~AMA Waterways~

Thanksgiving and Christmas are still a ways away but that doesn't mean that you can't start planning for them. 

Personally, I would love nothing more than to spend a week or two in the heart of Europe in late November or December. Why you ask? The small towns that line some of the countries most well known rivers become the ultimate winter wonderland!

Doubt me? The proof lies in the pictures!

Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria

Many river cruise lines offer magical Holiday cruises that cater to adults and families alike. AMA offers a variety of holiday themed cruises and they still have space available on select sailings for Nov/Dec 2013.  

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways, a strong leader in the industry, has a fleet of 15 custom-designed vessels that sail through Europe, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa. AMA sets the bar high with innovative ship designs, spacious and stylish staterooms, premium amenities, exceptional cuisine and impeccable service.

AmaWaterways added two amazing new itineraries in 2013, exploring the Seine in France and the Douro in Portugal. Whether you sail on the great waterways of Europe and Russia, the Chobe River in Africa, or the exotic Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, they will provide you with a vacation that you will never forget!

If you haven't made you travel plans for Christmas it's not to late! Give me a call and lets discuss your options.

Happy Travels!

Photos courtesy of AMA Waterways

~Disney Cruise Lines Celebrate the Holidays with Themed Sailings~

Celebrate the Seasons at Sea with Disney This year, Disney Cruise Line is celebrating the seasons at sea with festive themed sailings! Halloween on the High Seas Cruises For Halloween all guests will have a scream aboard the Disney Dream. From Sept. 22 – Oct. 31, you can enjoy spooky special events and trick-or-treating throughout the ship. You’ll experience: • Special Halloween décor – including a massive pumpkin tree in the atrium that sprouts overnight! • Kids will love trick or treating with their favorite Disney characters and marching  in the Costume parade • Adults can enter a costume contest and dance the night away with a villainous take over in Evolution Night Club • The whole family can enjoy a Mousequerade deck party and scream along with Jack and Sally at the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream show! Very MerryTime Cruises And from Nov. 12 – Jan. 6, all four Disney Cruise Line ships transform into a winter wonderland. On these cruises you will enjoy: • Every ship themed to a holiday wonderland with nautical flair • Kids will be invited to help launch the holiday celebrations at King Triton’s tree lighting ceremony • The entire family can play games, dance, and celebrate with favorite Disney friends at a tropical holiday deck party • Santa and his elves will greet Guests If your family is interested in a holiday Disney Cruise give me a call.... the time to book is now! Happy Travels!

~Picturesque Austria~

Hallstatt, Austria

~The Best Fall Vacation Spots Around the World~

The months of September and October mean changing leaves and cooler temperatures here in the US. If you are thinking of taking a vacation before the year ends fall is a great time to do so!  The fall season is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the outdoors here in the USA, especially on the East Coast.

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and leaf viewing you’ll find that New England and the northern Midwest boasts the best fall foliage viewing around.

The best places where you can take in scenic drives, fall foliage tours, and hiking excursions include:

    - Mohawk Trail state forest in Massachusetts                               

    - Green Mountain national forest in Vermont 

    -Acadia National Park in Maine
    - White Mountain national forest in New Hampshire 
    - Huron national forest in Michigan 

Also, the towns, cities and villages of the northern US regions are some of the best places to travel during the fall months. Some of the most popular cities, villages, and towns to visit include:

- the lovely Victorian seaport city of Astoria in Oregon  
- the charming seaside town of Bar Harbor Maine
- the historic town of Bennington Vermont

- New York City

Besides enjoying outdoors in a state forest, you could relax on a cruise, a beach in Florida or the beautiful coast of California.   

If a Caribbean vacation is on your mind for the fall you need to be aware that Hurricane season is at its peak. Luckily some Caribbean islands aren’t typically affected by hurricanes.

Your go to Caribbean islands in the fall should include:      

    - Grenada                                         

    - Aruba
    - Island of Curacao
    - Trinidad & Tobago 

Europe also boasts some great travel options for the fall. The crowds have died down, the heat has dissipated and the cost of flights and lodging has dropped.

   

If Europe’s beaches are of interest head to:

    -Malta

    -The Canary Islands

    -Cyprus

    -Crete

    -Sardinia

The months of September and October are also excellent times of the year to visit and explore the Heart of Europe! Europe’s most popular cities are beautiful this time of year.  

Consider a vacation to:

     - Tallinn Estonia                            

     - Vienna Austria 
     - Budapest Hungary
     - Krakow Poland
     - Rome Italy
     - Munich Germany
     - Faro Portugal

If you fancy an exotic fall vacation Asia is the place to look! The weather is cooler, specifically in southeast Asia and there are wonderful river cruise options to consider.

If you've always wanted to explore places in Southeast Asia I suggest:

    -Singapore

    -Hanoi

    -Manila

    -Bangkok

    -Kyoto

Fall offers such a great variety of vacation options! The problem is narrowing down your options and deciding exactly where you want to spend your hard earned money. If you are currently planning a fall vacation give me a call... I’d love to help you find the best deal for your money!

Happy Travels!