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Top Things to See in Barcelona

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

It's one of the top destinations in Europe, let alone the Mediterranean. Barcelona tops everyone's travel bucket list, and for excellent reasons.

It has a collection of some of the world's most unique and distinctive Modernist architecture - hint: by the same local designer whose masterpiece church is still under construction 130 years after it was begun.

One of Europe's most famous local markets, and restaurants serving the abundant harvest of Catalonia's land and sea.

One of the world's most picturesque pedestrian promenades (where you'll find the tongue-in-cheek bronze 'Thinking Bull' statue that plays on the iconic 'The Thinker' by Rodin, pictured above).

And a lifestyle any visitor is loathe to leave.

We never depart on a cruise from Barcelona without taking time to indulge in one of our favorite cities, and of course, any tour of Spain or the Western Mediterranean wouldn't be complete without an immersion in Barcelona's culture and way of life.

See the best of Barcelona come to life in the BestTrip video above, and...

Start your Trip!

Now More Than Ever: Why You Should Work With A Travel Advisor

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic will pass. Until then, the global travel scenario will continue to change daily.

Our top advice for people with travel booked – or considering travel – is to stay calm. And work with a trusted, expert travel advisor when you’re making travel plans.

A responsible, qualified, and professional travel advisor will always:

1. Only use and refer you to credible sources of information with expert and reasoned advice.

Some of your friends at work, strangers on social media and less professional media are sharing gossip and spreading hysteria. They are making a difficult situation worse.

Here are three official travel advisory sources used by travel suppliers, insurers and others to make decisions about canceling trips and providing coverage.

The highly respected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel notices are located here.
The Government of Canada’s official travel information can be found here; and
The United States’ State Department advisories are published here.

2. Have the best, most up-to-date information from travel suppliers, airlines, insurers and other members of the travel industry you need to get you where you’re going, get you help, or get you home.

As the COVID situation rapidly evolves, there have been nearly daily changes to travel itineraries, schedules, as well as cancellations and modified policies affecting payment and cancellation of travel plans.

Your travel advisor gets this information first. And they get it from the source; from those cruise lines, airlines, tour companies, travel insurance providers and others.

And agencies have direct access to travel supplier company officials to get answers, and help solve specific, individual cases. Like yours.

3. Pick up the phone. Or return your email.

Someone said to us the other day, “I feel sorry for people traveling right now who didn’t use a travel agent. Who are they going to call?”

Crisis is showing up the limitations of online travel agencies. Without a personal contact who has a vested interest in you as a customer, you can find yourself waiting forever for an answer to your email, on hold for hours, or passed from one person who can’t help to another.

Travel advisors are people. Your neighbors. Your community members. They take your travel needs and problems personally, and most of all, they are responsive when problems arise.

4. Employ travel industry best practices to best protect your safety, your health, your investment, and your peace of mind, like:

Staying up to date with Terms and Conditions for each supplier in a client’s itinerary particularly those concerning refunds or penalties for changes and cancellations;

Encouraging you to book travel with a credit card. Depending on your card’s terms and conditions, it may offer added securities;

Offering and explaining to you different types of travel insurance – including medical travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance - and what it covers; and

Remaining compliant with their legal responsibilities, which in some places include disclosing conditions that may influence your decision to purchase, or advising you of changing travel conditions.

COVID-19 may be new, but serious global events having an impact on the world of travel are not new.

Experienced travel agencies have company experience, and often advisors with personal knowledge of dealing with crises like SARS, 9/11, and hurricanes that have disrupted large numbers of travelers.

Those are the experts you need in your corner, not just when there is a global health crisis. A qualified, expert travel advisor always adds value to your travel plans. But they are indispensable when things don’t go as planned.

World travel will return to a new normal when COVID-19 ebbs. Don’t let it hijack your travel or your travel dreams. Work with a travel advisor to make a thoughtful, appropriate, best plan for your next trip.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ host BestTrip TV

Copyright BestTrip.TV/Influence Entertainment Group Inc or Rights Holder. All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Lie Flat Beds in Economy Class? This Airline Says, "Yes, You Can!"

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

An airline has cracked the code to providing some of the same comforts for economy class passengers as their fellow passengers in costlier business and first-class enjoy.

After three years in development, Air New Zealand has revealed the prototype of an innovation that could forever change the way you look at long haul travel – even in coach!

They’re calling it the Economy Skynest, and it’s a groundbreaking concept. A ‘nest’ of six, full-length, lie-flat sleep pods stacked on top of each other like bunk beds, with the added bonus of replacing a chunk of hated, center block of seats (although final placement in different planes can change).

If you love to travel but hate not having enough space to stretch out. Or your company budget doesn’t stretch to first class with lie-flat cubicles… but you still need to arrive at your destination fresh and ready to get to work. We can think of all kinds of reasons Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest could tick a lot of boxes for you.

Each single-person pod is over 2 m (more than 6 and a half feet) long, with a minimum shoulder width of 58 cm (23 inches), and comes with a full-size pillow, a blanket and also sheets! as well as ear plugs, privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. Air New Zealand is also exploring other features like a separate reading light, a personal device USB outlet, and an outlet for ventilation. All the comforts of a hotel bed… just a little cozier.

And it makes sense. New Zealand’s position on the globe means it operates some of the world’s longest flights, like a non-stop Auckland-New York flight that spends 17 hours and 40 minutes in the air. That’s the flight the company is testing the Economy Skynests on for an inaugural year.

It’s just the latest innovation in comfort for an airline that is at the leading edge of customer-centric design and eco-responsible advances. The Economy Skynest is the next step up from Air New Zealand’s previous game-changer, the award-winning Economy Skycouch.

The row of Economy seats that can be turned into a couch after takeoff so friends or family members can use the space to stretch out changed the way families fly. And further enhancements like a dedicated infant harness enabling infants to stay lying down throughout the cruise phase of flight, a new infant pod which provides extra comfort and protection, and a modification to the existing adult Skycouch Cuddle Belt means it's now certified for two children to be able to share the Skycouch lying side by side.

Given how popular the Economy Skycouch has become, the airline is expecting Economy Skynests to ‘take off’, too, with a focus on the longest of long haul flights. Air New Zealnd anticipates that Economy class passengers would be able to book the Skynest in addition to their regular Economy class seat, so you can be seated for a portion of your flight and able to sleep when you feel like it.

And they expect, as they experienced with the Economy Skycouch, other airlines will explore licensing the Skynest from Air New Zealand so you can enjoy its comforts on many routes around the world.

As aircraft engineering continues to advance to achieve greater feats of fuel economy and enables planes to fly longer non-stop flights, innovations like Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest will be ever more attractive options when you book your flight.

It may be the most exciting new innovation in flight – that literally puts you to sleep.

Start you Trip!

Images: Air New Zealand

How You Can Help Solve Overtourism - AND Still Enjoy the World's Most Popular Destinations

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

Amsterdam. Venice. Barcelona. Just to name a few. These are spectacular, vibrant, magical cities… reeling under the weight of tourists.

I’m very fortunate to have visited a number of cities that are now on the list of overtouristed destinations. They are magnificent and life changing. But sadly, each subsequent visit, I see the very qualities travelers go there to seek eroded a little bit more by a growing volume of tourists.

Over-touristed destinations worry about becoming artificial, ‘theme park’ versions of their charming, unique, authentic selves. They fear seeing local residents, artisans, shopkeepers and restaurateurs priced out of the cities’ historic centers by global brands and big companies buying up real estate for international brand shops and short-term housing rentals.

When the locals go, so do many of the very lifestyle elements you hoped to enjoy. Local food and craft markets collapse, inexpensive, authentic local restaurants close their doors, and the only people you meet… are other tourists.

These cities may be on your travel bucket list. Or you imagine re-living fond memories there.

I can’t bring myself to say people should no longer travel to over-touristed destinations (although some cities’ mayors sound like they’re willing to ban tourists altogether).

But I can offer 8 tips about the best ways responsible travelers can help be part of the solution, not part of the problem. And at the same time, take steps to ensure the best travel experience for themselves.

Responsible travel tips for overtourism:

Be a good global citizen.

Practice the advice often given to park visitors: take only pictures, leave only footprints. Littering, loitering, being part of a loud group that blocks sidewalks and disrupts the peaceful enjoyment of a neighborhood, in many places outside of North America, eating or drinking on the street… some rules of good behavior are universal, and some are unique to local custom, like tipping practices.

Do your research in advance and be the person the locals welcome back.

Go off-season / shoulder season.

I’ve written before about the benefits of off-season travel. In over-touristed destinations, off-season or shoulder season (the weeks on either side of the core ‘high season’), by definition, is less crowded. No lineups. Less expensive. The locals come back (think Paris after everyone takes the month of August away from the city). And the tourism attractions are happy to see you – and your money.

Stay in hotels.

Many short-term rentals are not real home shares by residents, but instead, units owned and managed by big corporations running what amounts to unregulated hotel businesses. Inhabitants of residential neighborhoods report being disrupted by a steady stream of strangers that can change the character of the community.

Hotels are regulated for your health and safety, they ensure local bylaws are followed, AND they are paying business taxes that support the preservation of cultural treasures visitors are coming to enjoy, and the infrastructure like streets and sidewalks and parks and public transportation tourists rely on.

