Travel & Vacation

A few months back, we asked our readers to submit some of their favorite family vacation photos for our monthly contest. 

There are few things as beautiful as the tropical islands of Hawaii. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, lush tropical scenery, exotic sightseeing, and spectacular activities, Hawaii is an unparalleled vacation destination that should be experienced by all. Whether you’re looking for a wonderful and bonding family vacation or a romantic getaway with your special someone, Classic Vacations has a Hawaii trip perfectly suited for you.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the “Number One River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and their Platinum Circle for having made the list consistently for the past five years, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Queen and River Beatrice number one and number three of all cruise ships in the world, respectively, along with eight other highly ranked ships in the top 40 river ships category.

Enjoy the most inclusive cruise experience ever. This is cruising as it was meant to be — a luxurious world where everything is included without exception and without compromise. Personal service soars into the sublime aboard our elegant ships, liberating you to follow your heart, fulfill your desires, and explore in complete and absolute comfort. Expect gratifying luxuries. Anticipate the world’s most exotic destinations. Indulge in world-class cuisine. Trust that your voyage will be enlightening in ways you never imagined. Regent Seven Seas Cruises® promises an extraordinary experience. Enjoy … It’s all included.

Experience the most dramatic assemblage of actively calving glaciers in North America with Holland America Line’s Inside Passage cruise itinerary. Journey through the forested islands and majestic mountain ranges of the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Skagway on this classic Alaska cruise vacation. Dine on fresh salmon and Alaska King Crab legs. Treasure the rare experience of getting close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. Step back in time to the Klondike gold rush on the antique White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge railway in Skagway. Explore native culture and Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan.

Los Angeles (October 17, 2013) – Currently celebrating the biggest year in its history, Viking Cruises® (www.vikingcruises.com) has again been named “Best River Cruise Line” in Cruise Critic’s® 6th Annual Editors’ Picks Awards, both in the U.S. and the U.K. Recognized for its expansive fleet of new ships and the number of choices it can offer guests around the world, Viking® was selected by Cruise Critic’s international team of editors.
“To again receive Cruise Critic’s top award for a river cruise line is a wonderful testament to the entire Viking team,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.

Tauck family vacations are designed to spark a passion, inspire a sense of wonder or enrich understanding – and when these experiences are shared with loved ones, they bring you closer together. At Tauck, they take care of every detail of your vacation... so you can do, see and be together as a family on the adventures of a lifetime.
When traveling with your family, you want it to be perfect.  Here are four reasons why you should choose Tauck.

While planning for a vacation to a faraway place should be exciting, it can also be extremely daunting.  Exploring different cultures, from food to customs, entertainment and more, can be overwhelming, whether you are traveling alone or with a group.  Vacations abroad can be intimidating if you aren’t fluent in the local language, but having a guided tour with experts who know and understand the culture, gives you a sense of comfort, allowing you to experience your vacation with ease. 

We’ve all done it, spent hours on the internet trying to secure what we thought were perfect travel plans, but do you really trust everything you see online? 
Imagine this scenario, you and your family are stuck at an airport or your business meeting is looming and your flight was canceled, who do you call?  We all have dreamed of the perfect vacation and needed an experienced person to guide us.  Whether it is a tour of the vineyards of Italy, cruising on the enchanting Riviera, or the Alaskan glaciers, it’s always a good idea to use the services of an experienced travel agency.

Princess Cruises announces a groundbreaking cruise honoring U.S. veterans, which is expected to raise $1 million for two respected veterans’ organizations – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Operation Homefront.
The Western Caribbean cruise, sailing November 5 through November 9, 2013, roundtrip from Houston aboard Caribbean Princess, will feature special guests and onboard activities to celebrate veterans.

It’s time to set sail on one of Oceania Cruises beautiful ships and indulge in luxury, dine at one of their many gourmet restaurants and enjoy all the amenities of an Oceania Cruise experience.  Accommodations are equally alluring, featuring rich Wenge walnut paneling, supple designer fabrics and sumptuous residential furnishings; they are a study in comfort and elegance. Marina and Riviera are the only ships at sea to features suites designed and furnished by Ralph Lauren Home and noted interior designer Dakota Jackson.

Escape to the Mediterranean and discover all its splendor and magnificence.  With a stunning coastline, tiny coves and ports, get whisked away to an enchanted land, with intimate picture perfect settings just for you. 
With tall sails catching the wind against the beautiful blue seas, step aboard the Windstar and cruise to the Mediterranean in style.  Windstar sailing cruise offers one of the most unique small-ship voyages in the world. 

For over 35 years Insight Vacations has been designing the world’s finest escorted touring itineraries. Insight Vacations are experts in touring Europe where they visit 43 European countries, the most of any operator, and are the leading escorted tour operator in the Eastern Mediterranean and offer the same legendary high standards and perfectly planned touring itineraries to guests travelling to North America, India and Nepal.

New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan.  With a population of only four million people it’s also gloriously uncrowded.

New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting our Maori heritage dating back 700 years and European settlement in the late 18th century.
Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures) are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings.  A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

Americans are known for their love of vacation and travel.  You’ve earned your vacation so make sure you use it.  Studies show that taking relaxing vacations can be as important to good health as regular exercise.  Common sense also tells us that it’s essential to take time away from work to relax and recharge.

Escape the pressures of civilization and step back into time.  Visit a whole new world surrounded by beauty and rich history.  Explore ancient cities, castles, walk down narrow cobble-stoned streets and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Take a voyage unlike any other aboard the Seabourn and experience history just off the decks of your cruise ship.  Spend the days ashore, taking pleasure in seeing things you’ve only read about before.  

So you are all packed and ready to travel for the holidays. You have booked a nice hotel by the beach and are ready to enjoy with family or friends. Your tickets, passport and all related travel documents are in your hand. Your carry on is ready and has all the stuff you could need on the route to your vacation. You leave the house on time and reach the airport exactly on the time you had calculated.