Lori Punton Feed

Celebrate the North, Escape to the South with Sunwing

Mon, 29 Jun 26 13:12:14 +0000

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than having a vacation on the calendar.

Whether you’ve been thinking about relaxing on the beaches of Mexico, exploring the Dominican Republic, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of Jamaica or discovering somewhere new in the Caribbean or Central America, Sunwing’s latest promotion makes it easier to turn those plans into reality.

For a limited time, guests can save up to 40% on select all-inclusive vacation packages, with travel available through the end of October. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy warm weather, ocean views and the convenience of an all-inclusive getaway while making the most of the season ahead.

The beauty of an all-inclusive vacation is how easy it feels. Once you’ve arrived, everything slows down. Mornings begin by the pool, afternoons are spent on the beach and evenings are reserved for great food, entertainment and time well spent with the people you’re travelling with.

With departures available throughout the summer and into the fall, there’s plenty of flexibility to find a getaway that fits your schedule. But with the booking window only running through July 5, 2026, it’s an offer worth taking advantage of sooner rather than later.

Terms & Conditions

Save up to 40% on select all-inclusive vacations
Destinations include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Caribbean, and Central America
Booking window: June 29 to July 5, 2026
Travel window: June 29 to October 31, 2026
Offer applies to select vacation packages

Reach out to us to learn more about available resorts, departure dates and current Sunwing offers.

AmaWaterways Is Rewarding Travellers Who Plan Ahead

Mon, 29 Jun 26 13:06:34 +0000

The biggest advantage of booking early isn’t always the savings. It’s having the freedom to choose exactly the itinerary, departure date and stateroom you want before availability starts to narrow.

That’s the thinking behind AmaWaterways’ 2028 Early Booking Rewards. For a limited time, guests can save up to CAD$3,000 per stateroom when reserving select 2028 river cruises by September 30, 2026.

Whether you’ve been dreaming of sailing the Danube through Austria and Hungary, discovering charming villages along the Rhine or exploring destinations throughout Southeast Europe, booking early gives you access to the widest selection of itineraries while securing today’s promotional pricing.

The offer becomes even more valuable because it can be combined with eligible Loyalty Benefits and Future Cruise Benefits, allowing returning guests to maximize their savings. Plus, final payment isn’t due until 90 days before departure, making it easier to plan well in advance with added flexibility.

For many travellers, planning a river cruise isn’t just about choosing a vacation. It’s about securing the itinerary they’ve been thinking about for years. Booking early simply gives you the best opportunity to do exactly that.

Terms & Conditions

Reserve by September 30, 2026
Save up to CAD$3,000 per stateroom on select 2028 river cruises
Valid on eligible 2028 departures
Choose from a wide selection of itineraries, departure dates and staterooms
Final payment due 90 days prior to departure
Eligible guests can combine with Loyalty Benefits and Future Cruise Benefits
Savings and availability vary by itinerary and departure date

Reach out to us to learn more about AmaWaterways’ 2028 Early Booking Rewards and find the river cruise that’s right for you.

Introducing Trafalgar's New Small Group Tours

Mon, 29 Jun 26 13:03:44 +0000

5 Bucket-List Adventures Better With a Small Group

Some destinations earn a place on travellers' bucket lists for good reason. From spotting wildlife in Costa Rica to exploring ancient civilizations in Sardinia and experiencing daily life in East Africa, these are the journeys people dream about for years before finally taking them.

But while the destination may inspire the trip, it's often the way you experience it that makes all the difference.

More travellers today are seeking meaningful connections, authentic local experiences and a pace that allows them to truly immerse themselves in a destination. That's why small group travel continues to grow in popularity. With fewer travellers, there's more flexibility, more opportunities for conversation and more meaningful moments along the way.

Trafalgar's Small Group Tours are designed to deliver exactly that. With a maximum of just 18 guests, travellers enjoy a more personal way to explore the world while still benefiting from expertly planned itineraries, experienced Travel Directors and the ease of guided travel.

Whether you're exploring Europe's historic villages, cruising through Portugal's wine country or discovering the rainforests of Borneo, small group travel creates opportunities to experience destinations in a deeper and more memorable way.

Here are five bucket-list experiences that are even better with a Small Group Tour.

1. Step Inside Ancient Sardinia

The islands of Sardinia and Corsica are famous for their stunning coastlines, charming villages and Mediterranean culture. Yet some of the region's most fascinating stories stretch back thousands of years.

On Trafalgar's Islands of Sardinia and Corsica journey, travellers visit Sardinia's only UNESCO-listed archaeological area and explore one of the world's most complete Nuragic sites. These ancient stone structures provide a remarkable glimpse into a civilization that flourished long before the Roman Empire.

With a smaller group, it's easier to engage with local guides, ask questions and take time to appreciate the significance of these remarkable archaeological treasures. Rather than simply visiting a historic site, travellers gain a deeper understanding of the people and cultures that shaped the island.

2. Cruise Through Portugal's Douro Valley

Portugal's Douro Valley is one of Europe's most picturesque regions. Terraced vineyards climb steep hillsides, historic wine estates dot the landscape and the river winds through scenery that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

On Portugal Uncovered with Madeira, travellers board a traditional Rabelo boat in Pinhão and cruise through the heart of the Douro Valley. Once used to transport barrels of port wine downriver, these boats now offer visitors a unique perspective of the region.

The leisurely cruise offers an opportunity to soak in the views and appreciate the landscapes that have helped make the Douro Valley one of the world's most celebrated wine regions.

3. Discover Wildlife and Conservation in Borneo

For nature lovers, few destinations are as exciting as Borneo.

Home to orangutans, sun bears and some of the oldest rainforests on Earth, Borneo offers extraordinary opportunities to witness wildlife while learning about the conservation efforts helping protect these fragile ecosystems.

On Wild Encounters of Borneo, travellers visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and rescued orangutans are cared for and prepared for life back in the wild. Watching these incredible animals move through the rainforest canopy is an unforgettable experience.

Guests also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and meet founder and CEO Dr. Wong, who shares how his team rescues and rehabilitates sun bears threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. It's a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the conservation efforts helping secure the future of the species.

The journey continues through the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, where suspension bridges and canopy walkways provide a unique perspective high above the rainforest floor.

4. Explore Costa Rica's Remarkable Waterways

Costa Rica is one of the world's most biodiverse destinations, and nowhere is that more evident than Tortuguero National Park.

Accessible primarily by boat, this protected region is a network of canals, lagoons and rainforest habitats that support an astonishing variety of wildlife.

On Costa Rica Nature Adventure, travellers cruise through Tortuguero's waterways alongside a Local Specialist, searching for monkeys, toucans, sloths, crocodiles and countless other species that call this ecosystem home.

The experience extends beyond wildlife encounters. Travellers also visit the village of Tortuguero, where they meet local residents and gain insight into daily life within the community.

One memorable highlight is meeting Cloied, a member of one of the village's pioneer families, who shares stories about the region while demonstrating how to prepare a traditional coconut dessert.

5. Experience Daily Life in Kenya and Tanzania

East Africa is often associated with iconic safari experiences and extraordinary wildlife sightings. While those moments are certainly unforgettable, some of the most meaningful memories come from the people travellers meet along the journey.

On Kenya and Tanzania Safari Adventure, guests visit an authentic Maasai village to learn about one of East Africa's most recognizable cultures. Community members share traditions, daily customs and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

Later, travellers visit the village of Mto wa Mbu, where local farms and markets provide insight into everyday life. Guests sample traditional banana beer, enjoy a home-cooked Swahili lunch and hear stories from local women who share the ingredients and traditions behind each dish.

Why Small Group Travel Makes a Difference

While these experiences span continents and cultures, they share a common thread: meaningful connection.

Trafalgar's Small Group Tours are designed for travellers who want more than a checklist of famous sights. With a maximum of 18 guests, journeys feel more relaxed, immersive and personal from start to finish.

Travellers enjoy more opportunities to engage with local communities, spend time in remarkable places and experience destinations at a pace that feels comfortable rather than rushed.

At the same time, they continue to benefit from everything Trafalgar is known for: expertly planned itineraries, knowledgeable Travel Directors, carefully selected accommodations and signature Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that connect travellers with local people and cultures.

