10 Tips and Tricks for River Cruising

european-river-cruiseThinking of going on a river cruise for the first time?  Here’s what I tell my clients about rolling on the river:

1. Don’t forget your bathing suit, even in colder months. After a long bike ride, a soak in the heated pool or jacuzzi feels wonderful.

2. Book well in advance, up to a year.  These cruises are very popular not just with individuals but with corporate and affiliate groups. Booking a group often results in lower deposits and often a shipboard credit.

3. Keep in mind that cabin sizes – even suites – may be smaller than on traditional ocean ships.  The river locks and bridges dictate what size these ships can be.

4. Bring a small backpack and lightweight rain jacket, especially for biking.

5. Leave the cocktail dresses and ties at home – river cruising isn’t formal. Continue reading

Posted in Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

European Travel: 2014 Scottish Homecoming

Scottish dancer 2In 2014 Scotland welcomes the world to join in the exciting Year of Homecoming. In addition to the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup, there will be a  year-long schedule of events and activities to showcase all that’s great about Scotland: mouth-watering food and drink events; lots to get you active in the great outdoors; plus spectacular arts, cultural and ancestral heritage to explore.

Scottish dancer 1Get your clan and tartan together and start planning now to take advantage of the things that most interest you most while traveling to Scotland.  Here are a few of the specific items that are planned for 2014.  The month of May will be dedicated to whisky.  June 28-30 marks the 700th Anniversary of the battle of Bannackburn.  Highland Games will be throughout September and October.  Scotland will be hosting the Ryder Cup in September.

I’ve traveled to Scotland many times, and I still stay in contact with friends that I have there.  If you have a drop of Scottish blood, 2014 would be a fantastic year for you to visit and take advantage of the festivals and events.  I’d love to help you plan your trip.

Posted in Family Travel, Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Luxury Hotel Review: Tortilis Camp in Amboseli

View of Mt Kilimanjaro beyond the elephants

View of Mt Kilimanjaro beyond the elephants

Every trip to Kenya should include a stay in Amboseli where there are unrivaled views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I recently stayed at the wonderful tented camp called Tortilis Camp (named for the umbrella-shaped Acacia Tortilis tree – a favorite of giraffes) which not only offers astounding views of the mountain, but offers easy access to the large elephant population and numerous other African game in Amboseli National Park.

Tortilis Camp tent

Tortilis Camp tent

The tent itself is spacious and open with ensuite facilities and power outlets. The property is full board and the food is absolutely incredible. The managers, Manuela and Andre, are originally from Italy. Fortunately, Manuela loves to cook and brought her favorite recipes to the camp. Their chef does an amazing job creating masterpieces for every meal.

With charming hosts, great guides and staff, a view of the mountain, game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals, you will never want to leave. I didn’t! You can even have a private dinner by the fire overlooking a watering hole where the animals come to drink. You won’t want to miss this treasure.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Luxury Hotel Review: House of Waine, Kenya

House of Waine entry way

House of Waine entry

On the edge of the Athi Plains in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, sits the elegant property House of Waine. This former plantation home is now a very classic boutique property with eleven rooms, each different in design and flavor. They are each named, and offer a different color scheme, design and views of the pool or gardens. Subtle fragrances punctuate the air, gorgeous floral arrangements enhance public areas, romantic dining and quiet ambiance exist until evening. Then the happy sounds of the frogs penetrate the air, reminding you that you are in Kenya.

Our House of Waine room

Our House of Waine room

We stayed in the Pwani Room whose theme was soft ocean blues and greens, where we enjoyed a balcony overlooking the flora of the former plantation. The serene environment sprinkled with bird songs forces you to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting, offering personalized service and gracious hosts. If you have a chance to enjoy the Malaika Suite your extra-large room and balcony, elegantly furnished, will make you wish you didn’t have to leave.

If you do want to visit some of the area’s treasures you will not be far from the Giraffe Center, the Elephant Orphanage, Kazuri Bead Factory and the MatBronze Art Gallery, to name a few highlights.

Before or after your Kenyan safari, enjoy the grand hospitality and relaxed setting of the House of Waine.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Where to Find Saint Patrick on March 17

Burial stone of Saint Patrick

Burial stone of Saint Patrick

March 17 marks the saint day of St. Patrick of Ireland.  It is the day that he died.  St. Patrick is buried in the Northern Ireland town of Downpatrick.  They have a fabulous interactive visitor center there that I highly recommend you visit if you are ever in the area.

Perhaps you could try a quick jaunt to Northern Ireland to visit this museum and the new Titanic museum that just opened last year in Belfast.  Then continue your journey north to the Giants Causeway, a volcanic hexagon-shaped rock formation that continues all the way under the sea to Scotland.  Many myths and legends abound about this natural wonder, but else would you expect from a land of ancient Celts and modern Christianity.

As an Ireland travel specialist, I’d love to help you plan your next trip.

Posted in Family Travel, Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

10 Reasons to Visit Colorado’s Royal Gorge

Royal Gorge Railroad

Royal Gorge Railroad

Colorado is often thought to have snow year round, and I can think of a few mountain ski areas that wish it were so!  However, the truth is that the climate is mild most of the year and the state offers a myriad of outdoor activities to experience along with exceptional sightseeing opportunities. One highlight I enjoy is the Royal Gorge. A trip to the area can easily be a day trip from Denver and offers winery tours, rafting, and (of course) the adventures and sights at the gorge itself.

