The Friesen Travel Group Feed

New European Hotels in Landmark Historic Sites to Inspire your Next Trip

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

London. Venice. Lisbon. Each powerhouse travel destination already has its share of iconic hotels. But new properties opening in 2026 give visitors the unique ability to live inside the history and culture of these storied cities, not just peer at them from the outside.

LONDON

Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch

One of London's most recognizable landmarks is now one of its most exclusive places to stay, offering access to ordinary people for the first time ever.

Commissioned as a memorial to Queen Victoria and designed by the architect behind Buckingham Palace's famous façade, the Grade I-listed historic site, Admiralty Arch, has been the grand ceremonial gateway linking Trafalgar Square with The Mall and Buckingham Palace. That’s made it the one of the most-photographed buildings in London: the backdrop for royal carriage wedding and funeral processions, state occasions, and national celebrations.

Despite its landmark significance, inside was government office space, the HQ of the British Royal Navy’s Admiralty – earning it the name Admiralty Arch. Civilians rarely got inside at all, and never overnight.

That’s all changed. The Waldorf Astoria conversion preserves the building's historic architecture while adapting its 200,000 square feet into a luxury hotel with 114 guest rooms, suites, residences, restaurants, a ballroom, and spa. More than half the accommodations are expansive residential-style suites, many named for Britain's naval heritage.

The transformation also brings acclaimed dining to the landmark, with restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud, including a rooftop venue overlooking Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park.

For travelers, the Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch (also pictured above) offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Britain's most historic public monuments from the inside—not as a visitor passing through, but as a guest spending the night at the ceremonial heart of London!

VENICE

Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli

Image courtesy of Orient Express; ©Jeremy Zaessinger

One of Venice's grandest historic palaces is entering a new chapter as a luxury hotel, giving travelers access to a building that has been at the center of the city's history for nearly six centuries.

The 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli has reopened as Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli following an extensive restoration. Built in 1436 by the architect associated with the Doge's Palace, the palace has served over the centuries as the private residence of the influential Donà and Giovannelli families and later the Duke of Urbino. Its ornate ballrooms, frescoed salons, and Gothic façade have remained largely hidden from public view.

The restoration carefully preserves the palace's Neogothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture while adapting it into an intimate hotel with just 47 rooms, suites, and apartments. Original frescoes, mosaic floors, and one of Venice's most dramatic staircases have been restored, allowing guests to experience spaces once reserved for Venetian nobility.

True to Venetian tradition, you arrive by private boat through the palace's original 15th-century water gate or via a quiet courtyard off Cannaregio's streets. Public spaces include the spectacular Vittoria Ballroom, created for a royal wedding in 1548, as well as historic salons.

The Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is not just another luxury hotel. It’s an opportunity to stay inside one of Venice's authentic historic palazzi, experiencing a remarkable piece of the city's architectural and cultural heritage from within rather than simply admiring it from the canal.

Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel

In 2026, one of Venice's most famous hotels begins a new era under the beloved Four Seasons flag, following an extensive restoration of a landmark that has welcomed travelers for more than 200 years.

Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, occupies a waterfront complex of three interconnected palaces – one dating from the 15th century - overlooking the Venetian Lagoon, just steps from Piazza San Marco, which became one of Venice's most iconic hotels.

The restoration preserves many of the property's defining historic features, including its soaring pink marble columns, grand staircase, Murano glass chandeliers, and richly decorated Venetian interiors, while introducing updated guest accommodations and public spaces designed to respect the buildings' architectural heritage.

The reimagined Danieli connects visitors with Venice through experiences that highlight the city's living traditions, from Voga Veneta rowing and Murano glass craftsmanship to hidden gardens and the engineering behind the MOSE flood barrier protecting the UNESCO-listed city.

The re-launched hotel under one of the most revered luxury hospitality brands preserves one of Venice's best-known historic landmarks while offering the chance to stay inside a collection of aristocratic palaces and immerse yourself in Venetian culture and lifestyle.

LISBON

Six Senses Lisbon

Lisbon's growing collection of historic palace hotels gains another fascinating addition with the opening of Six Senses Lisbon, a restoration project that brings two centuries-old aristocratic residences back to life.

Set beside the historic Elevador do Lavra—the city's oldest funicular railway still in operation—the new hotel occupies two restored 18th-century palaces.

The restoration retains grand staircases, soaring ceilings, frescoes, historic artwork, antique rugs, maps, and period furnishings, while introducing 21st-century comforts within spaces once occupied by Lisbon's elite. Rather than replacing the buildings' history, the project highlights it, allowing guests to experience authentic Portuguese palatial architecture from the inside.

Guests are within walking distance of the historic Bairro Alto neighborhood, Avenida da Liberdade, and some of Lisbon's best-known theaters, while rooftop terraces and gardens provide a sense of space and a breezy place to relax in Lisbon’s city center.

For travelers, Six Senses Lisbon allows you to experience one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities from an authentic historic setting.

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Images as noted and courtesy of their respective hotel brands.

Savings and More Worldwide on Ponant and Paul Gauguin “Celebrating Canada”

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

Tahiti-specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises and global luxury small, expedition cruise line Ponant Explorations are celebrating Canada Day with exclusive savings reserved for Canadian residents. Book by July 31, 2026 and sail by July 31, 2027 around the world on either sister brand for exclusive savings and shipboard credits!

Ask us how to maximize this offer for your next Ponant or Paul Gauguin cruise!

Celebrating Canada Offer: PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Canadian residents enjoy exclusive 5% savings on more than 200 worldwide itineraries, including polar expeditions, departing by July 31, 2027, when booked by July 31, 2026. This offer is combinable with included Bonus Savings up to 30% on all-inclusive fares.

Celebrating Canada Offer: Paul Gauguin Cruises

In addition to an exclusive 5% savings available to Canadian residents year-round, guests sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin on any of the ship’s French Polynesian voyages departing by July 31, 2027, will also receive up to $500 Shipboard Credit per stateroom or suite when booked by July 31, 2026.

MORE ABOUT PONANT EXPLORATIONS

As a recognized leader in small-ship explorations, PONANT EXPLORATIONS brings guests closer to the heart of worldwide destinations — from storied Mediterranean shores to remote polar landscapes. Every journey reflects a commitment to immersive, purposeful travel with a spirit of science and education, multicultural exchange, and French art de vivre. Exclusive alliances with Smithsonian Journeys, The Explorers Club, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution elevate select itineraries with visiting experts and enriching educational opportunities.

MORE ABOUT PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

Showcasing French Polynesia with authenticity is at the heart of The Gauguin Experience. Paul Gauguin Cruises is renowned for exploring Tahiti with passionate enthusiasm — sailing a ship built specifically for these waters, partnering locally, and welcoming Tahitian hosts on board to share their music, crafts, and stories. Time ashore favors meaningful encounters over checklists, while time aboard the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin is designed to feel carefree and immersive. The result is an experience that allows destinations including Bora Bora, Moorea, and the Marquesas to feel deeply personal and authentic.

About PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP

Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share, and protect. PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has been committed to purposeful voyages of exploration and more responsible tourism for over 38 years. Renowned for their expertise in exploration cruises, its brands—PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, and PONANT YACHTING—operate human-scale ships (ranging from 4 to 165 staterooms and suites), offering a refined, authentic, and inspiring experience. PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is owned by Artémis, the holding company of the Pinault family.

*** Image courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date and pricing details.

Good News if You’re Flying to Europe: New Passenger Protections

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

It only took 13 years! And resistance from the air industry. But finally, European lawmakers have passed updated regulations adding even more starch to what are already the stiffest air passenger protection rules in the world.

They apply to all passengers departing from an EU airport, and to passengers arriving in the EU from outside the zone if their flight is operated by an EU-based airline.

Doesn't Seem Too Much to Ask…

Key protections and updates agreed upon in June 2026 include:

No Charge for Carry-on Luggage: Airlines must include both a personal item and a small carry-on bag in the even the base, or lowest, ticket price – that is, without extra fees!
No Charge for Families to Sit Together: Families with children under 14 must be seated together without having to pay for it. The same goes for people accompanying passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, and pregnant travelers.
App & Booking Transparency: The new rules forbid airlines from charging "no-show" penalties, where airlines cancel return legs if you miss your inbound flight. They also can’t require you to download the airline app just to get your boarding pass.
Protections for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: These fliers get priority rerouting and free replacement/insurance for mobility equipment. Plus, airports are now partially accountable for providing support if disruptions overwhelm local services.
Food and Hotel Stays During Flight Disruptions: Flight delayed? You’re entitled to refreshments every 2 hours of your delay and a meal after three hours and every five hours after that, up to three meals a day. Plus, the airline needs to provide you with a hotel if overnight delays occur. If the airline drops the ball and doesn’t provide such assistance, passengers can go ahead and make reasonable arrangements of their own and get reimbursed.
Automatic Compensation for Flight Delays - Maintained: Previous European rules established that passengers get compensated if your flight is delayed 3 hours or more, providing the delay is in the airline’s control. In the latest decade-long negotiations, the air industry tried to get compensation reduced. But payouts for delays remain at their current levels: starting from €250 and going up to €600 depending on flight distance.

The Small Print

Holding firm against air industry pressure on flight delay payouts seems like a win, but… Because the payouts have not been updated since the law was introduced over two decades ago, the value of flight delay compensation has actually decreased by nearly 40% due to inflation.

What does that look like for us passengers in the real world? In 2004, when the regulations were first passed, a maximum €600 payout could cover a high-end replacement flight or multiple nights in a hotel. Today, as anyone who’s booked flights or hotel rooms in Europe lately knows, that €600 in an era of dynamic pricing wouldn’t cover last-minute re-booking flight rates or hotel prices during a peak travel disruption.

Leaving you, the passenger, out of pocket for flight delays that aren't your fault.

Denied

And some reforms failed to launch altogether:

No Mandatory Pre-Filled Compensation Forms: Consumer advocates pushed hard to require airlines to automatically send passengers a pre-filled compensation claim form or online link after a disrupted flight. The idea was to eliminate paperwork barriers that get some air travelers to abandon the claim process and miss payments they’re entitled to.
This initiative failed. Passengers must still initiate the claim process themselves, but airlines have to provide “clear instructions” about how to apply within 96 hours of arrival.

In a Class of Their Own

Even though European air passenger rights advocates didn’t get everything they asked for… the new regulations are still first class compared to how the rest of us are treated.

The updated European regulations only serve to highlight how few protections outside of Europe the rest of us have.

Why should only flights originating in Europe protect passengers from incurring unnecessary delays, costs due to problems that are not their fault, and even the hassle of scrambling to rebook when you had a perfectly good flight and itinerary in the first place?

In short: why can’t we have nice things too?

Hopefully, these latest European measures apply pressure to other governments – and raise passenger expectations about how we deserve to be treated in the skies. No matter where we fly.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert.

Image: Lynn Elmhirst

Scenic Expanding River Cruising to India, Sri Lanka

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

In October 2027, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is launching the Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River, debuting a collection of itineraries in India and Sri Lanka.

Scenic Aura River Cruising

During its inaugural season from October 2027 to March 2028, Scenic Aura will welcome no more than 44 guests per sailing for a truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river experience through the cultural heartland of West Bengal. The newly released itineraries feature a unique collection of Scenic included excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich events to showcase the vibrant cities, sacred sites, and riverside villages, complemented by curated land journeys in India and Sri Lanka.

Scenic says the new itineraries provide unique and exclusive experiences that are culturally rich and showcase the best of both countries.

New 2027–28 India & Sri Lanka Program

Anchored by a 9-night all-inclusive ultra-luxury Lower Ganges River cruise along the Hooghly River, the 5 new India itineraries involve a fully integrated river cruise and land journey program, each offering a distinctive new way to experience the subcontinent.

Itineraries range from 17 to 25 days and encompass North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka, all via the storied waterway that flows through some of India’s most historically significant regions.

Unique Experiences

Devoted Scenic travelers will be delighted that each itinerary will feature unique Scenic Enrich experiences. These include an elegant High Tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad and a visit to the revered Hooghly Imambara, celebrated for its spiritual resonance and Mughal-influenced architecture. The ISKCON Global Headquarters will be a highlight, where devotional music and vibrant rituals offer a deeply immersive encounter with living spirituality. Guests will also meet master craftspeople in Matiari’s artisan quarter and travel by traditional toto to Katra Mosque through the atmospheric streets of Nawabi-era Bengal.

The Ultimate in All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury

Scenic Aura’s interiors are being re-imagined for the launch.

The new itineraries will feature Scenic’s signature, all-inclusive river cruising experience, with everything included as standard. Spacious suites have private balconies, separate bedrooms, and Scenic Sun Lounges. Included dining encompasses four different experiences, and guests enjoy complimentary beverages throughout the day, an in-suite mini-bar, unlimited Wi-Fi, a resort-style pool, yoga classes, a Wellness Centre and fitness area, plus self-service laundry facilities.

On combined land and river journeys, Scenic also includes handpicked hotels and special stays, internal transport, tipping and gratuities, while land groups are limited to 25 guests for an intimate, personalized experience.

Scenic Group's Broader Asia Expansion

The launch of Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River is the start of more developments set to follow in 2028, with Scenic Spirit II joining Scenic Spirit on the Mekong River, Scenic Eclipse II returning to Asia and Oceania, and Emerald Xara arriving in Asia.

Early Access Release

Bookings have opened, with full itinerary details and updated pricing to be confirmed from November 2026.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Discovering the Japan You Didn’t Expect Beyond the Main Island

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

For many travelers, the increasingly popular destination of Japan begins and ends on the island of Honshu – literally, it’s ‘Main Island.’ I can’t blame them – so much of the energy and contrasts of Japan are to be found there: the neon energy of Tokyo, the ancient cultural treasures of Kyoto, the food scene of Osaka, and iconic attractions as different as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland! All connected by those famous, high-speed bullet trains.

But if you stay on Honshu your entire trip to Japan, you’re missing out on experiences that will astound and resonate with you most after you leave. The incredible north-south length of the Japanese archipelago – about the same distance as the continental USA, although much narrower – means the islands of Japan span vastly different climates. That means many different sights, landscapes, and local cultures.

Think active volcanoes, subtropical beaches, and winter wonderlands, antique forests, distinctive cuisines, and cultural traditions, including indigenous peoples, that feel worlds apart from the familiar Golden Route. Japan’s other main islands - from Hokkaido in the north, to Kyushu, Shikoku, and tropical Okinawa in the south - offer compelling reasons to linger longer and dig deeper.

No wonder cruising to Japan is taking off! Voyages to other islands of this famously maritime nation allow visitors to experience many other facets of real Japan.

Hokkaido: Japan’s Great Outdoors

Japan’s northernmost main island is often compared to Alaska or Scandinavia for its vast landscapes, lower population density, outdoor lifestyle, and indigenous culture. Hokkaido is the traditional homeland of the Ainu, an Indigenous people whose history in northern Japan stretches back centuries before Japanese settlement of the island.

In winter, Hokkaido is famous for some of the lightest, driest powder snow on earth, with legendary ski resorts.

Summer brings wildflower meadows, cycling, hiking, and cooler temperatures, offering relief from the humidity elsewhere in Japan. The island is also home to several national parks, including one of Japan’s most remote wilderness areas, where brown bears, whales, and eagles thrive.

Food is another draw. Hokkaido’s cool climate produces some of Japan’s finest dairy products, seafood, and agricultural products. Snow crab, sea urchin, scallops, and rich miso ramen are local specialties.

Kyushu: Volcanoes, Hot Springs, and History

Southwest of Honshu lies Kyushu, an island shaped by fire.

The landscape is dominated by active volcanoes, including Mount Aso, whose enormous caldera is among the largest in the world. Steam vents and volcanic peaks create some of Japan’s most dramatic scenery.

That also makes Kyushu one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations.

History buffs will find another layer of fascination. Because of its proximity to the Asian mainland, Kyushu served as an important gateway for international influence. The city of Nagasaki tells one of Japan’s most complex stories, from early international trade to its role in World War II and its remarkable recovery.

Food lovers should come hungry. Tonkotsu ramen, made with a rich pork-bone broth, originated in Kyushu and remains one of Japan’s most beloved regional dishes.

Shikoku: Slow Travel and Spiritual Discovery

The smallest of Japan’s four main islands is often overlooked—and that’s why you should go.

Shikoku offers a quieter, slower-paced Japan where traditional rural landscapes remain intact. Rice paddies, mountain villages, fishing communities, and dramatic gorges, vine suspension bridges, and coastlines define much of the island.

Its most famous attraction is the Shikoku Pilgrimage, an 88-temple circuit spanning more than 700 miles around the island.

Okinawa: Japan’s Tropical Escape

If Hokkaido is the Alaska of Japan, Okinawa, at the opposite, southern end of the country, is its Hawai’i.

Okinawa (pictured, top) is not one of Japan’s four main islands, but it has incredible appeal with subtropical coral reefs, turquoise waters, jungles, and Ryukyu Kingdom cultural heritage — with its own language, cuisine, music, architecture, and lifestyle.

The people of Okinawa are not considered Indigenous in the same way as Hokkaido’s Ainu, but they continue to preserve a distinct cultural identity from the centuries-old Ryukyu Kingdom, which Japan annexed in the 19th century.

Today, visitors experience this distinctive heritage through Ryukyu textiles and pottery, Okinawan soba noodles, and music played on a unique three-stringed instrument.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel expert and journalist

G Adventures “Kicks Off” Away Games: Small-Group Soccer Trips

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

You don’t need to let your soccer fandom subside once the tournament’s over and everyone’s gone home. For the first time in small-group travel, G Adventures is launching a brand-new series of soccer-themed premium trips. “Away Games” trips are designed to bring soccer enthusiasts together for matchday experiences and a deeper cultural connection in Europe’s greatest soccer cities.

These soccer-focused trips combine iconic live matches with the immersive cultural experiences and community spirit of like-minded fans. Imagine singing with locals in supporter pubs, celebrating a last-minute goal with fellow travelers after the final whistle, and experiencing a destination through the lens of its football culture.

A Winning Combination

Launching in some of Europe’s most legendary soccer destinations, including London, Manchester, Madrid, and Barcelona, Away Games delivers top-shelf matchday experiences, insider access, and cultural immersion. And G Adventures is taking care of securing tickets, planning complex international trips, and game-day logistics so you don’t have to.

Away Games launches with more than 30 departures, with the first trips kicking off in October 2026 following the release of the English match calendar. Additional Spanish departures will be announced in July 2026 once the Madrid and Barcelona matches are revealed.

Ask us to contact you about Spanish departures; and

Book your English soccer match dates now to secure access to some of the world’s most in-demand soccer matches - experiences renowned for selling out in record time!

G Adventures is giving North American fans guaranteed, verified tickets to the world's most electric rivalries, combined with the small-group local immersion G Adventures does best.

Each Away Games trip is led by a football-loving G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose passion for the sport helps unite the group and bring the local football culture to life. On matchday, fans will enjoy VIP club-level seating, premium lounge access, and hospitality packages while also gaining access to iconic stadiums, including Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, the legendary homes of Manchester United and Chelsea FC.

Beyond the main event, itineraries dive deeper into sports heritage and local culture. Travelers will go behind-the-scenes with historic stadium tours, join guided journeys through legendary supporter pubs, and explore each city’s culinary hotspots on local food tours. To experience the true roots of the game, the trips also feature lower-league match experiences among die-hard home supporters.

And with plenty of built-in free time, you can soak up the city's atmosphere beyond the stadium gates, balancing football fandom with authentic local exploration.

Away Game trips already available:

Fulham FC: London Beyond the Pitch - For the purist seeking the quintessentially British matchday, this five-day London immersion centers on the country’s most charming and historic riverside ground, Craven Cottage. Guests will watch the action from padded seats in the brand-new Riverside Stand and unwind in the exclusive Markers Lounge, along with a visit from a Fulham club legend. Balancing high-end sports hospitality with deep local culture, the itinerary features a handpicked neighborhood pub crawl, an authentic culinary tour, and a raw, terrace-style lower-league match experience. From USD 2,699 pp based on double occupancy.

Tottenham Hotspur: London, Inside the Game - Built for the fan who wants to experience the bleeding edge of modern sports entertainment, this high-octane itinerary features VIP halfway-line access at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, universally recognized as one of the world's most advanced sports venues. Travellers will enjoy premium multi-level dining options and an architectural behind-the-scenes tour highlighting the ground's famous retractable pitch. The trip perfectly offsets this ultra-modern spectacle with a journey into North London’s grittiest, most passionate grassroots football pubs and local street food hubs. From USD 2,699 pp based on double occupancy.

Arsenal FC: The Pride of North London - Securing a seat at the Emirates Stadium is currently one of the hardest tasks in global sports, but this itinerary solves the ticket crisis by offering guaranteed, exclusive Club Level seating and full VIP lounge access. Fans will experience the buzzing, electric atmosphere of the title-contending Gunners at the absolute peak of their modern power. The trip blends this highly sought-after game-day experience with a relaxed, self-paced stadium tour, a guided excursion to a local food market, and a traditional afternoon on the terraces at a grassroots National League match. From USD 3,299 pp based on double occupancy.

Chelsea FC: West London to Pitch City - this energetic West London getaway brings travellers face-to-face with the glittering, trophy-laden history of Stamford Bridge. The unmatched matchday experience includes pitchside access before kickoff, premium West Upper seating, a chef’s table dinner, and a complimentary bar with a Chelsea FC legend. Beyond the premium treatment, guests will explore the upscale culinary hotspots of West London and dive into the unfiltered passion of local supporter pubs and lower-league terraces where the cameras aren’t watching. From USD 2,799 pp based on double occupancy.

Manchester City: More Than Matchday - This itinerary offers a genuine Mancunian welcome and unforgettable memories at Etihad Stadium. Bypassing the public queues, fans will watch the tactical masterclasses of one of the world's most successful modern clubs from executive middle-tier seating, complete with premium access to 93:20 - the executive lounge aptly named as a nod to the club’s historic, title-winning goal. The journey includes an immersive, state-of-the-art stadium tour featuring a virtual message from a club legend, and a walk through the famous glass tunnel. Outside the stadium gates, the trip celebrates Manchester’s legendary music and culinary culture with a deep dive into the Northern Quarter, led by a local guide. From USD 2,499 pp based on double occupancy.

Manchester United: From the Stands to the Streets - This itinerary answers the ultimate bucket-list dream for global football fans by opening the doors to the "Theatre of Dreams." Guests will bypass the lengthy ballot lines to secure luxury padded seats in Old Trafford’s coveted North East Quadrant, and walk in the footsteps of United legends with visits to the dressing room, famous tunnel, and pitchside dugouts. Outside the iconic stadium gates, fans will explore the rich industrial heritage of Manchester, visit legendary supporter pubs alongside their CEO, and taste the city's hidden culinary hotspots. From $2,699 pp based on double occupancy.

True to G Adventures’ community tourism ethos, Away Games is designed to connect travelers not only to the sport they love, but also to the people, neighbourhoods and local cultures that make football such a powerful global language.

About G Adventures

Since 1990, when social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip set out to change the way people see the world, G Adventures has been leading the way in community tourism and small-group adventure travel. With more than 1,000 life-changing trips in 100 countries across all seven continents, the company helps travelers connect deeply with local people, cultures, landscapes, and wildlife, all while having a blast.

But it doesn’t stop there. ‘G for Good’ social impact commitments ensure every journey supports local communities, with over 130 community tourism projects powered by its non-profit partner, Planeterra, and industry-first Ripple Score, which tracks how much of the company’s travelers’ money stays local. And through its Trees for Days initiative, G Adventures has planted over 5 million trees (and counting).

*** Images courtesy of G Adventures

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Windstar Increasing Asia Voyages; Offering Early Booking Benefits for 28/29 Sailings

Fri, 26 Jun 26 14:42:08 +0000

Asia is one of the most popular exotic cruising destinations today, and to meet growing demand, Windstar Cruises is expanding its voyages through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore. Plus offering guests 5% savings plus other perks and benefits for booking the just-opened 2028-2029 Asia season now!

The 112-suite Star Seeker’s Asia voyages combine overnight stays, extended Cruise Tours, and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach. The ship’s intimate size allows it to access city-center docks and smaller regional ports, creating a more seamless and destination-focused experience throughout the region.

What Makes Windstar Different in Asia?

Windstar offers a more personal way to explore Asia. Designed for destination discovery, Star Seeker features 112 spacious suites, nearly all with a private veranda or infinity window that opens to let the ocean breeze in, along with Windstar’s signature yacht-style atmosphere and personalized service.

The yacht’s smaller size allows rare access. Star Seeker sails directly into the heart of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, unlike larger ships that dock hours away in ports such as Phu My and Laem Chabang. Star Seeker can also reach smaller destinations throughout the region, from the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the quiet beaches and local villages of Ko Yao Noi. On Ko Kood, Windstar’s signature beach party features a barbecue on the sand and watersports directly from the beach.

Windstar is also known for its exclusive Destination Discovery Events—curated shoreside experiences created specifically for Windstar guests. In Japan, Traditions of Tomonoura & the Inland Sea brings guests into one of the country’s historic port towns through tea ceremonies, live koto music, Edo-period streets, and exclusive access to the historic Ota Family Residence.

As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings a strong culinary focus to its Asia sailings. Guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine and destination-driven dining onboard, then dive deeper into the region’s flavors through guided food tours and market visits, from Singapore’s famous hawker centers to Thailand’s floating markets.

Windstar’s 28/29 Asia Voyages

25 departures sail between September 2028 and May 2029. Choose from four core cruise-only voyages and customize your experience with longer Star Collector sailings ranging from 20 to 42 days, as well as pre- and post-cruise Cruise Tours to Hanoi, Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai, and Kyoto—creating up to 87 itinerary combinations throughout the season.

Featured itineraries include:

Grand Japan (10 nights): From Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, this cruise-only sailing pairs Japan’s iconic cities with smaller ports, including Karatsu, and offers scenic cruising through the Inland Sea.
Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed (10 nights): Overnights in Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay/Hanoi on this cruise-only voyage allow for deeper exploration of Vietnam’s history and coastal landscapes, with optional overland experiences like Angkor Wat.
East Asian Legends (10 nights): Spanning Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, this cruise-only itinerary showcases East Asia's diversity with stops in Taipei, Okinawa, Amami, and Ishigaki.
Tantalizing Thailand & Sparkling Singapore (11 nights): Floating markets, hidden islands, and world-famous street food define this Southeast Asia cruise-only journey between Bangkok and Phuket, including an overnight stay in Singapore.
Legendary Temples: Chiang Mai & Angkor Wat Cruise Tour (18 nights): Pairing Southeast Asia sailings with inland exploration, this cruise includes three nights in Chiang Mai and a guided journey to Angkor Wat.
Grand Asia Explorer (41 nights): This extended Star Collector journey combines multiple Asian itineraries into a single sweeping voyage from Phuket to Tokyo. Highlights include overnight stays in four major cities, plus cruising along the Saigon and Chao Phraya rivers.

Available Cruise Tours

Extend your journey beyond the ship with multi-day inland programs designed to bring you deeper into Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

Hanoi: Wander the Old Quarter on guided street food tours, watch traditional water puppet performances, practice morning tai chi alongside locals, and tour landmarks including Hoa Lo Prison and Bat Trang Pottery Village.
Chiang Mai: Spend three nights immersed in Thailand’s cultural capital, from mountaintop temples and bustling night markets to regional cuisine and visits to an elephant sanctuary.
Angkor Wat & Siem Reap: Witness Angkor Wat before the crowds, tour Siem Reap by tuk-tuk, and journey to floating villages along Tonlé Sap Lake.
Kyoto: Discover Japan’s ancient capital through tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and guided visits to landmarks including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and the Great Buddha of Nara.

Limited Time Early Booking Offer: Available Only Until July 31, 2026

Book early to get a range of benefits:

Best Selection: Book early to secure preferred itineraries, sailing dates, and suite categories before the season’s most sought-after voyages begin to fill.
More Savings: Pay in full at the time of booking to receive an additional 5% savings through Windstar’s “Pay Now, Save More” promotion, along with a Complimentary All-Inclusive Package and $100 onboard credit per guest.
Expanded Journey Options: Enhance your trip with extended Cruise Tours in destinations such as Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Kyoto, and Angkor Wat, which are expected to be in limited supply.

*** Image: AI-generated rendering; courtesy Windstar Cruises

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full offer, itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Seabourn Introduces Denali Park Extensions to Alaska Voyages

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

Ultra luxury cruise and expedition line Seabourn has unveiled an 8-day, pre-cruise, Seabourn Journey to Alaska’s legendary Denali National Park. “The Denali Experience” will be offered beginning in 2027 and 2028 as an extension of Alaska voyages.

The curated eight-day, seven-night land program departs from Anchorage and invites guests deep into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve. Guests will enjoy enhanced access and immersive experiences that showcase Alaska’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes. With ample time ashore and guided by knowledgeable local experts and tour leaders, guests explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage at a relaxed pace, complemented by the intuitive service and seamless hospitality that define Seabourn.

The Denali Experience begins with a scenic rail journey into the state’s storied interior. From there, the program unfolds, revealing Alaska’s dramatic landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and thoughtfully curated experiences designed to enrich the journey.

Highlights include:

“Flightseeing” for eagle-eye views over glaciers and wilderness across more than 6 million acres of Denali National Park & Preserve.
An exclusive wildlife encounter at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, set across more than 200 acres in the scenic Portage Valley, where guests may observe native species such as lynx, moose, brown bears, and wood bison against the dramatic backdrop of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm Inlet.
Expert tour leaders and local specialists, who will guide guests throughout the experience and offer rich insights into Alaska’s culture, landscapes, and wildlife, all delivered at a relaxed pace.
A memorable farewell dinner at the iconic Tracy’s King Crab Shack, a must-stop shop for famous Crab Cakes, King Crab Buckets, Alaskan-brewed beer, and more, overlooking the downtown waterfront of Alaska’s capital, Juneau.
Every aspect of the Denali Experience is thoughtfully arranged, from accommodations in elegant four-star hotels and resorts to daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seamless transportation, including airport transfers, and guidance from knowledgeable tour leaders and local experts.
Designed to complement Seabourn’s seven-day Inside Passage voyages, the land package pairs remarkable sightseeing with authentic, inland encounters that reveal Alaska beyond the coastline.

About All-Inclusive Seabourn:

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Image: Seabourn

Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, price, and date details.

Breaking News: Princess Cruises Building All-New Class of Ships, its Largest-Ever!

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

By 2039, there will be three new ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, the largest, most advanced ships ever for the cruise line, carrying over 4700 guests each, and dual-fuel, powered primarily by the sustainability-conscious LNG (liquified natural gas). The new class of ships is called the Voyager class, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in 2035.

The new class of ships is another step forward for the cruise line, and its most recent, Sphere class of ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess.)

Here’s how the upcoming Voyager-class of ships stacks up against Princess’ previous classes of ships beginning before this millennium, with Voyager-class representing the next generation in size and technology, but only a slight boost, under 500 additional guests, in staterooms and suites.

Voyager Class (2035+): 183,000 gross tons (GT), 4,700 guests. LNG-powered.
Sphere Class (2024-2025): 177,000 GT, 4,300 guests. Introduced the signature dome feature and massive Piazza design.
Royal Class (2013–2021): ~142,000-145,000 GT, 3,600 guests. This class of ship became known for its SeaWalk and atrium.
Grand Class (1998-2008): ~107,000-113,000 GT, 2,600 guests. At one time, the largest ships in the fleet were considered mid-sized vessels.

According to Princess, the new Voyager-class vessels will integrate the most desired and highest-rated experiences and venues Princess Cruises is known for, with completely re-imagined outer decks, staterooms, and Piazza designs that cater to Princess’ global travelers and worldwide deployments and itineraries. These new ships will build upon the award-winning Sphere Class platform and continue to leverage the latest hospitality and marine technologies.

Many more details have yet to be revealed in advance of the first Voyager-class ship - the cruise line doesn't even have renderings of the vision of the Voyager-class ship!

But fans of Princess Cruises will be watching this space, eager for details as they emerge.

A History of Innovation

In 1965, Princess Cruises began as a single ship sailing to Mexico, and it has grown into a world-renowned cruise line that connects guests to more than 345 destinations across seven continents.

According to the cruise line, Princess was the first to introduce affordable balconies, flexible dining options, and even weddings at sea officiated by the ship's captain. Princess was also the first cruise line to launch Movies Under the Stars — a now-iconic poolside feature — and continues to lead with experiences that surprise and delight in meaningful ways.

It created MedallionClass: a first-of-its-kind experience built around a simple, wearable device called the Medallion. With tools like OceanNow, Manage Booking, and OceanReady, guests enjoy a seamless voyage focused on personalization and convenience.

Its most recent class of ships—the Sphere Class, with sister ships Sun Princess and Star Princess—represents the future of cruising with groundbreaking design and guest experiences.

Today, Princess is part of Carnival Corporation and operates a fleet of 17 ships with a presence in every region of the globe, on all 7 continents.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Star Princess, courtesy of Princess Cruises

G Adventures Shines Spotlight on Global Tree Projects on Earth Day

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

Earth Day is April 22, and it’s a wonderful time to share stories of travel companies that are making the world we love to travel a better place.

For G Adventures, the focus is on trees. In the last 18 months, the tour operator has expanded its global Trees for Days initiative with seven new community partners. Its network now stands at 22 communities across multiple continents and benefits more than 200,000 local people.

And within the next month, the project will reach a milestone of 6 million trees!

The company points out that trees represent immediate and multi-layered climate solutions: one where tree growing does more than restore ecosystems, it helps rebuild livelihoods, strengthen communities, and create long-term resilience for those living on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Trees provide shade and shelter for people and domestic animals and crops; forests are homes for wildlife biodiversity; their roots prevent erosion from increasingly violent storms; they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen… and so much more.

With this project, each tree is grown with a long-term commitment to reach maturity, with the first trees from the initiative now beginning to mature in 2026, three years after the program launched.

Furthermore, Trees for Days has been built on a new, more enlightened model than previous reforestation initiatives. It works in partnership with communities. Instead of focusing solely on environmental outcomes or carbon offsetting, the initiative is designed to address the interconnected challenges communities face from the climate emergency, from food insecurity and unemployment to biodiversity loss and climate resilience.

By putting local people at the center, supporting women, uplifting Indigenous communities, and creating economic opportunities, tree growing becomes a catalyst for broader change.

G Adventures has provided examples of some of their latest tree initiatives under the program:

Reclaiming the ‘Last Refuge’ of the Higa-onon community in the Philippines

A powerful example of this approach of creating meaningful benefit is in the Philippines, where the Higa-onon Indigenous community is restoring its ancestral forest after decades of environmental decline. Described as their “last refuge,” the rainforest had been severely depleted, and the community, facing extreme poverty, was forced into destructive practices such as illegal logging and mining in order to survive. Tribal elders wanted to protect their sacred forests but had no means to do so.

Today, that story is being rewritten. Trees for Days is supporting the Tribes and Nature Defenders project, which has mobilized over 200 local tribal farmers, 15 youth enthusiasts, and 5 women to physically restore Indigenous lands. Nurseries cultivating thousands of native and coffee trees are helping to restore biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods rooted in the protection of the forest itself.

For elders, this project represents a fight for “cultural nature survival," recognizing that the forest and the community cannot exist without one another.

Kenya: Combating the impact of drought and supporting Women-Owned Nurseries

In Kenya, Trees for Days is supporting the farming communities of Embu, who have been battling a persistent drought since 2024. With insufficient or late rains, agricultural productivity and food security are under constant threat.

Trees for Days has partnered with Trees for Kenya to develop agroforestry that directly impacts household health. Over 50,000 seedlings have been distributed to 523 farmers over the past 10 months, bringing the total number of trees grown to over 300,000 since the program's implementation in 2023. The program focuses on fruit trees (mangoes and avocado) and medicinal species, including Moringa Oleifera. Over 20,000 of these seedlings have been sourced from local women-owned nurseries, demonstrating another way tree growing can be a powerful engine in supporting female financial independence.

The impact: For the women running these nurseries, the income from seedling sales is pooled and used to provide loans to group members in need. Bella (aged 64) used her loan to support her household of seven, buying two hens, which now provide her family with fresh eggs and a new micro-income. Julia (aged 58) purchased a goat, which provided fresh milk and drastically improved the nutrition of her family’s daily meals.

Canada: Rebuilding the Ocean's "False Bottom"

When we think of deforestation, we rarely think of the ocean seabed, but the loss of underwater kelp forests in Canada has severely impacted marine biology and the traditional food system of local Indigenous communities. Trees for Days has partnered with Coastal Kelp, which includes the Tsawwassen First Nation, Nuchatlaht Tribe, and Lax Kw'alaams Band, working to restore marine ecosystems through an innovative “seaforestation” approach on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. By installing non-invasive moorings in areas previously unsuitable for kelp growth, they have created a ‘false-bottom’ and a brand new marine habitat, which has driven a staggering ecological bounce-back, with new species of kelp returning and the area being repopulated with scallops, oysters, shrimp, and rockfish.

The impact: 10% of all processed kelp is given back to members as community food products, and 10% of the fertilizer created is donated to community gardens

While planting trees is relatively easy, growing them and ensuring they deliver real, lasting benefits is far more complex. G Adventures and Trees For Days believe their community-driven approach will create the most benefits for people and the planet we love to travel.

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Images courtesy of G Adventures

$500M Update Brings Guest-Favorite Feature Across Holland America Line Fleet

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

Fans of the Grand Dutch Cafés onboard Holland America Line’s newest ships can look forward to finding this little piece of Netherlands culture and design onboard many more ships soon.

At the Seatrade industry cruise conference in Miami in April, Holland America Line’s president warned the media conference that the event was not a new ship announcement. But fans of the line still have plenty to celebrate.

As part of a half-billion-dollar, fleet-wide ‘Evolution,’ HAL is expanding the best of its newest, Pinnacle-class ships to other ships in six Vista and Signature-class ships.

Grand Dutch Cafés and More

Inspired by European café culture and rooted in the cruise line’s Dutch heritage, the Grand Dutch Café has become a signature venue and experience, with eye-catching, iconic Delft-blue and white ceramics, paint, and leather trim evoking the stepped rooflines of Amsterdam, and sweet and savory Dutch edibles that take guests from morning coffee through pre-dinner bites and drinks. The social hub on Deck 3 near the atrium in Pinnacle-class ships reflects the role cafés play in communities in the Netherlands and Europe… and have become favorite social hubs on Pinnacle-class ships.

On my last cruise, we went to the Grand Dutch Café twice daily! My friend who inexplicably loves pickled herring was thrilled! We aren’t the only people who want more Grand Dutch Café in our lives.

“Our guests have been very clear about what they love about our ships and what they want to see more of, and Holland America Evolution is our answer to that,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line at Seatrade, making the announcement.

While the signature Grand Dutch Cafe is the highest profile addition to ships during the biggest fleet revitalization in the cruise line’s 150+ year history, the line will also add other restaurant and bar options, and refresh and reinvent key guest spaces — including new stateroom and suite categories — while maintaining the spacious design and intimate ship feel guests associate with Holland America Line ships.

The first ship on the dry-dock list is the Oosterdam, whose renovations will debut in the fall of 2027. The schedule and plans for the remaining 5 ships in the Evolution plan – and how these extended drydocks will affect planned itineraries – will be announced soon. Impacted booked guests will be contacted directly.

New Staterooms and Suites – Including Solo Verandahs

Oosterdam will get 76 new staterooms while the line promised to preserve the “room at the rail” guests love. New and enhanced accommodations debuting on Oosterdam include:

NEW: Solo Verandahs: Thirty purpose-built staterooms created specifically for solo travelers. Each features a private balcony, dedicated workspace, and full Holland America Line amenities, responding to strong and growing guest demand.
When asked about the pricing of the new solo verandah staterooms at Seatrade, Bodensteiner revealed that pricing would be ‘dynamic’ based on demand. At the same time, she suggested that, while there were no plans to offer the staterooms without a single supplement, there would be savings compared to the 100% markup single travelers often encounter on cruise lines.
NEW: Bridgeview Suites: Two new suites offering sweeping 180-degree ocean views through panoramic windows at the forward part of the ship, with 900 square feet of space, a wraparound balcony, and separate living and sleeping areas.
Reimagined Pinnacle Suite: The most expansive suite ever introduced on a Vista Class ship, offering 1,550 square feet of refined living space with panoramic views, a private balcony, separate living room, powder room, bedroom, ensuite bath, and walk-in closet.
Vista Suites debut on Oosterdam: Twenty-four Vista Suites, familiar to guests who have sailed on Pinnacle Class ships, will be introduced on Oosterdam for the first time.

Sustainability Part of the Plan

Renovations focus on revitalizing the fleet while improving efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact: waste reduction and circular design, prioritizing upcycling and material reuse.

Media in attendance at the Seatrade conference received a gift bag that included this coaster, in true Grand Dutch Café style, made from upcycled carpet – just one example of the cruise line's upcycling and efficiency efforts.

The company is also investing in energy efficiency as part of the Evolution.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy

Tauck’s Women-Only European Small-Group Journeys for 2026

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

As solo and small-group travel among women continues to grow, Tauck is introducing three women-only departures in Europe for 2026, each operating as a Small Group journey and designed to foster connection, cultural immersion, and shared discovery. The special departures are to Ireland, Italy, and Portugal, with the lovely weather of early fall.

The women-only small groups are ideal for solo travelers looking for like-minded connections, but also many types of women: mothers and daughters marking a milestone, sister getaways, friends reuniting… these departures offer another layer—a built-in sense of ease, encouragement, and belonging.

Each of the three departures will be led by a female Tauck Director and is a Small Group journey, averaging between 20 and 24 guests, offering an intimate and supportive travel environment. The departures are scheduled consecutively in late September and October 2026, allowing guests the option to extend their travels across multiple journeys.

Guests will enjoy insider access and exclusive cultural experiences—from private estate lunches and vineyard tastings to elegant stays in historic castles and boutique hotels—alongside expert guides who reveal each destination’s hidden treasures. Whether indulging in regional cuisine and wine, connecting with local artisans, or sharing stories over a relaxed evening meal, the experience is crafted to create space for community, camaraderie, and authentic cultural immersion.

THE 2026 WOMEN-ONLY DEPARTURES

A Week In… Ireland, September 23:

An immersive journey through Ireland’s castles, coastlines, and cobblestone towns, this eight-day itinerary includes a two-night stay at 16th-century Dromoland Castle, visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle, a private recital at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and a hands-on cooking experience at Ballyknocken House. Time in Kinsale and Dublin invites exploration balanced with guided insight.

(From $7,890 USD per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

A Week In… Piedmont, October 1:

This indulgent retreat in Italy’s slow-food heartland features truffle hunting in the Langhe hills, a wine tasting lunch at Banca del Vino, an exclusive early opening visit to La Venaria Reale, and a chef-hosted cooking class. Stays include two nights at the historic Principi di Piemonte in Turin before continuing to Il Boscareto Resort & Spa, set amid the vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba, and concluding along Lake Maggiore at the iconic Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa.

(From $8,390 USD per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

A Week In… Portugal, October 10:

From Porto’s historic riverfront to Lisbon’s grand avenues, this journey blends wine traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and coastal charm. Highlights include a Port house tour and tasting in Porto, exploration of Coimbra and Évora, visits to Sintra and Cascais, and a private farewell dinner at the 18th-century Palácio de Queluz. Guests' stays include the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort near Óbidos, the restored 15th-century Convento do Espinheiro in Évora, and the elegant Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa.

(From $7,190 USD per person, double occupancy, plus airfare).

What’s Included

Included in the price of all three departures are

airport transfers,
hand-selected accommodations,
most meals,
exclusive access experiences and
expert local guides.

The 2026 women-only departures are open for booking with us.

More About Tauck:

Founded in 1925, Tauck has been family-owned for four generations. The company is a world leader in upscale guided travel, offering more than 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small-ship ocean cruises, and family travel adventures to 65+ countries and all seven continents.

Images courtesy of Tauck

Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for itinerary, date, and pricing details.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Alaska Cruise Edition)

Mon, 27 Apr 26 16:40:28 +0000

In Alaska, everyone can feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Even the one with the three bears! Wildlife watching opportunities – especially bear sightings – rank among the top reasons to take an Alaska cruise. And I’ve never known anyone to leave disappointed!

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE OF SOME OF OUR

FAVORITE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS ON A REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISE TO ALASKA

But how many different types of bears can you hope to see?

1. The American Black Bear

The most common, the smallest— and often the first bear travelers encounter — is the black bear. Widespread across Southeast Alaska, they thrive in the dense coastal rainforest that lines so many cruise routes.

‘Baby Bear’: Adults typically weigh between 200 and 600 pounds, with males on the higher end. They stand about 3 feet at the shoulder on all fours, but can reach 5 to 7 feet when upright. Compared to other Alaska bears, they’re compact — built for agility rather than dominance.

What's for dinner: Black bears are true opportunists. Their diet leans heavily towards vegetarian — berries, grasses, roots — supplemented with insects, shellfish, and the occasional salmon. You’ll often see them along shorelines at low tide, turning rocks with surprising dexterity. They’re also excellent climbers, frequently escaping danger (or napping) in trees.

Wow: Accessibility. In ports like Ketchikan and Sitka, black bears can appear startlingly close to town. It’s not uncommon to spot one from a roadside or harbor edge — a quintessential Alaska moment where wilderness and daily life blur.

That’s why some people joke that the easiest way to see a black bear is a local dumpster!

2. Brown Bears

Black bears are not uncommon in wild areas of other parts of the US and Canada. Brown bears – called grizzly bears inland – are much, much rarer in the ‘lower 48.’ So this is the bear most travelers come hoping to see — and for good reason. Brown bears are the heavyweight icons of Alaska wildlife and bear spotting.

“Mama Bear”: Coastal brown bears routinely weigh 600 to 1,200 pounds, with some exceptional males pushing beyond that. Standing upright, they can reach 8 to 10 feet tall. A pronounced shoulder hump — pure muscle used for digging and power — is their signature silhouette.

What's for dinner: While technically omnivores, coastal brown bears are protein-driven powerhouses. Salmon is the game-changer. During peak runs (late June through August), they consume staggering amounts — sometimes dozens of fish a day — prioritizing the fattiest parts to bulk up for hibernation. Earlier in the season, they graze on sedge grasses; later, they’ll add berries and carrion to the mix.

Wow: The fishing. Watching a thousand-pound bear stand in a rushing river and pluck a leaping salmon midair is one of North America’s great wildlife spectacles. Cruise excursions to places like Admiralty Island National Monument or Katmai National Park and Preserve deliver top opportunities to experience this natural theater.

3. The Kodiak Bear

Venture a little farther to get a chance to glimpse the only bear found nowhere else in the world except Alaska. Kodiak bears are a subspecies of brown bears isolated for thousands of years in the rich environment of the Kodiak archipelago, where they became super-sized versions of their cousins on the mainland.

“Papa Bear”: Among the largest bears on Earth, Kodiak bears often exceed mainland brown bears. Mature males commonly weigh 800 to 1,500 pounds, with rare individuals approaching 1,600 pounds. Standing height can exceed 10 feet. They are, quite simply, massive.

What's for dinner: Like other coastal brown bears, Kodiaks benefit from a nutrient-rich environment — abundant salmon, lush vegetation, and minimal competition. Their diet mirrors that of mainland coastal bears, but in an ecosystem that has allowed them to grow even larger over time, and breeding among the smaller, isolated population reinforces the gigantic genes.

Wow: Rarity and scale. Found only on the Kodiak Archipelago, they’re not part of most cruise itineraries. But for those on Gulf of Alaska routes, crossings via Kodiak to Asia — or willing to take a fly-out excursion — the reward is seeing one of the planet’s most powerful land mammals in a setting that feels truly remote.

Cruises: Alaska's Wilderness Safaris

What makes Alaska so compelling isn’t just that you can see three types of bears — it’s how naturally those encounters fit into a cruise. Ships provide access to remote coastlines and protected wilderness areas, while guided excursions handle the logistics and safety of getting you into bear habitat responsibly.

Timing matters. Salmon season dramatically improves your odds of seeing brown and Kodiak bears in action. But even outside those peak weeks, Alaska’s sheer abundance of wildlife means that bear sightings — especially black bears — are never out of the question.

What about Polar Bears?

Alaska is technically home to a fourth bear – one that’s on many soft adventure travelers’ bucket lists. But polar bears are truly Arctic bears, far beyond the reaches of Alaska cruises, which focus on the temperate coastal rainforest ecosystems of Alaska hundreds of miles south of polar bear country.

If polar bear sightings are your dream, an Arctic cruise - especially in Canada and Norway – offers some of the best chances to see the world’s largest bear and largest carnivore on Earth!

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Video and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Other images: Getty

Celebrity River Cruises Reveals Experiential Approach to Shore Excursions

Mon, 30 Mar 26 15:18:26 +0000

The hotly anticipated new river cruise line has shared how it’s planning to offer its guests a new way to experience the river communities of Europe when it debuts in 2027. Four curated categories of exclusive and included shore excursions reveal how guests will river cruise, Celebrity-style.

Local insiders lead the Storyteller Series and Skillmaster Series, while the Keys to the City Series gives guests the tech-driven power to explore on their own with insights curated to their own interests and passions. Available once per sailing, the Celebrity Takeover Series delivers one-of-a-kind, bespoke experiences.

The shore excursions are available across all 2027 and 2028 Celebrity River Cruises itineraries, and pre- and post-cruise stays in Prague, Budapest, and Amsterdam.

Storyteller Series: Included locally led experiences that go beyond what guidebooks can capture

Celebrity River Cruises' Storyteller Series offers experiences guided by residents, artists, and cultural insiders who call each destination home. Guests can choose from multiple included experiences at each port, each balancing iconic landmarks with hosts’ personal favorites and hidden stories only locals know. Here are a couple of examples:

Amsterdam

A canal captain will share Amsterdam's centuries-long relationship with water, showing guests an unseen side of the city’s iconic waterways. Guests will cruise hidden passages, through the eyes of someone with deep family ties to the region, as they admire the city’s oldest building, Oude Kerk, board a legendary Dutch trading ship, and learn about modern canal engineering.

Prague

Guests who enjoy discovering a city through food and drink will be led through the city’s rich brewing traditions by a local brewer. From the brewer’s unique perspective, guests will explore historic breweries like the bustling U Vejvodu Tavern, as well as beer-infused artisanal shops. Taking a journey that blends history and hospitality into every pour, the brewer will show guests how centuries-old recipes shaped the city’s culture of connection and celebration.

Skillmaster Series: Included, hands-on experiences invite guests to actively participate in local culture

Guests craft, cook, and create alongside the artisans and makers who shape each destination's cultural identity in shore excursions like these:

Budapest

A local Mamika (grandmother) will lead aspiring culinarians through generations-old Hungarian recipes from her own home kitchen. After selecting ingredients at the local Central Market Hall, guests will uncover dishes that bring Budapest’s soul to the table through Mamika’s treasured family recipes and cooking secrets.

Amsterdam

A local artist leads a painting class that immerses guests in Van Gogh's imagination. After exploring the famed painter’s works at the iconic Van Gogh Museum, guests will discover the settings that influenced some of his greatest pieces while learning some of the techniques he used to turn emotion into color and movement into meaning.

Keys to the City Series: Included independent digital discovery tools with complimentary behind-the-scenes access and stationed local hosts

Through an innovative digital platform, guests access curated route maps tailored to specific interests such as art, history, food, and architecture.

Interactive maps, audio guides, and video content lead guests off the beaten tourist path to interest-led locations, where stationed local hosts provide behind-the-scenes access and exclusive experiences at working studios and craft sites, creating moments of surprise and delight. For example:

Bratislava

Architecture enthusiasts will follow their curiosity to St. Martin’s Cathedral, hearing from a local historian who brings its coronation past to life, before hiking to Bratislava Castle to see how the fortress has watched centuries of change, then pausing beneath the modern span of the UFO Bridge with an architect who explains its bold vision.

Uncover the city’s authentic Slovak flavors from raising a glass in a traditional Slovak pub while a generational brewer pours his stories into every craft drop, to tasting delicate sweets in a family-run pastry shop where the baker shares recipes passed down through decades. Guests will curate their adventure, shaping their own path to uncover the stories of cities exactly as they choose.

Celebrity Takeover Series: Included one-of-a-kind experiences for bucket list memories

Once per sailing, these exclusive, bespoke experiences transform must-see European attractions and unassuming plazas into elevated private events available only to Celebrity River Cruises guests. Celebrity says these are “indulgent bucket-list experiences” designed to be the defining memory of your river cruise

Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays the Celebrity Way

Celebrity River Cruises guests can extend their journey with multi-day pre- and post-cruise stays that carry the same locally-led, small-group discovery philosophy as every sailing.

Available in Prague and Budapest beginning in 2027, and also Amsterdam in 2028, each stay includes daily small-group tours with local hosts, premium hotel accommodations, dedicated concierge service for dining reservations and private experiences, daily breakfast, and airport transfers.

The result is a seamless, end-to-end journey from arrival to departure with no gap between the onboard Celebrity River Cruises experience and the destination discovery that defines it.

Bookings for 2027 and 2028 pre- and post-cruise stays in Summer 2026 open, and all other destination experiences will open for booking in 2027. Celebrity River Cruises sailings are on sale now.

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Images: Celebrity River Cruises

The April Fools of Travel Destinations

Mon, 30 Mar 26 15:18:26 +0000

World travel is easier than ever. But it seems world geography is not! Some destinations remain stubbornly — and even hilariously — confused by travelers, media, and even governments. The result is a mix of comedy, branding opportunity, and unsuspecting travelers finding themselves in the wrong place.

In some cases, people simply don’t know the difference, and it’s a case of mistaken identity and some embarrassing social media posts. Others are tiny spelling errors that have landed travelers on the opposite side of the world from where they expected to be. There are cities, countries, and regions that regularly get confused.

Admit it: even an intelligent and savvy traveler like you gets some of these destinations mixed up!

So what better time than April Fools to run through the hit parade of trickster travel destinations?

Australia or Austria?

Australia and Austria are as different as two countries can be. And in different hemispheres!

Australia is a young, vast, sun-drenched country defined by distance—beaches, reef systems, and cities like Sydney that feel plugged into the Pacific. It’s long-haul, laid-back, and larger-than-life.

Old World Austria is compact, landlocked, and classically European—Alpine peaks, imperial history, and cultural heavyweights like Vienna and Salzburg.

Yet their confusion is so persistent that Austria’s tourism board leaned into it with the now-famous line: “No Kangaroos in Austria!”

Sweden or Switzerland?

This is possibly the most politely awkward confusion in global travel.

So common, in fact, that Visit Sweden launched an entire campaign to address it—complete with a straight-faced “negotiation” video proposing a formal division of national identities.

The messaging is brilliantly deadpan:

Switzerland has banks; Sweden has sandbanks

Switzerland has yodelling; Sweden has a silent nature

The Swiss keep the watches; the Swedes offer the luxury of forgetting about time

It’s funny because it’s true. The confusion shows up in headlines, speeches, and travel plans more often than any half-experienced traveler would like to admit.

Grenada or Granada?

“Tomayto”, “Tomahto.” Grenayda, Granahda. Two destinations thousands of miles apart, and cultural worlds apart.

Grenada is a Caribbean island nation where there’s nutmeg in the air, rainforest spilling into the sea, and long, languid afternoons on Grand Anse. It’s called the “Spice Island” for a reason.

Granada, on the other hand, is a city in Spain: Moorish palaces, tapas culture, and the architectural marvel of the Alhambra rising above the city like a mirage.

One is barefoot, the other is baroque.

Dominica or Dominican Republic?

This is less a mix-up and more a recurring travel identity crisis. They’re both countries, and both in the Caribbean. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Dominica (dom-in-EE-ka) is volcanic, rainforest-thick, and defiantly underdeveloped. You go here to hike, to soak in hot springs, to earn your cocktail off the beaten track. You have to work a little harder to vacation in Dominica. You won’t find direct flights from North America. Instead, you connect on Island Hopper Airlines through regional hubs like Barbados, San Juan, and St. Lucia.

The Dominican Republic is a hub. It’s one of the Caribbean’s largest countries and most popular beach resort destinations —built for sun-seeking travelers, with resort areas like Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, and a rich colonial history in Santo Domingo. All-inclusive resorts line the country’s beaches, and airlines and packaged tour operators serve the country well.

Slovakia or Slovenia?

Here’s a quick test: can you place these two Central European countries on a map?

Slovakia and Slovenia don’t just sound similar—they both fly under the radar of popular European travel destinations, so they’ve gotten used to handling the non-stop cases of mistaken identity.

Embassies have long reported receiving each other’s diplomatic pouches. Invitations to official events have arrived in the wrong capital. Trade documents, cultural exchanges, even the occasional VIP correspondence—misaddressed, misrouted, and then, very politely, forwarded along. The postal services of the two countries meet regularly to exchange misaddressed mail!

Meanwhile, the destinations themselves couldn’t be more distinct. Slovakia leans into its Danube River culture, castles, and Carpathian drama; Slovenia into alpine lakes and storybook perfection—hello, Lake Bled.

Baltics or Balkans?

This one is a classic travel-writer slip—and a reminder that “similar-sounding” regions are not all created equal.

The Baltics are the three countries on northeastern Europe’s Baltic Sea coast: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They share a common history shaped by Northern and Eastern Europe and are today known for compact capitals, medieval old towns, and a blend of Nordic and Eastern European influences. Cool, composed, and increasingly design-forward. Think Tallinn’s medieval perfection, Riga’s Art Nouveau swagger.

The Balkans refer to a broader region in southeastern Europe that includes countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The region is culturally diverse, shaped by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian histories, and ranges from Adriatic coastlines to inland mountains. Sunshine and history weave through a tangle of cultures that stretch across southeastern Europe, from Adriatic coastlines to inland capitals shaped by empires.

Same opening syllable. Entirely different narratives.

The Moral of the Story

It always happens to someone else you can laugh at - until it’s you landing in the wrong country. Even the most seasoned travelers can be tripped up by a familiar-sounding place and a hastily confirmed booking.

Work with an expert travel advisor, and always double-check your travel documents.

Happy April Fool’s Day… and

START YOUR TRIP (TO THE RIGHT DESTINATION!)

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Images: Getty

“Modular” Itineraries from Riverside Luxury Cruises Allow you to Build Your Best Trip

Mon, 30 Mar 26 15:18:26 +0000

Rather than sticking to the classic, week or 10-day river cruise format, Riverside Luxury Cruises is making waves with its “modular” cruises. The goal is to give guests more flexibility, freedom, and choice – a “Build a Cruise” approach to European river cruising.

Here’s how it works:

Riverside offers sailings of three, four, and five nights that can easily be added to other vacation plans along with the classic seven-night itineraries. Longer sailings are also available, ranging from 10 all the way to 23 nights.

Now, we can help you tailor your river cruise by sailing length, departure days, and embarkation cities that best suit your personal plans and easily combine land vacations with an amazing luxury sojourn on some of Europe’s best rivers.

WATCH VIDEO, TOP: TOUR RIVERSIDE MOZART,

ONE OF THE LARGEST RIVER CRUISE SHIPS IN EUROPE

The approach also opens a wider range of embarkation and debarkation possibilities along Europe’s rivers. On the Danube, for example, travelers can choose itineraries that begin or end in cities such as Vienna, Budapest, or Passau, including round-trip sailings from Vienna—an option not commonly offered in traditional river cruise programming.

Because Riverside sailings operate on a variety of departure days throughout the week, travelers are not limited to the standard Saturday-to-Saturday cruise schedule. That opens up more flexibility in flight dates, too.

ASK US HOW YOU CAN PLAN A RIVER CRUISE THAT FITS YOU, NOT THE CALENDAR!

Sample itineraries

A short exploration of the South of France | Scenes of Southern France With Rhône Delta | 4 days/3 nights | Departures from April to October 2026
A grand tour of Europe’s rivers | Three Rivers: Rhine and Main With Upper & Lower Danube | 18 days/17 nights | Departs May 6, 2026, and Sept 2, 2026
A Vienna-to-Vienna roundtrip | Danube Serenade: Iconic Capitals & Wachau Valley | 8 days/7 nights | Departures from April to November 2026

WATCH VIDEO HERE: GET A ‘TASTE’ OF

RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES’ AWARD-WINNING DINING

More About Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe’s newest and most luxurious river cruise line, offering distinctive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers. The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and Riverside Debussy offer the largest average suite size, all with king-size beds, the highest staff-to-guest ratio, and up to five onboard restaurants. Guests can choose active tours from a menu of Riverside Choice excursions; take out a pedal- or e-bike, stored on board, for self-guided exploration; and bask in a rejuvenating treatment in the onboard FEHI Spa. On all itineraries, the ships stay late or overnight in some of Europe’s most captivating towns and cities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the destination’s culture and social life. Throughout, every member of Riverside’s exceptional staff and crew delivers intuitive, personalized service for an all-inclusive, luxurious experience.

On board, guests enjoy butler service in every suite; gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, fresh ingredients a la minute; premium wines and spirits included; complimentary StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; unlimited shore excursions to immerse in Europe’s history, cultures, and landmarks; prepaid gratuities; and complimentary ground transfers.

Despite its status as a newcomer in river cruising, it’s already stacking up awards:

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for 2024,
Cruise Critic’s 2023, 2024, and 2025 Editors’ Pick Award for Best Dining in the River Category and
Best River Cruise Line for Luxury in 2025.

*** Images courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises

*** Video: Best Trip TV

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, pricing, and date details.