The result is a style of travel that combines the convenience of guided touring with the intimacy and flexibility many travellers are seeking today.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

If you've been dreaming about exploring some of the world's most remarkable destinations, now may be the perfect time to discover them through a Small Group Tour.

For a limited time, save 10%* on select 2027 Trafalgar Small Group Tour departures. Speak with your travel advisor to find the journey that matches your travel style and discover how a smaller group can create bigger travel experiences.

Discover the World with Oceania Cruises at Our Exclusive Virtual Event

Mon, 15 Jun 26 15:22:56 +0000

Join us for an inspiring evening as we explore what sets Oceania Cruises apart, from destination-rich itineraries that span the globe to elegant small-ship experiences designed for curious travellers who want to see more of the world.

During this special presentation, you’ll discover:

• Exceptional voyages to some of the world’s most captivating destinations
• Intimate, refined ships with a focus on comfort and service
• Meaningful cultural experiences ashore
• The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and a culinary experience unlike any other

Whether you’re dreaming about your next adventure or looking for inspiration for future travels, this is your opportunity to learn why Oceania Cruises continues to be a favourite among discerning travellers.

Reserve your spot for our Virtual Consumer Night today.

Travel Better Together with Riviera Travel

Fri, 12 Jun 26 10:15:14 +0000

Travel Is Better When Everyone's In!

Some journeys are just better shared. The laughter over dinner. The first glimpse of a skyline. The moment someone says, "I'm so glad we did this."

Riviera Travel believes group travel should feel like the best decision you ever made, not the most complicated. That's why they've built an offer that puts every single member of your group exactly where they deserve to be: fully present, fully included, and completely taken care of.

50% off. A saving that means everyone can say yes.

For every 7 guests who book, the 8th place is on them, their way of saying that no one should ever be left out of the adventure.

Full immersion, fully included. Dining, drinks, excursions, and the experiences that truly define a journey are woven into every itinerary from the start. No awkward bill-splitting. No optional extras that feel anything but optional.

Behind every group booking is a dedicated Riviera Travel Groups Team, specialists who know that the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one is in the details. From your first enquiry to the moment you return home, they're with you every step of the way.

And underpinning it all: their Holiday Happiness Guarantee. Because when you've brought together the people you care about most, peace of mind isn't a luxury; it's a given.

Celebrate Love in Caribbean Luxury with Sandals and Beaches Resorts

Fri, 12 Jun 26 10:02:33 +0000

At Sandals and Beaches Resorts, couples can experience world-class service, exceptional amenities, and authentic Caribbean charm while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Whether planning a destination wedding, honeymoon, vow renewal, babymoon, or romantic getaway, every celebration is thoughtfully designed to reflect each couple's unique love story. From intimate elopements to grand affairs surrounded by family and friends, these resorts offer personalized experiences that transform special moments into unforgettable occasions.

Couples who stay seven nights or longer in select Club or Butler room categories at any Sandals or Beaches Resort can take advantage of our Sweetheart Wedding Package. Designed to enhance the wedding experience, this package includes support from a dedicated wedding planning team, ensuring every detail is carefully coordinated from the initial planning stages through the big day itself. Couples can relax knowing experienced professionals are there every step of the way.

The package also includes exclusive perks such as a private one-hour cocktail reception, 15% savings on select Red Lane Spa services for the bride and groom, and a $200 credit toward select photography and videography packages. These thoughtful additions help create a seamless and memorable wedding week filled with luxury and romance.

Because every couple is different, Sandals and Beaches believes every wedding should be too. Wedding inspirations are thoughtfully curated to reflect the beauty and culture of the Caribbean islands. From Jamaica-inspired tropical blooms bursting with vibrant colours to the soft desert florals and natural textures inspired by Curaçao, couples can personalize their celebration with décor and styling that reflects their vision.

Choosing the perfect ceremony location is equally effortless. From Turks and Caicos to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sandals and Beaches offers a variety of breathtaking venues, including stunning beachfront settings where waves gently lap the shore and iconic overwater chapels suspended above crystal-clear waters. Couples can also choose from lush tropical gardens and elegant oceanfront terraces, each offering spectacular scenery and unforgettable photo opportunities.

The romance continues long after the ceremony. Newlyweds can enjoy luxurious honeymoon experiences featuring candlelit dinners, couples' spa treatments, and endless opportunities to relax and reconnect in paradise. Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries can also renew their vows in a beautiful setting that honours their journey together.

For those seeking a more meaningful celebration, our partnership with the Sandals Foundation offers eco-conscious wedding options that allow couples to give back while celebrating their love. Through symbolic tree planting ceremonies, wedding garment donation programs, and nature-based experiences, couples can create lasting memories while supporting local communities and environmental sustainability.

At Sandals and Beaches Resort, every detail is designed to celebrate love. Combined with exceptional service, stunning venues, personalized wedding experiences, and the warmth of Caribbean hospitality, it is the perfect destination for couples looking to begin their next chapter—or celebrate the journey they have already shared—in unforgettable style.

Europe Without the Crowds? Air Canada Vacations Has You Covered

Fri, 12 Jun 26 09:54:15 +0000

There’s a reason experienced travellers often choose Europe outside of peak season!

The pace feels different. Attractions are less crowded, restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and cities tend to feel more intimate once the busy summer months have passed. Whether it’s strolling through Paris in the fall, experiencing Christmas Markets along the Danube, or exploring Italy during the quieter winter season, off-season travel often offers a completely different perspective.

That’s the idea behind Air Canada Vacations’ latest Europe promotion.

For a limited time, travellers can take advantage of special offers on select Europe tour packages for departures between September 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. It’s an opportunity to experience some of Europe’s most iconic destinations during a time of year many seasoned travellers consider the sweet spot.

Beyond the destinations themselves, the added value makes planning even easier. Guests can enjoy 50% off CareFlex travel protection, along with a first checked bag and one carry-on included, helping simplify the journey from the moment they leave home.

Terms & Conditions

Book by July 5, 2026
Valid on select Europe tour packages
Travel between September 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027
50% off CareFlex travel protection
First checked bag included
One carry-on included
Additional conditions may apply

Reach out to us to learn more about featured Europe tours, available departures, and current Air Canada Vacations offers.

Club Med Summer Sale Includes Up to 40% Off Resorts

Mon, 11 May 26 08:47:05 +0000

There’s a reason travellers continue returning to Club Med year after year. The experience has always been less about excess and more about ease. The kind of travel where everything feels considered before you even arrive, allowing the focus to stay on the destination itself.

For a limited time, you can enjoy up to 40% off at participating Club Med resorts across destinations, including Punta Cana, Cancún, Turks & Caicos, Québec Charlevoix, and more, for travel through December 18, 2026. Depending on the resort and length of stay, guests can also receive up to $400 per person, per week in instant savings.

The offer also brings added value for families and solo travellers alike. Children under 4 stay free, while most participating resorts are offering no single supplement, making it easier for more travellers to plan the kind of getaway they actually want without the need for compromise.

What continues to set Club Med apart is the atmosphere surrounding the experience. Mornings that begin slowly near the water. Long lunches that turn into afternoons without plans. Evenings that feel relaxed rather than overproduced. Whether it’s the turquoise coastline of Turks & Caicos or the mountain scenery of Charlevoix, each destination carries its own distinct rhythm.

The offer is available until July 7, 2026, with travel dates running from May 23 through December 18, 2026.

Reach out to us to learn more about participating Club Med resorts, available travel dates, and current offers.

AmaWaterways Smithsonian Journeys Bring Destinations to Life

Thu, 23 Apr 26 15:36:32 +0000

Some journeys stay with you because of what you see. Others because of what you understand.

AmaWaterways has partnered with Smithsonian Journeys to create a collection of river cruises designed to go beyond the surface, offering a deeper, more meaningful way to experience each destination.

On these select departures, guests travel alongside two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, individuals who have spent their careers studying history, art, culture and global affairs. Their presence transforms each destination, adding context, perspective and storytelling that brings every place to life in a way that feels both engaging and personal.

The experience extends well beyond what you would expect from a traditional river cruise. These itineraries include exclusive excursions and curated experiences, designed specifically for Smithsonian guests, along with immersive opportunities to explore each destination in greater depth.

