Tips for Planning Honeymoons and Destination Weddings at Sea 

By Windstar Cruises

Whether it’s a honeymoon in Tahiti or exchanging vows in the Mediterranean, a cruise delivers the perfect combination of romance and adventure. Small ship cruising caters to guests seeking intimate experiences, and from candlelit dinners to lounging on private beaches, there are endless ways to make a cruise a dream trip for two – or an entire wedding party. 

A cruise offers ample opportunities to relax, and there are plenty of activities for more adventurous travelers, like hiking in picturesque nature reserves, snorkeling in pristine coral reefs and scenic helicopter flights. A wide range of shore excursions allow guests to craft a dream trip around their interests, and many cruises offer enticing add-ons. For example, a number of Tahiti itineraries offer multi-night stays in overwater bungalows, which is the epitome of a romantic retreat — and very popular among newlyweds. 

Beyond appealing to couples seeking a romantic retreat, a cruise is an ideal way to celebrate a destination wedding. All-inclusive pricing makes it easy to control food and beverage costs for guests, and many cruises offer packages with hotels and flights, which makes travel logistics a breeze. From floral arrangements to wedding cakes, special romance packages help guests personalize all the details, and some cruise lines even have wedding planners to help with your special day. Simpler romance packages offer welcome gifts with flowers, chocolate, champagne and spa treatments, while more comprehensive packages include ceremonies, both for vow renewals and weddings. (It should be noted that wedding vows aboard cruise ships are generally non-binding, i.e., couples should make plans to legally tie the knot before or after their cruise wedding.)  

While it’s important to include key trip information on your wedding website and invitations (e.g., passport requirements, airport codes, info on ground transportation, etc.), a cruise takes most of the legwork out of the planning process. Consider reaching out to your preferred cruise lines ahead of time to get information on packages and pricing, so you can plan your dream trip — and make the most of your time with family and friends. 

When it comes to dining, guests can indulge themselves with everything from breakfast in bed to champagne toasts, plus five-star dining indoors or under the stars. Menu options offer both gourmet classics and a selection of locally inspired options, like fresh seafood, regional wines and of course, decadent desserts. With an expansive deck, a pool, a hot tub and indoor lounge areas, guests will find plenty of spots on the ship to enjoy, too. Full-service spas are yet another way to pamper yourself, and you can even get your hair and nails done at an onboard salon before exchanging vows.  

About Windstar Cruises

In 2023, USA Today included Windstar Cruises on their 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises list, and the previous year Porthole Magazine honored Windstar as the Most Romantic Cruise Line in their Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, Travel + Leisure included Windstar on their list of the 10 Best Intimate Cruise Lines, and Windstar is recognized for offering guests access to small ports and private tours across the world. 


Passport Delays Causing Travel Chaos 

By: Steve Diehl, Chief Corporate Development Officer – CIBT 

It is the traveler’s worst nightmare; you’ve meticulously planned a trip abroad, you’re packed and ready to head to the airport, and then you realize your passport is expired. Or it is lost, or damaged, or does not have the minimum validity required to travel overseas. And suddenly, your dream vacation is gone. 

A valid passport is the key to international travel. But most of us don’t think about our passports until we’re planning a trip or getting ready to leave. Unfortunately, the US Department of State, the body which oversees issuing passports in the United States, is currently dealing with unprecedented delays in processing passport applications and renewals. 

Photo Courtesy of CIBT

The State Department website lists the current passport processing times as 10 to 13 weeks. And this figure does not take into account the time it can take for a passport or passport application to be received by the processing center, and the time it takes for the completed passport to be delivered to you. This can add one to two weeks to the total, meaning your passport application or renewal could wind up taking 12-15 weeks, or more than three months! Even processing times for the extra-cost “expedited” service can currently take seven to nine weeks, plus added time for delivery.  

The root of the current backlog can be traced to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a record number of Americans hit the skies post-pandemic, demand for passport services has soared, resulting in the busiest year on record.  The US State Department has acknowledged the delays and is increasing staffing levels to meet the higher demand. Unfortunately, the State Department does not expect the processing delays to ease before early 2024. Even if you have a currently valid passport, you could still find your travel plans grounded. One reason this could happen is that many countries require visitors to have at least six months of validity on their passport after their expected departure date from the country you’re visiting.  That means if your passport is near its expiration date, you may have trouble visiting some destinations. 

Additionally, the physical condition of your passport can also pose a problem. Passports that are excessively worn or damaged could be rejected by immigration authorities. If you have legally changed your name since your passport was issued, this can also cause problems. If your name has changed, it is best to have your passport reissued in your current legal name. For frequent international travelers, not having blank pages in your passport for the addition of a visa or border control entry stamp can also cause you to be turned away at the border. 

Photo Courtesy of CIBT

If you’re planning to travel internationally, check your passport and look for factors like its expiration date, physical condition, and number of blank pages. If you need a new passport, or if you need to apply for one for the first time, be mindful of the current delays at the passport processing centers, and remember these delays are not expected to ease before 2024. 

So, what if you need a passport sooner? One option is using a passport expediter. These are private companies, like CIBT, who work directly with the passport agencies to issue a passport much more quickly than the standard processing service, sometimes in as little as a day, and typically within three to five days. To qualify for urgent passport processing, travelers must demonstrate travel within two weeks from time of application or 30 days if traveling to a destination that requires a visa, too. Visit our website at: https://cibtvisas.com/passport-information to learn how we can get you a passport, fast! 

