Yes—and now they’re called travel advisors. They could be more helpful than you may think.

Read More: How to use a travel agent (nationalgeographic.com)

Escape the winter cold for a tropical paradise on this 12-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, aboard Royal Carribeans Odyssey of the Seas!

January 26 – February 7, 2026

• Cape Liberty, NJ
• 2 Days at Sea
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• St. Johns, Antigua
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Castries, St. Lucia
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• 3 Days at Sea
• Cape Liberty, NJ

Odyssey 2026

Myths are a difficult thing to defeat. Once they’ve rooted in the collective consciousness, they seem obvious, self-evident. Oftentimes, they take firsthand experience to shake off; other times, a knowledgeable voice can be enough to start dislodging a falsehood. Read on to see what cruising is really like nowadays. We hope you’ll see how silly some of these myths truly are.

Read more here: https://www.travelleaders.com/travelbetter/7595/Shared/?nav=0&agentId=258522

When it comes to a wonderous vacation abroad, nothing elevates an already life-changing trip like more. More days abroad is just what the doctor ordered — except how can you extend your trip while on a cruise? Have no fear; thanks to land packages from Ama Waterways, you can make the most of your vacation by staying for a few days before or after your cruise. Here’s a primer on what that entails, and two of our favorite options.

Read more here: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190453405/europe-travel-visa-etias-how-to-apply

There are plenty of reasons to pick a cruise for your next vacation, but unless you’re already “in the know” about them, you might not know! For one, many of the most intriguing destinations in the world can be explored via a cruise vacation — think sparkling coastal towns, picturesque villages or serene island lagoons. Pair that with the ease of unpacking only once while enjoying a different adventure every day and the advantages of cruising begin to register loud and clear. But that’s just the start; let’s delve into it a little further.

Read more using the link below:

https://www.travelleaders.com/travelbetter/7595/Shared/?nav=0&agentId=258522

 

If you know where to look, adventure is everywhere. The adventures you and your family take are an excellent way to bring your family closer together, expand your worldview, and help you feel young and vibrant.

1. Antarctica: Traveling to Antarctica is the pinnacle of exploration, from crossing the world’s most treacherous sea to seeing pristine ecosystems. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, trekking across glaciers or the polar plunge is considered a right of passage.

2. Austria: If you love winter sports, traveling to Austria won’t disappoint. There are tons of adventure opportunities, including exploring the rolling hills on a fat bike or Segway, snowshoeing, and tobogganing down mountainsides. You can also climb a frozen wall!

3. Belize: There is no shortage of adventurous opportunities in Belize with its array of wildlife, stunning coastlines, thick jungle, and world-famous reefs. Belize’s Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world. Your trip can also include climbing through caves or exploring Mayan ruins.

4. Canada: Canada is our world’s second-largest country, which means endless adventure opportunities. You can walk with polar bears, watch grizzly bears, and canoe in isolated lakes to watch moose. Not to mention, because Canada’s coastline is the longest in the world, there’s a plethora of coastal adventures!

5. Chile: Nestled snug between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, Chile’s Patagonia Park gives explorers endless opportunities when checking out Torres del Paine National Park. Check out the Atacama Desert, where you’ll feel like you’ve landed on the moon while exploring geysers and salt flats.

6. Costa Rica: Families traveling together love heading to Costa Rica for its gorgeous mix of animals, ecosystems, and ways for adventure lovers to relish in them. From surfing schools to relaxing in hot springs, there’s something for everyone. If you prefer staying on land, you can explore 28 national parks, go on canopy walks, and go ziplining.

7. Galapagos Islands: With its location 600 miles from Ecuador, animal lovers and outdoor adventurers feel like the Galapagos Islands are heaven on earth. You can explore Devil’s Crown, an extinct volcanic cone near Floreana Island. Watch sea lions sunbathe on Gardner Bay’s beach or check out the tortoises in Santa Cruz, and more!