The 3 million year old gorge, in all its color and splendor, is one of the most massive in the world. Aside from the natural beauty, here are 10 of the best reasons to visit and enjoy Royal Gorge National Park in Colorado.

1.  Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in America and one of the highest in the world.  You can walk or drive across it.

2.  Lookout Mountain’s Incline Railway is one of the world’s steepest passenger railways – these trolley-style cars travel up the mountain at a 72.7% grade.  Straight up!

3.  The new Royal Rush Skycoaster has been voted the world’s scariest skycoaster and is an adrenaline rush. I did this and found myself free falling from a 100 foot tower, soaring back and forth over the Arkansas River 1,200 feet below with my heart drumming in my throat and ears.  Exhilarating, to say the least. Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Travel, Family Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

10 Reasons to Visit Dubai

© Shaoweiwei | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

© Shaoweiwei | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

I recently visited the United Arab Emirates and toured the country. I found Dubai to be the most interesting and decadent of all its cities. With the recent opening of the tallest hotel in the world, the JW Marriott Marquis, another level of luxury was added.

Aside from the exaggerated extravagance displayed in Dubai, I can think of at least 10 reasons to visit this city, either on a stop over or as an exhilarating destination of its own.

1. Curiosity: to see what money can buy
2. A decadent weekend to pamper and indulge
3. Bragging rights
4. A chance to visit the gold souks and, perhaps, make a purchase
5. Tea at the Burj Al Arab
6. Seeing the sight of an indoor ski resort
7. A desert safari:  4WD over the sand dunes and enjoy a traditional Bedouin experience
8. A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 2,700 feet
9. World class shopping
10. World class dining

Yes, Dubai is like no other city in the world.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Beach Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Iceland Adventures: Snorkeling in a Glacier Lake

Silfra_cathedral_Peter_R2When people think of Iceland, a couple of things come to mind: snow and volcano eruptions. Both are true at times, but there is also a great deal of adventure to enjoy in this amazing country, whether you travel in winter or summer.

One of the most interesting adventures I experienced on my trip to Iceland in February was snorkeling in a glacier lake known as the Silfra Rift, between the European and North American tectonic plates. As they pull apart, the rift becomes larger from the water that seeps through lava from the Langjokull Glacier over 30 miles away. The water is the purest you will find, since it has been filtered over decades as it drizzles and pushes its way into the rift. The clarity was incredible and we were encouraged to take a taste

Stuffing ourselves into fluffy snowmobile type suits was not too difficult. However, wedging into dry suits with those suits on was more challenging. Covering my head with a hood and feet with boots, I was almost choking and felt a tight squeeze on my wrists. My suit was a little different from the rest – more like a wetsuit with tight rubber, compared to a waterproof, canvas-type, looser style the others had. I was assured that mine was the “cool” suit. We squatted and did a type of tai chi to be sure the air pushed out of the suit. Staying warm and dry was the key. We grabbed a mask and pair of flippers, thinking we were crazy to do this, and off we went into the clear, fresh water at 36 degrees Fahrenheit. (I think the air was warmer.) Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Take Advantage of Airlines’ Comfort Economy Seats

deltaMany years ago I flew to Europe on British Air and I purchased the “premium economy seats”.  My husband and I are both tall, so we dread the long haul flights crammed into coach seating. So I paid (at the time) a few hundred dollars more and got seats that allowed for more leg room and more recline.  Since then I’ve often wondered why our domestic carriers never had this option. You either ponied up for business/first class or were crammed into coach – nothing in between.

Finally our domestic air partners are offering something in between:  Comfort Economy Seats. And they offer these extra leg room, extra recline seats on domestic flights too, not just long haul international flights.  Domestic seats can be upgraded from $29 each way, depending on the itinerary.  Or for an international flight example:  Salt Lake City to Paris can be upgraded to Economy Comfort seats for about $120 each way.  On a recent domestic flight where I had purchased the upgrade for my husband and I, he commented, “These seats are great; I’d even pay a little more for these.”  I just smiled.

After I’ve issued air tickets for my clients, I go over these options with them and get the seats they want so that perhaps they can enjoy their trip just a little bit more.

Posted in Vacation Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

South Africa Hotel Review: River Lodge at Kariega

Zebra with baby - Photo courtesy of Donna Evans

Zebra with baby – Photo courtesy of Donna Evans

I have just returned from an amazing trip to South Africa to the malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape. The River Lodge in Kariega is a wonderful representation of the local hospitality and fine cuisine. Upon arrival we were greeted with cool towels and a cool drink to refresh us after the drive from Port Elizabeth. We followed six men on Harley Davidsons into the camp. It turns out they were from Switzerland and rented the bikes in Johannesburg for their annual getaway. They were friendly gentlemen who had a great time during their brief stay at the camp and took some great shots of a cobra we didn’t see.

River Lodge at Kariega

River Lodge at Kariega

The camp is built as a fourplex with two large rooms and balconies on the top floor and two with terraces on the lower level. We had a room on the second level which afforded some incredible views of wildlife on the other side of the river. We had giraffes, ostrich, warthogs, zebras, impalas and more to enjoy when we woke up in the morning and throughout the day.

The breakfast menu had numerous options and there were always freshly baked warm croissants, just out of the oven. The open air floor plan allowed for the vervet monkeys to come in and steal the muffins. It seems they love that treat, but they don’t seem to come around the rest of the time, except to look cute and observe the humans. Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Travel, Family Travel, Long Term Travel, Vacation Travel | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments