2 Cruise Lines Implement New Age Restrictions on Young Travelers
Two of the world’s biggest cruise lines are cracking down on young travelers cruising on their own. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line quietly changed their minimum age policies in February 2025. They are still two of the most family- and kid-friendly cruise lines out there, with cruise guests of all ages welcomed. The change is for young adults traveling without an older grownup. Now, to sail unaccompanied on either cruise line, guests embarking from North American ports must be a minimum of 21 years old. That’s up from the previous minimum age of 18. From now on, a Royal Caribbean guest under the age of 21 will have to be accompanied by someone over 21 (parents or guardians may be in... more
Scotland’s Cool-Weather ‘Coorie’ Culture
Denmark has ‘hygge,’ and Scotland has ‘coorie.’ Eons of winds off the North Sea and a bracing climate have given both countries enticing traditions for staying cozy and cheerful year-round. And if you travel to Scotland outside the sunny summer months, you can immerse yourself in Scottish nature and elements of Scottish culture you can only truly appreciate when there’s a chill in the air. Like the Danish ‘hygge’, the closest word in English to the Scottish Gaelic word ‘coorie’ may be ‘cozy.’ It refers to a way of life that promotes a sense of comfort, warmth, and contentment in intimate settings where you can escape the cold weather or even the world at large and focus on the people closest to... more
Stay in 5 Real-Life Hotels in Thailand Where They Filmed ‘White Lotus’ Season 3
From Hawaii to Sicily, and now to Thailand, the hit HBO dramatic series The White Lotus has captivated viewers and inspired travelers with its double appeal of intrigue in luxury hotels and their location in exotic destinations. Season 3 shines a spotlight on the Thai destinations of Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok as the exotic backdrops of the intrigues of this dark-comedy, hit TV mystery. Fiction can merge with travel reality for The White Lotus fans. You can stay for real in any of the multiple Thai hotels that stood in on the screen as The White Lotus Thailand on the country’s second-largest island of Koh Samui in Season 3. In the series, the fictional The White Lotus is portrayed as the world’s... more
Beyond the Nightclubs: World Heritage Reasons to Visit Spain’s Balearic Islands
Before Ibiza earned its reputation as the world’s hot spot for beach club nightlife and its electronic dance music scene, the Balearic Islands stayed under the radar of all but the most in-the-know of European travelers. Now the secret’s out – but there’s so much more to these four Mediterranean islands off the coast of Spain than global celebrity DJs and beautiful people having a beautiful time. In fact, this enchanting archipelago, made up of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and yes, Ibiza! offers visitors sun-kissed beaches and stone formations, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, sunsets and lighthouses, hippy markets and living history.Even if you enjoy a dose of late-night electronic dance partying at a stylish beach club, you’ll want... more
Sandals Reveals Top Trends in All-inclusive Vacations – and Where You Can Find Them
Travelers are looking for more than sun and sand from their all-inclusive vacations – and Sandals and Beaches Resorts has its finger on the pulse of your island holiday fantasies. Their parent company, Sandals Resorts International, has revealed the most in-demand practices and innovations that are transforming Caribbean vacations – and where they’re already being implemented in resorts you can book now. Sandals Resorts has 17 luxury beachfront, adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. From butler service and exquisite cuisine to top-shelf spirits and groundbreaking suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, the company is known for innovations that continue to elevate your all-inclusive vacation. Sandals Resorts has pioneered... more
Aruba, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic: New Resorts to Try on Your Next Caribbean Vacation
What’s better than a mid-winter getaway? The chance to test-drive a new resort before any of your friends, or try a new, tropical destination. Ask us about your best options for escaping to any of these three new resorts, in three favorite Caribbean locales - with three very different beach vacation styles! And the best part? All three belong to resort families with loyalty programs, so you can be racking up points while relaxing on the beach. Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive ResortStyle: Family or Adults-only Vacations in 2 Separate SectionsDestination: Dominican RepublicLoyalty Program: Marriott BonvoyThe first Marriott all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic - in fact, in the entire Caribbean - has opened. It follows an extensive renovation of the former... more
This Popular Ocean Cruise Line is Launching River Cruises!
