TRAVELSAVERS Test 1 Feed

Rocky Mountaineer Route Video

Fri, 08 Mar 24 23:49:17 +0000

The Best Way to Experience Alaska is with Norwegian

Fri, 04 Feb 22 17:07:15 +0000

There's something about cruising Alaska that fills travelers with awe and exhilaration. Perhaps it is

sailing past expansive glaciers glistening in the sunlight. Maybe it's witnessing The Last Frontier's dramatic terrain that transforms from wildflower-studded fields to immense old-growth forests that bow before snowcapped mountains stretching up toward the glow of the Northern Lights, all from the deck of your cruise ship. Or perhaps it's the opportunity to come closer to the diverse range of wildlife claiming the surrounding waterways and storied landscapes as their home. No matter what aspect of Alaska you connect with, one thing is certain — you'll want to soak in as much of the natural beauty and stunning vistas as possible during your cruise vacation.

That's why Norwegian has carefully selected five of its award-winning cruise ships to do just that on a variety of unique and specially-curated itineraries — for you to enjoy immersive Alaska experiences from ship to shore. Our ships are custom-built for the best way to discover Alaska while our extended sailing season allows for unique experiences like viewing the Northern Lights. If you're ready to Break Free and start planning your Alaska cruise, read on to find your ideal ship to explore The Last Frontier.

Feel Free to Let the Outside In

Our larger cruise ships offer some pretty remarkable onboard experiences. Imagine zooming around a two-story race track as a bald eagle soars overhead. Imagine playing nighttime laser tag beneath the shimmering Milky Way or savoring a romantic dinner al fresco as the sun sinks behind jagged peaks. You can do all this and so much more aboard two of Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore — custom-built for the spectacular.

After an incredible hike to Mendenhall Glacier, return on board and unwind in the revolutionary 180-degree Observation Lounge with your favorite cocktail or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The Observation Lounge is located at the front of the ship and features floor-to-ceiling windows, plush chairs, and a full-service bar — the ideal space to watch Alaska’s dramatic landscape unfold before you.

Feel Free to Let the Moment In

Our smaller ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun — are ideal for those seeking a more intimate cruising experience in The Last Frontier. Embark on a longer cruise itinerary set to a slower pace, allowing you more time to be immersed in authentic Alaska experiences.

Want to hang with adorable pups at a dog sled camp? You got it. Daydreaming of the Inside Passage’s extraordinary vistas and wildlife? Bring your camera! Care to explore some of Glacier Bay’s legendary terrain? Lace up those hiking boots and bring the wonder of the surrounding nature back on board with you. Refresh and recharge in the Thermal Spa Suite where your worries will melt away as mountainous vistas fill the floor-to-ceiling windows. Count the nearby glaciers from the comfort of a hot tub. Watch a whale splash in the sea before you take a dip in the top-deck pool. Take walking or jogging to new heights on the top-deck jogging/walking track where The Last Frontier provides an unforgettable backdrop for your workout. Then toast incredible panoramic views from the vibrant Spinnaker Lounge.

Along the way, delight in a variety of delicious dining options, from upscale French, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine to casual dishes served poolside. Start your morning with room service breakfast served on your private balcony with a side of breathtaking vistas. Then after returning from unforgettable shore excursions, make each night incredible with live entertainment and music or by rolling into good times at the casino.

Feel Free to Experience Authentic Alaska

Alaska experiences are as seemingly vast as the state’s untouched wilderness. And whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, wildlife enthusiast or history buff, finding the ideal Alaska cruise ship to get you there is a breeze with Norwegian. Our shore excursions will immerse you in unforgettable authentic experiences while our five incredible cruise ships ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the spectacular natural beauty of The Last Frontier during your Alaska cruise.

Which Alaska cruise ship do you want to experience? Ready to book your vacation? Explore our cruise deals and sign up for emails to get the latest offers right to your inbox.

Top Alaska Experiences For Every Type of Traveler

Mon, 17 Jan 22 19:57:40 +0000

Whether you're a well-versed traveler or a new explorer, there's a reason cruising Alaska sits at the top of must-do lists for so many around the world. From zipping through the vast open wilderness and experiencing the thrill of a 30-ton whale gliding under your catamaran to taking spectacular scenic tours through historic towns where you can dine with locals, the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian.

An Alaska cruise allows you to unpack once and visit multiple must-see ports that give you an authentic look into rich culture and extraordinary natural splendor unlike anywhere else in the world. You can bring the whole family on an unforgettable Alaska cruise vacation and take a spin on a thrilling race track at sea or enjoy a more intimate journey cruising by the Hubbard Glacier and strolling flourishing nature trails. No matter your explorer-style, this guide offers some of Alaska’s top experiences based on the activity level you're looking for, so let's dive right in!

Few experiences are as impressive as viewing a glacier from a canoe.

Alaska for The Thrill Seeker

For travelers that want a full-on Alaska adventure jam-packed with experiences that immerse you deep into the wilderness of The Last Frontier, you may want an extra couple days to get your fill. Alaska Cruisetours are perfect for that! Thrill Seekers will jump for joy at the 12-Day Denali Explorer Pre-Cruisetour with 7 additional days on land before your cruise with overnight stays in Valdez, Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage.

This Cruisetour package includes exploring Denali with a 7- to 8-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour, a scenic journey on a deluxe dome rail, followed by a sled dog musher's kennel for a private tour and beyond with plenty of time for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking and more!

If you're not interested in extra time on land, but still want adventure, begin your sailing and make your way to Juneau, also known as Alaska's Peak Experience, where you can take a Sea Kayak Adventure shore excursion and kayak along Juneau's coast, getting the chance to spot incredible wildlife like porpoise, seals, sea lions, eagles and even whales.

For a truly emblematic Alaskan journey try out one of our popular Go Local tours, which provide an authentic, immersive cultural experiences that connect you with locals in small groups of no more than 25 guests for a deeply engaging adventure. The Go Local Ketchikan Native Tlingit Walking Tour offers a Tlingit guided journey through the historic Creek Street, Married Man's Trail and the salmon spawning ground, where you'll get to savor delectable tribal dishes and chat with locals.

Kayak through Alaska for a different perspective on nature.

Alaska for The Spirited Explorer

Perfect for families young and old, The Spirited Explorers are those who want a fair balance of excitement while still conserving energy for all the other activities available on and off-ship! You may still want a few additional days on land, so we recommend the 12-day Denali Explorer Cruisetour. Enjoy five extra days before your cruise with overnight stays in Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage. This similar but less demanding Cruisetour allows you to journey along the Alaskan railroad, enjoy a private tour through a dog musher’s kennel and soak in thrilling sites with spare time for exploring, shopping, sightseeing, and more!

Spirited Explorers may also enjoy a ship like Norwegian Bliss, with itineraries full of fun activities and exciting destinations, perfect for families. Aboard Norwegian Bliss you’ll make your way to Skagway where you can take an awesome Go Local Tour into Skagway’s wild and woolly past, hearing tales of the early settlers and discussing the town’s raucous, free-wheeling history over a few beers. Norwegian Bliss also cruises to Icy Strait Point.

And of course, you haven’t seen Alaska unless you see a whale in the wild, so make sure you sign up for the Whale Watching & Zip Rider shore excursion to the Point Adolphus area, home to Alaska’s largest resident whale population with guaranteed whale-sightings, followed by an adventurous zipline in Icy Strait Point.

Enjoy thrills with unbelievable views.

Alaska for The Scenic Sightseer

Cruising Alaska isn’t all adrenaline and high-energy. Casual landscape lovers can still enjoy just as much dramatic beauty from the comfort of catamarans and deluxe buses with plenty to brag about when they get home. Enjoy 4 days of land in Alaska with our Denali Express Cruisetour, including overnight stays in Anchorage and Denali and a railroad tour of Alaska's rich wildlife and profound beauty. You’ll also enjoy free time to enjoy a plethora of unique activities available in the area.

For spectacular views in Ketchikan, we recommend the Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer shore excursion where you’ll take a guided luxury cruise aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska, passing colorful fishing boats, floatplanes and extraordinary wildlife. As you venture through rugged coastlines and enter the Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, you’ll stop to view a bald eagle’s nest and a Tlingit pictograph, admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the sea and explore Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Then experience native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

An aurora, also known as the polar lights, the northern lights, or aurora polaris, is a natural light phenomenon predominantly seen in high-altitude regions. Illuminating the sky with brilliant ethereal colors, this magnificent spectacle is a result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. The aurora borealis’ peak two seasons in Alaska occur around the equinoxes, which take place in March and September. This colorful event is a must-see no-matter what kind of traveler you are and there are a number of different types of aurora tours that will help you catch a glimpse of one of the world's most pursued natural events.

Our extended Alaska season allows for a better chance to see the stunning Aurora Polaris phenomenon.

With the youngest fleet sailing Alaska and the only cruise line with an extended Alaska season through spring and summer for optimum aurora sightings among other top attractions, the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian. We offer incredible Alaska cruise deals on any of five award-winning cruise ships sailing from seven different ports, all designed to give you the freedom to explore the Last Frontier on your terms. Whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for, it’s guaranteed to be life-changing if it’s in Alaska. So find the journey that best suits you, grab your gear and feel what it’s like to let the outside in with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Check, Please!

Tue, 04 Jan 22 16:19:00 +0000

She’s dazzling. She’s glitzy. She’s a little campy and always over-the-top. She’s Las Vegas baby! And there’s nowhere else on Earth quite like her.

Though this fun-loving, everything goes escape has certainly expanded beyond its “what happens here stays here” reputation, it still retains its hedonistic charm, especially when it comes to food and exquisite service. From Michelin-starred restaurants to high-end buffets – if you have a palate for fine fare of nearly every imaginable kind, you’ll very likely find it here.

In fact, Las Vegas has raised the bar on haute cuisine so dramatically that it can be a challenge keeping count of the celebrity chefs in town, nor their latest oeuvre. But rather than leave your dining choices to Lady Luck, here are some of our favorite restaurants worth going all in on. And the best part? They’re all conveniently located at the beautiful Wynn Las Vegas luxury hotel and casino.

Wing Lei - Chinese

The first Chinese restaurant in North America to earn a Michelin star, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winner serves Cantonese, Shanghai, and Szechuan flavors, featuring delicacies like tableside-carved Imperial Peking duck and wok-fried Maine lobster. Chef Ming Yu’s dishes are served in a lavish gold dining room inspired by classical Chinese jewel boxes, with a view of century-old pomegranate trees. Business casual attire is required and children under five are not permitted. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Casa Playa - Mexican, coastal

Casting its own distinctive spin on authentic Mexican coastal cuisine, Casa Playa features a sustainably sourced menu that merges creativity with tradition. Join the party and you will feast on chef Sarah Thompson’s ceviche, aguachile, and seafood platters, all sourced from Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Wagyu tacos and suckling pig carnitas alongside freshly house-made corn tortillas ensure the night never ends. Wynn’s expert mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini has curated a collection of thoughtful, cutting-edge cocktails based on the spirits and produce of Mexico, while agave expert Noah Arenstein oversees the mezcal and tequila selection. Casa Playa is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 6 p.m. ‘til la noche.

