Crafted Travel by Robin

05/03/2024

There is only one thing better than a sunrise, and that’s a sunrise from an airplane window while taxiing for takeoff.

03/26/2024

My local airport, Lancaster Airport (LNS), made an exciting announcement this morning that Breeze will have nonstop flights to Orlando twice a week starting in October. I am proud to have played a small part in the announcement event and pulling it together in only two business days! A big shoutout goes to local vendors Erik Lagaza from ITP of USA printers (backdrop, podium sign, and foamcore poster) and Lancaster Flower Co. (balloon arrangements and flowers).

08/28/2023

I'm sharing a quick read from a popular travel site "The Points Guy". It highlights techniques that I employ when traveling and I highly encourage others to use if you travel Internationally at least once per year. If you want advice on any of the tips listed, reach out to me.

Ways to make travel better
by Katie Genter, Senior Writer
Last week, I saw a line with an estimated 20-minute wait for standard security at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). After looking at the long line, I got into the TSA PreCheck line, which had less than a three-minute wait time.

About a half-hour earlier in the immigration hall, I’d bypassed the long U.S. and Canadian citizens line and instead used Global Entry. All I had to do to reenter the U.S. was look at a camera on the kiosk and then walk toward baggage claim after the immigration agent called my name.

While in South Korea, China and Japan over the last few weeks, my husband and I withdrew local currency out of ATMs since we knew our bank would reimburse any fees. We didn’t need much cash, though, as we paid for most of our purchases using a credit card without foreign transaction fees.

I also have Clear Plus as another option to save time when going through airport security in the U.S. And I have Priority Pass lounge membership through several of my travel rewards credit cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express.

I give all these examples to illustrate that there are many things you can do to make travel easier and more comfortable. Now is a great time to get a new card or enroll in benefits on your current cards to help you travel better during the busy winter season and beyond.

01/05/2023

Who is getting excited for our trip in just two short months? I am! These photos were taken by a passenger on the Havila Castor two nights ago. Looks chilly but oh so beautiful. If you don’t have or haven’t purchased baselayer clothing, I suggest you do so. Sales are happening now!

12/16/2022

How wise are you? Now is the time to plan your 2023 adventure.

11/27/2022

Their story isn’t much different from John and mine. We decided to invite our family and friends, and now there are 19 of us on this very special journey in March.

https://stories.havilavoyages.com/the-journey-to-the-northern-lights/index.html?fbclid=PAAaa697opVQs8GsSubNjg8Kw-L_NpC7w_d_EmUD-JLtsY-xevA29I67Rey1U

A fervent hope of seeing the northern lights led Vicky and Paul all the way from Miami to Norway. What they experienced during their voyage along the Norwegian coast exceeded all expectations.

09/27/2022

The Havila Voyages Northern Lights promise. We will see them or we will cruise again at no cost! I just had a cabin open up for our March cruise. Message me for info.

08/17/2022

Travel has just improved greatly for those in the Lancaster area. The bus will transport you to/ from the Philadelphia airport two times a day. Take advantage of the free parking at LNS and sit back and relax as you travel to PHL.

05/04/2022

Today is Global Travel Advisor Day and the perfect day to announce that on April 14 I passed my Travel Institute Certified Travel Advisor exam. The exam included sixty questions worth one point each and four essay questions worth ten points each. I’m excited about this step in my career as a Travel Advisor and what this commitment means for my clients.

04/27/2022

Loving these days in Cinque Terre, Italy, with family.

04/09/2022

It's not too late to join our group on the Hurtigruten 12-day Roundtrip Norwegian Coastal Express in search of the Northern Lights. Group rates and benefits expire May 5, so don't wait. If you have not already joined the Northern Lights 2023 group page for all the details and are interested, just comment below and I will get you added.

03/17/2022

St. Patrick’s Day harkens wonderful memories of Ireland. See you again later this year!

02/15/2022

Today is the day!

Even if you aren't attending the group trip next March, you can still join the webinar to learn more about the Norway Coast.

