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The Best Way to Avoid Crowds on a Cruise to Santorini

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:33:46 +0000

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise guests are getting a private beach escape on one of Greece’s most famous – and famously busy - islands. The new Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to open in summer 2026. It’s the first Royal Beach Club in Europe, and one part of the Ultimate Santorini Day that also includes tours of the island’s hot spots.

Royal Beach Club Santorini will combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches and Mediterranean beach club culture of this bucket list island with signature experiences featuring villages, Greek spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience.

Ultimate Santorini Day will include a tour of must-see landmark gems of the island, from the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, to a stroll through the shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira.

Your day includes a scenic ferry ride along Santorini’s breathtaking coastline as you make your way to Royal Beach Club Santorini. Stretch out on the island’s black sand beach, enjoy gourmet dining overlooking the Aegean Sea, and unwind beneath a swaying umbrella on a private lounger. Each pass provides entrance to Royal Beach Club Santorini, which includes access to a volcanic black sand beach along the Aegean Sea, complimentary gourmet beachfront dining, umbrellas, loungers, Wi-Fi, and so much more.

Your day also includes visits to the charming village of Oia and the vibrant capital of Fira, each offering incredible views of the caldera framed by iconic blue-domed rooftops.

The Ultimate Santorini Day and Royal Beach Club Santorini are innovative ways to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing cruise guests arriving in Santorini. Arriving by Celebrity or Royal Caribbean cruise ship to Santorini, you can start your journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.

That makes it a better experience for guests and a more responsible and sustainable tourism plan in one of the most popular Greek islands.

Ultimate Santorini Day is featured on a number of Mediterranean itineraries on both sister cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

As the first Royal Beach Club experience launches in The Bahamas in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Santorini is the latest in the company’s growing lineup of exclusive land-based destinations, which includes the renowned and award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Alongside Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti, Royal Caribbean Group’s pipeline of land-based vacation offerings include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas (2025), the Southernmost Hotel on Earth The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Santorini (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2027).

START YOUR TRIP!

Rendering courtesy of Royal Caribbean Group.

Top Image: Getty.

Bali Beyond Beaches

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:33:46 +0000

Indonesia’s most storied island, Bali, has been a symbol of uniquely tropical Asian exotic culture, romance and adventure for centuries. A generation of backpackers and surfers brought Bali’s beaches to ever greater fame, but today, Bali’s being reborn as a bucket list travel destination that’s so much more than beach culture.

Beaches: Surf, Serenity, and Sea Temples

Even Bali’s beaches are more than sand and sun.

Uluwatu is the surfer’s mecca, where pros chase glassy barrels below a cliff-top temple where Kecak dancers chant at sunset.
Nusa Dua whispers of calm and barefoot luxury, perfect for paddleboarding or doing nothing at all.
Amed and Tulamben hide another world beneath the waves: dive to see coral gardens and the hauntingly beautiful USAT Liberty shipwreck, now an underwater reef.
You can see colorful, outrigger jukung boats with fishermen coming and going at dawn on the beaches of Sanur and Amed.

Ken Seet/ Four Seasons (Traditional Balinese Temple Dance at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay)

Culture: Where Everyday Life is a Ceremony

Bali is a Hindu island in a country that is mostly Muslim, with a spirituality that still encompasses the daily rhythm of life. Offerings of flowers and rice (canang sari) decorate every doorway, and daily routines—like sweeping courtyards or lighting incense—are acts of devotion, creating an atmosphere of quiet magic.

Balinese temples are open-air, walled designs and feature ornately carved gateways, designed to be in harmony with nature, leading to locations on cliffs, lakes, and mountains.
The evening Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple, with dozens of bare-chested men performing rhythmic chanting in the open air on a cliff overlooking the ocean during sunset.
In Ubud, wander through temple courtyards where gamelan orchestras rehearse beside rice terraces. Observe the traditional trance dance called the Sanghyang Jaran, where a dancer in a trance-like state walks through burning coals.
Time your visit for Galungan or Nyepi Balinese Hindu festivals; Galungan is a vibrant, 10-day celebration of good over evil with ancestor spirits visiting, while Nyepi is a solemn, island-wide "Day of Silence" that marks the Balinese New Year, with decorations including towering penjor bamboo poles swaying over village lanes.

Nature: Rice Terraces, Waterfalls, and Sacred Peaks

Bali’s heart beats in green, and its soul is profoundly connected to its lush natural wonders. Local guides often bless the trail before hikes, a gentle reminder that every mountain is considered a god’s abode.

The Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud are a living artwork of irrigation engineering, part of the ancient subak system recognized by UNESCO.
Hike up Mount Batur for sunrise views over volcanic lakes.
Chase waterfalls in Sekumpul or Gitgit, where jungle vines and mist blur the edges between myth and reality.

Cuisine: Island Flavors with Ritual Roots

Balinese cuisine tells a story of strong spices and spiritual rituals. Dishes, such as Babi Guling, were, and food offerings are a daily tradition.

Savor babi guling (roast suckling pig) - historically prepared for special ceremonies and religious feasts - or bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), even in the authentic environments of a village casual restaurant or even a roadside stall.
Try lawar, a minced mix of coconut, herbs, and meat, traditionally prepared by hand during temple festivals.
In the resort village of Canggu on Bali’s south coast, a new culinary wave fuses Balinese ingredients with modern flair—think jackfruit tacos with sambal matah.

Crafts: The Art of Everyday Beauty

Art here isn’t decoration, it’s devotion. Balinese craftsmanship deeply integrates spirituality, natural motifs, and meticulous traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Visit Celuk for silversmiths, Mas for woodcarving, and Batubulan for stone sculpture.
Watch artisans carve temple guardians, or paint mythological scenes in Batuan, where every brushstroke is a story.

Pete Seaward/ Four Seasons (Overview of Four Seasons Sayan)

PRACTICAL TIPS:

Where to Stay — From renowned luxury to homey authenticity

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Ubud) – A world-famous sanctuary of floating lily ponds and jungle serenity, where each villa feels cradled by the Ayung River valley.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is known for traditional Balinese-style villas, many with private pools and options for both relaxation and cultural activities
Amandari (Ubud) – Modeled after a traditional village, it blends thatched rooftops, stone shrines, and quiet paths scented with jasmine.
The Bvlgari Resort (Uluwatu) – Sleek Italian design meets Balinese soul on dramatic ocean cliffs, perfect for sunset meditations or moonlit cocktails.
COMO Shambhala Estate (Payangan) – A wellness retreat where the forest itself feels like therapy.
Authentic Balinese-style accommodations include eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and resorts that use local materials and traditional architecture

Best Time to Go

April to October is the island at its brightest: blue skies, calm seas, and golden light perfect for photography and ceremonies.
June to August offers the clearest weather for surfing and diving.
The rainy season (November to March) is lush and less crowded.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images 1 and 3: Getty

Cracking Down on Bad Jet-iquette

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Sun, 16 Nov 25 18:33:46 +0000

It feels like air travel is more turbulent than ever! From “gate-lice” crowding the boarding zone, to out-of-control kids, to disturbing incidents of “air rage,” inconsiderate and bad-tempered people seem to be even more numerous in the unfriendly skies.

Airlines and destinations are fining, banning, redesigning, and reminding travelers that bad behavior at 30,000 feet will have consequences. In 2025 alone, Canada’s WestJet, Ireland’s Ryanair, and the country of Turkey have all implemented new initiatives to restore civilized jet-iquette.

Are you “on board” with these new moves designed to make your next flight less stressful?

Ryanair — Fines, Lawsuits & Last Calls

The giant, low-fare, Irish airline is the mainstay for groups of ‘high spirited’ bachelor and bachelorette parties heading to cheap Mediterranean destinations and fans heading for pints and the party atmosphere at soccer tournaments in Europe. In 2025, it announced it would be fining unruly passengers about USD $675. Furthermore, it would sue offenders for costs if a flight ended up diverted. And it’s urging airports to limit pre-flight alcohol sales.

Turkey — Charging Aisle-Rushers

There’s always that person at the back who thinks they deserve to the first off the plane. But if you’re flying to Turkey, don’t even think about standing up before the aircraft comes to a complete standstill. Let alone opening your overhead bin. Turkey’s aviation regulator will slap you with a fine of about USD 70.

WestJet — Declining Reclining

Conflict-avoiding Canadian airline WestJet is addressing issues over seat recliners by simply taking the option away. New “fixed-recline” seats in economy aim to stop seat-back squabbles and preserve peace. Less tilt, fewer temper tantrums.

Those new initiatives are just the latest crackdowns on bad behavior:

Ireland — #NotOnMyFlight Campaign

Ireland isn’t joking when it comes to bad behavior before, during, or after your flight. In addition to Ryanair’s new hardline policy hitting unruly passengers in their pocketbooks, Irish airlines, airports, and police joined forces with a bold message: “Disruptive behavior won’t fly.” Posters, videos, and staff briefings reinforce zero tolerance.

American Airlines — Eradicating Gate-Lice

Digital boarding systems now flag passengers who try to board out of turn, cutting chaos before take-off and sparing gate staff the stress of crowd control.

