Amsterdam at 750: Still the City of the Future
In 1275, no one could ever have imagined that a simple dam on the Amstel River would become a city that pioneered so many elements of modern life in the 21st century. As Amsterdam marks ¾ of a millennium, travel lovers with 20/20 hindsight can celebrate the European capital’s contributions to shaping our world today, as well as what continues to make it a beacon for visitors. The Dutch capital marks its official start by that 13th-century document granting it city...
Celebrate Jane Austen's 250th Birthday in Britain
If the famous line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” makes you smile affectionately and fantasize about the green pastures, elegant architecture, style and social intrigues of Regency Britain, you are not alone. For two centuries, Jane Austen’s witty, observant and kind novels have delighted readers and inspired travelers to discover the world of the author and her cast of beloved characters. This ground-breaking female...
VIDEO: Incredible Tulip Time Scenes from an Emerald River Cruise in the Netherlands
Windmills and tulips and river cruising, oh my! Springtime serves up the most iconic sights and moments of Dutch culture – and a river cruise may be the best way to experience them all. Our Emerald river cruise sailed round trip from Amsterdam, navigating the Netherlands’ vast network of inland waterways, canals and rivers through countryside, picturesque villages and dynamic cities. We dipped into Belgium, then swung up again to complete our circuitous route back in Amsterdam. It was a celebration of...
Unpacked: Airline Industry Launches New Era for Luggage Handling
Compared to many aspects of air travel, modernizing baggage handling seems, well, pretty ‘delayed.’ Am I the only person who is astounded at the fact that, as airport security has tightened so much when it comes to travelers and their water bottles, people can still just pull any bag off a carousel and walk out the door with it? Or that we let even inexperienced travelers attach their own sticky paper luggage tags, willy-nilly, and just drop them on a...
Trafalgar Expands From Land Touring into River Cruising
Beginning in 2026, fans of Trafalgar tours have another way to enjoy the expert guidance, meaningful local experiences, cultural immersion and ease of travel they’ve come to expect from their Trafalgar trips. In fact, with the company’s new river cruise ships, you’ll now be able to unpack once for your entire journey as your floating hotel transports you to one Trafalgar experience after another. The company, which is part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of travel brands, is launching 2...
Disney Announces New Theme Park
Disney fans collecting theme park visits will soon have a new and spectacular destination to compare cherished characters, memorable experiences and new thrills. The Walt Disney company has announced plans for its 7th park. The uniquely waterfront resort will be located on an island in futuristic Abu Dhabi. The Yas Island Disney park will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. Yas Island Located on the shores of Abu Dhabi – just 20...
When is the Jamaican Rum You're Drinking Not Jamaican?
It’s only champagne if it’s from Champagne. Ham from Parma is equally exclusive. And now, some rum producers in Jamaica are causing quite a ‘stir’– working to tighten rules that identify varieties of the Caribbean’s most famous spirit by ‘appellation’ or geographic origin. Champagne, Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and many other foods, wine and spirits work to get these designations to protect the authenticity, heritage and production methods of a uniquely-produced regional food or drink. The appellation or GI (Geographical...
RIU Resort-Supported Eco Project Reports Triumph for Turtles
Over 150,000 hatchlings of endangered loggerhead sea turtles were released during the latest nesting season from hatcheries in the Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde, including one in front of RIU’s hotels. What’s more, local eco organizations also reported successes in helping mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the critical turtle population. The country of Cape Verde (also called Cabo Verde) is made up of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 500 miles west of the coast...
VIDEO: See it here first: MSC World America Inaugural Cruise Ship Tour
MSC World America has launched! The secret to the success of this new mega-ship is right there in the name - the first MSC Cruises ship designed specifically for the cruising tastes of North Americans. That means you! But MSC Cruises is not turning its back on its European roots. Instead, the cruise line says it’s delivering the best of both the Old World and the New World on the 6700-guest MSC World America.It’s not just a new ship for North...
Cruise to the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026!
On August 12, 2026, we are in for a rare and remarkable celestial event – a total solar eclipse - and a cruise may be the best place for you to experience it. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe this millennium! When you combine an extraordinary natural spectacle that may be best viewed at sea, with the popularity of European holidays, in the warm summer months… that’s a recipe for a must-book vacation of a...