About Steve Diehl

Steve Diehl is the Chief Corporate Development and Emerging Markets Officer for CIBT, the leading global provider of immigration, visa and document services for businesses and consumers. CIBT taps the passion and expertise of nearly 2,000 immigration and visa professionals, attorneys, and qualified migration consultants located in over 60 offices in 27 countries to empower people and organizations to live, work, travel and trade seamlessly through its global reach, local expertise, and customer-focused technology solutions. 


10 Surprises from African Safaris 

By Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) 

An African safari is a lifetime dream for many travelers drawn to the wildlife, game drives, and endless vistas. 

Overseas Adventure Travel presents the safari experience through the eyes and lenses of two Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) travelers, Barbara Robert and Petra Graves. Their photos bring would-be adventurers up close and personal to the unforgettable and surprising sights of safari life. 

O.A.T.’s Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari is one of its popular safaris. The trip is 17 days, with 12 nights in tented camps and lodges, and up to 19 game-viewing drives. Travelers visit Kafue National Park in Zambia, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. 

1.Views from above — “Floating over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, we witnessed a large pod of hippos gathered in the ever-shrinking pools during the Dry Season,” said Barbara Robert, who traveled with O.A.T. on its Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari  in October 2016. Safari Serengeti is a 13-day safari, including four nights in a private O.A.T. camp and up to eight game-viewing drives. Highlights include Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unflooded caldera in the world.

2. Cooling off — “Late October is the peak of the Dry Season,” said Robert.  “These zebras weren’t drinking — they were just having a spa moment! This scene was somewhere in the Serengeti of Tanzania.” 

3. It’s the little things — The “Wet Season” brings out the frogs in the Okavanga Delta of Botswana. “This fellow, balanced on a reed, was photographed while on a mokoro (type of canoe) ride through the narrow channels of the Delta,” said Robert, who traveled with O.A.T. on its Ultimate Africa in 2017. 

4. Girls and goats — Driving in Tanzania from Tarangire National Park to the Serengeti, Robert met this young Maasai herder with her goats. “The young boys tend the cattle, the girls get the goats,” she recalled. 

 © Petra Graves

5. Oh, the birds! Travelers expect to be excited to see game on safari. Discovering myriad beautiful birds with their incredible colors may come as a surprise. This photo by O.A.T. traveler Petra Graves illustrates the wonder of our winged friends. 

 © Petra Graves

6. Always keeping watch — Petra Graves’ lens captured this lion on alert, well-positioned to spot potential prey and dangers in the vast landscape. Graves has traveled on O.A.T.’s Ultimate Africa

7. Close encounters — “Out of the lush green bush appeared this large pachyderm. We paused in hushed wonder,” said Robert. She captured this scene in Botswana during the “Green Season,” which refers to the warm rainy months in Africa, a period that varies depending on the region. 

8. Luck of Mother Nature – Barbara Robert shot this photo on the Chobe River in Botswana during the rainy season. “If it hasn’t rained for four days, the elephants will come to the river to drink. There is plenty of water in the puddles in the forest, but after four days it has gone foul and not fit to drink. Smart elephants! Had we been there a day earlier, there would have been no elephants at the river.” 

9. Migration – “The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is something to behold,” marveled Robert. “Our guide at the end of the day asked, ‘How many animals do you think you saw today?’ The answer: Not a few thousand but, tens of thousands!” 

 © Petra Graves

10. African sunsets – This stunning image by Petra Graves illustrate the striking colors of the sunset along with the serendipity of birds in flight at just the right moment. 

Plan your dream vacation to Africa at https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/africa

About Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T)

Overseas Adventure Travel is the leader in personalized small group adventures on the road less traveled. Serving all travelers over 50, the company is known for its expertise in solo travel. Each group is 8-16 travelers, with an average of 13, on land adventures and 20-25 travelers, with an average of 22, on small ship adventures. O.A.T. is committed to changing people’s lives through travel by providing immersive cultural experiences that take travelers off the tourist track to witness and participate in the real side of a destination. O.A.T.’s focus on Learning & Discovery engages travelers with new, rich experiences, such as meeting local people and learning about their lives and cultures in 80 countries. Visit oattravel.com to learn more. 


From “What to do?” to Fully Planned Family Adventure 

A Mom is one phone call away from the family trip of a lifetime 

By: Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck President 

Last month, my summer vacation plans fell apart.  One son’s internship started earlier than expected, my eldest daughter’s art project needed advanced prep, and our carefully planned, two-week vacation with my husband and our four kids went “poof!” 

What remained was a three-week hole in my 14-year-old twins’ schedule.  Free time, cell phones and teenagers are a recipe for disaster.  I didn’t have time to spend hours researching new camp options.  My husband was out-of-town.  I wanted them to have some sort of meaningful experience.  What to do? 

Many families I know can relate.  With our over-scheduled lives, ever-present electronics, distant family members and unshared dinners, we crave time just to be together, unplug and laugh.  Knowing our time with our children is limited, we are eager to give them opportunities to learn and grow.   

A lot of work goes into planning family vacations (a task predominantly falling to moms), and that insight inspired Tauck to create the first global guided family travel brand.  On my first day at Tauck 22 years ago, our now-CEO Dan Mahar handed me a business plan on “family travel”.  We already had parents and grandparents wanting to give meaningful travel experiences and create great memories with their kids and grandkids.  They just didn’t want the hassle of planning it all. 