India — Stow it! Preventing Flaring Tempers with a Shared No-Fly List

With one of the world’s toughest deterrents against unruly passengers, India has defined three offense levels, instituted bans up to a lifetime, and developed a national registry of flight hooligans shared and accessed by all Indian air carriers.

U.S. FAA — Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

When air rage soared during the pandemic, America's Federal Aviation Agency stepped up, pursuing thousands of cases and issuing record fines and criminal referrals to the FBI. Although things have calmed down a bit more recently, the FAA remains vigilant in reminding travelers: misbehaving or disobeying crew is a federal offense.

European Airports — Sober in the Skies

Across the EU and U.K., airports are tightening alcohol access and posting warnings at gates—‘cutting off’ passengers and problems associated with too much pre-flight tippling.

Avoid Being ‘That’ Passenger: the New Rules of Jet-iquette

We understand. Airport lineups, extra security measures, and crowding take a toll on all our tempers. You still don't want to be the one wrecking someone else's - or your own! holiday. Here are some tips:

Board with your zone and don’t jump the lines.
Stow your carry-on luggage above your own seat.
Just don't recline your seat.
Stay seated until the crew says otherwise.
Check your temper as well as your bags.
Parents, come prepared! Keep kids entertained and in their seats.
Dry in the sky: You don’t have to avoid all alcohol, although it’s especially dehydrating in the air. But keep the big celebrations for your destination.
And of course: Follow crew instructions, always.

How to Deal with ‘That’ Passenger?

Sigh. When others forget to be considerate of those around them, the best thing the rest of us can do is: never engage. Try to find your own little pocket of serenity and focus on anticipating your enjoyment of your upcoming destination.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

5 Best Places in the World to Celebrate Diwali

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Fri, 31 Oct 25 21:30:44 +0000

Every autumn, Diwali, the Festival of Lights rooted in Hindu tradition and also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, illuminates cities and villages in India and beyond. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes glow with oil lamps (diyas), fireworks light the sky, and sweet treats are shared among friends and neighbors.

Diwali celebrations usually last most of a week. The exact dates vary year to year, but fall around mid-September to mid-November. For travelers, it’s one of the most joyful cultural immersions into a community you can experience.

Here are five unforgettable destinations to experience Diwali yourself:

INDIA

Varanasi, India – The Spiritual Heart

On the banks of India’s Ganges River, Varanasi glows with thousands of flickering lamps placed along the ghats. During Dev Deepawali (a few weeks after Diwali proper), the entire riverfront is illuminated with thousands of floating candles. Travelers can take a boat ride to witness the surreal sight of floating candles drifting downstream while fireworks burst overhead.

Jaipur, India – The ‘Pink City’ Illuminated

Known for its architectural splendor and its color calling card, India’s ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur transforms into a wonderland of light for Diwali. Markets and palaces are draped in dazzling decorations, and contests for the “best-lit shop” keep the city buzzing. Visitors can join in local feasts, enjoy Rajasthani sweets, shop for festive handicrafts in the bazars, and wander through streets that feel like an open-air art installation.

Pro Tip: Late October through March (when Diwali usually falls) is one of the best times of year to visit India, even beyond the festival itself. By late October, much of India enjoys dry, sunny days and pleasant evenings. That also makes it India’s busiest tourist season, so book well in advance.

GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS

Because of the Indian diaspora, Diwali is celebrated not just in India but in Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, the UK, Canada, and beyond. That gives travelers a number of very different travel destinations to celebrate what’s become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

London, UK – Trafalgar Square Festivities

Home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in Europe, London is said to have the best Indian cuisine outside of India, and it hosts a vibrant annual Diwali celebration in the heart of London in Trafalgar Square. Free concerts, Bollywood dance, food stalls, and family activities turn the heart of the city into a joyful gathering place. It’s an accessible way for first-time visitors to experience Diwali traditions outside India.

Singapore – Little India in Bloom

Singapore’s Little India district becomes the city’s cultural hub each Diwali. Serangoon Road dazzles with colorful arches and light displays, while bazaars sell garlands, saris, and sweets. Travelers can join community prayers at historic temples like Sri Veeramakaliamman or simply savor Diwali snacks at hawker stalls.

Fiji – An Island Fusion Festival

With its vibrant Indo-Fijian community, Fiji’s Diwali is a joyful island-meets-India fusion. Nearly 40% of Fiji’s population is of Indian heritage, so the South Pacific island nation embraces Diwali. In Suva and Nadi, homes and temples are illuminated, and multicultural street fairs mix Indo-Fijian traditions with island hospitality. Join in the street fairs, temple visits and tasting Indian sweets alongside tropical delicacies—an unforgettable blend of cultures.

Participating in Diwali worldwide

The essence of Diwali is the spirit of light and togetherness, and guests to communities are welcomed into the celebrations.

Join public events: light displays, concerts, and temple gatherings are open to visitors.
Taste the sweets: From laddoos in Jaipur to fusion desserts in Fiji, Diwali indulges your sweet tooth!
Dress the part: Guests wearing a kurta or sari are welcome, and make for tremendous photos!
Light a diya: Travelers are often invited to light a small oil lamp, a symbolic and moving gesture of inclusion.

Being part of Diwali celebrations anywhere in the world makes your trip sparkle with cultural immersion and sheer joy.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

Scenic Enrich: The Exclusive Events that Take Scenic Cruise Luxury to New Heights

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Private, after-hours Scenic Enrich cultural events, just for guests of Scenic ocean and river cruises, take a luxury voyage to next-level privilege. Here are my experiences of three Scenic Enrich events from recent ocean and river journeys.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Travel in any way makes us feel special and takes us out of our ordinary lives. A Scenic voyage makes you feel transported to a better world: your butler, onboard team, cruise director, restaurant servers, bar tenders remember you, your favorite orders, the last conversation you had… and create that sense of delight and a privileged home away from home.

On top of that – and chic, contemporary, boutique hotel design, an all-inclusive, no fuss experience, plus included shore excursions – Scenic includes what it calls ‘Scenic Enrich’ excursions.

The cruise line describes ‘Scenic Enrich’ shore experiences as exclusive, cultural events on shore just for guests of the ship. They take place in the evenings in venues after hours, open privately with a special experience only for our group.

The private, exceptional access – and the experiences themselves! Make guests feel special in a way that is rare and usually reserved for only the smallest, top percent of travelers. Yet shared by all of us on these Scenic cruises.

Scenic Enrich events are possible when the ship has a late sailaway or is docked overnight. Cruise travelers will know that late sailaways or overnights are not something all cruise lines offer – but many of us appreciate.

And Scenic makes select late nights in port really among the most memorable moments of your cruise.

If you are on a weeklong voyage, you’ll enjoy one Scenic Enrich event. But if you are sailing on a longer voyage, you might experience more than one during your trip, as we did.

I recently sailed on both a Scenic ocean and a Scenic river cruise – as it happens, both in France, so I’ve had the chance to experience 3 different Scenic Enrich events just weeks – but, if you’ll excuse the pun - oceans apart in diversity of experience.

Delicacies of Provence on the French Riviera

Aboard the Scenic Eclipse on a French Riviera cruise – how glamorous already! – we had a late evening departure from the legendary port of Saint-Tropez, and just as dusk was about to fall, we disembarked the ship and set off to a local winery, Domaine du Bourrian, after hours.

Inside the winery, surrounded by immense ageing barrels, tables were set up for us to engage in local gastronomy and flavors: local cheeses and charcuterie, grinding our own tapenade using different types of olives and seasoning, mixing our own custom blends of Provencal herbs, sipping botanical drinks and yes, of course, enjoying the wine. Nothing tastes quite like table-side prepared tapenade on fresh French bread with the provencal rosé wine of the winery.

To make us feel completely decadent, we were serenaded by a local group, singing French ‘chansons’ and sexy jazz to make the ambiance absolutely French Riviera glam!

Outdoors, a French version of a food truck with live fire grilled up delightful chickpea flour crepes that made scrumptious finger food, too! We strolled around the vintage vineyard machinery and vines as the sun set, and eventually made our way back to the Scenic Eclipse for late-night snacks in the lounge as we all enjoyed nightcaps at the whisky bar!

Transported Back in Time in a Wine Chateau in the Vineyards of Bordeaux

On our Scenic river cruise in the historic and elegant wine region of Bordeaux, our first Scenic Enrich event of the cruise made us all feel like main characters in our own personal travel fairytale.

Chateau d’Agassac (pictured, top) is thought to be the oldest Bordeaux chateau, an impeccably restored, tiny jewel-box of classic French medieval architecture: turrets and moats, white limestone and slate tiles. The estate dates back to the 11th century, and continues to produce prestigious, Haut-Medoc red wines, including a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.

We were welcomed with glasses of the Chateau’s outstanding wine at the lane leading up to the Chateau’s front doors that were opened just for us. Fans provided on a warm summer's evening brought out the princess or princes in us all!

After wandering the Chateau, glasses in hand like we were aristocrats coming home, we were invited into the winery, next to barrels of ageing wine, for a concert.

A local string quartet interspersed charming classical pieces by Mozart with modern tunes out of the blue - for example, Gene Kelly’s Singing in the Rain - that made us all laugh aloud when we recognized the playful American classics filtering through this historic French ambiance.