Cipriani - Italian

Get ready to experience classic glamour! Since it opened as Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy, Cipriani has expanded to New York, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo and Ibiza, and now to its first restaurant on the West Coast. Cipriani exudes timeless elegance with nautical touches, glossy walnut and chrome accents, and terrazzo floors. Look for signature classics such as the original carpaccio alla Cipriani, vanilla meringue and the iconic Bellini, invented by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. in 1948. Open for lunch and dinner. Dress code is business casual and children under five are not permitted.

Delilah - American

Wynn Las Vegas and acclaimed global hospitality partner h.wood Group present a modern day supper club, Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas. Located in the exclusive Tower Suites enclave, Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas offers a true supper club atmosphere, inspired by the earliest showrooms of Las Vegas in the 1950s. The venue has multiple environments for guests to dine and socialize, with live music and special performances, DJs and Sunday Night Jazz. Late night table reservations are available. No children under 12 allowed. After 10 p.m., 21 and over only. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Lakeside - Seafood

Lakeside at Wynn serves Hawaiian seafood that is line-caught by family fishermen in Hawaii and flown to Wynn – and served fresher than even restaurants in Maui. Chef David Middleton creates simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted lobster, crab, and aged prime steaks. This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award-winning restaurant offers a unique energy, positioned directly on Wynn’s Lake of Dreams. Dress code is resort elegant attire. Children under five are not permitted.

Mizumi - Japanese, seafood

Star chef Min Kim unmasks the flavors of the Far East at Mizumi, with ocean-fresh sushi, sashimi, and modern Japanese specialties. Be sure to check out the sake menu. The entire Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award-winning restaurant looks out over private Japanese gardens surrounding an idyllic koi pond with a 90-foot waterfall. For a private al fresco dining experience, reserve the floating pagoda table, accessible by a private path through lush gardens. Dress code is business casual and children under five are not permitted. Close Mondays.

Mizumi Teppanyaki - Japanese, teppanyaki

Dinner is theatre at Mizumi's teppanyaki room, where chefs will dazzle you with their tableside cooking flair. Dine at authentic teppan cooking tables, surrounded by coursing waterfalls and Japanese gardens. Dress code is business casual and children under five are not permitted. Close Mondays.

Sinatra - Italian

Pay tribute to Frank with sophisticated riffs on classic Italian cooking in this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award winner. Surrounded by mementos and swinging music, guests dine on favorites like spaghetti and clams, or osso buco. Sit inside or dine under the stars by cozy fireplaces. Special occasion? Reserve the Chairman’s Room, a private room surrounded by notable wines overlooking the gardens. Sinatra's attire is business casual; for ladies, dressy attire; for gentlemen, collared shirts are required. No sports apparel or open-toe shoes, please. Children under five are not permitted.

SW Steakhouse - American

Prime aged steaks and a curated selection of certified Japanese and domestic Wagyu are the stars at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award-winning SW Steakhouse. Think A5 Japanese Wagyu, dry-aged tomahawk chops and a chile-rubbed double rib eye, featured on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Main courses like pan-roasted sea scallops with English pea risotto and black truffle sauce are crowd favorites, as is the prime view of the nightly shows on the Lake of Dreams. Business casual dress code. Children under five are not permitted.

Tableau - American, brunch

Tableau’s menu builds on seasonal ingredients for market-fresh breakfast, lunch, and brunch dishes like Belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries; lobster Cobb salad with buttermilk dressing; and seared salmon with bacon braised chard. Just steps away from the private Wynn Tower Suites elevator, Tower Suites guests can conveniently enjoy breakfast here as they start their day. Dine indoors or poolside on the patio. Tableau is also available each evening for private events. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dress code is resort casual and children are happily welcomed!

For more information about Las Vegas, please reach out to one of our Travel Consultants!

Hero image by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Malama Hawaii Program: Giving Back on a Trip to Paradise

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:58 +0000

The Hawaiian Islands may draw you to their other-worldly tropical beauty, South-Pacific culture and warm welcome, legendary beaches and seaside lifestyle.

But the most memorable trip to Hawaii may be the one that gives back.

The Malama Hawaii Program connects visitors to activities that make a difference to the islands’ land, ocean, wildlife, forests, fishponds, and communities. Malama means 'give back' and it puts you in a position to become part of Hawaii, leave it an even better place… and have vacation memories of a lifetime.

It’s about building real relationships between people and place, and enriching your life as well as the destination you visit.

The Malama Hawaii Program has brought together a number of hotels and resorts, tour companies, and local volunteer organizations in a collaboration for the good the Hawaii that everyone loves.

Volunteer projects range from reforestation and tree planting to self-directed beach cleanups, ocean reef preservation, and even creating Hawaiian quilts for kupuna (elders).

Visitors gain a more enriching travel experience through their positive impact, and may also qualify for perks like discounts or even a free night’s stay at a participating hotel or resort by participating in its dedicated volunteer activity.

There are opportunities to Malama on at least four of Hawaii’s visitable islands.

Oahu

In Oahu, check in with the community group Malama Maunalua to participate in a volunteer activity allowing them to malama aina. Volunteers will learn about ecological issues affecting Maunalua Bay and participate in removing three types of invasive algae threatening marine sanctuaries in the bay’s nearshore waters.

Get hands-on during an immersive, volunteer workday with eco-nonprofit Papahana Kualoa. You’ll sink your feet into the satisfyingly muddy earth of its loi kalo (irrigated taro terraces) to do the good work of helping plant or harvest kalo, a staple crop of the Native Hawaiian diet.

Maui

Don’t miss the ocean conservation activities at the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Visitors in the foundation’s Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program head out to Maui’s scenic coastline areas to collect and track debris. Data recorded by the foundation helps to mitigate and prevent shoreline and marine life damage.

You can also participate in the critical environmental work of removing invasive species from Maui’s protected lands, by volunteering to help with restoration and conservation projects of the nonprofit Hawaii Land Trust, which does vital stewardship work contributing to wildlife protection efforts at the island’s Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge.

Island of Hawaii

Visitors can volunteer to help restore and replant a 275-acre lowland dry forest preserve, surrounded by nature at the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative. You may be able to be part of building trails, tree planting, clearing invasive plant life and more, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the preserve’s tranquil landscape.

Adventure seekers interested in mountain hiking and volunteer work are encouraged to look into the workdays of Uluhao o Hualalai for a private eco-tour traversing the mature koa and ohia forests of 8,271-foot Hualalai volcano. In addition to hiking to one of the volcano’s many craters and learning about the cultural significance of the surrounding landscape, visitors are also invited to participate in the group’s reforestation efforts by planting native trees.

Kauai

You can spend a part of your vacation experiencing Kauai’s verdant and vibrant forest areas with the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project, and participate in a remote video review to help identify the island’s protected birds and their activity and patterns. You can also join a virtual seminar to learn more about the native forest birds and the eco-project’s conservation efforts. Held monthly, the project’s Forest Fridays virtual series focus on the protection of the threatened native iiwi bird and three federally endangered native bird species — the puaiohi, akikiki, and akekee — with a goal of facilitating recovery of their populations in the wild. Visitors can also view prior series segments via the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project’s YouTube channel.

Ask your trusted travel advisor how you can Malama on your next trip to Hawaii.

#StartYourTrip!

Images: Hawaii Tourism Authority/ Heather Goodman

Rick Barboza of Papahana Kuaola and volunteers harvest kalo taro

Seeing is Believing: Health Protocols are No Barrier to Enjoying a European River Cruise

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:58 +0000

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a video is running commentary. That's why we wanted to share with you exactly what the health protocols on board an Avalon Waterways river cruise in France are in the Fall of 2021.

We know some people have already begun traveling again - but others are still hesitant. Maybe you wonder if new health protocols take away from your river cruise experience. Or you wonder if it's safe enough.

Lynn Elmhirst of BestTrip TV decided to find an answer to that question. She sailed in October, 2021, on an Avalon Waterways river cruise through the south of France to see exactly what protocols were in place, and how it felt to be onboard.

From boarding, to dining and enrichment experiences on the ship, to shore excursions or wandering around lovely Provencal towns on her own, Lynn reports - and shows on video - what it's like to be on a European river cruise in the fall of 2021.

The great news: she loved it!

Not only did Lynn feel safe at every moment, she enjoyed every moment of her Avalon Waterways river cruise. In fact, the health protocols, and the care and thoughtfulness of the protocols - including complementary mask washing and complementary pre-departure COVID tests to help guests make the journey home - made her even more impressed with her cruise!

Still wondering what it's really like? Well, seeing is believing. So watch this video to see exactly what life on board the Avalon Poetry II in October, 2021 is like.

If it makes you long to be on a European river cruise, too, there's more good news!

There's still time to get back to Europe, to get back to river cruising, this year. In fact, some of the most special river cruises are still coming up: Christmas market river cruises help you capture the holiday spirit, and give you your long-awaited dose of European culture and lifestyle - as well as the pleasures of sailing on some of Europe's most scenic rivers in your own 'floating hotel' river cruise ship.

Your trusted travel advisor can help you find the perfect European river cruise - and all the details of the new health protocols so you'll feel fully informed and confident you'll enjoy your next river cruise.

#StartYourRiverCruiseTrip!

Best Reasons to Travel to Europe's Christmas Markets this Year

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:58 +0000

If you’re like most of us, your holiday season last year fell a little bit short on the fa-la-la’s. This year, it’s not too late to double down on , and make up for lost time with 'peak Christmas' at the Christmas markets of Europe.

Lynn Elmhirst, producer and host of BestTrip TV, shares this video with some of the highlights of a nighttime German Christmas market - and explains why visiting Germany's Christmas markets this year may be the best way to return to travel.

Authentic Christmas Cheer

If it’s your first Christmas market experience, Germany is the way to go. So many of our modern Christmas traditions hail from Germany (via England, thanks to Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert); for a real injection of the spirit of Christmas, this year, it’s time to go to the source.

Even today, Germans are the torch-bearers for festive authenticity – only genuine fir branches, music, food, drink and shopping traditions allowed!

Good Timing

Since Germany’s Christmas markets begin in late November, four weekends before Christmas, and wrap up Christmas Eve, you have time to get a dose of Christmas cheer and still make it home for the holidays -laden with everything to deck the halls on this side of the ocean.

For an extra special experience, visit in the evening – when twinkling lights, bonfires and torches kindle the magic and spirit of the season and transport you back to the ancient origins of this winter festival.

Good Taste

It doesn’t matter if you had substitutes at home last year, tasting traditional German Christmas market foods at the source will remind you of exactly why you travel: because it never tastes the same as when you’re 'there.'