Discovering the Future of Wellness Travel in Sweden

Mon, 30 Mar 26 15:18:26 +0000

Recently in Sweden, I experienced ancient wellness practices intertwined with new science and artistic sensibilities. In many ways, Sweden wrote the book on wellness as a way of life and a travel destination. And my stays at two sister hotels in Stockholm proved the country is in the vanguard of redefining wellness travel again.

In case you missed it, in 2025, Sweden became the first country where doctors can prescribe travel for wellness. The global leader in quality of life, renowned for its thousands-year-old sauna culture, is an inspiration for wellness lifestyle – and a beacon for wellness travelers… and now this:

The “Swedish Prescription”

In a wellness ‘first,’ Sweden has become the first country where patients can download a medical referral form to take to their physician for wellness travel to the country!

The Swedish Prescription isn’t a marketing gimmick. The program is rooted in deeply-held Swedish beliefs and practices, like

‘fika:’ social rituals of connecting with loved ones;
‘lagom,’ or achieving balance, moderation, and sustainability in your way of life;
love of getting outdoors, no matter what the weather, and of course,
sauna and thermal hot/cold practices,

all of which combine to create meaningful and scientifically supported health benefits.

Hagastrand and Hotel J: Beyond the Spa Hotel

All that said, why would anyone go to Sweden in the winter, far enough north that the sun rises after 8 am and sets mid-afternoon?

I went to spend a week immersed in the wellness experiences at 2 of Stockholm's Nobis Hospitality Group hotels: Hagastrand and Hotel J.

The company has set a new gold standard for wellness travel, following a three-year renovation program, masterminded by Alla Sokolova, its Head of Wellness.

“I think every human being has an innate wish to be in their best form,” she explained to me. Her vision for the wellness program at the hotels is for a stay there to be part of a “never-ending learning journey” to help create winning conditions for guests to achieve their maximum performance, their best selves.

HAGASTRAND SPA AND HOTEL

When it re-opened in Fall, 2025 as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Hagastrand Spa and Hotel was already billing itself as a “new social wellness destination” in Sweden’s capital. A post-modern building attached to a historic military barracks in the quiet, seaside location of Stockholm’s Royal Park, Hagastrand re-launched with a 27,000 square foot, cutting-edge wellness center with some practices that are the first of their kind.

If you’re imagining a clinical, white-jacketed, James Bond-style European health retreat, think again. Instead, Hagastrand offers warmth, along with a masterful and welcoming blend of ancient practices and advanced therapies, including modern technologies that deliver wellness experiences to guests in one-of-a-kind ways, all under one roof.

There’s also a focus on music, “a universal language” that “everyone can relate to,” Alla adds.

“Tuning our bodies and our minds,” as she puts it.

Hagastrand’s facilities incorporate both traditional Nordic and international wellness practices, as well as sensory design and the newer concept of ‘biohacking.’

Along with treatment rooms and private suites you expect to find in a spa or wellness center, Hagastrand’s includes:

Underwater therapeutic music in its 18-meter indoor pool;
A Thermal center, with multiple saunas, including herbal and hammam, and also:
- Sweden’s first "Event Sauna," one of the few in the world, for up to 60 guests. As an ‘event,’ one of Hagastrand’s trained sauna masters invites guests in the wellness center to join them in a paced series of rituals where the sauna master employs herbs, music, infused ice, and spoken word to lead guests through a wellness journey that changes every time.
- Scandinavia's largest snow room for cryotherapy
Experience showers, red light therapy, and neuro-acoustic massage loungers.
Gongs, handmade in Italy, including a giant (as tall as a person) gong at the end of the pool played by hand by sauna masters, and
- in the ‘Gongmatic’ room (pictured, top), a ‘self-playing’ gong – also the first in the Nordic countries – which plays in timed performances as guests lie on warm ceramic lounge beds. The audio art installation immerses guests in vibrations and invites them to embark on a meditative journey.
Cardi suit – like a giant diving dry suit with hands and feet, except that a therapist fills this suit with carbon dioxide. The therapy increases blood flow to the cells, resulting in improved oxygen delivery, performance, and rest. Cardi suits are already used extensively by high-performance athletes, but are rarely available to the wellness-seeking public – including me!

The state-of-the-art wellness experiences flow harmoniously with the new versions of familiar practices and are woven seamlessly into a hotel stay that includes warmly Nordic accommodations, stylish bars, and a fine dining restaurant (no restricted, seaweed smoothie diet here unless you wish!) that even drew a member of the Swedish Royal Family while we were dining one evening.

HOTEL J

Sister property Hotel J draws inspiration from its location on the Stockholm archipelago in a Newport, Rhode Island-type neighborhood of illustrious and historic seaside homes.

The nautical and natural themes run deep, from stunning water views and terraces overlooking the sea, extensive gardens that are not just visual but also harvested for wellness herbs and botanicals, and, of course, its wellness offering.

Hotel J’s Sauna by the Sea is a ritual all the more memorable for its location in the Panorama Sauna perched on rocks rising from the waves. The sauna itself is on the second story, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the perfect vantage point over the sea to become part of your herbal-infused sauna ritual. And a cold plunge into a wintery sea is just steps out the door to conclude your authentic Swedish sauna!

But we also got off property, accompanied by ‘nature therapist’ Lisen Sundgren, who took us on a Swedish interpretation of that famous Japanese wellness practice, ‘forest bathing.’ During a walk in a nature reserve next door in the twilight, where dimming sight helped sharpen our other senses as we were guided to literally feel, hear, and smell the woods. We ended up on a rocky lookout over the sea and the lights of Stockholm on the opposite side of the archipelago, sipping her homemade Swedish rosehip soup and communing by the mystical twinkles of lamp light.

SANCTUM

From the primal forest… to a wellness rave!

In another ‘first,’ Hagastrand and Hotel J’s parent company has introduced ‘Sanctum’ to the Nordics as part of its wellness experience offering. We were invited to the launch party at the Nobis Hospitality Group’s event space at the Stockholm Opera House.

Sanctum hosts these ‘wellness raves’ around the world for a growing community drawn to the euphoric release of its hour-long, high-intensity, music-led 55-minute sessions that combine HIIT, Kundalini yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Ours in Stockholm was candle-lit in the awe-inspiring historic surroundings… in complete silence, with sound healing, music, and guidance delivered through headphones.

***

Embracing the widest interpretations of wellness lived through ancient traditions, Nature, technology, art, and the most welcoming Scandinavian culture and lifestyle… these Swedish hotels are setting the stage for a new global approach to wellness travel.

The Nobis Hospitality Group’s founder gives all the credit for the hotels’ pioneering wellness journeys to Head of Wellness Alla Sokolova – a risk, but a calculated one, with a simple foundation of beauty and hospitality.

“Everybody today is talking about longevity and all these things, and sometimes it's too much,” Alessandro Catenacci, owner and CEO of the family-owned Nobis Hospitality Group, told me.

“I hate the word ‘trend.’”

He acknowledges that the groundbreaking wellness offerings of the two hotels are “a new thing for us,” but “things are not so complicated usually if you do it in the right way.” He points out that wellness practices are a natural way of life for Swedes.

“We are a sauna family.

“And this is very important because you, you can't go on doing things if you don't like that. I love it, really.”

Hagastrand and Hotel J may be on the leading edge. But advanced wellness experiences for travel are no longer a novel trend.

As more travelers intentionally incorporate their wellness practices from home into their travels to new destinations, and expand their wellness horizons while traveling, wellness hospitality will take the lead from Hagastrand and Hotel J in helping us discover the destinations’ best experiences to hone our mental, physical, and spiritual health.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images and story by: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Why is it Called ‘Easter’ Island?

Mon, 30 Mar 26 15:18:26 +0000

You likely already know that’s a trick question. This tiny dot in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, but technically a territory of Chile, is actually properly called Rapa Nui.

The world over, Easter Island has been synonymous with exotic mysteries of an impossibly distant, long-lost civilization and mind-boggling human endeavor.

It may be the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Only a few thousand people live on this remnant of oceanic volcanoes sticking out of the sea, and that's the first miracle itself. The closest inhabited island is 1300 miles away (Pitcairn Island with only 50 people), and the nearest continental point is Chile, over 2000 miles away. Local tales say a 2-canoe Polynesian expedition around AD 700 was the start of Rapa Nui's extraordinary story.

Today, Easter Island is on the map as one of the corners of the millions of square miles of the Pacific Ocean known as Polynesia – the other corners for easy reference are Hawai’I and New Zealand. And it’s on the map of global travelers who want to come face to face with the island's nearly 1000 moai at its UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monuments to the Past

These stately, solemn statues were carved during a 500-year period in the island's history, beginning a thousand years ago. The moai share artistic characteristics with Polynesian carvings, confirming the origin tale of the Rapa Nui people. Chiseled with only stone tools out of volcanic rock in the 'quarry' of an extinct volcano, each statue took a team of half a dozen artisans about a year to complete. The largest is over 30 feet long and weighs 90 tons. They were an incredible feat of creativity, production, and organization.

You probably think of them as 'Easter Island heads'. But the moai actually have torsos, and some even have complete lower bodies; they were just buried up to their necks over the centuries by shifting sands.

These monumental statues represented deceased ancestors. And only about a quarter were originally installed; others were left in the quarry or remained en route to their intended locations. All but 7 faced inland, the spirits of the deceased 'watching over' the living and their lands. The 7 facing the sea stood as wayfinders for seafarers.

Many moai were toppled after the mysterious collapse of the Rapa Nui society in the 19th century. In recent decades, local and international efforts have restored and re-mounted a number of moai. This dot on a map in Chilean Polynesia still seems as awe-inspiring and as full of hidden secrets as when explorers first arrived.

Timing is Everything

Which brings us to: Why is it called Easter Island? The Dutch explorer who was the island's first-recorded European visitor arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722 – he came upon it while searching for another island. (He must have been pretty lost!) So 'Easter Island' it was dubbed, and its current official Spanish name in Chile is still Isla de Pascua, while its Polynesian name is Rapa Nui, in the local language: the 'naval of the world'.

There's more to Rapa Nui than the silent witness of the moai to the island's past. Visitors experience the local version of Polynesian culture, explore pink-sand beaches, caverns, and dive sites, cycle, hike, or ride horses across prairies and volcanic hillsides, and even surf on those waves so distant from other shores.

How to get there? You can fly from both Chile and Tahiti, participate in tour packages offered by expedition and exotic travel experts, arrive by small or expedition cruise ship, or by private yacht.

There may be nowhere else in the world where a traveler can feel the greatness of human achievement and small in the face of a culture so far across the waves.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert.

Images: Getty

Top 10 Souvenirs from the French Riviera

Fri, 23 Jan 26 21:04:56 +0000

France’s legendary Côte d’Azur has long been a fabled coastline of sunshine, glamour, and the good life in true French and Mediterranean style. It’s irresistible! And of course, you’re going to want to bring some of it home as gifts or ways to re-live your vacation in one of the original chic holiday destinations.

From pastel fishing villages to seaside promenades, Roman roads to Provencal markets, yacht harbors to turreted castles and maritime forts, the French Riviera landscapes blend sea, sun, herbs, vines and stone.

We cruised in true French Riviera fashion aboard the luxury yacht Scenic Eclipse during the exquisite early summer months, gliding into historic ports alongside private yachts in truly authentic Côte d’Azur style.

Scenic Eclipse in good company among other yachts in port in Monte Carlo

French fashion houses in Saint Tropez

’m a big fan of experiences over ‘stuff,’ so my souvenir list is heavy on things you can use, consume… and share as you break bread with those you cherish, not things that you’ll have to dust!

Olive Oil

Ranging in color from green to gold, Riviera olive oil reflects sun-drenched terraces and ancient groves clinging to rocky hills above the sea. Smooth yet peppery, fresh, cold-pressed virgin olive oil captures Mediterranean light, limestone soils, and the essence of Provençal flavor. Olive cultivation here dates back to Roman times, making oil one of the region’s oldest and most essential food traditions. For an extra touch of luxe, splurge on genuine, truffle-infused olive oil!

Lavender

Lavender is another irrepressible visual of the South of France: pale violet fields rippling in warm summer breezes under Provencal sun. Renowned as a calming scent, lavender has been used for medicine, perfume, cuisine and more. Lavender became a symbol of Provençal life long before visitors made it an essential souvenir of any trip to the region, in the form of dried blooms, oils, drawer sachets and more.

Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence are the aromatic harvest of the Riviera’s scrubby hillsides: thyme, rosemary, oregano warmed by its endless sun, amplified by the region’s pale rocks. Originally collected from the wild, they evoke the essential flavors of Provence, and sun-dried herbs enhance mouth-watering cheeses, olive oil, fish, salads and veg. Up your grilling game with some herbes de Provence and become the envy of the neighborhood.