Shop locally.

And especially, make a point to spend your souvenir, dining, and entertainment budgets to support local artisans, craftspeople, performing artists and venues, food and wine and spirit producers that are preserving local culture, techniques and architecture, and whose businesses 100% support the local economy.

Book smaller cruise ships.

Bigger cruise ships need ports of a certain size, so that often means they all converge on major city ports – and some are already bursting with land-based visitors.

The biggest cruise ships carry thousands of people. In some places, a single ship can result in cruise visitors outnumbering locals! Imagine if two or more mega ships are in port! No wonder locals can feel like their city has been taken over by non-locals- and ‘normal’ local life comes to a halt while these immense cruise ships are in port.

There’s lots to be said for the attractions of mega cruise ships. If that’s your preferred cruise style, try to focus on itineraries that visit destinations that can accommodate you and your 5000 other cruise guests without overwhelming or changing the character of the city.

Always book a pre- or post-cruise stay.

That way, you are not just transiting through a city, you also contribute to its economy - and get to enjoy overnights and immersion in these wonderful places. Pre- and post-cruise stays - or tours - are a perfect balance to the destination sampling approach of cruising.

Book your visit with a reputable tour company.

The best tour companies understand the importance of reducing their impact on and preserving the best of local communities. They work to balance the interests of the destination with unique access to its greatest cultural, natural, and lifestyle gems for its guests.

Consider destinations in the same country that have fewer tourists.

You’ll often find the same – and sometimes, even more authentic - local lifestyle and flavors that have diminished in the most visited destinations if you leave the big cities and go off the beaten path in the same country.

Talk to your travel advisor about your travel interests, and they’ll be able to help you design a thoughtful and responsible travel plan that takes overtourism into account.

Start your Trip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

Top Souvenirs from a Trip to... Ireland

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

If you’re one of the almost 20% of Americans and Canadians with Irish ancestry – or have fallen in love with the lore of the ‘Emerald Isle’ – a trip to Ireland is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its vivid scenery, storied towns and landscapes… and of course, stock up on the souvenirs that symbolize the country’s history, craftsmanship, and flavors.

Here’s a list of the best places in Ireland to visit to shop for ways to remember your trip to Ireland, or treat your friends and loved ones to a taste of Ireland.

Irish Whiskey in County Cork

It means ‘water of life’, and was once the most popular drink in the world. The distilled grain spirit that’s now called whiskey was developed beginning around the 12^th century by creative monks. Today it’s enjoying renewed popularity, and has regained its top standing as the fastest-growing spirit in the world.

There are dozens of distilleries dotting the cobble-stoned towns and green rolling hills of Ireland, and the list keeps growing. In nearly every county, you can tour historic stone, or ultra-modern distilleries that expand on Ireland’s breadth of whiskeys.

Visiting one or more of the country’s distilleries and tasting rooms, and packing one or more of the 80 million or so bottles produced in the country every year in your luggage (carefully!) for the trip home, is a must-do for any visitor to Ireland.

The essential experience is in County Cork at Jamesons’. As the world’s biggest producer of Irish whiskey, and dating from the 1700’s, it defines ‘traditional’ Irish whiskey. It’s a ‘blend’ whiskey: locally-grown Irish barley, some malted and some unmalted, or ‘green’, is distilled one of two ways, then the different distilled spirits are mixed. Irish whiskey differs from most whisky from Scotland that is made from grain dried by a peat fire, giving it a smoky flavor - not present in smoother Irish whiskey.

Crystal in Waterford County

Nothing will make your Irish whiskey taste better than drinking it from a Waterford crystal low ball glass or decanter.

Crystal was not invented in Ireland, but 200-year old Waterford is one of the world’s most famous crystals, and a tour of the House of Waterford Crystal facility is one of the top reasons to visit the Irish county of the same name.

You can watch artisans in action in each of the steps in the creation of Waterford crystal’s pieces, seeing pieces come to life, from blowing molten crystal into elegant shapes, to mould making, to inspections, marking patterns onto approved pieces for master artisans to cut the signature designs that result in the clarity and sparkle that rival diamonds in vases, bowls, glass and stemware and of course, décor items like chandeliers.

Ireland isn’t the only place you can find this famous crystal. You’ll spot Waterford crystal some of the finest bars and restaurants and hotels in the world. And you’ll see Waterford chandeliers in Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, and across the pond, in the Kennedy Center and… it’s the famous ball that drops every New Year’s Even in New York’s Times Square.

A Claddagh Ring in Galway

After the shamrock and the Celtic cross, this must be the most iconic symbol of the Emerald Isle. It’s certainly Ireland’s essential piece of jewelry – with a delightful and touching meaning.

The Claddagh ring’s hands cradling a heart topped with a crown symbolize friendship, love and loyalty. Rings are worn in Ireland and often by people of Irish ancestry around the world as friendship, engagement and wedding rings.

They are often passed down mothers to their eldest daughters or grandmother to granddaughter and worn differently to advertise the wearer’s current relationship status, useful in the days before you could look it up on facebook! Worn

· On the right hand, with the heart pointing toward the heart, you’re in a relationship; your ‘heart has been captured;

· On the right hand with the heart pointing outward, you’re single and looking;

· On the left ring finger with the heart pointing outward, you’re engaged; and

· With the heart pointing to your heart, you’re married.

Start your own tradition and add some extra meaning to your new Claddagh ring by making the trek to the fishing village of the same name in Galway, where Claddagh rings were invented in the 18^th century. The original goldsmith’s shop still stands. Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold is the oldest jeweler in Ireland, and houses a museum to the iconic ring.

Irish Wool from the Aran Isles

When you picture Ireland’s famous green pastures, you may also picture those pastures with grazing sheep. Throughout Ireland, keeping sheep and spinning, dyeing and weaving or knitting their wool was a cottage industry for centuries.

You can still see looms at work throughout Ireland, and enjoy the fruits of the artisans who craft colorful scarves, wraps, hats, and other useful, beautiful, and wearable examples of Irish history, creativity and skill.

Perhaps the most Irish of woolen knitwear is an Aran sweater. The Aran Islands off the country’s western coast have historically been home to hardy fishing communities whose women used wool ‘unscoured’ of its natural oils, making it water resistant and perfect for fishermen working in harsh Atlantic waters – or anyone who spends lots of time in the outdoors.

(Image: Getty)

Sweaters are marvelously complex works of art, comprising 100,000 stitches of each maker’s own design. Different patterns of stitches represent different meanings and omens for the success and safety of the fishermen wearing them .

Ireland’s deep culture and heritage make an unforgettable impression on any visitor to her shores, and you’ll want to take home memories and mementoes of your journey. These are just a few of the many souvenirs of Ireland that really beat a ‘Kiss me, I’m Irish’ t-shirt from your last St. Patrick’s day at the pub!

Start your Trip!

All images courtesy of Ireland.com unless otherwise indicated.

Our Experience Matters: The Importance of Utilizing a Professional Travel Advisor

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

With so much uncertainty in our fast-changing world today, consulting a professional Travel Advisor like us has become increasingly necessary in order to navigate our complex, global travel system.

Keeping Disruptions At A Minimum

No matter if you’re traveling for leisure or business, we continually monitor our clients’ flights and travel itineraries to know about any problems that have or may arise, and in most cases, before travelers are even aware of any disruptions. Equally important, we also strive to have a resolution ready so that any disruptions are kept to a minimum.

You Become Our VIP Not A Number

In an age of online “bargain” trips and “lowest prices,” it’s no surprise that far too many people get swept into the pricing craze, not understanding that these so called “best deals” can essentially leave them stranded abroad should the very worst happen. And with online booking sites laying off staff and remaining unprepared for sudden changes and world disruptions – weather, transit strikes, political unrest, natural disasters, and pandemics – travelers can be left to navigate the complexities of travel on their own.

We See More Than What's Online

To make your travel experience as effortless as possible, do what tech savvy travelers and major corporations do and consult us for your travel needs. We will cut through all the misleading advertising to help you receive the very best possible value available, all while being your advocate should any problems happen before or during your travels. We also have access to vital information that you can’t find online and can inform you of new hotels, resorts, cruises, and so much more that hasn’t yet been advertised. Plus, we can match you with just the right travel experience that will meet all your needs and wants, from start to finish. We’ll save you valuable time and reduce hassles – which can provide you with unparalleled value and travel savings.

It Takes A Village And Good Connections

Keep in mind that not all travel agents and agencies are created equal. That’s why it’s important to work with a travel advisor such as us who has partnered with a larger network like NEST. Our partnership with NEST provides us a wider network of destination and travel specialists than what non-partners have access to. With our knowledge and experience, you can rest assured you’ll have a smooth and unforgettable travel experience each and every time.

And Now For Some Good News In Travel

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

We wanted to share some travel stories to make you smile, give us hope, shine a spotlight on people and companies in travel doing good for their communities, and help keep your travel imagination active until we can all travel again.

And even with all travel temporarily shut down, there IS great news in travel.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

Travel Gives Back

There are so many examples of travel companies giving back on a regular basis to the communities their guests visit.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection helps train and find places for vulnerable women to work in hospitality. (Pictured, top: President and Founder Beatrice Tollman sharing her passion for hospitality). The hotel company also recycles and repurposes unused hotel toiletries to benefit women in need. And they work with Canadian charity ME to WE’s fairtrade chocolate program to promote workers’ rights and support clean water initiatives for families.