The fir bow-draped, traditional wood stalls include the best German standards: hot sausages, pretzels, and beer, plus the seasonal delights: hot, mulled 'gluhwein'; stollen, a particularly addictive fruit bread; gingerbread or lebkuchen; and marzipan.

Oh, the glorious marzipan. Forget the icky, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth goo slathered on top of cheap fruitcakes here at home. Once you taste the real thing, you just can't get enough. Marzipan in Germany comes formed in all shapes. Look for the quirky Christmas traditional 'marzipan kartoffeln' – marzipan 'potatoes', little marzipan balls dusted with coco to look like… miniature potatoes. Other shapes are delightful, hand painted confections – a favorite in southern Germany is little pigs, a symbol of good luck.

You Can Bring it Home With You

The best thing about the Christmas spirit is sharing it. By definition, markets are perfect for souvenirs, to savour your own memories, and pass them along to your loved ones.

High quality, and often, artisan-crafted German Christmas traditional items like nutcrackers, ornaments, religious items and toys, toys, toys are iconic symbols of Christmas for the young and young at heart. You are going to want to buy the unparalleled handmade glass ornaments and you are going to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how and if you can get them home safely. Sheepskin slippers and mittens, and lots of boiled wool have a European design flair you don't find at home. Every market also has local specialties like the iconic blue and white china in Dresden, in everyday and Christmas designs.

If you haven’t restarted travel yet, the historic, traditional atmosphere of Germany's Christmas markets may be the best way to get back to the travel you love - and rediscover the magic of the holiday season.

#StartYourTrip!

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.

This New Museum in Oslo is a Real 'Scream'

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:58 +0000

Edvard Munch’s 'The Scream' is one of the most famously eery pieces of art in history, and it continues to disturb admirers today.

Now, MUNCH, a new museum and landmark architectural masterpiece on Oslo’s waterfront, has opened, with the world’s largest collection of works by the famed Norwegian artist. That includes several versions of Munch’s iconic work, The Scream, including an early study in pastel from 1893 and a later painted version from 1910.

More than 26,000 works bequeathed by the artist to the City of Oslo are housed in the massive museum with unparalleled views of the Oslo Fjord. It’s one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist.

11 exhibition halls feature not only versions of Munch’s most famous, disturbing work, but also over half of Munch’s known works, from paintings, prints, photographs, drawings and watercolours by the artist, ranging from 1873 to 1944, to monumental mural paintings like The Sun (1909), which stretches nearly 8 meters.

While Munch is best-known for The Scream, he also experimented with various media and techniques at the edge of modernism. In addition to the paintings, watercolours and woodblock prints for which he is best known, Munch bought a Kodak camera in 1902 and is recognized today as one of the first artists to experiment with self-portrait photography.

The museum’s collection also includes thousands of other items included in Edvard Munch’s original bequest to Oslo such as his printing plates and lithographic stones as well as thousands of letters and approximately 10,000 of the artist’s personal belongings.

Image: Munchmuseet

Alongside personal items and displays of iconic artworks from the renowned permanent collection, temporary exhibitions will show Edvard Munch’s lasting influence in his own contemporary society, as well as on today’s generation of artists.

In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the highlights of Edvard Munch’s work and influence, visitors will get to enjoy a wide-ranging program of cultural events and experiences for art lovers of all ages, including concerts of all types of historic and ultra-modern music, literature readings, performance and art workshops.

That includes those interested in modern architecture and the transformation of the Oslo city skyline.

Image: Munchmuseet

Right on the edge of the Fjord and in the heart of Oslo’s city life on the water, MUNCH was designed and created in homage to Edvard Munch’s connection to the Norwegian landscape and his habit of painting outdoors in all seasons.

The top floor opens up into an observation area, offering some of Oslo’s most spectacular views. The perforated, translucent aluminum façade reflects the changing colours and conditions of the Oslo skies. Visitors can also enjoy dining in the 13th-floor restaurant with views overlooking the city and Fjord.

A can’t-miss destination on your next trip to the Norwegian capital.

#StartYourTrip!

All images courtesy MUNCH

https://www.munchmuseet.no/en/

Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein Opens in the Birthplace of Famous Fictional Monster

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

Over 200 years ago, a trail-blazing female author penned the novel that brought one of the first tales of the horror genre to life.

This year, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein opened to commemorate the life of the novelist and her legendary, terrorizing creature.

In 1816, at just 19 years old, Mary Shelley wrote much of her novel Frankenstein in the chic, English spa-city of Bath.

Frankenstein the novel was groundbreaking on two levels: it had a rare, woman author, and it was one of the earliest examples of published horror stories. Shelley’s novel helped spawn a popular culture trend that resulted in a literary, theatrical, and nowadays, film and television landscape full of vampires, monsters, the living dead, medical and science experiments gone awry with terrifying and supernatural results.

Mary Shelley’s monster has been immortalized countless times over in frightening or campy, early and recent films, in pop culture references like cartoons and music videos, and is of course a perennially classic Hallowe’en costume.

Now Frankenstein’s monster has a permanent home of its own in the town where it was born.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath celebrates the author as well as her notorious fictional creature. Her monstrous literary creation has 'lived' in various artistic forms non-stop since its inception in Shelley’s novel, but this is the world’s first attraction dedicated to the trail-blazing Regency-era author.

Interactive exhibits tell the full story behind the genesis of ‘Frankenstein’. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein celebrates the legacy of the author’s work across four atmospheric floors, uncovering:

Mary Shelley’s Unusual and Complex Life - Visitors retrace the tragic and unconventional life events and radical scientific thinking that flourished in Shelley’s active and ahead-of-its-time mind;

The Monster of Shelley’s Imagination - You’ll confront head on the formidable 8-foot breathing creature in a world-first recreation exactly as the author imagined in her novel;

Frankenstein in Popular Culture - Revisit all things Frankenstein and his “monster” in the Popular Culture rooms bursting with vintage memorabilia, props, posters, and even bizarre collector items;

Enter the Darkness - Venture down into a dank foreboding basement, in a dark and disorientating walkthrough experience revealing the unhallowed practices of a deranged scientist.

Multi-sensory Classic Horror

Brace yourself for a thrill. Ominous music and unsettling soundscapes, eery temperature shifts, bespoke scents and unsettling aromas, lighting and special effects, electric shocks, projections, and props deliver a scarily immersive, unnervingly thrilling and visceral experience.

It’s not all scary, though. In the Popular Culture rooms, notes of cinemas, popular culture and childhood nostalgia are conjured with gourmand notes of popcorn, vanilla, caramel, chocolate with an undertone of plastic and even playdoh!

You Can’t Escape Frankenstein’s Monster - or Can You?

The bravest of 'Franken-fans’ can test their mettle in Victor’s Lair Escape Room, where you have just one hour to unravel the ramblings of his deranged mind and, more critically, your way out.

You begin locked in Victor’s miserable attic quarters, strewn with insane equations, strange artefacts and miscellaneous body parts. Trying in vain to unlock the mysteries of life itself, he needs just a few more ‘vital’ components to fulfil his maniacal quest. If you and your group can unravel the ramblings of a madman and discover the equation through 14 challenges, you’ll reveal the mystery of Frankenstein’s undead life, but more critically, your way out to freedom.

Between the literary history, the tale of a trail-blazing woman author, a creature who has embedded itself into our cultural fabric, immersive and entertaining exhibits and challenging activities, as well as tongue-in-cheek approach that even has body parts in jars intermixed with items for sale in the gift shop, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein has become a gothic must-do experience in the elegantly Regency-era city of Bath.

#StartYourTrip!

Images courtesy of Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, Bath, UK

8 Top Features to Look For in an All-Inclusive Resort

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

The days are getting shorter, the skies are getting duller, and the temperature’s dropping. That’s our cue to start thinking about a beach vacation.

Many people are deciding to 'splash out' on their next vacations and really treat themselves to the very best version of their dream trip.

That’s where your trusted travel advisor can really add value to your vacation.

We recommend dreaming big! Pick the features that appeal most to you, and work with your trusted travel advisor to help match your top features with an ideal destination and design your best beach vacation ever.

Your travel advisor can also help make sure you are fully up-to-date on the current travel requirements for your next sun and sand holiday.

Here’s our list of some of the top requested features of an all-inclusive resort vacation. Which of these features would make your all-inclusive holiday dreams come true?

Swim-Up Bar

For many of us, our first drink at a swim up bar - whether it’s a margarita, a mudslide or a mojito - is the moment we feel 'Ah!' I’m on vacation. It’s one of the most popular features of beach resorts - but not every resort in the tropics has one.

Generally speaking, the more pools a resort has, the more likely it is to have one with a swim-up bar.

Adults-Only Pools and Other Areas

Speaking of pools, if you don’t like your swim time interrupted by pool noodles, splashing and high-decibel shrieks, it’s time to consider an adults-only resort - or at least one with adults-only areas. That could include not only pools, but lounge areas, sections of the beach, bars and restaurants.

That way, kids can be kids and grown ups can get their rest in, too. Or playtime, because sometimes adults like to have grown up fun. And more adult behavior can have its place without having to worry about being improper in front of someone’s kids - or getting a glare from disapproving parents.

Multi-generational Family Time

Some resorts make a concerted effort to cater to all generations, especially those who travel together.

That can come in the form of adult-and kid areas, where everyone, from parents, grandparents, child-free aunts and uncles, and kids, can all have their own versions of a great tropical vacation.

It can also be different types of accommodation, from connecting rooms or suites with separate sleeping quarters but shared living areas, even to private villas.

The Beach

Some sun-lovers enjoy spending their entire holiday at the pool. But for others, they haven’t really been on vacation unless they’re in the sea.

While most resorts have access to waterfront, not all beaches are created equal. Do you want to be on a long strip of a famous beach that goes for miles? Or have access to a smaller, secluded - even private - beach? Must it be a silky, sand beach or are pebbles ok?

Do you need to see the beach from your room’s balcony? Or are you satisfied to have a 10+ minute walk or ride to a distant beach at a very large property?

If the beach is important to you, these are the questions to ask yourself.

On-site Watersports and other Activities

How active a vacation do you want? Do you want to rent jet-skis? Go snorkeling? Play tennis every day? If an active vacation - or lots of time in the water - is your idea of the perfect vacation, your best bet is a resort that already has lots of activities on the property so you have easy access to your favorite activities.

Multiple Included Restaurants

If you’re a foodie, an all-inclusive with just one buffet might not be up to your standards. Fine dining and multiple international cuisines are increasingly available at all-inclusives throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and other short-haul tropical destinations.

Make sure to ask your travel advisor if all the specialty restaurants are included, or what the costs of specialty dining is.

Bonus Question for the Super-Savvy: are there any restaurants with air conditioning? Not everyone soaks in the tropical heat with equal pleasure. Some of us just can’t enjoy dinner in a restaurant that isn’t air-conditioned.

Spa and Wellness

Almost all resorts at least have the facilities to get a massage, but after that, your wellness travel experience varies widely.

