Traveling with limited mobility

Many folks with mobility issues from age, surgery or other reasons are reluctant to fly, fearing that they’ll never be able to negotiate a busy airport, much less the aircraft itself. But airports and airlines have long offered services to help these travelers, which last week included my husband. So, how well do these services work?

            Dave underwent surgery on his right foot on April 11, and three days later flew to Arizona to visit his family and see his mother during her final illness. The trip couldn’t be put off, so on the day of his outbound flight, I drove him to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. He was flying Sun Country, so we used Terminal 2. After letting him out, I parked the car and then returned to help him with his rolling suitcase as we went inside to the check-in station. Dave gets by on crutches well—previous knee surgeries gave him plenty of experience—but we still arranged for him to get a wheelchair once his checked bag was on its way.

            It went very well. An aide was standing by with a simple wheelchair, like the ones in the photo, and whisked him directly to security. The TSA agents were very helpful (having TSA Pre-check certainly helped speed things along) and the “pusher,” as a wheelchair aide is called, went through the checkpoint with Dave and took him directly to his gate.

            Once on the plane, the flight attendants were very helpful as well, storing his crutches and stowing his carry-on overhead. Upon arrival in Phoenix, there was another wheelchair and a
pusher waiting to whisk him to baggage claim. On the return flight, Dave asked his pusher to stop at a coffee shop on the way to the gate, and the gentleman was happy to help Dave get his chai tea “fix” for the day.

            Overall, he said it was a very efficient and helpful experience, and he was happy to provide gratuities to each of his pushers. “It was well worth it,” he said, adding that he hopes he’ll never have to do it again!

            Federal regulations require airlines to provide travelers with disabilities extra services like these, including first-to-board privileges at the gate, but the airlines have embraced it with the goal of providing superior service to handicapped travelers. After all, the airlines want them on their planes, and these folks want to travel, so it’s a win all the way around. Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation announced plans for new regulations that would enhance existing rules, noting that millions of Americans use wheelchairs and most of them would love to travel, just like most everybody else does. The DOT estimates that the number of passengers with a disability traveling by air in 2021 was about 18.1 million, and that number has surely increased in the years since.

            If you’re concerned that mobility challenges might limit your ability to travel, we’ll help you get on board. Give us a call and get packing!    

 Air taxi's may take off sooner than you think.

First-time American visitors to the United Kingdom are always unnerved to see cars driving on the “wrong” side of the street, even though they’ve seen it in the movies many times. Actually getting behind the wheel over there can be daunting, especially since that wheel, and all the controls, are on the wrong side of the car. Fortunately, most of the world—about 70%—drives on the “right” side. But why do nearly a third of the world’s drivers still drive on the left?

            In Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte had something to say about driving on the right, while Conestoga wagons drove the decision over here. As to the Brits, well…

            We’ve all seen them in the movies—creaky, cloth-covered wagons, pulled by horses or oxen, carrying a family and all its worldly goods as the wagon train headed west, looking for a new start on the American frontier. They were Conestoga wagons, developed by Pennsylvania carpenters and blacksmiths to carry goods to market in the 18^th-century colonial metropolis of Philadelphia. The early wagons didn’t have a seat up front; they had a “lazy board” that extended out of the side. But often, the wagon driver walked alongside the horses, pulling levers and ropes to keep the team on course. And since most people are right-handed, he would walk on the left side of the wagon. That meant, of course, the wagon itself was on the right side of the road.

            The first major highway in the U.S. was the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road, opened in 1795, and one of the rules written in the charter required all traffic to stay on the right. In 1804, New York became the first state to dictate traffic to stay on the right side of the road. A century later, Henry Ford put the steering wheel of his hugely popular Model T on the left side of the vehicle, because horse-drawn wagons and carriages had been driving on the right side for a long time. Ford wanted his drivers to be close to the middle of the road.

            In Europe, foot traffic on roads was on the right, with the left side of the road reserved for carriages and those on horseback, which meant the upper class. During the French revolution, the government ordered all traffic to be on the right, as a way to help equalize the classes in society. A few years later, Napoleon’s armies, marching on the right, rolled through continental Europe, enforcing the right-side French tradition on everybody else. Except in England, of course, where riders had been riding on the left, as they preferred to keep their right hands toward oncoming traffic, to wave a greeting or maybe a more unflattering gesture, and occasionally wield a sword or pistol.

