Relaxed Travel Escapes

12/05/2024

Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list?
Photo Credit: Sherman Hogue/Explore Fairbanks

A short drive north on the Steese Highway just past the city lights of nearby Fairbanks, Alaska, offers stunning viewpoints of the Aurora Borealis from August to April each year. Fairbanks in Alaska has to much to offer, depending on the time of year you visit.

I particularly like the winter and aurora season because of the likelihood of seeing the Northern lights but you are so close to the Arctic Circle you can take a photo with the Arctic Circle sign or go and visit the famous Denali National Park.
There are hot springs, dog sledding, and ice art festivals to make a visit during the winter season special.

Ask me about the short trip Thursday to Monday package escapes. And remember, as Alaska is a US state, you don't need your passport to visit. Oh, and most of the places in Alaska don't charge sales tax.

12/04/2024

Ask me anything about Australia? I'm a native born Aussie you see and I love talking to people about my home country. I hear so many people say "Australia is on my bucket list" and my question to you, if you're one of those people is, "What's stopping you from visiting?"
It is such a beautiful and vast country and there is more to see than the Sydney Opera House. Don't get me wrong, I love Sydney and it's the gay capital of Australia, but I'm going to tell you to visit Melbourne. It is so multicultural and the food and coffee are amazing.
So, if you have any questions about travelling to Australia, please ask me.
I'd love you to plan to vacation there in 2026.
And no, you won't be met by snakes, spiders, blue ringed octopus or kangaroos as the airport when you arrive.

12/03/2024

There are so many wonderful places to experience in the Center of Portugal that you will want to spend a week there. I recently got to experience this region on my very first visit to Portugal and I just want to go back. If, like me you love history and culture, it's the place for you. Centuries of history and buildings still standing. The lower photo is in the walled city of Obidos, such a fascinating place to experience, with it's cobblestones and walls surrounding the entire city.
Then there were the visits to the monasteries including one that is now a beautiful hotel. The Baroque library at the University of Coimbra is not to be missed and if you want to experience Venice in Portugal then you must also visit Aveiro.
Top that all off with stops in Lisbon on the way in, and Porto on the way out of the country and you have gifted yourself one very special vacation that you won't forget in a hurry.
What about planning your next vacation there in April or May, it's the best time to travel.

12/02/2024

Did you know that from January 8, 2025 if you are a US passport holder you will need to apply and be approved for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom, which includes Northern Ireland?

The application process is relatively simple, although you need to have yourself organized before you begin the process as it doesn't save your application as you work through it.

You need a photo of your passport, another very recent photo that is taken in a specific way, the ability to scan your face (during the middle of the process), and other particulars within the 20 minute window of applying.

The process, once you have submitted your information says that it will take up to 3 days to receive your ETA result back. After completing mine I receive an approval email within an hour.

Currently it costs around $13 USD to apply. What's great is that it asks where you are located and charges you in your local currency.

So, if you are planning on visiting the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales) next year head to the official site to apply for your ETA.

If you are planning a trip and using a Travel Advisor, they will likely have applying as part of your overall trip plan.

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

11/16/2024

I don't know about you, but for me I love learning about the culture and history of a region or country. Whether that's learning about the history, or the story of the indigenous people, I feel more connected to the place.

Today I finished learning about the Indigenous tourism in Canada. A Country close to the USA, that can be visited separately, or via cruises on either the East or West Coasts.

If you are wanting to immerse yourself in Canadas indigenous culture look for the 'Original Original' branded businesses. They are the certified indigenous businesses. Not only will you learn from these people, but you will be supporting the local communities.
Indigenous Tourism BC Indigenous Tourism Alberta

10/24/2024

Making our way to the center of Portugal for our visits. Wind farms. Cork Trees. Highways. Toll booths. 4 hours of easy driving and we made it to our destination.

10/23/2024

Yet another stunning day here in the Algarve. A busy day yesterday meeting with suppliers that will make any vacation to Portugal unique. Amazing evening at EPIC last night.

10/22/2024

Learning about the wonderful destination with

10/22/2024

Welcome to Lisbon and Portugal. Flying Thank you for a beautiful smooth flight from JFK New York.

10/20/2024

I did make it to Central Park. Now I can say I’ve been. Such fun sitting on a bench in the warm sun quietly people watching. Such a busy place.

10/20/2024

When the goal was to visit Central Park but you find there is an amazing Elephant Exhibit closing today, you just have to detour. This exhibit is called The Great Elephant Migration. Such amazing pieces of art.

10/20/2024

Let the adventures begin. Arrived in New York with a full day of exploring before catching my next flight. Next Stop

10/09/2024

Today's early morning and sunset photos from Unbelievable colors. Do you prefer or ? I can't choose on days like this. Magical nature.

10/08/2024

Getting ready for my very first experience. Looking forward to Ka!. Have you seen it?

10/08/2024

The many faces of Las Vegas. What do you like to do in ? For my birthday bash it's a show, a walking tour, and a hockey game.

10/07/2024

If you love Art go visit the "Words Mean Everything" art show in Portland. Such a wonderful exhibit.

09/24/2024

Cunard Queen Elizabeth. Loved the interior. Lots of great spaces to sit and relax and enjoy cruising. Different shows onboard. Lots of different art work. Pool or spa?