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.

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!