Sometimes GOOD people go rogue, but not because they can’t get their meds adjusted properly.  It’s usually because they didn’t think a certain behavior through.  And many behaviors that make perfect sense at home, don’t translate well when you’re abroad. 

It isn’t JUST Americans either.  Bob and I were travelling in Alaska a few years ago, and there was a German couple that gave the ship’s crew a terrible time.  Dinner came too fast, and they cleared the dishes away as soon as the meal was done.  They didn’t offer different types of mustard with ham, and they kept interrupting the dinner to check if their patrons required anything else.  Imperial measures were used.  These were treated like capital offences by the Germans, who clearly should have stayed at home, rather than travel somewhere different.  

DON’T be THOSE people.  At the risk of sounding like I’m offering up a lecture on etiquette, here we go: 

Common Mistakes Americans make when Abroad:

• Assuming everyone speaks English.  Many do… but don’t assume. 
• Speaking LOUDER when they don’t speak English.  This won’t help. 
• Asking locals to convert to imperial measures.  Metric is universal – the onus is on us to learn it, NOT on others to accommodate the one country still using imperial measures. 
• Asking people to convert prices to USD, or asking “how much is that in REAL money?”
• Assuming “Best Country in the World” is a fact, rather than an opinion. 

WHY It Happens

• Most of us don’t set out to be intentionally rude.  We just don’t think it through.
• We tend to think of the world as “here” or “not here”.  It’s more nuanced than that. 
• We think of Europe (for example) as ONE PLACE, even though it’s much larger than the United States and has 44 sovereign nations.   Turkey and Norway are very different. 

HOW To Be a BETTER TRAVELER

• Learn to say “hello” and “thank you” in the local language wherever you are travelling.  Google Translate is VERY useful in this regard.  
• Spend a few minutes on the internet to learn about local customs and language at your destination before you leave home. 
• Set realistic expectations.  For example, I don’t like that dinner in Europe is 3-hours long, and I don’t get home until 11.00 PM.  But that’s their custom, and I need to adjust when I’m there. 

If you go on vacation to experience new things, learn about cultures you didn’t know, and to meet different people, these things are already on your radar.  Those that want everything to be exactly like it is at home, need to stay at home and save themselves and others the aggravation. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, we discuss the travel habits that can turn otherwise good people into bad travelers—and how a few small changes can dramatically improve your experiences abroad.

https://youtu.be/lzn5r5t19f8

In Case You Missed It:

OCEANIA:  You’ve got a few days to take advantage of our PRIVATE SALE.  Here’s more info:

Oceania https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-cruises-explained-the-unicorn-cruise-line-for-food-lovers/ 

PANAMA:  It’s nearby, and very different than other ocean cruises:  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/panama-canal-cruises-explained/

Our PACKING LIST:  We packed for vacation WRONG for years.  Here’s how we fixed it: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/i-packed-wrong-for-years-heres-how-i-fixed-it/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

VANCOUVER GUIDE:  It’s Alaska season, so millions will travel through Vancouver this summer.  You definitely don’t want to go directly to/from the ship, so here are some ideas on what to do for a couple of days pre or post cruise in Vancouver. 

https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0iapgzXc5kcd6LUp6Vq69dHRyzt6JMZxYM36rUobvEHPwoSMw6tNptfMFA5ZGcGzxl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA – A la Carte Luxury on a Small Ship

Oceania has an elevated culinary experience, and you can choose whether you prefer included beverages or a shore excursion credit.  We’re also running a PRIVATE SALE with them until the end of the month.  This is the BEST TIME to book an Oceania Cruise, with offers not available elsewhere. 

MORE INFORMATION on OCEANIA:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-cruises-explained-the-unicorn-cruise-line-for-food-lovers/

VIDEO RESOURCES for OCEANIA:

We’ve got lots of videos on our YouTube channel on our experiences with OCEANIA:

• Ship tour videos of REGATTA, RIVIERA and VISTA
• Itinerary videos of GREECE/TURKEY and NORWAY
• Oceania’s culinary program video

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGQsl6hgtmLc2mb3UcfIPAT

RIVER CRUISES with AMA WATERWAYS

If you’re looking to travel in 2026, AMA still has some space left, and we can get you additional on board credits.  Here are two ideas: 

PARIS & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September – December for one-week

• Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight). 
• Optional 2-night Paris Extension
• Fares from $3129

MEKONG River: Vietnam & Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap for 7-nights

• Visit local markets and temples, do a local school visit, get a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, and experience the amazing people, culture and food of the unique part of the world on a fully escorted trip. 
• Departures August through December from $2299

AMA on the MEKONG.  Kim travelled with Alex Pinelo from AMA Waterways on the Mekong, and put together this video: https://youtu.be/tvA_WHOYuLo 

COLLETTE Premium Guided Land Journeys

HAWAII:  Visit 3 different islands over 10-days:

• Start in Oahu and visit the city of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor Waikiki.  Then move onto the Big Island for Volcanoes NP, Honaunau Bay, and Kona.  Then finish in Kahului on Maui.
• Includes 14 meals, a luau, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and Volcanoes NP admissions. 
• Departures year-round from $5449
• Pre-trip extension in Honolulu, and/or post-trip extension in Maui available.

