Solo River Cruisers Save Money This Fall

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Scooter

Are you eager to see the world but can’t find a traveling companion? There’s no better way to see the heart of Europe than on a river cruise. Now, solo river cruises just got better with Avalon Waterways®. River and small ship cruising is dominating the cruise market, and fast becoming the hottest, “must-experience” travel genre. Traveling on waterways that weave together the history and lore of villages and countries is the most intimate, scenic and experiential way to vacation.

Avalon Tapestry in Germany

It’s time to discover the charm of each port-of-call with included sightseeing. You’ll learn fascinating inside stories from expert English-speaking local guides. Travel according to your own personal style ~ without paying a single supplement!
Continue reading →

Posted in Danube River Cruise, Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches, River Cruise, Solo Travelers, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Experience St. Petersburg, Moscow and the Heart of Russia

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Scooter

Looking for a new destination to cross off your bucket list? Russia is a unique blend of the old and the new, unlike any place you have ever visited. We invite you to see for yourselves! Join us June 25, 2012 on a Viking River Cruises® Waterways of the Czars itinerary.

June is the perfect time to consider a cruise through Russia. Not only are the destinations amazing, but the ship is, too. The Pakhomov has been recently renovated for your convenience and enjoyment, not to mention the fact that these ships have been dubbed the best ships in all of Russia.

Check out this video featuring the Russian itinerary:

Continue reading →

Posted in Culinary Travel, River Cruise, Russian River Cruise, Travel Bucket List | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Handy New Free Travel App From Austrian Tourist Office

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Scooter

Sailing on a Danube river cruise that includes Vienna or other Austrian ports-of-call? A new and free smartphone application called “Austria. Unique Like You” was recently unveiled by the Austrian Tourist Office. Available for iPhones, Blackberry as well as Android phones, the app is designed as a personal guide to travel experiences in Austria. The app pledges “one-of-a-kind suggestions and ideas for discovery and exploration beyond the ordinary,” as well as an easy slider system for accessing travel information based on the user’s interests. The app is not only designed for the pre-planning stage, but is also a handy tool while in Austria. The “Near Me” feature promises that users can easily access sites around them using their GPS.

Viennese Cuisine

World-Class Dining In Vienna

Continue reading →

Posted in Danube River Cruise, European River Cruise, River Cruise, Travel Tips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Have An Appetite For A Cooking Vacation?

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Scooter

I’ve recently discovered Food & Wine Vacations which specializes in culinary vacations and wine tours. Their concept is “touring with a local that will show you the back door to a region.” They create cooking-vacations and wine tours with the forethought of a trouble-free cultural immersion that will create long-lasting memories.

Whether you want to explore Italy, France, Mexico or Morocco, there are cooking vacations which include cultural tours, local market visits, daily hands-on cooking classes with local chefs, dining in villages restaurants, wine tasting, visiting and tasting artisan products.

Continue reading →

Posted in Cooking Vacations, Culinary Travel, Special Interest Travel, Wine Tours | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

AmaWaterways Reveals Wine Theme Cruise Details

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Scooter

Exclusive wine theme cruise details have been announced by AmaWaterways. Scheduled to sail in October and November of 2011, timed to coincide with harvest time in Europe, on select The Romantic Danube, Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel, Enchanting Rhine and Europe’s Rivers and Castles itineraries, these cruises will showcase Europe’s wine regions.

This video from Burt Wolf describes the six 2011 departure dates.

Continue reading →

Posted in European River Cruise, Wine Theme River Cruise | Tagged , | Leave a comment

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Scooter

On our recent Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary aboard Avalon Waterways Creativity we opted for the Auvers sur Oise shore excursion ~ one of the included choices. This is the charming village where Van Gogh spent his last three months, churning out 69 paintings in 70 days!

Van Gogh's Grave in Auvers sur Oise
Continue reading →

Posted in Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches, River Cruise | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Crystal Cruises “Hole-In-One” For Golf Fans

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Scooter

Crystal Cruises just announced it is adding a golf theme to its 12/21/11-1/4/12 Hawaiian holiday sailing. The Crystal Symphony voyage sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles joins two other golf-themed cruises already scheduled July 22-August 2, 2011 on Crystal Serenity in Great Britain and November 27- December 8, 2011 in Portugal and Spain. Legendary pro golfer Billy Casper will headline all three.

Crystal Cruises Golf Theme Cruise

Continue reading →

Posted in Golf, Special Interest Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How To Get The Best Value For Your Travel Experience

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Scooter

It’s been said that travel agents are part financial adviser and part golf caddy. Why?

Personal finances are critical to all of us, especially now! With the right relationship, we fully entrust the placement of our funds to financial advisers. Travel is the most frequent high ticket expenditure consumers make, meaning you put your trust in travel professionals. The trust factor is what enables you to validate a sizable travel purchase, similar to a financial investment.

Golf caddies are very much like travel professionals. Those with strong, long term relationships make recommendations based on their player’s historical ability to hit specific shots with a club the player is most comfortable using. Their job is to ultimately make suggestions the player can select from.

As travel agents, we guide our loyal clients through the maze of travel alternatives by listening, by understanding your travel goals and aspirations at each “life stage,” and knowing your travel “hot buttons” when you seek advice and counsel for travel options before making a final decision.

Apple Vacations has created a video detailing the value of using a travel agent. Take a look:

Explore Apple Vacations many travel options.

Need more information? We service many of our clients entirely through email:

  • Click Here To Email Us

  • or by phone – 800-372-1963

    Follow VacationBuzz on Twitter

    Also. . .I have a New Facebook Page. Please check it out, and “like” it if you do.

    • Posted in Travel Agent Value | Tagged | Leave a comment

    River Cruising ~ The Value Factor

    Posted on May 2, 2011 by Scooter

    By now it’s no secret. River cruising is exploding. But, not all river cruises are created equal. It’s critical to choose the right cruise line, not just the right itinerary, to maximize your vacation experience. I’ve just returned from an Avalon Waterways cruise aboard the Avalon Creativity sailing from Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches. Wow, it’s as good as it gets!

    Paris France Eiffel Tower

    Avalon Waterways has risen to the top of this growing market by doing one thing well—listening to its guests. Every aspect of the Avalon experience is tailored to the preferences of the passengers—from the scenic stateroom views to the engaging stories told on shore. Avalon is your answer to legendary river cruises and inspired design.
    Continue reading →

    Posted in European River Cruise, New River Cruise Vessels, Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches, River Cruise | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

    Benefits Of Using A Travel Agent

    Posted on April 11, 2011 by Scooter

    Planning a river cruise vacation? Demand for the comfort, convenience, and cultural diversity that can only be found along the world’s most famous waterways is growing exponentially. But which one? Mark Murphy talks to Steve Sanders of WGN Chicago about using a travel professional versus online booking. Mark discusses how in most circumstances using a travel agent costs no money and some of the benefits of seeking help from a travel professional.

    If you are considering a river cruise, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

    Need more information? We service many of our clients entirely through email:

  • Click Here To Email Us

  • or by phone – 800-372-1963

    Follow VacationBuzz on Twitter

    Also. . .I have a New Facebook Page. Please check it out, and “like” it if you do.

    • Posted in River Cruise, Vacation Trends | Tagged | Leave a comment