Darkness Transformed to Light in a WW2 Submarine Base

Our second Scenic Eclipse event of the cruise was while we were docked in the city of Bordeaux itself – and it could not have contrasted more with the fairytale magic of an evening in a wine chateau.

During World War 2, France was occupied by the Nazis, and there was a fierce struggle for control over the North Atlantic shipping lanes. Bordeaux has historically offered a protected port, via a long and deep estuary off the ocean, and here, a massive, monolithic, 11-bay submarine base was built for fascist submarines based in the North Atlantic.

Ever since the end of WW2, the base lay derelict – according to locals, too massive to destroy! – a truly dark and foreboding hulk over a rundown end of the port area.

Since 2020, it has had a new life – and literally, new light! 4 of the 110-meter-long bays have been transformed into Les Bassins des Lumieres – the basins of light.

It’s the largest digital art center in the world! Projections illuminate all the surfaces, including the water in the pools a total illuminated surface of 12,000 square meters using 90 video projectors!

Again, an after-hours event just for guests of Scenic Diamond gave us full run of the incredible space. We were greeted by the Scenic logo projected onto the walls where the doors of the submarine bays open to the port, and a cocktail table at the far end of one bay. Glasses in hands, as the oppressive, decades-old, concrete walls, ceilings and floors were transformed by the illuminations of the show, we were almost overwhelmed by sensation: immersed above, below and all around by light, art, creativity, and music.

Exactly the same space, same camera angle - BEFORE (above) and AFTER (below) the WW2 submarine basins are literally ‘lit up.’

It was a truly awe-inspiring experience, almost spiritual in how the creators have completely overturned the historic purpose of this monumental space and converted the negative into something so powerfully positive.

Three Scenic Enrich events – three incredibly memorable travel moments crafted with such imagination, thoughtfulness and creativity by the Scenic team for their guests.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Lynn Elmhirst.

Spain’s Most Luxurious Train’s New Madrid-Seville Weeklong Journey

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Spain’s historic Al Andalus train, described as one of the most glamorous in the world, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, it’s debuting a new, 7-day itinerary between Seville and Madrid beginning in spring 2026. It’s the first time the Art Deco-inspired rail journey, evoking the golden age of train travel, will journey from Spain’s capital city. Operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail carrier, the journey includes onboard accommodation, excursions, UNESCO sites, cultural visits, haute cuisine, and a wide range of exclusive services.

It's another example of a renaissance of, not just train travel, but luxury and overnight travel by train in Europe.

The seven-day route includes stops in Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Mérida, Alcázar de San Juan, Toledo, and Aranjuez.

An Itinerary Through History and Culture

The rail adventure operates in both directions, beginning in Madrid or Seville with the other city as the terminus of your journey.

In Seville, Moorish and Renaissance treasures set the tone for a week steeped in culture. From there, the Al Andalus glides to Córdoba, home to the dazzling Mosque-Cathedral, then on to Cádiz, the oldest city in the Western world.

Guests will sip sherry in Jerez, explore Roman ruins in Mérida, taste artisanal cheeses in La Mancha, and wander the windmill-dotted landscapes said to have inspired Don Quixote. By the time the journey reaches Toledo and the royal gardens of Aranjuez, travelers will have collected a lifetime of stories—and one glamorous gala dinner caps it all off before arrival in Madrid.

Travel via the Al Andalus

Once back on the train, the journey is no less magical. The 1930s carriages—originally designed for the British royal family—envelope guests in velvet, silk, and polished wood. Evenings bring live music, dancing in the ballroom, and cocktails in the lounge, while regional Spanish cuisine shines at every meal.

At night, rest in elegant cabins with ensuite bathrooms and panoramic windows in Grand Class rooms with twin beds or Deluxe Suites with queen beds, lounge areas, and a touch of royal indulgence. And because the train never travels overnight, you’ll sleep soundly and enjoy every view in daylight.

Visit a range of cultural and historic landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman ruins dating back to 25 BC, and towns tied to Spain’s Moorish and Renaissance past.

Highlights of the journey include Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, Cádiz—considered the oldest city in the Western world—Jerez’s equestrian ballet and winery tours, and Mérida’s Roman amphitheater. In La Mancha, travelers will see the windmills of Campo de Criptana, said to have inspired Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The penultimate stop in Toledo offers access to the city’s Gothic cathedral, a 10th-century mosque, and synagogues, before concluding at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.

Onboard Experience

The Al Andalus train dates to the 1930s and was originally modeled after the British royal family’s carriages. Its interiors feature wood paneling, velvet and silk furnishings, and a ballroom car. The train does not travel overnight, allowing passengers to explore destinations after hours and ensuring that all travel is by daylight.

Accommodation ranges from Grand Class rooms, with twin beds and ensuite bathrooms, to Deluxe Suites with larger layouts and queen beds. Onboard service includes meals showcasing regional Spanish cuisine and live evening entertainment.

CONTACT US NOW TO MAKE THIS LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEY

PART OF AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO SPAIN!

Only 18 Departures in total for 2026, and they are expected to sell out!

9 Departure Dates in 2026 - Departing from Madrid – Seville:

April: 12 and 26

May: 10 and 24

June: 14 and 28

September: 13 and 27

October: 11

9 Departure Dates in 2026 – Departing from Seville - Madrid:

April: 5 and 19
May: 3 and 17
June: 7 and 21
September: 6 and 20
October: 4

Fares for the 2026 season start at under USD 8000 per person, double occupancy (for Grand Class accommodations).

The fare includes all excursions and scheduled visits; tickets to museums, monuments, and shows; and all meals—including those experienced off the train. Wine, water, soft drinks, mineral water, and coffee are also included with meals. Any drinks consumed outside of meals, as well as crew tips and laundry service, are not included and will attract an extra fee.

MORE ABOUT AL ANDALUS TRAIN - 40 Years of History

The Al Ándalus train is part of the national Spanish train carrier Renfe’s portfolio of Luxury Tourist Trains. With four decades of history, it offers a journey through time aboard historic, fully restored carriages once used for major trips in the early 20th century.

Every detail has been anticipated in this inclusive rail journey, allowing you to imagine yourself embraced by nostalgic luxury. Rail journeys include a deluxe coach that accompanies the train along the entire route to facilitate excursions, and a multilingual guide assists guests throughout the journey. Admission to all scheduled visits is included, along with many other onboard services and activities.

Travel aboard Al Ándalus is also a culinary experience, highlighting world-renowned products such as olive oil, sherry wine, and Jabugo Iberian ham in included onboard meals or prestigious local restaurants.

*** Images courtesy of Renfe Luxury Tourist Trains.

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

7 Ways to Slow Down and Switch Off in St. Kitts

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Instead of a to-do list to check off during your next tropical vacation, the island of St. Kitts invites you to celebrate slow travel: log off, unplug from your devices, and reconnect with yourself and nature with a range of restorative experiences the length and breadth of this 18-mile-long Caribbean island.

St. Kitts is the larger of two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Green mountain ranges stretch from Mount Liamuiga in the north to the southern peninsula—each end, an entirely different and equally fulfilling experience. The island's location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea gives its coast distinctively varied hues. Beaches range from golden tones to salt-and-pepper and alluring black volcanic sand. Peel back the many layers of this beautiful island to discover the culture, history, adventure, and culinary delights around every corner.

The ultimate “Do Not Disturb” destination, St. Kitts offers an abundance of space, serenity and soul-soothing experiences. From starlit sleep therapy to sunset catamaran sails, travelers can explore a variety of mindful island activities designed to help you pause, reset and embrace true relaxation.

Here are 7 island experiences to help you disconnect from the demands of everyday life, savor the island’s natural beauty, focus on wellness and rejuvenation, and focus on your own wellness and your loved ones during your travels as you unwind in St. Kitts:

Sacred Circles & Guided Rituals: Art of Presence (above) offers grounding movement, energy cleansing and sensory experiences designed to foster calm and inner connection.
Outdoor Herbal Baths & Massages: At Mango Walk Spa at Belle Mont Sanctuary, enjoy outdoor treatments featuring herbal poultices, coconut milk and rose for deep relaxation.
Sound Baths & Yoga: Imagine Yoga in Frigate Bay offers restorative sound therapy and yoga in a peaceful, natural setting.
Cacao Ceremonies: Sugar Mill Spa at Park Hyatt St. Kitts hosts mindful cacao rituals paired with intention setting and reflection.
Balm & Bond Workshops: At Sugar Town Organics, guests create bespoke self-care products using local Caribbean botanicals.
Private Plunge Pools & Saunas: Emerald Mist Spa at St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort provides serene spa amenities perfect for total relaxation.
Catamaran Tours: Blue Water Safaris (below) delivers peaceful sailing and snorkeling tours along the island’s stunning coastline.
Bonus outdoor activity:

Sister island Nevis, across the straits from St. Kitts, is one of the Caribbean’s most renowned luxury golf destinations. Extend your stay and treat yourself to a stay at the Four Seasons Nevis, famous for its lush, 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course that offers breathtaking Caribbean views, including Nevis Peak and St. Kitts, as well as for the island's indigenous Green Vervet monkeys that often appear on the fairways. The resort itself is a luxurious Caribbean oasis known for its world-class amenities, including a beautiful beach, multiple pools, fine dining, and cultural experiences, but the unique blend of challenging golf, stunning scenery, and playful monkeys makes it particularly distinctive as well as an outdoor escape to remember!