Herb and lavender vendor at the tres chic outdoor market in Saint-Tropez

Fleur de Sel and Sel de Camargue

Hand-harvested fleur de sel mirrors the Riviera’s intimacy with the sea. Delicate crystals form on sun-warmed salt pans, capturing mineral brightness and coastal breezes. Once more valuable than gold in antiquity, sea salt underpinned Mediterranean trade and preservation for centuries.

Sel de Camargue is an even more specialized salt from the marshes of the delta draining from the South of France into the Mediterranean Sea, a unique ecosystem inhabited by pink flamingos and wild black horses. Pink salt flats are kissed by the winds of the “Mistral” and result in a moist and mineral-rich, iconic component of Riviera cooking rooted in seafood and vegetables.

Foie Gras de Canard / Terrine de Canard

Foie gras and duck terrines reflect the Riviera’s celebratory side—festive tables, long lunches, and aperitifs overlooking the sea. Though originating inland, these dishes became staples of French festive culture, symbolizing hospitality, abundance, and ceremonial meals you’ll want to bring home, safely canned, for your next cocktail party/ charcuterie board for that authentic flavor of France.

Tins of Sardines

Sardines are the iconic dish of humble fishing villages – even now, these destinations have become magnets for travelers seeking a French Riviera lifestyle. Preserved in olive oil, sardines embody coastal thrift, nutrition, and tradition, served simply on fresh bread, sometimes with ripe tomatoes – and always wine! The 19th century brought canning, and soon after, in the French way, decorative and collectible sardine tins or ‘boites’ that often line the walls of simple seaside bars and restaurants.

Wine

Of France’s many diverse wine regions, Riviera wines reflect sunlit slopes above the sea, producing fresh rosés, whites, and light reds shaped by maritime breezes and rocky hillsides. Often enjoyed chilled – ideal for an afternoon on the deck of your yacht or at a seaside café, they mirror the region’s relaxed aperitif culture and seafood-forward cuisine.

Calissons

Don’t forget to bring home the sweet side of the French Riviera! Calissons—rounded diamond-shaped sweets of almond, candied fruit, and icing—are Provence’s answer to almond paste/ marzipan, lightened and scented with summery fruits like melon. Traditionally associated with weddings and religious celebrations, calissons date back to the 15th century. Just one at the end of a meal transports you to the sunny markets of the region.

Marseille Soap

Marseille-style soap dates to the Middle Ages, when olive oil soaps became regulated and prized across Europe for their purity and delicate scents of local flowers and herbs. Now, as then, they are a refined and indulgent element to add to cleansing rituals and everyday life.

Perfume

This souvenir is maybe the most personal and the least about sharing – well, maybe you share it by wearing it for that special someone. Perfume from Grasse, in the hills above the Riviera, is the world capital of perfume. With its origins in the 17th century, and still surrounded by fields of rose, jasmine, and orange blossoms used as precious ingredients in some of the world’s most famous and treasured scents, perfume from Grasse remains one of the most special gifts you can give yourself. You can even learn to make your own signature scent!

I even got to meet a perfume rose farmer and help with the harvest!

START YOUR TRIP!

Photos and Story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel expert and journalist.

Windstar Debuts First of a New Class of Ships: Star Seeker

Fri, 23 Jan 26 21:04:56 +0000

Small-ship cruise line Windstar has christened the first newbuild ship to join its fleet. Star Seeker represents a new class of ships and a new era for the small-ship cruise line, which is already looking forward to the ship’s twin, Star Explorer, to expand its fleet even more.

Star Seeker’s Debut in 2026

Star Seeker is home to just 224 guests and crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark style—intimate, immersive, and effortlessly elegant. It features 112 beautifully appointed accommodations—most featuring private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows, including two new aft-facing Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies.

Designed for comfort and elegance, suites include walk-in mosaic glass showers, fully stocked mini-bars, and premium amenities in top-tier categories.

Onboard, guests can enjoy

five included dining venues,
a full-service spa with a dramatic two-deck entrance, and
a reimagined Marina with direct ocean access.

Windstar Cruises debuted its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, with a splash at its Miami Christening Event on January 15th. Following the ceremony, Star Seeker departed on an 8-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands.

In 2026, Star Seeker will explore the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Japan and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on immersive travel in Thailand and Vietnam.

In 2027, Star Seeker will revisit Alaska — with itineraries like 7-Day Scenic Alaska and 10-Day Alaskan Splendor— and Japan with its 10-Day Grand Japan itinerary, the introduction of a new Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, and the addition of a brand-new Mystery Cruise.

Up Next: Star Explorer

Star Explorer, the sister ship to Star Seeker, debuts in December 2026, bringing Windstar’s signature small-ship style to some of Europe’s most captivating, and hard-to-reach, destinations year-round.

Carrying just 224 guests, Star Explorer is designed to sail where larger ships simply can’t, gliding into river ports and city centers like London on the Thames, Bordeaux, Rouen, and Caen, while also exploring the British Isles, Ireland, the Baltics, Norway’s fjords, France, Northern Spain, and Portugal.

Her itineraries are deeply immersive and port-intensive, with longer stays and overnights in destinations such as Stockholm, Tallinn, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, plus Windstar firsts like Puerto Banús, the marina gateway to Marbella.

On board, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined—mirroring Star Seeker—with 112 spacious suites, many with either private verandas or infinity windows, including two new Horizon Owner’s Suites, World Spa by Windstar, and Windstar favorites like Yacht Club Café, Basil + Bamboo, Amphora, and the signature Marina with complimentary watersports, open dining, and a warm, attentive crew.

New Ships, New Era, Same Windstar Warmth

The two new ships will bring the Windstar fleet up to 8. In addition to the new Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six intimate ships, split between three classic sailing yachts (Wind Class) and three all-suite motor yachts (Star Class). Both styles – wind or modern small-ship cruising – allow Windstar guests access to smaller ports and off-the-beaten-path cruise destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Tahiti, Europe and the Panama Canal.

The Windstar Fleet:

NEW Star Seeker
Wind Class (Sailing Yachts): These are traditional sailing yachts with sails, offering a romantic maritime experience, with capacities for around 148 guests.
Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Wind Surf (the largest sailing yacht in the world).
Star Class (All-Suite Yachts): These power yachts feature larger suites and modern amenities, with capacities from 212 to 310 guests after renovations.
Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises

World’s Best Airports for Smart Tech – Where Does Yours Rank?

Fri, 23 Jan 26 21:04:56 +0000

Technology is “no longer a luxury, but the very pulse of global aviation.” Many lists have ranked airports by wait times, missing luggage, and even wellness experiences. Still, a new one evaluates the world’s airports by how they incorporate artificial intelligence, biometrics, digitalization, automation, sustainability-driven smart systems and more as core operational infrastructure – transforming and improving your journeys.

The 50 Best Airports in the World for 2026 from travel trade publication Travel and Tour World traces how aviation hubs are “meeting the high-performance demands” of today’s travelers, from digital nomads to occasional travelers who expect all the efficiencies of Gen Z technology.

"Crucially, sustainability is no longer a parallel initiative but a core outcome of these smart designs,” the study’s authors say, meaning we can have our cake and eat it too, when it comes to traveling more smoothly and reducing the impact on the planet.

TTW used the experiences of 15 million users to define the new gold standard for technology in airports.

So, Where are the Top Global Smart Airports?

These airports have achieved the highest rankings for embedding artificial intelligence, biometrics, automation, digital twins, and real-time data intelligence across passenger journeys, airside and landside operations, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Four North American airports made the global top 10, and 14 of the 50-airport ranking.

Do your flights into and out of these airports match these findings?

Dubai International (DXB) Middle East
Singapore Changi (SIN) Asia-Pacific
San Francisco International (SFO) North America
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) North America
London Heathrow (LHR) Europe
Vancouver International (YVR) North America
Istanbul Airport (IST) Europe / Eurasia
Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) North America
Doha Hamad International (DOH) Middle East
Seoul Incheon (ICN) Asia-Pacific
Tokyo Haneda (HND) Asia-Pacific
Los Angeles International (LAX) North America
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Europe
Cape Town International (CPT) Africa
Bengaluru Kempegowda International (BLR) Asia-Pacific
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Europe
Orlando International (MCO) North America
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) North America
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Asia-Pacific
Tokyo Narita (NRT) Asia-Pacific
New York JFK (JFK) North America
Berlin Brandenburg (BER) Europe
Munich Airport (MUC) Europe
Miami International (MIA) North America
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) Asia-Pacific
Denver International (DEN) North America
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) North America
Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) Asia-Pacific
Brussels Airport (BRU) Europe
Hong Kong International (HKG) Asia-Pacific
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) Europe
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Europe
Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) Europe
Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH) Middle East
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) Australia / Oceania
Zurich Airport (ZRH) Europe
Madrid Barajas (MAD) Europe
Vienna International (VIE) Europe
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) North America
Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) Europe
Barcelona El Prat (BCN) Europe
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Europe
San Jose Mineta (SJC) North America
Washington Reagan National (DCA) North America
Milan Malpensa (MXP) Europe
Riyadh King Khalid (RUH) Middle East
Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) Asia-Pacific
Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) Europe
Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) Asia-Pacific
Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) North America

According to the report, these airports represent the most advanced, end-to-end smart airport ecosystems in operation today.

From biometric-enabled passenger journeys and AI-driven air traffic coordination to digital twins and autonomous systems, the airports featured in this year's list are shaping the future of your flying experiences around the world through capacity optimization, passenger satisfaction, and environmental performance.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: FRA and YYZ; courtesy of Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert

Discover Your Inner Sailor in St. Maarten

Fri, 23 Jan 26 21:04:56 +0000

If you love the sounds of sails snapping in the tropical breeze, St. Maarten stands out with two iconic ways to discover your inner sailor: the largest regatta in the Caribbean, and the year-round, hands-on 12-Metre Challenge racing experience even landlubbers can win – and which has been voted the #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for 15 years!

At just 37 square miles, St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations – The French northern part, which is St. Martin, and the Dutch Southern part, which is St. Maarten – creating a destination with European charm and Caribbean flair. 37 beaches mean there’s always water nearby – and it’s one of the sailing capitals of the world.

Annual Regatta: “Serious Fun”

Sailors and spectators come from around the world to St. Maarten’s annual regatta (pictured below). It’s not only the biggest in the region, but it’s also among the world’s leading warm-water races, with a fleet of international competitors that provide fierce competition. 2026 marks the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and takes place March 5 - 8, 2026.

Over 20,000 visitors gather every year on the island. In addition to recreational sailors and live-aboard cruisers, Olympic medalists, world champions, and charter crews from more than 37 countries join the exciting mix.

Racing takes place across multiple classes: Maxis, Performance Multihulls, monohulls, non-spinnaker cruising boats, bareboats, and the relaxed Island Time class. Courses mix windward-leeward and coastal races, giving competitive classes a chance to tackle up to eight races over four days while cruisers enjoy scenic, less demanding routes.

Participation is open to all – in addition to registering a team of their own, enthusiasts can charter a boat to race locally or even join an existing crew.

Is spectating more your speed? Get close to the action aboard the Official Spectator Boat, which even serves breakfast, lunch, and an open bar!

Often described as “Serious Fun,” the regatta is as much about the shared sailing and shore experience as it is about the competition. While the on-water competition delivers fast, exciting sailing by day, the energy continues each evening at the regatta village in Simpson Bay Lagoon. Open to sailors and non-sailors alike, the Village is the heart of the event’s shoreside festivities, featuring live music, prizes, local and international cuisine, and a lively Caribbean atmosphere with regional and international artists.

12-Metre Challenge: Year-Round Sailboat Racing Even for Amateurs

Even if you miss the island’s once-a-year regatta, and you’ve never been on a sailboat before in your life! You can step – or sail – directly into sailing and sporting history on St. Maarten’s 12-Metre Challenge (pictured, top) any time of the year.

This is not a sailing lesson or a relaxing cruise—it’s an all-hands-on-deck race aboard authentic 12-Metre yachts, the sleek, powerful vessels that once defined the golden era of the America’s Cup racing series.

Participants are divided between 12-Metre yachts and assigned a crew task in a friendly but exhilarating race. Professional skippers and crew handle navigation and safety, while participants get into action—grinding winches, trimming sails, and responding to the captain’s commands as the boats race against each other on a course on St. Maarten’s turquoise Caribbean water.

