If you haven’t been to Portugal, I highly suggest you make the trip. Here are just a few of its hidden treasures: The Alfama District is Lisbon’s most symbolic quarter. You will step back in time exploring this residential neighborhood which is considered a village within a city. Take a stroll through medieval alleys, narrow […]
Category Archives: Europe
Adventure, Africa, Kenya and Beyond, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Florida, Hawaii
Top 8 Luxury Destinations of 2018
03
Apr
Apr
Are you looking to go on a vacation? If you are, then you might be interested in enjoying a luxury destination. But did you know that the best spots to enjoy can change from year to year? They can depending on recent weather disasters that have temporarily made other destinations less desirable. Recent changes in […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Germany, Melissa
Religious & Faith Based Travel – Oberammergau’s Passion Play
03
Apr
Apr
From Oberammergau’s Passion Play in Germany to the Sistine Chapel in Italy, faith based travel can take on many shapes and forms. Some people want to discover and visit where their ancestors once lived, some wish to stand in the very place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children. I can […]
Adventure, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, France, Missy, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Exploring France by River Cruise
22
Jan
Jan
I recently had the opportunity to sail on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy on an 8-day River Cruise with Avalon Waterways. This is the itinerary that we enjoyed on our River Cruise: Day 1 – Paris (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception Day 2 – Vernon–Les Andelys: choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle; guided walk in Les Andelys, […]
Adventure, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Karen, Travel Agents
My First European Experience—A Travel Agent is a Must!
12
Jun
Jun
I recently sent my clients off to Europe for the first time and here is what they had to say…. Thanks for all the help booking this trip for our first European vacation. It was great. The airplane ride was a bit long (squished into the 4 middle seats). My daughters suitcase unfortunately didn’t arrive until […]
07
Feb
Feb
As an avid traveler, one of the best ways to explore a new destination is a walking tour. You can visit landmarks, chat with the locals, and hopefully unveil a hidden gem. I’ve had the pleasure of doing a couple walking tours myself, including Istanbul and London. If you’d like to hear more about my experience with […]
24
Aug
Aug
How to Handle an Unexpected Turn Abroad You’ve spent months anticipating your perfect trip and then something out of your control happens and the plan takes an unexpected turn. This happened to my husband and I when we traveled to France a few years ago. Our plan was to stay in Paris for 6 days and […]
10
Jun
Jun
Disney movies have always taught us that dreams really do come true! Lucky for us, many of these movies are inspired by real places and experiences that you can have for yourself!!! One might need to trade in their magic carpet for an airplane though! Thank you to Jamie Ditaranto at Smart Traveler for these […]
Europe, European Rail, Guided Vacations, News & Announcements, Nora, Travel Agents, Travel Column, Uncategorized
Understanding the State Department’s Travel Alert for Europe
02
May
May
For Americans planning a trip abroad, State Department advisories can be confusing. Terms that may sound similar actually mean very different things for travelers. In March, the State Department issued a Travel Alert for Europe. Alerts are issued for short-term events that the U.S. government believes Americans should know about when planning a trip. The […]
Cruise, Europe, Honeymoon, Missy, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s Avalon River Cruise on the Danube
04
Aug
Aug
I had the opportunity to travel on an Avalon Waterways cruise from Budapest to Vienna on the Danube. Wow, what an experience! We stops at different ports along the river and did small guided tours. Some of the amazing cities we visited were Budapest, Bratislava, Durnstein Austria, Melk and Vienna. The Avalon Artistry II delivers […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Honeymoon, Missy, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s Culinary and Historic Tour of Istanbul, Turkey
25
Jul
Jul
Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich, influenced by its unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This blend of cultures, along with centuries of migration, has shaped a gastronomic identity that’s as varied as it is delicious. From hearty regional dishes to innovative street food, Turkey offers a wealth of culinary experiences […]
From capturing the sounds of Alaskan wildlife using specialized microphones to being cosseted by your personal butler on an expedition cruise in Bali, luxury travel has reached a whole new level of sophistication. Cruise lines are taking their all-inclusive mantras on shore and suite living to another dimension, while small-group journeys lead you beyond the […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Austria, Europe, Missy, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Vienna, Austria
25
Nov
Nov
Vienna, the city of music and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert & Johann Strauss. Vienna – a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Germany, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Hamburg, Germany
19
Oct
Oct
On my recent trip to Hamburg, Germany, I discovered a city rich in history, culture, and maritime charm. As the second-largest city in Germany and the eighth largest in the European Union, Hamburg offers a unique mix of old-world architecture and modern vibrancy. One of my first stops was Alster Lake, a serene oasis in […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, European Rail, Germany, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Berlin, Germany
19
Oct
Oct
Visiting Berlin, Germany, was like stepping into a dynamic city where history, culture, and modernity intersect in fascinating ways. From the moment we arrived, the city’s energy was palpable, with a mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant street art, and cutting-edge design. We started our journey at the Brandenburg Gate, where we stood in awe of […]