Michael Hines - The Travel Agent Next Door

05/13/2024

My sisters and I really enjoyed a 10-day Alaskan cruise last summer onboard the Crown Princess - here are some pictures. We had great weather and again can't say enough about Princess....

05/13/2024

Well we are now starting to enjoy the spring/summer in the Northern Hemisphere...but that does not mean you cannot travel - in fact this is one of the cheapest times to travel - an all-inclusive, flight and airbnb in a foreign country...... there is no limit. I, myself, am doing a Norwegian Prima cruise this September from Iceland - Norway - Netherlands - England followed by 3 weeks of using the great Eurorail system to visit Paris, Berlin, Krakow and finally Prague. I will be posting pictures and tips/tricks. If you want any information on travel, hit me up!!

10/07/2023

I really am a Princess Cruises fan... for various reason - one of which is client service when on board. I enjoy not having to carry money, credit card, room key or identification AS WELL as being able to order a drink or food from wherever you are on ship - with the medallion.

Princess is a more traditional cruise line - more oriented towards adults. There are no racetracks, waterslides nor wave pools and hence there tend to be less children on board.

I have been on two cruises so far - one from San Diego down the Mexican coast to Puerto Vallarta and one from Vancouver to Alaska - both enjoyable for different reason - but again the service level and friendliness of crew was a common thread.

Posting some picture of both here - if you have any questions or want to know more - hit me up!!!

07/12/2023

How about visiting Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium and England? All can be done aboard a 10 day Norwegian Prima cruise from September 5-15, 2024! Join me in visiting the fjords of both Iceland and Norway!! Hit me up for great group rates and specials!!

07/12/2023

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Emerald Isle, where you can immerse yourself in the true essence of Ireland. From lively pub nights with newfound Irish friends to tracing your ancestral roots amidst enchanting castles and rolling hills, every moment is a celebration of Irish heritage. Indulge in authentic experiences, tastings, and captivating cultural encounters that will unveil Ireland's hidden gems.

For more information, contact me and get ready to see Ireland in a whole new light!

06/26/2023

Let's play Fun Fact Friday! Here are some interesting facts:

1. The Australian Alps receive more snowfall than Switzerland. Maybe it’s time to change that Euro Trip idea?
2. There are 60 designated wine regions in Australia, producing approximately 1.35 billion liters of wine every year.
3. It would take around 29 years to visit one new Aussie beach every day (there are 10,685 of them!)
4. Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano.
AND 4 out of 5 Aussies live less than 50km from the coastline - now that's living the dream!

06/19/2023

Let's play Where in the World Wednesday! Here are some clues:

1- This country currently has 40 site properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2- It has the world's largest film industry in terms of movies produced and released each year.

3- This country has over 20 recognized regional languages in the world as the second-largest population of English speakers.

4- This country's land hosts the largest festival in the world. People across the world attending the festival are so large that the crowd is visible in satellite images taken from space.

Can you guess which country this is?

05/09/2023

Now this is the way to river cruise!! Check this out for Europe 2023!

Save on your Airfare with our Special Rates At AmaWaterways | Offer expires May 31, 2023

05/08/2023

Each cruise line has a unique personality that will appeal to different lifestyles. Selecting the right one to match your personal preferences is crucial to enjoying a vacation of a lifetime. Today’s cruise lines largely fall into three basic categories: River, Ocean, and Luxury Cruises. Curious to learn more? Contact me today!

03/20/2023

When people think of filming destinations in Jordan, Petra is usually top-of-mind, which plays a notable role in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Did you know that Wadi Rum has also been the backdrop to Hollywood hits? Home to dramatic rock formations of sandstone and granite, Wadi Rum’s wide-open sandy plains have made it an iconic filming location.

Here’s a list of movies you probably didn’t know were filmed in Wadi Rum: The Martian (2015), Dune (2021), Aladdin (2019), Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker (2019) and Rogue One: Star Wars (2016).

02/21/2023

Between beaches, forests, and small villages, Portugal reveals a lot of incredible and attractive places. Going beyond Lisbon, the well-known capital, the more inland side hides some of the most enchanting corners. Algarve, in the south of the country, is known worldwide for its tranquility, in addition to being located in a region famous for one of the best beautiful places to enjoy the sunrise to sunset. Follow me for more!

01/25/2023

Morocco - a bucket list item for many of us... This is a fantastic deal with everything basically included except the flights.

2023 Imperial Cities of Morocco | 8 Days, 7 Nights | Casablanca | Rabat | Meknes | Fez | Marrakech | Escorted Tour | Offer Expires February 15, 2023

01/25/2023

Spring is coming!! Ireland is so beautiful and green - look at this deal that is with RIT! Great prices on connecting flights as well!