From sailing the Rhine through storybook landscapes to exploring the cultural richness of the Danube or discovering Southeast Asia along the Mekong, each journey is thoughtfully designed to balance discovery, comfort and connection.

On board, the experience remains seamless, with regionally inspired dining, attentive service and the welcoming atmosphere that defines an AmaWaterways river cruise.

This is travel for those who want more than just a destination. It is for those who want to understand it.

Reach out to us to explore AmaWaterways Smithsonian Journeys and find the itinerary that fits your interests.

10 facts you didn't know about Alaska with Virgin

Wed, 22 Apr 26 18:53:21 +0000

Alaska doesn’t whisper. It roars. With glaciers the size of cities, skies that refuse to darken, and wildlife that casually outweighs your car, the great north does everything at full volume. But beyond the postcard peaks and breaching whales, there’s a whole other side to America’s wild north. Let’s peel back the parka and uncover 10 facts you probably didn’t know about Alaska and why it’s even more magical when explored with Virgin Voyages.

It has more coastline than the rest of the US combined

Yes, really. Alaska’s coastline stretches over 33,000 miles when you include its islands. That’s longer than all other US states combined.

Translation? This place was practically made for sailing. Cruising through Alaska isn’t just scenic. It’s strategic. From narrow fjords to glacier-carved bays, many of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes are best accessed by sea.

With Virgin Voyages’ elevated take on exploration, you’ll glide past those rugged shores in signature style, champagne in hand, binoculars at the ready.

It’s home to 100,000 glaciers

Alaska holds more glaciers than the rest of the inhabited world combined. Some are retreating. Some are advancing. All are jaw-dropping.

Sailing into glacier country is one of those goosebump moments that sticks with you. The electric blue ice. The thunderous crack of calving. The stillness just before a massive shard splashes into the sea.

On a Virgin Voyage through Alaska, you won’t just see glaciers. You’ll feel their scale. From expansive viewing decks to cozy lounges wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, every vantage point is curated for awe.

The sun sometimes doesn’t set

In parts of Alaska during summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon. In places like Utqiaġvik, it doesn’t set at all for more than two months.

That means longer golden hours. More time for wildlife spotting. Late-night deck strolls under a pastel sky that feels like it’s been filtered by nature itself.

On board, that extended daylight pairs perfectly with Virgin’s late-night energy. Sunset cocktails that turn into stargazing sessions. Dinner that drifts into dancing. When the sun refuses to clock out, neither do the memories.

It has the highest peak in North America

Denali towers at 20,310 feet, making it the tallest mountain on the continent. On a clear day, it dominates the skyline with a presence that feels almost mythical.

While Denali National Park sits inland, Alaska’s coastal towns like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau serve as gateways to towering ranges, forested valleys, and alpine adventures.

Through expertly curated Shore Things, Virgin Voyages connects Sailors to helicopter rides over icefields, wildlife expeditions, and immersive cultural tours that bring the scale of Alaska into sharp, unforgettable focus.

You can witness humpback whales bubble-net feeding

Bubble-net feeding is a rare, coordinated hunting technique where humpback whales swim in a spiral, blowing bubbles to trap fish before lunging upward in unison. It’s part science, part ballet, all breathtaking.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to witness this behaviour.

From the decks of your Virgin ship, or on a guided whale-watching excursion, you may see these giants breach, slap their tails, or surface in synchronized arcs. It’s the kind of wildlife encounter that turns even the most seasoned traveller into a wide-eyed kid again.

Alaska has more than 3 million lakes

That’s not a typo. Alaska’s landscape is dotted with over three million lakes and countless rivers carving through mountains and tundra.

This abundance of freshwater shapes everything, from salmon runs to bald eagle habitats. It’s why fishing villages thrive and why coastal communities feel so deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.

When you sail with Virgin Voyages, those landscapes become more than scenery. They become stories, shared by local guides, Indigenous communities, and crew members who help you understand the ecosystem behind the epic views.

It was once sold for two cents an acre

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. At the time, critics called it “Seward’s Folly.” Today, it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest land deals in history.

Gold rushes, oil discoveries, and thriving tourism transformed Alaska into an economic powerhouse. But beyond its resources, its true wealth lies in its wilderness.

Virgin Voyages approaches Alaska with a modern traveller’s mindset. Respect for the environment. Smaller crowds. Thoughtful itineraries that prioritize immersive experiences over checklist tourism.

It’s one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights

From late August through April, the aurora borealis dances across Alaska’s night skies in waves of green, pink, and violet.

While summer sailings focus on long daylight and peak wildlife, shoulder-season voyages increase your chances of spotting the lights, especially as evenings grow darker.

Imagine standing on deck, wrapped in a blanket, watching ribbons of color ripple overhead. It’s not just a bucket list moment. It’s a perspective shift.

It’s bigger than you think. Way bigger.

Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. If it were its own country, it would rank among the largest in the world.

That scale means diversity. Rainforests in the southeast. Arctic tundra in the north. Volcanic islands stretching into the Pacific.

A cruise allows you to experience multiple regions without unpacking more than once. With Virgin Voyages’ adults-only approach, the journey feels refined, relaxed, and refreshingly unhurried. You explore boldly by day, then return to world-class dining, immersive entertainment, and ocean-view serenity by night.

It’s still deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures

Alaska is home to rich Indigenous cultures, including Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Inupiat, Yupik, and many others. Totem poles, storytelling traditions, and art forms carry histories that span thousands of years.

In ports like Ketchikan and Sitka, you’ll encounter living culture, not museum pieces. From heritage centres to locally guided experiences, Alaska invites you to listen, learn, and engage.

Virgin Voyages’ Shore Things are designed to spotlight authentic connections, helping Sailors go beyond surface-level sightseeing and into meaningful discovery.

Why Alaska feels different by sea

Alaska isn’t just a destination. It’s an atmosphere. Crisp air. Pine-scented breezes. The hush of glaciers meeting water. Experiencing it by sea mirrors the spirit of the place itself. Fluid. Expansive. Uncontained.

With Virgin Voyages, that wild beauty pairs with elevated design, chef-driven dining across 20+ eateries, wellness spaces that look out over open water, and entertainment that surprises at every turn. It’s adventure without compromise. Nature without roughing it.

The Last Frontier may be untamed, but your voyage doesn’t have to be.

Ready to meet the wild north?

Alaska is bigger, bolder, and more surprising than most people imagine. From midnight sun to bubble-net feeding whales, it’s a place that redefines scale and stirs something elemental inside you.

And when you explore it with Virgin Voyages, you experience the best of both worlds. Untouched wilderness by day. Elevated, adults-only indulgence by night.

The only question left is when you’re sailing.

7 Most Scenic Train Journeys in Europe with Railbookers

Fri, 17 Apr 26 05:07:30 +0000

Europe is home to some of the most scenic train journeys in the world, where the journey itself becomes a highlight of your vacation.

From the Swiss Alps to Norway’s fjords and Italy’s dramatic coastline, these iconic rail routes showcase Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes—best experienced from the comfort of a train.

Here are seven of the best scenic train rides in Europe with Railbookers to add to your rail vacation:

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

One of the most famous scenic trains in the world, the Glacier Express travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Expect panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, deep gorges, and alpine villages as you cross hundreds of bridges and mountain passes. This is classic Swiss rail travel at its finest.

2. West Highland Line, Scotland

The West Highland Line offers one of the most atmospheric journeys in Europe, running from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig.

Pass remote lochs, rugged mountains, and sweeping moorlands, including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, for a truly wild and cinematic experience.

3. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most dramatic cross-border rail journeys, connecting Switzerland to northern Italy.

Travel past glaciers, mountain lakes, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct before descending into sun-drenched valleys offering incredible contrast in just a few hours.

4. Flåmsbana Railway, Norway

The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world and one of Norway’s top travel experiences.

In under an hour, descend from mountain landscapes to a fjord-side village, passing waterfalls, cliffs, and deep valleys along the way.

5. GoldenPass Line, Switzerland

The GoldenPass Line connects Lucerne to Lake Geneva, offering a diverse journey through lakes, vineyards, and alpine scenery.