So guests in Red Carnation hotels – including the famous and arguably most popular castle hotel in Ireland, Ashford Castle (pictured) – know they are supporting women around the world in addition to enjoying a memorable vacation.

(The Red Carnation Hotel Collection/Ashford Castle)

We also love the Globus Family of Brands’, which includes Globus and Monograms tours, as well as Avalon Waterways river cruises and others, partnership with Landmine Design in Cambodia. The social enterprise gives local women in a region where the largest concentration of land mines remain in the world dignified work at home. The bracelets they produce (pictured) are bought by Globus as gifts and guests on Mekong itineraries can purchase them.

(Globus Family of Brands/ Martha Chapman)

Once they started working with the community, Globus realized another vital need in the community and partnered to build and operate a school for the region’s children.

And there are countless other examples, too.

Travel Industry Being Part of the Solution During COVID

From China to Europe, hotels opened their arms to provide safe, comfortable and convenient homes away from home for overworked, stressed medical staff on the front lines of fighting the virus. 40 Accor hotels in France alone were dedicated to nursing staff and vulnerable populations.

And it’s happening closer to home, too. The governor of New York just tweeted out thanks to the Four Seasons Hotel New York, which opened its doors on 57^th Street (pictured) to that city’s medical personnel.

(Four Seasons New York)

During this crisis, the travel community has stepped up, with local attractions to global companies coming to the aid of their communities to help support their efforts to fight the pandemic.

Generous COVID-19 Cancellation Policies

Travel companies are showing generosity to their guests, too.

Travel suppliers, from tour companies to cruise lines to hotels have gone out of their way during COVID-19 to implement new cancellation policies that ensure travelers get all of their money back – and sometimes extras – if they can’t travel. We’ve never seen such generous policies, and they give you peace of mind.

The new policies are so good that travelers with booked travel are better off rescheduling, not canceling, and having those benefits applied to new dates. That’s great news as it means people will be able to keep traveling.

The Show Will Go On

It’s not just individual trips being rescheduled. This year has a full calendar of memory-making travel events, and the good news is: it looks like we aren’t going to miss out.

You’ve likely already heard the Tokyo Olympics will go on, just one year later, and the communities and organizers of other one-time or annual events are showing their resilience and shifting to a new timeline.

It gives us so many happy events around the world to look forward to when we all get back to traveling.

Sharing and Caring

One of the best things about travel is meeting real people and embracing their local lifestyles and seeing the world through their eyes. And even in the midst of COVID-19, people all over the world have risen to the occasion.

Opera singers serenading their neighbors from balconies in Paris, yoga instruction from the rooftops, apartment-block sing-alongs in Spain.

The unstoppable human spirit is on full display.

(National Parks Service / Jacob W. Frank)

Around the world, museums, parks, wildlife reserves, zoos, attractions, popular musicians and cultural institutions from Yellowstone National Park, to the Great Wall of China, to the Juno Beach Centre on Normandy’s WW2 D-Day Landing Beaches to Florence's Uffizi Gallery, to African safaris to the Vienna State Opera are putting virtual tours, educational materials, podcasts, live camera feeds, performances and more online to provide all of us staying at home with ways to stay engaged with the richness of our natural, historic and cultural world.

Communities are also organizing to support their shut down, local hospitality industry. Like Miami tourism creating a #MiamiEats program as a one-stop shopping program for delivery of Miami’s famous dining and even cocktail scene to residents’ doors as they keep their community safe by self-isolating.

Now, when times seem at their worst, the world and the world of travel are showing their best.

Cruise Company Offers Ships as Floating Hospitals During COVID-19

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

For some members of this family of cruise lines, serving during great times of need is part of the company DNA.

Carnival Corporation’s family of cruise lines includes some of the world’s most historic, like the British luxury line Cunard and also Holland America Line.

History of Service

Holland America’s roots go back to the 1870’s as a shipping and passenger line providing service across the North Atlantic from Rotterdam to New York City. By the turn of the century the company had already transported 400,000 people from Europe to a new life in America.

It launched its first vacation cruise as early as 1895, but as conflicts arose in the 20^th century, the cruise line - known for its fleet of ‘dam’ ships (all named in words ending in ‘dam’) - answered the call.

During the First World War, Holland America’s Ryndam converted from ocean liner to transport for the US Navy.

Just over 20 years later, the original Nieuw Amsterdam sailed half a million miles, transporting close to half a million military personnel during WW2. A sister ship berthed in England served as the seat of the displaced Dutch government. Of 25 HAL ships in existence at the start of the Second World War, only 9 remained when it was over.

Holland America Line isn’t the only modern cruise line with a pedigree of service during international crisis.

Cunard’s service record has even more entries. The British luxury line, founded in 1839 by Canadian Sir Samuel Cunard with a contract to carry British Royal Mail to the US and Canada, has had ships answering the call to serve Great Britain and its allies in every conflict from Crimea in the 1850’s through to the Gulf War in the 1990’s.

Imagine: one Cunard ship carried all of the 7500 horses that charged with the Light Brigade – 200 at a time. Others served as troop transports, store ships… and hospital ships from Crimea onwards.

In the First World War, Cunard ships sailed 3.5 million miles in war service, carrying 9 million tons of food, munitions and cargo, and transporting a million troops. And it was a Cunard ship, the fateful flagship Lusitania, full of 1200 innocent passengers, including Americans, that was torpedoed in 1915, hastening American entry into the First World War.

Less than 30 years later, American GI’s traveled to Europe in World War 2 on Cunard’s original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth ships. Their success in getting past German U-boats was only one of countless unimaginable feats of maritime service. On one such voyage, the Queen Mary carried over 16,000 troops, sleeping in shifts – a record that has never since been broken. And three times, the same Cunard ship was the epicenter of Britain’s war effort as Sir Winston Churchill crossed the Atlantic en route to confer with US President Roosevelt.

More recently, the current QE2 would serve during the Falklands campaign, with swimming pools converted to the world’s most hazardous helicopter landing zones.

(Top image: Cunard’s 3 Queens and Britain’s Red Arrows in 2018)

Hospital Ships in the Time of COVID-19

So there is a long-established precedent for cruise lines to come to their country’s aid during times of great need.

And this month, Carnival Corporation announced that select ships from its family of cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia would be available to port communities for use as temporary hospitals during the COVID-10 pandemic.

The initiative would convert and provision ships to provide up to 1000 hospital beds and all non-medical support staff for less-critical, non-COVID-19 patient beds to allow land-based hospitals to free up space for patients with the virus.

These temporary cruise ship hospital rooms, complete with bathroom facilities and private balconies with access to sun and fresh air, as well as isolation, can be quickly installed with cardiac, respiratory, oxygen and video patient monitoring capabilities over the ship's high-speed network. They can also provide more than half a dozen intensive care units in ships’ medical centers.

Carnival Corporation is not alone. MSC Group has already converted a ferry into a hospital ship and delivered it to Genoa, where it will take in patients recovering from COVID-19 in one of the hardest-hit regions of Italy.

COVID-19 continues the cruise industry’s long tradition of stepping forward to serve in times of global crisis.

Second Chance to See 2020's Once-in-a-decade Easter Passion Play- Oberammergau Reschedules to 2022

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

The small Bavarian village of Oberammergau has become synonymous with the Passion Play – a recreation of the biblical story of Easter that consumes the entire village for over a year.

Today's audience will find it ironic that the origin of its performance was a prayer and promise to God to save the village from the plague in the 1600’s…

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE AS THE DIRECTOR AND THE VILLAGER WHO PLAYS ‘JESUS’ EXPLAIN THE HISTORY AND MAGIC OF THIS FAMOUS PERFORMANCE

For those with a Christian faith tradition, attending a play that's been performed for hundreds of years in celebration of the most significant Biblical story is a once – maybe twice? – in a lifetime opportunity. But you don’t have to be Christian to have Oberammergau on your bucket list.

So there was a lot of excitement leading up to Oberammergau 2020. Excitement that turned to fears that COVID-19 would make Oberammergau history by canceling the Passion Play.

Luckily, the faithful and those who had a once-in-a-decade experience on their bucket list will not miss what might be their only chance to visit Oberammergau.

Instead of canceling, the village will stage its Passion Play in 2022 instead, daily from Spring through Fall, just like it would have in 2020.

Travelers can still reach this village that becomes a global landmark every ten years. Or in this unusual era… twelve years.

There are many ways to reach Oberammergau in 2022. Land tour operators have worked a day or two in Oberammergau into tours of Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and also included Oberammergau into faith-based tours of Europe. Oberammergau is even included as a shore excursion from Danube and Rhine River cruises.

Joining a land tour or river cruise is by far the best way to 'do' Oberammergau - travel companies locked in blocks of the best seats years ago, as well as dining reservations during your time in this small village.

If you missed out booking a trip to Oberammergau in 2020 – or if you originally booked for 2020 - you have a second chance. Your chances are getting smaller, though, as many original bookings have rolled over to 2022 and people unable to travel for the past year have a new urgency to regain lost time and a 'Fear of Missing Out' of something most people will only have one chance in a lifetime to experience.

Ask your travel advisor your best options to still be able to enjoy this incredible play in 2022.

#DreamNowTravelSoon

Why We Still Believe in Travel

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

While we are all practicing #StaySafeStayHome, it can be hard to stay positive or be optimistic that things we love and used to take for granted will return.

We can’t wait to be able to gather again with family and friends, celebrate holidays, go to concerts and festivals and markets and games… and travel.

Right now, travel may seem distant on the horizon, but this is why we know travel will be part of our lives again.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/Host, BestTrip TV

Travel providers are betting on a return to travel. Rather than throwing in the towel and closing, they are working hard and investing all their available resources into keeping themselves poised to resume providing travel services to travelers when we are ready to pack our bags again.

But even more important than knowledge of the resilience and projections of the travel industry… is an awareness of the human spirit.

From our earliest times in all the world’s civilizations, people have had an instinct to explore the unknown and have new experiences. That inner flame still burns in all of us who love travel. A pandemic does not quench our longing to:

· See with our own eyes a wonder of nature or human design that strikes us with awe;

· Taste a dish where it originated; no matter how many times we’ve sushi or pasta or pad thai at a restaurant at home, eating a dish in its home country always gives us that ‘aha’ moment of finally knowing that this is what it was really meant to taste like;

· Share a slice of untouched land or sea with its wild inhabitants and be touched by an awareness of our own place in the natural world;

· Stare into the endless, mesmerizing view of a ship’s wake as we sail into new waters;

· Meet people whose lives have been devoted to developing and sharing an art or craft or food product or wine or experience that enriches our senses; and

· Learn firsthand the stories of personal journeys of people we meet in other places that increase our understanding of the world beyond ourselves.

When travel returns – and it will return – we hope these difficult days will have given us time to reflect and refocus on what’s truly important.

Hopefully, our biggest lesson will be to be kinder. Kinder at home, and kinder when we travel.

· Kinder to ourselves and, while we must do our best, not to self-judge for things we can’t change;

· Kinder to our loved ones, including making time to spend with them and celebrate our lives together;

· Kinder to the people we meet, the people who show us their hospitality and welcome us into their communities;

· Kinder to the planet, to wildlife, to the environment we all need to survive;

So our primal craving to explore can benefit the people and planet and natural world around us – not destroy it.

We're going to keep sharing stories that keep our travel imagination alive... until we can travel again.

Please...

Stay safe.

Stay at home.

Be kind.

And dream of a future with the best kind of travel.

Milan's Shuttered Duomo will Ring with the Voice of an 'Angel' as Bocelli Performs Easter Concert

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic is cancelling Easter celebrations large and small around the world. Thousand-year-old cathedrals will make history as they remain empty and silent.

Enter Andrea Angel Bocelli.

Celine Dion has said that, 'if God has a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli.'

The Italian tenor who made pop music audiences fall in love with classical opera, who has received cultural honors in his home country and also has Grammy awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame… is taking this unprecedented opportunity to fill Milan’s empty cathedral with music on Easter Sunday 2020.

Milan’s Duomo dates back to the 1300’s. It is the largest church in Italy (St. Peter’s Basilica is larger, but it’s in the independent state of Vatican City). That makes it the 2^nd largest in all of Europe. Milan’s Duomo is famous not just for the size of the building, but also for the 225-rank pipe organ which is the biggest in Italy, and for the gold Madonna gazing out onto the city from a perch nearly 360 feet at the top of one of the church’s many spires.

(Getty)

It’s also in the heart of the region of Italy hardest-hit by COVID-19.

Bocelli is making sure everyone’s Easter is filled with uplifting music, singing a solo concert Andrea Bocelli: Music for Hope in the Milan Duomo.

The 61-year old tenor and cathedral organist Emanuele Vianelli will perform soaring hymns like “Ave Maria” and “Sancta Maria” in the dramatic surroundings of the Duomo.

And while the pews in Milan and around the world will be empty, the point of the Music for Hope concert is to “send a message of love, healing and hope to Italy and the world.”

So the Music for Hope will be livestreamed globally HERE on Bocelli’s YouTube channel beginning at 1 pm Eastern Time on Easter Sunday in a gesture the beloved tenor hopes will unite everyone facing the pandemic.

'I believe in the strength of praying together; I believe in the Christian Easter, a universal symbol of rebirth that everyone - whether they are believers or not - truly needs right now,” Bocelli said, “Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart.”

He also hopes the concert symbolizes renewal of the society so disrupted by the pandemic. “It will be a joy to witness it, in the Duomo, during the Easter celebration which evokes the mystery of birth and rebirth.”

The Music for Hope concert isn’t the only way Bocelli is contributing. In addition to Sunday’s concert, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation is part of a campaign to purchase more medical equipment needed to treat COVID-19 patients. And the acclaimed tenor also performs on April 18^th’s virtual concert One World: Together at Home, raising money for charities providing food, shelter and healthcare to those in need as a result of the continuing crisis.

But it’s the Music for Hope concert in the hauntingly empty venue of Milan’s Duomo that will uplift the world on Easter Sunday.

And inspire us to think of happy days when we can once again travel to experience the gifts of Italian culture in person.

(via Andrea Bocelli /YouTube)

Viking Sets Sail on the Mississippi

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

From rivers, to oceans and lakes… and now to America’s heartland. Viking Cruises has announced it will cruise the Mississippi between St. Louis and New Orleans beginning in 2022.

The company’s first custom vessel, purpose-made in America for these iconic river itineraries, is named Viking Mississippi and debuts in August 2022. It will be the largest and most modern ship in the region.

In signature Viking style, the 193 stateroom, 5-deck state-of-the-art ship features the clean lines of Scandinavian style. In the case of the Viking Mississippi, there are also American influences that reflect her location. All guests enjoy spacious, all-outside suites or staterooms with either veranda or French balcony, well appointed, including 24-hour service.

Popular Viking features previous Viking cruise guests know and love include:

Sun Terrace with Infinity plunge pool with a glass back on aft sun terrace;
Explorers’ Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to The Bow forward outdoor lounge with the best views of the river;
River Café, a casual, al fresco alternative dining venue serving casual food from American classics to Norwegian specialties;
Aquavit Terrace on the top deck for casual dining and American barbecue; Combined with the River Café, the Aquavit Terrace will provide the most al fresco dining on the Mississippi;
The Restaurant main dining venue on Deck 1 serving daily-changing menus featuring delicious regional cuisine and classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients;
Full 360-Degree Promenade on Deck 1;
Enrichment on board and on shore, including Destination Performances that represent the most iconic music of the region—as well as Guest Lecturers that shed light on the region’s art, architecture, history, culture, natural world and more, Privileged Access, Local Life and Working World experiences like a kayaking trip in the Louisiana bayou; visit a working farm in Quad Cities; or immersion in Cajun culture during a Privileged Access excursion to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.
Sustainability features like solar panels, LED lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and an energy-efficient hybrid propulsion system that will make Viking Mississippi the most environmentally friendly passenger ship on the Mississippi River.

The Viking Mississippi’s launch not only brings a new age of modern river cruising to the U.S., close to home for many fans of Viking cruising in Europe and around the world. It also represents major support for the local tourism economy in communities along its routes. Currently scheduled ports of call include seven states: Louisiana (Baton Rouge, Darrow, New Orleans and St. Francisville); Mississippi (Natchez and Vicksburg); Tennessee (Memphis); Missouri (Hannibal, St. Louis); Iowa (Burlington, Dubuque and Davenport); Wisconsin (La Crosse); and Minnesota (Red Wing, St. Paul).

2022-2023 Viking Mississippi Inaugural Voyages

America’s Heartland (8 days; St. Louis to St. Paul)—From pristine farms nestled in rolling terrain to steep bluff rising from tributaries dotted with wooded islands, the Upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience the regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste regional cuisine showcasing local beer, produce and Wisconsin cheese.
Heart of the Delta (8 days; New Orleans to Memphis)—This journey on the Lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement; discover the music of the South—jazz, blues and gospel; and experience the life and food culture of the south, from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis BBQ.
Southern Celebration (8 days; New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)—On this exploration of the Lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
America’s Great River (15 days; New Orleans to St. Paul)—Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and enjoy the variety of scenery, foliage and wildlife on this leisurely voyage. Enjoy southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit “The Norwegian Valley” in La Crosse.

The Viking Mississippi will join Viking’s current fleet of 79 river and ocean vessels, as well as the recently-announced new Viking Expeditions to Antarctica and the North American Great Lakes. Viking has introduced more than 60 new river cruise ships and 6 ocean ships in the last 8 years, making it the largest small-ship cruise line.

Images of Renderings: Viking

That Time Mr. Bacardi Told Us About His Family Rum - And How To Make Bacardi's Original Daiquiri

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

You know the rum, but do you know the story? Bacardi is the world’s most famous rum, but it’s also the largest private, family-owned spirits company in the world.

When the first Bacardi traveled from Spain to Cuba in the early 1800’s, he tasted a raw local spirit made from sugar cane. Recognizing the potential, the wine merchant worked to refine rum. Bacardi eventually identified a proprietary strain of yeast that brought out rum’s best flavors, began filtering rum through charcoal, and ageing it in white oak barrels that mellowed and enriched the final result. It was the first ‘white’ (clear) rum in the world.

The rest, as they say, is history. The origins of the instantly-recognizable logo inspired by the ‘lucky’ colony of bats in the building where the Bacardi family began commercial production in Cuba, making rum cocktails like Cuba Libres, Mojitos and Daiquiris part of the early 20^th century cocktail party craze, relocating Bacardi production to Puerto Rico following the Cuban revolution in 1960…

The story of Bacardi is legendary. And visitors to the House of Bacardi in Puerto Rico (called ‘The Cathedral of Rum’), with its mid-century, stylized ‘bat wing’ pavilion is so much more than a distillery visit.

You’ll be greeted with a cocktail before taking an historical tour, rum-tasting tour, or a mixology class.

BestTrip TV got an extra treat: a chance to meet the head of the Bacardi family business who shared the personal passions behind this global brand.

It’s one of our all-time favorite BestTrip TV videos we wanted to share with you again while we’re staying safe at home – along with a lesson BestTrip's Lynn Elmhirst and TV interior designer Karen Sealy got in how to make Bacardi’s original, simple, balanced and classic daiquiri (with only three ingredients you might even have at home right now.)

Bacardi’s Original Recipe: A Hand-shaken Daiquiri

Rum, lime and sugar are timeless ingredients in the Caribbean. The origins of this classic cocktail go back to an engineer in Cuba who developed its refreshing taste, and the Bacardi family's epic parties made it famous stateside, then around the world.

Bacardi's classic Daiquiri is a perfect blend of BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum, the crispness of fruit and the sweetness of sugar. Serve ice cold for a refreshing drink on a hot day in the islands... or for cocktail hour at home dreaming of your next trip to the Caribbean.

THE INGREDIENTS

2 ounces BACARDÍ Carta Blanca Rum
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tsp Sugar

THE METHOD

Place sugar and freshly pressed lime juice into a cocktail shaker and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Then pour in the BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum and fill the shaker with half-cubed ice, followed by some half-crushed ice.
Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled.
Finally, strain through a fine tea strainer into a chilled coupette.

The Whale Shark Whisperer of Cabo

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

It’s a paradise where Mexico’s Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. Los Cabos has become synonymous with a chic coastal retreat for Hollywood celebrities and global jetsetters.

The southern tip of the Baja Peninsula teems with luxury beachside resorts and spas, where stylish people relax, go golfing, horseback riding, and dancing til dawn.

But Cabo is first and foremost about the sea. Its signature landmark is the Arch rock formation rising from the ocean at the ‘End of the World’, and water-based activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, snorkeling and diving dominate the holiday lifestyle.

Cabo is the launching pad for visits to the area of Cabo Pulmo, Mexico’s protected National Marine Park known as “The Aquarium of the World”, and its most famous resident, enormous whale sharks.

They’re called ‘sharks’, but these ‘Gentle Giants’ are slow-moving filter feeders completely harmless to humans. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the seas, growing to more than 30 feet and 20,000 pounds, making them far and away the largest non-mammal creature alive.

Any glimpse of a whale shark in the wild is magnificent. But in Cabo, visitors can join tours that allow you to swim among these breathtaking creatures. Cabo’s whale shark viewing season runs October through April, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

We asked Los Cabos diver and expert whale shark tour guide Oliver Hernandez what it’s like to swim with these gentle giants.

How long have you been swimming with the whale sharks?

“My first season swimming with the sharks was in 2013. I had been working with Cabo Adventures as a guide for a number of other tours since I moved to Los Cabos in 2008. I’ve loved the water since childhood, so that type of tour was a natural fit for me. When I learned that there were whale shark tours operating out here, I knew I had to apply to become a tour guide.”

You have a job that a lot of people likely envy. What amazes you most about what you do?

“I feel extremely lucky to be able to swim with these incredible animals. It’s truly a mind-blowing experience. The very first sighting of a whale shark in our waters was only in 2006, and many people had no idea that a swimming excursion with them was even an option. In my first season, we only had tours every third day with maybe eight guests. Of course, it exploded in popularity rapidly and we quickly had to develop a system to avoid disturbing the sharks. Today, you may be on a waitlist for a tour because we cap it at 14 boats in the water at a time to ensure the sharks remain comfortable. I’m proud of how we moved quickly to accommodate the sudden increase in demand while still remaining respectful of the needs of the wildlife.”

How has the marine tour industry and its protocols evolved?

I’ve personally witnessed many changes in my time here, and all of them have been for the better. There have been different rules and restrictions in place over the years and all of them have been guided by the desire to provide the best experience possible for the guests and the animals. I feel confident and proud in saying that Los Cabos takes the utmost caution to tour the waters respectfully and cultivate a love for the sharks. I feel that, since our inception, we have demonstrated respect and care for this species and that is an amazing thing.”

You work with whale sharks almost every single day. What’s the most important or interesting thing you’ve learned about them?

“The most important thing for me, when dealing with any species in the ocean, is care and perseverance. It is important to respect the ocean’s wildlife, and I think that doing so has helped to maintain that sense of wonder I get every time I dive in. Unlike in say a zoo, these animals are not here for us to look at: we are entering their home and humbly requesting an audience with them. We should always feel grateful for the opportunity to interact with these creatures in their habitat.”

What’s the secret for consistently finding these breathtaking animals and introducing them to the guests?

“It’s all about teamwork. The captain, Jorge, seems to instinctively know exactly where to position the boat. As guides, we are in the water simultaneously watching the position of every guest and every shark. On days where it’s proving difficult to spot them, we manage to approximate their location by reading the flow of the waves and the ‘trail’ they leave in the water as they swim. As the captain spots from the boat, he relays what he sees to the guides and gets us moving in the right direction. “

Although whale sharks are docile filter feeders, there are definitely people out there who will have reservations about swimming with any kind of shark. What would you tell a guest who might be feeling a bit hesitant to get in the water with them?

“The good news is that unless you are plankton, you aren’t on the menu. Whale sharks are gentle and will show respect as long as their space is respected. We encourage guests not to impede their movements and to stay out of their way so they feel relaxed. When in the water with any species, the key is always to blend in. Once you jump into the water or start splashing around wildly, the whale sharks can feel the vibrations and motions of the water and they are bound to take off rather than approach. The key to having a good experience with the animals is just to be calm and don’t interfere with wildlife. Whether it’s whale sharks, dolphins, or hammerheads, they will respond by remaining calm as well.”

What are some of your most memorable moments while leading a tour?

“We had a guest once who was swimming and was grazed by a whale shark. Whale shark skin feels like sandpaper, so she had a big shock. At times, when there are many whale sharks in the water, you have to become a matador. One time I was following along with the group and I felt a presence next to me, so I turned around and found myself staring into the huge open mouth of a whale shark coming towards me. I had to roll myself like a tortilla and I was just floating along the surface while the whale shark passed, the fin gliding right between my legs. It can happen more than once because the whale sharks are everywhere. That’s what makes the experience so fun.”

Top, middle photos: Getty

Bottom photo: Visit Los Cabos

Open for Optimism

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

That phrase seems the best way to sum up the business of travel these days.

Most of us remain self-isolating at home for our own safety and the safety of our communities. Travel is at a standstill. As of this week, every cruise ship in the world is at anchor, and one airline has even announced it is temporarily canceling all flights between the US and Canada.

These are historically difficult times that will shape a generation. It’s requiring us all to learn new rhythms of living, learning, staying well, staying in touch, and staying positive.

All our extra screen time might have been expected, but other new trends were less predictable.

Apparently, in addition to cooking at home, we are buying up yeast and flour and doing a lot more baking. Virtual cocktail parties have become a thing. We are planning windowbox and backyard gardens we never tried before. We are emptying animal shelters by giving homes to helpless creatures. We are dusting off sewing machines and sharing patterns for homemade face masks to protect ourselves and others.

From every corner, we are hearing stories of selfless heroism and tremendous dedication and social responsibility and generosity that uplifts our hearts.

And we see light at the end of the tunnel. Some communities stricken by COVID-19 are reporting positive news for the first time in long, difficult weeks. People are beginning to plan our path forward.

In travel, so are we. We may not travel tomorrow, or next week, but we will travel again.

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, has just released the results of a survey of travelers and found that

60% anticipate traveling again within a couple of months of restrictions being lifted, and
nearly all are prepared to resume flying within half a year.

We know some people had booked travel for this spring and are still working through the re-booking process.

But we also know travelers who are eagerly anticipating booking brand new adventures and who are looking for ideas.

And still others who may not yet be ready to think about actually traveling, but who still love to escape into stories of distant shores and life-changing experiences in new destinations.

So while we are still all armchair travelers, we’ll continue to share our favorite stories and amazing opportunities to experience the world.

We’ll continue to be open for optimism in travel.

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

#LookUpTogether During Dark Sky Week and at the World’s Largest Dark Sky Preserve’s Festival in the Rockies

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic kept everyone at home, resulting in an unexpected and heartening clearing of skies and revival of Mother Nature in surprising places. But one thing that continues to disappear from the world… is darkness.