Save $200CAD per couple on RIT coach tours in 2023. This is an exclusive offer and it is valid on any 2023 coach tour 8-days or longer | Offer expires January 31, 2023

10/27/2022

Oh Spain - such a beautiful country! 9 day tour - for a great deal as well! Check this out!

2023 Insight Vacations Premium Guided Trips on Sale | Offer Expires December 30, 2022

08/14/2022

River cruising at its best... and with great deals for both airfare and cabin! A bucket list item for sure!

Select 2022-2023 Sailings | Europe | Cruising Elevated | Offer expires September 30, 2022

08/03/2022

Great prices and with airfare... check these out!

Select 2022-2023 Sailings | Europe | Cruising Elevated | Offer expires September 30, 2022

05/29/2022

One of my favorite brands! And with good deals... check this out!

Your Sensational Journey Awaits | Experience the Sounds of Secrets Riviera Cancun | Offer expires July 12, 2022

05/16/2022

Wow... such a deal for one of my favorite places - remember years ago driving around these vineyards - such beauty. I would love to do it via a river cruise such as this and look at the savings!

Save $1,800 CAD | Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle | Offer expires June 30, 2022

05/11/2022

Spain...

Endless pristine beaches, World Heritage sites, National Parks, a delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet, a lively atmosphere, welcoming people... We don't like to boast, but Spain has everything! Here is a small selection of things we recommend you to do at least once in your life in Spain….

04/05/2022

Yet again - big savings at an AMResort - Breathless... Check the deals out!

Find Your Vacation Mode | Celebrate Every Vibe at Breathless | Offer expires April 26, 2022

03/23/2022

As a Master AMR agent, this is my preferred chain for the south - it has everything from the budgeted, family oriented person at the Sunscapes resorts to the extremely luxurious Zoetry resorts. You will be well taken care of and now save up to 40%!! Woo hoo!!

Home is where the beach is | Save up to 40% | Any AMR™ Collection property in the Americas | Offer expires April 26, 2022

03/09/2022

45% off - no way..... YES WAY! Hurry quick as these deals are closing out soon. With the price of gas increasing, the cost of airfare will likely follow!

Savings at Select Hotels | How We Care | Offer expires March 15, 2022

03/03/2022

03/02/2022

Royal Irish Tours (RIT) is well known for its tours of the Emerald Isle! These 2022 departures with a 11 day duration are a great way to explore the green island! Great savings as well... check it out!

2022 Departures | Heritage Royal | Dublin to Dublin | Offer expires March 31, 2022

02/27/2022

Oh Portugal! Family has been there and said it was one of the most memorable trips ever! Great adventure visiting many places - all hotels, some meals and transport all ready included! Check it out!

With its refreshing Atlantic breezes and live-life-to the-fullest Mediterranean ways, the sun-drenched country of Portugal invites you to dip your toe—and entire body—into a sea of relaxation | Offer expires March 31, 2022

02/23/2022

Truly one of the best all around collection of resorts - the AMR collection has something for everybody in most of the Caribbean and Mexico! From budget minded to luxury - they have it! My partner and I are booked for this April to enjoy a Dreams resort in the Mayan Riviera - so look forward to sharing pictures and comments upon our return.... have a look!


https://youtu.be/EqXmAyqF5GY

We are proud to introduce the AMR™ Collection. Inspired by guests throughout its successful 20-year track record, AMR™ Collection brings together six resort ...

02/23/2022

Ready! Set! Go! All inclusive packages to the south are booking up fast and here are a few of the top small and intimate resorts!

Top Resorts Down South | 250-Rooms or Less | Intimate Resorts

02/18/2022

How about something different? A South African tour and safari for 11 days and 10 nights?? This is on my bucket list to do !! Realize your dream now and book in advance and get some discounts!

10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS CAPE TOWN, GARDEN ROUTE, SAFARI

02/15/2022

Listed and experienced as one of the best train adventures on the planet! Great savings for those that want to try something different all within our Canadian borders!

Spring & Fall 2022 | Limited Time Offer | Expires February 28, 2022

02/10/2022

Oh the Mediterranean! From Malta to Venice with a bit of Greece in between - what a wonderful way to explore the area.... look at these deals!

Unique Itinerary Bask in the Aegean sun, discover the coves and treasures lining the Adriatic Sea and experience one of the most evocative ancient cities in the Mediterranean, Ephesus. This is a voyage celebrating history and culture through the ages.