Back then, I only knew family travel through my own experiences.  My parents brought my brother and me along when my dad won sales incentive trips, and they always prioritized visiting my mom’s family in Germany.  Armed with my love of travel and the help of Dan and dozens at Tauck, we piloted Tauck Family Travel in 2002 (despite the setbacks of 9/11) and launched Tauck Bridges in 2003. 

Tombaugh family with local guides on Tauck’s Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure

Today, I have four children (one in college….in Switzerland!).  My affection and pride in Tauck Bridges only grows, and I appreciate what we call the “shared enrichment” we offer even more.  The recent, difficult Covid years emphasized how fleeting and precious family time is.  Nothing—nothing—enriches lives more than traveling together.  I’ve seen first-hand my son’s awe in spotting his first cheetah or my family’s unbridled joy biking in the shadows of Austrian castles.  Years later, when I thought my young son wouldn’t remember any of this, I found him writing the Ambassador to Tanzania for a school project and correctly retelling a story behind a painting we saw at the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague. 

Tombaugh family on Tauck’s Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

I also appreciate the ease of having someone else do the planning.  Adults, you get this.  You’re on the firing line of “What are we doing today?  I don’t want to do that!  How come he gets to decide?  Why is it taking so long?”  I’ve never been happier traveling with my family than when, after 10 beautiful (exhausting, for me) days in Switzerland, which my husband and I spent weeks organizing, we arrived aboard Tauck’s Blue Danube family river cruise.  When the same questions started, I simply said, “Go ask the Tauck Director.”  We could all laugh, enjoy and relax (even me!).  It was a gift for all of us.  It allowed us to be truly present with each other. 

Tombaughs on Tauck’s Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure

We often receive letters from our guests, and the ones that move us to tears are from our Tauck Bridges families.  A grandfather’s final wish to take his extended family on safari.  A seven-year-old’s crayoned picture of her family at the Grand Canyon. The grandparents’ photos of each year of travels with a different grandchild in London and Paris.  Stories of teenagers who met on a Bridges trip and stayed in touch for years (like my own!).  We even have employees now who first learned about Tauck through a Bridges trip they took with their families!   

So, last month, when my family vacation fell apart, what did I do?  I called our Tauck Reservations Center and booked us on Cowboy Country, a western adventure through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the great ranches and plains of Wyoming. 

I know I’ll be at peace, and the kids will be laughing and having a great time, as we ride off into the sunset. 

About Jennifer Tombaugh

Jennifer Tombaugh is President of Tauck, the US-based leader in guided tours and cruises serving all seven continents.  Jennifer joined Tauck in 2001 to help guide the creation and launch of Tauck Bridges, the company’s collection of 20 family travel adventures in North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America. As President (and as a member of Tauck’s Executive Team), Jennifer guides the company’s day-to-day operations while also helping drive its long-term direction and strategy.  Jennifer is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and is a Board Director at Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, The Lobkowicz Collections (Czech Republic) and the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut. She is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the International Women’s Forum of Connecticut.  

About Tauck

Founded in 1925, family-owned and operated Tauck is the world leader in premium-quality guided travel. The company offers more than 150 distinctive, enriching and all-inclusive land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and Tauck Bridges family travel adventures.   
 
Tauck travels to more than 70 countries and all seven continents, delighting its guests with exclusive, off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences as well as unique insider visits to popular “must-see” sites and attractions – all at incredible value, and all backed by the services of a professional Tauck Director.  Several Tauck journeys in the U.S. are the product of a partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, with elements exploring themes from his films including The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, The Civil War and Jazz.  

Over the years, Tauck has been honored with more than 200 awards for excellence and service.  In fact, Tauck is the only company to be named the “World’s Best Tour Operator” and the “World’s Best River Cruise Line” three times each by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. 

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Tombaugh

Header image courtesy of iStock


Navigating the Unpredictable: Unpacking the Most Common Travel Insurance Claims and How to Handle Them 

By: Redpoint Travel Protection

Photo Courtesy of Redpoint Travel Protection

Travel is, by nature, an unpredictable endeavor. We plot our journeys with meticulous detail, but life has a way of inserting unexpected plot twists. It’s these unforeseen curveballs that make travel insurance such a vital companion on our explorations. From medical emergencies to misplaced luggage, travel insurance is your lifeline when things veer off the itinerary. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common travel insurance claims and provide clear guidelines on what to do should you find yourself facing these predicaments. 

Medical Emergencies 

By far, the most common and often most significant travel insurance claim is for medical emergencies. A sudden illness or injury during your trip can not only ruin your plans but also cause a severe financial strain. If you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, it’s crucial first to seek immediate medical attention. Afterwards, get in touch with your travel insurance provider as soon as possible, ensuring you have all your medical documents at hand to file your claim effectively. 

Trip Cancellation or Interruption 

The second most common claim revolves around trip cancellations or interruptions. Unforeseen events like illness, personal emergencies, or even global crises can throw a wrench in the best-laid travel plans. In such cases, you should inform your insurance provider immediately. You’ll need to provide substantial evidence for the reason behind the interruption or cancellation, such as a doctor’s note for medical emergencies or documented proof of a significant event. 