Some have extravagant spas with huts on the beach, where your massage is accompanied by the sounds of the waves and the smell of sea breezes.

Others have daily, scenic, included yoga, pilates, and other sessions for physical and spiritual well being. There are also some resorts with spa menus so those committed to returning from vacation even healthier than when they left can embrace health throughout the day.

Work-from-anywhere Services

A trend that started before the pandemic is now here to stay. More and more resorts have created an environment for those who are able to work and travel at the same time.

From enhanced internet, to live-work accommodations and packages, to private rooms where you can book quiet virtual meetings… if you are joining the ranks of digital nomads, there are all-inclusive resorts that you can call 'home' - until you want to move on again!

Treating Yourself to Upgrades

For a really special treat, let your fantasies of beach vacations run wild: private villa with your own splash pool? Overwater bungalow? Butler Service? It’s all available for that unforgettable beach vacation.

#StartYourTrip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host, BestTrip TV

3 Million Lights for 101 Nights of Niagara Falls' Festival of Lights this Winter

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

This holiday season will be the brightest ever in the most popular tourist attraction in Canada – and one that conveniently spans the border with the U.S. - just as the land border between the neighboring countries is set to be open in both directions.

Beginning in mid-November and running 101 nights all the way to late February 2022, Canada’s largest, free outdoor light festival will take place. It’s the longest Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights of its 40-year history, designed to keep spirits bright throughout the darkest days of the year.

With over 3 million lights and over 75 spectacular displays providing colourful visuals, Niagara Falls will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and across the tourism districts. Visitors to this popular annual festival can bundle up and walk or drive through the Festival route to explore the outdoor, socially distanced, self-guided experience.

(Above and top photos: Niagara Falls Tourism)

That’s of course in addition to the nightly, colorful illumination of the Canadian side, Horseshoe Falls. The lights in the winter takes on a fantasy appearance as mist generated by the torrents of falling water freeze as they rise up into the air, creating natural and other-worldly ice sculptures clinging to the Falls.

You may even want to take more than one trip to Niagara Falls for the 2021-22 OPG Winter Festival of Lights. The Festival will be presented in two parts.

From November 13, 2021 – January 9, 2022 over Christmas and New Years, the Festival features favourite 3D animal and holiday themed displays, including the popular Dufferin Islands loop within Niagara Parks. 20 new displays introduced in 2020 will return, including a giant gingerbread house, 20-foot polar bear and fairy tale castle, plus 8 new displays for 2021.

Then from January 10 - February 21, 2022, spanning Valentine’s Day, the new, second half of the Festival showcases winter wonderland and love-themed displays. 3D animals from Dufferin Islands will magically appear in other parts of the tourism district, and holiday themed displays will be replaced with new illuminations.

Two maps – one for each part of the Festival of Lights – are available on the Winter Festival of Lights website so you can plan your trip – or trips – to take in the change in displays during the entire, extended Festival period.

New Light Show Dramatically Illustrates the Other Side of the Falls

This winter season may be the perfect time to discover the illuminated magic of Niagara Falls. The city has just opened another fascinating attraction with its own, celebrated light show.

The Niagara Parks Power Station is a new landmark attraction just south of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls that opened late summer. It pays homage to the incredible power of the water that flows over the Falls - and how the Falls have benefitted residents on both sides of the border, in addition to Niagara Falls’ place as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

The first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station was completed in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by leveraging the power of the six million cubic feet of water that surge through the Niagara River and over the Falls every minute. Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side is the most powerful waterfall on the continent.

Beyond its stunning architectural features and landscape design, the power station was one of the first in the world to undertake a major tunnel project, with water entering the structure and dropping 180 feet before being expelled into a 2,000 foot tunnel that emptied into the lower Niagara River, right at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.

An engineering and architectural marvel, the station’s generators were the largest of their kind. Power generated from the Niagara Parks Power Station was used to service Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, and the plant remained in operation over one hundred years, until 2006 when it was decommissioned.

By day, visitors explore the preserved interior of the historic power station, transformed with new exhibits and guest amenities.

(Photo: Niagara Parks)

Each night, an immersive sight and sound experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” brings the building’s story of transforming water to electricity to life. This immersive, family-friendly experience features incredible 3D projection, interactive moments of wonder, and a breathtaking musical score in the heart of the power station.

The dramatic light show at the Niagara Parks Power Station - as well as the newly-extended Festival of Lights - will brighten any traveler’s winter.

Start Your Trip!

This Entire Caribbean Island is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

This small French Caribbean island is known as the Isle of Flowers, the Rum Capital of the World, and now, its land mass, along with the marine zone around it, has become an over 12-million acre globally recognized eco-reserve.

Martinique has been inducted into UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program, so now over 5% of the Earth’s landmass is recognized for conservation of biodiversity, environmental education research, and sustainable development. The organization describes Martinique as “the 12th biosphere reserve along the volcanic arc of the Caribbean, one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots. Its richness is unique, as it includes many endemic species living in rare and endangered habitats.”

It adds how remarkable the French Caribbean island’s geology is, featuring the 4,583-foot Mount Pelée volcano (pictured above), sleeping ‘mornes’ (or small mountains) and a coastline of bays and coves. The rainforest covering the island’s foothills and the mangroves along its coastline demonstrate its vital role as part of an ecological corridor between the Americas.

The UNESCO Biosphere recognition also comes in part as acknowledgment of the island’s commitment to sustainable economic and social development while preserving their local natural and cultural wealth, which is a key element required for UNESCO recognition.

Fewer than 400,000 people live in Martinique, and most are involved in food production or tourism.

With all the infrastructure as an overseas region of France, Martinique’s unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are unparalleled in the Caribbean, giving visitors the best of both worlds, and making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Two-thirds of Martnique is protected parkland. Its warm, humid climate nurtures a vast array of vivid tropical blooms, as well as a hundred species of orchids, leading to its nickname as the Isle of Flowers.

Rainforest trees also abound. Mahogany, magnolias, and bamboo all tower as tall as more than 10 people, and yet are still dwarfed by Martinique’s yellow mangroves, chestnuts, and white palm trees, sea grapes, and manchineel trees.

An incredible 80+ miles of well-maintained hiking trails of differing levels take active visitors through beaches, bays, and mountain rainforests, through nature reserves and past lighthouses, up Mount Pelée volcano, and across coastal paths.

You can also experience Martinique’s extraordinary natural wonders by horseback, mountain bike, kayaking or canoeing excursion. For even more adrenaline, try canyoning, where you climb to the top of a waterfall, look down into the mists of the tumbling waters—and take an incredible leap into the void below. Or get a taste of its world-famous surfing scene.

There’s much more to Martinique than its magnificent tropical eco-experiences. You’ll use Euro as the local currency, and hear French spoken as the official language, but then Martinique’s unique qualities takeover, including Afro-Caribbean Creole character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, everyday language and identity.

Start Your Trip!

Images courtesy of Martinique Tourism: https://us.martinique.org/

Vienna's New Rooftop Bars

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

Austria’s capital city is famous as a cradle of classical music and high culture, for its skyline shaped by Hapsburg palaces, the Opera House and city symbol Giant Ferris Wheel, for tastes and experiences like chocolate/apricot Sacher Torte and coffee house culture, and even the renowned, high-performing and high-stepping, gleaming white Lipizzaner horses.

You may have been to Vienna before, but no matter how many times you’ve been to a city, seeing it from above gives you a whole new perspective.

That’s why the string of new rooftop bars in the city on the Danube river – with stunning design and inspiring food and beverage experiences - is so exciting for those of us planning Danube river cruises or guided trips to Central Europe soon.

Plan for daytime snacks or late-day drinks in at least one of these ‘elevated’ bars with a view!

mariatrink: Laid-back music

This is the most musical of Vienna’s new rooftop bars. Jaz in the City Vienna, located in the city’s sixth district of Mariahilf, is the third hotel in the German hotel chain’s portfolio. The view, if not the music, will make your heart skip a beat.

(Photo credit: Jaz in the City Vienna)

Contemporary design is the backdrop to an immersive music theme. The lobby recreates a record shop vibe, and the rooftop, mariatrink bar has the feel of a luxuriant jazz club, with velvet seating, innovative cocktails and regional dishes. But few jazz clubs can boast mariatrink’s real claim to fame: the panoramic views of Vienna.

www.jaz-hotel.com/hotels/jaz-in-the-city-vienna

Kindred Spirits Rooftop Bar: Drinks with Views of the Prater

Playtime at Vienna’s beloved Prater park… followed by smart drinks at the rooftop bar overlooking it. The boutique Hotel Zoku Vienna opened in June 2021, and its amusement-park-adjacent location is symbolic of its focus: providing a venue for work-life balance. Its special home-office hybrid solution appeals to working road warriors.

(Photo credit: Ewout Huibers Photography & Concrete)

At the top of the building, the Living Kitchen Rooftop Restaurant and Kindred Spirits Rooftop Bar are ideal for a laid-back lunch or after-work drink with a focus on Austrian wine, spirits, and culinary artisans, while soaking in the 360-degree views of Vienna. After dusk, the attractions at the Prater amusement park below twinkle like a sea of colored lights, illuminating the entire atmosphere.

www.livezoku.com/vienna

MQ Libelle: Viennese Modernism and Rooftop Views

It only opened mid-pandemic during the summer of 2020, but it’s already the most popular rooftop bar in Vienna. MQ Libelle (libelle means dragonfly) is perched on top of the roof of the Leopold Museum, home to Vienna’s leading museum of Viennese Modernism (pictured, top). The museum has the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection.

And architecturally speaking the MQ Libelle is a work of art itself. Two of Austria’s most prominent artists were responsible for designing the main elements of the terrace, glass wall, and iconic lighting elements. The drinks and epicurean hotspot is also a new space for art and cultural projects in its own right.

www.mqw.at/en/your-visit/mq-libelle

360° Ocean Sky: a Zoo With a View

Everything about this rooftop bar has a fascinating story. The 360° Ocean Sky is a spectacular rooftop bar and all-day and –evening modern restaurant with pride of place on top of the House of Sea. Whisked to the rooftop in a panoramic elevator, guests enjoy eye-catching drinks overhead, while brightly colored exotic fish shimmer in the waters of the aquarium below.

The building itself is located in a WW2 flak tower that – by its very nature soars above the surrounding buildings, providing fantastic views in every direction.

www.oceansky.at

IKEA at Westbahnhof Station

Your Saturday morning runs to IKEA at home may be more utilitarian, maybe with some Swedish meatballs as a treat.

But in Vienna, right next to the Westbahnhof railway station, IKEA has opened a ‘hus’ social hub complete with green façade and a rooftop terrace that’s open to the public with no obligation to buy a Billy Bookcase or even one of the items on the vegetarian menu.

(Photo credit: Ikea)

Seventy fully-grown trees in giant planters punctuate the space that has a fantastic view over Vienna.

www.ikea.com/at/de/stores/wien-westbahnhof

Coming Soon:

Chez Bernard Restaurant et Bar: Sustainable and Stunning

The Hotel Motto is scheduled to open in Fall 2021, with a combination of 1920’s Parisian charm, contemporary Viennese lifestyle and Scandi-chic design.

Its rooftop Chez Bernard Restaurant et Bar is flooded with natural light that supports the lush greenery spread across two floors under a striking glass dome. Organic French and North-African cuisine, locally-roasted coffee beans and signature beer brewed from leftover bread from the in-house bakery – along with the views – make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

www.hotelmotto.at

Parliamentary Proceedings with a Twist

The late-19th-century Austrian Parliament, one of the most important buildings on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, will unveil a modern rooftop restaurant of its own in 2022.

(Credit: Parlamentsdirektion / András Pálffy, Ortfried Friedreich und Christian Jabornegg)

It’s part of a huge refurbishment project at the Parliament. Once complete, visitors will be able to enjoy previously unseen views over Vienna’s historic city center from four outdoor terraces. An area with table service, a self-service section and a bistro are all planned. The menu will include a mix of traditional Viennese cuisine and international dishes.

Start Your Trip!

Images Courtesy of the rightsholders as noted and the Vienna Tourist Board

Top image: MQ Libelle: WienTourismus/David Payr / MQ Libelle

Sloths Named the New National Animal of this Central American Country

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

Slow-moving, sweet-faced and gentle sloths have taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most beloved creatures in popular culture in the last few years.

Formerly a synonym for laziness, sloths have become cultural darlings, with their famously adorable countenances that always seem to be smiling sweetly, 270-degree, slow head rotations, ability to hold their breath underwater for over half an hour, and a digestive system that takes days to process food. Sloth encounters have famously turned celebrities to tears, and have become among the top requested travel experiences.

Now, two of the six types of sloths in the world today have become national symbols of Costa Rica: the Two-Toed Sloth and the Three-Toed Brown Sloth. The country made the announcement ahead of world-wide International Sloth Day on October 20^th.

According to The Costa Rica News, while signing the new law, Costa Rica’s president proclaimed, “I celebrate the new national symbol: the sloth, the friendly and peaceful animal that is an international benchmark for animal protection.”

Another official explained the move “sends a clear message to our society and the entire world, that our social pact with the environment is not reduced to the simple protection of large areas of land, but also shelters the species that live there.” Nearly 30% of the country is protected as a nature park or reserve.

Now, areas around known sloth habitats will be protected, and traffic slowed to reduce harm to the adorable, slow-moving creatures who are not able to walk, but pull themselves in slow-motion across the ground.

The country’s residents see a connection between the sloth’s easy-going, relaxed lifestyle, spending most of its time swinging gently from tree limbs, to the peaceful, Costa Rican ‘Pura Vida’ mindset which focuses on a living life with little stress and instead, enriching the mind, body and soul.

Even prior to its adoption as national animal, sloths were already among the best-known animals that visitors from North America look forward to spotting on a visit to Costa Rica.

Responsible Sloth Spotting in Costa Rica

Of the six sloth species in the world, Costa Rica is home to two unendangered subspecies – the Two-Toed Sloth and Three-Toed Brown Sloth, which are both typically spotted in tree canopies around the country.

While sloths can be spotted all throughout Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park, Limón, Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, Arenal, and Tortuguero are great places to start.

But spotting a sloth in the wild can be a challenge. Although they have few natural defenses, sloths can be hard to spot as their fur blends in well with the branches they hang from.

Travelers to Costa Rica are advised to book tours with tourism-board approved, responsible and knowledgeable guides who can easily spot slots from a distance using a telescope. It is important to remember that petting, touching and holding a sloth (or any wild animal) in any way in Costa Rica is illegal.

Instead, travelers are invited to take photographs. And even then, the government of Costa Rica has issued guidelines to avoid cruelty to the animals, support conservation efforts, and reduce illegal capture of sloths out of the wild.

Costa Rica has begun a #StopAnimalSelfies campaign and urges all visitors to practice responsible tourism by keeping a safe distance from any animal when taking photos.

You can also visit wildlife rescue centers in the country, such as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, Kids Saving The Rainforest, Las Pumas Wildlife Sanctuary and Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitor admission fees and purchases, as well as donations, help sloths and other wild animals return to nature. Extensive rehabilitation programs, where human contact is kept at a minimum, allow animals learn to re-develop their natural instincts.

In some rescue cases, a sloth can’t be returned to its wild habitat, like “Osito the Sloth” (pictured above) at Las Pumas - who suffered a birth injury rendering his hind legs non-functional. Sanctuaries provide enclosures similar to their natural habitat and offer educational information to visitors about why an animal cannot be re-released, what their diet looks like and typical enrichment activities that support their care and quality of life in captivity.

If sloths in particular, or wildlife encounters in general, are why you love to travel, Costa Rica’s new national animal is the perfect reason to plan a trip to see one of the most beloved and on-trend creatures in the world today.

Start Your Trip!

Photos courtesy of Visit Costa Rica

The One-of-a-Kind Festival that Lights Up Montreal This Fall

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

Montreal is a year-round global capital of celebration. The world’s second-largest French-speaking city (after only Paris) is famous for its cosmopolitan flair, cuisine, fashion, as a UNESCO City of Design, the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil - and a full calendar of top-shelf festivals that wrap the city in energy anytime you visit.

A famously active winter city, Montreal’s star shines even when the temperatures fall, with a mid-winter ‘Nuit Blanche’, ‘Igloofest’ and active celebrations of the city, like giant outdoor skating rinks.

Summer is high festival season, with marquee events like the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix race which is the most watched F1 race in the world, the world’s largest comedy festival, rock and electronic music fests, the Montreal World Film Festival, just to name a few.

Most summers, that includes the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Guinness World Record-holding celebration of jazz music that transforms the city’s Quartier des Spectacles, or festival neighbourhood, into the world’s biggest jazz club with thousands of performers from dozens of countries, including today’s jazz legends as well as tomorrow’s.

© Benoit Rousseau - Festival International de Jazz de Montréal

In 2021, a smaller Montreal Jazz Festival took place in September – highlighting the irresistible appeal of open-air events as we start traveling again.

And it highlighted perhaps the very best time to visit Montreal – during the Fall, when warm sunny days and crisp nights are tailor made for enjoying the city outdoors to its fullest. There’s Montreal’s version of Oktoberfest in its Beer Festival, MUTEK, an exposition combining electronic music and digital art, MOMENTA, Montreal’s Biennale of photography and image art, even a two-part video gaming extravaganza.

But one literally 'outshines' them all.

Gardens of Light

For weeks at the height of the best fall weather in September and October, Montreal’s Botanical Gardens are transformed into pure enchantment. Three gardens: Chinese, Japanese, and First Nations, are set aglow with light and magic.

Glittering lanterns in different shapes, styles and sizes glitter along paths through the dynamic and uniquely styled gardens, illuminating not just your way, but providing an authentic gateway to three of the world’s great cultures.

The beloved annual spectacle draws thousands who come to be immersed in inspiration and culture, and the best time to visit includes the late afternoon sun, blooms and fall colors, that transition with sundown to a different world that pays homage to the rising moon.

In fact, one of the central – and very Canadian- experiences is an interactive, lunar installation that captures the relationship between humans and Nature. Under the real moon above, and in the reflection of a illuminated moon installation, you’ll hear wolves howling – and if you howl, too, it makes the illuminated moon grow bigger. It takes a nocturnal experience out of the playbook of camping in Canada’s north country – responding to the howling wolves – and makes it into art that highlights dialogue between humans and Nature.

The First Nations’ Illuminations: Circle of Life

The illuminations in the First Nations Garden grow out of the actual, giant poplar tree that’s the dominant feature of the garden, and labelled the Sacred Tree. On and around the Sacred Tree, the light installations portray the birth and fading of seasons and Nature’s constant transformation.

To add to the primal experience, the light show is played against a projection of fire and to the evocative soundtrack of a human heartbeat.

The Chinese Garden: Legend of Pangu

There’s a long cultural tradition of lanterns in China, making the magical silk lantern installations in this section of the Montreal Botanical Gardens both a natural fit and a fabulous transformation.

The Gardens of Light here recreate in dramatic illuminations the Chinese fishing tale of the mythological creature Pangu, who is accompanied by four more creatures representing the four compass points. The black tortoise for North, the red bird for South, blue dragon for East, and white tiger for West.

The Japanese Garden: Zen by Light

Where the Chinese Garden is dramatic, the Japanese Gardens by Light are meditative and understated. An illuminated path begins to glow as the sun sets, with the unmistakeable shapes of Japanese garden features reborn in peaceful lighting.

True to ancient Japanese culture, the illuminations pay homage to the changing seasons and highlight, rather than mask, Nature, enhanced on certain nights by live music.

Montreal’s Gardens of Light may be one of the most magical ways to celebrate autumn outdoors in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

#StartYourTrip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

Image credits as noted.

River Cruising 'French Immersion'

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

The secret about river cruising was out, even before the pandemic.

Like all cruise travel, it's the ‘easy button’ way to ‘sample’ multiple destinations and get an overview of a region. You unpack once, really settling in to your ship environment like a home away from home in a floating boutique hotel that winds its way through marquee cities as well as scenic countryside you might not see if you travel any other way.

The enchantment of river cruising is enhanced by its authenticity. Historically, rivers were the best – sometimes only! – way to travel between communities. Most European cities started and were built from the river. In many ways, river cruising is one of the most authentic ways to experience its diverse regions.

That hasn’t changed, and as we return to travel, river cruising makes even more sense to dip our toes back into the water.

River cruise ships are small enough to navigate the rivers and canals and locks of Europe. In post-pandemic times, smaller ships also translate to fewer fellow guests. Smaller, off-the-beaten track ports along the river mean less crowded destinations. And staying in a small, river cruise ‘bubble’ helps keep everyone safe.

We’ve been missing travel for so long, many people want to extend their journeys with back-to-back river cruises.

For travellers wanting to minimize how many jurisdictions and sets of COVID rules they encounter – France is the obvious choice.

Vineyards on Rhone riverbanks; BestTrip TV

It’s the only country in Europe with more than one, single-country river cruise. And it’s France! Joie de vivre, savoir vivre, wine and cuisine and the French way of life make cruising on any of these three rivers enchanting.

Here are the highlights of France’s three cruising rivers. Sailing along any one of them is a dream vacation. Sailing two – or even all three – back-to-back is a French ‘affair’ you’ll remember forever.

Bordeaux:

Route: Rather than traveling on one river, a cruise in this storied area of south-western France is more like traveling on spokes, where the city of Bordeaux is something of a hub to explore along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, and Gironde estuary.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE for my experience on a Bordeaux river cruise

Highlights: This is a serious wine lover's dream. Bordeaux is a city - the capital of the Aquitaine region – a river, and a wine region: the largest, one of the oldest, and most prestigious in France.

