Exceptional Travel

Why Pick a Self-Drive Vacation?

Nancy Walker Gates — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:14:52 +0000

Why Pick a Self-Drive Vacation?

Road trip vacations have made a huge comeback this year, and for good reason. If you’re thinking I need a vacation but you aren’t ready to hop on a plane, explore new corners of the US from the safety of your very own car. From national parks to sparkling coastlines, the US boasts beauty in every direction. Here are all the perks of having a car with you on vacation.

Explore at your own pace

Self-drive vacations grant you the potential to see a lot. With free range to roam far and wide, it can feel like there’s a lot of ground to cover. Whereas escorted tours usually run on strictly timed schedules, self-drive vacations run at your own pace. If you’re the type of traveler who loves jam-packed days, by all means, go for it! If you’re a more relaxed traveler who prefers leisurely immersing yourself in day-to-day culture, put the car in park and lay low. With a self-drive vacation, you’re on nobody’s watch but your own.

Comfort and privacy

Let’s admit it- cars are for more than just driving. They’re for eating when you order a meal to go, they’re for changing into a swimsuit when you pass a pretty lake – they kind of turn into homes on the road. In a car, you don’t have to worry about other people on a bus or a train, just you, your travel partner, and the open road. Don’t worry about disinfecting the seat or putting on your mask when you’re done eating – your car is like your own little travel bubble.

A place to eat your take-out

So, eating take-out in the car may not seem as glamorous as indoor dining, but in the COVID-era, what is glamorous, anyway? Everyone has a different comfort level, and if you’re on the “order to-go only” train, the car is a comfy place to shamelessly stuff your face.

Freedom and flexibility

When you have your own car, you call the shots. You’re the one who chooses which sites to see, which towns to visit, where to eat, and when to do it all. Let’s say there’s a city you reeeeally want to visit, but your GPS says it’ll take 5 hours to get there. A self-drive vacation is one of the only times you’ll be able to say, “let’s just go for it.”

Off the beaten path stops

Sometimes, the best memories take place in the most unexpected places. Take the scenic route and find cute farmstands, hidden beaches, quaint shops, and inviting restaurants! When you get that urge to pull over and explore, don’t hesitate. Who knows what you might find!

Stories to tell

Any and every vacation will leave you with stories to tell, but there’s something about a road trip that makes stories a little more special. For years, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the time you stopped in a small town to use a restroom and you unexpectedly came across one of your favorite restaurants – or something like that. The uniqueness of a self-drive vacation is that you are in the driver’s seat, writing new chapters as you roam!

Get packing and make a good playlist – you’ve got car jammin’ to do.

The post Why Pick a Self-Drive Vacation? appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing: Privacy Has Always Been a Luxury at Sandals Resorts By Robert Stephens | July 22nd 2020

Nancy Walker Gates — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:55:45 +0000

Yes, Sandals has taken safety measures to another level. But take a long look and you’ll notice that the qualities travelers crave more than ever have actually been at these resorts all along.

Sandals-Grande-Antigua-Resort
Image: The pristine Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, providing the space you need, with the luxurious all-inclusive privacy you want.

Just before midnight, the navigation lights on American Airlines flight #2405 could be seen descending onto the island of Antigua. The landing of the plane at V.C. Bird International Airport carried so much significance on this night that local television showed the event. Matthew Cornall, General Manager of Sandals Grande Antigua, was among those watching.

“It’s difficult to put into words the emotions,” says Cornall, who had gathered dozens of his team members around a TV. “When I looked around, I saw tears in their eyes.”

The arrival of the commercial flight meant Sandals Grande Antigua would be the first of 15 Sandals All-inclusive Resorts to re-open to travelers since COVID-19 forced the world economy to shut down in mid-March. Given a panoramic view of the property, you’d never know it had been closed. In the stillness of the previous 10 weeks, crews kept the landscaping and pools in their Instagram poses — a constant state of readiness, same as the resort team.

Sandals-Grande-Antigua-Beach
Image: Beach huts adorned in the sand make for the perfect seaside napping spot.

“Do you hear that?” Cornall asks about the sounds in the background. “The laughter and the singing? That’s who we’ll always be. We’re a team and… I don’t want to overstate this… we really are family.”

The environment is casual and warm. It’s as normal as normal can possibly be, given the protective masks and gloves worn by team members, reminders of the headlines that say: “Travel will never be the same.” True. You can’t turn a corner at any Sandals resort without passing a hand-sanitizer dispenser or seeing someone wiping down touch points every 15-30 minutes, whether the points have been touched or not.

But before diving deep into the “never the sames,” Cornall wants to stress something else that is just as important at all Sandals properties:
“For us, some things will always be the same.”