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Luggage 

There’s little as frustrating as arriving at your destination only to discover your luggage took an entirely different trip. Loss of personal belongings can cast a shadow over any trip, but that’s where travel insurance swoops in to save the day. In the event of lost, damaged, or stolen luggage, make sure to report the incident to the relevant authorities or airline and obtain a written report. Contact your insurance provider promptly with these details to start your claim process. 

Travel Delays

In the realm of travel, delays are virtually a given. Whether it’s a missed connection due to a late inbound flight or a cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, travel delays can disrupt your plans significantly. With travel insurance, you can claim costs incurred as a result of these unexpected delays. Always keep all documents and receipts related to your delay as your insurance provider will require them when you file a claim. 

Now that we’ve covered the most common claims, let’s delve into some key steps on how to make an insurance claim: 

Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider 

The first step after any mishap is to contact your insurance provider. Most insurers have 24/7 hotlines for such emergencies. They’ll guide you on how to proceed, what documents you need, and how to submit your claim. 

Step 2: Document Everything 

Insurance claims thrive on evidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to document everything related to your claim. For medical emergencies, keep a record of all medical reports, prescriptions, and invoices. For lost luggage or travel delays, maintain all related receipts and correspondence with airlines or authorities. 

Step 3: Submit Your Claim Promptly 

It’s essential to file your claim as soon as you can to avoid missing out on your coverage due to time restrictions. 

The realm of travel insurance can be a maze of complexities. Still, by understanding the most common claims and knowing how to navigate the claim process, you can ensure you’re prepared for any surprises your travels may throw at you. Remember, the purpose of travel insurance is to be your safety net in unfamiliar territory. It’s there to support you when unforeseen circumstances threaten to disrupt your journey, bringing you peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most. 

Once you’ve submitted your claim, ensure you follow up if necessary. Keep track of your claim’s status and be proactive in providing any additional information that your insurer might need. 

In closing, while we all hope to avoid the need for making travel insurance claims, the reality is that unexpected incidents do occur. By understanding the most common types of claims and how to handle them, you can take control of such situations, ensuring that your journey doesn’t end on a sour note. 

With the right approach and proactive handling of the claim process, you can turn what might initially feel like a nightmare into a minor bump on your travel road. So, the next time you’re preparing for a trip, give your travel insurance policy the attention it deserves. Understand what it covers and the process of making a claim. That way, if life does throw a curveball your way, you’ll be ready to hit it out of the park. 

Remember, travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and a comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures that no matter what comes your way, your adventure can go on. 

About Redpoint Travel Protection

Redpoint Travel Protection is a one-of-a-kind protection provider. It provides an extensive suite of travel insurance products and emergency services for individuals and groups of all sizes. Backed by a seasoned team of experts, Redpoint offers unparalleled peace of mind to adventurers across the globe. With services such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and baggage loss insurance, to emergency medical and evacuation services, Redpoint ensures your safety and satisfaction are top priorities. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers, whether it’s an international family vacation, a solo adventure, or a corporate trip. Leveraging innovative technology and a responsive, 24/7 customer support, Redpoint effectively addresses contingencies, enabling clients to explore with confidence. Choose Redpoint Travel Protection, your reliable partner in ensuring safe, secure, and worry-free journeys. 


Kauai: A Day in the Life of Hawaii’s Oldest Island

By Dale Myers, Pleasant Holidays 

The islands of Hawaii are diverse: Maui is a mecca with its Seven Sacred Pools. The Island of Hawaii is bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, is the most ecologically diverse and has one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Oahu, the “Gathering Place,” draws the most visitors, due in no small part to world-famous Waikiki Beach.  

However, one of Hawaii’s smallest main islands packs one of its biggest punches and was the genesis of it all. Primordial Kauai, the “Garden Island,” was the first Hawaiian island to form approximately five million years ago and is home to the largest canyon of any island in the Pacific and Hawaii’s only navigable river.

9:30 a.m. 

Wailua River, East Side of Kauai 

“There are sharks in Wailua River so keep your hands inside the boat at all times,” the captain of our low-lying vessel only half-jokingly says. “Seriously though, we do see sharks here occasionally,” he adds, which prompts every passenger on the slow boat to the fabled Fern Grotto to look overboard.  

The banks of the Wailua River, which is fed from rains on Mt. Wai’ale’ale (one of the wettest spots on Earth), once served as the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of its ali’i (royalty). We dock at a small pier on the river and are let loose in the jungle. A well-trodden path winds its way through a dense rainforest and the faint melody of Hawaiian music beckons. We are greeted by a troupe of musicians performing the Hawaiian Wedding Song in front of the Fern Grotto, where couples are told they can now consider themselves married in the Hawaiian tradition. This evokes laughter in most, but terror in others. The jade-colored ferns of the amphitheater-like grotto appear to be swaying to the Hawaiian rhythms bouncing off the acoustically sound black lava rock from which they sprout upside down. 

2 p.m. 

Waimea Canyon, West Side of Kauai 

From the town of Waimea (Hawaiian for “reddish water”), I ascend Waimea Canyon Drive. In the distance is Hawaii’s privately owned “Forbidden Island,” Ni’ihau. Waimea Canyon, aka the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a 14-mile-long, one-mile-wide gorge that is more than 3,600 feet deep. From the Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10), the red layers of the canyon’s walls appear stained by the “reddish water” of the Waimea River, which helped carve the canyon in centuries past. In fact, however, the canyon walls are red due to lava flow that pooled and throughout the years turned from black to red. Across the canyon Waipoo Falls plummets 800 feet while wild goats cling to the cliffs. 

