Tourism is growing exponentially all over Asia, but many Americans are still a bit intimidated by the customs, food, and even the place names in this beautiful area of the world. So this week, we asked Linda if she would share her experience and knowledge of China, Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia with us in the hopes that we can boost your confidence about visiting any of these countries in the near future. Linda currently lives in San Francisco, but has also lived in Hong Kong and has traveled extensively throughout Asia both for business and for leisure. And, she is a very special guest because she is Elizabeth’s sister!
Join us as we talk about the biggest mistakes Americans make when traveling in Asia – (taboos, custom and culture shock, etc). Food, how to get a visa, transportation – and tips for new travelers to Asia.
Have you been to Asia? What is your favorite place to visit?
Way back in our third episode when we were mere babes in arms… we talked about the Norwegian Getaway. Elizabeth had been fortunate enough to be on board for one of her pre-inaugural sailings when she was fresh off the shipyard and shared that experience then. Now the Getaway has been sailing for well over a year and we have booked our own clients on her several times. We were all on board recently for a conference and we wanted to share the experiences we had to update that episode and share new information as well. So let’s get started, talking about on-board highlights, ports of call, dining, excursions, and, oh…a little hurricane at sea!
We book trips for a lot of families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you have one kid or six, travel presents some challenges that you might not experience when traveling with only adults. Although travel is exciting and varied, there are also some slow lulls in the process. Tonight, we thought we would share some of our tips for how to keep your kids occupied during these slower moments. Car Bingo, anyone? Smartphone apps? Let us know your strategy for kid boredom by dropping us a line
We are so excited to have reached fifty episodes and we wanted to do something really special for this landmark occasion. We often talk about the “bucket list…” quite literally, “Things I want to do before I kick the bucket.” Perhaps a bit morbid, but we all truly believe that life is short and you must enjoy as many experiences as you can while you are here. And we are in the business of helping you do that. Do you have a bucket list? I think we all have a few items in our head that we would like to do one day, but how many of us really have a list written down of the experiences we really must do before we move on? How do you create that list? Do you just ask friends and family? Do you research? Or do you just watch the world around you and decide on things to do? All are great options. This week, we want to talk about some of our bucket list items and get you started on your own lists.
If you’re a long time listener, you might remember Episodes 10 & 21 when we discussed the great state of Alaska and sat down and talked with Anchorage local Amy Newman. Sandy recently returned from her trip where she was a guest of Visit Anchorage, the local tourism board. She packed a lot of activities into the 4 days she was there, and came home with a better understanding of just how large and impressive this state is, and how there is truly something for everyone. She’s eager to help you find your Alaska, so let’s get started!
Have you visited Alaska? What is YOUR Alaska?
Malta (officially the Republic of Malta) is located in the Mediterranean, about 50 miles south of Italy and 176 miles east of Tunisia. It is a small island nation of about 450,000 people with a booming tourism industry that serves as a primary force in the nation’s economy. Yet many Americans only know of Malta from the Maltese Falcon or perhaps a Maltese Cross. We are also joined by a special guest, Maureen, who is here to talk to us about a country that I am guessing many of you have never considered visiting. Tonight, we hope to change your mind! Maureen will share her love of the country with us. Maureen was born in Canada to Maltese parents who have since moved back to Malta. She visits as often as she can and knows a great deal about the culture, history, and natural wonders of this beautiful island.
So, who is ready to book a trip to Malta? Doesn’t it sound fantastic?
This week, we are taking on the important and fascinating topic of Travel Protection! You might call it travel insurance, trip coverage, or some other variation, but at it’s core, it is an insurance policy specifically designed to protect your vacation. It may seem a bit dry, but before you skip this podcast, please give this a try. It’s a topic that we hate to talk about because no one wants things to go wrong on their trip, but that we also love to talk about because trip protection can truly help you bounce back from vacation woes and get your trip back on track.
Have you ever had to use trip protection (we hope not!)
Like Linus and his blanket…each traveler has something that is essential to make a trip comfortable. We’re talking about the ESSENTIAL non-essential item that we take on various vacation types with us that is a must pack item. From Pepsi to…lipstick, it’s something that you don’t NEED, but having it makes your vacation so much better, at least for you!
What do you find you need on your vacation that is mandatory – but might make another traveler go, “Say, WHAT?”
We love your feedback, and we’d love to hear what is your essential non-essential!
Adventures by Disney is a high-end escorted tour company. Although “Disney” is in the name, the only real indication you get of Disney is in the high quality of the tours and experiences you have on your adventure. These tours are made for families and no, Mickey does not appear at any time during your trip. This is about storytelling and destinations. It’s about coming together as a family and experiencing a place and time at the level of each individual guest. So without any further ado, let’s meet our special guests Alice and Derek and start hearing all about their recent adventure on a 9-day Adventures by Disney tour through Germany with their family.
Have you dreamed of Adventures by Disney? Contact us!
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