This route is perfect for travellers wanting a varied and immersive Swiss rail experience, with constantly changing views.

6. Rhine Valley Line, Germany

The Rhine Valley Line between Koblenz and Bingen follows one of Europe’s most scenic river routes.

Expect castles perched above vineyards, charming medieval towns, and UNESCO-listed landscapes, making it one of the most romantic train journeys in Europe.

7. Cinque Terre Coastal Line, Italy

The Cinque Terre coastal train connects five colourful villages along Italy’s Ligurian coastline.

As the train winds through tunnels and along cliffs above the Mediterranean, it reveals stunning sea views and postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.

When the Journey Becomes the Destination

From alpine passes to coastal cliffs and river valleys, these scenic rail routes prove that getting there can be just as memorable as where you’re going.

A European rail vacation isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about the journey in between.

When the Journey Becomes the Destination

From alpine passes to coastal cliffs and river valleys, these scenic rail routes prove that getting there can be just as memorable as where you’re going.

A European rail vacation isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the journey in between.

Sail Solo and Save with Virgin Voyages Reduced Single Supplement

Fri, 27 Mar 26 18:37:54 +0000

Solo travel continues to grow in popularity, and Virgin Voyages is making it easier to experience an adults-only cruise without paying the usual high single supplement.

On select sailings, solo travellers booking a Sea Terrace cabin can save significantly, with the second fare reduced by up to 70%. Instead of paying the full price typically required for a double occupancy stateroom, this offer allows Solo Sailors to enjoy meaningful savings while still getting the full Virgin Voyages experience.

That means more room in your budget for the fun parts of the trip. Think Shore Things excursions, spa treatments, onboard dining experiences, or even Virgin’s popular pub crawls.

Virgin Voyages has become a strong option for solo travellers thanks to its social atmosphere, modern ship design, and adults-only environment, making it easy to meet people or enjoy the journey at your own pace.

If you have been considering a solo cruise, this offer makes it a great time to try it.

Win a 7-Day Taste of Ireland Holiday for Two with CIE Tours

Thu, 19 Feb 26 15:18:35 +0000

Discover the Emerald Isle with a Trusted Irish Travel Expert

There are destinations that capture your imagination — and then there is Ireland.

A land of dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, ancient castles, and vibrant cities, Ireland has a way of welcoming visitors like old friends. Stories flow easily here. Music spills from pubs onto cobblestone streets. History feels alive, woven into everyday moments. It’s a place that stays with you long after you return home.

Now imagine experiencing the very best of the Emerald Isle on a thoughtfully designed journey — without worrying about logistics, planning, or hidden costs. Imagine seeing Ireland through the eyes of knowledgeable local guides, staying in carefully selected hotels, and enjoying iconic experiences that bring the country’s culture and character to life.

This is your opportunity to do just that.

Enter for your chance to win a 7-day Taste of Ireland holiday for two, a classic introduction to Ireland created by CIE Tours, a company with more than 90 years of experience, a 95% guest satisfaction rating, and deep roots in Ireland itself.

Why Ireland Is the Perfect Holiday Destination

Ireland offers a remarkable variety in a compact and easy-to-explore landscape. In the span of a single week, travellers can experience lively cities, quiet rural villages, rugged Atlantic coastlines, and centuries-old landmarks — all connected by scenic drives and warm hospitality.

Ireland feels both familiar and refreshingly different. English is spoken, the pace is relaxed, and the welcome is genuine. Yet the culture, music, landscapes, and traditions are unmistakably Irish — shaped by history, storytelling, and a strong sense of place.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or a long-awaited dream, Ireland rewards travellers who want more than just sightseeing. It’s a destination best experienced with insight, context, and care — exactly what the Taste of Ireland holiday delivers.

Travel with Confidence: The CIE Tours Difference

How you travel can make all the difference — especially when discovering a country as rich in history and culture as Ireland. That’s where CIE Tours stands apart.

Founded in 1932 and proudly Irish-owned, CIE Tours has spent more than nine decades perfecting the art of guided travel. With deep connections across Ireland and a longstanding commitment to quality, the company designs journeys that balance iconic sights with authentic local experiences.

Today, CIE Tours is recognized for:

Over 90 years of expertise in guided travel
A 95% guest satisfaction rating, reflecting consistently high traveller experiences
Travel styles that blend comfort, storytelling, and seamless organization

Being Irish-owned isn’t just a heritage point — it means access to trusted local partners, insider knowledge, and experiences that reflect Ireland as it truly is. From the guides who share personal stories to the carefully selected routes that showcase the country’s beauty, every detail is shaped by local expertise.

The CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage

One of the reasons travellers return to CIE Tours again and again is the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage — a clear, guest-first approach that makes travel easier, more transparent, and more enjoyable.

With this approach, most of what matters is included in one up-front price:

Comfortable, well-located hotels
Transportation throughout the journey
Guided sightseeing and iconic attractions
Many meals featuring local flavours

There are no hidden costs and no pressure to purchase optional extras along the way. Instead, travellers can relax, knowing the essentials are already taken care of — allowing them to focus fully on the experience.

The Taste of Ireland holiday reflects this philosophy perfectly, offering exceptional value alongside unforgettable experiences.

An Ideal Introduction: Taste of Ireland

Designed as a “greatest hits” journey, the Taste of Ireland tour is a fast-paced yet carefully balanced holiday that introduces travellers to Ireland’s most celebrated sights and cultural moments.

Over 7 days and 6 nights, the itinerary moves at a comfortable rhythm — combining guided experiences with time to explore independently. From Dublin’s historic streets to the windswept Cliffs of Moher, from medieval castles to traditional music and dance, this journey delivers a true taste of Ireland in every sense.

Day-by-Day Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin – Independent Discovery

Your holiday begins in Dublin, Ireland’s dynamic capital city. With included vouchers and a hop-on, hop-off bus, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Choose from some of Dublin’s most popular attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the historic GPO Museum.

Spend the evening discovering the city independently — from cosy pubs to modern restaurants — soaking in Dublin’s lively atmosphere and unmistakable charm.

Day 2: Dublin City Tour & Traditional Irish Evening

Today offers a deeper introduction to Dublin’s story. A guided panoramic tour highlights Trinity College, elegant Georgian neighbourhoods, and modern landmarks along the River Liffey. A visit to the Little Museum of Dublin adds humour and personality, sharing the city’s modern history through a collection of unique artifacts donated by the public.

The evening brings your first group experience — a warm Irish welcome complete with dinner and entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Traditional music, step-dancing, and hearty Irish dishes create a festive atmosphere and an unforgettable start to your journey.

Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney

Leaving Dublin, travel through Ireland’s lush countryside, stopping to admire the dramatic Rock of Cashel, a hilltop site rich in medieval history. Continue to Blarney Castle, where you can climb the famous stone steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone or stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Later, arrive in the lakeside town of Killarney, known for its natural beauty and welcoming spirit. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening, offering time to relax after a full day of exploration.

Day 4: Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience & Sheepdog Demonstration

This day showcases some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. Travel the famed Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive that winds past mountains, lakes, and rugged Atlantic coastline. Stops along the way provide countless photo opportunities and moments to take in the views.

Visit the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island to learn about Skellig Michael — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for Star Wars. Later, enjoy a traditional sheepdog demonstration, a fascinating look at rural Irish life and age-old farming traditions.

The evening is free in Killarney, allowing you to explore the town’s pubs, restaurants, and live music at your leisure.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Castle Banquet

Few sights rival the impact of the Cliffs of Moher. Rising nearly 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these dramatic cliffs stretch along the western coast, offering sweeping views and a powerful sense of Ireland’s natural beauty.

That evening, step back in time at a medieval-style castle banquet. Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine in a historic setting, accompanied by music and entertainment inspired by Ireland’s past — a truly memorable highlight of the holiday.

Day 6: Galway & Return to Dublin

Travel north to Galway, a lively and artistic city known for colourful streets, street performers, and a strong connection to Irish tradition. Enjoy free time to browse local shops, relax in a café, or experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Later, return to Dublin for your final evening. Whether you choose a quiet dinner or one last night of live music, it’s the perfect way to reflect on your journey through Ireland.

