Today, we’re diving into the world of Ama Waterways – a leader in luxury river cruising renowned for its immersive experiences and exceptional service. Recently, Sandy had the privilege of sailing on the magnificent Ama Magna, a unique vessel that’s twice the size of traditional river cruise boats, offering unmatched space and luxury. Alongside 30 other travel advisors, they embarked on a 7-night journey down the enchanting Danube River, departing and returning from the vibrant Budapest. This innovative itinerary took us through mesmerizing landscapes and quaint towns, sparking countless memories and stories.
Filed under: ama magna, ama waterways, danube, river cruisingEpisode 538: Go There, Not Here!
Overtourism is defined as “the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way”. It occurs when there are too many visitors to a particular destination. The actual number of visitors is subjective to the capacity a given destination can manage without seeing detriment to their environment. Overtourism can negatively impact local residents, visitors, and the surrounding environment of a particular destination.
Several Cities in Europe are trying to curb the influx of too many tourists through the use of fees, quotas on the number of people and removing cruise ships from their ports. So, we are here today to talk about some alternative cities that you can visit that would welcome more tourists.
Filed under: travel
Episode 537: Windstar in the BVI with Aimee
Windstar Cruises offer a uniquely luxurious experience that larger ships simply can’t match. With fewer passengers, you get more space, personalized service, and access to hidden gems that are off the beaten path—away from the usual crowds. You can also go back and listen to Episode 484 to hear more of the background on this cruise line, but this week we wanted to talk to Aimee about her experience on Windstar in the Caribbean.
Filed under: aimee, BVI, caribbean, Cruising, Windstar, Windstar Cruises
Episode 536: Setting a Realistic Budget for your Vacation
One of the hardest parts of planning a vacation is paying for it We know. The struggle is real! So tonight, we wanted to help you with some guidelines about today’s travel costs so that as you begin planning your trip, you know what to expect.
Filed under: travel budget
Episode 535: Kristen’s Family Scavenger Hunt
Every Christmas, Kristen’s family does a scavenger hunt to reveal a family gift or trip. This past year they decided to give the gift early, and we got to follow along on her Facebook page. We loved the idea so much we wanted to bring her on the podcast to tell us all about it.
Filed under: Cruising, Disney cruise line, scavenger hunt
Episode 534: Family Travel with Younger Kids
Let’s face it, traveling with children, especially young children, is complicated. Even the most seasoned travelers can find themselves a bit confused about the best destinations, planning tips, and even activities for the trips they plan with their children or grandchildren. But never fear, we’re here to help! We’ve all traveled with kids of various ages, whether they were our own children or not, and we want to help you make the most of your family vacations.
Filed under: traveling with kids
Episode 533: Touring Europe with Globus and Avalon
Time travel is real. Especially when you journey back centuries to the Old World with Globus European tours. Down cobblestone lanes and well-worn paths, we venture way past the landmarks to immerse you in Europe’s enchanting landscapes and legends of lore. Yet in the land of fairytale settings, we go beyond storytelling to satisfy your hunger for history. We make you a central character with well-rounded experiences. Get ready to drive a golf ball at Scotland’s legendary St. Andrews, hurl a snowball in the majestic Swiss Alps, strike a billiards ball in a cozy Irish pub, or sip wine on the grounds of a Tuscan castle. Hands on and feet first is how we roll through the storied hills, quaint villages and vibrant cities of Europe. While we skip the lines at ancient castles and cathedrals to whisk you back in time, we also bypass the main thoroughfares to catapult you toward the emerging chefs, artists and artisans who will define the Europe of tomorrow. Beyond the predictable. Beyond the expected. Beyond the guidebooks. It’s the only way to travel through time.
Ginny Miller is a military spouse that is obsessed with all things travel. She lives Eastern North Carolina with her husband, her 3 boys and 2 dachshunds. She has been with the Globus family of brands as a Business Development Manager for three years and prior to that was a Travel Advisor.
Filed under: avalon cruises, europe, Ginny Hall, globus
Episode 532: Virgin Voyages Holiday Cruise
Sandy – Donna – Anna – Lindsay
Virgin Voyages is the known for so many great details – those hammocks on the balcony, amazing dining, no kids! Recently Sandy and some friends went on a holiday cruise to kick off her Christmas in the Caribbean, and she’s excited to tell us all about it.
Filed under: caribbean, Cruising, Virgin VoyagesEpisode 531: Galapagos with Linblad National Geographic
The Galapagos National Park began in 1959 with very limited resources. In 1967 Lars Eric Lindblad put together the first Travelers Expedition on a chartered Chilian Navy Vessel. For more than 50 years Linblad has helped curious travelers experience the world, while actively playing a role in preserving the worlds natural wonders for future generations.
Recently Lindsay had the opportunity to explore The Galápagos Islands onboard National Geographic Islander II and is here to share
Sandy – Donna – Anna – Lindsay
Filed under: galapagos, linblad
Episode 530: Exploring Portugal with Avalon River Cruises
Portugal seems to be all the rage these days, with tourism booming but even more with people moving there for a change of pace thanks to their flexible visas and tax laws. So Elizabeth, who had never been to the Iberian peninsula at all in all of her trips to Europe, decided she had to see what all the buzz is about! She’s here with us now to share what she learned.
Sandy – Donna – George – Lindsay
Filed under: avalon cruises, europe, Portugal, river cruising