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.

Travel Designers Travel Leaders team -

through the years

Happy New Year! Here we are in 2024, and it’s an important year for me. In August, I’ll note my—drum roll, please—40^th anniversary of my first day in the travel industry. (Yes, I was very young then!) I remember seeing an engagement announcement for a woman who was marrying a man from England, and she’d be leaving her job at Cedar Mall Travel in Rice Lake. The next day I walked into the office and introduced myself to Jolene Doyle, then the owner and manager. I said, “I think you should hire me. I’d be really good at this job.” She hired me on the spot.

            I bought the agency from Jolene in 1991 and haven’t looked back. It’s been a wonderful journey, and the best part is, it’s not over yet! Well, make that the second-best part; the best is the wonderful people I’ve worked with during all these years. Here we are in the Cedar Mall office in 1993:

(Back row, L-R: Peggy, me, Cora, Patty, Jacqie, Jean. Seated: Karen and Dorothy.)

            Throughout the decades, we’ve always been a franchisee of what is now Travel Leaders, one of the oldest travel agency organizations in the world. It began as “Ask Mr. Foster” when the company became North America’s first travel agency in 1888, founded in St. Augustine, Fla., by Ward G. Foster. From his flower shop across the street from the Ponce de Leon Hotel, he gave out train and steamship schedules to his customers. Legend has it that the bellboys at the hotel would direct travelers to “Ask Mr. Foster.” By his death in 1940, Foster’s network included 75 offices around the country, “with a woman in charge of each one,” according to his obituary. Today, Foster’s little flower-shop advisory gig has grown into the second-largest travel agency chain in America. During Jolene’s tenure, the name changed to Carlson Travel Network. That morphed into Carlson Wagonlit Travel after a merger with a French company, and ultimately to the Travel Leaders brand we have today.

            In the mid-90s our Rice Lake office needed more space, so we moved to a new office in the Southridge Center. By the late 1990s, our partnership with Homespun Tours helped us grow our staff, so that by Christmas of 1999, we had quite a group:

(Front row, L-R: Dorothy, Missy, Patty, Jodi, Julie, Linda. Top row, L-R: Jacqie, Peggy, Jean, me, Deb, Michelle.)

            When Homespun “spun off” to its own office around 2010, we moved into our present location, alongside the beautiful Red Cedar River on Rice Lake’s south side. We now serve clients both locally and throughout the country, thanks to our online presence. Our staff has been literally all over the world—except for Antarctica, and we’re working on that—giving us the experience we can use to assist our clients in fulfilling their travel dreams.

            We had a banner year in 2023, and we look forward to more adventures in ’24, thanks to you, our valued clients. Thank you for working with us! Now, where would you like to go next?

 The legend of Santa Claus

Americans have been celebrating Christmas since colonial days, almost always with Santa Claus, in one form or another. We’re accustomed to seeing the jolly old elf in his flying sled, decked out in red with a flowing white beard, squeezing down chimneys and leaving gifts under our trees. But in a certain town in Italy, they take the legend of Santa Claus a little more seriously.

            Down in the heel of Italy’s boot you can find the Basilica di San Nicola in the town of Bari. Nearly a thousand years ago, the remains of the bearded gift-giver known as St. Nicholas were interred beneath the church that bears his name. Well, most of the remains, anyway.

            Nicholas was a real-life Christian bishop who was born in what is today known as Turkey around 270 AD. During his 67-year-long life, Nicholas became known as the Wonderworker for the many miracles attributed to his intercession. He’s the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people and students in various cities and countries in Europe. His habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the modern version of Santa Claus.

            Nothing was written about Nicholas until centuries after his death, but some of the legends are remarkable. He rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping a sack of gold coins through the window of their house for three straight nights, so their father could pay a dowry for each of them. He is said to have calmed a storm at sea, rescued three innocent soldiers from execution, and chopped down a tree possessed by a demon. For a time he was imprisoned by the Roman emperor Diocletian.

            Nicholas was buried in his hometown of Myra, or perhaps on an offshore island. Some 800 years later, with the Byzantine Empire in turmoil, Italian sailors seized about 75% of the saint’s remains from his burial church and took them to Bari. Two years later, Pope Urban II inaugurated a new church to house the remains and personally placed the relics in a tomb beneath the altar, where they remain to this day.

            Present-day residents of Bari welcome the Christian pilgrims who come to the church, but they perceive their local hero as very distinct from Santa Claus. Celebrations for St. Nicholas Day begin on December 5, with street concerts, parades and traditional food. Young girls looking for a husband line up in the basilica, praying for betrothal.

            In Italy, St. Nicholas morphed into Father Christmas in the 16^th century, bringing presents to children and sliding down chimneys. In the next century, Dutch settlers brought the legend to New Amsterdam, their colony on the American island of Manhattan. Santa’s red uniform wasn’t commonly seen until the 1930s, when it was popularized by Coca-Cola in an advertising campaign.

            Bari has started to cash in on tourism linked to St. Nicholas, with guided tours to the basilica and the local museum that houses artifacts, along with street tours that feature murals, including one in which the saint is doing yoga, believe it or not. The tours are on foot but also on bicycle and rickshaw. There’s even a popular local beer named San Nicola.

            Interested in traveling to Italy? Bari is only one of countless historical sites you can see there, and we can send you wherever you want to go, from the Alps down to the tip of the boot and Sicily. Chiamaci! (That’s Italian for “Give us a call!”)