            In New York City, traffic drives on the right, of course, but there’s lots of it, and that can cause a problem when people want to get to the airport. It typically takes an hour or more to drive from midtown Manhattan to JFK International Airport or vice versa…but what if you could fly? Well, sometime next year, you’ll be able to find out.

            Joby Aviation has already tested its electric air taxi and plans to put it in service by mid-2025, following FAA certification. The ALIA-250’s flight from JFK to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport will take seven minutes. The four-passenger craft recharges in five minutes, so by the time a new group has boarded and strapped in, it’ll be ready to take off again, vertically like a helicopter, but producing only one-tenth the noise and virtually no emissions.

            What will it cost? Early estimates are that one-way fares will be about the same as using an Uber black, or about $200 per seat. Blair Air Mobility, the company that is bringing the air taxi to the Big Apple, has ordered 20 of the aircraft, with plans to expand landing sites throughout the New York metro and eventually bring the air taxi to other major American metro areas.

            Your trip in 2024 or even next year may not include an air taxi ride, or a drive on the left side of the road, but maybe it will. Give us a call, and we’ll get you out there!

 Final portion of our Switzerland adventure

We returned from Switzerland last week after a wonderful visit to this Alpine country in the heart of Europe. It takes awhile to get there, and to get home, but it was worth it. Last week’s newsletter was about our stay in the charming, Italian-centric city of Lugano, in the extreme south of Switzerland. This week, it’s about our post-conference visit to Engelberg, right in the midst of the Alps.

            We departed Lugano on the morning of the 25^th, once again availing ourselves of a leisurely ride on the train. Joining us for the leg from Lugano to Lucerne was Maurus Lauber, the CEO of Swiss Railway System, who told us of the line’s colorful and innovative history, going back to the 1880s. Our ride was about 3 hours long but the time flew by, with Herr Lauber himself serving us delicious hot chocolate from the dining car!

            Engelberg is a charming town of less than 4000, nestled in a valley at the base of Mt. Titlis. We checked into the historic five-star Kempinski Palace Hotel and accompanied our guide, Claudio, on a walking tour of the town. We visited Kloster Engelberg, a monastery that opened in the 12^th century, and a cheese shop that provided us with delicious samples. After dining at the hotel’s Cattani Restaurant, we relaxed for the evening in anticipation of our journey up the mountain the next day.

            Tuesday the 26^th dawned with gorgeous views of the Alps, but as we prepared for our excursion, word came that high winds at the summit would keep us from going all the way to the top at 10,623 feet, which meant we wouldn’t be able to experience the rotating gondola that lifts skiers and hikers up the final few thousand feet. But we were able to take a more traditional gondola all the way up to 5900 feet and the Berghotel Trubsee, a charming boutique hotel and restaurant with easy access to the ski slopes. A number of skiers were already there, many of them children, and we couldn’t resist snow-tubing down a short slope (a couple of times) and a ride on an electric snowmobile.

            It was an exhilarating day, but it wasn’t over yet. That evening, Claudio took us to what he described as a “rustic” restaurant, and he wasn’t kidding. A van picked us up at the hotel shortly after sunset and we proceeded up onto a mountainside, along a narrow, switch-backed road—with no guardrails—to Bergrestaurant Fluhmatt, nestled into the side of the mountain, a small chalet operated by the lady who lives upstairs. I had the specialty of the day: Alplermagronen mit Apfelmus, which is a dish with penne pasta, cheese and fried onions, with apple sauce on the side. It was delicious. My husband Dave had the Wildbratwurst mit Zwiebelsauce, which is a wild game sausage (venison, mountain goat and wild boar) with a red onion sauce, and French fries. A glass of red wine during the dinner really hit the spot, and we chased it all down with shots of Luzerner Kirschbrand, a Swiss cherry brandy. As Dave, the German speaker, said, “Ihren Mahlzeit war ausgezeichnet!” (“Our meal was excellent!”)

            Our final full day in Switzerland was in Lucerne, a leisurely half-hour train ride from Engelberg. We joined a new guide for a walking tour of the Old Town district, and then inspected the Mandarin Oriental Palace, another five-star hotel where the couple we were traveling with, Sandy and Mark DeGonda, would be staying for a couple of nights after departing Engelberg the next day. We had a sumptuous lunch in the hotel restaurant and then availed ourselves of some shopping, in spite of the chilly and rainy weather. Dave was on the hunt for a Swiss army knife, and he found one for himself and another for our grandson.

