Category Archives: All – Vacation Inspiration

5 Insider Insights Everyone Should Know Before Starting Their Travel Planning Journey 

Thinking about turning your passion for travel into a business? Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a travel agent or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, here are five key things many agents wish they knew before taking the plunge — and why partnering with experienced pros can make all the difference! 1️⃣ […]

How to Choose a Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise lines offer several Mediterranean cruise itineraries, and depending on your interests, Travel Leaders can help you find the perfect one.   Western Mediterranean itineraries hit iconic cities like Barcelona, Rome and Marseilles.  View Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia and eat authentic paella in Barcelona.  Speaking of masterpieces, in Rome you’ll see works by Michaelangelo […]

Polar Expeditions: Explore the Majesty of Nature’s Last Frontiers

Polar expeditions are cruises like no other – you’ll be traveling where most people will never go and experiencing natural wonders, some of which are still a mystery to scientists.   These expedition ships are specially designed to withstand the rigors of a harsh environment, allowing cruisers unique access to these remote wilderness areas without […]

Caribbean Cruising – So Many Choices!!

Sail the Eastern Caribbean on one of Royal Caribbean’s massive, well-appointed ships.  These ships are especially family friendly, offering lots of onboard activities, flexible dining options and interesting ports of call.  Visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic for superb beach activities, stroll the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico to soak up its […]

From Gaudí to Gourmet: Discovering the Flavors of Barcelona

Instructions: Bring 3 c water to a rolling boil, add lobster and cook 1-2 minutes until pink.  Remove lobster (reserving water), peel off the shell and cut into large chunks. Heat oil over medium heat, add onion, turn the heat to medium high and saute for 2 minutes.  Add the rice and continue to cook […]

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

Instructions: Add onion and ginger pieces to a large pot and cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes Add remaining ingredients except meat and vermicelli to pot, bring to boil and simmer over low heat 30-40 minutes Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse and set aside Add sliced pork to pot and cook until […]

ROME, ITALY

Preparation: Add guanciale (bacon) sliced in thin strips to a medium skillet and saute over medium-low heat until light brown Rest on paper towels, saving the rendered fat for later use Boil water in a large pot, add rock salt and spaghetti.  Cook 13 minutes or follow package instructions.  Drain spaghetti, reserving the pasta water […]

QUITO AND GUAYANQUIL, ECUADOR

Preparation:  Heat the oil on medium heat and add diced onion, tomato, cumin, chili powder and salt.  Add the water and cilantro springs, bring to a boil.  Add the tuna and cook until the tuna is fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Drain and keep broth to cook the yuca. Separate or break the tuna into […]

5 Cities You Can Only Truly See by River Cruise

There are places in Europe that don’t translate well to big buses or airport layovers. These are the towns and cities that live beside rivers—quietly, beautifully—and they’re best seen by small river ship. Here are five places you can only fully experience by river cruise, and why they belong on your travel wish list. Why […]

Marseille & Provence: A Culinary and Cultural Escape in Southern France

Preparation: Tear bread into pieces and cover with milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees Heat oil and butter in large skillet, add onions and garlic and fry gently until soft (4-5 minute Add spices, chutney, jam, worcestershire and vinegar to the onions and gently fry until warmed through and fragrant Drain the bread (keep the […]

CAPETOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Preparation: Tear bread into pieces and cover with milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees Heat oil and butter in large skillet, add onions and garlic and fry gently until soft (4-5 minute Add spices, chutney, jam, worcestershire and vinegar to the onions and gently fry until warmed through and fragrant Drain the bread (keep the […]

OAXACA AND MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Instructions: Mix the lamb cubes with garlic, onion and spices and stir well Pour into dutch oven or tanjia (traditional clay pot) Melt butter and combine with olive oil, water and lemon cubes – pour over meat mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients Cover the pot and bake at 250 degrees for 5-6 […]

Celebrating Excellence: Travel Leaders Named Agency of Excellence 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Travel Leaders Market Square has earned the distinguished title of a 2025 Agency of Excellence with Travel Leaders Network! Out of thousands of travel agencies nationwide, only 35 reach this elite level — and we’re proud to be among them. 🏆 What Does This Mean? At the annual EDGE conference […]