Journal

Most people who call me about Sicily have already picked Taormina. They saw San Domenico Palace on The White Lotus, or a friend came home talking about the Greek theater with Etna smoking behind it. For a lot of first trips, Taormina is the right call. But Sicily is a big island, and the town you pick decides how much of your week you spend in a car. So the base is the first thing I settle with anyone I'm sending there.

Almost every week, someone tells me they've been thinking about a river cruise. They've usually seen an ad, or a friend came back from the Danube and hasn't stopped talking about it. Then they ask me the question I always get: is it better than what I already do? That's the wrong question. River cruising and ocean cruising are two different kinds of vacations that happen to both involve a ship. Neither one is the upgrade. The right one for you depends on how you actually want

When it comes to planning a trip where the fun in the sun and beaches you only see on television are concerned, the Caribbean is one of the premier destinations in the world. It is an area that people flock from all over to admire the beauty and fun the Caribbean delivers. Often when people think about going to the Caribbean, they look into visiting St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Saint Martin, or Antigua. These are amazing places that have so much to offer visitors, but they are no

Antigua is situated in the Caribbean east, southeast of St. Kitts and north of Guadeloupe and Dominica. It is a picturesque island that people dream of visiting when they fantasize about a Caribbean getaway. Antigua is categorized by its beautiful ocean views and turquoise blue waters. What most people don't realize is that there is a lot more to this island than just the beaches. There are beautiful beaches like Half Moon Bay, Dickenson Bay, Galley Bay, and Valley Church.

We just came back from a 10 night sailing on the Celebrity Summit living the suite life in The Retreat(The suite only areas on the ship). We stayed in a Sky Suite and got really lucky to get a suite with an extended balcony. Having a larger, nicer room was actually the least important benefit of staying in a suite. See below for details on why the Celebrity Retreat is a MUST DO experience! The VIP Experience From the moment you arrive at the pier the VIP experience starts.

Thanks to a 2014 New York Times article declaring Naxos, Greece not to be missed, travel heavyweights have been including it year after year on their roundups of must-see destinations within the Cyclades. Unlike its neighbors Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos remains relatively unfazed by the North American hype – despite the fact that the picturesque island continues to surface on Greek island round-ups. Its low-key ambiance and quiet pace provide visitors with an authentic Greek

Northern Italy From the winding canals of Venice to the Dolomites' white-domed peaks, Northern Italy is a magnet for lovers of nature, art, and literature. The city of Verona is even the alleged backdrop for Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story. Besides museums and history galore in the renaissance capital of Florence, northern Italy offers a range of romantic day trips for couples, ranging from vintage car rentals to vineyard tours and cooking courses. For those seeking a lu

With staggering mountain peaks, enormous wildlife, and remote wilderness lodges – Alaska offers jaw-dropping experiences that every traveler should have on their bucket list. Read on for some of the most quintessential (and mind-blowing) Alaskan experiences. A Stay at Sheldon Chalet Accessible only by helicopter, Sheldon Chalet is the only five-star hotel inside of Denali, resting on the magnificent Ruth Glacier, having been grandfathered into the spot by Don Sheldon, who bui

You may think sun, sand, tropical drinks – the Caribbean is all the same right? Wrong! There are countless unique islands, different cultures, food, and activities on offer in the Caribbean, from the legendary Mayan ruins to the flashy lights of Nassau’s Atlantis. Let’s examine a few of these stunning and sunny locales, so you can better determine which is the best fit for you! Aruba Affectionately coined One Happy Island, Aruba is a great vacation option for the entire famil

1. You already hire experts to get a better result We are all quick to call an expert when we are in a jam or out of our skillset; mechanic, accountant, attorney, dentist, or plumber. From cutting our hair to preparing our taxes, there are just some tasks that are better left for the pros. Travel is one of the biggest three purchases you’ll make in your life after a home and car (or college tuition if that’s in the cards for you). You use experts to save yourself time and s

With a large variety of trains available to explore the world, the choices may seem overwhelming. Although some people choose to focus solely on the destination, the train can play an essential role in the journey. No matter if you are looking for something vintage or something a little more modern, keep reading to discover some of the top luxury trains located around the world. The Belmond Andean ExplorerLocated in the beautiful country of Peru, The Belmond Andean Explorer i

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island that is a territory of the United States. This makes it very easy for American citizens to travel there because they will not need to have a passport. A driver's license will do the trick, making it an accessible way to explore the Caribbean on a much smaller budget because international travel can be expensive. It is a land with a vibrant culture and beautiful people. Here are seven things to do in Puerto Rico that will allow you to truly se

Best for: Young at heart, foodies, party crowd, fitness fans Not for: Those looking for quiet relaxation, traditional cruisers, families Quick Summary: Virgin Voyages provides a fun, upscale adults only experience that is a game changer in cruising. If you like the traditional cruise experience you will probably not like Virgin Voyages. This brand will appeal to those who dislike the traditional cruise experience. They live by their mission to make an epic sea change for a

Planning a picturesque romantic getaway is so easy when the right vacation ideas are in front of you. You and your partner can't go wrong when adding any of these ideas to your travel plans. No matter if it's a relaxing beach getaway or escapades in a sophisticated city, we have ideas to create the most romantic travel experiences! Australian GlampingVisiting Cape Range National Park near the picturesque Ningaloo Reef gives couples an opportunity for romantic glamping. Dine o

As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration. So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are ten dishes you must indulge in. 1. Seafood Perhaps the most apparent food to try while on the island is

Cliff House Maine Property Overview Perched on the panoramic Cape of Neddick, this place began its life as an simple seaside inn in 1872, but these days it aims to fill the area's luxury void with stunning decor that will turn city folks into immediate fans. This hotel never rests on its laurels despite being on the heels of a major expansion that has to date included a stunning 9,000-sq-ft spa, two new dining rooms and a comprehensive recreational roster (not to mention add

Sugar Beach is a Viceroy Resort located in St. Lucia. This iconic and luxurious resort has been a mainstay on this Caribbean Island for many years, dating all the way back to when it was originally a sugar plantation. However, the resort has recently embarked on a few upgrades to make your stay better than ever! From the day Sugar Beach originally opened, guests have been able to walk along the soft pristine sand of St. Lucia’s infamous Sugar Beach. In the distance, the twin

ISLAND SECLUSION, MAJESTIC VIEWS It’s clear from your first walk on the soft white sand: This luxury St. Lucia resort is here to renew you. Enjoy the privacy and beauty of 100 acres of pristine rainforest on the Caribbean Sea. It’s all at the site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and in the embrace of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons. Seek seclusion in private accommodations amid vibrant gardens and soaring trees. Take the opportunity to reconnect and reflect as you

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is in the Mediterranean Sea between the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea, south of the Peloponnese. Crete is approximately 160 miles long and 37 miles wide. If there was a beauty contest for Greek islands, Crete would surely be among the favorites. Indeed, some say there is no place on earth like Crete. Crete is well known for its seas and beaches but it has a very contrasting landscape. The island goes from fertile coastal plain

I have sailed on the Celebrity Summit twice. It is a great ship that was built in 2001 but was refreshed and modernized in 2019 during the $500 million dollar fleet-wide Celebrity Revolution program. During the refresh "The Retreat" was added which includes a suite only sundeck and lounge. The Retreat Sundeck is a luxurious outdoor area that rivals any high-end resort. Designed by Kelly Hoppen, MBE, this spacious lounge area makes it easy to unplug with plush, stylish furni