Some of the most fabled and historic vineyards and wine houses are here, including some of the most expensive bottles in the world, and it’s the origin of the world’s first grand cru. Daily visits and tastings let you immerse yourself in the history, terroirs, and flavors of Medoc, Cadillac's Sauternes, and Saint-Emilion, the first wine region to be protected by UNESCO, and more.

The city of Bordeaux has been called the 'essence of elegance', second only to Paris as the French city with the most protected architecture. Its 18^th century French design is best represented by the breathtaking Place de la Bourse. Best of all, your cruise ship docks in the 'Port de la Lune', a crescent shaped part of the river in the heart of the historic city.

Bordeaux keeps its eye to the future, too, with modern architecture, vineyards and developments including the new and astonishing riverbank 'Cite du Vin' – a wildly modern, vast museum of wine, shaped like a stylized decanter, and firmly entrenching Bordeaux as the world capital of wine.

The Seine

Route: Seine river cruises usually begin, and often round-trip to Paris. The river flows north from the French capital, ending at the sea in Normandy. Paris, the sea, and French countryside in between? Formidable! As the French would say.

Highlights: You had us at 'Paris'. Most itineraries include at least one pre- or post- cruise day, and in our opinion, you'll want to top it up to at least three days minimum in the City of Light.

Art Lover? The region north of Paris to Normandy is the birthplace of Impressionism. Cruises call at Giverny, Claude Monet's home, where the flower and water gardens that inspired some of his most famous works are still on view. And don't miss the second largest collection of Impressionist art in the world (after Paris' Musee d'Orsay) in Rouen.

Normandy is the largest region in France that is NOT a wine-producing region (the horror!). Instead, the signature Norman beverage is Calvados – a brandy-like spirit made from the region's famous apple crops. The dairy cattle grazing in fields throughout the countryside supply the milk for the area's most famous cheese: Camembert.

One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to visit the World War 2 Landing Beaches. American, British and Canadian sites are emotional reminders of the epic struggle to gain the first foothold in the quest to free Europe. Memorial centers bring the stories of the battles and soldiers to life, and can help trace family members who fought.

The Rhone

Route: The itinerary is usually a combo of the Rhone and Saone, from the Mediterranean Sea in epic Provence in the south, to France's culinary capital of Lyon, often with a pre or post cruise extension in Paris via a brief high-speed train ride.

Highlights: This river cruise itinerary not only gives you the opportunity for a pre or post cruise extension in the legendary South of France, it also makes its way through some of the most legendary wine regions of a legendary wine destination.

River banks offer ideal conditions for many of Europe's famous wine regions. Take a look at a wine map of France; wine regions follow the rivers the entire length of the Rhone/Saone. Itineraries deliver you to the doorsteps of great houses of Cotes de Provence, Chateauneuf du Pape, Cotes du Rhone, Beaujolais, and other celebrated French wines.

Lynn tasting olive oil on a Rhone River cruise; BestTrip TV

Along the way, some of the culinary delicacies that pair terrifically with those wines make their homes side by side with vineyards. Think: French truffles, olives and olive oil, goat cheese, and incomparable Provencal produce.

Other highlights include the breathtaking Roman amphitheatre in Arles, the bridge of the famous song in Avignon, the culinary capital of France – Lyon, that is. And oh, and did we mention the wine?

#StartYourTrip

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

Images: BestTrip TV

8 German Words You Need to Fit in at Oktoberfest

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:57 +0000

It’s Oktoberfest time again. The festival traditionally held annually in Bavaria’s capital of Munich, with similar events throughout the entire region, is one of the world’s most epic celebrations.

Name notwithstanding, Oktoberfest actually runs for just over two weeks from mid-late September to the first Sunday in October. It’s been cancelled again in 2021, but that gives you time to brush up on your vocabulary – and German beer drinking skills – until you can visit Munich’s Oktoberfest soon.

Here are a few expressions you’ll want to file away for good use at your next Munich – or backyard – Oktoberfest.

Bier

The word needs no translation, but it is what Oktoberfest is all about. According to recent stats, nearly 8 million liters, or around 16 million pints, were served to 6 million locals and visitors who thronged to the Munich Oktoberfest.

Bier is not just Bavarians’ favorite beverage, there’s a special one brewed exclusively for Oktoberfest every year: Oktoberfestbier. It has to meet certain standards, including German Beer Purity Laws and it must be brewed within Munich city limits.

Note to self: Oktoberfestbier is stronger than normal German beers, at 6% alcohol content.

Bonus word: Bierhallen. Pretty self-explanatory. The place they drink the beer during Oktoberfest.

Prost

This word involves essential Oktoberfest etiquette. Prost is German for ‘cheers’ (and a generally good word to know outside of Oktoberfest too!). You toast before drinking your beer, and you must look into your drinking friends’ eyes, raise your beer stein, clink, and shout (yes, shout) Prost! (Pronounced Prohst!)

You’ll find yourself doing ein Prosit often, and the bands in the Bierhallen strike up a specific tune every 20 minutes for a tent-wide toast, too.

Wurst

The jokes make themselves, when it comes to the German word for sausage. The ‘best’ of the ‘Wurst’. And so on. Actually, it’s pronounced ‘Vurst’, which is much less conducive to joking.

There are many kinds of Wurst to have with your Bier. In Germany you’ll likely encounter ‘Weisswurst’, which means ‘white sausage,’ and refers to its ingredients: minced veal and pork; Kasewurst, which has cheese inside, and of course every man-cave in North America has some Bratwurst, which just means finely-chopped meat in the sausage casing, usually pork.

Maybe the best thing about the Wurst is the wonderful variety of mustards served with them. You’ll quickly learn which kind of ‘Senf’ you like with which ‘Wurst’.

Tracht

For Germans and visitors alike, Oktoberfest is about ‘getting your Tracht on.’ Tracht refers to traditional costume in Germany and also other German-speaking countries. Oktoberfest guests are encouraged to get into the local culture and spirit by donning Tracht, and you have two choices:

Dirndl

A traditional alpine dress for women, dirndls consist of a long skirt, white blouse, bodice that’s done up so tight it can’t help being very eye-catching, and apron in vivid colors. It’s derived from a Bavarian word for ‘girl,’ and many women keep a hand-made, heirloom dirndl in the closet for formal, not just beer-drinking, occasions, like attending weddings.

Lederhosen

The male equivalent simply means ‘leather pants.’ Actually, they’re shorts, usually worn with a white shirt, warm knee socks, suspenders/ braces and some go for the whole look with special shoes. Bonus points for a dashing wool felt hat with a jaunty feater - that’s also a symbol of the region.

Gemutlichkeit

There’s no exact English translation for this word, pronounced something like ‘geh-MOOT-ly-kite’) but it is the essence – even more than beer – of Oktoberfest.

Some call it fellowship, friendliness, or even good times. It’s the atmosphere surrounding you at Oktoberfest as you clink beer mugs with new and old friends.

#StartYourTrip!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/ Host BestTrip TV

Image: BestTrip TV

Exclusive! Behind the Scenes Video from the New James Bond Movie in Jamaica

Thu, 18 Nov 21 19:41:56 +0000

To celebrate the release of the long-awaited new James Bond film, No Time to Die, the Jamaica Tourist Board is releasing some exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage.

It showcases cast and crew from the movie, as well as some of the locations shot in Jamaica.

The country has been part of the Bond legacy from the very beginning. Author Ian Fleming created the series and wrote the James Bond novels at his seaside home, appropriately named ‘Goldeneye’.

And in fact, Jamaica had a starring role in the very first Bond film, 1962’s Dr. No, and also was the vivid backdrop to Bond action in Live and Let Die in 1973.

It can easily be said that Jamaica is the birthplace and spiritual home of the 007 character – so it’s fitting that the latest – 25^th - film in the classic spy thriller series should return there for the latest actor playing Bond, Daniel Craig’s, exit from the role of James Bond.

“We’re a place for beginnings,” says Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, in the video released by the Jamaica Tourist Board. “But we are also the place for great endings.”

Without giving anything away! In No Time to Die, Bond has aged out of active service, enjoying retirement in Jamaica (image captured from the video above). That is, until his old CIA friend, Felix Leiter, shows up asking for help.

Naturally, their mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be much more complex and treacherous than they expected, leading James Bond to a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology and evil in his heart.

After that… well, you’ll just have to head to the theater to see the film!

But watch the short film above as an appetizer to the full Bond movie – or your next trip to Jamaica! You can get a sneak preview of some of the spectacular beachside and urban scenes filmed for the movie in Jamaica, as well as glimpses inside Ian Fleming’s Jamaica home, Goldeneye, which is now a hotel, with access to – you guessed it – James Bond Beach.

For more details about the upcoming Bond Film No Time to Die, you can visit www.007.com

Start Your Trip!

So Much More Than a Suite Only On Celebrity

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:20 +0000

So much more than a suite

There’s a revolution of sorts brewing in the cruise industry, courtesy of The Retreat, Celebrity Cruises’ newest, all-inclusive suite experience. We all want the best value for our money and that’s why many experienced travelers opt to stay in a suite versus a standard room or cabin when booking a cruise. Suites come with extra perks and amenities like bigger rooms with better locations, more pampered services, priority embarkation, and access to exclusive areas of the ship. That’s what sets them apart from other accommodations, providing guests the most bang for their buck. And from sea to shining sea, The Retreat® does it better than any other cruise line.

An exclusive suites-only area of the ship, The Retreat is much like a "ship within a ship." As the Celebrity fleet undergoes its $500 million Celebrity Revolution, every ship will have The Retreat Sundeck, the redesign of The Retreat Lounge, and reimagined suite accommodation interiors. So much more than a suite, The Retreat isn’t a place. It isn’t an amenity. And it isn’t a service. It’s all of this and more.

The Retreat’s stunning accommodations, including its private restaurant, exclusive lounge, and sundeck rival any high-end resort. A dedicated team of attendants will include a Personal Retreat Host, as well as pre-cruise and onboard Retreat Concierges who will do everything to ensure you never have to lift a finger on vacation.

Intuitive service and amenities for guests abound like priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding; reserved theater seating on Evening Chic nights; world-class cuisine at Luminae at The Retreat; complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining; and preferred seating in specialty restaurants for select suites.

Luminae at The Retreat boasts a boldly elegant interior that's as distinctive as the cuisine you’ll enjoy here. The menu options are found nowhere else on board, including the new signature dishes created by Global Culinary Ambassador Daniel Boulud, complimentary to all guests of The Retreat. Daniel Boulud is Chef-Owner of several award-winning restaurants and has mastered the dining scene. Today he is considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities.

A truly luxurious and inviting outdoor sanctuary, The Retreat Sundeck features a spacious lounge area and plush, stylish furniture. With an inviting pool and relaxing hot tubs, swinging chairs, and cool, shaded spaces, it’s a blissful, tranquil escape that beckons to be shared. Retreat Attendants will help with towels, freshly made cocktails, snacks — whatever you need to completely enjoy this incredible space.

At the exclusive, warm and inviting Retreat Lounge, guests enjoy complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, and a stylish place to unwind in style 24/7, along with the services of a dedicated concierge.

All of The Retreat’s suites offer expansive views and stunning design that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Inside, no detail has been overlooked. From cashmere mattress to premium amenities, you'll never want to leave your room.

Thoughtfully curated premium amenities include a complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine, complimentary in-suite specialty coffees and fresh fruit delivered upon request. Celebrity’s eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night’s sleep, can be transformative. Wrap yourself from head to toe in luxury with premium bath products and amenities including plush Frette robes, towels, and slippers.

As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated value-added amenities that start with five newly added perks — a shore excursion credit, premium drinks, streaming Wi-Fi, tips, and an onboard credit to spend almost any way you like. With all of this included, it’s no wonder that The Retreat is considered by those in the know to be the best vacation value for their money spent.

Book a cruise experience unlike any other with The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises. Plan your cruise today by calling one of our vacation specialists.

Mardi-Gras: Fun Fueled Vacation

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:20 +0000

MARDI GRAS: FUN-FUELED VACATION

When we launched our first ship, 1972's TSS Mardi Gras, we made cruising a lot less stuffy, a bit less fancy, the kind of fun everybody could enjoy. Nobody expected this ship to change the cruise world, but... here we are! So, here’s a brand-new ship with a familiar name. With this Mardi Gras™ we aren't just paying homage to our first ship — in cruising circles this name suggests innovation, signals the start of something big. Oh, and this Mardi Gras still shouts “fun!” at the top of its lungs. This ship introduces Zones — six themed areas packed with brand-new experiences for eating, drinking and spectacularly getting down to fun.

There’s Emeril's Bistro 1396™ from yes-that-Emeril, Family Feud™ Live for everybody... plus incredible new bars like The Brass Magnolia and Fortune Teller, where spirits truly abound here, and our unnaturally talented bartenders will be pleased to conjure up recipes like the all-black New Moon, the changes-color-before-your-eyes Abracadabra and the Golden Galaxy … actually made with a bit of real gold. Call us supernatural, but we’re sensing vacation fun in your future…

BOLT: ULTIMATE SEA COASTER

Aboard Mardi Gras™ you’ll meet BOLT™: the fastest — and first! — rollercoaster at sea. Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. You know how on most rollercoasters... actually, never mind. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views! And for the folks who choose to chill - go light on the pedal, and this just might be the coaster for you!

SERENITY ADULT-ONLY RETREAT

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™. Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement... but you could easily forget, because when you're at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

MEET THE HOMEPORT

On June 4th, Mardi Gras met her homeport for the first time... which would be the awesome Port Canaveral, of course. So maybe you should meet it too! Port Canaveral is a great place to kick off a cruise from, especially with the beautiful, brand-new cruise terminal we built specifically to be Mardi Gras’ home.

Get ready to experience all Mardi Gras has to offer with brand-new experiences for spectacularly getting down to food, drink and fun. Cruise you to the Caribbean soon, we can’t wait to have you aboard!

Top Five Favorite Places in North America

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:20 +0000

Yosemite National Park

A vacation at Yosemite National Park in California is all about reconnecting with nature. Spend your visit checking out famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier Point or hiking Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail, and other popular paths. You'll also want to save time to admire Yosemite's numerous waterfalls, including towering Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.

Costa Rica

Known for its surfing, sustainable tourism, and farm-to-table restaurants, Costa Rica is guaranteed to thrill your inner adventurer. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find the perfect paradise here. This ideal destination spans numerous ecosystems, from sandy beaches to tropical rainforests. Whatever you decide to do, you will understand the true meaning of the Costa Rican saying pura vida – it’s a way of life.

Tulum, Mexico

Home to some of Mexico's only waterfront Mayan ruins, Tulum appeals to history buffs and water lovers alike. Positioned along a stretch of the Riviera Maya, the area offers numerous accommodations, ranging from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of where you stay, you can spend time lounging on the beach, exploring ancient ruins, and swimming in secluded cenotes (underwater caves).

Argentine Patagonia

From its diverse wildlife (such as Magellanic penguins, Andean cats, and southern elephant seals) to its majestic mountains and jaw-dropping glaciers, Argentina’s Patagonian region showcases Mother Nature at its finest. Even the most amateur of photographers will appreciate the palette of incredible colors on display here. Can't-miss places for first-timers include the Argentine Lake District, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Banff National Park

Nestled amid the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Banff appeals to both nature enthusiasts and luxury seekers. Visitors can spend their days skiing or hiking and floating down the Bow River before retiring to one of the several opulent hotels for some spa therapy. Popular day trips include the Columbia Icefield and Moraine Lake – renowned for its turquoise waters.

Back To Nature: Explore the Americas

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:19 +0000

Offering a seemingly endless number of inspiring travel experiences unlike anywhere else in the world, North, Central, and South America are the ultimate vacation haven for anyone seeking the most unforgettable outdoor adventures imaginable.

No matter if you’re in search of solitude, romance, heart-pounding thrills, family fun, or just prefer to relax with a great glass of red, you’re guaranteed to find it in the Americas – and so much more!

Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies

If glaciers and mountains, impossibly blue lakes, and alpine meadows sound like your kind of fun, exploring the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park just might be the best travel decision you’ll ever make. As Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system, Banff National Park is a grand spectacle in every season. Over three million visitors a year make the pilgrimage to the park for a variety of activities that include hiking, biking, skiing, and camping in some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.

Established in 1885, the park is renowned for its stunning Lake Louise. While many have seen photos of the lake, most aren’t prepared for how it feels to experience it in person. The sight of its emerald green water, rugged peaks, and glaciers is quite overwhelming. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, all is quiet and still. When you’re ready to chill, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs. The views out to Mount Rundle and beyond while you bathe and relax here are truly unreal!

Land of Splendor

There’s no denying the fact that the U.S. is loaded with so many mesmerizing national parks, each with its own special beauty. Two of our favorites are Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The oldest National Park in America, Yellowstone is spread out over three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), and within its 3,468 square miles offers some of the most compelling geothermal and geological wonders – the famous geyser Old Faithful, Yellowstone Caldera (the largest supervolcano on the continent) and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, to name just a few.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hands down one of the best all-around parks for families. Located between Tennessee and North Carolina, the “Smokies” are ideal for both nature lovers and those who enjoy of all the conveniences of modern life. You can choose to rough it on the Appalachian Trail, camp out in a developed campground or wilderness, or stay in a luxurious suite in nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge – home to Dollywood!

Superb Sips in Baja

Ready for a wine-centric vacation that’s excitingly different? Then look no further than Mexico’s beautiful Baja California. Seriously! Located to the northwest of mainland Mexico, and bordered by California to the north and the Mexican state of Baja California Sur to the south, Baja California is the northern part of a long, slender peninsula covering nearly 28,000 square miles of beautiful and diverse landscapes and endless beaches.

Baja California’s wine history stretches back to the 1700s with the planting of the first vineyards, and today the region produces about two million cases annually and has won international awards. The region’s prime altitude, porous granite soil, and overall climate come together to provide ideal conditions for growing grapes. Pair all of this with the region’s warm Mediterranean climate and you have the makings for a fantastic getaway – whether you’re searching for fun in the sun, teeing off on a round of golf, or in this case, looking to explore and sample some of the region’s spectacular vineyards and wines.

One with Nature

Oh so perfectly nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, Costa Rica is pure heaven for anyone in search of an eco-conscious getaway full of beautiful sights and great vibes. The country’s natural attractions, landscapes, unique wildlife, incredible beaches, tranquility, and welcoming way of being draws travelers from all over the world – and for many, many good reasons. From surf to yoga, deep-sea fishing to spas, scuba diving to rafting, zip lining to birding, Costa Rica has nearly every type of outdoor and wellness activity you can think of.

For visitors looking for adventure, it's a dreamy destination where you can swap technology and social media for hikes through the jungle, white-water rafting on the rivers, and kayaking in the year-round warm sea before flopping on a sun-drenched beach. The country is also home of four World Heritage sites certified by UNESCO. Visitors need only a little time in Costa Rica before quickly learning that pura vida (the good life) isn’t just a phrase – it’s a way of life.

Above the Clouds

As perplexing as it is post-card worthy, Peru’s Machu Picchu rightfully deserves its position at the top of every bucket-list trip. Perched on a 7,900-foot mountaintop in southern Peru, and known as the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu is considered one of the most jaw-dropping ancient sites in the world. No one knows exactly why Machu Picchu was created, though some archeologists believe it was an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.

Built around 1400 A.D., Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later. Again, no one is sure why. For centuries it lay hidden from the outside world until July 24, 1911, when Hiram Bingham, a Yale professor who’d heard about a lost city, discovered the ruins. They were covered in dense vegetation and it took four years to clear the site. The citadel, as it is called, held 216 stone homes, temples, observatories, agricultural terraces, and 3,000 stone steps.

The Wedding of Your Dreams!

If you’re ready to say “I do,” the Americas offer countless destinations for the wedding of your dreams. Whether it’s a traditional wedding, LGBTQ-friendly ceremony, vow renewal, or you just want to celebrate your love for one another, a destination wedding is always within budget (and much less expensive than a wedding back home). Most cruises and all-inclusive resorts have an array of wedding packages that maximize romance and minimize your costs.

Remember, your local travel professional is your best resource for planning and booking your dream destination wedding and honeymoon!

This Old Ship is the Caribbean's Great New Dive Destination

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:19 +0000

Sunken wrecks aren’t just fascinating destinations for underwater exploration or fantasies of pirate ‘days of yore’. Properly and carefully submerged, wrecks enhance natural reef ecosystems and provide new homes for marine plants and creatures.

A new submerged ship is about to become a prime diving attraction in the 2^nd-largest barrier reef in the world. It will also contribute to sustainability in a number of ways.

“The Wit Concrete” ship is a 375-foot long, 58-foot wide, and 38-foot deep ship originally built during WW2, one of the largest concrete ships built during wartime. Over its hard-working life, the ship had different tasks, beginning as a floating transfer station for supplies along the U.S. Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard during the war, up to its most recent ‘life’ as a storage vessel for molasses by Belize Sugar Industries.

Upon retiring the ship, the company donated it to the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association to submerge.

The Turneffe Atoll is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Sometimes called the Great Maya Reef, this UNESCO World Heritage site stretches 700 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, south along the Caribbean coasts of Belize, Guatamala and Honduras.

Nearly a third of the system lies along Belize’s coastline.

That includes the Turneffe Atoll, a 30-mile long chain of ‘cayes’ (mini-islands, pronounced ‘keys’) that covers over 300,000 acres just 20 miles off the coast of Belize City. Belize declared the atoll a national marine reserve in 2012.

Over 500 species of fish, 65 types of corals, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, marine birds and other wildlife call the chain of cayes and their waters, mangroves and seagrass shallows home. Surrounded by deep ocean, the Turneffe Atoll is considered the largest, and most biologically diverse coral atoll in the country and the entire Mesoamerican Reef marine ecoregion.