The road from Waimea Canyon ends at the Pu’u o Kila Lookout (mile marker 19), with its panoramic views of Kalalau Valley, the largest valley on the Nāpali Coast. Although only 11 miles across to Ke’e Beach, there is no more road, thus making circumnavigation of Kauai impossible unless on foot, so it’s back in the car for more than 80 miles of driving to see its paradisiacal lagoon. 

5 p.m. 

Hanalei, North Shore of Kauai 

I stop briefly in storied Hanalei to visit the 19th-century Wai’oli Hui’ia Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The helicopters from Waimea Canyon beat me to the other side of the island and are swarming near the silver-threaded waterfalls cascading from the sheer cliffs behind the green church.  

6 p.m. 

Ke’e Beach 

Eight miles from Hanalei driving past some of the most scenic land on Earth and I land at Ke’e Beach. Ke’e, ironically, means “avoidance,” but is rather so enticing I sprint to the shore and immerse myself in its warm-water lagoon as the sun starts to dip below the cathedral-like Nāpali Coast mountains. The heavy surf pounds the protective reef and washes over the lagoon as the trade winds ruffle the palms. I can see the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, which traverses the Nāpali Coast and is perhaps the most famous hike in all of Hawaii. I don’t know if I’m more amazed by this quintessential tropical setting straight out of a Melville novel or the fact that I experienced all this majesty in just one day.   

Find your dream vacation to Hawaii at https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/hawaii

About Pleasant Holidays

Founded in 1959, Pleasant Holidays is one of the largest tour operators in the U.S., offering vacation packages, flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, travel protection and related travel services to the world’s most popular destinations including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Central America, Las Vegas, Orlando, New York, Canada, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora and French Polynesia. The Company’s portfolio of travel brands includes Pleasant Holidays, Journese, Air By Pleasant and Pleasant Activities.  

Dale Myers is the Digital Content Editor for Pleasant Holidays. He has traveled extensively throughout Hawaii and Europe.  


Eight Immersive Travel Experiences in Manitoba

By: Melanie Swenarchuk

The province of Manitoba, nestled in the heart of Canada, offers visitors a chance to embark on extraordinary eco-friendly tours, discover captivating Indigenous attractions, and indulge in immersive cultural experiences. With its untouched natural landscapes and commitment to sustainability, Manitoba beckons travelers seeking genuine adventure and a deeper connection with the destination’s history and environment. Read on for eight heart-stirring adventures you can experience in the middle of Canada. 

1. Experience an Arctic Safari

Churchill, known as the polar bear capital of the world, is one of the few human settlements where these majestic mammals can be viewed in the wild. In the summer, visitors have the opportunity to see thousands of beluga whales gather at the mouth of the Churchill River. In the fall, travelers can see polar bears roam the Hudson Bay coastline, spot other arctic wildlife and marvel at the beauty of the tundra. The dazzling northern lights appear at night and are another main attraction. 

Tour operators like Churchill Wild and Frontiers North Adventures offer ways to see wildlife while minimizing your impact on the environment. You can get up close and personal with polar bears in an electric Tundra Buggy® with Frontiers North Adventures. Due to zero-emission vehicle technology, this new type of Tundra Buggy® means minimal disruption to the bears and their natural habitat.  

Or join a walking tour with Churchill Wild for your chance to see polar bears and wolves in the wild. Your ground-level safari will be led by a professionally trained guide to help keep you and the polar bears safe while protecting their natural habitat. 

2. Celebrate Indigenous cultures at The Leaf – Canada’s Diversity Gardens  

The Leaf – Canada’s Diversity Gardens is one of Manitoba’s newest attractions with indoor and outdoor spaces that explore connections between people and plants. The Gardens at The Leaf is a 30-acre revitalized outdoor space divided into six uniquely themed gardens touching on connections with food, our senses and Indigenous cultures and languages.  

Each detail of the Indigenous Peoples Garden was inspired by Elders and community members who came together to create this unique outdoor space. From the wood carvings to the fire circle, each piece was thoughtfully chosen to create a place to learn, connect and celebrate Indigenous stories, cultures and languages. Access to the outdoor gardens is free and events are held in the Performance Garden throughout the summer.

3. View thousands of pieces of Inuit art in one place 

Qaumajuq is a stunning addition to the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the city’s downtown area. Its architecture was inspired by Canada’s northern landscape; its unmistakable white stone façade echoes the vastness of this land of snow and ice. Inside, a three-storey glass vault filled with thousands of Inuit carvings greets visitors. Qaumajuq houses the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art at over 14,000 pieces, each piece representing the story of Canada’s North.  

4. Learn about Indigenous rights at the world’s only museum for human rights 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is impressive not only for its innovative architecture it’s also the world’s only museum dedicated to the topic of global human rights issues. The Indigenous Perspectives Gallery at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a dramatic space that tells the story of First Peoples. The dedicated gallery is complex, sometimes uncomfortable and also beautiful, but it’s not the only place where Indigenous stories are told. Throughout the museum, the history of colonial violations collides with stunning artworks and thought-provoking images to offer a modern and ever-evolving perspective of human rights.  

