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2023 Culinary Collection Brochure

1/31/2023

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click here to view the brochure
Have you seen the 2023 Culinary Collection brochure? We have featured more departures and shore events and added new suppliers to the program who have really stepped up their offers.

AmaWaterways is offering a shopping trip to a local market with the ship’s chef along with a Chef’s dinner made with ingredients from the market.

Newly added Windstar is offering an array of benefits from their James Beard Culinary themed cruises, including a chef-hosted dinner with a guest chef, a wine pairing event, cooking demos and recipe cards to take home as well as $100 per person shipboard credit.

Click the link for some culinary destination inspiration!
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Save Money On Your Spring Break Escape

1/24/2023

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If Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter on February 2, there’s no need to grumble…sunny skies and sandy beaches are just a quick plane ride away! If you haven’t started planning yet, put down that snow shovel and make your reservations for a spring break escape with these money-saving tips in mind. 

  1. BOOK ASAP. College kids aren’t the only ones heading south during spring break, and airlines have taken note of the increased demand, especially on peak travel days. The closer you book to spring break, the higher the fares will be. With travel booming once again, availability for hotels and resorts could also be a challenge, so making reservations months in advance ensures your plans are set. 

  2. TAKE A FIVE-DAY TRIP. Of course you’ll want to spend as much time out of the snow belt as possible, but you will pay more for weekend-to-weekend flights. For a more budget-conscience vacation, check Monday or Tuesday departures and potentially save major moolah. 

  3. TRY ALTERNATE AIRPORTS. The closest airport to your destination may not be the cheapest option, depending on where you are departing from. For example, if you have your sights set on Walt Disney World, check for flights to Tampa — just 84 miles from Orlando — as the airfare might be cheap enough to make the extra drive worth it. This same rule of thumb applies for your departure city – don’t forget to check cost from other nearby airports. 

  4. LOOK AT LESS COMMON DESTINATIONS. Snow can be fun, we swear. This time of year, keep an eye out for great deals on airfare to prime ski areas in Colorado and New England. If you really need a break from the cold, try less-obvious destinations like Southern California or New Orleans. If the surf and sand beckons, avoid the Florida hot spots and spread out your towel on a beach off the beaten path.  

  5. PLAN THE DETAILS IN ADVANCE. Purchasing meals and enjoying activities while traveling can cause daily spending to sneak up on you. With your budget in mind, plan your dining for each day of your trip with consideration to must-do restaurants and cost-saving quick bites. When it comes to activities, tours, and excursions, your travel agent can assist with recommendations and booking to maximize your dollar and fun.  

Spring break travel can pack a punch, but it doesn’t have to be painful on the wallet. The key is organization, planning ahead, and maximizing your budget in creative ways…all aspects of travel a professional travel agent can help you with! 
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Experiencing Culture Through Food, History, and Art

1/18/2023

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Cross posting this blog from my friends at KHM.

Travelers are compelled to explore the world because they love connecting with another culture through the food, history, and art of a place. This is especially true for travelers who want to visit Europe.

These uniquely European experiences will have you wanting to hop across the Pond again and again.

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FOR THE FOOD

Food is one of the most interactive and sensory ways to experience a destination’s culture. It’s also one of the most often talked about parts of our vacations. We connect with the aspiration to eat Neopolitan pizza in Italy, croissants in France, and fish and chips in England. Even if you don’t call yourselves “foodies” you’ll most likely want to try some local specialties.
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HISTORY INSPIRES

Whenever Americans visit Europe, we marvel at the age of their buildings and cities. The idea that you may stay in a hotel built in the 1700s or stroll along cobblestones laid down by the Roman Empire is novel for us. The rich history of Europe is one of the reasons many of us are inspired to visit, and why we often make visiting historic landmarks and museums a priority when traveling.
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APPRECIATING THE ARTS

Much like history, the experiencing the arts is an important part of understanding the culture of a place. While Europe is filled with incredible works, like the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s David, museums are only the tip of the iceberg. Architecture, music, and theater performances are among the many forms art takes.