8. Greenland: Greenland’s outdoor activities, untouched landscapes, and indigenous culture tick off boxes for many adventure travelers. From hiking past herds of reindeer on the Arctic Circle Trail to kayaking among the Southern Fjord’s icebergs, there’s no shortage of adventurous activities in this country!

9. Guatemala: There are plenty of adventure opportunities in Guatemala. For example, you can take a one-hour hike up Volcano Pacaya or go overnight camping near Acatenango’s summit. With the country featuring 30 volcanoes, endless wildlife watching and kayaking, adventure travelers won’t have trouble finding fun things to do!

10. Iceland: While mainstream travelers flock to the country’s most famous sites along the Golden Circle, there are plenty of other opportunities for adventurers to dig in their heels.

No matter if you want to hike Iceland’s wide-open spaces to become part of the land of fire and ice or snorkel between the European and North American continents, this country is the epitome of adventure.

 

Travel to Dublin to cruise along the river Liffey. See the Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to gain insight into the establishment’s impressive history. While enjoying Trinity College take a legendary look at the 9th-century Book of Kells. Before the end of your day grab a pint at Guinness Brewery and see this luscious logger history.

 

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Travel down and see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. Take a stop at the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840s vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. Travel to Cobh to walk this harbor town. This was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and was also the main point of embarkation for Irish emigrants between 1848 and 1960. Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Tour the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle to see glorious 17th-century tapestries, family portraits, and sumptuous furnishings reflecting the lifestyle of the Butler family who once resided there.

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Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. Visit Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe. Stop in the picturesque village of Adare, with its thatched cottages and colorful garden, before proceeding to Limerick for a panoramic tour.

 

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Travel along the coast of County Clare to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the churning Atlantic. Drive through the austerely beautiful landscape of the Burren on your way to Galway. Take a walk through the thriving historic city of Galway, see its charming medieval streetscape, filled with small local shops and cafes, and many street musicians.

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Travel north to Claremorris to visit Ballintubber Abbey, known as “the Abbey that refused to die,” Ireland’s only royal abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. Visit Belleek Pottery, then follow the Atlantic shore to Donegal town. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Visit the historic city of Belfast, taking a panoramic tour to see grand government buildings, the peace wall, and the docks where the RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit the magnificent Titanic Belfast, a high-tech attraction that will immerse you in the story of the doomed liner.

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FUN FACTS:

• The Colorful Georgian Doors of Dublin are a very historical architectural hallmark. 

Legend has it that after the death of Queen Victoria, in 1901, the English Parliament ordered the citizens of Dublin to paint their doors black in mourning; however, in an act of rebellion, they painted their doors different colors instead. 

• Local Lingo 

Dia Dhuit (Hello)           Mucker (Friend)     Gargle  (Beer or alcohol)
Slán leat  (Goodbye)      Póg (Kiss)                 Pint of Gat  (pint of Guinness)
Sláinte  (Cheers!)           Craic (Fun)               Jammy (Very Lucky)

• Must-Have Souveniers 

Irish Whiskey   ~  Aran Sweater  ~  Wool Blanket  ~  Waterford Crystal

Northern Italy

From the winding canals of Venice to the Dolomites’ white-domed peaks, Northern Italy is a magnet for lovers of nature, art, and literature. The city of Verona is even the alleged backdrop for Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story. Besides museums and history galore in the renaissance capital of Florence, northern Italy offers a range of romantic day trips for couples, ranging from vintage car rentals to vineyard tours and cooking courses. For those seeking a luxury getaway, many high-end hotels and resorts wind around Lake Como, which is easily accessible from the metropolitan city of Milan. Boasting alpine views in a tranquil lakeside environment, Lake Como provides visitors with the chance to kick back and live like the rich and famous (George Clooney even has property nearby).