Sandals-Grande-Antigua-Long-Beach
Image: The Sandals Grande Antigua resort is situated on Dickenson Bay’s longest stretch of white sand beach.

A Wide-Open Perspective
Cornall walks more than ever. He says “Good morning… Good morning… Good morning” as he passes team members; many responsible for sanitizing air ducts every time guests depart a suite and using black lights on surfaces to make sure there are no stray imperfections.

He stops at the elevator and allows two people to take the next ride. “One couple at a time,” he says politely. When he arrives at the third floor, he steps onto the landing and stops again.

“I think we’ve all learned to be less hurried and more aware of our surroundings,” he says.

Sandals-resort-pool
Image: Built for romance and relaxation, the Mediterranean Village Pool is just one of 6 captivating freshwater pools at Sandals Grande Antigua and home to Sandals’ iconic swim-up pool bar.

From where he stands, your eyes can follow one couple strolling along an extra-wide path of pavers toward a humongous pool and beyond that to a perfectly blue sky and an even bluer sea. All of it merging into a space that’s spectacularly infinite. The view itself is just as it’s always been, but the perspective might “never be the same” because doesn’t everyone crave space more than ever?

“Six months ago, couples would pause here and say ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ for maybe half a minute,” says Cornall. “Now it’s five minutes. They just stare and breathe it all in.”

Sandals-beach-front-suite
Image: Feel the Caribbean’s ocean breeze from your own private balcony overlooking the idyllic sea at Sandals Grande Antigua.

With that comment he’s awakened perhaps the most ominous concern for travelers: breathing used air. Which must explain why one couple after another pauses in spots like this. Allowing the Caribbean sunshine to melt away the concern. The constant trade winds disintegrating whatever’s left. Taking time to breathe.

“Honestly, I felt more safe at the resort than I do in my hometown,” says Joanna Baumann, who traveled to Sandals Grande Antigua with her husband, Andrew, in June to celebrate their wedding anniversary. “The staff made us feel more protected than ever, but at the same time we didn’t lose that relaxed Sandals vibe.”

The open views, open minds, and open spaces are not just phenomena on the 3rd-story balcony in Antigua. What’s true here is also true where couples breathe 1,000 miles away, all the way to Sandals’ home island of Jamaica.

Sandals-South-Coast-overwater-bungalows
Image: The romantic Sandals South Coast Over-the-Water Bungalows, perfect for privacy and seclusion.

The long swath of sand framing the western side of Sandals South Coast in Jamaica is still cool under the feet at 8:30 a.m. Secluded as the beach is, the overwater suites at the end of a long boardwalk are as visible-yet-distant as the moon. It’s impossible to tell if anyone is home out there, where the sea breeze flows over the outdoor soaking tubs and eventually into the open-air restaurants along the beach. These “always the sames” — the seclusion, the breeze, the tropical air — are just as disinfecting as the stringent protocols found in the thick handbook on Sandals’ Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness.

Sandals-Resorts-butler
Image: As part of the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, all team members wear protective face gear and can be seen smiling through their warming eyes.

“We have dedicated inspection teams at each resort that follow the strictest guidance from medical professionals, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the local Ministries of Health in each country we call home,” says Sandals Resorts’ Founder and Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

Sandals-Resorts-Cleaning-Protocols
Image: Sandals has always adhered to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety protocols, and now with additional measures in place, guests can have peace of mind when enjoying their romantic escape in the Caribbean.

Among the hundreds of details: The water in the pools is checked every hour. Every surface — door handles to coffee makers — is inspected at least three times a day. Bar stools and tables are pulled farther apart. Dive gear is immediately stored in sanitization solution. The spraying and wiping are continuous, as is the presence of the black light.

But perhaps the most effective “protocol” is one that’s been in place for decades:
“Our commitment to romance. To us it has always been synonymous with seclusion… luxury… privacy” Stewart continued.

Beach huts adorned in the sand make for the perfect seaside napping spot.
Image: Couples enjoying personal beach cabanas, because love has always required privacy and seclusion – a concept that Sandals Resorts has built its brand on since the very beginning.

Another term comes to mind: Social distancing. Look again at the overwater villas, alone over the Caribbean Sea. Or the Rondoval Suites spaced along the beach in St. Lucia. Or the skypool suites reachable only by a wind-blown feather in Grenada. “Social distancing” might be new to the everyday language, but it isn’t a new concept at these resorts.

Sandals-Grenada-suite-Skypool
Image: A Sandals Grenada Skypool suite, so private that a breathtaking view and swim are only as far your balcony.

“Actually, we’ve never felt like we’re in a crowd at Sandals,” says Baumann. “It’s as exclusive as we want it to be, but now it’s at a whole different level. They’ve put a lot of thought into spacing everything out, and that made us comfortable about safety the minute we arrived. And then… it felt like the resort was all ours.”

