There’s no do-over for a vacation gone wrong. Every moment of the time you take off from work, whether traveling alone or with family and friends, is priceless. And yet travel always involves a certain element of risk, depending as it does on Mother Nature and complicated machines to work together to get us where we want to go. It’s a scenario that calls for an expert—and where the cost of using a professional travel agent comes back many times over. Read More....

A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY sure describes one of my favorite destinations, SOUTH AFRICA! Dick and I and 16 others have really loved our COLLETTE EXPLORATIONS Adventure. We started out with 4 nights in what I feel is one of the two most beautiful cities on earth, Cape Town; Sydney, Australia being the other one. We stayed at the 4/5 star at the SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT, within a 15 min walk to the famous Waterfront Harbor, a restaurant, entertainment and shopping Mecca. We all had

AMERICAN EMPRESS STEAMBOAT from, Vancouver Washington, Clarkston Washington, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and Glacier Park. Our one week cruise exceeded our expectations. Since we have been on over 15 River Cruises throughout the Eastern US and most rivers in Europe, you could say we are true River Rovers, as there is always something to see out your window except when you are in a lock! This “Lewis and Clark” Themed Cruise was full of the most spectacular scenery, along the Columb

San Francisco to Glacier Park, Napa, Crater Lake, Mt Hood, Lewis and Clark Cruise on Columbia And Snake Rivers By Pat Cronenberg WEEK ONE We are filling in Bucket List destinations we've never visited and started out in one of our favorite cities to visit an old high school friend. We stayed right off Union Square at a 4 star Boutique Hotel, the Kensington Park on The corner of Post and Powell. If you like friendly, intimate hotels which serve coffee, tea and sherry in the

Yes, travel advisors still exist—and you’ll soon wonder how you ever traveled without one. Reason 1: Travelers feel that doing their own planning is empowering and that giving it up will diminish their experience. Fact: Whether you’re the do-it-yourself type or are looking for someone to completely take the reins, collaboration with a Virtuoso travel advisor eliminates stress so you can focus on the excitement of travel. Reason 2: Travelers can find everything they need

Summer Family Vacations The "hot ticket" right now is family cruising with some twists - and here are a few cruise vacations that we're recommending for families! Discover Historic Europe with Royal Caribbean Hula in Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Lines Get wild in the Galapagos With Avalon Waterways Leisurely Transit the Atlantic Cunard Line Island-Hop in the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises For those looking for tips on how to keep the kids in check, and to maximize the vaca

In light of certain issues in the news, we were asked to give our opinions and recommendations regarding safety this morning at Fox News. In case you weren't able to see the news segment, here is what we were asked as far as our most discussed topics when conversing with a traveler. Use a Travel Agent! Most agencies have the latest or up to date information on the hottest destinations, as well as recommendations for you in regards to safety or letting you know if a particular

WELLNESS TRAVEL IS EMERGING AS MORE THAN JUST THE "TRENDY TRIP" Already a multi billion dollar industry, the wellness travel sector will see a significant surge in coming years for several reasons: • Aging baby boomers are looking to extend their years of good health. • More people are realizing that the key to good health and longevity lies in their own hands. • There is more wellness product available in all price categories. • Globalization is opening th

I want to share a hidden gem of a Palace Hotel with you. I stayed in the Bussaco Palace Hotel about 20 years ago escorting a Rotary Club International Pre convention group, and swore I’d return with my husband Dick. This fairy tale castle is located in an enchanted forest full of Sequoia size Red Wood Trees and a mountain studded with Stations of the Cross. Portugal’s last King built it back in 1885 as his hunting lodge and it is one of the most beautiful and historical hotel