SPOTLIGHT TOURS mean you only UNPACK ONCE, and can explore a city or region in depth while having the logistics taken care of for you:

NEW YORK for 5-days

• Visit Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Chinatown, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.
• Includes 4-nights at the Sheraton Times Square, 5 meals, and 2 Broadway shows.
• Year-round departures from $2699.

Here are some of COLLETTE’s other SPOTLIGHT tours:

• Washington, DC: 6-days from $2999
• South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands: 7-days from $2999
• LONDON: 7-days from $2999
• TUSCANY: 9-days from $2999
• PARIS: 7-days from $3599
• FRENCH RIVIERA: 9-days from $4199
• NORTHERN ITALY: 9-days from $3049

REGENT SEVEN SEAS Small Ship Luxury

Regent is the most inclusive of the cruise lines with all shore excursions, and everything on board included in your fare. 

ALASKA:  Anchorage to Vancouver departing June 2, 2027 for 7-nights:

• Visit Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. 
• Veranda Fares from $6249
• Pre-Trip Denali available on this cruise.

ST. LAWRENCE & EAST COAST: Montreal to Miami departing October 30 for 16-nights

• Start in Montréal and visit Quebec City, Saguenay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Sydney, Halifax, Philipsburg, Antigua, Saint Kitts & Nevis, British Virgin Islands, San Juan, and finish in Miami.
• Fares From $12,499

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES Yachts

All of ATLAS’ yachts carry less than 200 guests, so they can get you into some of the smaller places, and you’ll see the larger places differently.  

EASTERN CARIBBEAN:  From Saint Maarten to Barbados departing October 14 for 7-nights.  Go into small harbors where the big ships can’t go:

• Visit Philipsburg, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent/Grenadines, Bridgetown. 
• Fares from $6299

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & IRELAND:  London to Glasgow departing May 11, 2027 for 9-nights

• Start in London and visit St. Malo, St. Mary’s, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, and end in Glasgow.
• Fares from $5988

If you prefer more REMOTE DESTINATIONS: 

If you want to get to the POLAR REGIONS in comfort and style, here are two suggestions.

ANTARCTICA:  Buenos Aires to Ushuaia departing February 19 for 11-nights

• Start in Buenos Aires, then take an included flight to join the ship, and traverse the Drake Passage.  There are 7-days of scheduled landings, before returning to Ushuaia
• Fares from $16.499

GREENLAND, CANADIAN ARCTIC & NEWFOUNDLAND: Departing September 21 for 17-nights

• Visit Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, and Disko Bay in Greenland, Qikiqtarjuaq, Lady Franklin Island, Monumental Island, and the Button Islands in Nunavut Territory, Saglek Fjord, Hebron, Tikkoatokak Bay, L’Anse aux Meadows, Red Bay, Norris Point and Woody Point in Newfoundland, as well as St. Pierre & Miquelon (France) and finish in St. John’s. 
• Fares from $13,945

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Viking’s BON VOYAGE incentive allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 35 days BEFORE you board, and get some extra goodies for doing so:

• $100 per person on board credit
• 6-month final payment date
• $100 per person OFF one-week cruises, and bigger discounts for longer itineraries.

We made a short video about the Bon Voyage Program if you’d like more details:  

https://youtu.be/gBM8IvjIb3U?si=Vy9UDiSqZQYHWR32

Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Many of you have asked about the value of Viking included shore excursions, whether they’re worth it, and if you need to upgrade them.  The bottom line is that the included excursions are your starting point, and calculating their value is highly subjective (because different people value different things), but it’s a bit more nuanced than is indicated in the brochures.

VIKING’S Shore Excursion Program:

• RIVER:  Viking and just about all its competitors include excursions in your fare, and they’re a great way to get oriented to your port of call.
• OCEAN:  Most of Viking’s competitors DON’T include shore excursions (so this is a key differentiator for Viking).
• BASIC EXCURSIONS:  Viking offers “orientation” or “highlights” tours.  They are basic, and not intended to be all things to all people.  Viking is very transparent about this.  If you’re looking for deep-dive or a life-changing experience, you should pay to upgrade. 
• OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:  Viking offers upgraded or optional excursions for an additional fee.  You can also book independent shore excursions.  

The SHORE EXCURSION VALUE EQUATION

• Determining the value for you will require a bit of arithmetic.  Start by calculating your COST PER DAY (cruise fare divided by days on board). This gives you “apples to apples”.

• DEDUCT the value of the Viking included excursions that you intend to take (the basic excursions are usually worth between $60 and $100).  Don’t include the value of excursions that you intend to upgrade or NOT participate in. 
• Now compare the cost of Viking compared to other cruise lines.  

PRO TIPS

• VIKING included excursions are your starting point.  They’re NOT designed to be the highlight of your trip.  Viking has lots of optional excursions that fit that bill. 
• Use included excursions for ORIENTATION and/or TRANSPORTATION, and then do your own thing.  This might require some research in advance of your trip. 
• Remember there is NO CREDIT for missed excursions.  
• DON’T feel locked into the included excursions.  If there’s a paid option that better meets your needs, then it’s probably money well spent. 
• Don’t forget about independent shore excursions. They often have smaller groups sizes, and are better priced than those offered through the cruise lines. 