Day 7: Farewell to Ireland

After breakfast, your Taste of Ireland holiday comes to an end. While the journey may be over, the memories — from sweeping landscapes to shared moments — will stay with you long after you return home.

Why This Holiday Is the Perfect Prize

The Taste of Ireland holiday captures everything that makes CIE Tours special: expert planning, meaningful cultural experiences, and the reassurance of travelling with a trusted, Irish-owned company.

It’s ideal for travellers who want:

A stress-free introduction to Ireland
A balance of guided sightseeing and personal time
Iconic landmarks paired with authentic local experiences
Comfort, peace of mind, and exceptional value

Backed by the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage, a 95% guest satisfaction rating, and more than 90 years of expertise, this journey offers both inspiration and exceptional value.

Enter for Your Chance to Win

If Ireland has always been on your travel wish list, this is your moment. From Dublin’s lively streets to the Atlantic’s dramatic edge, from medieval castles to traditional music and warm welcomes, the Taste of Ireland holiday offers a journey rich in beauty, culture, and connection.

Enter now for your chance to win a 7-day Taste of Ireland holiday for two — and start imagining yourself discovering the Emerald Isle with CIE Tours.

Win a 7-Day Taste of Ireland Holiday for Two with CIE Tours

Mon, 02 Feb 26 20:51:04 +0000

Discover the Emerald Isle with a Trusted Irish Travel Expert

There are destinations that capture your imagination — and then there is Ireland.

This is your opportunity to do just that.

Why Ireland Is the Perfect Holiday Destination

Travel with Confidence: The CIE Tours Difference

How you travel can make all the difference — especially when discovering a country as rich in history and culture as Ireland. That’s where CIE Tours stands apart.

Today, CIE Tours is recognized for:

Over 90 years of expertise in guided travel
A 95% guest satisfaction rating, reflecting consistently high traveller experiences
Travel styles that blend comfort, storytelling, and seamless organization

The CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage

With this approach, most of what matters is included in one up-front price:

Comfortable, well-located hotels
Transportation throughout the journey
Guided sightseeing and iconic attractions
Many meals featuring local flavours

The Taste of Ireland holiday reflects this philosophy perfectly, offering exceptional value alongside unforgettable experiences.

An Ideal Introduction: Taste of Ireland

Day-by-Day Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin – Independent Discovery

Spend the evening discovering the city independently — from cosy pubs to modern restaurants — soaking in Dublin’s lively atmosphere and unmistakable charm.

Day 2: Dublin City Tour & Traditional Irish Evening

Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney

Day 4: Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience & Sheepdog Demonstration

The evening is free in Killarney, allowing you to explore the town’s pubs, restaurants, and live music at your leisure.

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Castle Banquet

Day 6: Galway & Return to Dublin

Later, return to Dublin for your final evening. Whether you choose a quiet dinner or one last night of live music, it’s the perfect way to reflect on your journey through Ireland.

Day 7: Farewell to Ireland

Why This Holiday Is the Perfect Prize

It’s ideal for travellers who want:

A stress-free introduction to Ireland
A balance of guided sightseeing and personal time
Iconic landmarks paired with authentic local experiences
Comfort, peace of mind, and exceptional value

Backed by the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage, a 95% guest satisfaction rating, and more than 90 years of expertise, this journey offers both inspiration and exceptional value.

Enter for Your Chance to Win

Enter now for your chance to win a 7-day Taste of Ireland holiday for two — and start imagining yourself discovering the Emerald Isle with CIE Tours.

Terms & conditions apply.

Stay Longer Vacations

Thu, 27 Nov 25 14:22:04 +0000

TravelBrands is making long-stay getaways easier and more affordable with its new Long Stay Vacations, designed for travellers who want extra time to unwind, explore, and truly settle into their destination. These curated hotels and resorts offer the comfort, flexibility, and value needed for extended stays, whether you are escaping winter, working remotely, or simply craving a longer break in the sun. And with savings that get better the longer you stay, this limited-time offer makes extended travel more accessible than ever.

You can enjoy major savings across top destinations. Mexico offers up to 60 percent off at popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres. Thailand features up to 30% off in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. Spain and Portugal join the collection as well, with long-stay offers across Barcelona, Malaga, Marbella, Alicante, Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto, and Albufeira. Each property is selected for comfort, location, and value, giving travellers a seamless home-away-from-home experience for weeks at a time.

With so many destinations and savings to choose from, now is the moment to secure an extended vacation for less. Contact us today to learn more about TravelBrands Long Stay Vacations and start planning the long-stay escape you’ve been dreaming of.

TravelBrands Long Stay Vacations offer extended-stay discounts across Mexico, Thailand, Spain, and Portugal, giving travellers more time and more savings on curated long-stay hotels and resorts.

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#Winter Escape

British Airways Celebrates 100 Years in the Skies - And You Might Not Believe How

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

Can you believe there's been a whole century of commercial airline flight? We all know about the Wright brothers' historic flight in 1903, and in a little more than a century since that shaky flight, look how far air travel has come!

After the fabled use of airplanes and the first Air Forces launched during the First World War 1914-1918, countries clamored to make air travel mainstream. A host of airlines launched in the decade following, some of which are still flying passengers around the world today.

British Airways lays claim to being one of those very first airlines still in existence today, with 2019 marking its inaugural London to Paris flight of the airline that would become British Airways.

If you're curious, BA's debut was pre-dated by only one airline. Air France launched just months before its British counterpart. And two more airlines celebrate their centenaries in 2019: Dutch KLM, as well as Colombian airline Avianca. Their launches pre-date the first US airlines by a few years.

British-Style Celebrations

The airline is celebrating its centennial year as only the British can, in partnership with essential British lifestyle brands and experiences. Partnerships include Scottish craft brewer BrewDog, who created a transatlantic IPA for BA customers, and Fife-based distillers InchDairnie, who have created a limited-edition whisky.

British Airways has also teamed up with that iconic, love-it-or-hate-it delicacy Marmite, with a centenary-themed jar. Believe it or not, British Airways has revealed that Marmite is the most confiscated brand at England's airports' security! So the travel-sized jar of Marmite is conveniently sized to fit within liquid carry-on allowances.

In addition to celebrating English culture on their anniversary, British Airways is also investing £6.5 billion in re-imagining its air travel experience over the next five years, including new aircraft, a new business class seat, new cabins, new catering, new lounges, WiFi, and new routes.

'Grape' Britain

Then the airline added a high-style twist to its centenary year celebrations years in the making: launching its own English Sparkling Wine.

France may be the birthplace of champagne, but English Sparkling Wine has surprisingly taken 'flight' recently. And now, passengers can raise a glass of award-winning English winery Hattingley Valley's bubbles to toast BA's anniversary as well as their own travels.

The wine is a 2015 sparkling Blanc de Noirs, developed over the last few years in collaboration with British Airways' own team of wine experts to create a wine that will 'work perfectly at altitude'.

The grapes were hand-harvested, gently pressed and processed in the traditional French champagne method, with the winery's signature touch of fermenting a portion of the wine in oak barrels, before being bottled at Hattingley Valley’s winery in Hampshire.

The British Airways English Sparkling Wine will be exclusively available to BA passengers beginning summer 2019. It marks the first time the airline has ever served an English Sparkling Blanc de Noirs on board its aircraft.

You can taste this one-of-a-kind premium sparkling wine in British Airways’ First cabin as well as the airline’s flagship lounge, The Concorde Room in Heathrow Terminal 5, from July 1.

Start your Trip!

Photos: British Airways

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What Does a $500 Million Cruise Ship Reno Look Like?

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

When you're investing half a BILLION dollars in a fleet-wide renovation, you're entitled to call it a 'Revolution'. Celebrity Cruises is undergoing a transformation.

You may have already heard about their two new, groundbreaking ships:

Celebrity Edge, which, among many firsts, debuted the world's first cantilevered venue at sea, which moves up and down the side of the ship, becoming a different drinks/ dining venue at each deck, including an upscale tender departure lounge at sea level for ports of call accessed by the ship's tenders.

Celebrity Flora, the world's first ship purpose-built for expedition cruising in the epic Galapagos Islands, has not only eye-catching, sleek, modern design, but local, Ecuadorian materials, designer contributions, and even godmother. Not to mention setting the bar even higher for environmental sustainability and responsibility.

But the rest of the fleet isn't being left in the 'wake' of these cruise industry firsts. Celebrity is investing $500 million dollars to bring the rest of its fleet 'to the Edge'.

One by one, each and every Celebrity Cruise ship is undergoing ship-wide upgrades to design, dining and entertainment. Spaces and even experiences are re-imagined, with a host of new brand-name and celebrity partnerships – some that will premiere on 'revolutionized' ships before appearing on Celebrity's new Edge flagship.

BestTrip .TV was there when the Celebrity Summit reappeared for her inaugural sailing after emerging from dry dock 'revolutionized'.

Watch this video above to see her new, 'urban resort' indoor and outdoor spaces, re-freshed dining and the reveal of 2 amazing new partnerships, one with a famous, French-American Michelin-starred chef, and another American entertainment brand – both with a modern twist that's come to define the Celebrity Cruise ship experience.

Celebrity's first Solstice class ship has also now been 'revolutionzed', too. The revolutionized Celebrity Equinox debuts, in addition to completely uplifted spaces, dining experiences that bring the tabletop to life using innovative 4k technology, a new bar featuring more than 40 craft beers, wine and cocktails, a Science museum partnership that features S.T.E.M.-focused activations and unique, first-at-sea programming focusing on marine environments for young cruise travelers, new spa experiences at the onboard The Spa by Canyon Ranch, and more.

Watch for more Celebrity Cruise ships being 'revolutionized' with new spaces and new experiences over the next couple of years. Until the revolution is complete, no single ship will have all the new experiences Celebrity has in store for guests… you'll have to join the 'revolution' and sail on them all to get the full effect of the Celebrity Revolution.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, BestTrip .tv producer/host

Start your Trip!

You Can Now Book on the World's Largest Luxury Expedition Yacht's Inaugural Season - the Crystal Endeavor

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

The inaugural season of the Crystal Endeavor begins in August 2020, and Crystal Yacht Expeditions has announced exciting itineraries through January, 2021.

12-22 day voyages take guests in unprecedented luxury to destinations far off the beaten path of traditional cruise routes.

These include not only polar regions the expedition yacht can reach with her ice-class hull, but also remote regions that sun-seekers will love.

All voyages feature in-depth discovery and one-of-a-kind experiences curated for Crystal guests. From remote or marquee population centers to pristine wilderness, land and marine activities include cultural immersion as well as hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, helicopter and Zodiac tours, and much more.

If you've been a Crystal fan all along, or are looking to collect ports you wouldn't want to visit any other way, now's your chance to be one of the first people in the world to sail on this unique expedition yacht.

Crystal Endeavor’s initial roster of itineraries

includes 12 unique voyages with fares starting from $12,749 USD per guest:

August 10, 2020 – Russian Far East Maiden Expedition, Tokyo Round-trip, 17 days – Tokyo, cruising the coast of Japan, Hakodate, and Rishiri Island, Japan; Korsakov, Tyuleniy, Yankicha and Srednego Islands, Paramushir and Atlasova Islands, Russkaya/Thirka Bay, Cape Kekurnyy and Morzovaya Bay, Russia; cruising the Sea of Okhotsk; Chirpoy Island, Russia; Otaru, cruising the coast of Japan, and Tokyo, Japan.

Voyage highlights: Far Eastern Russia’s dramatic Kamchatka Peninsula & the wildlife-rich Kuril Islands plus Japan’s northern islands of Hokkaido and Rishiri; optional exploration of the Valley of the Geysers and other Zodiac expeditions and nature hikes.

August 27, 2020 – Japan’s Cultural & Coastal Discovery, Tokyo Round-trip, 17 days – Tokyo, Muroran, Hakodate, Sado Island, Kanazawa, and Sakaiminato, Japan; Pohang, Republic of Korea; Senzaki, Japan; cruising the Kanmon Strait; cruising the Inland Sea; Miyajima/Itsukushima and Hiroshima, Japan; cruising the Inland Sea; Takamatsu, Kobe, Toba, Shimizu, and Tokyo, Japan.

Voyage highlights: Immersive exploration of some of Japan’s most treasured temples, gardens and heritage sites including Kenroku-en Garden, Matsue Castle, South Korea’s Gyeongju Historic Site, Mikimoto Pearl Island and Mount Fuji.

September 13, 2020 – Island Explorations of Japan, Tokyo to Taipei, 16 days – Tokyo, Shingu, Osaka, Himeji, Tamano, cruising the coast of Japan, Uwajima, Kagoshima, Anbo, Yakushima Island, Amami, Yoronjima, Motobu, and Naha, Okinawa, Kerama-Shoto Islands, Miyako Jima, Iriomote Island, and Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan.

Voyage highlights: Cultural and natural marvels, including Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, Doro-kyo Gorge, Kyoto & Nara, Himeji Castle Mt. Sakurajima, Yakusugi Land & Waterfall, Zamami-Jima, Tsuki-ga-hama, Urauchi River.

September 29, 2020 – Philippines, Borneo & Indonesia Quest, Taipei to Bali, 16 days – Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien, Taiwan; Calayan Island, Hundred Islands National Park, Corregidor, Manila, and El Nido, Palawan, Philippines; cruising the Celebes Sea; Sandakan, Borneo, Malaysia; Derawan Islands, Borneo, Indonesia; cruising the Makassar Strait; Palopo, South Sulawesi, Taka Bonerate National Park, Komodo Island, and Bali (Benoa), Indonesia.

Voyage highlights: Natural beauty and wildlife encounters including Taroko Gorge, Hundred Islands National Park, Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Torajaland, and Zodiac, diving and snorkeling expeditions.

October 15, 2020 – Indonesian Immersive & The Great Barrier Reef, Bali to Cairns, 16 days – Bali (Benoa), Sumbawa Island, Komodo National Park, Larantuka, Kalabahi, Lucipara, Banda Neira, Raja Ampat Islands Expedition Stops, and West Papua, Indonesia; cruising the Arafura Sea; Thursday Island, Cape York, Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island, Ribbon Reef, and Cairns, Australia.

Voyage highlights: Exploration and cultural immersion experiences, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands of the Banda Archipelago, Aboriginal culture and rainforests, Great Barrier Reef and Ribbon Reefs, and hiking, diving, swimming, snorkeling, Zodiac and helicopter expeditions.

October 31, 2020 – Australian Offshore & The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns to Sydney, 14 days – Cairns, Lizard Island, Ribbon Reef, Coral Sea Islands Expedition Stops, Flinders Reef, Hinchinbrook/Brook/Dunk Islands, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday Islands Expedition Stops, Percy Islands, Herald Reef and Swain Reef National Park, Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands, Fraser Island, cruising the coast of Australia, and Sydney, Australia.

Voyage highlights: Lizard Island National Park, in-depth expeditions among reefs, atolls and islands of the Great Barrier Reef, mangrove Zodiac discoveries, hiking, diving and helicopter adventures.

November 14, 2020 – Tasmania & The Fjords of New Zealand, Sydney to Christchurch, 14 days – Sydney, cruising the coast of Australia, King Island, Flinders Island, Wine Glass Bay, Coles Bay, Maria Island, Bruny Island, and Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; cruising the Tasman Sea; Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Bluff, Stewart Island, Dunedin, and Christchurch (Lyttleton), New Zealand.

Voyage highlights: Six full days exploring Tasmania’s natural landscapes, Freycinet National Park, Fjordland National Park, wildlife, Zodiac and helicopter adventures.

November 28, 2020 – New Zealand Immersion, Christchurch to Auckland, 12 days – Christchurch (Lyttleton), Dunedin, Stewart Island, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, cruising the Coast of New Zealand, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Tasman Bay Expedition Stops, Nelson, Ship’s Cove, Picton, Napier, Mercury Bay, Hahei/Whitianga, and Auckland, New Zealand.

Voyage highlights: Stewart & Ulva Island, Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Sound/Ship Cove, wildlife and wineries, Fiordland National Park, hiking, kayaking, Zodiac and helicopter opportunities.

December 10, 2020 – The Remote Coasts of New Zealand, Auckland to Christchurch, 12 days – Auckland, Mercury Bay, Hahei/Whitianga, Tauranga/Mount Maunganui, Napier, Ship’s Cove, Picton, Tasman Bay Expedition Stops, Nelson, Kaikoura, Dunedin, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, Stewart Island, cruising the coast of New Zealand, Akaroa, and Christchurch (Lyttleton), New Zealand.

Voyage highlights: Hahei Marine Reserve & Cathedral Cove, Bay of Plenty, Mount Maunganui, wildlife and wineries, Captain Cook Monument & Motuara Island, Abel Tasman National Park, Ulva Island.

December 22, 2020 – Holiday Expedition to New Zealand & Australia, Christchurch to Tasmania, 15 days

Christchurch (Lyttleton), Kaikoura, Ship’s Cove/Queen Charlotte Sound, cruising the coast of New Zealand Stewart Island, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound; cruising the Tasman Sea; Sydney, cruising the Coast of Australia, Eden, Australia; Flinders Island, Wine Glass Bay, Coles Bay, Maria Island, Bruny Island, and Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Voyage highlights: New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour, Captain Cook Monument & Motuara Island, Golden Bay & Ulva Island, Twofold Bay, Freycinet National Park, Adventure Bay and Friar Rock.

January 6, 2021 – Antarctica & The Ross Sea Expedition, Hobart to Christchurch, 22 days – Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; cruising the Tasman Sea; cruising the Southern Ocean; crossing the Antarctic Circle; cruising the Balleny Islands, New Zealand; Cruising the Ross Sea; Cape Adare, Cape Hallet, Roget, Terra Nova Bay, Ross Island, McMurdo Sound, Marble Point/Dry Valleys Region, cruising the Ross Ice Shelf, and Coulman Island, Antarctica; cruising the Ross Sea; cruising the Southern Ocean; and Christchurch (Lyttleton), New Zealand.

Voyage highlights: Scott and Shackleton’s historic huts, Balleny Islands & Ross Sea expedition cruising, glacier landings, Borschgrevink’s Hut, Drygalski Ice Tongue, pack ice cruising, Ross Ice Shelf.

January 28, 2021 – Antarctica & The Ross Sea Expedition, Christchurch to Hobart, 22 days – Christchurch (Lyttleton), New Zealand; cruising the Southern Ocean; crossing the Antarctic Circle; Cape Adare, Cape Hallet, Roget, Terra Nova Bay, Ross Island, Cape Evans, Ross Island, McMurdo Sound, and Marble Point/Dry Valleys Region, Antarctica; cruising the Ross Ice Shelf; Coulman Island and Possession Islands, Antarctica; cruising the Southern Ocean; Balleny Islands; cruising the Southern Ocean; and Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Voyage highlights: Scott and Shackleton’s historic huts, McMurdo (USA) and Scott’s Station (New Zealand) Visit Balleny Islands & Ross Sea Expedition cruising, glacier landings, Borschgrevink’s historic hut, Drygalski Ice Tongue, Dry Valleys and pack ice cruising.

The World's First Underwater Ride Share: Now You Can Take a 'ScUber' in Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

Forget about 'surge' pricing on an Uber ride – how about 'submarine' pricing? Hailing a 'ScUber' in Australia's Great Barrier Reef will get you a $3000 AUD charge to your Uber account – and it's worth every penny for the hour-long Uber ride of your life.

It's the first underwater ride share in the largest living organism on the planet, a partnership between Uber, and Tourism Queensland.

ScUber rides are available for a limited time directly through the Uber app, and cost $1500 AUD per person, with a minimum $3000 AUD for each hour-long ride. The fare includes an Uber pick up and drop off at your location, a scenic helicopter transfer to and from select cities in mainland Queensland, the Australian state that's the jumping-off point to the country's unparalleled Great Barrier Reef.

The ScUber ride is a completely immersive experience in the underwater home of 3,000 individual reefs, a thousand islands and over 1,600 species of fish – no mask, tank, or diving expertise needed. The first reef ecosystem to be recognized by UNESCO, the tremendously biodiverse Great Barrier Reef is the storied home to the 'Great 8' marine encounters: whales, turtles, manta rays, clown fish, sharks, potato cod, Maori wrasse and the giant clam.

Queensland Tourism surveyed visitors to the region, and discovered their biggest travel goal was exploring the Great Barrier Reef by submarine. Enter a partnership with Uber as the ultimate, 21st century way to explore this underwater natural wonderland.

The partnership doesn't just give a lucky few locals or visitors able to snag one of the limited available ScUber underwater tours of the Reef. It also supports the preservation and sustainable protection of the world's largest ecosystem.

Uber is donating $100,000 to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to help support their conservation programs. On top of that, it's also donating the value of every scUber ride taken.

With over 3 million visitors each year to the Reef's UNESCO World Heritage area, very few will be able to actually hail a ScUber.

Here's a 'deep dive' into other reasons to book a trip to the Great Barrier Reef:

It's the largest natural feature on Earth - the only living structure that can be seen from the moon.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest - about 70 million football fields!
It's also the longest reef system, stretching 2,300km north-south along the upper east coast of the island of Australia. That's about the same distance between New York and Dallas!
The Great Barrier Reef represents approximately 10% of all coral reefs in the world.
600 different types of coral grow here. That's a third of the world's species of coral.
Since 1981, the Great Barrier Reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage Area. It's the world's first reef ecosystem to be given that designation.
The Great Barrier Reef is highly protected. One of the best-managed marine areas on Earth, 80% of tourism only takes place in about 7% of the marine park.

Start your Trip!

Images: Tourism and Events Queensland

The Longest Suspension Bridge In North America Has Opened and it Overlooks America's Most Visited National Park

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

More than 10 million people every year travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – that's more people than visit the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone parks combined! And now there's a whole new view on this breathtaking, seven-thousand foot range of mountains and the dramatic, 'smoky', haze that gives them their name.

The forests and ridges of this UNESCO World Heritage Site straddle the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. On the edge of the Tennessee side, at the town of Gatlinburg, you'll find the new SkyBridge. It's the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent – 680 feet wide! With spectacular views all the way from one end to the other and back.

Plus, at the mid-point where you're at the highest, and feeling your most vulnerable, the designers cleverly added another view that tests your taste for heights. There's a glass floor the full, 5-foot width of the walkway that has you staring all the way down to the valley floor 140 feet below.

It's an attainable adventure for the youngest to even the eldest members of any family, reached by the SkyLift, a 3-seat chairlift from the heart of town that sweeps you 500 feet up through ever-changing views to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you'll find yourself at one end of the Sky Bridge.

If the walk across a suspension bridge is too intimidating, capture sweeping vistas from the expansive SkyDeck, also at the top of the SkyLift.

The record-breaking SkyBridge may be the most unforgettable way to experience the ancient mountains when their forests hint at the first green of spring, through hazy summers, legendary brilliant fall foliage, and sparkling snowfalls. The newest Smoky Mountain attraction is all-season, open every day, all year round. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park tickets include access to the lift, the SkyBridge and the SkyDeck.

SkyBridge is 2 hour's scenic mountain drive from Asheville, North Carolina's hub for exploring the Smoky Mountains. Even if you're not planning a whole vacation in the Smoky Mountains (and you should), it's only an hour's detour off the I-75 at Knoxville, Tennessee for people driving the north/south corridor to their holiday.

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Golf Multiple, World-Class Courses While Sailing on Europe's Most Innovative New River Cruise Ship

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

At almost twice the width of traditional European river cruise ships, AmaMagna provides guests with sprawling spaces and intimate pockets never experienced before on a river cruise ship - so inspiring you may never want to leave!

This revolutionary river cruise ship debuts in May 2019. There's more ship to love and more experiences, too.

AmaMagna’s Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

Imagine golfing at world-class courses in different countries all on one trip. Imagine not having to organize tee times, transportation, club cleaning and so on.

Imagine having your favorite luxury hotel follow you wherever you go with everything you need for the perfect vacation.

AmaWaterways has created a match made in heaven to enable you to do just that—luxury river cruising and golf.

***

AmaWaterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

includes 7 nights on board our newest and most innovative ship to date, AmaMagna,

sailing along the iconic Danube

and taking you to some of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses

with seamless, luxurious ship-to-shore golf experiences.