While everyone’s experiences are different, we all find ways to connect with destinations and cultures through meaningful moments. For some, that’s sipping a coffee and or trying a new dish. Others find joy in connecting with the past through history. Others strive to sink into the moment through performances and art. 

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Never Forget These Three Things When Traveling

1/15/2023

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Matt sailing on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady for New Year's 2023
There's a lot to remember before heading out on your next adventure. That's why I always use a checklist to remind myself of all the things I need to pack before I embark on my next trip. Keep reading to discover the three must-have items you need while traveling!
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​Click here for a handy packing list to make sure you are prepared for all of your traveling needs!

After all the packing is done and just before I head to the airport, I double-check to make sure I have these three things on me. Without these items, I may not even make it to my destination, or at a minimum, my traveling experience will be considerably more difficult. If all I have are these three things, I'll be able to get by and can always purchase anything else I need. 
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#1. Don't forget your passport
If you're traveling internationally, you won't even make it on the plane without your passport. Even if you somehow manage to slip through all the check points and make it to your destination, they’ll put you on the next flight home as soon as you land. I've seen it happen a number of times. The traveler who forgets their passport has to go back home to get it, no exceptions. Their travel plans are delayed, plus they incur stiff fees from the airline to re-book their airfare. 

Bonus Tip: Make sure your passport doesn't expire until six months after the date you return home, or they might not let you go abroad.

#2. Don't forget your money/credit card
I was pickpocketed while traveling once. They took my wallet with all my money and credit cards. They were so talented that I didn't even realize it until the next day! The worst part? I was only halfway through my month-long journey. I begged my parents to send money via Western Union at each new city I went to so I didn't have to come home early. Thankfully, they agreed, but it was quite the process. The time difference between us was about 10 hours, which made communication while traveling extremely difficult. I wasn't sure how much money I needed for the rest of the trip and typos in my name made it difficult to collect the cash. All-in-all, lesson learned: do not forget your money or credit cards while traveling!

#3. Don't forget your phone
With the world’s shift from paper to digital almost complete, your most important travel information is now on your phone. Plus, your family and friends expect to hear from you frequently while you travel to make sure you're alive and well. We've grown so dependent on our smart phones, it's hard to travel without them. To top it off, many of us no longer use a physical camera; it's now just an app on our phone. Can you imagine traveling to all these beautiful sites and not being able to take pictures of any of your food? Lame!
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Before you leave for your next trip, double-check to make sure you didn't forget your three most important travel items: your passport, money and phone.
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Using A Travel Advisor

1/11/2023

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Check out this guide on how to best use a travel advisor to plan your next vacation! Click the button below
click here to get your FREE copy of the Using a Travel Advisor Guide
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Ski Vacation Packing Tips

1/2/2023

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Will you be hitting the slopes soon? The right clothing, gear, and accessories can make or break your skiing or snowboarding experience. Airline luggage limits and fees can quickly turn packing your bags into a double black diamond challenge. These ski vacation packing tips will help you arrive with everything you need to enjoy your winter getaway.

PLAN AHEAD
Avoid last-minute packing. You need time to analyze which items you already have and whether they’re still in good condition, to purchase (or borrow) anything you still need, and to test any new gear before your big trip.

MAKE A LIST
Replacing forgotten items can be pricey in resort shops. Use a packing list to remember all the essential gear, après ski apparel, and accessories. Don’t forget sun protection for your skin, lips, and eyes!

UNDERSTAND AIRLINE POLICIES
Carefully review the luggage allowance included with your ticket, including size, weight, and quantity for checked and carry-on bags. Some airlines have specific policies for transporting sports equipment, including coverage limitations for lost or damaged items.

COMPARE BYO VS. RENTAL OPTIONS
Renting equipment at your destination may be a practical alternative to the cost and complications of transporting your skis or snowboard. Compare on-site choices with using a local ski shop or rental company, which often offer delivery.

LAYER LIKE A PRO
When it comes to choosing clothing layers, think quality over quantity. The right fabrics will keep you warm and dry, without weighing you—or your luggage—down. Save space in your suitcase by carrying your bulky ski coat on your flights.

What are your must-pack items for a winter sports adventure?
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