Light pollution doesn’t just prevent you from seeing the constellations in the middle of the city. Light spilling far into the countryside interferes with nocturnal creatures’ ability to thrive, as well as the essential rhythms of nature. Many species, including the human species, need periods without light, and we hear about shift workers and peoples in the far north whose health and sleep are impacted by interruptions of natural cycles of darkness and light.

The loss of darkness by human expansion around the world is so profound, that, just as people have established reserves for wildlife and irreplaceable wilderness, spaces on earth with an unimpeded view of the stars above are being preserved, too.

The International Dark Sky Association in Arizona works to protect the night, and its International Dark Sky Places conservation program recognizes and promotes excellent stewardship of the night sky.

Over 130 Dark Sky Places around the world have been designated to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

International Dark Sky Week

International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide annual event hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association to celebrate the night and bring attention to the problems caused by light pollution. International Dark Sky Week is held during the week of April’s new Moon, when the sky is darkest and the stars most visible. 2020’s celebrations run from April 19th through the 26th, which appropriately coincides with Earth Day on April 22.

So if you and your family have ever wondered how to find a constellation in the night sky… Or how cultures around the world, and across time, saw their place in the stars... Or what critters are exploring the night while you sleep… You’ll find presentations daily during International Dark Sky Week on the organization’s.

Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival in the Canadian Rockies

Jasper National Park is the largest of Canada’s mountain parks, famous for magnificent glaciers, lakes and mountains. Jasper has also been designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as a Dark Sky Preserve for its special commitment to protect and preserve the night sky and to reduce or eliminate light pollution in all its forms.

It’s one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve - meaning there’s a town within the limits of the preserve.

As daylight hours begin to shrink, the month of October is the perfect time for Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival. Dozens of events including dark sky photography workshops, interactive experiences at Jasper’s Planetarium, black hole sculptures, and ‘Animals of the Night’ hikes, indoor and outdoor events, speakers and hands-on celestial activities celebrate the night skies that cradle the earth.

ASK YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE JASPER’S DARK SKIES.

(Jasper National Park/ Jasper Tourism)

Jasper’s Wild Beauty and Darks Skies by Train on the Rocky Mountaineer

A Rocky Mountaineer rail journey has been called one of the ‘World’s Greatest Trips’. The incredibly scenic train, with its glass-domed, panoramic cars, gets rave reviews about the magic and wonder of a train trip through the majestic Canadian Rockies.

The Rocky Mountaineer is a presenter of Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival and a visit to Jasper any time of the season, with a visit to its Dark Sky Preserve and Planetarium is a magical highlight of a rail journey through the Rockies.

Three Rocky Mountaineer journeys take you to Jasper National Park and its Dark Sky Preserve, including

Rainforest to Gold Rush Explorer
Canadian Rockies Circle
Journey through the Clouds Explorer

Jasper Dark Sky Festival Canadian Rockies Adventure by Globus

The highlight of this 9-day Canadian Rockies escorted tour is the natural wonder of the western skies.

From the forested seaside city of Vancouver, guests travel through mountain passes to the historic mining, rail and cattle town of Kamloops.

The tour continues to Jasper and its Dark Sky Preserve for a special community Moon Viewing, complete with telescopes.

There’s time to explore Jasper National Park or the Jasper Wildlife Museum, then attend the Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Experience. Guests learn about this spectacular Dark Sky Preserve in a dome theater experience, complete with the most powerful telescope in the Rocky Mountains and venture outside to look for the Northern Lights. The tour includes a day at Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival and a fascinating and inspiring Keynote Presentation by guest speakers steeped in astronomic lore.

After Jasper, the tour travels to Lake Louise for an overnight stay at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where guests enjoy crisp mountain air, a gondola ride up the mountain and the amenities of this world-renowned lakeside resort as well as Banff National Park in this remarkable Rocky Mountain setting.

Start your Trip!

Top 3 Images by Royce Bair, courtesy International Dark Sky Association

Top: Milky Way over the abandoned Lincoln Highway in Nevada

Middle: North Star and Big Dipper over Grosvenor Arch, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah

Bottom: Milky Way star canopy over a silhouette of the ‘Wall Street’ canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Earth Day Marks A Quarter Century of Conservation for Disney

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

For more than 60 years, beloved fictional animals have been central to Disney storytelling and families’ experiences in Disney parks and ships.

And for the last 25 of those years, the Disney Conservation Fund, inspired by the conservation of Walt Disney himself, has played a role in saving real wildlife around the world.

Founded on Earth Day (April 22nd) 1995, the conservation fund has inspired millions of people to take action to protect the planet, directed millions to reverse the decline of wildlife in more than half the countries in the world, engaged communities in conservation, and connected kids and families around the world with the magic of nature.

Earth Day in 2020 is overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic that’s keeping much of the world self-isolating at home.

So festive gatherings may be off the table, but we can still join in celebrating the Disney Conservation Fund’s contributions to wildlife preservation over its first 25 years:

$100 million to non-profit organizations to save wildlife;
1000 species protected, focusing on apes, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks/ rays, and tigers;
53 million kids connected to nature through Disney experiences like those found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and through programs, tools and resources supported by the Disney Conservation Fund;
315 million sensitive acres protected; and
Projects supported in 6 of 7 continents, all 5 oceans and over 100 countries around the world.

Recent Wildlife projects include momentous contributions like these:

103,000+ square miles of critical forest habitat achieving protection to support endangered apes in the Democratic Republic of Congo through a Great Apes Conservation Action Plan (the Jane Goodall Institute) (Jane Goodall pictured top at a previous DCF event, courtesy Disney)
2,000+ Atala butterflies and 1,000+ endangered Shaus’ swallowtail butterflies raised and released in the wild (University of Florida)
2,300 coral pieces grown, 12 coral nursery sites established, and 3,000+ coral fragments planted to repopulate reefs in The Bahamas (Perry Institute for Marine Science)
7 Siberian cranes outfitted with satellite transmitters during their migration to identify the most important wetland areas for conservation and protection (International Crane Foundation)
1 million+ acres of forest habitat surveyed to protect important areas for African elephants (Wildlife Conservation Society)
20 tons of plastic waste removed from the environment, 175+ families supported through income-generating programs, 164,000+ trees planted, and more than 37,000 acres of forest protected in Colombia and Brazil to protect cotton-top tamarin and golden lion tamarin monkeys (Associação Mico-Leão Dourado, Proyecto Tití, Save the Golden Lion Tamarin and Wildlife Conservation Network)
20 Rhino Protection Units (anti-poaching teams) in Indonesia trained in advanced monitoring practices to better protect two national parks and the Sumatran rhinos who live there (International Rhino Foundation)
238,000 pounds of marine debris removed from sea turtle habitats and 1.2 kilometers of sea turtle nesting habitat restored and cleared of debris (University of Florida)
156 species of sharks and rays studied to help identify where management or protection efforts are needed the most around the world (Wildlife Conservation Society and partners)
4,131 miles of forest patrolled by community rangers to protect tigers in Sumatra, Indonesia (Wildlife Conservation Society)

The DCF is also involved in projects Protecting the Planet

Helping strengthen the livelihoods of 52 communities while aiding in the protection of more than 200,000 acres of critical habitat to support endangered species including Sumatran tigers;
Supporting implementation of water restoration projects across California and Arizona to improve water use efficiency on agricultural land, reduce the amount of water diverted from rivers and creeks, and improve water quality, recreation and wildlife habitats;
In celebration of Disneynature films, The Walt Disney Studios and the Disney Conservation Fund have collaborated to support animals and habitats around the world, resulting in:
3 Million trees planted in Brazil’s most endangered forest.
40,000 Acres of a new marine protected area established to conserve coral reefs in The Bahamas.
65,000 Acres of savanna protected to create conservation corridors in Kenya.
130,000 Acres of wild chimpanzee habitat protected in the Congo, and 60,000+ local youths educated, and chimpanzees cared for.
495,000 Acres of forest protected to restore key corridors for wild pandas and establish a new snow leopard conservation program in China.
Conservation projects across 400,000 acres of US national parks supported, park visitors educated, and animal and plant species protected.
Conservation projects supported across one million acres in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, benefiting hundreds of species and protecting fresh drinking water for local populations.

The DCF also annually recognizes local people or teams who have dedicated their lives to conservation in their communities. So far, it has acknowledged the work of nearly 200 wildlife heroes in 4 dozen countries.

As we wait to create new family memories at Disney parks and cruises, we can learn more about The Disney Conservation Fund on its web site (https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-conservation/), and explore an interactive map of its world-wide projects that help care for the planet and ensure a world where wildlife thrives, and nature is treasured and protected.

Image: Disney

In it for the Long Haul: Cruise Line Marks 147 Years of Sailing History

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

These historic photos and delightful vintage posters trace one of the longest journeys of any cruise line. Holland America Line commemorates its 147th anniversary in April 2020.

While 147 years is not the round number milestone that usually marks big anniversary celebrations, this anniversary takes place while travel has paused globally and HAL cruise operations have temporarily ceased for only the second time in its storied past.

Today’s historic times have given us all a moment to reflect, and HAL is no different. In the context of both a global pandemic shutting down travel and another year of a long legacy, the cruise line has recalled its witness to other challenging world events as it looks towards another bright future.

Roots in Rotterdam

Holland America Line was founded on April 18, 1873, as the Netherlands-American Steamship Company, in Rotterdam. The city was then and remains one of the most important ports in the world. Today, Rotterdam is the busiest port in Europe and the 4th largest port in the world, and it’s still the European home of HAL.

In the 1870’s, the line wasn’t about holiday cruising, it was about passage across the North Atlantic between Rotterdam and New York City. By the turn of the century the company had already transported 400,000 people from Europe to a new life in America and played a central role in business and ties between the Old and New Worlds.

Leisure cruises on the line began before the turn of the century, but as conflicts arose in the 20th century, the cruise line - known for its fleet of ‘dam’ ships (all named in words ending in ‘dam’) - answered the call.

During the First World War, Holland America’s Ryndam converted from ocean liner to transport for the US Navy.

Ceasing Operations… the First Time

Just over 20 years later, the Second World War was the first occasion when all passenger operations ceased as HAL ships were called to serve in the Allied war effort.

Holland America Line’s original Nieuw Amsterdam sailed half a million miles during the war, transporting close to half a million military personnel. A sister ship berthed in England served as the seat of the displaced Dutch government while the country was occupied.

Of 25 HAL ships in existence at the start of the Second World War, only 9 remained when it was over.

It rebuilt its fleet and renewed the stylish leisure cruising business that began to boom in the decades since WW2.

150 Ships over 147 Years and Looking to the Future

Since 1873, Holland America Line has traveled to all seven continents, offered decades of world cruises, and explored Alaska for more than 70 years.

The brand has welcomed more than 150 ships throughout the years, with a number of ‘retired’ ships’ names resurrected for new ships in honor of the line’s history.

Each time a new ship joins the fleet it’s a celebration of this legacy and marks the next chapter in the company’s history. While a beloved American brand now, the cruise line retains its links to its roots. Dutch design, culture and culinary highlights are featured on ships and members of the Dutch Royal Family have christened a dozen Holland America Line vessels.

HAL continues to welcome new ships to its fleet. Its third Pinnacle-class ship, Ryndam, is scheduled for delivery in late spring 2021.

Today’s Holland America guests enjoy some of the best live music at sea at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. The line’s renowned dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for guests.

“Our 147th anniversary reminds us that Holland America Line has one of the deepest histories and richest legacies in the cruise industry,” said Orlando Ashford, current president of Holland America Line.

“We stand on a solid foundation built by those that came before us over nearly a century and a half, and just as they weathered uncertain times, we will as well. Holland America Line will be back taking guests around the world as soon as we can, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back on board.”

Images and posters courtesy Holland America Line.

4 Places to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

2020 likely marks the last major milestone anniversaries for the Second World War with living members of the Greatest Generation.

May 8^th is the 75^th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day.

The day was marked at the time by a spontaneous eruption of joy throughout the streets of London after years of losses under siege and aerial bombardment by the Nazis. Images sent around the world of partying crowds, Churchill and the Royal Family waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace remain among the most iconic images of 20^th century history. (VJ Day in the Pacific theatre, came a few months later).

Plans for dramatic and ceremonial remembrances of VE Day’s 75^th anniversary have been stymied by the COVID pandemic. Instead the Queen, who as a very young woman during the War served in uniform as a mechanic, is issuing a rare televised address with her personal memories. In a very moving tribute, a national singalong is also planned with people standing in their yards and doorways and balconies joining to sing the unofficial anthem of British pluck during WW2, Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ with Dame Vera Lynn herself leading from a window at her home.

North American history buffs or remembering family and community members who contributed to the defeat of the Nazis have had their travel plans to VE Day commemorations cancelled.

But you can plan now a pilgrimage for a personal commemoration of a turning point in the history of the world.

Here are 4 top destinations to commemorate critical pillars of the Victory in Europe:

The Soldiers:

D-Day Landing Beaches, Normandy, France

Before there was VE Day, 11 months earlier, there was D-Day: June 6, 1944.

A fabled event in military history, D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Operation Overlord achieved the extraordinary feat of landing 24,000 Allied soldiers to re-take the Nazi-fortified beaches of France. It was the beginning of the liberation of Europe that ended on VE Day.

Canada's Juno Beach, Britain's Sword and Gold Beaches, and America's Omaha and Utah Beaches remain an essential travel destination to honor, first-hand, the monumental task and tremendous sacrifices of D-Day, and walk in the very footsteps of the soldiers who landed there. The isolated D-Day Landing Beaches (above and top) with cliffs, restored battlefield sites, museums and oh, so many cemetaries are essential travel destinations.

The Leaders:

Churchill War Rooms, London

Of all the political and military leaders who strove together towards victory, Sir Winston Churchill remains legendary. The British Prime Minister was one of the earliest leaders to resolve to defeat Nazism, and his eloquent speeches (still often quoted today) and steadfast refusal to give up hope famously rallied the British and Allies to victory.

Nazi planes flew nightly over the English Channel to bomb the capital, and Londoners blacked out the city and retreated underground. Thousands spent nights in London’s ‘tube’ stations. The government went underground, too, into a complex underneath the Treasury building in Whitehall. Knowing what was coming, construction on the War Rooms began in 1938. Operations there began just a week before the war began, and the lights weren’t turned off for the next six years until the war was over.

Today’s fascinating and evocative Churchill War Rooms museum includes restored government wartime command center and a museum devoted to Churchill’s life.

The Victims:

Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Of the millions of military casualties and civilian victims, the diary of Anne Frank remains the most famous personal story, and the young girl herself remains the symbol of the over one million Jewish Europeans exterminated by the Nazis.

Anne Frank House preserves the tiny suite of rooms in central Amsterdam where Anne, her parents and sister and four other people hid behind a bookshelf for over two years in fear of capture by Nazi occupiers.

Not long before the liberation of the Netherlands, the group was discovered and Anne was sent to a concentration camp where she died. Her diary of her life in hiding was saved and published, and ensured her voice and story and the lessons of the Holocaust continue through the ages.

The gripping and emotional museum features the life and times of Anne Frank and the dangers of persecution and intolerance.

The Home Front:

Your Own Neighborhood

Communities large and small across North America have cenotaphs listing the names of fallen local residents who went off to war.

Veterans’ homes, the Legion… places for current generations to serve veterans exist close to home.

And many local museums show the heroic efforts of the wives, mothers, girlfriends, workers in industry and farming who made the achievements on the front lines possible.

Until we can travel again, once it’s safe to move around in your community, find a way to acknowledge in your hometown the service of the veterans who won Victory in Europe in 1945.

#PlanNowTravelLater

Newfoundland Ponies Are The Joy We All Need Right Now

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

When a destination’s nickname is ‘The Rock’, you don’t expect a warm and cozy place. Newfoundland is the eastern most point in North America, the vanguard of the continent where it faces into the North Atlantic waters and winds that once brought Vikings and still bring icebergs to its shores.

In this dramatic setting and tough climate, only the strong survive. Newfoundlanders are tough survivors, but the opposite to their stark environment with famously welcoming, colorful, charming, musical and comedic culture.

The ponies that Newfoundlanders brought over from Northern Europe developed the same characteristics over 400 years, until they became their own breed of tough, sweet, sure-footed and gentle ponies.

Nearly extinct only couple of decades ago, Newfoundland Ponies are now, along with Newfoundland dogs, the animal symbol of the province, and a special treat to meet ‘in person’.

BestTrip TV met these Newfoundland Ponies at The Doctor's House Inn & Spa, an hour away from the province’s capital of St. John’s. The graceful Tudor-style mansion occupies 100 acres of oceanfront Newfoundland terrain with breathtaking views of Trinity Bay.

Converted into an inn with charming rooms, acclaimed fine dining, one of the most beautiful private gardens on the island, walking trails, luxury spa and an event venue in the restored barn, it’s become not only a country retreat and hub for visitors to explore the region, it’s also become a world famous wedding destination.

Warm Newfoundland hospitality at The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa includes the welcome of sheep, goats, chickens, ducks… and a small herd of now-rare Newfoundland Ponies. They add a ‘Newfoundland theme’ to weddings, drawing the bridal couple in carts.

Not only picture perfect, but irresistible, too.

#DreamNowTravelLater

Revealed for the 1st Time: This Hotel’s Famous Cookie Recipe

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

Challenging times call for fresh-baked cookies. For your COVID-19 #StaySafeStayHome pleasure, a cookie recipe for all the home baking and snacking we hear everyone is enjoying during lock down.

Not just any cookie recipe. These are cookies of legend.

They are the welcoming treat so many guests of DoubleTree by Hilton look forward to when they check in. Receiving a paper sleeve of straight-from-the-oven warm sweet treats makes a hotel stay at one of the company’s nearly 600 hotels in almost 50 countries feel a lot like coming home.

DoubleTree cookies have a long history and - no surprise - an avid fan following. More than 30 million cookies are eaten every year, and copycat recipes have been circulating on the internet.

They are also the first cookies baked in space! The hotel chain partnered provided the recipe for its world-renowned cookies to test cooking equipment for space on the International Space Station.

Travel on earth may be grounded. But now, DoubleTree by Hilton’s beloved cookies can continue to put smiles on faces. For the first time, they’re sharing the official bake-at-home recipe for the chocolate chip cookie so at-home bakers can create the warm and comforting treat in our own kitchens.

“We know this is an anxious time for everyone,” said a spokesperson for DoubleTree by Hilton. “A warm chocolate chip cookie can’t solve everything, but it can bring a moment of comfort and happiness.”

DoubleTree Signature Cookie Recipe

Makes 26 cookies

½ pound / 225 grams butter, softened (2 sticks)

¾ cup + 1 tablespoon / 165 grams granulated sugar

¾ cup packed / 150 grams light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 ¼ teaspoons / 6.25 mL vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon / 1.25 mL freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 ¼ cups / 280 grams flour

1/2 cup / 45 grams rolled oats

1 teaspoon / 6 grams baking soda

1 teaspoon / 6 grams salt

Pinch cinnamon

2 2/3 cups / 465 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 3/4 cups / 220 grams chopped walnuts

Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice, blending with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl.
With mixer on low speed, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, blending for about 45 seconds. Don’t overmix.
Remove bowl from mixer and stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Portion dough with a scoop (about 3 tablespoons) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.
Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for about 1 hour.

On the off-chance you haven’t just eaten all the dough or baked and enjoyed the full recipe of cookies all at once, they’ve even provided a tip so you can enjoy fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies for days.

You can freeze the unbaked cookies, and there’s no need to thaw. Preheat oven to 300°F and place frozen cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.

The Doubletree spokesperson says, “We hope families enjoy the fun of baking together during their time at home, and we look forward to welcoming all our guests with a warm DoubleTree cookie when travel resumes.”

#DreamNowTravelLater

How This Travel Company is Marking International Women's Day

Wed, 12 May 21 20:13:31 +0000

March 8^th is a day dedicated to uplifting women all over the world.

The Travel Corporation (TTC), is a family of travel companies including Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Trafalgar, Contiki and others.

TTC took the opportunity of International Women’s Day to highlight its commitment to a world enriched by travel empowering women, and women empowering travel.

At a Trailblazing Women in Travel event, the companies recognized achievements of their own female team members, their foundation, TreadRight’s, Ambassadors, women partners in the travel industry, as well as spotlighting the local women’s initiatives TTC supports in the communities their tours visit across the globe.

The company’s TreadRight Foundation has supported more than 50 sustainable tourism projects in nearly 300 communities worldwide. Some of these projects provide economic empowerment such as the women’s weaving collectives that TTC guests visit in Peru and Italy where guests have the opportunity to purchase these handmade artisan products.

TreadRight also supports the acclaimed social enterprise ME to WE by offering ME to WE’s culturally immersive trip extensions with several TTC companies to Kenya, India, and Ecuador – tours which support women’s economic empowerment. For example, guests can learn the art of beading from local ‘mamas’ in Kenya and purchase their jewelry so that the women can earn a sustainable income.

The CEO and co-founder of ME to WE, Roxanne Joyal, works with TTC and its TreadRight foundation to unleash the positive effects of travel and personal engagement with the world around us. The social enterprise empowers people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices, including purchasing items made by indigenous women artisans, and taking ‘purposeful’ trips including those offered in conjunction by TTC’s TreadRight Foundation.

TTC also highlighted the work and philosophy of its TreadRight Foundation’s “People” ambassador, Canadian indigenous dancer, activist and storyteller Sarain Fox.

Fox approaches travel and travel storytelling through the lens of the experiences of indigenous people. Initially, she struggled to reconcile her love for travel with an awareness, “that many people have shown up in other countries without permission”, with disastrous results for the lands and culture of original inhabitants.

“I like to say indigenous people are the world’s first tour guides,” Fox quipped, “We’re always saying, ‘Here, let me show you the good stuff’.”

Instead of taking her welcome for granted when she travels the world now, Fox asks for permission from local communities to be present as a way of being mindful and conscious of other peoples.

For International Women’s Day, TreadRight has released a new video with Fox encouraging us all to pledge to travel responsibly.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE with Fox describing the simple actions we can all take to contribute to responsible travel.

With International Women’s Day sharing the same week as World Wildlife Day, it was the perfect time for TreadRight to introduce a new ambassador for “Wildlife” – another talented, change-maker woman in travel, Ami Vitale.

You may not recognize Vitale’s name, but you likely know her work. Ami Vitale is an award-winning National Geographic photographer and filmmaker. Her images of human conflict, Nature and the power of humanity around the world have become era-defining. Vitale’s path to wildlife advocacy can be traced in her photography, and one story in particular stands out. She was the photographer who captured the story of the world’s last white rhinos in Africa, eventually sharing in images the heartbreaking story of the death of the very last one, surrounded by mourning gamekeepers.

The Travel Corporation works with other trailblazing women in travel including Patricia Schultz, the author of New York Times best sellers beginning with “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”, who is also Trafalgar’s Global Brand Ambassador, successful travel vlogger and honorary Contiki Ambassador Nadine Sykora, as well as female leadership in the company’s founding family, in all its companies and partner organizations in local destinations where TTC operates.

(Left to right at TTC's International Women's Day Trailblazing Women in Travel event: Sarain Fox, Ami Vitale, Patricia Schultz, Nadine Sykora, Roxanne Joyal)

The company recognized and celebrated all these women in travel’s shared belief in the power of people coming together to improve the world, in supporting women through travel and women in travel, “When you prop up women in places you visit, it sustains the community and provides a future for them… and for the guests to return to have that community experience,” says one TTC woman executive.

And they don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk through their work that approaches the same goal from different angles.

New Tours that Empower Women

TTC’s International Womens’ Day celebrations included the announcement that Insight Vacations is launching its first women-only journeys to India designed and run by women. The new itineraries include immersive learning opportunities, wellness experiences and authentic dining while featuring the power of tourism on women’s economic empowerment in local communities.

International Women’s Day comes once a year, but our travel choices can support women and their communities all year round.

Start your Trip!

Video courtesy of the TreadRight Foundation. Images courtesy of The Travel Corporation.

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Lie Flat Beds in Economy Class? This Airline Says, "Yes, You Can!"

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How You Can Help Solve Overtourism - AND Still Enjoy the World's Most Popular Destinations

Responsible travel tips for overtourism:

Be a good global citizen.

Go off-season / shoulder season.

Stay in hotels.

Shop locally.

Book smaller cruise ships.

Always book a pre- or post-cruise stay.

Book your visit with a reputable tour company.

Consider destinations in the same country that have fewer tourists.

Start your Trip!

Top Souvenirs from a Trip to... Ireland

Irish Whiskey in County Cork

Crystal in Waterford County

A Claddagh Ring in Galway

Irish Wool from the Aran Isles

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Our Experience Matters: The Importance of Utilizing a Professional Travel Advisor

Keeping Disruptions At A Minimum

You Become Our VIP Not A Number

We See More Than What's Online

It Takes A Village And Good Connections

And Now For Some Good News In Travel

Travel Gives Back

Travel Industry Being Part of the Solution During COVID

Generous COVID-19 Cancellation Policies

The Show Will Go On

Sharing and Caring

Cruise Company Offers Ships as Floating Hospitals During COVID-19

History of Service

Hospital Ships in the Time of COVID-19

Second Chance to See 2020's Once-in-a-decade Easter Passion Play- Oberammergau Reschedules to 2022

#DreamNowTravelSoon

Why We Still Believe in Travel

Milan's Shuttered Duomo will Ring with the Voice of an 'Angel' as Bocelli Performs Easter Concert

Viking Sets Sail on the Mississippi

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Bacardi’s Original Recipe: A Hand-shaken Daiquiri

The Whale Shark Whisperer of Cabo

Open for Optimism

That phrase seems the best way to sum up the business of travel these days.

#LookUpTogether During Dark Sky Week and at the World’s Largest Dark Sky Preserve’s Festival in the Rockies

The COVID-19 pandemic kept everyone at home, resulting in an unexpected and heartening clearing of skies and revival of Mother Nature in surprising places. But one thing that continues to disappear from the world… is darkness.

International Dark Sky Week

Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival in the Canadian Rockies

Jasper’s Wild Beauty and Darks Skies by Train on the Rocky Mountaineer

Jasper Dark Sky Festival Canadian Rockies Adventure by Globus

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Earth Day Marks A Quarter Century of Conservation for Disney

For more than 60 years, beloved fictional animals have been central to Disney storytelling and families’ experiences in Disney parks and ships.

In it for the Long Haul: Cruise Line Marks 147 Years of Sailing History

4 Places to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day

2020 likely marks the last major milestone anniversaries for the Second World War with living members of the Greatest Generation.

May 8th is the 75th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day.

Here are 4 top destinations to commemorate critical pillars of the Victory in Europe:

The Soldiers:

The Leaders:

The Victims:

The Home Front:

#PlanNowTravelLater

Newfoundland Ponies Are The Joy We All Need Right Now

#DreamNowTravelLater

Revealed for the 1st Time: This Hotel’s Famous Cookie Recipe

Challenging times call for fresh-baked cookies. For your COVID-19 #StaySafeStayHome pleasure, a cookie recipe for all the home baking and snacking we hear everyone is enjoying during lock down.

Not just any cookie recipe. These are cookies of legend.

DoubleTree Signature Cookie Recipe

#DreamNowTravelLater

How This Travel Company is Marking International Women's Day

Start your Trip!

May 8^th is the 75^th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day.