 When is the best time of year to take a European river cruise?
I get this question quite often. The answer? It really depends on you - what your schedule allows, the type of experience you want and understanding the advantages and disadvantages that each season brings. There really isn't a perfect month. Every season has something different to offer. 7/30/2026
Sailing the Northern Cyclades Off Greece's southeastern coast of the Greece mainland lies one of the most beautiful island groups in the Mediterranean—the Cyclades. Scattered across the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, these postcard-perfect islands are famous for their whitewashed villages, sapphire domes, crystal-clear coves, and centuries of fascinating history.
7/16/2026
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tasmania When most travelers think of Australia, iconic destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback usually come to mind. But tucked away just south of the mainland lies one of Australia's greatest treasures--Tasmania, affectionately known by locals as "Tassie."
Australia's smallest state is often overlooked, yet it offers some of the country's most spectacular scenery, fascinating history, abundant wildlife, and exceptional food and wine. It also boasts some of the cleanest air in the world, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to reconnect with nature.  Absolutely.
In fact, these days I recommend it whenever possible. Whether I'm traveling for a week or nearly three weeks, I almost always take one carry-on suitcase and one personal item—a backpack or bag that slides over the suitcase handle.  When someone mentions cruising, what comes to mind?
Alaska's glaciers? Caribbean beaches? Perhaps the rivers of Europe? How about the Great Lakes? If that wasn't your first thought, you're certainly not alone. Yet one of North America's most rewarding cruise experiences has been hiding in plain sight all along.  Some destinations seem to have it all—stunning scenery, fascinating history, welcoming people, excellent food and wine, and yet somehow remain under the radar.
Slovenia is one of those places.  France has long captured travelers' imaginations with its rich history, world-class cuisine, celebrated wines, beautiful landscapes, and charming villages. It's no surprise that it remains one of Europe's most beloved destinations.
A river cruise offers an exceptional way to experience the country, combining effortless travel with immersive cultural experiences. From grand cities and medieval towns to vineyards, castles, and countryside, France's waterways showcase the very best of the country. But which waterway to choose? While all French river cruises share a love of food, wine, history, and culture, each waterway has a distinct personality. Understanding those differences can help you find the itinerary that best matches your interests. And if you still can't decide? Choose the one that fits your schedule and budget and go. There truly isn't a wrong choice.  Memorial Day. D-Day. Veterans Day. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year, these occasions remind me of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country. They also bring to mind the places around the world where history unfolded—places where freedom was defended at an extraordinary cost. One of the most powerful of these places is Normandy, France. 5/21/2026
10 Epic Train JourneysSometimes a rail journey is exactly what is needed to fully experience a destination. No driving, no watching the road, no constantly pulling over for photos. Instead, relax in comfort while mountains, rivers, deserts, wildlife and remote landscapes unfold outside your window — often through places roads simply cannot reach. Luxury rail travel has also evolved significantly in recent years. New routes, elevated  5/14/2026
10 Top Things To Do In Malta The Maltese Islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — sit in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. Though small in size, these sun-soaked islands offer an extraordinary blend of history, culture, dramatic coastlines, ancient temples, charming towns, and a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
4/9/2026
Six Must See Cities in Norway Norway: Where nature, culture, and space come together.
Norway is one of those destinations that feels almost cinematic in its beauty—where dramatic landscapes and rich history exist side by side. From Viking heritage and historic landmarks to vast fjords, towering mountains, and remote fishing villages, this is a country designed for exploration. Whether you’re drawn by culture, cuisine, or the call of the outdoors, Norway offers an incredible range of experiences—often with the added luxury of space and serenity. From vibrant cities to tucked-away coastal communities, here are six must-see destinations to include in your journey: 3/26/2026
Exploring the Sea of Cortez Often called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth—yet it remains surprisingly under the radar. With more than 900 species of fish, multiple whale species, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and whale sharks, these protected waters offer an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in a setting that still feels raw, remote, and untouched.
But what truly defines the experience isn’t just the wildlife—it’s how you encounter it. 3/26/2026
Discover the Dutch and Belgian Waterways Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most captivating cities—where history, art, and everyday life flow seamlessly along its iconic canals. From world-class museums to its rich artistic legacy and vibrant neighborhoods, Amsterdam offers endless opportunities for discovery.