St. Kitts and Nevis Travel Tip
Travelers to St. Kitts and Nevis are required to obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure from their home country. The quickest way to apply is through the St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Alternatively, travellers may apply online at www.knatravelform.kn. 

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of St Kitts Tourism and their respective attractions.

Top image: Outdoor herbal bath at Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort's new Mango Walk Spa

Riviera Designates World First Solo Cruise Ship

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Solo travel keeps growing, and now there’s a river ship just for singletons to enjoy cruising together for the whole season! Riviera Travel is launching the first-ever cruise ship dedicated to solo travelers in 2027. Now there’s no need to wait until friends or family can join you on holiday – at any time of the river cruising season.

Lots of cruise lines, ocean and river, offer solo travel promotions and Riviera Travel itself even offers whole solo itineraries – more than any other river cruise line, according to the company. As the UK's largest operator with 4 decades of ultra-premium river, ocean and land travel experience behind it, the company is seeing the rise of solo travel, and it’s putting solos at the wheel of their river cruise vacation planning with this new initiative.

Beginning in June 2027, MS George Eliot will exclusively sail solo departures on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers marking the first time a cruise ship has devoted its entire season to solo guests. There are 4, 7-night-long itineraries on Europe’s most popular routes.

Riviera Travel says its solo river cruises are among its most popular itineraries. So the next, natural step was to designate, not just itineraries to singletons, but a whole ship, calling it and ‘all-new luxury river cruise experience.’

Riviera Travel currently offers more than 20 dedicated solo departures each year, the majority taking place during the spring and fall, with every traveler enjoying a private cabin with no additional single supplement.

By adding a dedicated solo traveler ship to its fleet, Riviera Travel is giving solo travelers the opportunity to choose whether you sail during peak river cruise season or at other times throughout the year.

Travelers onboard MS George Eliot will enjoy Riviera Travel’s signature amenities and experiences tailored to the experiences and needs of solos.

Each guest will enjoy the comfort of your own double cabin— most of which feature a French balcony. The ship features communal spaces in the lounge, bar and sundeck. A welcome dinner and cocktail reception, as well as daily entertainment will let travelers connect with those who have shared interests, facilitating social connections for those who wish.

With no single supplement and an all-inclusive pricing structure that covers excursions, meals, and an all-day drink package, solo travelers can feel like they’re on equal footing with travelers cruising double occupancy.

As one of the more intimate ships in the Riviera fleet and originally designed for 160 guests double occupancy, MS George Eliot will accommodate just 68 solo travelers, creating an exclusive and intimate group.

At the same time, there’s an unprecedented crew to guest ratio of one crew member for every two guests, ensuring solo travelers experience the highest level of personal service. And each cruise includes the expertise of a dedicated cruise director and hotel manager and insightful daily excursions led by local guides.

Riviera’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounge, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area, and a sun deck, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe’s rivers and landscapes.

START YOUR SOLO TRIP!

Image courtesy of Riviera Travel

W Hotels Debuts First Beach All-Inclusive

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

The hotels for the hip are joining the all-inclusive trend. W Hotels, known for avant-garde design, luxurious amenities, music, fashion, and art scenes that create buzzy social hubs for creatives and stylish professionals, is bringing its "Whatever/Whenever" service, distinctive local programming and iconic bars and restaurants to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in its first all-inclusive location.

W Hotels is just the latest hotel chain capitalizing on travelers’ desire to both extend their urban hotel experience to the beach – and simplify it in an all-inclusive style. The W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive is set along the white sand shores of the eastern Dominican Republic’s luxury travel scene.

And according to W Hotels, this isn't just another resort – it's re-imagining beach resorts for the expectations of W Hotels’ stylish, creative traveler. You’ll find all the things you love about W Hotels in your favorite cities: insider access, a dynamic atmosphere, the unmistakable audio experience, and vibrant design, woven into a new W Hotels experience.

“This isn't just a resort – it's a vibe, a movement, a new way to travel”

W Punta Cana features 340 stylish guest rooms and suites. Every room includes a bathtub and exclusively features king-size bed configurations, including the two-bed suites and the Oasis Mega Suites, the first in the Dominican Republic. You’ll find expansive space, breathtaking ocean views, world-class amenities and services, including 24-hour in-room dining, signature ‘maxi bar’ with savory and sweet snacks, and bespoke beverages. 46 suites feature exclusive swim-up pools, including select suites with full-sized private pools.

The all-inclusive resort features a contemporary design integrating local elements with signature “W” style, complemented by natural materials that evoke the charm of cobblestone streets. The aesthetic motifs inspired by larimar, the national stone, alongside décor influenced by native fauna – such as dragonflies and colorful seashells.

W Punta Cana’s public areas, surrounded by lush landscaping, lead guests through winding, jungle-like paths adorned exclusively with endemic flora – reflecting the resort's commitment to sustainability. Low-density design promotes balance and immersing yourself in the open air.

The communal layout resembles a lively, creative village with pockets of privacy; the resort features a 400-meter beachfront paired with the brand's signature WET Deck (pictured, top), an 80-meter infinity pool – larger than an Olympic-size pool and perfect for social gatherings, while the Chill Pool offers a serene ambiance, with a swim-up bar and sunbeds.

Detox/ Retox Lifestyle

With 12 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges, you can embark on a culinary journey that embodies W Hotels’ gastronomic philosophy with epic dining concepts and artfully crafted cocktails. Explore tastes – from multicultural and Asian to Dominican and Caribbean flavors, via a food hall inspired by global street food and fueled by fresh, local ingredients, an elegant, chef-driven concept, a Pan Asian noodle Bar, and a bar and events theater.

The resort's mixology program is rooted in creative infusions and spirits, including a microbrewery and beer hall, a beach club with W Hotels’ WET Deck, a vinyl speakeasy and more.

Entertainment at W Punta Cana is deeply rooted in local culture and thoughtfully curated to create an authentic social hub. From high-energy dance parties and artist residencies to wellness-focused sound sessions and culturally immersive events, the lineup offers a seamless balance between social connection and rest and rejuvenation.

The live music line-up, curated by W Hotels’ Music Director of the Caribbean and Latin America, Sinego, in collaboration with Dominican-based electronic music collective Chinese Laundry, blends global influence with local soul. Guests can immerse themselves in DJ-led sound baths, beachside silent discos, curated vinyl libraries, and nightly rooftop sessions – all designed to create an ever-evolving soundtrack to your stay.

The resort's approach to wellness blends sophistication with a strong sense of place, centered around the brand's signature AWAY Spa, local healing traditions and local products. Unwind in the steam room, Himalayan salt room, sauna, or the striking indoor pool, with sunrise yoga and restorative rituals.

Beyond the resort, embark on private tours of Punta Cana, explore national parks, or charter private boats and yachts for diving and snorkeling around the island, visiting remote, intimate beaches or discovering hidden gems.

W Punta Cana also has versatile meeting and event spaces, including an over-5000 square foot grand luxury ballroom.

W Hotels’ New Wave

The opening of W Punta Cana marks a major milestone in W Hotels, expanding beyond urban hotspots, escapes, and residences to debut adult all-inclusive destinations.

Following W Punta Cana, two additional W Hotels all-inclusive properties are set to open in Corasol Playa del Carmen and Costa Mujeres in 2028 and 2029.

W Hotels are part of Marriott Bonvoy, allowing guests to participate in one of the largest travel loyalty programs while vacationing in their beloved W Hotels style – in a new, adult, all-inclusive, easy format that extends W style and lifestyle to the beach.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of W Hotels

Cruising Gets a New “Star:” Royal Caribbean’s Latest Icon Class Ship Debuts

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has launched in a glittering ceremony. The line’s latest Icon-class ship’s christening event lit up Port Canaveral, Florida. You might say it was ‘written in the stars,’ as the mega-ship’s godmother, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, named the ship and set it on its inaugural voyage.

The ages-old tradition of bestowing safekeeping on a ship, its crew and guests “is close to my heart and a spirit that spans both sea and space,” says Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas. “A vacation on Star is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions in life, a spirit of exploration and quality time with family.”

Following the naming ceremony, the newly blessed Icon-class ship embarked on its first sailing with vacationing guests. Along with the record-setting experiences of the new ship, cruise travelers also get to experience Royal Caribbean’s exclusive private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Star of the Seas "Hyperlapse Tour" of top onboard experiences and destinations!

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Kellie Gerardi, godmother of Star of the Seas; Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean; and Captain Rob Hempstead of Star of the Seas, hosting Star of the Seas’ naming celebration.

Image Credit: sbw-photo

“Boldest Family Vacation Ever!”

That’s what Royal Caribbean President and CEO, Michael Bayley, calls the cruise line’s latest ship, with its 8 neighborhoods of next-level adventure both day and night:

adrenaline-pumping thrills at Category 6 waterpark and the
Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean;
chill with seven pools, including a suspended infinity pool at sea;
stay-and-play-all-day Surfside neighborhood designed for families with young kids;
more than 40 ways to dine and drink,
jaw-dropping entertainment – including the cult classic hit “Back to the Future: The Musical” and
marquee performances across air, ice, water and theater – and more.

