Category Archives: Romantic Getaways
The Ideal First Cruise for Seniors
On our last cruise we were delighted to meet a number of first-time cruisers in their seventies and eighties. When they heard we were travel photojournalists, they were more than willing to offer opinions and comments that helped form the foundation for this article, which we dedicate to them. The perfect first cruise We had …
Skagway: At the Top of Alaska’s Inside Passage
Skagway is one of the best-preserved gold rush towns in Alaska. During the 1896 stampede for riches it played an important role as the last outfitting post along the Inside Passage seaway before the prospectors headed inland over treacherous mountains to the Klondike gold fields. This tiny seaside village with wooden sidewalks and gold rush …
Discovering “Decebalus Rex” on a Danube Viking River Cruise
After writing scores of articles about ocean cruises, we decided to see what motivates vacationers to take European river cruises. We are glad we did. So much to choose from There are endless selections of river cruise itineraries on the internet, so we sought the guidance of three prominent river cruise companies in Europe – Amway, Uniworld, and Viking. Viking River Cruises comes through …
The Legendary Walled City of Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic
Established in the 7th century A.D., the ancient and scenic port city of Dubrovnik lies in the southernmost part of the Republic of Croatia, – almost directly across the Adriatic Sea from the “spur” in the boot of Italy. It is a beautiful city of colorful red-topped tile roofs and cobblestone streets, all of which looks …
A National Scenic Wonder in Winter: The Magnificent Coast of Oregon
Much of the Oregon coast consists of miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches, which may be exactly what you are looking for if you seek total relaxation. However, if you crave excitement, check out the wild 40 miles of rocky shoreline that begins in the north at Waldport, Oregon and zigzags south along curvy Highway …
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel: The Stunning Pink Palace on Waikiki Beach
If you have ever marveled at the iconic “Pink Palace” on Waikiki beach, and wondered about its colorful origin, so did we. Here is what we found out about its interesting history. In the early 20th century, a group of capitalists with substantial interests in Hawaii had the foresight to envision a burgeoning tourism future for the …
Exploring Sitka: Our Favorite Alaskan City
Stepped in history and culture, and surrounded by picturesque forested islands, towering mountains, a distant volcano, and soaring eagles – Sitka is what most tourists imagine when they think of Alaska’s natural wonders. Founded by Russian explorers in the eighteenth century, Sitka (once called New Archangel) is within easy view of Mt. Edgecombe, an …
Returning to Historic Catalina Island and the Echoes of Big Bands Past
Long before Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco, throngs of everyday Americans in the difficult 1930s and 1940s were keeping a stiff upper lip to the world’s problems and singing “…I left my love in Avalon…” to the Big Band sounds of Miller, Herman, Goodman, James and Dorsey. The song “Avalon” was first …
The Kempinski Hotel at Barbaros Bay: Still Tops in Extraordinary Turkish Hotels
The Kempinski Hotel in Bodrum at Barbaros Bay is much more than an ordinary coastal luxury hotel in an up and coming vacation paradise. It is also a premiere destination resort for discriminating travelers from around the world. Here is why. The Kempinski Barbaros Bay is about 20 minutes from the Turkish city of Bodrum. …
Cruising the Rainforests of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park
The “Other Down Under” destination of New Zealand is on the Bucket List of many Americans — and justly so. Problem is, New Zealand is a long way from anywhere U.S.A. Consequently, most tourists want to see as much as possible on their first visit. Our suggestion for an orientation trip to New Zealand – book a cruise. The rationale …
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