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

The Viking included excursions are convenient, and remove decision fatigue.  They are also your starting point – so use them as the foundation of your travel experience, not the finish line. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

One of the biggest selling points of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises is that they include at least one shore excursion in every port. But does that automatically make Viking the best value?  In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim take a practical look at Viking’s excursion program and compare it to other cruise lines

https://youtu.be/xAa-FkvWQAs

In Case You Missed It:

VIKING MIRA launched this week, and VIKING is continually adding more ships and itineraries.  Here’s a look into their upcoming plans:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/viking-whats-new/

OUR CLIENTS.  We ended up on the cruise with a group of our clients a couple of years ago, and discovered they were very much like us: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-clients-and-our-backstory/

NATIONAL PARKS.  Bob and I just finished a trip with TAUCK to Utah that included some National Parks (more on that soon!).  Our National Parks are often overlooked as the spectacular destinations that they are:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/time-to-visit-our-national-parks/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

VIKING EXPEDITION:  It will feel very familiar to past Viking OCEAN guests, but the expedition itineraries are structured a bit differently than Viking Ocean journeys.

https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0cc5RfwZjdBkgeJcGp8usdJNj7VNnaSDauFcBzeaH71pcU5xogjxwJr1gbyU3jQh6l

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA:  Small-Ships.  Great Food.

Oceania offers a shore excursion credit on every cruise, so that guests can make their own choices about shore activities.  We’re also running a PRIVATE SALE with them in June, with additional amenities not available elsewhere, so this is the BEST TIME to book an Oceania cruise. 

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  Montreal to New York departing October 17 for 11-days

• Visit Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Iles, Havre Saint Pierre, Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, and Saint-John.
• Fares from $6390

HAWAII & ALASKA:  Vancouver to Honolulu departing September 19 for 16-days

• Start in Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, cruise the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului, Nawiliwili, and finish in Honolulu.
• Fares from $3,910

Your Oceania fare includes SPECIALTY DINING, GRATUITIES, WIFI, and a choice of a SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT or BEER/WINE with meals.

Here’s MORE information on OCEANIA if you want to take advantage of our PRIVATE SALE:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-cruises-explained-the-unicorn-cruise-line-for-food-lovers/

UNIWORLD Boutique River Collection

Uniworld likes to experiment with different itinerary ideas, so why not try a train and riverboat experience in ITALY:

ITALY by Train & Riverboat:  Sicily to Venice departing September 7, 2027 for 13-days

• Start in Taormina and visit Ragusa, Palermo, Maratea, Verona, Venice, Mazzorbo, and Chioggia
• Fares from $20,519

TULIP CRUISE:  Amsterdam to Antwerp for 10-days

• Start in Amsterdam and visit Zaandam, Hoorn, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Ghent, and finish in Antwerp. 
•  Departures March through April from $4,094

CRYSTAL CRUISES Ocean Luxury

The Crystal ships were built for over 1000 guests, but they have retrofitted them to carry only 700.  You’ll notice the extra space!

JAPAN:  Hong Kong to Yokohama departing April 23, 2027 for 15-nights

• Start in Hong Kong and visit Xiamen, Shanghai, Busan, Hiroshima, Kyushu Island, Wakayama, Nagoya, and end in Yokohama (Tokyo).
• Fares from $9070 

NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA: Auckland to Brisbane departing March 3 for 15-nights

• Visit Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Melbourne (overnight), Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane.
• Fares from $10,690
• OR stay on board for 29-nights, travelling up the Australian East Coast towards Bali, and stop in at Airlie Beach, Cairns (overnight), Papua New Guinea, Darwin, and Komodo Island before arriving in Bali for an overnight stay for an additional $8340.

CRYSTAL has the most loyal clientele in the industry, and is working hard to attract new clients: 

• STATUS MATCH:  If you’re a loyalty member on one of Crystal’s competitors, Crystal will offer 5% OFF for new guests.
• REFERRAL DISCOUNT.  If you’re previous Crystal guest, and you refer someone else, those new-to-Crystal guests get 5% off their cruise AND you get the equivalent discount off YOUR next Crystal Cruise.

WINDSTAR Yachting Experiences

With a maximum of only 342 guests, it’s only a bit larger than a river boat, and as a member of the James Beard Foundation, you’ll enjoy the elevated culinary experience.

ICELAND: Round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-days

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• 2027: Depart July or August from $4,741

CARIBBEAN:  San Juan round-trip departing November 29 for 14-days

• Warm weather escapes, Island Hopping, beaches
• Start in Puerto Rico, and then spend the next two weeks visiting US Virgin Islands, Gustavia, Brasseterre, St. Maarten, Great Harbour, British Virgin Islands, St. George’s, Bequia, Mayreau, Les Saintes, and Marigot.  
• Fares from $4966

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

You’ve never seen ALASKA like this.  If you’d like to see more wildlife & scenery, and fewer shopping malls, then this is the way to go:

Outdoor ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days

• You’ve been to ALASKA, but not like this.  If you prefer a nature walk, or sea kayaking to the souvenir shops on the pier, this is the right choice for you.  This is also a great way to check out an Expedition Cruise, not too far from home.
• Depart Vancouver, sail the Inside Passage, then to Misty Fjords, Klawock, Fjords of the Alaskan panhandle, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay, Valdez, Prince William Sound, and then on to Anchorage
• 2026: There’s not much space left, but there is a 5% discount on departures this year with fares from $4867
• 2027: Departures May through July from $5299

OR – if you prefer a warm-water destination: 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

• 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

• 2026:  July through December from $6753
• 2027:  January through December from $7705
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Luxury RAIL Journeys

We just finished travelling with Rocky Mountaineer!  First in the CANADIAN ROCKIES, and then in US on CANYON SPIRIT from Denver to Moab.  More on that soon….