Ideas called innovative, even radical, in Sandals’ quest for the ultimate romantic experience now appear fortuitous. Private infinity-edge pools. Private tubs on the verandas. Private in-suite bars. On beaches two miles long, couples can practically claim an acre of sand to remain distant. The decisions to include as many as 105 private pools, up to seven expansive main pools, and 16 restaurants on one giant property have never been for the sake of attracting crowds. It’s to diminish them.

Sandals-Royal-Barbados-Rondoval-Butler-Suite
Image: Plunge right into a Sandals Royal Barbados Royal Rondoval Butler Suite; a romantic escape that comes with its own private pool and a luxurious tranquility soaking tub for two.

Occasionally, one other person does appear: The butler. For couples in such a suite, the butler is the only human touchpoint — using white gloves. What the guests do not notice is that each butler, and every single team member, goes through a new daily routine upon arriving on property. There’s a temperature check, mandatory changing of clothes, and a “shoe bath” to clean and disinfect shoes.

Being squeaky-clean extends beyond the staff and into all guests’ suites, too. It’s another stop-and-take-it-in moment. The soft fabrics have just been steamed, the sanitizer station filled, the bathroom disinfected with hospital-grade products. Every nuance, from bedframe to sliding veranda door, has passed the tests.

“Now, even the bottles of Appleton Estate Signature Blend and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks are shining,” says Cornall.

Sandals-Grande-Antigua
Image: Sandals Grande Antigua, where privacy has always been a luxury, and white sand and turquoise waters are standard.

Whenever Joanna and Andrew Baumann would walk to a restaurant or to the beach, they’d look around and listen. Taking in, as Joanna says, “the familiar Sandals vibe that we came for.” If anything, the vibe is thicker. It’s inescapable. And — let’s just be honest and say the word — it’s contagious. The freedom to breathe and move and drink in the casual mood is fantastically contagious. Take it from those who have been among the first to return: It’s the same as always, and just maybe it’s even better than ever.

The post Sun, Sand and Social Distancing: Privacy Has Always Been a Luxury at Sandals Resorts By Robert Stephens | July 22nd 2020 appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

Are you dreaming of travel?

Nancy Walker Gates — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 16:26:59 +0000

Are you dreaming of travel? Are you ready to travel? Let’s talk about some local travel ideas with Nancy!

The post Are you dreaming of travel? appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

6 Top European Attractions

Nancy Walker Gates — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:53:05 +0000

6 Top European Attractions

By Lynn Coulter | Posted to TravelChannel.com

Big Ben, Stonehenge, the Colosseum and more: these European attractions are perennial tourist favorites. But newer sights are rising to the top of the “must-see” list (relatively new, compared to these historical standards). Read on to decide which ones, ancient or contemporary, to visit on your next trip.

Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Ireland

This museum, located on the site where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built and launched, has drawn over three million visitors since it opened four years. ago. Tours through its nine interactive and interpretive galleries are self-guided. You’ll see replicas and computer generated images of the ship’s elegant cabins and dining rooms, its deck promenade, engine rooms and more. It’s all so convincing, you may think you hear the ship’s engines rumble.

Don’t miss: The Dark Ride, a themed, cable car ride that uses special effects, animation and full-scale models to let you experience shipbuilding as it was practiced in the early 1900s. Be sure to stop for a close-up look at the Big Fish, just outside the museum. This 32’ salmon was designed to celebrate Belfast’s River Lagan, and its ceramic scales are decorated with images and words that tell the story of the city and its people.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

If you’ve been to France, you’ve probably toured this famous French monument, built in 1889 for the World’s Fair. But have you seen it since the first level was renovated? It now boasts a transparent, slip-resistant floor and glass balustrades. There’s also an improved cultural path that utilizes touch screens, digital imagery and other elements to let visitors explore the Eiffel Tower’s history. Seven projectors trained on three walls help immerse you in the experience. After you ride the glass elevator to the top level, at 540 feet high, take in the breathtaking views of the city.

Don’t miss: Toasting with a glass of chilled wine at the Champagne Bar, or a quick, “no frills” picnic lunch at the 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant.

Tip: Buy your tickets online before you go and beat the crowds, which number in the millions every year.

Buckingham Palace, London, England

Every summer, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the United Kingdom’s royal family, are opened to the public. Through Feb. 5, 2017, visitors can take guided tours through the 19 rooms to admire their gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and masterpiece artworks. Just book early, if you plan to go. Tours are limited to 30 people per group. You can also watch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place when the weather permits. See the website for a schedule of times and days.

Don’t miss: The Garden Highlights group tour, which can be combined with the State Rooms tour. The 39-acre palace garden is planted with some 200 trees, roses, wisteria, and more than 350 kinds of wildflowers and is the stunning setting for the Queen’s Garden Parties.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

Since it opened in 2000, this Guinness-themed attraction at St. James’ Gate Brewery has welcomed more than four million visitors—many of them, presumably, very thirsty. The storehouse has been called the world’s largest pint glass, because its seven floors surround a pint glass-shaped atrium. Visitors start at the “bottom” of the glass—the first floor– and progress to the top. Along the way, they learn the story behind the brews, sample flavors, learn how to pour and serve, stop in a private Connoisseur Bar for a tasting experience, and, when they arrive at the seventh floor, “drink” in panoramic views of the city.

Don’t miss: The St. Patrick’s Day festival held here each year. Check the website for a schedule of the multi-day festival.

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

“Acropolis” refers to a citadel in a high place, like this ancient monument overlooking the city of Athens. Here you’ll find one of the world’s most famous temples, the Parthenon, built in 447 B.C.E. to honor the goddess Athena. Other structures were added later, but they’ve suffered damage and neglect over the centuries. Efforts are underway to restore and preserve as much of this magnificent complex as possible.

Don’t miss: The Acropolis Museum. Look underneath your feet as you walk over the glass floors; you’ll see ruins of homes found while the museum was being built.

Another Don’t miss: The Panathenaic Stadium, built in 140 A.D., and used for Olympic games since 1870. The stadium holds a collection of Olympic torches and posters from 1896 to the present.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Work began on Sagrada Familia, a Roman-Catholic church, in 1882, and it’s still ongoing. (2026 is the projected finish date.) Each year, over three million visitors come to see this beautiful landmark, whose name means Holy Family. The late Antoni Gaudi, considered one of Barcelona’s greatest architects, took over the construction in 1883. His efforts to avoid hard angles and straight lines in the structure make it feel like part of the natural world. Even the interior columns resemble trees in a forest, with pillars that divide at the top into “branches.”

Don’t miss: A guided tour. Expert guides will explain the history of Sagrada Familia and point out many often-missed details and symbols. Visit on a sunny day, if you can, when the sun streams in through the stained glass windows, filling the space with light and color.

Visit our website at www.exceptionaltravelshop.com for more information about our services.

The post 6 Top European Attractions appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets

Nancy Walker Gates — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:21:41 +0000

The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets

You may have heard stories of the mesmerizing waters of the Mediterranean, the pastel villages built above the sea’s cliffs, the fiery sunsets or the flavorful cuisine that have defined this region for centuries… But you’ve never seen it like this.

Discover 5 of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets – seaside escapes you simply won’t see on another tour or cruise.

Portoroz, Slovenia

Famous for its thermal spas, Portoroz is the place to immerse yourself in the healing waters, cover yourself in curative mud, or indulge in treatments utilizing ingredients from the nearby salt pan. Not the spa type? Trade your towel for a coastal tour of Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic.

Piran, Slovenia

While most of Slovenia is landlocked, there is a small stretch of land that runs along the sea called Slovenian Istria. The region is comprised of three towns – Koper, Izola and Piran. Often referred to as Venice without the canals, Piran is a picturesque fishing village that serves up the best scenery, seafood, and an enchanting medieval square lined with cafes.

Zadar, Croatia

Dodge the sun seekers that flock to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and head north to Zadar. You can still get lost in marble-clad streets and enjoy the azure waters, just with fewer crowds and lower price tags. Don’t miss the Sea Organ or the Sun Salutation – two architectural masterpieces that use the energy of the waves and power of the sun to create indescribable living art.

Budva, Montenegro

Originally settled by Venetians, this architectural and atmospheric port sets the stage for lavish leisure. Enjoy an evening on your own, whether you choose to sip the region’s beloved honey brandy or indulge in the catch of the day, it won’t take long to be captivated by this seaside citadel.

Collioure, France

Though proudly French, Collioure sits just 15 miles from Spain and is a city where two cultures collide. Beyond the pastel-hued homes that hug the coastline, you’ll uncover well-respected wines and flavorful Catalan cuisine from family-owned restaurants. Get lost in the maze of sun-soaked alleyways.

Visit our website at www.exceptionaltravelshop.com for more information about our services.

The post The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

Must “Sea” in the Aegean Sea!

Nancy Walker Gates — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:09:48 +0000

Must “Sea” in the Aegean Sea!

From sparkling blue waters and picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic sites and volcanic islands, taking a Cruise tour and sailing the Aegean Sea will be a vacation you’ll never forget. Discover 7 of the Aegean’s must “sea” destinations.

Mykonos, Greece

According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants. You won’t be greeted by giants, but you will be greeted by a charming collection of windmills. Spend time wandering the narrow, shop-lined streets or relax at a shaded taverna.

Çanakkale, Turkey

4,000 years of mythology and archaeology lie beyond the cobblestone lanes of lively Çanakkale. Choose from exciting excursions to the battlefields of Gallipoli and the legendary city of Troy.

Heraklion, Greece

A modern city with a window to the past, Crete’s capital of Heraklion is home to two of Greece’s most important sites. An expert guide will lead you through the Minoan art-filled Archaeological Museum and the impressive Bronze Age settlement of Knossos.

Volos, Greece

Mythology’s Centaur Chiron taught heroes such as Jason, leader of the Argonauts, in the beautiful coastal city of Volos. You might enjoy visiting the archaeological museum, home to superb collections from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras. Take a scenic hike along Centaur’s Path, admiring the winding streams, wooden bridges, stone paths, and abundant wildlife that you will encounter along the way.

Naxos, Greece

The greenest of the Greek Isles, Naxos delights its guests with its natural beauty, as well as the fruits of its rich and fertile farmland. Follow your nose through the labyrinth of Old Town to taste the island’s ripe olives, buttery cheeses, and citrus-infused Kitron liqueur. While in Naxos, make the easy climb up to the Temple of Apollo for an amazing sunset over the sea, offering one of the best views of neighboring Grotta beach and the town of Naxos.

Paros, Greece

This slower-paced island of whitewashed villages, often referred to as a “mini Mykonos,” is also famous for the white marble once mined here. In Paros, you can admire the flawless stone during a guided visit to the 4^th-century “Church of 100 Doors,” one of the most significant Byzantine ruins.

Rhodes, Greece

A relaxing day and fascinating knights await you in Rhodes, one of the largest and most beautiful of the Greek Islands. Join the sun worshipers along the brilliant blue waters or meander through the fortress-lined Old Town built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.

Visit our website at www.exceptionaltravelshop.com for more information about our services.

The post Must “Sea” in the Aegean Sea! appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

6 Stress-Free River Cruises for the First-Timers

Nancy Walker Gates — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:33:06 +0000

6 Stress-Free Cruises for the First-Timers

Reposted from: www.cntraveler.com

Looking to get your feet wet in the wide world of cruising? With an overwhelming number of itineraries spanning the seven seas—on ships of all shapes and sizes—it can be tough to find your niche for a first-time cruise. Keep the high seas low stress by sticking to one of these rookie-ready itineraries that are sure to please anyone in search of their nautical stripes. Whether it’s gliding along European waterways on a sleek riverboat or a quick jaunt to the Bahamas on a tricked-out mega-ship, when setting out on these voyages, you can be sure that your first cruise won’t be your last.

1. “A Taste of the Danube” River Cruise on Avalon Waterways

European rivers are the perfect place to the test the waters for would-be cruisers, thanks to calm waterways (no bouts of seasickness to contend with here), intimate ships (rarely carrying more than 200 passengers), and port-intensive itineraries that showcase the best of Europe’s cultural and historical attractions. While most river voyages run a week or longer in duration, Swiss company Avalon Waterways caters to first-timers with its series of “Short & Suite” three- to five-night itineraries, perfect for those tight on time, budget, and/or tolerance. Their three-night “A Taste of the Danube” offering sails between cultural heavyweights at Budapest and Vienna, stopping for excursions in Slovakia (at Bratislava) and Austria (at Melk and Dürnstein) en route—where you might tour Melk’s 11th century Benedictine Abbey or bike through the vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Sailings in 2020 embark aboard a quartet of the line’s sleek, 128- to 166-passenger “Suite Ships,” known for their signature spacious cabins that convert to open-air balconies via floor-to-ceiling, sliding-glass doors—with beds positioned to face the passing landscapes. Sailings in May, July, and September–November 2020; rates from $810 per person; avalonwaterways.com

2. Quickie Bahamas Escape on Royal Caribbean Mega-Ship

The bigger-is-better crowd won’t be disappointed with a Royal Caribbean sailing, the ultimate mega-ship line (its 26-ship fleet claims the world’s four largest cruise ships, carrying more than 6,500 passengers apiece), known for its multigenerational appeal and slate of whiz-bang features. Give ’em a whirl aboard a beachy Bahamas sampler sailing, with quickie three- and four-night voyages scheduled year-round aboard the 3,386-passenger Navigator of the Seas from Miami and 3,344-passenger Mariner of the Seas from Orlando (via Port Canaveral). Both runs incorporate a stop at the Bahamian capital at Nassau, gateway to attractions like the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort and the turquoise waters of Cable Beach, as well as at the line’s recently revamped private island experience Perfect Day at CocoCay, home to North America’s highest waterslide and the Caribbean’s biggest freshwater pool. Onboard, you’ll be spoiled for choice of amenities, with dining, entertainment, nightlife, and pools aplenty, and diversions that span surf simulators, escape rooms, waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and more. Sailings embark year-round; rates from $177 per person; royalcaribbean.com

3. Classic Med Sampler on a Tall Sailing Ship with Windstar

There’s a reason sailors have been plying the Mediterranean for millennia—there are incredible places to see and near-perfect at-sea conditions in which to get there. Today, the trade and conquering mindset of yore may not factor in, but idyllic ports and a touch of romance are just as motivating, especially when swooping in below the billowing white sails of Windstar’s intimate, 342-passenger Wind Surf. The line runs a standout port-intensive itinerary between two of the region’s blockbuster cities—Barcelona and Rome—with a dreamy mix of yacht- and culture-flooded ports in the French and Italian Rivieras wedged in between, including Palamos, Sanary-sur-Mer, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Portofino, and Portoferraio. Bonus: The ship, which is known on the culinary front for menus that feature creations by James Beard-associated chefs, as well as its retractable water sports platform, is in the midst of a facelift this fall, and will emerge in November with upgrades like a brand-new spa and wellness center. Sailings from April through September; rates from $2,699 per person; windstarcruises.com

4. Alaska Sailing with the Experts on Princess Cruises

With its rugged snowcapped mountains and calving glaciers backdrop, met by waters teeming with spectacular marine wildlife (where whales and orcas abound), Alaskan waters are tailor-made to cruising. Discover “the Last Frontier” in expert hands with Princess Cruises, which has been voyaging to Alaska for more than 50 years. The line offers the most robust cruising calendar in the region (with eight ships positioned here for the 2020 sailing season), plus its own railway car and five wilderness lodges on shore, primed for its customized land-and-sea “cruisetour” vacations. Their weeklong cruise-only itinerary aboard Princess’s 3,560-passenger Royal Princess affords an excellent entrée to the best of Alaska, sailing between Anchorage and Vancouver, and visiting Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan in between, along with a day of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. On board, enjoy Princess’s Alaskan signatures like “Cook My Catch,” where guests can have the fresh-caught bounty from their salmon and halibut fishing excursions prepped to their liking, or “Puppies in the Piazza,” featuring onboard meet-and-greets with Alaskan sled dogs. In port, other exciting excursions include a Discovery-branded “Deadliest Catch” crabbing boat ride off the coast of Ketchikan. Sailings from May through September; rates from $669 per person; princess.com

5. Yachting the Caribbean on Seabourn

It’s little wonder that the Caribbean is the most popular cruising destination in the world. Tropical temps (a special lure come wintertime), gorgeous beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle put forth a winsome combination, while the region’s multi-island geography is conveniently explored aboard a floating home base. Get there in style with the upscale mega-yachts of Seabourn: Both their 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn winter in the region, offering a range of 7-night-plus itineraries. The shorter weeklong voyages, which start and end within the Caribbean, sailing between Philipsburg, Saint Maarten, and Bridgetown, Barbados, rotate featured ports, where excursions might include chef-led outings in local markets, tours of UNESCO sites (the line is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage), or beach BBQs, complete with grilled lobster—as well as caviar, delivered by Seabourn waiters right into the surf. Onboard, expect menus backed by top chef Thomas Keller (paired with included-in-the-rates wines and spirits), a significant spa space and wellness programming, and a plush, all-suite configuration. Sailings from November through March; rates from $2,699 per person; seabourn.com

6. Baltic Sea Expedition with Viking

For some first-timers, the best way to enjoy cruising is to dive right in, and see—contrary to a popularly held misconception about the perceived superficiality of sailing—just how comprehensive a cruise vacation can be. Baltic-rooted and destination-focused Viking is most at home in Scandinavia, where its 14-night “Viking Homelands” voyage, aboard a quartet of sister ships (the 930-guest Viking Star, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, and Viking Jupiter, in 2020), delivers a well-rounded and immersive introduction to Scandinavia and its diverse, yet interconnected, Baltic Sea ports. On the eight-country itinerary between Stockholm and Bergen, Norway—where the ship overnights in each bookended port—port calls include Helsinki; Tallinn, Estonia; Gdańsk, Poland; Berlin; Copenhagen; and Alborg, Denmark; as well as an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia. Plus, some scenic sailing through Norwegian fjords, along with a couple of off-the-path Norwegian stops, for good measure. (Bonus: you’ll get an included-in-the-rates excursion in each and every port). Back on the ship, luxuriate with complimentary perks like high-tea service, access to the LivNordic Spa’s Thermal Suite (complete with a mineral pool, dry/wet saunas, and snow grotto), and regionally inspired cuisine. Sailings from April through September; rates from $5,799 per person; vikingcruises.com

Visit our website at www.exceptionaltravelshop.com for more information about our services.

The post 6 Stress-Free River Cruises for the First-Timers appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

Why I Got On Board With River Cruising

Nancy Walker Gates — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:59:59 +0000

Why I Got On Board With River Cruising

Reposted from: www.travelzoo.com

Even as someone who spends a lot of her life thinking about getting away (occupational hazard if you vet travel deals for a living), I confess: I’d never seriously contemplated a river cruise. However amazing the itineraries, I couldn’t imagine they left much room for some of the other things I look for in a vacation—especially those tucked-away local treasures that require freedom to explore.

But when one cruise caught my eye—and I couldn’t seem to look away—I decided the time had come to check my skepticism at the dock and spend a week on the Danube. (Yes, I know. Cry me an actual river.)

The vessel? Avalon Artistry II. And as anyone who’s ever traveled on it—or any of Avalon Waterways’ award-winning ships—might guess, it had me at hello. Or guten tag, as the case may be in Nuremburg, where I set off.

Read on to learn how wrong my preconceived notions were—and how right river cruising turns out to be for a huge array of travelers (present company included).

The crowd was the perfect mix

If I’m being honest, another reason I’d never imagined river cruises to be quite my scene was the—how to put it?—generationally homogenous passenger set I had pictured…right up until I boarded Artistry II and found everyone from mother-daughter duos to honeymooners to girlfriend groups.

And getting to know people happened totally organically, given the small group size (around 100 people total) and endless opportunities to mingle. Over cocktail receptions, excursions and meals (when you could sit on your own, but the group tables always seemed more fun), we shared pictures, travel stories and our favorite recommendations around the world.

I wound up making friends with everyone from cruise junkies to people who were all toured out from other kinds of guided trips and wanted to try something new.

This was no average field trip

I’d envisioned river cruising to be, basically, one extended field trip, complete with follow-the-leader programming, designated times for everything—and little freedom to wander off. My experience was anything but that. In fact, I quickly realized that my cruise was exactly what I wanted to make of it.

Avalon offers three categories of excursions: classic, active and discovery — think guided tours of historic sites, mellow hikes through scenic terrain and immersive local experiences, respectively. People who like to plan could map out their days before boarding the ship, while more spontaneous travelers (yours truly), could make decisions last minute (up to the morning of an excursion).

And I don’t know why this hadn’t occurred to me before I boarded, but there’s always the option to skip the day’s included activities entirely and explore independently—or just take advantage of the considerable amenities on the ship (yoga, afternoon tea, board games and lounging on the Sky Deck, just for starters).

So whatever we imagined our own best version of vacation to look like, each guest experienced it.

You can get off the beaten path

For me, a trip isn’t complete until I’ve set out on my own and mixed it up with the locals. And Avalon’s Adventure Host—yes, that’s an actual job title, and a brilliant invention—was my key to doing exactly that.

There was the time I spotted a seemingly untouristed riverfront path in Vienna and had the sudden urge to explore. Milen, our Adventure Host, hooked me up with one of the ship’s bikes (plus his considerable local knowledge), and within minutes, I was cycling along a beautifully forested trail, not a tourist in sight—though the occasional swan did block my way.

Another standout was the time we were in Budapest, and Milen led me on a hike that showcased—to Insta-perfection, I’ll admit—both the hilly Buda side of the river and the flat terrain of Pest. The famously bustling city seemed surreally hushed, and I knew I was experiencing a magical side of it from our hilltop vantage point.

Once again: preconceived notions shattered.

Even with the amazing surroundings, I had to force myself to leave my suite

Spanning the full width and height of my suite, the sliding glass doors I found in place of an external wall made me feel like I was staying in an extension of the river. Each morning I woke up with views—from bed—that I could get only from the water. Picture kids playing in the riverfront yards of pastel homes that have been passed down through generations of Danube dwellers. Or gardeners tending to equally ancient castle and church grounds. We’ve all heard of “Europe Through the Back Door,” but this was Europe through the back dock…and I was hooked.

Of course, my suite was hardly unusual for Avalon. The line is famous for its innovative and spacious quarters, which were awarded Cruise Critic’s Best River Cruise Line Cabins title last year. At 200 square feet, the Panorama Suite (the kind I stayed in) is at least 30% larger than the industry standard. And there’s not a bad room on board, either: Avalon’s entire fleet consists of “Suite Ships,” meaning nearly every cabin is a suite.

The cruise was a foodie’s fantasy

Here’s another misconception I went in with: Traveling by ship meant forfeiting a lot of local flavor. But in almost every town we passed through, the chefs would disembark in search of seasonal produce, fresh specialty breads and other local market finds. The resulting meals, which ranged from Bavarian Sweet Mustard soup to Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, were so good, I got the recipes to take home with me.

Other amazing foodie experiences were arranged for us on board, too. In Austria, for example, a culinary expert named Bianca hosted a cookie tasting, hand-delivering the goods from a bakery in her small town. After setting out plates of eight options apiece—everything from powdered almond vanillekipferl to cocoa-covered schokobusserl—she encouraged us to take in the intricacies of each handmade treat. We then closed our eyes to heighten our senses of taste and smell, and giggled as we guessed at a succession of ingredients.

In Bavaria, the onboard beer tasting was a huge hit, complete with lederhosen-clad hosts who were, well, fonts of local beer knowledge. One takeaway: If you try nothing else there, make it the Gutmann Hefeweizen, aka “Bavaria in a bottle.” (And a side note for dedicated brewophiles: Avalon runs entire beer-centric cruises through Europe, where you’ll visit historic breweries, attend onboard beer lectures, workshops and tastings—and feast at an expert-led, brew-paired dinner.)

The culinary journey continued on land as well. As guides oriented us to each city we visited, they made sure to include the best local foodie finds. After a group walk past Salzburg’s Fürst chocolate shop, for example, I may have snuck back for the famed house Mozartkugel (marzipan and pistachio surrounded by nougat and dark chocolate).

I got bonus vacation time

Instead of traveling for hours on buses between cities or worrying about missing a train—as is my way—I enjoyed extra sleep, onboard workout classes and happy hour with friends. Better still, despite the fact that I visited no fewer than seven cities, I unpacked and repacked a grand total of once.

In fact, all the logistics were incredibly easy, mostly because Avalon handled everything from flights to airport transfers to meals and sightseeing. When I say I did not have to lift a finger except to pop another Mozartkugel into my mouth, I’m not exaggerating.

Ready to test the waters yourself?

Here are three things to know about Avalon Waterways’ European offerings:

They don’t require a limitless supply of free time. Or even a week. Among the 50 or so itineraries on offer, there’s a selection of 4-6 day Short and “Suite” getaways that are perfect for anyone who’s tight on time—or newbies who are river cruise-curious.

If you do have the time and inclination, you can tack stellar land-based extensions onto your cruise. Many of my fellow travelers spent two guided days in Prague prior to our cruise—an option I wished I’d added after hearing the stories.

Through mid-April, Avalon Waterways is offering cruises with a range of perks from complimentary airfare to $2500 off per couple to free extensions on select 2020 Danube cruises. Put otherwise: There’s no better time to discover the world through its rivers.

Visit our website at www.exceptionaltravelshop.com for more information about our services.

The post Why I Got On Board With River Cruising appeared first on Exceptional Travel.

Exceptional Travel

Why Pick a Self-Drive Vacation?

Why Pick a Self-Drive Vacation?

Sun, Sand and Social Distancing: Privacy Has Always Been a Luxury at Sandals Resorts By Robert Stephens | July 22nd 2020

Are you dreaming of travel?

6 Top European Attractions

6 Top European Attractions

Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Ireland

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Buckingham Palace, London, England

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets

The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secrets

Portoroz, Slovenia

Piran, Slovenia

Zadar, Croatia

Budva, Montenegro

Collioure, France

Must “Sea” in the Aegean Sea!

Must “Sea” in the Aegean Sea!

Mykonos, Greece

Çanakkale, Turkey

Heraklion, Greece

Volos, Greece

Naxos, Greece

Paros, Greece

Rhodes, Greece

6 Stress-Free River Cruises for the First-Timers

6 Stress-Free Cruises for the First-Timers

1. “A Taste of the Danube” River Cruise on Avalon Waterways

2. Quickie Bahamas Escape on Royal Caribbean Mega-Ship

3. Classic Med Sampler on a Tall Sailing Ship with Windstar

4. Alaska Sailing with the Experts on Princess Cruises

5. Yachting the Caribbean on Seabourn

6. Baltic Sea Expedition with Viking

Why I Got On Board With River Cruising

Why I Got On Board With River Cruising

The crowd was the perfect mix

This was no average field trip

You can get off the beaten path

Even with the amazing surroundings, I had to force myself to leave my suite

The cruise was a foodie’s fantasy

I got bonus vacation time

Ready to test the waters yourself?

Hawaii 101

Hawaii 101, Part 1 Hawaii Travel

Hawaii 101, Part 2 Maui

Hawaii 101, Part 3 Hawaii Planning

Alaska 101

Alaska 101, Part 1 Alaska Year Round

Alaska 101, Part 2 Inside Passage

Alaska 101, Part 3 Interior

Alaska 101, Part 4 Plan a Trip

Hawaii 101, Part 1
Hawaii Travel

Hawaii 101, Part 2
Maui

Hawaii 101, Part 3
Hawaii Planning

Alaska 101, Part 1
Alaska Year Round

Alaska 101, Part 2
Inside Passage

Alaska 101, Part 3
Interior

Alaska 101, Part 4
Plan a Trip