Travel and Cruises Blog

What a rollercoaster the last 4 years have been. The years 2020-2024 we have seen it all in every industry. Travel industry had a sharp fall and then came 2023 with a sharp jump. Let me tell you - in the 30 years I have been in this business having my own travel agency - 2023 was the best year Ever. Clients seemed to be determined to travel no matter what was the price tag and demand for high-end cruises or tours was significant. There was no stopping them from making last minute travel plans and none have cancelled due to illnesses or other reasons. Everyone booked a trip or two in 2023. They even made plans and posted deposits for 2024/25. High-end clients spent a lot of money for their trips and made sure they booked with the experienced travel agent to guide them. They understood the value of working with an advisor.

Food left on the plate is considered a sign of a bad meal from the chef's point of view. Also, no doggy bags, It's absolutely a no-no in Italy.

What is the best way to find out about your next travel destination? Most people will trust family members or better yet friends and especially Facebook friends. Somehow we tend to trust a stranger who posts fabulous pictures of themselves holding a drink with an umbrella in front of some turquoise body of water lounging around on a mega ship. Here our imagination starts running wild and we all want to be there and hold that drink, no better yet drink it, and another and 2 more. It’s better be an all-inclusive kind of place.

Travel advisors can be a great resource to ensure you're comfortable and have a smooth trip, and if something does go wrong, they're also there to help you out. We are always available when emergency happens, just a text or a phone call away. No need to wait for hours on hold with online companies like Expedia trying to get rebooked for a canceled flight or trying to call the airline and listen to elevator music while on a long hold.

In my long life of being a travel professional, I became sort of a guru in the travel industry. In few months it will be 30 interesting years, good, bad and even ugly. Ugly - professionally is when I ask myself what else can I do instead of being an expert in my favorite field of travel business?!

First Ugly started on September 11 when the world stopped and travel just died for about 3 month, not a phone call… but then it started ringing off the hook because people realized how short life can be and it’s time to visit parents, kids, bucket list places.

Lately and especially this year 2023 I get so many calls from random people announcing to me with hint of pride that they never used a travel agent, and this time they decided to give us a try. How can you reply to such a statement? Good for you? Or why now? Well, that’s sarcasm which happens to be my wanna be favorite reply, but I stop and think a second and then politely ask how can I help?!

Southwest Airlines is modifying its distinctive boarding process by reducing the availability of paid "EarlyBird" options, limiting passengers' ability to purchase priority boarding privileges.

The airline clarified that while "EarlyBird" has not been entirely eliminated, it is now offering fewer spots for purchase on select flights, routes, or specific days, as part of ongoing product enhancements. Consequently, the service may be unavailable to some customers seeking to buy it.

Located in Argentina's Parana Delta, El Ojo Island is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of visitors and researchers alike. Known as "The Eye," this small, floating island is not only unique due to its ability to stay afloat but also for its mysterious rotation. In this article, we delve into the captivating formation of El Ojo, its distinctive features, and the intriguing reasons behind its floating and rotating nature.

Heading to Dubrovnik anytime soon? Make sure your luggage doesn't have any wheels.

Dubrovnik, a beloved sanctuary for enthusiasts of Game of Thrones and sun-seekers alike, has become a captivating magnet for adventurous travelers. However, those planning a summer getaway to this Croatian gem should ponder the idea of traveling lightly, as they will encounter an intriguing requirement.

A fresh decree has been issued, proclaiming that those venturing into Dubrovnik's revered Old Town must relinquish the convenience of rolling their suitcases through its intricate alleys. Henceforth, weary visitors will be obliged to bear the weight of their belongings without alternative means of transportation.

Figuring out how much to tip around the world can be a cause of serious stress. Tipping culture here in the US has evolved so much recently and is no real guideline as to how the rest of the world works. We created something very simple here that covers so many of the regions in our portfolio and we hope you find it helpful!