Here are two itineraries from the CANADIAN ROCKIES, where the scenery is spectacular, and can be easily added on to ANY Alaskan cruise that starts or finishes in Vancouver. 

Circle Journey: Vancouver round-trip for 12 -nights

• If you really want a comprehensive feel for the spectacular Canadian Rockies, this is the trip for you.
• Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (3-nights), Lake Louise (2-nights), Jasper (2-nights), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.
• Departures available April through October from $8528

Vancouver to Calgary for 7-nights

• Spend 1-night in Vancouver, then board the train to Kamloops, and then follow on to Lake Louise for 2-nights, Banff for 2-nights, and then finish in Calgary.  
• Departures available May through October from $3698

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation (even if you booked ON BOARD).

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

You could argue it’s just a huge ditch that connects the Caribbean with the Pacific.  However, that ditch eliminates 8000 miles, and between 10 and 22 days off a ship’s journey.  So it’s an important ditch.  It also makes for an interesting vacation not far from home.

PANAMA CANAL: The Background

• The Panama Canal was opened in 1914, and took somewhere between 10 and 33 years to build, depending on how many of the false-starts you count.
• The new locks took about 9-years to build, and opened in 2016
• Somewhere close to 25,000 people died in the construction of the original canal.
• Lake Gatun is 85 feet above sea level, and 3 locks on each side of the lake raise and lower ships to salt water. 

WHY Go To PANAMA?

• Panama is often overlooked as a vacation destination.  It has similar rainforests and beaches as Costa Rica.
• LOCKS:  People love traversing the locks on river cruises.  These are just bigger.
• GATUN LAKE in the middle of your journey across Panama is surrounded by lush rainforest.  On a full transit, you’re in Lake Gatun for about 2 hours.  

Types of PANAMA CANAL Journeys

• Partial Transit – usually 10 or 11 days round-trip from Florida.  They’re shorter, but you DON’T get to traverse all the locks.  You’re normally in the Canal for 4 or 5 hours. 
• Full Transit – ocean to ocean… this is the classic canal journey.
  • Florida to California is the most common full-transit cruise.
  • Florida to Panama City is increasingly common, and is great if you’re looking for a shorter cruise, or are less interested in the Pacific Coast of Central America.  

WHO Goes on a PANAMA CANAL Cruise?

• People who like longer vacations and getting to less-frequented ports in the region. 
• Those preferring destination-driven itineraries. 
• Engineering geeks or nautical enthusiasts.

Insider Tips

• Like a river cruise, the best views will be on the top side of the vessel so you can see both sides as you traverse the locks.  The smaller the ship, the better your chances of the premier view. 
• Daylight transit is preferable if you really want to experience the landscape.  The lights at night are pretty, but you do miss the surrounding environment. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

Check out our UNPACKED PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about different cruise and land options for the Panama Canal and surrounding area

https://youtu.be/4Vr5U5OaM1g

In Case You Missed It:

OCEANIA Small Ship Experiences.  If you sail on Celebrity, Holland America or Princess, and take one of their larger staterooms, then you should look at OCEANIA for fewer people, larger rooms, and an elevated culinary experience: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-cruises-explained-the-unicorn-cruise-line-for-food-lovers/

TRAVEL ADVISORIES:  If you believe the State Department warnings, or what you see on TV “News”, you’d never leave your basement.  So what do you do?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-safety-exposed-tv-news-vs-reality/

AN INSIDER’S LOOK at PAMPERED CRUISER:  What we do, what we don’t do, and how our team works.  You’ve asked… here are the answers. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/insiders-look-at-the-pampered-cruiser/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

SEA CLOUD SPIRIT holds just 136 guests, making it much more like a SALT WATER RIVER CRUISE than an ocean voyage.  Kevin Smith from Sea Cloud tours Bob around this ship.  Imagine going through the Panama Canal, and sailing Lake Gatun in a sail boat!

https://youtu.be/XkhWMx4dK20

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02Am46unR8qKRXKLgR3iKgE5eh4aGz2fRGcubJiKMoADtCuEr1EFhfvRMEPeTGTBfxl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA:  Small Ships for FOODIES

We’re running a PRIVATE SALE this month with Oceania, so we have access to some extra goodies not available anywhere else.  Here are some of their itineraries through the canal:

Miami to Panama City departing January 5 for 10-days

• Start in Miami and visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Santo Tomas, Roatan, Puerto Limon, the Panama Canal, and finish in Panama City.
• Veranda Staterooms from $4,590 

Miami to LA departing January 6 for 15-days

• Start in Miami and visit George Town, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Manzanillo, San Diego, and finish in Los Angeles. 
• Veranda staterooms from $7,699

Montreal to LA departing October 10, 2027 for 32-days

• Start in Montreal and visit Quebec City, Saguenay, Sept-Iles, Havre Saint Pierre, Corner Brook, Sydney, Halifax, the Royal Naval Dockyard, Nassau, Miami, George Town, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Puntarenas, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and finish in Los Angeles. 
• Veranda fares from $13,749