Koh Samui, Thailand

Discover your personal paradise on Thailand’s second-largest island. Sporting sandy beaches and pristine waters, Koh Samui is an affordable high-class vacation spot with temperatures in the 70s and 80s all year-round. Celebrate being pampered in this tropical paradise with couples’ massages or morning Tai Chi. Koh Samui provides the optimal opportunity for beachside meditation or lazy mornings with your sweetheart.

Maldives

A list-topper for lovers of all ages, the Maldives is unique for its coral islands, which means scuba diving and snorkeling are possibilities for travelers. Many popular local dive sites take advantage of the coral’s natural beauty, and some even offer the chance to swim with sharks. Spas, hotels, and eco-friendly resorts abound in the Maldives, so there is no shortage of luxury treatment and accommodation. For a high-end getaway that feels removed from society, the Maldives is the perfect couples’ retreat.

Iceland

What could be more romantic than watching the Northern Lights dance pink and green above you in the night sky? A land of geysers, glaciers, and other natural wonders, Iceland is the ideal vacation spot for an adventurous couple that can appreciate beauty and solitude. With a rental car, you can make your way to any one of the numerous attractions on offer. Facilities throughout the country provide opportunities to swim in hot springs, which, aside from being incredibly soothing, are rumored to have magical healing powers. Several of the country’s gushing waterfalls are also must-sees, including Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall when measured in pure water volume.

New Orleans, Louisiana

It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, and that place is New Orleans. If you’re looking to get your party on while avoiding the dreaded jetlag brought on by an international trip, New Orleans presents the perfect option for a stateside weekend of fun. Chock-full of historic southern charm, New Orleans has more to brag about than just its nightlife. With rotating carousel bars, bead throwing, and shotgun houses, the city is quintessentially Southern and stays true to its heritage. Creole influences can be noted in the food, and a date night that involves Jambalaya or po boys followed by a stroll through downtown is a must. And of course, you can’t pass up on Sunday morning coffee and beignets, a city staple and the perfect hangover remedy after a busy weekend.

Traveling with that special someone is a whole new way of getting to know them and yourself. Spontaneous adventures, mishaps, and language barriers provide the ultimate opportunity to learn more about your partner and knock down walls, regardless if you’ve known them a few months or several decades. It can also add spice to the monotony of your day-to-day relationship by allowing opportunities to experience new people, places, and foods together.

New memories

First and foremost, traveling with your significant other allows you both to expand your horizons by exploring new restaurants, museums, and ways of life. Tasting bizarre local foods, for example, is a cultural learning and bonding experience. While wandering through bazaars or trying to decipher Greek, you’ll create memories you’ll both remember for years. And maybe you can collect images for a photo album while you’re at it, too.

Stronger relationship

Aside from just being fun, traveling can bolster your relationship and strengthen it from the inside out. Travel requires a lot of planning and communication, as well as compromises on food, accommodation, and more. You are bound to face challenges like getting lost. Being able to navigate these obstacles with your partner successfully can build a healthy relationship with open communication. Travel also means you’re repeatedly forced out of your comfort zone and may encounter new behaviors from either yourself or your partner.  Seeing a different side to your partner can be a great chance to learn more about each other and reconcile your differences.

Feel safe

Being alone in a new place is daunting. Luckily, having someone by your side who knows and understands you can make all the difference. You never have to worry about walking home alone at night, and you know that someone has always got your back if you land in a sticky situation.

Increased romance

After months of the same predictable schedule at work and home, a disruption in routine can be just what a relationship needs to rekindle that romantic spark. It is important to experience new things together as a couple, and traveling can help jazz things up in a relationship.

Importance of relationship

Going on vacation is a blast, as are the unforgettable experiences of travel. But at the end of the day, every vacation must end, and when it does, there’s nothing better than looking forward to the warmth of home. Yearning for the familiarity of your home and the resumption of your daily life together as a couple is the sweetest ending to any trip and can remind you just how meaningful your relationship really is to you.