If you love Celebrity Cruises on the seas and have always thought of taking a river cruise, mark 2027 on your calendar. That’s when Celebrity River Cruises is launching – and you can book your place on one of the first European river cruises by this ‘modern luxury’ cruise line this year! In an announcement that took cruise and travel fans completely by surprise, Celebrity Cruises has revealed it has ordered a whopping 10 river cruise ships right out of the gate. The cruise line tells us their river ships will have the same atmosphere, hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style as Celebrity’s beloved Edge-class ocean ships. It adds the upcoming fleet of river cruise ships will... more
Dive Into Local Tradition at the Caribbean’s Only Channel Swim
For nearly a quarter century, it’s been the premiere open water swimming event of the Caribbean. And again this March, swimmers from around the world challenge themselves on the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim – the only channel swim in the Caribbean. The 2.5-mile expanse of scenic water of the “Narrows” strait between the sister islands might not represent the longest or most difficult channel swim in the world, but it might be one of the prettiest. With Nevis’ famous, verdant volcanic peak behind them, intrepid swimmers start at Oualie Beach in Nevis and end at Spice Mill Restaurant in Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts. Along the way, they may spot sea turtles or rays sharing the stunning, sparkling, jewel-toned waters... more
Tahiti and More: Gems of French Polynesia to Discover on Your Paul Gauguin Cruise
There’s magic in the word ‘Tahiti.’ It conjures up visions of the ultimate tropical escape and sailing serenely through pristine, jewel-toned waters that kiss the undeveloped, palm-lined shores and reflect dramatic peaks. Part of one of the most remote and romanticized regions of the world, the mere mention of Tahiti evokes fantasies of cruising through an exotic paradise – isolated from a busy world. No wonder Tahiti is a bucket-list destination. But Tahiti is not alone. Here’s a primer on a region begging for exploration by luxurious, small ship like the Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship that is devoted exclusively to the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises’ itineraries begin at week-long sojourns through the South Pacific, and you can also connect them back-to-back... more
The Coldest Cruise in the World? Ponant Inaugurates Icebreaking Winter Voyage
It's the first time ever that a cruise ship has navigated the frozen St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada - in the WINTER! Carving new horizons for small-ship, luxury expedition cruising even more than Antarctic and Arctic cruises, which are held during the summer months. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Ponant's CEO Herve Gastinel, on board Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot on the occasion of the inaugural icebreaking passage. We dive into what makes Le Commandant Charcot perhaps the only luxury, small expedition ship capable of pushing the boundaries of this kind of expedition cruising, and why Quebec, of all the winter maritime destinations in the world, attempted this incredible new feat of cruising. Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot is... more
‘Cultivate’ Your Green Thumb in the Gardens of Britain This Year
The coldest weeks of the year inspire dreams of lush blooms and garden idylls, which just happen to be the calling card of the essential English lifestyle. Plan a trip around one of Britain’s dazzling flower shows and visit iconic gardens at stately country homes. 2025’s Flourishing Flower Show CalendarGet your horticulture on at one of Britain’s flower shows, with their rich tapestry of blooms and garden artistry in 2025. From ‘cutting’ edge designs to rare plants to dramatic installations and serene oases, Britain’s garden shows celebrate gardening traditions and push horticultural boundaries. Discover the latest plant varieties, take part in gardening workshops, pick up tips and the latest nifty gardening tools, and enjoy family-friendly activities, often live music and local food... more
Attention Cruise Travelers: Save During Wave!
Welcome to Wave Season! Wave after wave of promotions, offers and perks that make booking your next – or your first! - cruise irresistible. Cruise lines compete to outdo each other during Wave, and that gives you the opportunity to save money, get some extra perks to spoil yourself – or sail into new cruise horizons! Navigating WaveWith all the different kinds of discounts, promotions, perks and savings, it’s important to understand their differences, relative values, and especially, to compare deals ‘apple to apple’ to make sure you’re getting the best deals on the best cruise for you. An expert travel advisor is your best bet to help you maximize your cruise travel budget and ensure you make the most of Wave... more
Important Passport Advice For Travel this Year
Don’t let this happen to you! I know a family who recently missed their holiday – and lost nearly everything they’d spent on their vacation – all because of a completely avoidable travel document snafu. It happens more often than you think – but it shouldn’t happen to you. Here’s the sad story: For their first trip as a family, the parents got the kids their first passports but planned to travel on their own existing passports, which were still valid from their honeymoon a few years ago. They knew their destination didn’t need a visa, so they thought they were good to go. Wrong. The couple has a travel journalist friend (ahem!) who had been at their wedding and did some quick mental... more
UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux to Boost Biodiversity through Cuisine
The UN agency championing the world’s cultural and scientific treasures, and the prestigious association of hundreds of independent, unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, have joined forces to support global conservation and biodiversity through global culinary traditions. The director-general of UNESCO points out, “Never in history has nature experienced such dramatic decline. One million species – of the eight million identified to date – are facing the threat of extinction. With one voice, UNESCO and the Relais & Châteaux Association are calling for us all to change our perspectives and practices with regard to food and reestablish a balance between humankind and the environment.""I see gastronomy as a powerful vector for change and we must fundamentally rethink the way we approach... more
Travel Good News Stories to End – and Start – the Year Right
It feels like we could all use some good news right now – and luckily, this year, travel has provided us with lots of reasons to feel hopeful and uplifted and that doing something we love – travel – can also be doing something good. The world of travel is showing us that not only can travel be good for us, it can also be easier for us and easier on the world whose travel treasures we seek to experience. Travel is good for you By now, it’s pretty well-known how travel is good for our spirits and stress levels. A study conducted on one cruise line shows ‘slow travel’ at sea can even boost our brain function - from memory, to... more
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Royal Caribbean’s New Lineup of Short Getaways 2026-27
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Ponant Explorations Launches New, Sailing-Ship Itinerary to the French Riviera in 2026
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Sober-Curious and Run Clubs: New Tours for Gen Z’s Wellness Trends
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AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys Partner on Collection of River Cruises
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Princess Cruises’ Nostalgic Diamond Anniversary Voyage Celebrating 60 Years of Sailing
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Limited Time Offer: Free Land Packages on Select AmaWaterways River Cruises
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