SEA CLOUD Sailing Yachts

If you prefer a river cruise sized vessel, but still want to traverse the Panama Canal, here are a couple of options from SEA CLOUD:

San Jose (Costa Rica) to Panama City departing March 1 for 12-nights

• Start in San José and visit Punta Leona, Marina Flamingo, Playa Panamá, Quepos, Puerto Jiménez, Pearl Islands, a full daylight 12-hour transit of the Panama Canal, San Blas Archipelago, and finish in Panama City. 
• Fares from $9,560

ABC Islands & Panama departing Willemstad (Curacao) December 20, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Willemstad and visit Cartagena, a full daylight 12-hour transit of the Panama Canal, and finish in Panama City. 
• Fares from $5,920

EXPLORA JOURNEYS – European Luxury

With just over 900 guests, an extraordinary culinary offering, and a unique entertainment program, Explora is a great way to experience Panama.

Miami to Panama City departing April 12, 2027 for 10 Nights

• Start in Miami and visit Ocho Rios, Willemstad, Oranjestad, Santa Marta, Cartagena, cross the Panama Canal, and finish in Panama City.  
• Veranda fares from $7,860

Miami to LA departing April 12, 2027 for 21-nights

• Start in Miami and visit Ocho Rios, Willemstad, Oranjestad, Santa Marta, Cartagena, cross the Panama Canal, Panama City, Acajutla, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and finish in Los Angeles. 
• Fares from $14,240

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Remote Explorations

NatGeo takes people to remote corners of the world, but if you want to see the more remote areas around Panama (and spend some time in Lake Gatun (in the middle of the canal)), then here are some ideas:

COSTA RICA & PANAMA CANAL:  San Jose to Panama City for 8-days

• Start in San José and visit the Osa Conservation Area, Golfo Dulce, Coiba National Park, Gulf of Panama Islets, Gatún Lake, and finish in Colón
• Departures November 2026 through April 2027 from $5772

PANAMA with 2-days in the Canal: round-trip Panama City for 8-days

• Start in Panama City, then spend 2 days in the canal, and visit Portobelo, Gatún Lake, the Pearl Islands, Darién National Park, Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, and finish in Panama City. 
• Fares from $4650

TAUCK in PANAMA

Tauck creates raving fans for both its land tours, and cruise programs.  Here are two in Panama:

Panama Canal Cruise & Costa Rica for 12-days

• Start in San José (Costa Rica) and visit Punta Leona, Quepos, Darien, transit the Panama Canal, the San Blas Islands, and finish in Panama City. 
• Departures in January and February from $9,290

Tauck Bridges Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests for 8-days

• Tauck BRIDGES allows you to explore with your kids or grandkids, with specially designed itineraries for families and children. 
• Start in San José and visit the Tortuguero National Park, the Toucan Rescue Center, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui River rafting, Arenal Zip Lining, Guanacaste. 
• Depart June through August or in December $4,890

RIVER CRUISES with TAUCK

If you’d prefer Europe to Panama, then Tauck is the most inclusive and highest-end amongst the river cruise lines in Europe.  Here are two examples:

PORTUGAL & SPAIN on the Douro River for one-week:

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Mateus Palace, Guimaraes.
• See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
• Optional extensions to Madrid and/or Lisbon. 
• 2026: Departures June through October from $5790
• 2027: Departures April through November from $5990

FRENCH RIVIERA to SWITZERLAND for 14-days

• Fly to Marseille, and visit Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, Chateau Neuf du Pape, Tain L’hermitage, Macon, Cluny, Chalon sur Saone, Burgundy, Lyon, Geneva, Chamonix.
• 2026: Departures in July & August from $9190
• 2027: Departures April through October from $9790

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Viking’s BON VOYAGE incentive allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 35 days BEFORE you board, and get some extra goodies for doing so:

• $100 per person on board credit
• 6-month final payment date
• $100 per person OFF one-week cruises, and bigger discounts for longer itineraries.

We made a short video about the Bon Voyage Program if you’d like more details:  

https://youtu.be/gBM8IvjIb3U?si=Vy9UDiSqZQYHWR32

Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

You’ve seen THOSE people in the airport: 6 suitcases —  half of which are larger than the person who packed them!  The airlines delight when they see THOSE people approach the podium for check-in.  I was feeling quite smug… until I got to the airport a few years ago, and couldn’t lift my own suitcase onto the scale.  I am officially one of THOSE people that I used to mock.

I’ve got LOTS of grievances with the airlines, but a 50 pound weight restriction on a suitcase can’t possibly be one of them.  Fifty-pounds is more than adequate for anyone… we’ve just allowed ourselves to fall into bad habits when we travel.  “The ship might not have free weights, so I’ll drop my barbells in, just in case”.  

“JUST IN CASE” needs to be eliminated from your packing self-talk, and you need to be ruthless about what you take with you.  Emerging from the pandemic – when there were daily images in the news of a sea of lost luggage at every airport, and apple air tags were in high demand – Bob and I found ourselves invited to Greece for a ship christening.  

