What's the best way to travel? We talk to people who stress that they always travel independently and it's the superior way to travel. And then we speak to others who have no interest in independent travel. They think it sounds like a hassle, could be dangerous, and they want to leave all of the planning to others. So who's right? As is so often the case in life it's … [Read more...]
Why we liked visiting Puglia with Go Ahead Tours
Our review of Go Ahead Tour's Puglia and Southern Italy itinerary This was our second trip in less than a year with Go Ahead Tours and we thoroughly enjoyed each trip (last year's was to Croatia and Slovenia). The vast majority of the travel we have done over the years has been independent - we've planned it all, arranged our own transportation and figured out … [Read more...]
2016: Where we traveled, what we liked and what we didn’t
2016 Travel Review As we do our 2016 travel review we can't help but realize that is was a year of unprecedented travel for us. We set foot in 14 different countries, most of them for the first time. Our visits ranged from the United States to Central America and a wide cross section of Europe. We spent two weeks in Russia (something we never really expected to do) and … [Read more...]
A dozen tested gifts for travelers
We have traveled, in economy class, to 13 countries this year giving us the unintended opportunity to develop a list of personally tested gifts for travelers. A gift list at this time of year isn't uncommon. However, we see many with $900 carry-on bags, $1,300 cashmere throws to use as airplane blankets and $450 folding sunglasses. We thought we would offer you more … [Read more...]
How to choose the right group tour for you
What should you consider so you can choose the right group tour for you? Travelers often determine where they want to go and what their budget is and choose a group tour that fits those two requirements. More research needs to be done though as there are more than two factors that will affect your enjoyment of a trip. Don't be too fast to hit the "book it now" button - you … [Read more...]
7 Things to know when preparing for your trip to Iceland
1. Plan realistically If you're like us you don't envision yourself getting a whole lot of chances to go to Iceland. We only got to go because we won a contest from SadCars. Although it is sometimes seen as a stopover on the way to European destinations most people who do that only spend a couple of nights in Reykjavik. (And that would be worth doing.) However, if you have … [Read more...]
How to choose the right shore excursions for you with Viking Cruises
Choosing the right shore excursions for you As very recent veterans of a Viking River Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise we know that Viking's shore excursions cover a lot of interests. It can be hard to choose when the options all sound so tempting. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. What do you care about and what can you comfortably … [Read more...]
How to get the most enjoyment out of your Viking Ocean Cruise
Making the most of your Viking Ocean Cruise We just completed the Viking Ocean Cruise Viking Homelands itinerary and, as relative newbies to ocean cruises , we learned how to get the most out of our cruise. Or at least we think we did and hope you can benefit from what helped to make our trip so enjoyable. (And not repeat our mistakes.) Choose your shore excursions before … [Read more...]
Our packing tips for women (especially if they’re Baby Boomers)
Packing tips for female Baby Boomers In our 14 years of traveling together we have developed some useful packing tips for female Baby Boomers. Our tips are for women who like comfortable, attractive clothes and shoes not purchased solely as designated travel clothes (think Columbia or ExOffico). We rarely buy clothes without thinking if they will be useful for the types of … [Read more...]
Planning for the Waterways of the Tsars cruise with Viking River
Preparing for Waterways of the Tsars with Viking River Cruises If you're going on Waterways of the Tsars with Viking River there's a good chance that it will be a wonderful once in a lifetime trip. Russia isn't easy to visit the way so many countries in Europe are. We would never have tried to navigate Russia on our own. Viking River has had a longstanding … [Read more...]