            The highlight of the Lucerne visit came later in the afternoon, when Claudio took us to Max Chocolatier, a genuine Swiss chocolate factory. Our hostess explained the process to us and served up samples of the best chocolate I’ve ever tasted. We had a delightful time touring the factory and watching them make chocolate Easter bunnies.

            Back to Engelberg on the train, we retired early so we could rise before dawn and catch our ride to Zurich, an hour away. By nine a.m. we were in the air, and by nine that night, Wisconsin time—nearly 24 hours after our alarm went off in Engelberg—we were settling down for the night at home. Our transatlantic flights on Delta, both ways, were about 8 hours long but more than tolerable, thanks to our seats in the Premium Select section of the plane. I highly recommend it for your own travels to Europe.

            We enjoyed Switzerland tremendously, and we already miss the gorgeous Alps. Want to see them for yourselves? Give us a call, and “Gerne organisieren wir Ihre Reise!” (We’ll be happy to arrange your trip!)

 

Greetings from Switzerland

Saluti dalla Svizzera! That’s “Greetings from Switzerland!” in Italian, which is the language, and culture, of choice here in the Ticino canton of Switzerland. My husband and I arrived here last Thursday to attend the Travel Leaders International Summit in the beautiful city of Lugano.

            Just a few miles from the Italian border, Lugano is the largest city in the canton, or state, of Ticino, which is the only one of Switzerland’s 26 cantons where Italian is the predominant language. German is spoken in most of them, with French in the cantons to the west, and one nearby in which German, Italian, and the rare, Latin-based language of Rumantsch are common.

            Its multilingual nature is just one of the many fascinating aspects of this central European nation, which is not part of the EU or NATO and has historically been known for its world-class skiing and its banking. We’ve discovered that there’s so much more here, in a part of the country not generally well-known outside Europe.

            We arrived March 21 after a long, 20-hour trek from our home in northwest Wisconsin, but our lodgings at the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola were worth the wait. A 5-star hotel built by a Russian nobleman in 1880, it has a distinct Old World Mediterranean charm and is a short walk from the shore of Lake Lugano. There’s a beautiful city park along the lakefront, leading to the downtown district with great restaurants and, of course, shopping.

            Ticino has mild weather thanks to the Alps, which block most of the weather trying to come south through Switzerland. The milder Mediterranean weather that graces Italy makes its way here, leading to the very agreeable climate. We enjoyed it tremendously, especially with our 34km bike ride on the 24^th, up the Maggio River Valley from the town of Ascona, right next to Locarno on yet another large, beautiful lake, Lago Maggio. Our route took us through some villages right out of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.”

            Many of my colleagues from around the U.S. were here for the conference, and it was great to catch up with them and learn more about the latest trends in travel, especially regarding our host country. Switzerland has an amazing rail system, modern and highly efficient, and we really enjoyed riding it. There are passes visitors can purchase, allowing unlimited use of the rail system for days at a time, taking them virtually everywhere in the country.

            We’re writing this on Monday the 25^th as we ride the train from Lugano to our next destination, the town of Engelberg, where we’ll enjoy a few days in the Alps, including a day in Lucerne, before our final journey to Zurich and flight home.

            If you like gorgeous mountain vistas, charming villages, great weather and friendly people—not to mention an amazing rail system—then Switzerland is the place for you. Maybe you’ll even learn how to yodel while you’re here! Give us a ring, and we’ll help you get over here to see for yourself!

 

 The trending destinations for travelers in 2024

This week, my husband and I are heading to Europe for the Travel Leaders International Summit in Lugano, Switzerland. Traveling to Europe is always exciting, but a recent article by CNBC notes that more Americans are turning their eyes westward for 2024 travel.

            European cities like London, Paris and Rome will always be popular, but Asian cities are attracting a lot more attention these days, according to Airbnb, which writes that “2024 is shaping up to be the year of globetrotting.”

            Searches for international flights are up 13% year-over-year, even though prices are up about 10%. Domestic U.S. travel surged in 2020-21 as the country reopened after the pandemic, but international travel began to ramp up in ’22 and shows no signs of slowing down. The trending destinations for American travelers in 2024:

·         Asia-Pacific. Whoever you talk to in the travel industry, Asia/Pacific locations are leading the way: Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei. Japan ranks highly among non-U.S. travelers, with Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto among the top two dozen worldwide destinations for travel later this year and in ’25. Asian nations were among the slowest to ease pandemic-related border closures, and now that they’re open, tourists’ wanderlust is being unleashed. Other factors include a strong U.S. dollar vs. the Japanese yen, which gives American visitors additional buying power, and more flights there from budget airlines. Airbnb says search traffic for Japan has more than tripled for visits planned during the first nine months of this year relative to the same period in 2023.

·         Going off the beaten path in Europe. The Big 3 on the continent are still there, but Americans are finding their way to other cities, such as Stockholm, Budapest, Helsinki and Prague. Other destinations growing in popularity include Copenhagen and Edinburgh. Scandinavian cities are highly recommended because not a lot of tourists go there. Also, Finland and Sweden have recently joined NATO, raising Americans’ awareness of those countries. Paris isn’t going anywhere, though, when it comes to tourism, especially this year, when the City of Light hosts the Olympics. Demand for flights to Paris and nearby cities during the Games has more than doubled compared to the same period in ’23.

·         Atlantic tropics vs. Caribbean. Cancun and other Mexican destinations remain popular, not to mention Caribbean islands, but Americans are increasingly turning to Atlantic tropical spots. Spain’s Canary Islands and Portugal’s Madeiras are increasingly popular. Both island groups are off the coast of West Africa. Although not on the Atlantic coast, the Spanish city of Malaga, on the Mediterranean, is also getting more attention, with its 300 days of sunshine a year and access to southern Spain’s beautiful Andalusia region. Malaga is also the number-1 city in the world for expats, according to surveys that measure levels of happiness for foreigners in their new homes.

·         Canada. Trending high this year are Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, with winter tourism playing a big role. The ski resorts of British Columbia and Alberta are big draws to American skiers, and another incentive is airfares, which are generally one-third the price of a trip to Europe. Plus, the U.S. dollar is strong against its Canadian counterpart.

Thinking of getting out there this year, or maybe in 2025? Give us a call! The world is waiting for you!

            

Moving abroad inspired by travels

            In the 2003 film Under the Tuscan Sun, a San Francisco-based writer, depressed after a rough divorce, visits the Tuscany region of Italy and on impulse buys a villa. The movie follows Frances Mayes, played by Diane Lane, as she adjusts to life in Italy and—of course—finds new love. Filmed on location, the movie holds up well 21 years later and leaves the viewer thinking about moving to Italy, or some other inviting locale overseas. But do Americans really do something like this?

            Yes, all the time, and so do residents of other countries. CNN recently told the stories of two couples, one Australian and the other American, who have relocated to Italy after being captivated by the country’s charms (and its lower healthcare costs).

            Kelly and Jess Galloway of Australia were married for 18 years before an amicable divorce in 2013. They remained friends and sometimes traveled together. When Kelly visited Italy for the first time in 2018, she fell in love with the country. Excited about moving there, she asked Jess to come along. Within a year, she’d put her Melbourne-area home on the market and made a downpayment on a palazzo, a large Italian residence, in the village of Stimigliatto in the central region of Lazio. Over a century old, the 5400-square-foot mansion sold for $132,700. The couple-that’s-not-exactly-a-couple moved in and began renovations, doing most of the work themselves at a cost of about $50,000 to date.

            One challenge the Galloways faced in moving to Italy was the visa requirements. Non-EU citizens must get an Elective Residency Visa, which allows them to stay in the country as long as they have a passive (non-work) income of about $40,000 a year. That has proven to be more of a hitch to the American couple CNN profiled, Chris and Jennifer Tidroski from Prescott, Ariz. In search of a slower-paced and cheaper lifestyle, the couple, who are both osteopaths, bought a 1400-square-foot home in the historical district of the village of Latronico, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, for only about $27,000. Like the Australians, the Tidroskis have put about $50,000 into renovations and they’re not done yet. They brought their 7-year-old daughter, Lidia, along.

            How did they find out about the property? They saw it listed online in 2021. The village has a website, Your House in Latronico, designed to help property owners meet prospective buyers, especially non-Italians interested in emigrating. Many Americans do so because of family history, like Chris Tidroski, whose great-grandfather grew up in a nearby village before coming to the U.S. around 1900.

