trip in the USA or Canada. We are getting a lot of requests for  trips to the National Parks and Alaska! Contact me for more information.

Book a PRIVATE FAMILY tour for next summer!

Are you ready to explore new places? 

So many people want to travel again, but they are understandably concerned about interacting with large groups of people during COVID-19. We've got good news for you! You can book a small group tour just for you and your favorite people. The hardest part is deciding where your extended family or close friends want to go! 

Insight Vacations offer small group tours allowing you to travel as a private group with as few as 12 people! They are one of our preferred suppliers for escorted tours, and their travel directors expertly plan the perfect trip for your crew. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your air conditioned coach with WiFi to stay connected. The driving and planning is all done for your group. Now, that is a REAL vacation!!

There are several trip itineraries that can be booked for small groups. This provides a safe way to visit beautiful destination in the United States and Europe. We want to tell you about three popular places to visit.

1. Enchanting Canyonlands. 
This popular seven-day tour starts in Phoenix, Arizona and finishes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Your journey begins with a stay in beautiful Scottsdale. From there, your group travels to spectacular Sedona and the Grand Canyon. You can opt for a once-in-a-lifetime, flightseeing tour by helicopter or plane. Next up is the barren beauty of the desert and the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Guests rave about relaxing at Lake Powell's beautiful resort. The tour continues through the diverse landscapes of the sandstone cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah and the lush cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park. This natural beauty is contrasted with the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas.

 

2. Golden California

Have you always wanted to go to California? I would highly recommend the nine-day tour called the "Best of California". Explore the modern and bohemian influences in San Francisco. Wander around the rugged beauty of Yosemite National Park. Relax in the beach towns of Monterey and Santa Barbara. After this restful time, you get to explore the lights and sounds of Los Angeles. Of course the bus will visit Pacific Coast vineyards so you can experience the area's award-winning wines. 

3. France

Is Paris calling? Enjoy time in this cosmopolitan city, which is known for wonderful food, shopping and cultural outings. Enjoy delicious food and wine in the Loire Valley. Travel to the South of France for relaxation on the beach. Enjoy the breathtaking views from your own personal bus. Did we mention that the busses have air conditioning?

The staff at Insight Vacations hand pick quality hotels and exciting excursions. Even better, some meals are included in the package. Each tour provides down time so you can relax by the pool or explore on your own. Contact us for more information about these private tours.