The Caribbean’s New Star

Similar to the pattern set by Icon of the Seas homeporting in Miami, Star will sail 7-night adventures from her homeport in Port Canaveral (Orlando), visiting bucket-list destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On the Royal Caribbean Horizon

Standby for even more standout experiences over the next three years as the cruise line unveils an expanding lineup of destinations, including the ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, opening in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, along with the next game-changing adventure in vacations, Perfect Day Mexico, in fall 2027.

START YOUR TRIP!

Video courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Image credit as indicated

FAQ's About the EU's New Entry System, Launching October, 2025

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Are you ready for your next trip to Europe? The European Union’s new, automated, digital entry and exit system for non-EU nationals – including citizens of the U.S. and Canada – will be implemented starting October 12, 2025. The EU’s long-delayed new digital border control process is called EES: Entry/Exit System.

Sadly, for nostalgic passport stamp collectors, the new system will eliminate manual stamping. EES replaces the previous system with a digital process that includes the collection of travelers’ biometric data.

That means you will have your facial image and fingerprints taken to record your entry into any of the 29 EU countries that make up the so-called ‘Schengen Area’, and your exit from any of them on your departure.

You cannot opt out of providing biometric data for EES. It is a requirement for non-EU citizens under EU law. If you refuse to provide your biometric data, you will be denied entry into the EU’s Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is the group of almost all of the European Union countries that have collectively decided to eliminate internal border controls, allowing for free movement for travelers once they clear passport control in the first country of the Schengen Area of their trip. Within the Schengen Area, as before the EES, there are no passport controls.

The new EES applies to visitors on short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). Years in the making and implementation, EES finally consolidates all Schengen Area member countries’ border control information digitally.

While saying goodbye to the sometimes pretty and nostalgic passport stamps, EES provides a centralized and automated passport control information database that can be simultaneously operated by all the member countries. EES electronic records available to all member countries’ border control officials allow them to track entries, exits, and potential overstays by non-EU citizens.

Officials say EES will enhance security, prevent irregular migration, and standardize data collection across the Schengen Area.

Do Travelers Need to Do Anything?

No pre-registration for the EES is required before your trip to Europe
Make sure your passport is in good condition for digital scanning
Be prepared for your biometric data to be collected on your first entry into an EU country as of October 12, 2025
Allow extra time for border crossing (entry and exit) in EU countries during the rollout phase through Spring, 2026.

EES officials add that, once it's fully implemented, EES will streamline future border crossings as it speeds up and secures travel processes.

Remind Me Again: Which Countries are Part of the EU/ Schengen Area?

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic (Czechia)
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Just so you know, Ireland and Cyprus are the only two EU members that are not currently part of the Schengen Area. Ireland has a permanent opt-out, while Cyprus is expected to join in the future.

Even before Brexit, the countries of the U.K.: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, were not part of the Schengen Area, and are not participants in the new EES.

For more information, here’s the EU’s official webpage for the EES.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

Quickie Cruises and Themed Voyages on Windstar

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

Small- and sailing-ship cruise line Windstar is changing up how you cruise, with “Quick Getaways” in Europe and a collection of themed cruises in Europe and the Caribbean, with departures from fall, 2025, through 2027.

“Quick Getaways”

Breaking from its own tradition of longer cruises, Windstar is introducing a series of new mini-cruise itineraries. With departures in 2026 and 2027, they are designed to give you a taste of its style of cruising in Europe over 3-5 nights

These short but sweet cruises let you enjoy a mix of iconic cities and tucked-away ports that rarely fit into one itinerary and take you places most cruises can’t, all with the same relaxed, friendly atmosphere you'll find on every Windstar voyage.

Why Take a Quick Getaway Cruise:

Overnight flight from the East Coast, board the same day in Europe
Add a mini vacation to your work trip or tag it onto a longer land adventure
Compact itineraries that mix iconic cities with postcard-worthy hidden gems – think sailing under London’s Tower Bridge!
The perfect taste-test of Windstar’s relaxed, yacht-style cruising
Pair with a longer voyage for the ultimate European sampler

Quick Getaway Itineraries:

St. Malo Getaway (4 nights) – Sail through London’s Tower Bridge, then dive into the windswept beauty of France’s northern coast, Mont St. Michel, and beyond.
A Taste of Southern France (3 nights) – Kayak near Sète, wander Collioure, and ride to the storybook citadel of Carcassonne.
La Dolce Vita in Italy & France (3 nights) – Sail past seaside villages, roam Corsican markets, and raise a glass in Tuscany.
Belgium: A Sweet Getaway (3 nights) – Discover Bruges’ canals, snack on Belgian chocolates, and admire fairytale architecture.

New Themed Voyages Collection

Another new collection of cruises from Windstar – with sailings beginning in fall 2025 and continuing into 2026 - is designed to make your passions come alive at sea. Whether it’s swapping brushstrokes with celebrated artists, taking the helm on a tall ship, or flowing with daily yoga on deck, these intimate, yacht-style journeys bring immersive fun from bow to stern.

Sip, Sketch, and Sail

Bring home a memory painted at sea on Windstar’s Masterpieces at Sea voyages. Elevate travel into a living canvas of creativity, with artists sharing presentations about the inspirations behind each piece.

On select sailings, an acclaimed Fountainhead artist will be on board creating a mural or large installation in real time, transforming the ship into a floating gallery, such as Samara Ash on the November 14th, 2025 Masterpieces at Sea: Brushes and Tapas voyage. A second artist also joins each voyage as an instructor, transforming The Screening Room into a hands-on art studio with intimate painting workshops, lively Paint & Sip classes, and more. Adding depth to the experience, an onboard Art Historian will deliver a series of enrichment talks, tying the destinations’ artistic heritage to the creativity happening at sea.

Beyond the ship, Windstar enhances the journey with curated art-focused excursions—think Gaudí’s playful architecture in Barcelona or Picasso’s legacy in Málaga— led by the guest artists on board. See all Masterpieces at Sea sailings below:

Brushes & Tapas, November 14, 2025
Europe Winter Riviera, February 20, 2026
Mediterranean Island Mosaic, August 13, 2026
Gems of the Leeward Islands October 28, 2026

An Ocean Crossing That’s Anything but Ordinary

Windstar’s Knot Your Average Crossing voyages celebrate the romance and tradition of life under sail. On these one-of-a-kind crossings – setting sail beginning November 2025 – guests can step up to the flying bridge and take the helm, learning age-old seamanship skills from the crew. Days at sea are filled with engaging enrichment programs: bridge and deck officers lead hands-on workshops in knot tying, chart reading, and star mapping, while distinguished guest speakers bring maritime history to life.

On the upcoming sailing, Knot Your Average Crossing (Lisbon to St. Maarten), historian and journalist Joseph Novitski will deliver a lecture series on piracy, naval order, and the origins of the U.S. Navy.

More 2026 sailings will continue this tradition, with enrichment speakers still to be announced, offering fresh perspectives on maritime heritage. Whether you’re steering the ship, tracing ancient constellations, or raising a toast to pirate lore, these crossings promise a seafaring adventure unlike any other.

Sun Salutations and Sea Breezes

Windstar’s Mind, Body, Spirit Collection itineraries take wellness beyond the spa, blending serene days at sea with transformative experiences designed for guests to nurture their whole selves.

Renowned yoga teacher and life coach Debbie Dixon leads daily sessions of yoga, meditation, and breathwork on open decks where the horizon becomes a peaceful focal point. Guests can sip their way to vitality at the pop-up Elixir Bar, offering fresh, nutrient-rich juices, and go deeper with guidance from an additional onboard wellness coach for personalized, one-on-one attention. It’s the perfect balance of small-yacht intimacy, expert-led rejuvenation, and Windstar’s knack for pairing mindful moments with unforgettable destinations.

About Windstar Cruises:

On a fleet of eight all-suite and sailing yachts serving up to 350 guests, Windstar Cruises’ guests can explore enchanting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Alaska, New England, Canada, Japan, Asia and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class beginning with Star Seeker in December 2025 and followed by Star Explorer in December 2026.

At Windstar Cruises, it's not just about travel – it's about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight.

Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy that spans over a hundred years of operating iconic U.S. national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others.

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

*** Images courtesy of Windstar Cruises.

Sneak Peek at Celebrity Cruises’ New River Ships

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

How is Celebrity Cruises bringing their revolutionary, ‘Edge-class’ ocean ship design and lifestyle to the rivers of Europe? The cruise line has now revealed at least part of its vision with renderings of their first two river ships: Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, prior to their launch on the Rhine and Danube rivers in 2027.

This comes just a week after the first advance pre-booking access sold out in 6 minutes! We don’t know how many people put down their refundable $500 deposit to be among the first people given access to the inaugural season of itineraries and departures, but we aren’t surprised that so many fans of Celebrity cruising want to try out their river ships as soon as possible! (Watch this space - more pre-booking access may be released!)

It's one of the most highly-anticipated cases of cruising crossover. I think you'll agree with these just-released first released renderings and details… there's a distinct ‘Edge’ to these river ships!