            The couple is still working on obtaining visas which would allow them to permanently relocate. They don’t meet the income requirements for an ESV, which means they can stay in Italy for only 90 days within a six-month span. They’re also finding the renovations to be a slow go, as contractors and workers are hard to find. The Italian government subsidizes homeowners up to 110% for “green” upgrades, which has triggered a renovation frenzy across the country. But they’re hanging in there. Like the Galloways from Australia, the Tidroskis enjoy the laid-back, friendly atmosphere of their small Italian towns, the lower healthcare costs, and in the Americans’ case, what they see is a much calmer political atmosphere.

            The great majority of our clients are perfectly content to stay right here in the good old U.S.A., although my husband told me that if we absolutely had to move to Europe, he’d prefer the Black Forest region of southern Germany, near where he was born. My response? Wisconsin is where we are, and where we’ll stay!

            Interested in getting out there to a place that might tempt you to move? Give us a call, and we’ll help you out!

            

 

 How can you beat airline baggage fees

One of the most significant developments in air travel in this century is the addition of bag fees by the major airlines. For travelers, it’s an annoyance; for airlines, bag fees have developed into a major source of revenue. And they’re going up.

            At the end of February, CNBC reported that Alaska Airlines, American, JetBlue and United have raised their checked bag fees for 2024. United will now charge $40 for your first checked bag—a bag stored in a plane’s cargo hold during a flight—but only $35 if you prepay online at least 24 hours in advance. That’s an extra $5 either way, an increase of about 15%. Delta is holding at $30—for now.

            When all this began back around 2008, the checked-bag fee was around $15. Nowadays, it costs us an extra $60-80 per trip for our checked bags, since we pay when we depart and when we’re about to fly home. Bag fees generate a lot of money for the airlines. How much money? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, total fees collected in 2022 hit $6.76 billion, with 2023 expected to exceed that by about half a billion. Not a small number, and considering Delta’s annual operating expenses are about $52.5 billion, bag fees are a significant piece of income.

            How can you beat the bag fees? The most obvious way is to avoid checked bags altogether, traveling only with a carry-on, but that’s not always an option, especially on long trips and when families are flying. Here are some tips that could save you some money:

·         Fly with certain airlines. Some still offer free checked bags: Southwest, Air India, Qatar Airways, and Emirates are a few that haven’t yet started charging for bags, but of course these airlines won’t necessarily be able to get you to your preferred destination. Plus, their own fares might be higher.

·         Combine bags. A family of four might be able to get by with two bags, for example. Another way to save when traveling with small children is by stuffing a small duffel into a car seat, since airlines don’t charge for one car seat per child. 
·         Go carry-on. As noted, this might not always be possible.

·         Consider a fare upgrade. A higher-tier ticket, for a higher cost, might include a baggage allowance. Passengers might wind up paying the same total cost for the upgrade as they would for economy class with bag fees, but at least you’ll have more comfortable accommodations during your flight.

·         Add bags early. If you are definitely checking a bag, declare it early and you’ll likely save yourself five bucks.

·         Buy a luggage scale and lightweight bags. Overweight bags (in excess of 50 pounds) will always result in a higher fee at the airport, so weigh your packed bag before leaving home. It’s generally a good idea to go outbound with a bag that allows some room for you to add items bought on the trip, so you won’t exceed the limit on the return flight.

·         Get a preferred credit card or join a frequent flier program. Many credit cards, especially those with airline brands, offer free checked bags as a perk. But beware of opening a new credit card account just to get it; many of these cards charge an annual fee. If you travel a lot, the card option might work out for you if bag savings exceed the card’s fee. An airline’s frequent flier program might also give you a break on bag charges. 

Packing smart (and light, if possible) is not only a good thing when it comes to organizing your luggage, it might wind up saving you money that is better spent enjoying your destination. Ready to learn more? Give us a call, and we’ll help you with packing tips and everything else you’ll need for a great trip!

A memorable proposal destination - Paris   Valentine’s Day was last week, but we just can’t pass up a good romantic travel story. This week, we have two, thanks to CNN Travel.             On September 3, 1971, Linda Ford stepped into the arrivals lounge at JFK International Airport in New York, suitcase in hand. She was 24 and for the first time was journeying outside Europe. She knew absolutely nobody in the entire U.S., and was about to start a year’s teaching post at City University of New York. The transatlantic flight she’d just finished was the longest she’d ever taken. She was “rather weary,” she remembered recently. There was someone waiting for her, she hoped—George Porter, a friend of a friend, who’d agreed to meet her flight. Linda had exchanged a couple of letters with him, and she’d told him exactly what she would be wearing upon arrival. “I’ll wear a pink and white top, paired with beige-colored trousers,” she wrote. His reply: “I have absolutely no idea what I’ll be wearing.”             She scanned the lounge, noticing two men who were looking right at her. One was tall, dark-haired, with a smile below his mustache. The other was a dashing fellow in an Air France uniform. The dark-haired man approached, and in a Southern accent he asked, “Are you Linda Dean?” The second man also said hello. He had a French accent. She remembered feeling she was in “a rather strange position of arriving at a very busy airport, in a country I’d never visited before, and being met by not just one, but two very nice young men.”             The tall guy in civilian clothes was George. The Air France guy was Jean-Claude, another friend of a friend, who was also there to meet Linda. It turned out he was married to the cousin of a girl Linda had known in Paris from her recent time as a postgraduate student. The Frenchman graciously bowed out, leaving Linda with George.             You can guess how this turned out. George, an architect who’d grown up in Arkansas, and Linda, the historian-in-training from southern England, married in 1972, shortly before her one-year work visa was due to expire. They had a daughter in 1975, and four years later moved to her English village, where they live to this day, coming up on their 52nd anniversary. George says he sometimes thinks of what might’ve happened had he showed up at that arrivals lounge after the Frenchman. “Jean-Claude was very pleasant,” he told CNN Travel, “but I was the one who ended up with her.” ***             We noted last week that Paris is one of the top romantic destinations in the world. How many people travel there and become engaged? Quite a few: about 36,000 every year, according to proposal-planning marketplace Proposal Paris. Like so many things post-pandemic, Paris engagement trips are booming, up 30% since 2021. Kiss Me Paris organized nearly 500 proposals last year. The American wedding-planner site The Knot found that the number of U.S. citizens proposing abroad is now higher than pre-Covid levels.             Some proposals take place rather quietly, at a restaurant table or in a hotel room, but many others are outside, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower or alongside the Seine. France’s National Center of Cinematography found that 1 in 10 tourists surveyed decided to travel to Paris after seeing the city on TV or in the movies. For a lot of people contemplating a proposal of marriage, seeing Paris on the screen clinches the deal.             But dropping to one knee in front of the Eiffel Tower sometimes isn’t quite enough. One event planner told CNN that a client wanted his face beamed onto the Tower itself as part of his proposal to his girlfriend. The planner tried her best, but after a series of denials, she did the next best thing: hiring Disneyland Paris just for the couple.             There are companies who will do just about whatever the client wants, from “Mission: Impossible”-themed quests to dance flash mobs to fake cinema screenings. Flowers, musicians, whatever the client wants, they can almost always get. But the romance of the city itself is the clincher. For most of those who pop the question in Paris, just being there with their beloved is enough.             Planning a special trip for an engagement? Or perhaps you’re already past that and thinking about a destination wedding? We’ve helped couples with romantic getaways all over the world. Give us a call!

 

Romantic getaways around the world

Valentine’s Day is today! It’s a little late to plan a romantic getaway for this year’s big day, but there’s always next year. And who says the other 51 weeks of the year can’t be used for a special trip?

            Last week we gave you a list of the top 10 romantic getaways in the U.S. This week, we venture farther afield, with the top 10 in the rest of the world, as listed by Conde’ Nast Traveler:

·         Amalfi Coast. Anyplace in Italy can qualify as a romantic getaway, but this one has to be at the top, as it has been for millennia The ancient Greeks were so captivated by its beauty that they attributed it to a nymph who captured the heart of Hercules. Its towns, with brightly hued houses dotted along the hillsides, offer unique outlooks with shops, restaurants and swimming spots.

·         The Maldives. In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives aren’t easy to get to, but well worth it. World-class hotels offer state-of-the-art spas, restaurants and easy access to lush jungles, pristine beaches and offshore reefs.

·         Santorini. Of all the Greek Islands, this one reigns supreme, which is saying something. The best views, the best sunsets, the best hotels, they’re all here. Nearby islands are an easy sail away, or you can stay and enjoy beautiful beaches right here. Seaside luxury hotels offer gorgeous views of the Aegean and first-class amenities, including private infinity pools.

·         Paris. Is there any other “City of Lovers”? Strolling the city proves the clichés are true. Take walks along the Seine, have a glass of wine at a rooftop bar, and enjoy an evening at any one of several hotels that are among the best in the world, with sublime views, old world charm and chic interiors.