5. Visit the National Indigenous Residential School Museum

For more than 60 years, the three-story brick building near Portage la Prairie was home to one of Canada’s enduring shames—the residential school system. Now the Rufus Prince Building, named for a survivor of Portage la Prairie Indian Residential School who served in the Second World War and became chief of Long Plain First Nation, has been transformed from a place of hurt to a place of healing. Inside the National Indigenous Residential School Museum, artifacts and documents create a memorial to those who attended the schools and help survivors along on their healing journeys.  

6. Stay at the Wyndham Garden Ode Akiing Hotel  

Winnipeg’s newest hotel is located on the first urban reserve in the city – the Long Plain Madison Reserve. Wyndham Garden Ode Akiing is a full-service hotel located on Treaty 1 Territory only a short drive from the airport and nearby attractions such as Winnipeg’s CF Polo Park Shopping Centre and Assiniboine Park.  

7. Celebrate Manito Ahbee Festival 

Add a powwow to your summer plans this year. The annual Manito Ahbee Festival in mid-May in Winnipeg celebrates art, music, culture, dance, filmmaking and food, and kicks off the powwow season across Turtle Island. The Grand Entry is not-to-be-missed as dancers and elders formally open the event, followed by workshops hosted by knowledge keepers to learn cultural customs and the basics of language.  

7. Walk where the spirit sits 

Bannock Point Petroforms echo the shapes of humans and snakes, birds and turtles, all carefully arranged in moss-covered rocks on Canada’s Precambrian shield. Diane Maytwayashing, an Anishinaabe knowledge keeper, takes visitors on guided walks of the sacred site, sharing stories of the teachings and healings that continue to this day through ceremony and song. Visitors learn about the original name of the site—Manidoo-Abi—that loosely translates into ‘where the spirit sits.’  

Find your dream vacation to Canada with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/canada

About Travel Manitoba

In Manitoba, we know the longing for travel is felt in the heart. Whether your heart needs quiet, or it needs to race, sing or reflect, Canada’s Heart is Calling. Travel Manitoba is a source of trip inspiration for bucket-list adventurers, outdoors enthusiasts and arts and culture explorers. Manitoba is located in the middle of Canada and is home to a thriving urban hub in capital city Winnipeg, wide-open landscapes and pristine wilderness throughout the province. 

About the Author: Melanie Swenarchuk is Senior Market Development Manager and an expert on all things Manitoba. See https://travelmanitoba.com/travel-trade for more information.   


The Plight of the Forest Person 

By: Ralf Korber – SITA World Tours

Wake up is at 3am. Breakfast. At 4am we get into our two boats, ten of us in each simple, open craft to go down the lower Kinabatangan River to the Bornean village of Sukau where a bus will be waiting returning us to Sandakan airport.  The river is wide here. It is dark and low fog is hanging over the water. The stars and half-moon are beautiful, but we cannot see the riverbank. A strangely delightful experience. The remoteness of this place is palatable. And how do the boat drivers navigate safely in this foggy darkness?  

Lodge at the River

Our small group had spent three days in a rainforest lodge at the Kinabatangan, Orangutan and other wildlife trekking. We were folks in our 60s, 70s and three of us were octogenarians, all nature and animal lovers. Most of us visiting were aware that the world we had entered was under threat. Three days earlier on our two-hour ride from Sandakan to the tiny hamlet of Sukau, where the boats were waiting to take us upriver, we had transited a landscape of rolling hills with palm oil plantations. These palms lined up in orderly rows to the horizon. A man-made landscape. Impressive and at the same time ominous. The home of the Orangutan no more.  

Orangutans

The rainforest the Orangutans call home today is a relatively narrow stretch of secondary forest along the river. Primary forest lands here had been logged decades earlier we learned. Classroom style information shared with us at the rainforest lodge was honest and thorough. Informative maps highlighted the remaining wildlife space in comparison to the vast surrounding palm oil lands truthfully. 

Patches of rain forest along the river, a few square miles each and not all connected to each other. “Does this mean the Orangutan population cannot cross breed to keep the gene pool healthy”? “Do they cross over the palm oil plantation space to the next forest patch”? Those were questions we had.  They were met by euphemistic answers. “The government is aware”, we were told.  And “Orangutans are the slowest breeding mammals and inbreeding issues would earliest become a challenge in 100 years”. 

Borneo

Nevertheless, trekking through these forests is a rewarding adventure. The nature guides we had contracted were phenomenal and much needed. All of us were from US metro areas and therefore had developed urban sensory expertise. Useless here. The guides saw things we would not. The trekking itself is not always easy. One must cross creeks and ditches and while it is fun to slide down a muddy embankment, try to climb up on the other side. Some of us needed help, a push or pull. The nature guides performed well in this, too. It made for good laughs as did the ever-present leech avoidance efforts.  The lodge sells leech-socks at a nominal fee, a garment most were unfamiliar with, but all added quickly to their wardrobe. And one can rent rubber boots.  

With the help of the guides, we found orangutans in the forest including a mother and son duo.  Magic moments.  For a minute the thought of danger confronting these amazing animals is forgotten.  