No need to pre-register; just click on the link below at the start of the webinar.

https://hurtigruten.zoom.us/j/87374659924

If you are having trouble connecting, copy and paste the link above into your browser, or open the Zoom app and enter the Webinar ID: 873 7465 9924

It will be recorded for those unable to attend.

02/10/2022

I’m hosting a special webinar with Carly from Hurtigruten to introduce you to the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures you will experience on a Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express voyage. She will also tell us about MS Richard With, the ship we will be sailing on in March 2023, and answer any questions you may have.
Registration information will be available this weekend.

02/05/2022

A couple weeks back I spent 11 days aboard the Anthem of the Seas from NYC to the Southern Caribbean. It was a beautiful ship with friendly service.

11/23/2021

The Mediterranean is on my Destination Map, and I plan to explore it via a cruise. Royal Caribbean recently introduced the biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas, bringing even bigger adventures to the award-winning Oasis Class. It just may be the ship I choose.

Save Up to $150 on 2022 Departures... Plus! >>>MORE

11/23/2021

Isn’t it time for our biggest Black Friday Sale ever? For a limited time, get 50% off 2nd guest cruise fares and up to $300 to spend on board when you book by November 30th. This year, treat your friends, your family, or even yourself to something a little extra special with .

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Offer! >>>MORE

11/10/2021

March 2023 is going to be a special month. Over 20 of you have expressed your interest to learn more and planning has kicked off with Hurtigruten for locking down space and group rates on one of their Norway Coastal Northern Lights cruises.

If you are interested in more information and haven't reached out yet now is the time!

https://youtu.be/vOToeTj2lC8

🚢

In winter, the light along the norwegian coast is at its most beautiful. The sun lies low on the horizon and for weeks, and north of the Arctic circle, it di...

10/19/2021

I am very impressed with the protocols in place for my Emerald Princess Panama Canal cruise:

💉100% vaccination rate
➖pre-boarding negative test
😷masks required in indoor public space
🥗🍱🧆🍛🥟🍑Tapas style deliciousness in the buffet
🪣🧽cleaning after every passenger leaves a space
🛳➖testing during cruise, at no cost to passengers

Well done, !

10/16/2021

Time for the next adventure. My first cruise on and my first cruise out of the Port of Los Angeles.

10/07/2021

I love the European breakfast of fresh bread, fine butter, savory meats, and local cheese. Eating in my room with a view like this is a bonus!

10/05/2021

On our way to our final destination on the - Budapest. The second Captain navigates the narrow locks without spare space. The First Captain took us down to the Parliament building so we could view it from the Danube before returning up river to our docking location. A beautiful sunset for our last evening.

10/05/2021

From the smallest to the largest, every stateroom on the is beautifully designed to maximize space.

09/27/2021

Happy World Tourism Day from Munich!

09/06/2021

If you live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, there are some great cruise rates out of Cape Liberty and Baltimore. No need to purchase plane tickets and deal with the hassle of flying. Learn more:

https://craftedtravelbyrobin.com/2021/09/05/new-career-new-problems/

I’m now three months into my new career and I’ve uncovered an issue. I love to travel and suffer from FOMO. Now I have visibility to all these great travel offers and I want to take adv…

08/16/2021

Magnificent Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. The grounds are extremely well maintained and perfect for afternoon strolls. This is yet another popular tourist location that was practically all to ourselves. .ie

08/14/2021

The Cliffs of Moher were breathtaking this evening. What made the experience even better was the lack of crowds. Going at Sunset after all the tour buses and day trippers have left is definitely the trick.

08/09/2021

The beautiful Rock of Cashel. While visiting here we spoke to three young ladies from the states. They decided to visit Ireland only two weeks ago. They called a friend’s parent, who was a travel agent, and within a few days had a tour arranged.

08/06/2021

An advantage of traveling now is that the museums control admissions for social distancing. It’s like having it all to yourself.

07/31/2021