By the end of the race, no matter whether you’ve crewed the winning or losing America’s Cup yacht in the 12-Metre Challenge, you’ve actually participated in an authentic, thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime yacht race. And you leave St. Maarten with hard-to-beat bragging rights. You can tell all your friends, “I raced an America’s Cup yacht.”

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Top image: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Second image as credited.

Welcome Wave Season and Save!

Fri, 09 Jan 26 20:28:28 +0000

'Tis the season for cruise travelers to save! Wave Season is that time of year when cruise lines roll out wave after wave of promotions, perks, and irresistible offers. They’re all competing to capture your attention… which means you get the chance to save, spoil yourself a little, and maybe even try a whole new style of cruising.

Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel expert and journalist, shares tips for navigating Wave Season.

Tips for Charting the Course for Wave Season

Timing is everything. Wave season has no ‘official’ beginning or end. Watch for offers beginning in January, running into February, and sometimes even into March.
But don’t wait to do your homework and book – to get the best deals, and your top choice of dates, itineraries, ships and even staterooms or suites – booking early is your best bet.
With so many discounts, bundles, and “limited-time offers,” it’s important to understand what each one really means — and how they compare. Not every deal is created equal, and the best choice is always the one that fits you and the way you like to travel.
Work with an expert travel advisor – this is where they earn their stripes. They’ll help you decode the fine print, compare apples to apples, and maximize your cruise dollars.

Here are some of the most common Wave Season incentives — and some insights into making them work for you:

Straight-Up Discounts

Per person vs. per stateroom:
Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy. So, $1,000 off per person means $2,000 off the cabin — but $1,000 off per stateroom works out to $500 per person. Small detail, big difference.
Solo travelers:
Wave Season can be your moment. Single supplements are sometimes reduced — or even waived — meaning you’re not paying the usual “double” to cruise alone.
BOGO / 2-for-1 fares:
These can be great, but compare to regular fares on similar cruise lines to see if you’re actually getting twice the value… or if it’s just clever marketing.
3rd / 4th guests or “Kids Sail Free”:
Fantastic for families — often on family-focused cruise lines. Just remember: it usually applies to guests sharing the same stateroom, so be prepared to get cozy!
Reduced deposits:
Lower deposits don’t change the final price, but they do let you spread payments out — especially on trips 12–18+ months away. That breathing room may even make a nicer stateroom possible, budgeting-wise.

Bonus Value Perks

Complimentary upgrades:
Think of these as an instant discount — you’re paying for one category and staying in one or more categories of staterooms or suites better. Watch for 2-category or better upgrades!
Pre-cruise hotel night:
We always recommend arriving the day before. If it’s included? Even better — fewer worries, less expense.
Onboard credit (OBC):
Sometimes called shipboard credit, this ‘free money’ is great to treat yourself to spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, wine, or a little shopping. Even on “all-inclusive” cruises, there’s always something to splurge on!

Bundles & Added Inclusions

Cruise + airfare:
Often available from major gateways, sometimes with discounted connectors. Great convenience — just ask what’s included, how much choice in route, airline and date you get.
Beverage or dining packages:
These can add big value to non-inclusive lines. And since many cruise lines now bundle them into regular pricing, it’s worth checking whether the promo is truly extra.
Gratuities included:
Daily crew gratuities add up quickly. Having them covered can make your final bill much friendlier. Some cruise lines include tips for their included shore excursions, too!
Wi-Fi:
Internet at sea can get pricey. If it’s included, check how many devices can connect at once.
Shore excursions:
Even one or two included excursions can save a bundle. Tip: Book early after reserving your cruise — popular tours fill fast.

Working it for Wave Season

New to cruising?
This is the perfect time to try that first cruise you’ve been curious about.
Thinking about something different?
Maybe an expedition ship, a small luxury yacht, or switching from the Caribbean to Alaska, the Med, Tahiti — even Antarctica or the Galápagos. Now’s the time to spread your wings!
Ready to treat yourself?
Wave savings can make luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines surprisingly attainable — especially with inclusions like open bar, tips, and even excursions.

The Bottom Line

Wave Season is full of opportunity — but also plenty of fine print.

A trusted travel advisor can help:

Match you with the right cruise style and cruise line
Compare offers ‘apples to apples’
Get the maximum value for your travel budget
Avoid costly surprises

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel expert and journalist

Explore Natural Wonders in the Caribbean

Fri, 09 Jan 26 20:28:28 +0000

Sun and sand are relaxing, but if you love the outdoors and getting active among scenery that takes your breath away… these natural wonders in Caribbean islands should inspire your next tropical vacation.

Twin Pitons, Saint Lucia

The two volcanic spires, dramatically piercing the sky and surrounded by brilliant waters, make the sail-in to Saint Lucia one of the most magnificent in the world. It’s all thanks to the twin natural wonders of Saint Lucia’s Gros Piton and Petit Piton (2530 feet high and 2438 feet high, respectively), which together have created among the Caribbean’s most iconic natural skylines. They’re part of the Pitons Management Area — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its volcanic geology, lush forests, and rich marine life.

The Experience: You can admire the Pitons from the deck of your ship, from the shoulder of a catamaran cruising by Soufrière Bay, or — if you’re up for it — hiking the trail up Gros Piton with a local guide. There’s something about ascending through tropical forest, hearing howler monkeys overhead and watching clouds drift in from the sea, that makes the iconic peaks feel like you’re in a film set.

Thunderball Grotto, The Bahamas

Just off Staniel Cay in the Exumas lies one of the Caribbean’s most cinematic underwater playgrounds – for real. Thunderball Grotto — named for the 1965 James Bond film that shot scenes here — is a limestone cavern with an almost hidden entrance. Sun shafts pierce the surface, illuminating a teeming aquatic world beneath. Schools of fish dance in and out of tunnels that feel more cathedral than reef.

The Experience: At low tide, snorkelers can float into these crystal corridors and watch reef fish, rays, and even curious nurse sharks glide by like underwater poetry. It’s one of the region’s enduring natural spectacles.

El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico

The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque is the Caribbean turned lush and symphonic. Waterfalls braid down moss-covered rock. It's famous tree frogs chirp like tiny percussionists. Trails wind past giant ferns into mists that feel older than history.

The Experience: Surprisingly accessible from San Juan, El Yunque feels like a world apart. Pause during your hike beside La Mina Falls or along the winding canopy trail and let the rainforest hit your reset button.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Islands

Imagine Mother Nature building her own water park from gigantic building blocks. Massive granite boulders — some as large as houses — tumble across Virgin Gorda’s shoreline, forming secret pools, grottoes, and sandy tunnels. The Baths (top) are a monolithic playground sculpted over millions of years by a perfect storm of geology, time and tide.

The Experience: One of the most other-worldly seaside experiences in the world, visitors (tip: wear water shoes for a good grip!) wander, wade, and swim through mini-caves and tidal pools, the light changes with every turn, sparkling off slick granite and glittering turquoise water. It’s a rare place that’s both a natural theme park/obstacle course, part geological wonder.

Dominica’s Boiling Lake

Tiny Dominica, or the “Nature Isle,” is only about the size of New York City! But it should be on the radar for lovers of outdoor travel, with its “Boiling Lake”, the second-largest hot lake in the world. Deep in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, but only a few miles outside Dominica’s capital, a challenging hike leads you through jungle, ridges, and sulfur-scented valleys to a steaming, slate-gray, steaming volcanic cauldron 3000 feet above sea level that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Experience: This is not a leisurely stroll; it’s a wild, primal experience. Along the way, you’ll pass emerald pools, waterfalls, and the smoldering “Valley of Desolation.” Although this isn’t the easiest hike, it is one of the most rewarding of a lifetime. Just so you know, the Boiling Lake is definitely too hot for swimming, so you’ll have to wait til you descend to enjoy a refreshing plunge after your hike.

Go beyond the beach and discover the Caribbean with geology, ecology, and history at natural wonders that rival any breathtaking places on the planet.

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Images: Getty

Get In the Know About the Islands of Italy

Fri, 09 Jan 26 20:28:28 +0000

Travel beyond ‘the boot’ to Italy’s inspiring islands. With thousands of miles of Mediterranean coastline, some of the best Italian destinations are floating dramatically offshore, from the world-famous to others that feel like secrets shared over a late-night glass of local wine. Travel like someone in the know, island-hopping in Italy with insider info and tips.

Sicily

Epic, cinematic, and deeply delicious.

Famous for: Mount Etna’s volcanic drama, ancient Greek temples, glorious Baroque towns, Palermo’s markets, cannoli, granita, and that intense, layered history you can taste in every meal.
Pop culture moment: The Godfather filming locations in Savoca & Forza d’Agrò, and the White Lotus season that put Taormina back on everyone’s bucket list.
Insider vibe: Avoid high-season crowds by staying in smaller towns like Ragusa Ibla or Noto — and spend at least one night on the slopes of Etna at a vineyard hotel. Sicily rewards slow travelers.
Jet-setting note: Taormina is back — but book boutique, not flashy.

Sardinia

Wild freedom meets discreet luxury.

Famous for: stunning, clear turquoise waters, private coves and pristine beaches (especially Costa Smeralda), prehistoric ruins, rich cultural traditions, distinct cuisine featuring sheep's cheese and wine, mountainous landscapes, and as a "Blue Zone" known for longevity. It's celebrated as a "micro-continent" for its diverse ecosystems and strong identity, distinct from mainland Italy.
Pop culture moment: The Costa Smeralda’s golden era — think 1960s jet-set glamour — quietly continues today.
Insider vibe: Skip the headline beaches and go north to the La Maddalena archipelago by boat — or inland for shepherd lunches and slow travel.
Jet-set note: Billionaires flock to Sardinia's Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), particularly Porto Cervo, a purpose-built playground for the ultra-rich featuring exclusive marinas for mega-yachts, high-end boutiques, private villas and luxury hotels.

Capri

Glamour, style… and lemons.

Famous for: The Blue Grotto, Faragliono Rocks (pictured above), Via Camerelle boutiques, cliff-top views, limoncello, lemon granita, and movie-star mythology.
Pop culture moment: Brigitte Bardot, Jackie O, and the endless parade of modern celebrities who still make Capri their summer stage. The above-the-ankle chic pants you wear with handmade sandals on a lazy seaside day even took their name from the style-setting island of Capri in the mid-century height of the jet set.
Insider vibe: Stay overnight. Day-trippers head back to the Amalfi coast mainland, the piazzetta empties, and suddenly Capri feels like a village again. Dinner at a family-run restaurant beats any “see-and-be-seen” spot.
Trending secret: Anacapri — quieter, more local, equally breathtaking.

Ischia

The spa island is overshadowed by Capri — and that’s exactly why insiders love it.

Famous for: Thermal waters, volcanic mud baths, gardens, and wellness retreats.
Pop culture moment: Featured in The Talented Mr. Ripley — but somehow still underrated.
Insider vibe: Spend a day drifting between pools of different temperatures, then seafood dinner by the castle. This is where Italians go to recover from life.
Hidden gem energy: Therapy in the sunshine.

Procida

Tiny, pastel colors, unpolished in the best way.

Famous for: sherbet-colored houses stacked above the harbor (pictured, top), fishermen mending nets, sleepy afternoons.
Pop culture moment: Il Postino was filmed here — and it kept that soft, poetic, slightly nostalgic atmosphere.
Insider vibe: Come for lunch, wander slowly, don’t rush. No big resorts, no attitude — just real island life.
Trend forecast: Becoming a “slow travel darling,” but still delightfully under the radar.

Elba

Elba has history, beaches and breezy, outdoorsy charm.

Famous for: the location of Napoleon’s exile, Mediterranean pine forests, snorkeling coves, and family-friendly towns.
Pop culture moment: referenced in films about the later years of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Insider vibe: Rent a bike, sail a bit, picnic on the beach. This is summer as Italians actually do it.
Hidden gem: Capo Sant’Andrea — incredibly clear water without the drama.

Ponza

Pretty, authentic, quietly glamorous and where the residents of Rome go when they want to get away from the world.

Famous for: grottos, striped cliffs, and tiny harbor restaurants (pictured above).
Pop culture moment: Italian celebrities have long escaped here, but avoid being photographed here.
Insider vibe: Rent a boat, swim in hidden coves, eat spaghetti alle vongole, repeat.
Trend alert: Slowly being “discovered,” but still wonderfully low-key.

From Capri’s glamorous touchstone, to Ischia’s wellness lifestyle, Sardinia’s rugged nature and a billionaire’s playground, there’s an Italian island calling your name for your next vacation.

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Images: Getty