But visit in the spring, and the experience becomes something entirely different. 3/5/2026
My Take On Small Ship Cruising Photo courtesy of Sea Dream Yacht Club Originally published January 9, 2018
As I re-read this article from 2018, I realized something interesting - very little has changed... except for one thing: the popularity of small ship cruising has grown exponentially. While still somewhat under the radar compared with the mega ships dominating cruise advertising, the appeal of what I like to call elbowroom inspired travel - experiences away from the crowds, with fewer people and more authentic destinations - has clearly struck a chord with today’s travelers. River cruising continues to surge. Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Even luxury hotel brands are entering the space, adding small ship yachts to their portfolios. The desire is simple: Travel experiences that feel more personal, immersive, and connected. Below is the essence of the original article - with a few updates. 2/24/2026
Stepping Into The Pages Of A Fairytale A charming town located approximately 30 minutes from our Rhine River cruise stop in Breisach, Colmar is considered to be one of the prettiest towns in France. Intrigued by this description, and wanting an opportunity to photograph half-timbered houses, I decided to take this optional tour, despite a little bit of rain. This tour did not disappoint.
Colmar was like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.  When planning an African safari, one of the most important—and often overlooked—decisions is where you’ll stay and explore. Safari experiences generally fall into three categories: national parks, private reserves, and conservancies. Each offers a distinctly different way to experience wildlife, landscapes, and daily game drives.
So what’s the difference—and which is right for you?  Photo credit: Hiva Oa Tahiti Tourism I was first “introduced” to the Marquesas Islands back in 2002—courtesy of one of the earliest seasons of Survivor. I use the word introduced lightly. It was television, after all, and reality TV at that. Still, those dramatic landscapes—raw, wild, and impossibly beautiful—left a lasting impression. Even then, I knew this was a place unlike anywhere else in the South Pacific.
1/28/2026
Croatia - An Adriatic Gem Croatia is one of those destinations that quietly exceeds expectations. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, rich history, vibrant culture, charming historic cities, and memorable cuisine, it offers far more than a single reason to visit. It’s a country that rewards curiosity—and invites you to slow down and savor the experience.
So why Croatia? Here are just a few reasons worth pondering.  Step aboard a journey of holiday magic and timeless tradition.
Few holiday experiences capture the spirit of the season quite like a Christmas market cruise along Europe’s most storied rivers. Imagine gliding past storybook landscapes, stepping ashore in charming towns dressed in twinkling lights, and immersing yourself in centuries-old holiday traditions. These journeys are more than scenic cruises—they’re a celebration of Europe’s festive heart and soul.  Australia has long captured the world’s imagination, consistently ranking among the most desirable destinations on the planet. This vast country, fringed by powerful oceans and home to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife, offers experiences that go far beyond its celebrated cities and iconic landmarks.
 Travel has always had its challenges, but in recent years flying has become noticeably more stressful—even for seasoned travelers.
Record travel demand, weather disruptions, aircraft shortages, air traffic control delays, crowded terminals, and ever-changing schedules can make air travel feel less like the start of a vacation and more like an endurance test. If you find yourself feeling anxious, frustrated, or simply exhausted before you even reach your destination, you're not alone. The good news? A little planning can go a long way toward making the journey smoother.  A true off-the-beaten path adventure.
For travelers drawn to remote landscapes, rare wildlife encounters and immersive moments far from the tourist trail, Churchill, Canada is a dream come true. Perched along the edge of Hudson Bay, this subarctic frontier offers something extraordinary: a front-row seat to nature's raw beauty. Stepping into the untamed subarctic landscape, with vast tundra, wild coastline and minimal crowds, this is what makes Churchill so special. Top reasons that bring curious adventurers to Churchill? 5/8/2025
Majestic North American Train Rides Train journeys offer a unique and immersive way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of North America. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the untamed wilderness of Alaska, these train rides promise unforgettable experiences. Following are a few of North America’s most remarkable rides.
4/10/2025
Review: Explora Hotel Rapa Nui Explora Hotel Rapa Nui is a small boutique, all-inclusive luxury lodge 20 minutes from the main town of Hanga Roa. Located in a remote area of the island, it truly is a tranquil, restful retreat - especially after a busy day exploring the island.
1/23/2025
Southeast France - The Provence Region Southeast France is most certainly a captivating destination with diverse experiences. Adding time in Provence before or after a Rhone cruise – highly recommended! Of course you can make it a destination in of itself as well.
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