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The Top 5 Fall Foliage Destinations

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine's Travel;) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Autumn is truly a magnificent season. It is a time when Mother Nature reminds us all of her beauty by setting forests aflame with radiant colors. While brilliant foliage displays can be witnessed throughout much of the world, many of the most spectacular are found right here in our own backyard. Based on our travel agents’ own experience and those of their clients, here are the top five fall foliage destinations in the world.

1. Alberta, Canada

While cloaked in aspen, birch, willow, and maple, Alberta’s main attraction continues to be its spectacular larch trees. The larch is unusual in that it has needles, rather than leaves, that change to glistening gold before descending to the forest floor. Some photographers suggest there is no better place than Alberta to capture autumn in all its glory, as the dark Rocky Mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the bright gold conifers. Trailblazers can sign up for guided tours that traverse deep into the scenic backwoods. But for more approachable views, visitors can check out one of the Canadian Rockies’ golf courses where specific holes have been designed around the inspiring views. Alberta has over 300 golf courses— six of which are on Canada’s Top Ten list.

"Fall Larches" by Wilson Hui, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Positioned along the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Litchfield Hills is the ideal leaf peeper’s paradise. This quaint New England destination is full of country bed & breakfasts, antique shops, biking and hiking trails, and of course come fall, an abundance of trees blazing with color. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the rich mosaic from an incredible birds eye view via hot-air balloon or from the flowing Housatonic River via canoe. However you choose to witness this natural phenomenon, expect to see a variety of oak, aspen, maple, birch, beech trees and more. The Litchfield Hills foliage usually peaks in mid-October

"ib1668.JPG" by Mark Goebel, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

3. Route 100, Vermont

For many autumn enthusiasts, Vermont is the pinnacle of fall foliage perfection. Various types of red maple, pin cherry, mountain ash, and large-tooth aspen trees blanket the hillsides and valleys with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Cruise along Route 100 or one of Vermont’s many other scenic drives to spot picturesque covered bridges, small towns, farms and creeks. For a more up-close-and-personal foliage encounter, visit Stowe Mountain and ride the famous gondola all the way to the top. Visitors can also attend fall festivals throughout the state for hot cider, warm meals, and a regional favorite—warm cider donuts. Foliage normally peaks from mid-September through October.

"Route 100" by Shiran Pasternak, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

4. Beijing, China

It’s not often that China comes to mind when considering some of the top foliage destinations. However, Beijing has grown more and more popular for foliage enthusiasts’ worldwide. Known as the “golden month,” October in Beijing provides ideal autumn conditions with clear blue skies, crisp cool air, warm sunshine and a plethora of deciduous tree species. Picturesque backdrops such as the Great Wall appear even more magical, when decorated by the forest’s lively reds, yellows and oranges.

"Autumn in Beijing" by Caitriana Nicholson, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. North Carolina

Home to the United State’s Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina’s fall foliage season rakes in leaf enthusiasts from around the world. With over 187,000 acres of forest, the Smoky Mountains come to life with colors bursting from dogwoods, sweet-gums, maples, birches, and other deciduous tree species. Whether you prefer a relaxed foliage tour or a more adventurous foliage hunt, North Carolina provides the ideal fall environment for all. Peak foliage typically occurs from mid-October through early November.

"Carolina Morning" by Randy Heinitz, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hero Image: "nature's painting" by paul bica, Flickr.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Montreal Celebrates 375th Anniversary with a Year of Music

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

5 Can't Miss Music Events in Montreal in 2017 from Leonard Cohen to Pink Floyd Opera to an Electronic Music Parade.

On May 17, 1642, a small colony called Ville-Marie was founded by a small group of 50 explorers from France. The little colony would soon be known as Montreal and 375 years later, a city of 1.7 million is celebrating a milestone.

Montreal's 375th anniversary conveniently falls alongside Canada's 150th, and makes Montreal one of the top Canadian destinations to visit in 2017 thanks to an exciting line-up of festivals and events throughout the year. Montreal has always fostered and celebrated its musical scene, and in its 375th anniversary year, music reigns.

Here are five musical experiences you can't miss in Montreal this year.

World Premiere of: Another Brick in the Wall: The Opera

When: Select dates between March 11th and 24th

Another Brick in the Wall: The Opera is based on Pink Floyd's 1979 album The Wall and is a collaboration between Opera de Montreal and Pink Floyd's former bassist and chief songwriter, Roger Waters.

Starting out as a concept album (1979) and then a film (1982), The Wall is a psychological drama inspired by Waters' life. Waters got the idea for The Wall after a concert at Montreal's Olympic Stadium in 1977, so the iconic composition is in a sense, coming home with the premiere of its operatic interpretation on the Montreal stage during the city's 375th celebrations.

Waters will also be a librettist in the production.

Free Montréal Symphonique Concert at Foot of Mount Royal

When: August 19th

Montreal's inner-city mountain has been central to the city since the start, and nowadays, it's a green urban retreat for locals and visitors. Mount Royal takes center stage of 2017 birthday celebrations during a free performance at its base. The concert brings together major artists and Montréal's three great orchestras: the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, the Orchestre Métropolitain as well as the McGill Symphony Orchestra for the first time, under the direction of Simon Leclerc.

This extravagant, far-reaching concert will feature over 300 musicians, pop artists and choral singers. The theme of the concert is: seasons, and a series of tableaux will evoke the city, its inhabitants, its history, its landmarks and its vibrant personality.

Electro Parade Around Montreal

When: September 2nd

The first Electro Parade in North America will feature local and international DJs on parade floats equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and wandering through the streets of Montréal - turning city streets into dance floors.

This global trend has already become popular in Paris and Zurich, where similar events have taken place.

Full programming, names of guest DJs, and the parade route will be announced soon.

Leonard Cohen Exhibit at MAC Museum

When: November 9th 2017 to April 1st, 2018

Well before he passed away last year, the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal (MAC) was preparing a retrospective on this famous Montrealer's life.

Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything will be one of the last major Montreal 375th events in 2017. The exhibition will pay homage to this global star and feature a collection of new works created by artists who were inspired by Cohen's works and include visual art, performance art, music, written word and film.

One More Thing:

Cité Mémoire Brings History to Life

When: Every night throughout 2017 and beyond - except April 10th to May 10th

Cité Mémoire (pictured, top) invites visitors to experience Montreal's history through a series of multimedia projections around Old Montreal - on buildings, cobblestone streets and even on trees.

For the full experience complete with music and narration, visitors can download the "Montreal en Histoires - Cite Memoire" app before your trip and take along your headphones. The free app is available in four languages and has a map of Old Montreal that shows each projection location and lists the best times for viewing each piece.

This is a self-guided walking tour that visitors can do every evening at your own pace, but there are also Cite Memoire staff along the route to help with interpretation and questions.

Favorite installations include "Suzanne", a love story projection on the Clock Tower Quay set to the iconic song by Leonard Cohen, and "The Face of Montreal", projections of various Montreal faces on trees along Jacques-Cartier Quay.

For a complete line-up of Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations, visit: www.375mtl.com/en .

Start your Trip!

