Category Archives: All – Vacation Inspiration

Business Travel Returns

Business travel is coming back. According to an October survey by the Global Business Travel Association, 78 percent of travel managers expect the number of business trips at their company will be higher or much higher in 2023 compared with 2022. If you have a business trip planned for the first time in a long […]

Iceland and Greenland For Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomena that lights up the sky with a stunningly beautiful palette of colors. People travel far and wide to remote destinations, often to polar or sub-polar regions, for the chance to witness the Northern Lights unobstructed by man-made skyscrapers or urban pollution. To this day, the Northern Lights are […]

A Guide to Greenland Sightseeing

Some sightseeing adventures produce a cache of memories to last a lifetime, especially if the sightseeing adventures are in a destination far removed from your everyday life. Such as the Arctic, for example. The world is full of beautiful places to explore yet there’s something especially alluring about islands—especially large islands such as Greenland which […]

Group Travel Tips

Solo travel is easy, right? You go where you want, stay where you want and do what you want. But what happens when you’re going someplace with a group of people? Here are some travel trips for a hassle-free group getaway… Budget:Not everyone has the same pocketbook. Make sure to pick flights and hotels that […]

The Story Behind Jo Ann’s Alaska Picks

About 20 years ago, I began promoting travel to Alaska. Each year I would select a specific date and itinerary that I thought was the best; block group space with the cruise line and offer it to travelers inquiring about Alaska. By doing this, I knew I could provide discounted pricing. In the past I […]

Bellissimo Italy!

I had the pleasure of visiting Italy this summer and it was in a word, Bellissimo!  Our family spent two whirlwind nights in Rome and managed to fit in a tour of the Colosseum, a pasta making class, the Trevi Fountain, lots of delicious food and of course, gelato.  We also did an early morning […]

Christmas Market Beverages

Glühwein, translated to “mulled wine”, is a delicious hot alcoholic drink made from red or white wine as the base and spiced with seasonings. I heard a lot of people describe as “hot sangria”, and if you’ve ever had Spanish sangria, you would agree. It was the perfect drink that kept you warm while walking […]

Christmas River Cruising

I recently had the opportunity to sail aboard the Emerald Dawn Star Ship through the Rhine and Main River with the itinerary being centered on Europe’s Christmas Markets. As a fellow Christmas fanatic, I was super excited to visit these European cities and get a front seat look into how each one prepares for and […]

La Vita in Venice

After my month-long visit to Venice, Italy, I have reaffirmed my love for this beautiful country! Italy was always a dream of mine as a little girl, and it’s safe to say, it did NOT disappoint. Italy absolutely lives up to its name and I’m sure anyone who visits this country, will know exactly what […]

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

The European Christmas Markets exceeded my expectations and there is no better way to see them then on a river cruise. I sailed on Tanquility II with Avalon Waterways. The Festive Season in the Heart of Germany was a 6-day cruise sailing from Nuremberg to Frankfurt. In Nuremberg there is plenty of guided sightseeing to […]

Being Sustainably Responsible When Traveling for Business

Sustainability ­is a growing concern for businesses. Doing the right thing for the environment saves precious natural resources and is part of being a socially responsible corporate citizen. If you’re a business traveler, or one who helps decide where your employees travel, there are ways that you can adjust your company’s travel policy to support […]

Find “Off Season” Deals for Travel to Europe

Traveling to Europe during the “off season” (November through March) has a few drawbacks offset by many advantages.  The disadvantages are that some popular attractions will have shorter hours or be closed altogether.  The weather can be iffy or downright terrible, but if you’re prepared with proper clothes and shoes you can be comfortable.  And […]

Travel the Galapagos Islands by Land or Sea

Did you know that the Galapagos Islands were the first location in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site?  This honor, bestowed in 1979, has not been taken lightly by the Ecuadorian government.  Strict rules for the protection of this unique environment ensure that this pristine wonderland remains unspoiled. But how best […]

Planning a Destination Wedding in the Caribbean

Destination weddings are not for everyone, but if you have family and friends who enjoy travel, and if you have time to plan the wedding well in advance to ensure that as many people as possible can attend, it just might be the answer for you. This is an especially good option for people who […]

Viking River Cruise Culinary Experience

Viking River Cruises focuses on destination dining. The menu on board offers regional cuisine along with classics, there is something for everyone. Viking uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare their food.  You have the opportunity to explore new cultures through food while on the ship.  If dining al fresco is your thing, you will enjoy […]