How do I pack for two weeks in Greece and Turkey with unpredictable spring weather?  With a whole bunch of self-coaching and ruthless packing decisions, we transformed our packing process, and have been better for it ever since.  Your list might be different, but here are some guidelines that we use when we pack for a trip:

• Undergarments:  7 changes of clothes, with the understanding I will do laundry.
• TOPS:  4 different ones.  Each one will get worn twice on a one-week trip.  You’re the only one that will notice… nobody else is keeping score. 
• BOTTOMS: 2 – 3  different ones.  Each has to mix and match with the 4 tops.
• RAIN GEAR:  This is the ONLY “just-in-case” item permitted.
• SHOES:  One pair for the evenings.  One pair of walking shoes.  In warmer climates one pair of flip-flops or open toed sandals.  DON’T compromise on foot comfort.  

OTHER THOUGHTS:

• I have a packing list that I refine after every trip.  Don’t repeat packing mistakes. 
• We wear our heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the plane – it’s usually cold anyway.
• We put HALF of each of our belongings in the other’s suitcase.  This way if one suitcase goes missing, we’re not completely without.
• We err on the side of NOT taking something.  If you come back from vacation, and everything hasn’t been used, make a note so you can leave that out next time.  
• Pack clothes you can wash in the bathroom sink if necessary.  
• Formal Nights:  We don’t run into this very often, because the higher-end cruise lines are generally casual.  We choose NOT to attend the dining room on those evenings. 

WHAT IF I’M MISSING SOMETHING?   Our clients go to Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and sometimes South America.  All these regions have stores if you need something. 

Hopefully this gives you some useful ideas, and you can join us in getting back to that wonderful airport sport of making fun of THOSE people that are over-packed. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED, we break down how to pack smarter, lighter, and more efficiently – whether you’re heading to Europe, going on a cruise, or travelling for several weeks.  Kim & Bob also offer up their own packing lists:

https://youtu.be/DRNqx1QfsV4

In Case You Missed It:

STATE OF THE CRUISE BIZ:  We published this a few months ago, and even with more current geo-political upheaval, these points still stand:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/state-of-the-cruise-biz/

WINDSTAR:  Imagine being on a private yacht, but without all the pretentious dinner conversation.  If you like casual elegance, with great food, take a look at Windstar:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/windstar-a-different-experience/

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  These two countries are a long way away, but are a popular choice amongst our clients.  Make sure if you’re going that far, you do it right:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/down-under-new-zealand-australia/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

WINDSTAR’S Motor Yachts carry just 320 guests, and Star Breeze is the identical sister to Star Legend and Star Pride.  Join Bob for a walk around STAR BREEZE: 

https://youtu.be/VSsLmFZPqdI

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0DtEMY7fVsnVSbCpn4bJyMXafHoV6zM4JhK4VzDZJg1X9Dq4V1oiCUTpsHWKytcVwl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

WINDSTAR Yachting Experiences

Think of a private yacht with fantastic food, but without all the pretentious dinner conversation, and you’ll understand WINDSTAR.  Their ships carry between 200 and 340 guests.

WINE CRUISE in SCENIC ALASKA:  Vancouver to Juneau for 8-days:

• Start in Vancouver, and sail up the Inside Passage to visit Ketchikan, Rudyard Bay, Wrangell, Sitka, Tracy Arm, Haines, and finish in Juneau.
• 2027: Depart June through August from $4548

TAHITI:  Papeete round-trip departing week for 7-days

• Tropical Beauty, Remote Islands, Dreamy Lagoons.
• Start in Papeete, and visit Moorea, Raiatea (overnight), Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight), and Huahine before returning to Papeete.  

• Fares from $2518
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise with WINDSTAR: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISES with AMA WATERWAYS

Christmas is a long time from now, but if you want to visit the Christmas Markets in Europe, space is getting tight for 2026.  Here’s a few suggestions:

RHINE: (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland) departing December 16:

• Itinerary: Christmas Markets on the Rhine on AMA Prima
• Amsterdam to Basel departing December 16 for 7-nights
• Fares from $4099
• Optional land extensions to Amsterdam and/or Lucerne/Zurich in Switzerland.

Danube (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary) departing December 20: 

• Itinerary: Christmas markets on the Danube on AMA Sofia.  
• Budapest to Vilshofen departing December 20 for 7-nights
• Fares from $4349
• Optional land extensions to Budapest and/or Prague.

Provence Region in Eastern France departing November 26:

• Itinerary: Colours of Provence on AMA Kristina
• Lyon to Avignon departing November 26 for 7-nights.
• Fares from $3499
• Optional land extensions for 3 nights in Paris and/or 3 nights in Barcelona.