How to Eat Like the Irish on St.Patrick's Day

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

A foodie exploration of Ireland is an island-wide adventure involving the favorite Irish pastimes of eating, drinking and socializing – from cafés and pubs, to stylish Michelin-starred restaurants.

In the 'Emerald Isle', food is intimately connected to the rich green landscape, regional farming and cooking traditions, the freshest seasonal ingredients and supremely talented food-meisters who magically inject ‘art’ into artisan Irish produce and modern interpretations of Ireland's culinary heritage. Not to mention Ireland's famously colorful turns of phrase.

On the one day a year that 'everyone's a little bit Irish', up the ante on your green beer. Here's a guide to ordering authentic flavors of Ireland. And some tips about where and what to eat and how to celebrate Ireland's food culture on your next trip.

Boxty

Where: O’Holohan’s on the Barge, Belfast

Climb on board O’Holohan’s, moored at the Belfast Waterfront. This restaurant-on-a-barge is famed for its boxty: a traditional potato pancake, which it serves with pan-fried hake, organic veg and shellfish cream.

Home-Smoked Salmon

Where: Delahunt, Dublin

Bring on one of the best fish dishes in Dublin. This is a thing of brains and beauty: lapsang souchong home-smoked salmon, served in the incredible surroundings of a converted Victorian building on Dublin’s Camden Street. It’s the very essence of contemporary Irish cooking – creative, fresh AND delicious.

Coddle

Where: The Woollen Mills, Dublin

Overlooking the iconic arc of the Ha’penny Bridge, the Woollen Mills has a light, modern-industrial interior – a great counterpoint to a dish that dates back to the 1770s, Dublin coddle, a no-nonsense bowl of bacon, sausages, onion and potato. Honest, hearty and very Dublin.

Seafood Chowder

Where: Canteen at the MAC Belfast

In the super-cool open-brick surrounds of Belfast’s premier arts venue, MAC, you can enjoy one of Ireland’s most popular seafood dishes: seafood chowder. MAC’s version uses sustainable fish, and comes with Guinness and treacle bread. Come for the art, stay for the chowder.

Cockles and Mussels

Where: The Exchequer, Dublin

Fever-ridden Molly Malone wheeled her wheelbarrow around the Dublin streets selling these fresh local molluscs. But to dine on the cooked combination, you need to check out the Exchequer gastro pub and its gourmet version with spiced sausage, Bulmers cider and homemade bread.

Oysters

Where: Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast

Traditionally served with pints of Guinness, sample some of the finest at the Mourne Seafood Bar in Belfast. In this relaxed informal space, seafood takes centre stage. Try local oysters three ways: au naturel, Japanese-style or Rockefeller. Either way, they’re delicious, so get shucking.

Or:

Celebrate Oyster Season

September is the month of the oyster and in Northern Ireland the annual Hillsborough Oyster Festival (1-4) holds the world oyster eating championships – you’ll have to eat around 223 in three minutes if you want to seriously compete! But the pretty Georgian village is alive with music, Ulster’s fine food, golf, dancing and pageants if you don’t.

The world-famous Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival (23-25th) is also a major event in Ireland´s social calendar – London’s Sunday Times has called it one of the 12 greatest shows on earth. Walk through the city and you’ll see passionately fought-out Irish and international oyster opening competitions, celebrity cook-offs, and fantastic live music events on the streets and pouring out of the pubs. Few can resist a Galway oyster tasting (with the perfect accompaniment of a pint of Guinness), a ‘seafood dine-around’ some of the city’s best restaurants or a glam night out at the Gala Oyster Ball.

A Fresh Fish Supper (Fish and Chips)

Where: John Long’s, Belfast

A philosophy of simple but impeccable fish and chips runs through this Belfast institution, which has been described by the Belfast Telegraph as “the holiest of holy culinary shrines”. Grab a space at a Formica table, order a cup of tea, and wait for some of the best fish and chips you’re ever likely to taste.

The Waterford Blaa

Where: Hatch & Sons, Dublin

Waterford locals love their ’blaa’ – a soft bread roll introduced by the French Huguenots in the 17th century. Paired with dry-cured bacon, it’s a real delight. To try one in Dublin, head to the Georgian kitchen-café of Hatch & Sons on St Stephen’s Green. Go old school with rashers (strips of bacon), or take it upscale with spiced beef, rapeseed mayo, Coolea cheese and onion relish.

Visit September's Waterford Harvest Festival. The city's famous fluffy breadroll blaa is centerstage, along with other local delicacies. Over 10 mouth-watering days, foodies will relish the cookery demos and workshops, seminars, foodie films and tastings, dinners, banquets and restaurant trails. Street performances and big outdoor music gigs are also on the Waterford menu.

And For Serious Foodies…

If you want to take your love for food a bit deeper you can sign yourself, your family, your colleagues or your pals up for one of the excellent cookery schools located around the country. Serious foodies can also opt for a food tour – counties Cork, Mayo and Dublin are excellent for these.

Start your Trip!

Spelunking in Jamaica

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

It might be the most polar opposite activity to a day on the beach in Jamaica. Escaping from the sunny, hot, breeze of the beaches, to explore one of the island's networks of cool, dark, damp cave systems.

Jamaica is one of the special places in the world with 'Karst' topography, where flowing water has carved paths through soluble limestone terrain, resulting in spectacular underwater rivers and caves.

Exploring caves is irresistible. Our earliest ancestors used caves for protection, a place for worship, where they created art, stored their treasures, even buried their dead. There's something about being in a cave that taps our most primal instincts, returning to the refuge of Mother Earth. Feeling just for a little while that we're exploring the unknown.

"Spelunking" by Dion Raftopoulos is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It's a magical environment inside caves. Like entering another world, transitioning from sunlight, heat, and breeze, to dark, damp, stillness, with the Earth encompassing you, not just beneath your feet. Where light does leak in through openings from the world above, it's filtered and bounced off the limestone walls, dancing off particles in the air, creating a mystical ambiance.

Jamaica has long been on the map for the global community of experienced cavers drawn to the wild highlands of the island where some claim are a thousand cave systems, some descending hundreds of feet into the bowels of the Earth. Now, Jamaica is also a destination for spelunking – amateur caving – where travelers with no caving experience at all can work with guides who have intimate knowledge of the maze of caves, and can provide safety equipment and instruction so you, too, can discover a completely different world in Jamaica.

If you are not part of a very experienced, well-equipped caving team who has safety training for these conditions, working with a reputable cave tour company is the only safe and responsible way to experience Jamaica's caves. First, you don't want your actions to damage the cave or its wildlife inhabitants. Then there's your own well-being. Cave interiors are dark and can be muddy with difficult footing, low ceilings, and twists and turns that can make you lose your way.

"DSC09699" by California Cow is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You need more than flip flops, a camera phone and enthusiasm! Spelunking tours in Jamaica provide you with everything you need to become an explorer of this fascinating, underground side of the island. You'll discover not just new scenery, but perhaps also a new, mystical relationship with the earth that might be one of your best memories of a trip to Jamaica.

To learn more about Jamaica as a destination or some of Jamaica's amazing tours, contact us today - we can organize an unforgettable and unique adventure for you.

That's My Kind of Vacation

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

While planning a vacation for your entire gang – the kids, grandparents, and you – might seem like an impossible task when it comes to pleasing everyone, we certainly know a thing or two about how to make everyone in your brood downright happy on your next multi-generational trip.

To maximize the fun – and your hard-earned vacation dollars – the overall value of an all-inclusive resort is tough to beat. With oodles of properties located throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, you can virtually customize the kind of getaway everyone in your family wants and deserves. Most resorts provide a seemingly endless list of activities and accommodations to meet every family’s needs.

Photo credit: TourismPEI via Visual hunt / CC BY

First, before you contact your local travel professional, make sure to get everyone in the family involved in the planning process. While that may seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to know what each person is interested in doing and allow them the opportunity to experience it. Kids, especially the young ones, will love feeling like they are a part of making the trip a success.

Once you have a good idea of what everyone wants, contact your local travel professional. They can help you find the perfect all-inclusive resort that will fit your family’s interests – and budget. Not all resorts are created equal and it takes a knowledgeable travel pro to find just the right all-inclusive property to meet all your needs and wants. And be realistic on the amount of time you plan to be away. Seven to ten days usually allows everyone enough time to experience everything they want.

Photo credit: Kirt Edblom via Visual Hunt / CC BY-SA

Do make it a priority to plan activities for everyone – including you! Don’t expect everyone to participate in every activity, but give them the opportunity to do so if they’d like. Also, be sure to plan a few activities that you know everyone in your family will enjoy doing together. Perhaps it’s dinner and a show. The wider the age range in your extended family, the more options you'll want to consider.

To help you discover and experience an unforgettable family vacation, our travel professionals have teamed up with Travel Impressions and Delta Vacations to help get you started on planning your dream getaway. Together, our hand-selected group of properties has something for everyone in your gang.

Beach Palace, Cancun photo credit: corsi photo via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

We recommend checking out Palace Resorts which prides itself on setting the highest standards for all-inclusive vacations in the Mexican Caribbean. For families, that means unparalleled service and signature amenities, luxurious accommodations, 24-hour room service, world-class dining, in-room dining, wireless Internet, in-room double whirlpool tubs, and much more. Your crew can enjoy a snorkeling adventure, sailing the sea on a yacht, or go on a relaxing boat ride. Palace Resorts offers you the option to enjoy non-motorized water sports with the family.

For those families looking to have their every wish and desire met with attentive service, Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will attend your brood with their private butlers, personal concierges, and culinary masters who never cease to amaze. Karisma’s beachfront boutique hotels, private villas, and lavish resorts are impeccable and offer swim-up suites and cars, canopied beach beds, and beachfront Sky Massages that will make your family beg you to stay one more day thanks to their Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. And Karisma’s clubs for teens and kids are designed to keep everyone happily engaged.

Photo credit: www.adamshomestaycochin.com via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

When it comes to experiencing an indulgent all-inclusive getaway, Dreams Resorts & Spas offer a high level of luxury for families, in ideal beachfront settings with their Unlimited-Luxury®. Spacious rooms and suites, graciously appointed and luxuriously equipped, provide a picture-perfect vacation experience with welcoming service and romantic inclusions. The Explorer’s Club for Kids with Red Cross certified staff and Core Zone Teens Club provide supervised day and evening activities. Beautiful and exciting destinations provide a lovely setting for a wedding, honeymoon, romantic getaway or family vacation. Unlimited-Luxury® includes many amenities including limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required.

Photo credit: donnierayjones via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

With so much to do and see at an all-inclusive resort it’s also important to make it a point to take plenty of breaks – after all this is your vacation and you should have time to relax. Maybe the grandparents can enjoy an afternoon by themselves while others hit the beach with the kids. If you have more than one child, divide them up amongst the grownups, so each feels like the center of the universe for a day. Just don’t overtax the grandparents. While it's great to have grandma and grandpa around to play babysitter, their idea of a vacation might not involve staying in with the kids every night while mom and dad go out on the town. Have this discussion beforehand. Even if they insist, be sure to fit in time for them to get out alone for dinner one night, too. Regrouping sometime towards the end of the day and sharing your stories over dinner or late night snacks is great fun.

Remember, no matter where you travel or stay, be sure to capture all the special moments you have while together. It’s ok to take a million pictures! And then some more. When you return home you’ll be thrilled you did!

Hero image: Kansas Poetry (Patrick) via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-ND

Unique Vacation Experiences for Families

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

We have introduced a variety of unforgettable family travel experiences in this winter's mailer. As travel professionals we have exclusive access to family-friendly offers from some of the world’s best cruise lines, guided vacation companies and more.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, spending quality time with the family can, although unintentional, easily be cut short, We understand the importance of family bonding, which is one reason why we place such a strong emphasis on family vacations. It’s a much needed opportunity to break away from ‘real life’ and focus on what’s most important – your loved ones.”

Family offers include:
• Delta Vacations
• Uniworld
• Carnival Cruises

Don't forget to enter a ballot to win $100 Visa Gift Card.

For more information on other family-friendly please feel free to reach out to us.

Feel Right at Home in a Far Away Place

mvrooman@travelsavers.com (Malia ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Days and nights with Holland America Line are among the most memorable of a lifetime. Sail in classic style on beautifully appointed mid-sized ships where gracious service anticipates every desire.

Relax in a chaise lounge, melt into a massage table, or learn to arrange flowers, blend wine and edit digital photos. Surprise and delight your palate with exquisite dishes and cultural delicacies created by some of the most influential chefs in the world. Then let the music lure you to The Showroom at Sea, or dance to live jazz, dueling pianos or a chamber ensemble at Lincoln Center Stage. As you stroll the wraparound teak deck, the salt of the sea blows you a kiss goodnight. Then tuck into total comfort in your stateroom with the promise of coffee on your private verandah, where you’ll watch new worlds take shape on the horizon.

Choose from hundreds of carefully crafted itineraries to more than 400 ports of call. Jump-start your ideal immersion with the help of Destination Guides in partnership with AFAR – available online and on board. Together with travel experts, guest speakers and a host of enriching activities, you’re ensured a carefully curated, highly personalized introduction to the most fascinating places, people and cultures on Earth.

Savor the spacious surroundings and fresh innovations of the new ms Koningsdam, our first Pinnacle-class ship. Light filled spaces. Fluid curves. Interiors feature fresh takes on guest favorites like the Dining Room and pool areas, along with breathtaking venues, and engaging and innovative experiences. Enjoy all the pampering and amenities Holland America Line has been known for nearly 145 years.

Top 5 Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Written by Elaine Glusac

Celebrating the promise of a new year ahead, the entire world parties on December 31st. But a handful of cities around the globe have made the big night a bucket-list reason to travel whether you want to dance in a New York street, champagne-toast in the City of Light or surf an Australian beach. We polled our travel agents who hail the following five destinations as the world’s best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

New York City

Photo by frankieleon on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

Manhattan’s Times Square hosts the nation’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. With fanfare aplenty preceding it, including concerts by charttoppers, an illuminated 12-foot-diameter ball marks midnight, dropping 70 feet in the last minute of the old year. The ball drop tradition dates back to the early 1900’s and has been growing ever since. Now, approximately one million people crowd into Times Square each year. The event — free, though a number of nearby hotels throw ticketed parties overlooking the festivities — draws revelers who line up as early as 3 p.m. to enter the area, listen to bands, toss confetti and watch fireworks at midnight.

Toronto

Photo by The City of Toronto on Visualhunt / CC BY

Canada’s biggest New Year’s Eve party takes place in its largest city, the multi-cultural, entertainment capital of Toronto. City New Year’s Bash is the official party site at City Hall in Nathan Phillips Square, featuring a roster of eclectic musicians leading up to midnight fireworks. Revelers fan out from Chinatown packed with restaurants to the Entertainment District, ground-zero for bars and clubs. Health-minded celebrants suit up in wacky costumes for the 5K Toronto Midnite New Year’s Eve Run, followed by a post-race party. Many locals drive the 70-some miles to Niagara Falls for the annual outdoor party, backdropped by the illuminated waterfalls, televised nationally.

Paris

Photo by Passion Leica on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-SA

It’s hard to argue with Paris as a top choice for celebrations any evening of the year, but the City of Light literally sparkles on New Year’s Eve when colorful lights outlining the Eiffel Tower dance at midnight. Crowds gather along the Champs-Elysées to witness the ritual, but smaller festivities take place in plazas around the city, including Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, offering panoramic views of the city lights from its hilltop location. Dining is, bien sur, an occasion all its own, and the top tables fill well in advance. Combine dinner and sightseeing on one of the Seine River boats that knife through the festive center of town.

Sydney

Photo by Rob & Jules on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-SA

The best thing about Australia in late December and early January is that it is the height of summer Down Under. In the balm, some 1.6 million revelers cluster around Sydney Harbor, epicenter of New Year’s celebrations that culminate in a midnight fireworks display centered around iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Preceding it, the Harbour of Light Parade features dozens of light-trimmed boats navigating eastbound from Cockatoo to Clark Islands. The evening kicks off the month-long Sydney Festival in January, featuring 300 performances including dance, theater and burlesque. Concerts explore the musical range from rap to classical.

Dublin

Photo by Daniel Dudek on Visualhunt / CC BY

From the pub-filled Temple Bar district to the gates of Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin parties in every quarter on New Year’s Eve. In the Irish tradition, music plays a big part in the festivities with concerts ranging from headliners at College Green to traditional players in pub snugs. A Procession of Light — including torch-holders, stilt walkers and fire-breathers — winds its way around the city streets, concluding at St Stephen’s Green where a fireworks display marks midnight. Revelers recover New Year’s Day at the Big Brunch held in Meeting House Square featuring food stalls and traditional dancing.

Hero image: Happy New Year Beryy New Year on VisualHunt.com

Our 5 Favorite European Cities

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Paris

We love the City of Light! Paris assaults the senses like few other cities. Here you can walk down the same street every day and always discover something you’ve never seen before. Everywhere, delightful aromas of baguettes, sugary crepes, and delicious cheeses waft in the air. And then there are the sounds: the French don’t speak their language, they sing it.

Paris Day 14 - Photo by ajay_suresh on Visual Hunt / CC BY

London

Loaded with history, great dining and shopping, and cultural grandeur, it’s no surprise that London is one of the world's most visited cities. The city has shaped many parts of the world far and wide and continues to do so today. From eye-opening antiquity treasures to boundary breaking modern architecture, London welcomes all to explore is vast history and future.

Westminster Abbey - Photo by Dun.can on Visualhunt / CC BY

Amsterdam

The City of Canals, Amsterdam is a17th-century Golden Age beauty packed with museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a laid-back atmosphere. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. Best of all it’s easy to explore and fall in love with the city.

Amsterdam Canal - Photo by Edward Dalmulder on Visual Hunt / CC BY

Vienna

If elegance, romance, and an unhurried pace are of the highest order for your globetrotting city adventures, head straight to Vienna. Strauss waltzes are alive and well here as is the love for Gemütlichkeit (relaxation). Take your time to savor the city city whether you're indulging in a dark chocolate Sachertorte in a chandelier-lit coffee house or rising gently above the twinkling Prater in the Riesenrad Ferris wheel.

Riesenrad - Photo by smswigart on VisualHunt / CC BY

Berlin

If you were to pick just one city to visit in Europe, Berlin just might be the one as it has nearly everything you’d want in a fabulous city escape. Plan to spend at least a few days here so you can soak up all the city has to offer – fantastic nightlife, beautiful parks and beer gardens, and important historic sites like the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall.

Beer garden, midsummer - Photo by alexbrn on VisualHunt / CC BY

Cruise Into Savings

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Helping Travelers ‘Cruise Into Savings’ With Exclusive Vacation Offers

Our agency, has just mailed our latest brochure 'Cruise Into Savings' to help inspire travelers with special cruise deals this winter. Cruisers-to-be can choose from a variety of exclusive offers including stateroom upgrades, shipboard credits and pre-paid gratuities from an assortment of the most popular cruise lines. To learn more or for assistance with a reservation, call us we would love to help.

Some of the exclusive offers found in our mailer:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Exclusive Offer: Receive FREE Business Class Air* on Intercontinental Flights PLUS an exclusive $400 Shipboard Credit
Royal Caribbean - Exclusive Offer: Receive a complimentary specialty dinner for two.
Princess Cruises - Exclusive Offer: Up to $50 Onboard Spending Money and 6x8 Photo
Viking Cruises - Exclusive Offer: Receive $100 shipboard credit

Many people today are just plain tired from all of the pressures of daily life. Cruising is a great vacation option to alleviate that stress and come home refreshed and recharged because it gives travellers the chance to escape a fast-paced lifestyle and focus on relaxation. And, our Cruise into Savings offers provide options for every budget.

Don't forget to check out our "Cruise Into Savings' giveaway in the mailer. To submit your ballot, click here!

The Magic of Europe

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Steeped in more than 25 centuries of history, art, architecture, and culture, Europe is a brilliant mosaic of sights and sounds – and every country is certain to stimulate your senses.

With so many countries, cities, and regions to choose from, deciding on just where to travel in Europe can seem a daunting task. Remember that we’re your best resource for planning and booking your European adventure as we have access to the very best vacation values and are available 24/7 should you need emergency assistance while exploring the world.

Guided by Experts

If the thought of translating a foreign language, maneuvering subway stations, and driving in a different country makes you weary, then an expertly led guided tour of Europe is just for you. Guided and escorted tours eliminate all logistic hassles by arranging your transportation around town, between cities, and just for fun. You can look forward to high-speed trains, scenic railways, ferries, day cruises, and more.

A guided tour includes pre-screened, brand-name hotels with the right address and the right amenities. Additionally, many meals are included in your tour – some in very famous and historic locations, hotels, and restaurants.

Seeing the major sights at a destination is only part of the equation. A tour offers a pre-planned, pre-purchased itinerary with VIP access to the must-see sights. All this simply helps you bypass most lines for nearly all must-see sights so that you have more time to relax and explore. Whether it’s Switzerland, England, Scotland, Ireland, or Eastern Europe, there’s an escorted tour to match nearly every interest and budget.

Sailing through History

A truly memorable way to experience Europe up close and personal is by cruising the Mediterranean and Agean Seas. Spain, France, Italy, Greece and many larger islands in the Mediterranean and Agean Seas are stops on many ocean cruise itineraries. Sailing these seas presents a fantastic opportunity to explore multiple destinations and cultures, all while having the convenience of a floating hotel.

Sagitta Sunset by Lee Edwin Coursey on Visualhunt / CC BY

Soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors from the comfort of a sidewalk café, as your Europe cruise takes you to choice seaports dotting the coasts of Italy, Greece, Sicily, Spain, France and other historic lands. Experience the daily bustle of European city life as you traverse narrow, winding cobblestone streets that mark their age in centuries.

Ocean cruising is a great way for families to experience Europe as most everything is included for one price. Guided excursions on land will likely cost extra, but certainly worth it as most land-based tours will be led by experts knowledgeable in all the sights you’ll explore.

Europe from a Difference Perspective

If a romantic getaway through Europe is what you’re after, look no further than a river cruise. It’s one of the most stress-free ways to travel. River cruise ships are small enough to feel friendly and relaxed, the water’s calm and the sights never stop coming, from castles and vineyards to sleepy riverside towns, and some of the world’s great capitals.

Love Padlocks: sarahstierch on Visual Hunt / CC BY

River ships have all the amenities of a fine hotel, providing the ideal opportunity to comfortably be transported each day to and from your next destination — where enriching discoveries are usually just a short walk from your ship. Most all land excursions are included.

On ship dining is a quintessential ingredient to river cruising. Highly-trained chefs are passionate about food and committed to providing an enriching culinary experience, whether you’re savoring authentic regional specialties or classics from home.

When it comes to European river cruise itineraries, some of the most interesting can be found along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhone, and Douro.

Be an Explorer

Whether you’re the type of person who loves to dive right in and discover things on your own or one who is just a little hesitant on where to begin planning a do-it-yourself trip, independent travel is a great and rewarding way to explore the globe. It can also be a lot of work to plan the perfect getaway.

Sky silhouette star by Visual hunt

Fortunately, there are a number of independent travel companies who can combine all the planning, arranging, and coordinating of a trip into an all-in-one package. You just choose where to go, for how long, and the type of accommodations that best fit your budget. Independent travel packages ensure you won’t find yourself forced into the unknown.

Best of all, the endless your hours you would normally have done in planning and organizing your trip have already done for you, saving you time and money. Cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, and Rome are great places to start your independent adventure.

Hero image by Visual Hunt

Experience the Wonder of Palafitos

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Watch the sun rise and set in a stunning display of colors right from your private deck. Take a dip within your private infinity pool, offering picture-perfect views of the sparkling sea. Rinse off within your Aguas del Amor private outdoor shower. And let your personal Majordomo take care of the rest, as you relax in absolute bliss. Created to guarantee a truly different beach experience, these sumptuous overwater bungalow suites are situated just off the silky white sands of the Maroma Beach, offering an idyllic blend of luxury, awe-inspiring ocean views, and a laidback atmosphere. Guests staying in Palifitos – Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma, a Spa Resort by Karisma will have access to an exclusive restaurant, the overwater spa & beach beds, 24-hour room service, customized beach picnics, and an attentive butler that will meet your unique needs: from pre-arrival requests and reservations to the delivery of reading materials, beverages and gourmet bites at the pool.

Pamper yourself with award-winning Gourmet Inclusive® experiences without ever leaving the Palafitos-Overwater Bungalow enclave. Guests will equally fall in love with the succulent gourmet dishes at the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar and the spectacular views of the surrounding sea. If you’re looking to experience ultimate relaxation, step right into the overwater Náay Spa, boasting treatments utilizing traditional Mayan herbal practices and the antioxidant-rich Maroma Beach sea moss.

PALAFITOS - OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
Surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of Riviera Maya’s Maroma Beach these elegant Overwater Bungalows offer breathtaking ocean views and unparalleled luxurious accommodations. Experience spectacular sunrises and stunning sunsets uniquely situated just off the sugary white sands of Maroma Beach - Voted by Travel Channel as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

PALAFITOS - ELITE OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
More than 800 square feet of luxury is surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of Riviera Maya's Maroma Beach. The breathtaking views and unparalleled luxurious accommodations of these overwater bungalows are but the beginning of an extraordinary experience. Experience spectacular sunrises and stunning sunsets uniquely situated just off the sugary white sands of Maroma Beach, voted by the Travel Channel as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. An infinity pool on your private deck, romantic outdoor showers, and glass floors immerse you in the turquoise waters of this paradise, while your personal Majordomo can see to your every need. Additional amenities include a selection of premium liquors, snacks and personal snorkel equipment. Guests staying 5 nights or more can enjoy a moonlight dinner on their own private terrace, where a Chef will present a curated inspired menu.

Each bungalow includes the following EXCLUSIVE FEATURES:
Full butler service • Glass-bottom floor • Private infinity pool • Direct ladder access to the ocean
Indoor Jacuzzi for two • The romantic “Aguas del Amor” outdoor shower
Oversized deck with wooden lounge chairs • Exclusive beach bed • 24-hour room service
Customized beach picnics • Serve in-bungalow full breakfast daily
Serve pre-dinner drinks and gourmet bites • Liaise with housekeeping on servicing of the suite

February - Where Romance Reigns

cvincent@travelsavers.com (Christine Vincent) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

With their sunny skies and endless beaches, Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean offer love birds the perfect refuge for a romantic getaway. They’re also home to some of the absolute best vacation values thanks to their exhaustive array of luxe, all-inclusive resorts where nearly every amenity – from gourmet dining and drinks to watersports and entertainment – is included for one great price.

Choosing All-Inclusive Value

When it comes to choosing your all-inclusive resort vacation, keep in mind those things you want to experience during your romantic stay. Do you want lots of entertainment? Is a gourmet dining a priority? Perhaps relaxing spa experience is of the highest order? No matter your needs or wants, there’s an incredible, all-inclusive resort getaway waiting to pamper you just as you’ve always imagined.

Photo on VisualHunt

To make the decision process a breeze, be sure to contact our agencyl. We are your best resource and can help you navigate through all the available destinations and resort options that fit you best, all while providing you exclusive offers and packages not available anywhere else.

For Love Birds (and Their Brood)

Couples wanting to break away from the everyday in search of peace, relaxation and romance will absolutely love the all-inclusive Sandals Negril in Jamaica. Just like stunning island itself, Sandals Negril is a little bit exotic and very chic, exuding a blissful ambience of laid-back cool is further complemented by the island's legendary Seven-Mile Beach. Besides its beautiful location, what makes the resort ideal for couples is an unrivaled lineup of luxury inclusions – luxe accommodations just steps from the beach, superb pools, 24-hour room service, unlimited fine dining at seven restaurants and all cocktails, unlimited scuba diving, and much more.

Photo credit: Ryan Polei | www.ryanpolei.com on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-ND

Parents in need of a romantic beachside escape where they can bring along their little ones can finally breathe easy and have the best of both worlds thanks to Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma. Situated on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya coast, Azul Beach Hotel, by Karisma is a family-friendly, boutique-style property located on a gorgeous beach 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Rooms are just steps from the beach, pools, restaurants and bars. Azul Beach especially caters to families with young children with loaner baby equipment, kid's club and parent support – perfect for a candle lit dinner on the beach.

A Foodie Haven

Like many travelers, we too are foodies at heart and love nothing better than having our taste buds “wowed” while on vacation. If you truly love great food and having a wide-array of dishes and restaurants to choose from, both the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana and El Dorado Spa & Resort on the Riviera Maya are certain satisfy your hunger for culinary sophistication.

Photo on VisualHunt.com

Located in the Dominican Republic’s trendy resort town, the all-inclusive and family-friendly Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has it all – decadent rooms and suites, fabulous golf and spa amenities, and fantastic food. Sure, you'll feast on the very best seafood and Caribbean fare the Dominican has to offer, but there's a whole globe of tasty treats waiting to indulge you. Restaurants at the Hard Rocke offer culinary adventures ranging from chic Asian-fusion to comforting home-cooked breakfasts. It's all good and it's all included. And don't worry, the bars are fully stocked with your favorite wines, spirits and beers.

For couples wanting an adults-only getaway that also mingles a breathtaking setting with gourmet cuisine, the search ends at Karisma’s El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, set along Mexico’s shimmering Riviera Maya. Comprised of four luxury resorts, each offering beachfront views of pristine stretches of sand, sea and sun, the El Dorado’s Gourmet Inclusive® experience goes far beyond the resorts’ lavish accommodations, amenities and services to include “best in class,” “decadent” and “outstanding” meals created by star chefs.

Serenity Now

Are you in need of some thorough pampering and rejuvenation? Not only is Mexico and the Caribbean home to some of the world’s top resorts, it’s also home to tranquil resort spas where you and your sweetie can experience a blissful menu of signature messages, therapies, treatments, wellness and beauty makeovers.

Photo credit: Dennis Wong on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

A particular favorite resort and spa getaway that we just can’t get enough of is Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana. Here guests will enjoy an exquisite escape combining Endless Privileges® with tranquility, romance, gourmet dining, Bvlgari bath amenities and more. 96 luxurious, cane-thatched suites with hardwood floors and natural stone accents are located on a palm-studded white-sand beach with crystal clear waters. The spa at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana offers an exceptional range of body and facial treatments, massages and salon services designed to melt your cares away. Be sure to check out the spa’s Romantic Escape spa package that features a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.

If you have the Riviera Maya in mind for a spa getaway, then the award-wining, all-inclusive Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso should be at the top of your list. Synonymous with luxury and style, the Grand Hotel Paraíso is a spectacular resort designed just for adults, where no detail is overlooked. This spa hotel, built on the beach, offers personalized service, fully equipped honeymoon or individual suites, select cuisine, golf, water sports and entertainment. However, it’s at Grand Hotel Paraíso’s Paradise Beach Resort Spa where you’ll realize what true relaxation and rejuvenation feels like. Along with oodles of various treatments and massages, spa guests can also make good use of the Jacuzzis, solarium, thalassotherapy pools and the extraordinary temazcal of Mayan origin.

Hero image: VisualHunt.com

Suites for the Sweet

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Few things are more romantic than the idea of being whisked away to a hotel somewhere, hand in hand with your partner as you discover a new place together … or revisit an old favorite that’s filled with memories.

To make sure that reality lives up to the fantasy, the expertise and opinions of travel agents is critical. Their firsthand experience means that they know your location truly is central, that leisurely walks under the stars are safe, and that service is all it’s promised to be.

One of the most important things they scope out when they do site inspections is the accommodations. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, the room is of utmost importance. Because you know what’s not seductive? Bumping elbows over limited closet space, having to take turns brushing teeth, or being only a nightstand’s distance from the WC.

For those reasons, most travel agents recommend a suite when booking a lovebird weekend, and it’s why Travel Impressions is focusing on this category of accommodations with their SUITEheart Deals promotion, which aptly falls in February.

The advantages of booking a suite over a regular guestroom for a lovers’ stay are many:

1. Extra space. Yes, you’re there to hole up together and intimate quarters in close confines can seem charming if you’re in love. But those few extra square feet of room can make all the difference and avoid a lot of arguments over territory, as well as any mishaps tripping over one another or luggage!

2. Seating area. Realistically, you won’t spend your entire time in the room on the bed. Breakfast in bed is quaint and indulgent, but dinner? Much less practical. Crumbs after turndown service is one way to ruin the mood; a couch and a coffee table or a small dinette area is perfect.

3. Better views. This is not a guarantee, but generally speaking, since suites are a more highly desirable rate category, they’re better located inside the building or resort, whether that means on a higher floor for more sweeping views or just convenience to the things you might want to leave your room for.

4. Added amenities. Again, this may not be true 100% of the time, but some properties offer toiletries that are a step above their standard when you upgrade to a suite, from simple things like shampoo brands and a freestanding tub to extra bottles of water and bathrobes in the room or little niceties like toothpaste, insect repellent, or shaving kits being included in your room rate.

5. Other services. In keeping with the more posh surroundings, service is often stepped up in a suite. That can mean anything from turndown service to butler service, depending on what you book. It’s always worth checking out!

Ultimately, the perks vary between properties, but your travel advisor will know the specifics, as well as steer you toward the SUITEheart Deal by Travel Impressions you should be steering toward.

Looking For a Great Vacation This Year? Then Sail Away Aboard the New Carnival Horizon!

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

No one doubts that going on a cruise is always a great idea. But the excitement of stepping on board and checking out the ship’s comfy staterooms and amenities hits epic proportions when that ship is brand new! So, if you’re already planning your next vacation, it’s time to check out Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon, setting sail April 2018.

Naturally, Carnival Horizon will deliver all the best tastes, sights, sounds and experiences cruisers have come to love aboard Carnival’s existing fleet. But Carnival’s newest ship also introduces some exciting new features and promises an ocean of fun, whether you cruise to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda or Europe.

Here are just some of the amazing things you can expect when sailing onboard Carnival Horizon:

FUN & GAMES

Strap in and get ready for a bird’s eye view of the ship—and the ocean—as you zip around the suspended two-lane bike course on Carnival Horizon’s SkyRide®. It may sound fantastical, but the virtual tour will give you a sneak peek of what it will feel like to fly high above deck. SportSquareTM is also where you can work up a sweat as you go through our ropes course at SkyCourse® and hit mini-golf at SkyGreens for a hole-in-one. It’s also where to find everything you need to play soccer, basketball, volleyball and ping-pong. For even more healthy competition with your family and friends, head into The Clubhouse for mini-bowling and pool.

Then, when it’s time to cool off, visit one of Carnival Horizon’s flashiest, splashiest features—Dr. Seuss WaterWorks2, the centerpiece is the two big slides: The Cat’s Hat slide takes you twisting down the red and white stripes of the world’s most famous top-hat, while the Fun Things slide take you through all the topsy-turvy of having the blue-haired pair appear in your living room. With side-by-side racing slides, splashy water-spray toys and a giant tipping top-hat, Dr. Seuss WaterWorks on Carnival Horizon features fun fit for a red fish, a blue fish… a you fish!

ENTERTAINMENT STARRING… YOU!

Carnival Horizon’s entertainment lineup continues indoors, where you do more than just watch the action; you’re a part of it all. Warm up to the idea of putting yourself in the picture at Carnival Multiplex featuring IMAX® Theatre1. That’s two movie theaters side by side, one with a towering IMAX screen and the other offering 3-D movies with jump-off-the-screen visuals and multi-sensory effects for a fully immersive experience. Then, with Playlist Productions, you can get your toes tapping and your hands clapping along to the most exuberant musical productions staged at sea. Ready for your own close-up? It’s time to brave Carnival Horizon’s Lip Sync BattleTM: Carnival, which brings the hit Spike TV series to life, puts you—and your moves—in the spotlight. Looking for a spot to wrap up your evening in true island style? Head to the Havana Bar for a refreshing drink and the rhythmic feel of an old-time Cuban resort.

EXCLUSIVE FLAVORS

You may be traveling to an island paradise or a dreamy part of the Mediterranean—but you can take your taste buds even further on board Carnival Horizon, thanks to the ship’s juicy lineup of onboard eateries, bars and fine dining restaurants. Carnival favorites like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are here, along with specialty dining (for an additional fee) including Bonsai Sushi, JiJi Asian Kitchen®, Fahrenheit 555 SteakhouseTM, Cucina Del Capitano® and Seafood Shack. Traveling with foodies? They’ll love The Chef’s Table—the perfect spot for an intimate chef-guided, multi-course meal. Two restaurants we’re especially excited about are brand new on Carnival Horizon—Bonsai Teppanyaki and the world’s first Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse.

Bonsai Teppanyaki is another intimate chef-driven dining experience: one part meal, one part performance and totally full of flavor. If you’ve never tried teppanyaki before, our 16-seat restaurant is the place to do it. It’s interactive fun from the first bite to the main course (featuring selections like filet mignon, grilled tofu, fish and lobster) and beyond.

For easy dining in a larger group or if you’re simply craving barbecue deliciousness, put Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse on your agenda. Carnival Horizon is the first place you’ll be able to experience the distinctive new concept from Guy Fieri, featuring the best brisket, sausage, ribs and dry-rubbed chicken—all smoked right aboard the ship. Naturally, they’re paired with mouth-watering sides and exclusive thirst-quenching microbrews—actually brewed at sea!

SWEET DREAMS

After all that action, and all those flavors, you’ll need some time to rest and recharge. On board Carnival Horizon, you’ll find some very special staterooms and suites that will have you feeling refreshed in no time. The Havana staterooms and suites—including Havana Cabanas, with extra-large outdoor space and hammock chairs—are like personal, upscale retreats, with exclusive daytime access to the Havana Bar & Pool (rooms and suites are reserved for guests aged 12 and older). For even more pampering, you may want to opt for a Cloud 9 stateroom to enjoy exclusive room amenities and unlimited access to the spa’s Thermal Suites for no additional charge. Stay in one of these bliss-inducing rooms and you’ll also score priority spa reservations. Families will love the space of the Family Harbor staterooms and suites—not to mention their proximity to the Family Harbor Lounge, serving breakfast and snacks, and filled with board games, video games and family-friendly movies. Of course, Carnival Horizon also has ocean view and balcony staterooms—plus stylish interior staterooms for the best value around.

Can’t wait to meet Carnival’s newest ship? Call your Travel professional today to book you Carnival Horizon vacation today!

Introducing ms Nieuw Statendam

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Launching in December 2018, ms Nieuw Statendam carries forward the nautical heritage, signature service and classic style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. Sister ship to ms Koningsdam, she’s the second of our Pinnacle-class ships.

Guests onboard ms Nieuw Statendam will love her interiors, created by brilliant hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and legendary ship architect Bjørn Storbraaten. They feature all the hallmarks of Pinnacle-class design: grand light-filled spaces, visual drama and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments. A beautifully appointed mid-sized ship with elegant lines, she proudly reflects more than 140 years of Dutch seafaring tradition.

At the heart of the ship, Nieuw Statendam's central atrium is breathtaking. Soaring three decks high, the atrium is capped by a ceiling that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing high-definition projections. By day you’ll see wispy cirrus clouds floating overhead. In the evening, the atrium takes on dramatic lighting hues or reflects the clear constellations of the night sky.

With sophisticated décor and amenities, staterooms aboard ms Nieuw Statendam provide a welcoming haven at the end of an eventful day. Designed with input from our guests, they feature thoughtful modern touches such as bedside USB ports, frameless shower doors and customized wood cabinets. Like her sister ship, ms Nieuw Statendam also offers exclusive Family Ocean-view Staterooms that can accommodate up to five people, and specially designed single staterooms for solo travelers.

Innovative dining, entertainment and enrichment options, include Rudi’s Sel de Mer, The Grand Dutch Cafe and Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center; Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard, live music venues; BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle; our dazzling World Stage; Explorations Central™ (EXC) and more. Book your stateroom now and join us during her inaugural season, starting December 5, 2018.

Journey to the Land of Fire and Ice

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

A hidden treasure since the days of its discovery by Norwegian explorers, Iceland is a hotbed of surprises—even beyond volcano Eyjafjallajokull and the famous steaming Blue Lagoon. According to legend, the misnomer for this green land was intentional, a deterrent to settlers who might want to intrude on the Vikings’ newfound haven. Since 2010, travel to this once virtually unknown destination has erupted like the geysers you’ll find in its Golden Circle, making there no hotter place to explore than Iceland.

Europe’s closest American neighbor, recently popularized as a filming location for HBO’s landmark Game of Thrones series, is also one of Europe’s most accessible destinations with flights as short as four to five hours from the United States’ East Coast. From Reykjavik’s trendy dining and nightlife to the majestic landscape complete with volcanoes, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and glacial lagoons, it’s easy to see to see why American’s are continuing to flock to the “Land of Fire and Ice.”

Activities from whale-watching to volcanic cave exploration provide myriad opportunities for vacationers to discover one of the world’s last environmentally pristine destinations. Quaint fishing villages, medieval trading posts, and many more opportunities allow visitors to dive into full cultural immersion. And of course, don’t forget the opportunity to view one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, the Northern Lights.

Even with the plethora of experiences available, the most appealing is the draw of the Icelandic people. Warm and friendly, they love speaking with visitors and sharing the history of their small country. Ask about tales of the Huldufolk, or Icelandic elves to be regaled during your travel. Be assured that not much will be lost in translation; Iceland’s residents are English-speaking, and ease of communication lends itself to a family-friendly and safe experience, as well as an entertaining one.

One of the best ways to experience Iceland, is by escorted tour, which allows visitors to see more and experience rarer encounters than venturing out solo. A tour of southern Iceland will have you walking on black sand beaches and standing next to some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world.

Among the most popular of all tours is that of the Golden Circle, a popular route along Ring Road. The three primary stops are Strokkur Geyser (which erupts every five minutes or so), Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Along the way, you may even have the opportunity to stop and see the Icelandic horses. They may be smaller in size but don’t call them ponies!

