Tips for Visiting a Japanese Hot Spring
Japan is famous for its volcanic peaks, which also hint at a national treasure underground: geothermally-heated mineral spring waters. For longer than records have been kept, Japanese have been bathing in natural, hot spring-fed ‘onsen’ to benefit from their restorative and healing powers. For travelers to Japan, a visit to an onsen is an essential cultural and wellness experience, but, like many other Japanese traditions, there are rituals and etiquette to participating. Here’s what you need to know about onsen: There are thousands...
Can’t-Miss Events this Fall that Celebrate Celestial Wonders
What’s the fastest-disappearing natural phenomenon? Dark skies. As cities expand, the night skies are flooded with light, dimming our views of the complex, mystical wonders of the heavens that inspired our ancestors. We are still fascinated by the night skies, and many of us take time on vacation to spend our evenings outdoors gazing up into the darkness and its mysteries. Luckily, there are places around the world preserving the darkness and celestial visions. Dark sky preserves are found in some of...
Ports of Call You Can't Miss in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Newest Cruise Hub
The Mediterranean is full of ancient maritime cultures, but some seaside countries are just recently becoming popular cruise destinations. One up-and-coming cruise hub in the eastern end of this historic sea offers the best of Mediterranean, modern European, and Middle Eastern cultures and lifestyles. Not to mention the spiritual attractions of the home of Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths. And the best news is that more and more cruises are calling in Israel’s ports and also embarking and disembarking from Israel,...
The First Caribbean Resort to Get an Ocean Pool
Why choose between a dip in the sea and basking in a resort pool? The Caribbean now has its first resort ocean pool that lets you do both at once. Tapping into saltwater sources for swimming pools is not exactly new. Over a hundred years ago, seaside communities, especially in Australia and also Europe, started tapping into the ocean to provide residents a way to cool off. Even on rocky shores, an ocean pool could provide a secure space and constantly refreshed...
Where do Expedition Cruises Sail? And Where Will You be Able to Go Next?
Many people have heard about luxury expedition cruises to the Antarctic. But there’s a whole world of expedition cruising out there you may never have heard of. Cruise/ travel journalist and expert Lynn Elmhirst sat down with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s director of expedition development Jen Martin to dispel the myth that expedition cruises only go to Antarctica. WATCH VIDEO ABOVE Jen is the person to ask. She leads the team creating ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn’s expedition cruise experiences. They are tasked with finding...
Explore Egypt from These 3 Four Seasons Hotels
History, culture, the romance of travel and 21st century diversity all await you in the ancient destination of Egypt – home to the only remaining entry on the list of the original Seven Wonders of the World, not to mention other archaeological and architectural marvels, markets and local cuisine and lifestyle. And you can explore Egypt’s antique wonders and modern life in style at three Four Seasons hotels in key Egyptian destinations; including exclusive signature Four Seasons experiences that elevate your...
Four Places You Can Try the Newest Tropical Resort Trend
The latest craze at tropical resorts will really ‘float your boat.’ Swim up bars have become standard at many of your favorite resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, and floating trays are the newest way to serve guests who love to hang out in the pool. Maybe one of the best things about floating trays is that, while swim-up bars are usually just for drinks, floating trays are only limited by the resort food and beverage teams’ imaginations. Plus, individually-crafted trays of...
Now You Can Cruise on the Tennessee River
Those who love – or would like to try – river cruising close to home can rejoice: there’s a new river to sail on. In the summer of 2023, American Cruise Lines launched a new river route that explores the charming towns of America’s Tennessee Valley. The cruise line, which operates a 17-vessel fleet of river and small ships, has dedicated three of its river ships to its new, 8-day, Tennessee River Cruise itinerary. That includes the newly-christened American Serenade (pictured.) The river cruise...
Flight Delayed? This Airline's App Now Automatically Rebooks You and Even Provides Meal Vouchers
Let's hope every airline gets on board with a new piece of technology that could make life better for thousands of air passengers. Everyone knows that sometimes, things go wrong when you travel. Flights can get delayed or cancelled, then passengers are left scrambling to figure it all out: new flights, food, even an unanticipated hotel stay until you can get on your way to your destination. It can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate – especially when other affected passengers are...
Crystal’s River and Ocean Ships are Sailing Again, and Here’s Where You Can Find Them
All of the former Crystal Cruises’ ships have now found new homes. The original cruise line is no more, but those who love the ships can still sail aboard favorite river, ocean, expedition and yacht vessels with their new lines. In some cases, their new owners even managed to bring back their original crew so your next cruise… will feel like coming home. Ocean Ships – Re-launching Summer, 2023The original and legendary former Crystal ocean ships sail again beginning in the summer...