SILVERSEA Classic Luxury

If you like butlers, fine dining and the classic luxury touches, here’s some ideas from Silversea:

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  New Jersey to Montreal departing October 13 for 11-days

• Start in Bayonne (NJ), and visit Newport, Cape Cod, Boston, Portland, Halifax, Charlottetown, Saguenay, Quebec City, and end in Montreal. 
• Fares from $8300

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & IRELAND:  Southampton round-trip departing July 9, 2027 for 12-days

• Start in Southampton and visit Portsmouth, St Peter Port, Falmouth, Fishguard, Liverpool, Greencastle, Dundee, and Dover (London).
• Fares from $6700

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

NORWAY & ICELAND:  Longyearbyen to Reykjavik departing July 10, 2027 for 10-nights

• Get NORTH of the Arctic Circle, and experience the midnight sun, the Greenland Sea, and urban Reykjavik
• Start in Oslo, and then take an included charter flight to board your ship in Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean.  Spend 3 days spotting whales, polar bears, and other wildlife in coastal Norway before heading across the Greenland Sea.  Make 3 stops in remote parts of Iceland before finishing your trip in Reykjavik.  
• Fares from $9504

GREENLAND & NEWFOUNDLAND: Nuuk to St. John’s departing Sept 13, 2027 for 17-nights

• Fly from New York, and home from Canada while still experiencing the spectacular Arctic scenery and wildlife
• Start in Nuuk (with a direct flight from New York), and then carry on to 4 more ports in Greenland, 4 stops in the Canadian Territory of Nunavut, 6 stops in Newfoundland & Labrador.  Next visit the French colony of St. Pierre/Miquelon, and finish in St. John’s, Newfoundland – a short flight back to the United States. 
• Fares from $16,832

PREMIUM Land Journeys with INTREPID TRAVEL

Northern THAILAND for 12-days:

• Start in Bangkok and visit Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Mae Taeng and Chaing Mai
• Departures year-round from $3,961

CROATIA & SLOVENIA for 16-days:  

• Start in Venice and then travel to Slovenia where you’ll see Postojna Caves, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj.  You’ll then travel to Croatia to visit Motovun and Buzet before heading inland again to see the incredibly scenic Plitvice Lakes NP.  From there it’s out to the Dalmatian Coast to experience Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Korcula, before finishing with 2-nights in Dubrovnik.  
• This trip offers a comprehensive experience in Croatia, with some days in Slovenia, which has yet to be discovered (but it won’t be long).  
• Weekly departures April through October from $8156.

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation (even if you booked ON BOARD).

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

When can I have the duck and watermelon salad at Red Ginger again?  Is the French Onion soup better at Toscana or at Jacques?  The fresh-baked almond croissant or the pain au chocolate with my espresso?   These are the questions that plague me when I travel with OCEANIA.  

We’re running a private sale with OCEANIA this month, so here’s a bit more info about them:

ABOUT OCEANIA

• Oceania currently has 8 ships operating, with a few more coming soon.
• There are 4 SMALL ships carrying around 1200 (Allura, Marina, Riviera, Vista).
• They have 4 SMALLER ships carrying 680 (Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena).
• Oceania clients tend to gravitate towards one series of ships over the other based on their personal preferences. 
• There are lots of changes coming to their future fleet!  Stay tuned for more details. 

HOW OCEANIA DIFFERENTIATES:

• CULINARY:  Oceania has long differentiated on an elevated food and wine experience. 
• MARKET POSITION: between the premium cruise lines and the luxury lines.
• INCLUSIONS:  Specialty Dining, Gratuities, WIFI, and your choice of beverage package or shore excursion credit.  
• ADULTS ONLY:  Only those over 18 are welcomed aboard. 
• OVERNIGHT STAYS and DESTINATION IMMERSION:  They stay longer in port. 

WHO TRAVELS with OCEANIA

• FOODIES: Those that appreciate lots of choice of high-end dining experiences.
• CASUAL:  Luxury touches without the pretense or formal nights. 
• PREMIUM CRUISERS that take a mini-suite or higher on Celebrity, Holland America or Princess, but are looking for a smaller ship experience. 
• Those not wanting the amusement park attractions of the mega ships. 

WHERE OCEANIA GOES

• 6 CONTINENTS.  They are strong in Europe and North America, but they go everywhere.  
• WORLD CRUISES:  ranging between 127 and 244 days. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

• OCEANIA has developed a loyal following amongst travellers who value a strong culinary experience, and are looking for something higher end than is available on the mega-ships.  
• PRIVATE SALE:  For the month of June, we can get you the BOOK on BOARD price that offers 5% off almost all their itineraries.  World Cruises are excluded.  

PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of Dream Travel Share UNPACKED, we break down one of the most misunderstood cruise lines in the industry: Oceania Cruises.  Also hear about Kim & Bob’s personal experiences while they’ve been on board Oceania ships.

https://youtu.be/6j6K11ZfC98

In Case You Missed It:

WE TRAVEL.  Find out why this important to our clients, and where our team is going this year:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/we-dont-just-sell-travel-we-live-it/

TRAVEL INSURANCE:  You SHOULD have it, and you’ll get the best advice from an insurance professional.  Here are the questions you should ask:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-advice-about-travel-insurance-2/

AMERICA’S COASTLINES:  Don’t overlook these destinations close to home: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/us-coastal-cruises-the-best-cruises-youre-not-thinking-about/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

OCEANIA Playlist

We’ve got lots of videos on our YouTube about our experiences with OCEANIA.  You’ll find:

• Ship tour videos of REGATTA, RIVIERA and VISTA
• Itinerary videos of GREECE/TURKEY and NORWAY
• Oceania’s culinary program video

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGQsl6hgtmLc2mb3UcfIPAT

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid021VQTXpLqMsAbjgBmmfLsajQr2ZvxJYqSV2trgxGyjGw9vCGwbzMG7r6gxX2NbHKjl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA CRUISES Small Ship Experiences

