Marla at Travel Best Bets

12/17/2024

Take a deep breath and let the sea breeze carry your worries away.

12/11/2024

From this day forward, may every kiss feel as sweet as this one.

12/10/2024

Every shade of blue tells a different story—welcome to your dream getaway!

12/04/2024

Make your wedding a fairytale come true at Hyatt Ziva Cancun!

12/03/2024

Find your peace in the swaying palms and the gentle rhythm of the waves.

11/27/2024

Picture exchanging vows on a pristine beach at Hyatt Zilara Cancun, surrounded by turquoise waters and golden sunsets.

11/26/2024

A haven of tranquility awaits.

11/25/2024

Last day of the cruise with Avalon in Paris today. Cloudy and pouring rain so we did a bus tour called Paris City Highlights. We saw the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Opera Garnier, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other monuments, museums and buildings exhibiting the city’s brilliance and beauty.

11/24/2024

Today we went to Conflans, France. We did a tour of Chateau de Malmaison, pride of the Bonapartes, Josephine and Napoleon. She had a magnificent garden but at this time of year not a lot to see in the garden.

11/24/2024

11/24/2024

Here is a video of the Canadian Cemetery

11/24/2024

Yesterday we got to go to Normandy. We went to the Canadian & British, landing beaches. I must say it was so windy and cold, that we were just about blown off our feet. Ignoring that, the cemetery and beaches were just a moving experience. Avalon cruises even gave us a flower arrangement to leave there honouring our Canadians. We went to Gold Beach, Juno Beach and 2 museums. It was a long day, left the ship at 8am and didn’t arrive back until 6:30pm.

11/23/2024

So yesterday we couldn’t go to Normandy due to the weather, so days were swapped. We went to Rouen, France and had a lovely day. We got to explore the wonderful city on foot, and experienced our first Christmas Market, in my glory then we had some great onboard entertainment

11/22/2024

Yesterday we went to Caudebec and as I posted yesterday it snowed! We began with a short drive along the famed Cider route. With a microclimate well suited to fruit crops, apples, pears, plums and cherries everyone goes and picks their own. Then we went to the Jumieges Abbey, built in 654, then we continued to a working abbey

11/21/2024

Yesterday we did a tour of the Bizy Castle. On the edge of Vernon, behind the trees that are hundreds of years old. It is a privately owned Castle and the woman living there is 91 with 2 gardeners and 1 servant. We also saw a collection of horse-drawn carriages and the Versailles- inspired stables. We had someone that could play the piano and so they let her play on the piano from the 19th Century. Then we had a pastry demonstration on board. Then we cruised to Les Ansley’s and visited St Sauveur Church, built in 1220. To end the day they did Karaoke on board!

11/20/2024

With stunning ocean views, elegant venues, and personalized services, your dream wedding awaits.

11/20/2024

Before we got onto the train to Paris, we did a stop at the Hotel-Dieu, Symbol of Beaune. Founded in 1443 by the chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, Hotel-Dieu, also known as the Hospices de Beaune, it is a true jewel of high gothic architecture. It was established as a charitable almshouse for the poor and needy who were dying at the time from famine and pestilence. We were told how the residents were treated, thanks to money earned from the hospital’s annual wine auction, and to see Van der Weyden’s “The Last Judgment” polyptych.

11/19/2024

Infinite possibilities and moments of pure bliss.