Macaques

Some of us also took boats to travel to the forest. Ideal for older visitors. There are plenty of natural side channels to the Kinabatangan, some of them narrow. It is easy to meet a variety of rainforest creatures. During one such moment, we came across a 23-member troop of Long-Tailed Macaques. The sun was setting; bedtime. The adults were already resting on various branches of a large tree right at the water’s edge, yet one juvenile couldn’t settle down and visibly annoyed the seniors by jumping around. We lingered for a while watching the spectacle. An Asian elephant family delighted with considerable noise a few moments later. 

The touristic service part of our visit was impressive. Nature guides enhance the experience. The river lodge was well done, built on an elevated wood frame construction to keep distance to the forest floor. There were two-bedroom units to each chalet. The units were air conditioned. The power is solar cell generated with traditional generators as emergency backup. Daily fresh food. Malaysian cuisine is fusion cuisine by cultural default, a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian. Very tasty.   

We learned a lot. A question remains: how will the Orangutan, a creature with about 97 percent of our own DNA, survive man’s relentless expansion into their habitat?  Or will they?  

About SITA World Tours

With 89 years of exemplary service in travel, SITA remains as the go-to tour operator for exotic destinations worldwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SITA is renowned for its highly experienced team of international specialists and is dedicated to travel excellence in every element of its programs. As a deluxe, luxury tour operator specializing in Packaged, Independent, Customized and Groups travel, SITA has become a key source for both the Consortium and Agent network nationwide. SITA’s well-planned tours focus on a destination’s culture, history and unique geography providing the greatest value to clients.  

About Ralf Korbner – SITA World Tours

Growing up on a horse ranch in Germany with a younger brother, two cousins and lots of animals, travel was part of our annual family rhythm as long as I can remember. Summers were spent in Italy or Spain, winters in Austria for skiing and there were trips to the Baltic Sea or along the Rhine and Mosel with visits to castles and towns along those rivers. After graduating from high school on an island in the North Sea and while a university student in Germany, friends and I drove all over Europe during summer vacations. Those trips also included Turkey, Morocco and several of the countries then still behind the Iron Curtain. I became a member of the travel industry community after completing my studies at a California university. Visits to countries in Asia, Africa and travel in Australia and New Zealand have since broadened my geographic and cultural knowledge. 


Poland 
Open hearts. Open arms.  

The people of Poland have a long tradition of welcoming guests and for centuries accepting travelers under their roof was a matter of common courtesy. Today, visitors can experience this hospitality both in big-city hotels, picturesquely located manors and palaces, and in the idyllic surroundings of agro-tourism farms or vineyards. You’ll be greeted by friendly smiles as you visit Poland’s historical cities, museums, castles, and breathtaking national parks.  

Poland is the perfect destination for travelers who are looking for an unforgettable trip to the heart of Europe, and today more and more people are travelling with a purpose. They choose their destinations based on what is happening around the world and in addition to visiting beautiful landmarks and stunning national parks, they want to make a difference in the lives of others.  

In recent months, Poles have shown heartwarming solidarity toward their Ukrainian neighbors by welcoming them into their homes. The Guardian suggests that by visiting Poland tourists can boost the country’s heroic efforts to help Ukraine because these Ukrainian guests are often employed in the Polish tourism industry.  

2023 started off strong for Poland! Warsaw won the prestigious title of the most attractive tourist destination in Europe in the European Best Destinations 2023 contest. A total of 686,000 people from 178 countries participated in the contest. Warsaw received 142,081 votes, beating Athens, which received 91,000 votes. In addition, Warsaw broke the record in the “European Best Destination” contest, previously held by Porto in 2017 with 138,000 votes. In a recent CNN Travel article, Poland tops the list of 23 destination ideas for 2023. CNN reports that as many countries have dropped most of their pandemic restrictions and people are traveling internationally in large numbers, experts are optimistic about a continued travel rebound to pre-pandemic levels. CNN notes that travelers “are charging full steam ahead into the new year” and suggests that they can enjoy a city break in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Poznań or to get away from it all by experiencing the forests, lakes, and mountains of Poland’s countryside. We couldn’t agree more and here are a few ideas for your trip to Poland: 

Castles and Palaces 

There are over 500 castles and 2,500 palaces scattered all over Poland and visiting them is a fascinating journey through the ages. Whether preserved or restored, castles and palaces are full of life these days. Many of them are home to museums and education centers. While some serve as venues for cultural events or outdoor sound and light shows, others function as luxury hotels with spa facilities. Restaurants in castles and palaces take diners on journeys to the times of hunters’ parties and opulent feasts of the Polish nobility of olden days. For mouthwatering tastes of Poland, click here.  

UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

Travelling around Poland, it is worth noting its many unique historical and natural treasures. Some of them have been entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They include castles, historic urban areas, churches, old mines, and even forests. Alongside their unquestionable value for global cultural and natural heritage, they are also must-see tourist attractions. Next to Kraków, Toruń and Zamość, where the architecture of the historical city centers never ceases to enchant visitors, the list also includes Warsaw’s Old Town. More information on UNESCO world heritage sites can be found here

Tatra Mountains

Health Resorts and Spas 

From the Baltic Sea to the Tatra Mountains, Polish resorts offer a perfect mix of nature holidays combined with the beneficial effects of medical, relaxation, and beauty treatments. Any stay in a Polish health resort is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The many sanatoriums and spa centers around the country take full advantage of Poland’s extensive cultural and natural treasures, which include fascinating tourist attractions, beautiful scenery, invigorating microclimates and rich natural resources. Consult this guide about the leading Polish resorts and see for yourself why their unique value proposition attracts thousands of guests from all over the world.