·         Marrakech. Morocco and its warm weather is just a 3-hour flight from London, and this exotic locale offers winding souks in the Old City, with the sight of cobras dancing out of baskets and other scenes right out of an Indiana Jones movie.

·         Bali. By any measure one of the most beautiful places in the world, this Indonesian island has five-star resorts that manage to have a unique flavor. Its unspoiled beaches and green tropical landscapes are perfect for romance.

·         Tulum. Just south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, this is the promised land of designer yoga, spiritual jungle journeys and beaches fringed by ancient temples. Some of Mexico’s best hotels have arrived here, providing modern luxury amidst Mayan mystery.

·         Seychelles. Another island group in the Indian Ocean, these are off the east coast of Africa, and like the Maldives, not easy to get to but worth the effort. Their very remoteness invites travelers determined to find unspoiled beauty among its stilted, treehouse-style villas and suites.

·         Ibiza. One of the Balearic Islands off the eastern coast of Spain, explorers find sleepy hillside villages, wild forests, rambling orchards and crumbling farmhouses. Springtime visits are preferred, when visitors see immense groves of almond trees in full bloom.

·         India. For luxury train travel, adding the Asian subcontinent to the mix is guaranteed to provide a memorable visit. The new Maharajas Express offers an epic 7-day journey from Delhi to Mumbai, taking in many of India’s most famous sights. Imagine a Champagne brunch on a hillock overlooking the Taj Mahal, or a tiger-spotting jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park, or elephant polo matches in Jaipur, and retiring at night to your regal cabin as the train moves on to your next incredible destination.

What a lineup! How does Valentine’s Day 2025 in any of these great destinations sound? Give us a call, and we’ll help you make that a romantic getaway to remember!

 

Romantic getaways

“Ah, l’amour,” as my French friends would say. Valentine’s Day is next week, and while it might be a little late to book a romantic getaway for the special day, there are 51 weeks left in the year, not to mention 2025. But where to go? When taking your special gal (or guy) out to dinner isn’t quite enough, a trip is called for. This week and next, we’ll be talking about the best romantic getaways out there. Let’s start with the top destinations for romance here in the U.S., according to US News:

·         Kaua’i. All of the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, but Kaua’i is perfect for both thrill-seekers and sun-worshipers. Lounge on secluded beaches, relax in a private luxury villa or go on a kayaking adventure along the Napali Coast. The hiking in state parks like Koke’e and Waimea Canyon is great, too.

·         Lanai. Right behind its sister island in Hawaii is Lanai. Recovering quickly from last summer’s devastating wildfire, the island exclusivity is its biggest attraction. Indulge in high-end cuisine at a luxury hotel or resort, relax by the pool, or set out to explore Lanai’s landscape, like a hike to the Pu’upehe Overlook, also known as “Sweetheart Rock.”

·         Napa Valley. The heart of California’s Wine Country, this onologist’s paradise north of San Francisco is the top romantic getaway in the continental U.S. Wide lovers can sip Napa’s award-winning reds at intimate venues like O’Brien Estate and Jarvis Estate, or while savoring gourmet cuisine aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Kayaking on the Napa River, hot-air ballooning, and visits to the spas and hot springs of Calistoga can also be on your itinerary.

·         Sonoma. Still in the Golden State, Sonoma is more laid-back than its neighbor, Napa, but still boasts more than 425 wineries. Outdoor lovers can explore regional parks like Taylor Mountain, or book a one-of-a-kind couple’s massage in a 22-foot wine barrel at Magical Massage.

·         Charleston. South Carolina’s most famous city is filled with pastel-hued historic homes, art galleries and tasty Low Country cuisine. Take in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage or a sunset harbor cruise for two. The city’s bed-and-breakfast hotels are renowned for their antebellum charm.

·         Sedona. Hikers love this Arizona getaway, offering sandstone buttes and challenging trails. Relax indoors at one of the city’s world-famous wellness retreats, or take a self-guided tour of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, which boasts 15 venues.

·         Big Sur. Back to California we go for windswept coastlines and rugged mystique. Luxurious hotels serve as welcome pit stops while you explore by bicycle, or perhaps hiking and camping near Pfeiffer Beach are more your speed. Nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea offers art galleries and fairytale cottages.

·         Big Sky. Experience Montana in style with top-notch ski resorts in the winter and fly-fishing scenic rivers in the summer. Hiking under the endless “Big Sky” is popular, too. For a real “Yellowstone”-style experience, spring for an all-inclusive ranch visit.