If you’re buying higher end cabins on Celebrity, Holland America or Princess, but would prefer a smaller-ship experience with an elevated culinary experience, then look at OCEANIA:

ALASKA:  Vancouver to Seattle departing May 13, 2027 for 11-days

• Start in Vancouver and visit the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Skagway, Juneau, Wrangell, Klawock, Victoria, and finish in Seattle.
• Fares from $3,690

CARIBBEAN:  Miami round-trip departing November 25 for 12-days

• Start in Miami and visit Charlotte Amalie, Philipsburg, Gustavia, Fort de France, Pointe a Pitre, St. John’s (Antigua), British Virgin Islands, and finish in Miami. 
• Fares from $4,590

MEDITERRANEAN:  Rome to Barcelona departing November 7 for 10-days:

• Start in Rome and visit Pompeii (Naples), Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Trapani, Tunis, Cartagena, Valencia, and finish in Barcelona. 
• Fares from $5,049

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  Montreal to New York departing October 17 for 11-days

• Visit Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Iles, Havre Saint Pierre, Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, and Saint-John.
• Fares from $6,525

JAPAN: Tokyo round-trip departing March 21 for 10-Days

• Cherry Blossom Season!
• Start in Tokyo, and then visit Hokkaido, Niigata, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Busan, Nagasaki, and Shimizu
• Fares from $4,699

ICELAND round-trip Reykjavik departing July 4, 2027 for 10-days

• Visit 8 ports in Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands
• Fares from $4,099

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  Auckland to Sydney departing January 24 for 14-days

• Visit Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Timaru, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Hobart, Melbourne
• Fares from $5,499

SOUTH AMERICA & ANTARCTICA: Santiago (Valparaiso) to Buenos Aires departing February 14 for 21-days:

• Start in Valparaíso, Puerto Montt, Castro, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Rafael, Chilean Fjords, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, and finish in Buenos Aires. 
• Fares from $6,599

BALTIC SEA:  London round-trip departing June 8, 2027 for 14-days

• Start in London and visit Skagen, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Visby, Berlin, Aarhus, and finish back in London. 
• Fares from $5,499

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

Here are two cost effective trips to some of the remote corners of the planet: 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

• 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

• 2026:  July through December from $6753
• 2027:  January through December from $6753
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires for 12-days, with 5-days of landings

• Includes flights to/from Ushuaia (from BA) to board the ship.
• Start with an included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and embark your hybrid electric-powered expedition ship. Cross the Drake Passage and enjoy 5 days of scheduled landings in Antarctica before returning to Ushuaia followed by a flight back to Buenos Aires. 
• Departures October 2026 through March 2027 from $9567

UNIWORLD Boutique RIVER Collection

Uniworld is the Boutique Hotel on the river with ships that are custom-built and decorated for the areas through which they are sailing.  Here’s two examples: 

VENETIAN LAGOON:  Venice round-trip for 8-days

• Uniworld operates a river boat in the Venice – the very best way to explore that corner of Italy.
• Explore all around Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Bologna. 
• Departures April through November from $2099
• Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

AMAZON Headwaters round-trip from Lima for 11-days

• 7 nights sailing on the Amazon and 3 nights in Lima. 
• Your ship, the Aria Amazon, only holds 32 guests, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, offering unparalleled views of this pristine part of the world.
• Have lunch with a family in Lima, visit a remote Amazon village, shop at a local market, take a skiff ride at night to view nocturnal creatures, visit local artisan and craft markets, and more. 
• 2026: Depart December 2^nd from $16,349
• 2027: Departures from $12,599
• ADD: Extension to Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE in the UNITED STATES

MACKINAC ISLAND:  Detroit to Chicago for 9-Days

• Start in Detroit, and then travel through Michigan to the scenic and historic Mackinac Island (with a two-night stay at the iconic Grand Hotel), visit Bay City, Frankenmuth, Dearborn (Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village) and finish in Chicago. 
• Departures April through October from $3899

South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands for 7-days

• In this tour, you are stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota, where you hub and spoke numerous sites. 
• Learn about Native American Lakota and Sioux culture. Visit Mount Rushmore, Badlands NP, see Kevin Costner’s Tatanka, and do wildlife spotting and scenery by jeep safari in Custer State Park.  Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Indian Museum, and the Geographic Center of the Lower 48.  
• Departures May through October from $2749

TRAVELLING in JUNE or JULY?

FIFA WORLD CUP is the largest sporting event on the planet, and it’s coming to North America.  Even if you’re NOT a soccer fan, you SHOULD have this on your radar if you plan to travel (internationally or domestically) in June or July.  Here’s why:

• AIR TRAVEL domestically, as well as to/from Canada and Mexico will be very busy.
• AIRPORTS:  Even if you’re flying to Europe or Asia, domestic airports will be busy. 
• HOTELS:  If you’re trying to find lodging in a host city around game day, it will be tight. 
• SECURITY:  The security in airports and at venues will be enhanced, and slow everything down. 
• SEATTLE & VANCOUVER:  If you’re going to Alaska in June or July, hotel rooms in the two southern terminus cities will be very tight.  Both these cities are hosting multiple games. 
• HOST CITIES:
  • CANADA:  Toronto, Vancouver
  • MEXICO: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
  • UNITED STATES: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle.

FIFA’s impact on travel to host cities is equal to travelling to an Olympic Games. Be prepared. 

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley