Top Six Destinations to Visit in 2020

As we enter a new decade, I want to share a few of my favorite places to visit.

1.       River Cruises

Imagine yourself meandering down a tranquil river on your own “floating hotel”.  The ships are much more intimate with fewer passengers and gourmet meals. Unpack your bag just once and let the sites come to you as you enjoy the ever-changing scenery.  You are totally immersed in the local culture. There are castles, vineyards and small quaint villages. Every day you can walk right off the ship and into the center of town. Operators offer river cruises through Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and Africa. 

2.      Safari

Safaris are available for four, five, seven or 10 nights. I was lucky to spend 10 nights in four different areas.  Our group visited the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Sleeping options were tents or full-service lodges. I highly recommend visiting Victoria Falls. This incredible sight is about an hour's drive from Kasane and definitely worth the trip! We met lots of locals!

3.      Belize

Belize has world class scuba diving with the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Visitors enjoy the sailing, fishing, hiking and exploring over 1,000 Mayan ruins. There are also jungles, wildlife reserves and the largest cave system in Central America. Belize is located in Central America. It is always warm, yet comfortable with the blowing trade winds. The food is also amazing!

4.      New Zealand

It is comprised mainly of two islands - the North Island and the South Island - with incredibly diverse scenery. This small country is surrounded by beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and enchanted forests. If you are adventurous, New Zealand is the place for you! Activities include bungy jumping, skydiving, caving, river rafting, jet boat racing, ziplining, canoeing and kayaking. The islands are world renowned for both fishing and golfing. New Zealand is a magical place, and visitors love the laid back and friendly atmosphere.

5.      Expedition Cruising

One of the fastest growing areas in travel is Expedition Cruising to places like the Arctic and Antarctica. An expedition cruise such as one to Antarctica offers passengers an opportunity to meet penguins up close. You can hike on the ice or kayak among icebergs close enough to touch them! You will see wildlife such as puffins, seals and whales in their natural habitat. These cruises offer professional guides and on-board lectures. The trip length varies with different itineraries, some include the popular Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

6.      Montreal and Quebec City

If you prefer not to spend extra time in airports, I highly recommend a visit to the quaint historic areas of Montreal and Quebec City, which are located just across the border in Canada. There are many low-cost flights to these cities. You can easily visit both cities in the same trip because it takes three hours to travel between the cities by car, bus or train. A cruise is a popular way to see this beautiful part of Canada and the Maritime provinces. There are many cruise options that depart from Boston and New York. 

Give me a call at 336-790-8911 to plan a trip to any of these amazing destinations. The hard part will be deciding where to visit first!

Beautiful NEW ZEALAND - the "land down under"!

I have so many reasons to LOVE New Zealand! I met my husband, Stuart, in this gorgeous country many years ago. Stuart was a native Kiwi, and I was fortunate to live in this beautiful country myself for 11 years. I want to explain why this breathtaking island SHOULD definitely be on your "bucket list"!


Many people don't know that New Zealand is very diverse. It is composed of two distinctly different islands - the North Island and the South Island. On our last visit, we spent time in the gorgeous Bay of Islands that is located toward the top of the North Island. Our international flight arrived in Auckland, and we enjoyed a few days there. Then, we picked up a rental car and drove to Pahia, which is a very popular place to stay in the Bay of Islands. There is a lot to see and do in the area. We enjoyed the lovely beaches and wonderful fresh seafood - it almost jumped off our plates!

I would recommend that you take a ferry across to Russell. You don't want to miss a visit to this charming old seaport. A visit to Russell would not be complete without savoring lunch or dinner at the well known Duke of Marlborough Hotel with its wonderful views from the outdoor dining area. History lovers will enjoy visiting historic Waitangi,where the treaty was signed between representatives of the British Crown and Máori Chiefs back in 1840. Don't miss seeing the Mission House and The Stone Store in nearby Kerikeri that dates back to 1822. Words aren't able to explain the stunning beauty of the scenery.

There are so many interesting places in the North Island to visit, but you should save some time to visit Queenstown in the South Island. There are lots of direct flights from Auckland to this spectacular part of New Zealand. Surrounded by mountains, this popular ski area is a great place to visit year round. Their summer season is December through March. There are so many ways to explore! You can take the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view or board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw steam boat to explore Lake Wakatipu. This is the ONLY
commercial coal-fired ship left in the southern hemisphere.

Adventure seekers love this area for its variety of adrenaline-pumping options. Visitors come from around the world for scenic bungy jumping and the exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride! From Queenstown, I highly recommend the scenic drive to Milford Sound. If you choose to drive, I would suggest you spend a night in beautiful Te Anau. For those with limited time, you can book convenient day trips to Milford Sound.

If New Zealand interests you - contact us for more information. We can help you plan a trip of a lifetime! I will give you options for a cruise, a guided tour or self-drive vacation. You just have to decide how long you want to explore these stunning islands!

See the polar bears while you still can...

"What is HOT right now in the travel world?"

This is a question I get asked a lot! My answer is "cold is the new hot!" One of the fastest growing areas in travel is EXPEDITION cruising to places like the Arctic & Antarctica. More and more people want to visit these unique destinations while they still can!

We work with several cruise lines that offer this type of cruise for more adventurous travelers. Options range from luxury cruising to active tours. Lindblad Expeditions partnered with National Geographic for a truly educational experience.

Also known for expedition cruising, Hurtigruten just introduced the world's first hybrid electric powered purpose-built vessels to traverse these fragile ecosystems. These ships offer state-of-the-art Scandinavian design, which is sleek and unpretentious.

If a luxury cruise is more for you, there are several stunning options. Silversea, Scenic and Seabourn all offer several different itineraries with a unique immersive experience. Viking ocean cruises just announced they will launch the first of two new expedition cruise ships in 2022!

An expedition cruise such as one to Antarctica offers passengers an opportunity to meet penguins up close. You can hike on the ice or kayak among icebergs close enough to touch them! You will see wildlife such as puffins, seals and whales in their natural habitat. These cruises offer professional guides and on-board lectures. The trip length varies with different itineraries, some include the popular Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

Most of the expedition cruise options depart from South American ports such as Ushuaia. Quark Expeditions provides another option where you can fly directly into Antarctica to join the expedition cruise ship. Their "Fly the Drake" option departs from Punta Arenas, Chile with spectacular aerial views. This option is good for those travelers who would prefer not to traverse the Drake Passage via ship. This eight-day trip is popular for those who want the arctic experience but don't have the time for a longer cruise. Check out their VIDEO to see what this trip offers.

Like to learn more? Contact us for more information on expedition cruising. I would be delighted to explain which option would be best for you!

River vs. ocean - what cruise is right for you?

I fell in love with river cruising 10 years ago. When we did our first river cruise, very few people had heard of it. Thanks to mass marketing from companies like Viking, most everyone has now heard about the joys of river cruising. First time river cruisers rave about their experience, and this amazing form of travel has grown in popularity.

I am a big fan of the 'MythBusters' television show. I thought it would be a good idea to debunk some of the common myths about river cruising. I have been on lots of both river and ocean cruises over the years. I want to share why river cruising is a very different experience in comparison to ocean cruising.

Firstly, many people have the misconception that river cruising is far more expensive than ocean cruising. However, you would be surprised if you sat down and compared pricing "apples to apples"!  A river cruise is an all-inclusive experience. Cruisers enjoy beverages like specialty teas, gourmet coffees, sodas, juices and bottled water. Guests love the unlimited wine and beer that are included with lunch and dinner. Those who have experienced a large ocean cruise know that the cost of alcoholic drinks can most definitely add up.

But wait - there is more! Many river cruise lines also include cocktails and gratuities in their all-inclusive rate. River cruises also offer an excursion in every port and free WiFi. Many even have bikes on board that guests can use as they explore the quaint villages and towns. Some lines are known for their specialty dining options.

River cruising is NOT for everyone. Although they do have musicians on board and bring on local entertainers, they don't have the space for Broadway-style entertainment. There are no casinos on board or adventurous activities like rock climbing or ice skating. The atmosphere is serene, and many river cruises are adults only.

For families that want to enjoy river cruising, there are cruises created specifically for them. For example, AMA Waterways has partnered with "Adventures by Disney" so that children can see the world through the eyes of a storyteller. These family river cruises are extremely popular as a multi-generational cruise where parents and grandparents have their time to relax, while the Disney hosts entertain the kids with amazing age-appropriate activities.

A river cruise offers unparalleled access to destinations around the world. A river cruise lets you explore Europe, Asia, India, Egypt, Russia and Africa. If you don't want to take an international flight, there are great river cruise options in America. River cruising is more of a cultural experience as you learn about the history of the amazing places you are visiting. Every day you are in a new port - there are no wasted "at sea" days. Even better, there is no chance of seasickness because they slowly meander down a river with incredible scenery all around you. We love the intimate setting on a river cruise. Many river cruise ships in Europe cater to less than 200 passengers. It's like having your own yacht!

If river cruising is something you would like to experience, contact us for more details. There are some incredible deals right now! Some are even offering FREE flights to Europe.

Our amazing trip to Ireland

We have just returned from a trip to Ireland, and I am SO excited to tell you about our wonderful adventures! If you've not visited this lovely country, you should definitely add it to your travel list. The country is beautiful. The people were warm and friendly. We couldn't get enough of the live Irish music. My husband, Stuart, loved the casual and relaxed atmosphere.

There are lots of options to explore this fun country. We work with several tour companies, and I can recommend the best one to meet your needs for a guided tour. This allows you to sit back and enjoy the rolling country side. If you are adventurous enough to drive, I would highly recommend a self-drive tour. It gives you the ability to visit some hidden treasures. The roads are excellent in Ireland - just remember that they drive on the opposite side of the road from us in North America!

For our own trip, we flew into Dublin for a couple of nights before hitting the road. There are many good flight options to Dublin from most airports. Dublin is a metropolitan city with amazing restaurants and live entertainment. We then drove the southern ring stopping for a night in Kilkenny, Kinsale, Killarney, Galway and Bunratty. Our adventure ended, and we flew back from Shannon airport. This is a picture of the castle in Kilkenny. There are so many historic gems to visit in Ireland!

We enjoyed dining in the local pubs. The food was tasty, and it was wonderful to talk with the locals.  Don't forget to have a pint of Guinness, which is still brewed today at St Jame's Gate in Dublin. I highly recommend a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Visit their website to book this popular tour - https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en. Dublin is a large city, so the hop-on/hop off bus will give you a great overview of the city's popular landmarks. It is a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella for the occasional rain shower. Here is a photo of our favorite pub in Dublin.



All the places we visited were quaint, and we really enjoyed them. A highlight for me was a visit to Kinsale - our hotel had a view of the harbor, and the shops were wonderful. If you are looking for Irish woolens, there is a delightful shop there called "Granny's Bottom Drawer". They have some beautiful items, and I could not resist buying a gorgeous shawl to bring home! We had a fun night out for with friends here. We had a scrumptious meal in Kinsale at the "Black Pig Wine Bar". The food was great for this casual meal. Just look at our happy faces! Here is their Facebook page -  https://www.facebook.com/theblackpigwinebar/

If you go to Killarney, a must see is the "Ring of Kerry". Take it easy on the narrow roads, but the drive is worth the breathtaking scenery! Here is the photo I took. Anytime is a good time to visit Ireland, but my recommendation would be spring-time visit when it is quieter because the kids are still in school.

Contact me for more information about a visit Ireland! I can plan a trip to meet your bucket list and budget.

Magic Happens in New York City (NYC)

A trip to NYC is always fun, no matter what time of the year you go. The Big Apple attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is particularly MAGICAL during the holiday season. If you have always wanted to visit New York at this time of year - book soon for great deals on flights, hotels and attractions. Would you like a shopping weekend with your girlfriends? Interested in seeing some new shows? Do your kids want to see the lights of Time Square?

Our son, Sam, lives in NYC. This has given us a great reason to visit the city at various times throughout the year; but, we particularly enjoy going when the city is decorated in its holiday splendor. It you haven't viewed the amazing displays in the windows of Macy's or Bloomingdale's - you don't know what you are missing! Holiday visitors should take time to see the enchanted windows of Tiffany's, Cartier, Harry Winston and the world famous Saks Fifth Avenue at 49th Street.




You have seen the gigantic tree in Rockefeller Center on television and in movies. This iconic tree is truly magnificent when you see it in person! Since 1933, the tree has been erected in mid-November with the annual tree lighting happening in late November or early December. Residents and visitors love to ice skate under the twinkling lights. I've got a helpful tip - you can pre-book a time to get on the ice. If you are traveling as a family, the kids will love it! If you prefer not to strap on skates, you can watch from the balcony above. A holiday trip would not be complete without seeing the high-kicking Rockettes at the renowned Radio City Music Hall. It's fun for all ages and is convenient with both matinee and evening show times. Ballet lovers won't want to miss The Nutcracker at the beautiful Lincoln Center.

New York city hotels go all out with decoration over the holidays. You will feel like you are stepping back in time when you enter the magnificent lobby of The Plaza. You can warm up with a holiday tea there or enjoy a cocktail at the St. Regis King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel or the famous Carlyle Hotel.

No trip to NYC is complete without a stroll through Central Park. Don't forget to bring a hat and warm gloves. The park is magnificent at all times of year. This photo was taken last Christmas when we were there. There is nothing more romantic than an evening carriage ride through Central Park. Writing this post is making me excited about our next adventure to this amazing city!

Contact me if you would like some suggestions to plan a magical trip to the Big Apple!

River cruising in the United States!

Did you realize that you don't have to travel far to experience a river cruise?  Most people think about river cruising in Europe or Asia; but, you can experience our beautiful country by boat. Right here in the USA, you can explore the mighty Mississippi or follow the trail of Lewis and Clark's famous expedition. People love cruising along the legendary Columbia and Snake Rivers in the stunning Pacific Northwest. River cruising provides an unique view of our country. 

The American Queen Steamboat Company was the first to offer all-inclusive river cruises. Passengers feel like they have stepped back in time with classically furnished staterooms on historic paddle boat steamers. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Traveling is so much fun when you don't have to drive! You can see many iconic destinations with cruises on the upper Mississippi, the lower Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and the Cumberland River. Cruise options are offered throughout the country.

One of the reasons I love river cruising is I only have to unpack once but get to enjoy a number of different destinations. Unpack once then get ready to relax and explore. Included in your fare on the American Queen Steamboat is delicious regional cuisine, daily entertainment and a shore excursion in each port. A nice selection of beer and wine is offered at dinner.

Today, you also have the choice of traveling with the American Cruise Lines ships - the newest river boats in the region. Pictured here is the "American Jazz" that will be launched in August 2020 on the Lower Mississippi. Modern features include a five-story glass atrium and spacious staterooms with private balconies. Guests will enjoy the spectacular views throughout the ship. They are known for their exquisite cuisine and complimentary experiences. Want to be one of the first guests on this new ship? Contact me to make your reservation!

American Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company offer similar cruise itineraries on the Mississippi River and in the Pacific Northwest. American Cruise Lines also offers trips in Alaska, New England, and various Southeast Inland Passages.

Both companies offer special theme cruises. There is truly one for every type of interest! You can take a cruise in honor of Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, the Civil War, music, regional culinary and fall foliage. In addition, American Cruise Lines offers theme cruises for the Tulip Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Food & Wine, Lobster Bake and Crab Fest!

Thinking of something unique and memorable for the holidays? Both companies offer special holiday sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Wouldn't a river cruise be the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with your extended family? The best part is no one has to do the cooking! 

Questions? Contact me for more information. I know you will fall in love with river cruising just like I have!