It’s easy to see why Iceland is quickly becoming a top bucket list destination for a variety of traveler demographics. From adventure-minded Millennials to mature travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this friendly, wild country offers just the beautiful escape from the mundane and ordinary vacationers are looking for.

Explore the World Without Leaving Your Table

bgleason@travelsavers.com (Brandon Gleason ) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Our newest ship, Celebrity EdgeSM, is truly designed to change the way you experience the world.

With its visionary use of 3D to fine tune all the details before she was built, Celebrity Edge will raise the bar on cruise vacations to even greater heights. One of the biggest influences on the design of Celebrity Edge was our desire to make the destination experience even more immersive, which led to our unique, outward facing design that turns your focus to the sea and the incredible destinations beyond. Our culinary philosophy follows the same line of thinking. We strive to deliver a diverse and authentic culinary journey on board, and to do so, we turn our focus to the destinations we visit. From these incredible places, we find creative inspiration and the local ingredients needed to satisfy the visionary recipes our Michelin-starred chef, Cornelius Gallagher, creates. As a result, we bring the flavors of the world to you—right on board. So, no matter where you travel with us, our globally inspired cuisines will expand your horizons and open your world even more. Not only is the cuisine on board taken to new heights, but we’ve increased the number of dining options you have on Celebrity Edge. With a total of 29 distinctive restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges to choose from, you’re sure to find a new favorite dish or cocktail every night of your vacation. And each venue offers top culinary talent and globally inspired recipes that use locally sourced ingredients prepared fresh daily. Overall, we offer the best dining experience at sea. Period.

Caribbean sailings start November 2018. Europe sailings start April 2019.

Video: Meet the Cobbler Hand-Crafting Italian Sandals on the Silver Muse

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

There's a tinkling, tap-tap-tap coming from the pool deck of the Silver Muse. It's being made by a hammer against a tiny shoe nail in the hands of an Italian cobbler. Before your eyes, he custom-makes Italian leather sandals for another fortunate guest.

One of the hallmarks of a Silversea cruise is the exceptional level of service. It's personified in the white-gloved, formally-suited butlers who not only provide, but actually anticipate your every need.

Before we boarded the Silver Muse, I was not aware I needed a new pair of custom-fitted, hand-made, Italian leather sandals for my vacation. Once I saw Gennaro's work, it was obvious that is exactly what I needed.

In the rarefied world of true luxury cruising, it can be hard to define what makes one cruise line's interpretation of luxury different from another's. In the case of Silversea, a cruise line with Italian roots, luxury at sea becomes la dolce vita. The good life, polished with pleasure and indulgence, Italian-style.

In that context, having an Italian cobbler on board seems almost obvious. Of course ladies and gentlemen would like to meet a skilled craftsman who can make them custom Italian leather sandals on their cruise.

Not all Silversea cruises have an Italian cobbler-in-residence. But wherever you sail on Silversea cruises around the world – and since they sail to 900 different ports of call on every continent including Antarctica, that is pretty much anywhere – a little bit of Italy travels with you.

Here's our guide to the dolce vita, Silversea-style.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/Host, BestTrip.TV

Socializing

There is an actual place called the Dolce Vita on board the Silver Muse, a relaxing lounge and gathering place sumptuously appointed and with day and evening service. A cappuccino? A glass of wine or champagne or a bespoke cocktail to enjoy as you exchange greetings with fellow guests, plan the next day's adventures, enjoy the pianist with your aperitif before dinner? Gather with intimate or larger groups in a perfect social setting. And don't miss the stylized portrait of Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio whose Italian heritage inspired and shapes the Silversea lifestyle.

Dining

Everyone loves Italian cuisine. But not everyone serves authentic Italian cuisine. Silversea does.

La Terrazza restaurant is located on an aft deck where you can choose al fresco dining so the sea breezes complement cherished regional Italian dishes, daily fresh-made pasta and the freshest Mediterranean ingredients. The restaurant's relaxed style evokes the atmosphere (and mouth-watering culinary experience) of dining in outdoor restaurants in seaside Italian towns.

Spaccanapoli is hard to say, but the original Neapolitan pizza it serves is easy to swallow. Most guests on the ship just say 'the pizza place', but that off-hand term hardly does this pizza restaurant, on the top deck overlooking the pool, justice.

Inspired by the historic street in Naples, the seaside town where pizza was born, Spaccanapoli is one of the most popular places to dine on the ship. Chefs in the open-air kitchen work hand-made dough and create made-to-order pizzas in a range of authentic recipes, baking them in a pizza oven only a few steps away from your al fresco table. It couldn't be simpler, or more special: a super-chilled, crisp rose wine in the sea breezes mingling with the fragrance of authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Italian coffee and a selection of wines are perfect accompaniments to quiet and social moments throughout the day.

Freshening Up

One of your first interactions with your Silversea butler on boarding and entering your suite involves your selection of bath amenities. Italian lifestyle brand Bvlgari is stocked in your marble bathroom, but another Italian brand, Ferragamo, is also on offer, making it easy for you to channel your inner stylish Italian as you luxuriate in your suite's bath.

Relaxing

Morning coffee on your veranda, or at the ship's spa. Any number of occasions on board the Silver Muse call for a cozy bathrobe and slippers. Italian fashion house Etro supplies particularly plush ones to Silversea. The family business is famous among those in the know for mens' and womens' wear, as well as accessories and home products. It is sometimes tempting to stay in the robes all day!

Resting

After an exciting day of travels, when you finally lay your head down at night in your suite, you'll be resting on linens from legendary Italian firm Pratesi. Join European aristocracy in sleeping on bed linens that have been called masterpieces of comfort and luxurious style. Difficulty sleeping? Ask your butler about options from the pillow menu, including lavender aromatherapy pillowcases.

Whether you're in Buenos Aires or Belfast, Capri or the Caribbean, make sure you enjoy the Italian indulgences on your Silversea ship.

Start your Trip!

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Discover the Treasures of the Forbidden City in Beijing

sunshinedlps@gmail.com (Sunshine Silva) — Wed, 10 Apr 24 23:22:37 +0000

Listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1987, Forbidden City in Beijing is one of the most visited sites in the world. It was home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can just imagine how revered and venerated Forbidden City was, as the people then believed that the supreme powers of the emperors were given by God. Commoners were not allowed to enter the palace grounds without a special permission, thus the moniker “Forbidden City”. Today, it is called the Palace Museum, and is open to the public.

Forbidden City is a walled compound surrounded by a moat. It has 8,707 rooms which are actually belvederes, pavilions, towers, halls, and small palaces. Getting to Forbidden City is quite easy. It is located right in the heart of Beijing. Would you believe that Forbidden City is visited by about 14 million people annually? It can be really crowded, so it is highly recommended that you join a tour group and visit during the months of July to August.

There is so much to see inside Forbidden City! Although some of its cultural relics were transferred to Taipei's National Palace Museum in 1948, there are still hundreds of thousands of articles still being displayed all over the palace including paintings and calligraphy works, ceramics, textile embroideries, jewelries and accessories,sculptures, metal works, and so much more. You need to see it to believe it!

One of the most important five palaces in the world, Forbidden City should be on your bucket list!