·         Amelia Island. One of Florida’s barrier-reef islands off the Atlantic coast, this getaway offers bike trails and the town of Fernandina Beach, with Victorian-style architecture, antique shops and art galleries.

·         Nantucket. Rounding out the Top 10 is this tiny Massachusetts island known for its New England charm. Stroll arm-in-arm down cobblestone streets, unwind on white sand beaches and snap selfies in front of iconic lighthouses. Grab a lobster roll from one of the island’s premier seafood restaurants and revel in extraordinary views of the Atlantic from the Sconset Bluff Walk. Lodging choices include a host of quaint Nantucket inns.

Ready to book for later this year? Or, maybe Valentine’s Day 2025? Give us a call!

 

 

World's largest cruise ship sets sail

Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship sailed on its maiden voyage this past weekend, almost a year and a half after its unveiling in the media. The “buzz” about the ship was so positive that RCL had the biggest advanced-booking week in its history. Icon of the Seas will offer week-long itineraries in the Caribbean, all of them including a stop at CocoCay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas.

            Able to carry up to 7,600 passengers, Icon is being described as the biggest cruise ship ever to sail. It’s nearly 1,200 feet long, 213 wide at the beam and its 20 decks tower above the waterline. By comparison, the Titanic was less than 900 feet long, only 92 feet wide and had 10 decks, carrying just under 2,500 passengers. Icon is massive, to be sure, and it has to be, in order to house all of its incredible attractions and amenities.

            The ship is divided into eight distinct “neighborhoods,” five of them brand-new, and each with its own offerings. Thrill Island features a Category 6 waterpark, the largest at sea, and Crown’s Edge, where guests can walk 154 feet above the ocean. There’s a surf simulator, mini golf and rock climbing. For relaxation, Chill Island houses four of the ship’s seven pools, giving sun worshipers plenty of space to burnish their tans, but there’s also plenty of shade for guests who just want to relax. Surfside, the line’s first neighborhood designed for young families, offers pools, an arcade, a carousel and more. Central Park, a neighborhood on the next deck up, features walking paths winding through gardens with more than 30,000 plants, plus a slide that takes guests right down to Surfside.

            On Deck 15, the Hideaway is kid-free, similar to the adults-only area of CocoCay. Hideaway has an infinity pool, whirlpools and a DJ providing music. Then there’s the AquaDome, an enclosed steel-and-glass structure at the front of the ship, hosting the “Aqua Action!: Range of Emotion” show, which combines diving with aerial dance, skateboarding and more. Other shows on board include “The Wizard of Oz” in the Royal Theater and “Starburst: Elemental Beauty” in the Absolute Zero ice arena.

            Dining options are always important for cruisers, and Icon of the Seas offers plenty, with more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, half of which are new to the line. The AquaDome Market serves Mediterranean fare; Izumi in the Park offers sushi and street food; and the Empire Supper Club provides a smaller, intimate venue with seating for only 38, enjoying a multi-course meal, cocktail pairings and live jazz. The Rye & Bean serves coffee and coffee-infused cocktails, and the Swim & Tonic is the line’s first-ever swim-up bar.

            Staterooms are state-of-the-art and offer floor plans ranging from standard single-room cabins with a small bath, up to town houses and family suites where floors are connected by slides as well as stairs. Which leads to the big question: how expensive is it to sail on the Icon? Fares vary by sailing date, of course, but as of this writing, RCL was offering 7-day sailings for an average cost per person as low as $1,799, for an inside cabin on a January 2026 cruise. Many of the ship’s 2024 cruises are already sold out, but we can get you on board yet this year, and certainly in ’25, for rates that look pretty reasonable, considering what you’ll be getting. Remember, these prices are cruise-only, based on double occupancy. Children may have reduced rates, and of course airfare is not included.

            Ready explore the world’s most fantastic cruise liner? Give us a call, and we’ll get you on the Icon of the Seas for what promises to be an unforgettable cruising experience!

           

 

 

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PAST GUEST DISCOUNT Reserve your stateroom during the Discover More Sale and receive a Double Past Guest Discount of up to $800 in savings per couple. Plus, enjoy up to FREE airfare, special fares and more. BOOK BY by January 31, 2024 for an additional $200 in shipboard credit per stateroom, from Travel Leaders! FEATURED RIVER VOYAGE FEATURED OCEAN VOYAGE So many more to choose from, contact us for more information! *Exclusions apply.