 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!  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.
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!  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.  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.  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.  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.  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!
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. #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! 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.  Check out this guide on how to best use a travel advisor to plan your next vacation! Click the button below
 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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January 2023
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California Seller of Travel Registration # 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval. Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Registration # ST37113. Hawaii Seller of Travel License # TAR 7231. Washington Seller of Travel UBI # 602 775122.
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