“More outdoor space” relative to the total square footage of the ship than any river ship, sweeping 360-degree views and an infinity-edge plunge pool suspended above Europe's most scenic waterways
Magic Edge cantilevered dining pods floating dramatically above the water – the first-ever cantilevered dining pods! – serving dynamic destination-driven menus that evolve with each port
Top-deck features include transformative shade structures, furniture and a bar and grille, maximize guests’ time on deck and access to panoramic views, while offering zones for every mood, whether it be socializing or disconnecting, in a space designed for year-round comfort.
An infinity-edge plunge pool invites guests to cool off while taking in the sights.

The “most dining choice on the river” - Eight restaurants and bars including Celebrity-favorite venues Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio -with 24/7 dining access available.
Five innovative stateroom categories delivering natural light, intuitive storage, enhanced configuration, king sized beds in every stateroom and spacious balconies and Infinite Veranda technology that transforms spaces at the touch of a button to bring your river destination outdoors indoors. All guests can enjoy complimentary stocked mini bars and destination-inspired amenities, linens, bedding, bathrobes and slippers.

First-ever Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites with dramatic ceiling windows flooding rooms with natural light, a dedicated, on-demand butler through ‘Butler Chat,’ complimentary exclusive dining, room service and happy hour experiences, complimentary laundry once each sailing, and priority booking for shore excursions.

The ships also feature advanced environmental technology including best-in-class hybrid propulsion system and waste management systems.

Celebrity's new river cruises will deliver all-inclusive luxury with comprehensive packages covering meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, onboard experiences and daily shore excursions.

Inaugural Season in 2027: world-class river destinations, the Celebrity Way

33 seven-night sailings on the Rhine and Danube rooted in place, culture and connection will take guests through the heart of Europe’s culture, history and unforgettable cities, and invite guests to taste regional wines, walk cobbled village streets, and enjoy the new perspective each day offers.

Enjoy a tale of many cities as multiple ports per day – combined with overnight experiences – invite you to explore river cruising destinations in a modern way.

From private wine tastings in Austria to thermal baths in Budapest, or cycling the riverbanks of the Danube, every experience is designed to bring out what is rare, real, and remarkable. Guests will see Budapest lit by night, sail the Wachau Valley, and discover hidden gems.

Celebrity river cruise guests will also be able to book pre- and post-cruise land stays in iconic cities like Prague and Budapest, all seamlessly arranged and delivered in the Celebrity style so many cruise fans of modern luxury travel love.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Globus Unveils New North America Escorted Vacations for 2026

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

“The world’s most-awarded tour operator” invites you to discover the extraordinary close to home with 3 new escorted tours in the USA and Canada for 2026 – including an immersive Small Group Discovery tour through California, an Undiscovered itinerary across Colorado and a winter wonderland vacation to Québec. Each itinerary promises VIP access, local encounters and perfectly planned details that take travelers well beyond the ordinary.

Globus makes travel stress-free, taking care of all the details so you can focus on your experience and create travel memories. Tours feature handpicked hotels, expert Tour Directors, and local guides, including sightseeing and customizable experiences; these vacations take care of all the hassles of planning.

NEW Coastal California, Napa & the Central Valley (Small Group Discovery tour)

From the Channel Islands to charming Carmel, and lavender fields to local olive oil estates, this new Small Group Discovery tour brings guests face-to-face with the sights, stories and flavours of California’s coastal corridor and wine country – all with an average group size of just 18. Guests will enjoy honey and mead tastings, a slow-food movement lunch, a lavender farm tour, a visit to Sonoma and private winery visits in the Napa Valley area – plus stays in boutique accommodations along the way.

Those opting for a longer, 12-day version will cap their trip with extra time and a hop-on-hop-off pass in San Francisco.

Don’t Miss: Pebble Beach panoramas, art- and sustainability workshops with the Junk Girls and the scent of lavender in the air.

NEW Colorful Colorado: Peaks, Parks and Panoramas (Undiscovered tour)

This Undiscovered tour takes guests off-the-beaten-path to showcase the raw beauty of the Rockies, with visits to all four of Colorado’s national parks, including Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings and the shifting sands of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Guests will ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad, choose their own adventure in Colorado Springs (either the Cog Railway or the Olympic-Paralympic Museum), and sip small-batch spirits in Palisade.

For those seeking even more awe, the 14-day version continues aboard the Canyon Spirit train – a luxe rail journey that winds through Glenwood Springs, Moab and the canyons of Utah before ending in Salt Lake City.

Don’t Miss: 11,000-foot views, UNESCO World Heritage sites and riding vintage rails into America’s Wild West.

NEW Winter in Montréal and Québec (Special Event tour)

It’s the most magical time of year in Canada’s most charming cities. This new winter tour wraps travellers in European-style holiday markets, historic landmarks and cozy culinary traditions. From Notre-Dame Basilica to Montmorency Falls, festive sugar shack feasts to twinkling Christmas markets, this getaway is equal parts heartwarming and snow-dusted.

Don’t Miss: Stay in legendary Fairmont hotels, celebrate French-Canadian culture and enjoy the sights (and sweets) of an old-world Noël.

America’s 250th Birthday

In addition to these new itineraries, Globus previously released a new getaway honoring America’s semiquincentennial with its Celebrating America: 250 Years Strong tour – a milestone journey through the country’s most historic cities, from Boston to Washington, D.C. This special itinerary invites travellers to walk in the footsteps of history and experience the nation’s story like never before.

LET US HELP YOU PLAN A TRIP CLOSE TO HOME NEXT YEAR!

MORE ABOUT GLOBUS

A century in the making, Globus takes travelers beyond the guidebooks, beyond the ordinary and beyond expectations with expertly designed tours across seven continents. From classic journeys to small-group discoveries and independent adventures to undiscovered surprises, Globus ensures every trip delivers front-row access to legendary landmarks. No planning. No hassles. Just hand-picked hotels, seamless transportation and insider expertise with the world’s most awarded tour operator, which translates to ease.

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

*** Image courtesy of Globus

Transformed Waldorf Astoria Returns as Beacon of NYC as Sister Hotels Open Globally

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:54:57 +0000

New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel is one of just a handful of hotels around the globe that’s a household name synonymous with luxury, society and history. After closing in 2017, the legendary hotel has resumed its place at the apex of New York and global hospitality following a transformational restoration of ballrooms, suites, dining venues and more.

The Waldorf Astoria, named after one of America’s first ultra-wealthy families, the Astors, pioneered luxury hospitality innovations. It was the first modern hotel in the world to offer in-room telephones, electricity on every floor, and 24-hour room service, and set the standard for fine dining. The iconic fixture of New York's glamorous social and cultural scene for over a century, the Waldorf Astoria has hosted presidents, royalty, celebrities and events that shaped the history of culture and life around the world.

Once again, the Waldorf Astoria – now the of the Hilton hotel family - has reclaimed its position at the center of New York’s social scene and hotel destination for discerning travelers with a taste for living history. Visitors will see how it blends its storied past and timeless elegance with a bold vision for the future of luxury stays and events in New York City.

Events Spaces

“The Greatest of Them All” – as Conrad Hilton famously described Waldorf Astoria New York – offers nearly 43,000 square feet of storied and now, cutting-edge event space. The landmark property features some of the city’s most acclaimed heritage venues that have been meticulously restored to preserve their original Art Deco detailing while being updated with the latest technology, including:

Grand Ballroom: The Crown Jewel of New York’s Event Scene

The three-story, 1,500-person capacity space, with landmarked, curtained balconies, was completely restored and has technology that allows it to host performances from private events to Broadway-style productions.

The decorative plaster bas-relief medallion at the center of the ceiling has been maintained and refurbished.

Basildon Room

An exquisite example of 18th-century design, the Basildon Room has a maximum capacity of 190 guests and now provides a lighter and brighter space with modern infrastructure added to the ceiling’s existing charm and restored frescoes, lunettes, cornices, paneling and fireplace mantel, which were all imported from England’s Basildon Manor in Basildon Park.

Silver Corridor

The Silver Corridor is one of the most elegant spaces within the hotel, blending history and artistry in a way that is uniquely New York. Its significance lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its functionality; the Silver Corridor links some of the most important event spaces in the hotel, such as the Grand Ballroom, Jade Room, Astor Room, and Basildon Room. Sixteen wall murals, originally commissioned for the first Waldorf Astoria and painted in 1897 by American impressionist artist Edward Emerson Simmons, were salvaged from the original hotel for the 1931 construction and brought back to life in the recent restoration. The existing geometries and reinterpreted original materials reinforce Waldorf Astoria’s defining architectural language and its status as a benchmark in global hospitality.

Jade Room

With double-height ceilings and windows flanked by marble colonnades, the light-filled Jade Room has been updated to accommodate functions of up to 420 guests.

Astor Salon

A backdrop to thousands of events throughout Waldorf Astoria New York’s history, including a 1933 concert featuring both Cole Porter and George Gershwin on pianos, the Astor Room has been restored and has a maximum capacity of 420. The room now brings in more natural light and features beautiful columns, which were uncovered during the restoration.

Event attendees can arrive via three entrances, including a discreet porte-cochère on 49th Street between Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue – the only hotel porte-cochère available in Manhattan – or via Park Avenue or Lexington Avenue between 49th and 50th streets.

Accommodations + Signature Suites

Following the hotel’s transformation from a 1,400-room hotel to 375 hotel guest rooms and 372 residences, Waldorf Astoria New York now offers some of the largest guest rooms and suites in Manhattan. With hotel interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon, rooms are meant to feel like private apartments.

Guerlain Wellness Spa

Debuting fall, 2025 at more than 20,000 square feet, Guerlain Wellness Spa features treatment rooms, VIP suites, along with a 7,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center.

Culinary Experiences

Waldorf Astoria New York has returned as the dining destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Iconic Peacock Alley continues to embody the hotel's legacy as a lively center for social events and unforgettable experiences in the heart of New York City, with an award-winning mixology expert and a cocktail menu that honors the legacy of classic New York cocktail culture.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Lex Yard, celebrates seasonal ingredients and refined technique, with standout dishes like the Royal Ocsiètre Gold Caviar Sando.

Just steps from Park Avenue, Yoshoku offers a kaiseki-inspired menu, the pinnacle of Japanese culinary tradition, reimagined through a New York lens.

Return of Waldorf Astoria New York Signals a Global Brand Evolution

With the highly anticipated return of Waldorf Astoria New York, Hilton’s iconic luxury brand enters a new chapter. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is growing, with 17 new openings and 33 additional properties in the pipeline, evolving from a heritage name into a worldwide symbol of modern luxury.

Signature hallmarks – like Peacock Alley and the Waldorf Astoria Clock – are thoughtfully evolved across the portfolio. For example, at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, the clock’s design integrates the Mayan calendar paying tribute to local heritage.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka

Opened in April 2025, Waldorf Astoria Osaka marks the brand’s highly anticipated debut in Japan, spanning 12 floors of a 39-story high-rise, and includes a contemporary interpretation of Peacock Alley.

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

Also opened in April 2025 on the dramatic cliffside peninsula of Cacique in Guanacaste province, this resort offers a perfect backdrop for adventure seekers, sunbathers, and nature lovers. Guests can enjoy a sprawling holistic sanctuary, diverse culinary offerings including a signature restaurant, and family-friendly activities on the shores of Playa Penca.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan

Opening in late 2025, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan is in the heart of the city’s New Bund area, offering panoramic views of the Huangpu River and skyline. The hotel’s interiors blend rich Chinese cultural elements with Shanghai’s iconic Art Deco style, creating a romantic, elegant atmosphere.

Waldorf Astoria Rabat Sale

Opening in 2025, Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé will be part of the tallest building in Morocco and the third tallest building in Africa – towering 55 floors and featuring an observatory.

Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch

Slated to open Spring 2026 at one of London’s most iconic historical landmarks, Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch marks the brand’s first appearance in London. Admiralty Arch bookends The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, offering unrivaled views of the Palace in one direction and across Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square in the other.

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur

Opening in 2026 in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, the hotel will offer custom-designed suites, multiple world-class dining venues - including a signature Peacock Alley - a state-of-the-art wellness center, and a ballroom destined to captivate social life in Malaysia.

Waldorf Astoria River Nile Experience

Welcoming its first guests in late 2026, this exclusive cruise experience will provide unforgettable views of some of Egypt’s world-renowned landmarks.

Additional openings on the horizon include Sydney, Tokyo, Hanoi, Jakarta, Jaipur, Tangier, Greece, Texas Hill Country, and Turks & Caicos.

START YOUR TRIP!

All images courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts/ Hilton

Sales Open for F1 Paddock Club VIP Experience for Guests of EXPLORA 1 at Monaco’s 2026 Grand Prix

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:52:40 +0000

Don’t miss the hottest ticket to one of the most stylish sports events on the planet! Act now that sales have opened for the F1 Paddock Club VIP Hospitality experience for guests reserving a suite aboard EXPLORA I during the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2026.

CONTACT US TODAY

BEFORE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE SELLS OUT!

With its exclusive docking position in the heart of Monte Carlo’s legendary Port Hercule, EXPLORA I will offer the ultimate vantage point for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. Experience the exhilaration of race weekend and the elegance of your ultra-luxurious home at sea. Make it even more memorable with exclusive access to the F1 Paddock Club, putting you at the very heart of Formula 1.

From the high-octane racing action unfolding at the iconic Rascasse corner to the refined ambiance of the Paddock Club lounge, guests will witness the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix from a perspective few will ever know. The experience includes gourmet dining, world-class hospitality, live entertainment, and the possibility of spontaneous encounters with legendary drivers and A-list personalities, all set against the unmistakable glamour of Monte Carlo.

The F1 Paddock Club experience provides much more than race viewing. You can step into the inner sanctum of Formula 1 during the Aramco Formula 1 Pit Lane Walk, where you can watch teams at work as they fine-tune their machines for lights out. Get the rare opportunity to hear firsthand from current drivers and iconic champions during intimate appearances and enjoy exclusive paddock tours in small, hosted groups for an unparalleled behind-the-scenes perspective. Between the action, relax with curated entertainment, live DJ sets, cultural experiences and innovative digital activations, all delivered with Monaco’s signature flair.

Guests reserving a suite aboard EXPLORA I may choose between breathtaking sea views or vistas of Monte Carlo. This exceptional experience combines the adrenaline of Formula 1 with the sophistication and comfort of luxury ocean travel, redefining what it means to experience Monaco’s most iconic weekend.

More About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created at the heart of Swiss luxury hospitality. The brand stems from the long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travellers, drawing on the Aponte family`s 300 years of maritime heritage. The brand aspires to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded others, while remarkable itineraries blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

A fleet of six luxury ships will be launched from 2023 to 2028, starting with EXPLORA I’s delivery that took place on July 24, 2023. Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel. EXPLORA I and II offer 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for guests, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of eleven distinct culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, Chef’s Kitchen, twelve bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor), four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company`s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience and respectful and intuitive hospitality.

EXPLORA II was delivered on September 12, 2024. EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027, with both ships being LNG-powered. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

***Images courtesy of Explora Journeys

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

Holland America Line Debuts First Lipstick Blending Bar at Sea

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:52:40 +0000

You’ll have a bright lip for your stylish ship! Holland America Line’s new ‘Blend Bar’ onboard experience allows guests to design their own customized lipstick or gloss – the first aboard any cruise ship. So you’ll have the perfect shade to reflect your cruise vacation mood.

The exclusive, hands-on lipstick lab is guided by an expert beauty consultant and offers a palette of premium pigments, luxurious finishes, and signature flavors to craft a custom lipstick or gloss. So if you didn’t find the exact lip shade for a new cruise outfit – or your tan – you’ll be able to design one yourself. Bring along the remnants of your favorite discontinued color and formulate the lipstick you’ve always dreamed of.

Plus, do some holiday bonding over beauty - and a useful souvenir of your cruise.

All ages are welcome, and the Blend Bar is bookable for individual or group experiences in the beauty section of the shipboard shops. It is already available on Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Volendam, and Zaandam, and will roll out to HAL’s remaining four ships before the end of 2025.

Blend Bar participants embark on a beauty journey to curate a signature shade from over 30 blendable pigments. Working together with the consultant, you choose your colors to create your one-of-a-kind hue. Each tailored blend can be made into one of four finishes: butter, crème, matte or gloss. You can even choose from more than 20 flavors and essences, and dimension can be added with frost, shimmer or iridescent effects.

Once blended, the custom formula is melted and poured into a lipstick mould or gloss tube. Invent a custom name for your lipstick, which will be applied to the tube upon completion. Along with your personalized lipstick or gloss, you’ll get a formula card as the ‘recipe’ to recreate your design in the future.

The cruise line notes that Blend Bar uses ingredients with the highest quality/integrity, free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates and GMOs, as well as cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. The pigments for the lipsticks and gloss are packed with antioxidants and SPF for everyday sun protection.

Whether enjoying a special moment with friends or family members, what a great parent-child bonding experience! - or simply indulging in a touch of personal luxury, this one-of-a-kind beauty experience lets you take home a unique memento from an unforgettable cruise.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images courtesy of Holland America Line

One Thing NOT to do on Your Next Trip to the Great Outdoors

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:52:40 +0000

Remember the saying for those of us who love to experience nature when we travel: “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Well, we have another piece of advice for responsible travelers – one you may find surprising. Social media has fueled a boom in “rock-stack art.” But now a crescendo of voices – from park rangers to indigenous communities – is asking everyone to leave the stones alone.

The rock-stacking trend, and its downside

They look harmless, peaceful, even. A few hand-sized rocks, stacked into a tidy little tower beside a trail or on a windswept beach. Photos of gravity-defying towers on coastlines, riverbeds, and national parks inspire imitation. You may have already built a stone stack yourself.

But that tiny “I was here” marker can ripple into real harm.

Around the world, a growing group of concerned experts stress that building stone stacks (also called cairns) damages fragile environments, erodes soils, disturbs habitats, jeopardizes trail safety and makes light of ancient cultural traditions.

Communities, conservationists, rangers and indigenous groups are responding: on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, locals dismantled hundreds of tourist stacks at the Fairy Glen to restore the natural landscape. In North America, volunteers in national and provincial parks regularly remove unauthorized piles.

Here’s why:

Erosion & soil loss. Stones help anchor fragile alpine and coastal soils. Removing them accelerates erosion.
Habitat disruption. Small animals and insects rely on rocks for cover and moisture.
Navigation risks. In landscapes where cairns are still in use as way-markers, fake piles can send travelers off course.
“Natural Graffiti.” Any human change to the landscape takes away from its natural integrity for the people coming behind you. Some compare the urge to mark where you’ve been with a stone stack, like people vandalizing buildings with graffiti.
Cultural disrespect. Faux inuksuit in Canada or casual piles near Hawaiian ahu can overshadow authentic heritage.

What stone piles mean in different lands.

Across cultures and countries, stacked stones carry deep, sometimes sacred meanings:

Canada’s Arctic – Inuksuit. Inuit communities have built inuksuit (singular: inuksuk), human-shaped stone markers, for millennia across the Arctic. These were used for navigation, to mark hunting grounds, or as spiritual and communal symbols. The inuksuk has even been adopted as a broader emblem of Canadian identity—famously featured in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics logo. Building casual stone figures risks diluting or trivializing their meaning and can be seen as cultural appropriation.

Scotland & Iceland – Cairns and Varoa. Traditional cairns historically marked safe routes across moors and lava fields. In Iceland, official cairns still guide hikers; creating new ones is illegal and potentially dangerous because they can mislead travelers. They became part of Iceland’s folk heritage, and many historic cairns are now protected as cultural monuments; it’s illegal to build new ones, risking misdirection and damage to fragile moss and lichen.

Hawai‘i – Ahu and Heiau. Indigenous Hawaiian stone structures, such as ahu (altars or shrines) and heiau (temple platforms), are sacred. Tourists stacking stones nearby can confuse authentic heritage features or cause unintentional disrespect.

Global echoes. From Buddhist stupas in Asia to wayfinding markers in the Alps, stone structures are part of long traditions.

Casual tourist stone stacks jeopardize the environment, vital wayfaring in remote areas and cultural artifacts with “vacation art projects…” or even “natural graffiti.”

Is there a better way?

If you’re drawn to the meditative ritual of stacking or interacting with nature, choose low-impact alternatives: arrange fallen leaves, trace shapes in sand, or photograph stones as they naturally rest.

START YOUR NATURE TRIP!

Image: Getty

All Aboard a Tasting Train!

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:52:40 +0000

A new ‘olive oil’ train celebrating the fall harvest in Italy is the latest addition to a growing travel trend: combining a resurgence in the love of rail journeys with exclusive access to authentic, highest-quality, at-the-source, wine, spirits and culinary tastings with experts in famous designated regions.

It’s the travel trend your taste buds will thank you for! Here’s more information about the world’s latest tasting train, plus some other favorites, from a few hours to days, where the route is as memorable as the flavors in your mouth.

Espresso Assisi – Frantoi Aperti (Italy: Rome → Arezzo / via Assisi)

In fall 2025, Italy is launching the “Espresso Assisi – Frantoi Aperti,” designed to celebrate the olive oil harvest in Umbria. The daytrip train departs Rome Termini in the morning and heads through Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Perugia, and Assisi, arriving in Arezzo midday and returning late evening to Rome. Onboard, you can taste a selection of Umbrian extra virgin olive oils, guided by experts who explain each different olive oil’s unique characteristics. At stops, the itinerary includes visits to local olive mills where travelers observe olive pressing and milling processes firsthand.

Royal Scotsman – Scotland (Edinburgh → Highlands round-trip)

The ultra-luxury hotel and train company Belmond operates the iconic Royal Scotsman train that carries just a few dozen passengers from Edinburgh deep into the Scottish Highlands before looping back to the capital. Whisky-themed journeys feature tastings of single malts from Speyside and Highland distilleries, hosted by expert ambassadors. Alongside the drams, guests savor Scottish specialties like smoked salmon and venison in the dining car. As the train glides past lochs, glens, and castles, it feels like a private whisky house on rails.

Rovos Rail – South Africa (Pretoria → Cape Town)

One of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail begins in Pretoria, crossing savannas, mountains, and legendary South African wine country to end in the shadow of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Onboard, observation lounges evoke Edwardian-era luxury rail journeys, with meals in wood-paneled dining cars. Curated tastings spotlight South Africa’s best vintages from Stellenbosch and Paarl. Meals emphasize South African cuisine, with game meat like ostrich, springbok and kudu, as well as Cape Malay-inspired dishes with mild spices, fruits and curries, reflecting Cape Town’s heritage, paired with bold reds and crisp whites.

Jose Cuervo Express – Mexico (Guadalajara → Tequila)

The famed “Tequila Train” is a day-long immersion into Mexico’s beloved agave spirit. It departs Guadalajara and winds through Jalisco’s UNESCO-listed blue agave fields en route to the town of Tequila. Onboard, passengers enjoy tastings of blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila, paired with regional snacks. Mariachi music, expert commentary, and cultural storytelling bring Mexico’s national spirit to life. At journey’s end, a tour of La Rojeña, Latin America’s oldest active distillery, reveals the craft behind the drink from harvest to barrel.

Napa Valley Wine Train – USA (Napa → St. Helena, California)

Departing from the city of Napa, this lovingly restored vintage train travels 36 miles through vineyard-draped hills to the town of St. Helena. Guests dine in elegant Pullman cars on multi-course menus showcasing local produce, while sipping world-class cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Options include lunch and dinner journeys, as well as full-day excursions with winery stops along the way. The polished wood interiors and panoramic windows create an atmosphere of timeless indulgence.

Twilight Express Mizukaze – Japan (Kyoto ↔ Shimonoseki)

This ten-car hybrid train carries just 34 passengers in exquisite style across the western part of the main Japanese island of Honshu. 2-3-day itineraries take you along the Seto Inland Sea or the rugged Sea of Japan coast, or both, and connect historic cities with dramatic landscapes seen from private suites and luxurious observation lounges. Meals are designed by renowned chefs who curate menus around the regional specialties of each route—fresh seafood, mountain vegetables, and artisanal sake—served in a dedicated dining car. Booking is competitive, often through application or lottery! For those lucky enough to get a reservation, Mizukaze offers one of the most refined culinary travel experiences in the world: a blend of Japanese terroir, hospitality, and timeless rail romance.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

Stargazing Experiences by Australia and New Zealand’s Premiere Guided Tour Operator

lynn.elmhirst@gmail.com (Lynn) — Tue, 14 Oct 25 13:52:40 +0000

Look up Down Under! AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand guided holiday tour operator, has revealed its top stargazing experiences, highlighting destinations designated by the International Dark Sky program. These on-trend ‘noctourism’ tours take advantage of the remote regions both countries still enjoy, with minimal light pollution to interrupt the spectacle of the night skies over the Southern Hemisphere.

Discover the celestial wonders of the dark skies in places like these:

Mackenzie Region, South Island, New Zealand - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

On the 7-day Contrasts of New Zealand guided vacation, majestic mountains are the backdrop en route to Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters. This stunning destination is breathtaking and remote. The lack of light pollution showcases dazzling stargazing at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and it is the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.

Marvel at the ‘nocturnal’ experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides. The Crater Experience, located in Lake Tekapo, provides one of the darkest and clearest stargazing locations in the world, with the assistance of high-powered telescopes revealing incredible views of distant galaxies and star clusters.

The guides will also provide both Māori and Western perspectives. The reserve has received global recognition as a center for astrotourism with its vistas and preserves the dark skies of the Mackenzie region for future generations. This excursion to Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve is also available on the 18-day Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand and the 22-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand journeys.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Australia – An accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary

On the 8-day South Australian Outback Adventure, participate in some of the world’s best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere at the Ningana Imaging Observatory with its state-of-the-art Digital Astro Experience. Its International Dark Sky accreditation means that its nighttime skies are free from light and atmospheric pollution. You’ll enjoy the relaxing space to view the splendors of the solar system that are light-years away. These Observatory tours have also garnered Advanced ecotourism accreditation.

Alice Springs, Australia- Galaxy Gazing at the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory

On the 15-day Outback Adventure exploring Alice Springs, visit the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory and deep sky telescope to stargaze at some of the best views of the galaxy, surrounded by the Outback’s dark sky nights. The sanctuary is one of only three places in the country that offer celestial viewing without light pollution or moonlight interference with star visibility. The observatory’s local astronomer shares the magic of the constellations and zodiacs with a laser-guided journey through the southern night sky.

Noctourism is one of the hottest travel trends for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track, immersive, nature-focused and even spiritual experiences, and some of the most stunning stargazing experiences are located in Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re a lover of nature and the outdoors or a dedicated astrophile, look to the Southern Hemisphere for magical nighttime travel experiences, and let us help you design the dark sky vacation of a lifetime.

More About AAT Kings

A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travelers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customized, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travelers on a wild and wonderful ride. Times have changed, but the company retains a spirit for adventure, oh-so-knowledgeable Directors, First Nations guides, and an offering of life-changing experiences that only 100 years of exploring affords. AAT Kings is a member of The Travel Corporation family of travel companies that includes Insight Vacations and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

*** Images courtesy of AAT Kings/ The Travel Corporation

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