The Turneffe Atoll is already a prime destination for sustainable ocean tourism, including ecotours, snorkeling, diving and salt-water sport fishing. For those in the know, it’s one of the best places for a sport-fishing ‘Grand Slam’ – that is: catching a bone-fish, permit and tarpon all on the same day at sea.

Sustainable dive tourism to the Turneffe Atoll is getting a big boost, too, with the submerging of The Wit.

Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) is in charge of day-to-day operations of the reserve. TASA worked with Artificial Reefs International, an organization with expertise in the planned submersion of ships. Local marine experts cleaned and prepped The Wit to create, add or widen access points for divers and sealife to enter and exit the ship, and remove any hazardous materials, meeting US Environmental Protection Agency standards that avoid any negative impact of the ship on its new home on the ocean floor.

All that was done in prepareation for The Wit to be towed to the Turneffe Atoll and carefully sunk in a designated place, to begin a new and final life on the ocean floor in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

The benefits are three-fold. First, “The Wit Turneffe” is a new dive destination for Belize and the entire region. It puts Belize on the map as the home of one of the largest wreck dive attractions in the Caribbean.

In fact, The Wit Concrete’s sister ship – TheWitConcrete II – was sunk in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the ‘90’s, where it has become of that destination’s premier dive sites and top marine attraction.

“Wreck diving is an increasingly popular activity that draws a select population of environmentally-conscious divers from across the world,” says Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director of TASA.

Attracting divers provides new income for the marine reserve and local stakeholders that host dive tourists. Funds collected from wreck diving through the park entrance fee system will assist in funding TASA’s operations and other sustainability programs in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

And thirdly, the Wit Turneffe wreck enhances the reef’s ecosystem and contributes to increasing marine biodiversity.

“Over the years, marine flora and fauna will use The Wit’s walls, rooms and cabins, filling them with a different history, as the wreck gradually blends into the existing reef system,” Andrade explains.

Over the long term, TASA plans to develop an impactful and exclusive experience where divers can directly participate in scientific monitoring, protection of the area and other exciting, hands-on environmental programs in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Divers who visit annually will see not just a fascinating wreck, but also a growing ecosystem inside and surrounding an old ship with a new, underwater purpose.

#StartYourTrip

Image courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board

Chicago's Signature Sculpture is Now 'Spilling the Beans' on the Best Ways to Visit

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:19 +0000

Chicago’s ‘The Bean’ sculpture is already one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Officially titled ‘Cloud Gate’, the massive, stainless steel sculpture anchors Chicago’s lakefront Millennium Park. At 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, 66 feet long… and about the weight of 15 elephants! the abstract work of public art dominates the cityscape and is one of the largest outdoor art installations in the world.

Almost every visitor to Chicago finds themselves taking in the awe-inspiring reflective surface of The Bean at least once. It mirrors the park and park visitors, the lights along Michigan Avenue, the Chicago skyline - and visitors themselves – in its shiny surface.

Many don’t just look at themselves in The Bean. The perfect, smooth finish invites park visitors to touch the surface, and its curved underside serves as an entrance to the park (hence its formal name Cloud Park.)

Now, The Bean isn’t just the iconic symbol of Chicago and a mirror onto life in the park.

(CH/ Choose Chicago)

Thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), The Bean is now part of the visitor action. And travelers to Chicago can interact with The Bean on a whole new level.

Choose Chicago describes it from the perspective of The Bean:

“Day in and day out for years, humans have come to stare at The Bean. And The Bean has been staring back. And been in more selfies than even The Bean can count. The Bean has loved all of it.

Then, in 2020, the visitors paused.

And that’s when something wonderful happened to The Bean. The Bean’s friends at Choose Chicago knew the world deserved more Bean. A Bean whose visitors could interact with digitally. A Bean that could truly reflect all that the beautiful city of Chicago has to offer.”

Choose Chicago partnered with a Northwestern University student lab to power The Bean by AI, enabling it to have digital conversations and answer questions from visitors, suggesting places and events for them to experience the city, from neighbourhood restaurants to events next weekend to child-friendly activities, things to do and more.

You don’t have to travel to Chicago to meet its new digital ambassador. The Bean's AI entity lives on the Choose Chicago website, and is available 24-7 to help people from near and far to discover the best of Chicago and plan a future trip.

As The Bean ‘says’:

“The sentient Bean is now ready to tell you all about stunning Chicago. The Bean spent years analyzing the idle chitchat of nearby visitors. The Bean learned the importance of helping people locate pizza of all depths. The Bean learned there is other non-Bean art and culture to help humans to enjoy. And The Bean learned more than The Bean wanted about the baseball rivalry that splits the city into two areas: North of The Bean and South of The Bean.

“Ask The Bean anything—and The Bean will share everything it knows.”

We took The Bean up on its challenge and went online to explorewiththebean.com to have a chat with The now-sentient Bean ourselves. It went like this:

According to Choose Chicago, “The Bean is improving its conversation skills every day and cannot wait to speak with every human who wants to explore the city.

“The Bean wants to relay that this is just a wonderful start to its mission.”

#StartYourTrip

Top Image: A.Alexander courtesy of Choose Chicago

5 Top Places to Nama-'Stay' During National Yoga Month

Tue, 21 Sep 21 14:00:19 +0000

For many of us, September feels more like the ‘New Year’ than when the calendar says it’s January. Time to exhale, regroup, and reset yourself on a fulfilling course for the future, one that includes meeting life and wellness goals.

Maybe that’s why September is National Yoga Month.

The ideal time to practice – or at least plan for - two intersecting life goals: more yoga and more travel.

Here are 5 inspired places to practice yoga on an enriching journey.

Flamingo Yoga at Baha Mar, The Bahamas

Located on the pristine white sands of Cable Beach in Nassau, Baha Mar is a tropical island dreamscape, no matter which of its three beachfront resorts best suits your luxury travel style. Whether you choose to stay in the richly refined Rosewood, the playfully hip SLS, or the stylish and modern Grand Hyatt, stunning views and an epic selection of pools and resort experiences awaits.

Flamingo Cay is a unique habitat within Baha Mar, designed to shelter these iconic and vivid tropical waterbirds, to educate guests about flamingos and preserve their population in The Bahamas for future generations.

For guests who practice yoga, there’s also an exceptional experience - Flamingo Yoga (pictured above and top) - where guests can practice their flamingo poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness with the ultimate yoga experts – the Baha Mar Ambassador Flamingos.

The Yoga Instructor is dedicated to working with the flamingos and is on hand to educate guests and look after the birds. The classes are small and intimate, once-weekly sessions that will embed themselves in your memory as a treasured wellness and travel experience.

‘Flo-Yo’ in a ‘Spa Without Walls’, Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

The Fairmont Orchid is uniquely Hawaiian: 32 oceanfront acres with a white sand beach on the black-lava Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island. When you’re not snorkeling with sea turtles in the resort’s private lagoon, napping in a hammock, immersing yourself in Hawaiian cultural activities like storytelling, hula and ukulele, watching the sun rise from a traditional outrigger canoe on the bay… you can rediscover your inner, primal human, surrounded by rushing waterfalls, and greenery, orchids and palms in the resort’s ‘Spa Without Walls.’

Where the indoors is outdoors in paradise, it seems easier to realign mind and body balance immersed in Nature.

The resort offers complimentary seaside and sunset yoga, and ‘flo-yo’ or floating yoga on stand-up paddleboards in the quiet waters of the resort’s quiet, private lagoon – a beautiful way to start the day – and a complete core workout where warm ocean breezes and lapping waves set the pace and soothe the spirits.

SUP Yoga at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

It may be the essential Vancouver wellness experience. Where stand up paddleboard meets downward dog – in a South Beach-style pool overlooking Vancouver's seawall and mountains.

On a fair summer day in Vancouver, British Columbia, the locals joke it's like 'British California'. And it seems that somehow, every resident and visitor in town is outdoors or on the water.

The Liquid Yoga program offered by Just Add Water Yoga at the Westin Bayshore gives hotel guests – and the general public – a unique way to be part of Vancouver’s famed local wellness and open air culture - in the security of a pool as an aquatic yoga studio, rather than the open sea like other SUP yoga.

Photo: BestTrip.TV

Didn't bring workout wear? We love that guests can take advantage of the Run Westin's gear lending program.

Liquid Yoga is a terrific way to enjoy the Westin Bayshore's gorgeous, circular pool, and its views of Vancouver's harbor, seawall and mountains.

Sun-Rise Yoga at Sea in the Caribbean on Virgin Voyages

Imagine yoga on the deck of a sailing ship at dawn, with the sun peeking over the horizon, the sounds and the sights of the sea all around, and the shifting of the ship in the waves adding just a touch of challenge to your core in holding those poses, greeting the new day filling your lungs with fresh sea air.… take it from me: this is living.

One of the most unique places to do yoga overlooking the infinite sea is Virgin Voyages.

Richard Branson’s cheeky new, ‘breaking-the-mould-of-cruising’ cruise line taps into the celebrity billionaire’s history as a music industry entrepreneur. The newly-launched Virgin Voyages feels a lot like a hip, tropical club at sea, with Branson himself telling me that the tables in suites were designed to be danced on!

The line takes a ‘detox, retox’ approach to the cruise lifestyle, so in addition to a nightclub atmosphere, champagne on demand anywhere on the ship, and the first tattoo parlor at sea, guests on the line’s first ship, the Scarlet Lady will also find their daytime downtime wellness options robust.

It starts with the ‘Aquatic Club’ outdoor pool deck, and continues with such wildly different wellness options as outdoor boxing, to meditation and yes, sun-rise yoga.

Yoga On the Top Deck of a European River Cruise on U By Uniworld

Before Virgin Voyages launched a new way of cruising, U By Uniworld reimagined river cruising for ‘Active Travelers’, with distinctive, modern black-hulled river ships and a whole new approach to experiencing the shore and the ship. It’s more of a hipster river cruise, with mixology (bar chefs), overnights in key European cities for clubbing, dance parties on board in a private ship version of a club, top deck ‘camping’, a modern approach to cuisine – and yes, yoga!

After an exciting night, guests are welcome to greet the day with complimentary, morning top-deck yoga sessions, led by the ship’s wellness coach.

Why do yoga on a European river cruise? The views are sure to help with the meditation.

Some of the very best views of favorite European cities are from the rivers that run through them. Without the congestion of other buildings around, you can absorb the breathtaking historic beauty of cities that were built on rivers when they - not roads – were the highways of Europe.

Early morning, top-deck yoga in European cities gives you a unique, over-the-rail perspective on some of the most inspiring cityscapes on the continent, and a way to absorb some of the city’s energy before an active day of exploring walking, hiking, cycling or kayaking through town.

#StartYourTrip

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/Host, BestTrip TV

Images courtesy of their respective hotels/ cruise lines except where otherwise stated.