Rates start at around $4000 per person for your most memorable golf trip ever.

What's Included:

In addition to the wonderful selection of experiences and amenities available during your river cruise, both on board and ashore, our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program provides a seamless golfing experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you bid us farewell.

Concierge service, including club care
Private luxury Mercedes transportation to and from courses
A la carte lunch at each course with beer and wine
Once on the course, you need only golf and enjoy—your tee time, practice balls and golf cart are prepared in advance.
1 round per golfer at each golf course
1 shared golf cart per round
1 range token per round
1 Welcome Packet: a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls per golfer, 1 pitch repair tool, 4 or 5 course guides, leather shoe bag.
When it’s time to transfer back to the AmaMagna, your clubs will be cleaned and ready for the next course on your golf adventure.

AmaMagna's Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

is Available on 2 Danube Itineraries,

on select May-October departures in 2019:

Melodies of the Danube with Golf Program

Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.

Romantic Danube with Golf Program

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest.

The Courses

25% off Young Travelers on Uniworld European Family Cruises

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

World travel is a family affair with the Uniworld Generations Collection.

25% off the fare

For young travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult.

Every Uniworld Generations Family cruise includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training.

Convenient departures scheduled during summer and winter breaks.

Available on Select 2018 and 2019 dates on these Family Favorite Itineraries

Danube
Rhine
Christmas Markets
Northern Italy
Paris and Normandy
Paris Christmas

How Generations is Customized for Families

25% off the fare for travellers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult
Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
Young Travellers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
Young travellers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new onboard friends and Family Hosts
A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
Young travellers will receive special surprise pillow gifts for each night of the cruise

Choose your own adventure

Uniworld specializes in personalised travel, and that goes for our younger guests as well. Since no two kids are alike, we offer a full range of enticing onshore excursions and onboard activities—some geared for children and others tailored for tweens and teens.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN THE FAMILY RIVER CRUISE OF A LIFETIME!

This Hotel is Baking Space History

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

In the year of the 50^th anniversary of America's epic moon landing, new space history is being made. The first food is being baked in space, and it's the signature welcome baked good of this hotel chain.

Travelers who've stayed at a DoubleTree by Hilton are familiar with the hotels' famous chocolate chip cookies, offered deliciously fresh and warm to guests when you check in.

Now that touch of home and hospitality will reach new heights – and become part of aerospace history. A batch of DoubleTree Cookie dough is being launched into space along with a prototype oven. Once the cookie dough and the oven reach the International Space Station, they'll become the centerpiece of a game changing zero gravity culinary experiment.

The partnership with Zero G Kitchen, a company that invents appliances for use in long-duration space expeditions, makes Hilton the first hotel brand in space.

It's another milestone for the company that celebrates 100 years of hospitality in 2019 just as space fans mark a half-century since man first walked on the moon. And fans of the hotel chain or space exploration history may remember, during the height of the Space Race in the 60's, Hilton declared its support of America's efforts to put a man on the moon by announcing its own plans for a hotel on the moon.

Half a century later, we haven't reached 'hotel on the moon' stage yet, but the simple act of baking cookies on the International Space Station is a giant leap towards making space travel more like a hotel stay.

And the hotel company is hoping its baking adventures in space inspire the next generation of travelers to pursue careers in hospitality. Hilton's Open Doors Pledge is committed to connecting, training, or employing a minimum of one million young people by its 100^th anniversary.

And what young person isn't fascinated by space? So the company is working with Scholastic to develop an educational program for middle school students, encouraging them to think creatively about innovations for hospitality in space.

You can learn more about the launch and technology behind the oven - or even buy your own special edition Cookies in Space cookie tin by visiting www.cookiesinspace.com

And who knows, one of these days, we could actually be nibbling on a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookie while we check into a Hilton hotel… in a 'galaxy, far, far, away'!

Video: The Only Place in the World with 3 Real Viking Ships

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

It's the best place in the world to discover your inner Viking! Scandinavia's seagoing warriors have re-captured the world's imagination.

But Vikings were not imaginary. This culture in Norway, Sweden and Denmark built incredibly engineered, sea-worthy ships, developed sophisticated artistry, mythology… even a form of democracy – over a thousand years ago in the tough northern European climes.

And there's one place in the world you can get up close to three actual Viking ships that sailed the coasts of Scandinavia and even across the North Seas.

In the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway, three unbelievable ships have place of pride each in individual halls where they tower above visitors who stare awestruck at these incredible archeological finds. Buried as extravagant graves for a thousand years, the ships and the elaborately constructed and decorated goods inside are now real-life evidence of a fierce, heroic culture whose epic journeys as far away from Europe as Canada (hundreds of years before Christopher Columbus) continue to inspire our imagination today.

BestTrip arrived in Oslo in the Viking way, by sea, but in the lap of luxury on our Seabourn cruise of Northern Europe that re-traced Viking routes along coastal Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, across the North Sea to northern England, Scotland and the remote Scottish isles that still bear Viking place names and remains of settlements.

The Viking Ship Museum is the perfect place to salute the trailblazing, seafaring explorers who had an immense impact on Northern Europe that lasts even today.

Put Oslo and a Northern European cruise on your travel bucket list, and in the meantime, get a glimpse in this video of the phenomenal Viking ships you'll only see at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.

Start your Trip!

How to Stay Cyber Safe with a VPN when you Travel

Wed, 19 Nov 25 21:36:15 +0000

Cyber security is on everyone's minds these days, and travelers in particular can be vulnerable when they are on public wifi networks.

Even in your own hometown, every time you login to your local coffee shop's network or restaurant hotspot to do your online banking, pay a bill, do some online shopping or even access apps and entertainment, you open yourself up to all kinds of data breaching or even theft.

When you're traveling, public hotel or cruise ship wifi networks are not as private as you may think. And outside your hotel, you may be even more exposed, especially in another country with fewer consumer legal protections.

A VPN is your best bet for digital safety – plus, when you travel, using a VPN can give you some added perks, like maintaining access to your favorite apps, social media, and online TV programs while you're away.

What is a VPN?

The letters stand for: Virtual Private Network. It's software that:

encrypts your internet traffic and
hides your online identity and address.

When you use a VPN, it redirects your internet traffic through a remote server from the VPN, protecting the information you send and receive, and thwarting those who may try to steal your data, or copy your passwords, or track your activities online.

Why do you need a VPN especially when you travel?

Keeping your information secure and your online activity private is a good thing whether you go around the corner, or around the world.

But when you travel, a VPN helps you in more ways:

· Bypass country restrictions on certain web sites.

o Access your own country sites for search results on Google or Amazon or entertainment (movie) streaming sites so you can continue to watch your shows while you're traveling even if they are not available in the country you're visiting.

o Some countries censor the internet and block popular social media sites altogether; a VPN might be your only way to get on while you're visiting certain countries.

o Avoid getting messages like 'this content is not available in your country' – you can route through the country the content is available in!

· Avoid getting locked out of a site where you make financial transactions.

o Some financial transaction sites have their own security measures that 'notice' that your account is being accessed from a country that isn't the country listed in your account profile, and in an excess of caution in case you might have been hacked, simply lock you out of the account. You can imagine what a hassle that is to fix. A VPN lets you pick your global location, so you can choose to route through your home country, which doesn't raise any red flags with those sites. Plus, while you're accessing those sensitive financial sites away from home, your data stays secure.

Tips for Picking and Using a VPN

Do some online research to find the best VPN for you, looking at different features, prices, and reviews of VPN services:

Security. The best VPN's protect your private information even from themselves, with a strict policy of not logging your activity and two layers of security.
Speed. Using VPN slows down your connection because it routes it through an additional layer; choose one with the best speeds.
Coverage for all your devices. You'll want your laptop, phone and tablet all protected, so you'll need the VPN service that works for them all, apple or android or a combination.
Permitted use with entertainment streaming sites you use. (Example, VPN's don't all work to access different countries' Netflix).
Reliability and Worldwide Servers that ensure global coverage. If your connection isn't working well, you can change it to a server where it's strong.
Free testing period. So you can make sure it's the right VPN for you.

You're smart about all the other ways you need to protect yourself while traveling, make sure you protect yourself online, too.