Poland is waiting for you with friendly smiles, open hearts, and open arms, so come experience all that it has to offer.  

Find your dream vacation to Poland with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/poland

About Polish Tourism Organization

The objective of the Polish Tourism Organization is the promotion of Poland as a modern, attractive country offering travelers a high standard of services and appealing prices. We carry out work focused on the promotion and development of Polish tourism both at home and abroad.


Blooming Marvelous!

The Gardens of Britain and Ireland

By: Noreen Bowden, CIE Tours

The splendid gardens of Britain and Ireland are treasure troves of history and heritage. Many are located on the grounds of the most magnificent castles, palaces, and stately homes, offering a wonderful natural counterpoint to the grand architecture nearby. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing. 

Kensington palace and gardens, London, UK
©Shutterstock

Kensington Gardens: Kensington Palace in the heart of London has been a royal residence for centuries – and the garden is one of Britain’s most beloved. This beautiful oasis includes The Sunken Garden, with elaborate plants and an ornamental pond. The Serpentine Pavilion features the latest architectural innovation in gardening. Don’t miss the Elfin Oak sculpture, made from the hollow trunk of an ancient tree and carved with figures of fairies, elves, and animals.  

Leeds Castle Gardens: Leeds Castle is one of England’s most romantic castles. The fragrant and colorful gardens reward visitors with something wonderful to see in every season. The Culpeper Garden, a wild oasis inspired by a cottage garden, is full of rustic, fragrant blooms. The Lady Baillie Garden is full of succulents, with plenty of park benches to relax on. 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the farmhouse where the wife of William Shakespeare lived as a child, is in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile west of Stratford-upon-Avon.
©iStock

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon is a thatched-roofed cottage, surrounded by 12 acres of grounds, that was once the home of William Shakespeare’s wife. The picture-perfect garden was largely designed in the 1920s, and features many plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. It also includes many heritage plants that have been grown in England since the 17th century. An ornamental orchard blooms with spring bulbs. 

Blenheim Palace Gardens: Formal gardens surround the magnificent Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The majestic Water Terraces, the Italian Garden, the delicate Rose Garden, and the tranquil Secret Garden with its hidden treasures, all offer their own unique beauty and charm. 

Inveraray Castle Gardens: The fairytale Inveraray Castle features two acres of formal gardens with a stunning collection of flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and bluebells. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens, see the many fine trees, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch.  

Castle of Glamis in the highlands of Scotland
©Shutterstock

Glamis Castle: Like the 650-year-old Glamis Castle, the gardens are full of stories. The Italian Garden is reminiscent of the Edwardian era, with a thrilling kaleidoscope of color, a stone fountain and gravel walks. The Walled Garden, with its bridge set among rows of shrubs and perennials and a large central fountain, was inspired by Monet; it has supplied the castle with fresh fruit and vegetables for centuries. The Nature Trail offers spectacular trees planted by the 13th Earl in 1870; many are among the tallest of their species in Scotland.  

Abbotsford House Garden
©Shutterstock

Abbotsford House Gardens: The gardens at Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, could come straight out of one of the famed writer’s historical romances. The South Court includes fabulous Gothic details. The Morris Garden is a sunken garden with old roses and peonies among the paths. The Walled Garden, where Scott grew his fruits and vegetables, includes a rare glass house. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the River Tweed, flowing along the scenic border region between Scotland and England. 

Mount Stuart House Gardens: Mount Stuart House on Scotland’s Isle of Bute is an innovative Victorian home inspired by astrology, art, and mythology. The 300 acres of gardens include collections of global significance, with plants that have been introduced over centuries. The mix includes unexpected tropical plants, winding woodlands, and The Pinetum, home to more than 800 towering conifers. It’s all set against the striking Firth of Clyde. 

©Blarney Castle and Gardens
 Courtesy Blarney Castle and Gardens

Blarney Castle and Gardens: Ireland’s Blarney Castle is famed for its legendary stone that bestows the gift of the gab, but visitors shouldn’t miss the 60 acres of gardens and arboretums. They are full of surprises, including the Carnivorous Courtyard, with plants that lure their victims with colorful leaves and pungent scents only to trap them with glue or tentacles. The Poison Garden includes plants that are used in modern medicines. The Rock Close is said to be the site of an ancient Druidic settlement.  

Irish National Stud and Gardens
©Failte Ireland
Courtesy Failte Ireland

Irish National Stud and Gardens: Located in the heart of Ireland’s horse country in County Kildare, the National Stud is the home of thoroughbred champions. The gardens are equally winning, with a splendidly serene Japanese garden that traces the journey of a soul from birth to the beyond. St. Fiachra’s Garden, named for the patron saint of gardeners, was inspired by the lives of medieval monks; it is designed with a focus on rocks and water to create a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. 

About CIE Tours

Travel with CIE Tours, the premier tour operator into Ireland and Britain – offering dozens of expertly crafted vacations to Ireland and Britain to suit every travel style and taste, from the camaraderie of coach tours and custom group travel to a variety of independent adventures, small group tours and personalized private driver experiences.  See CIETours.com for more information. 
 
Noreen Bowden is the Content Manager for CIE Tours. She is a writer and editor who has lived and worked in Ireland and traveled extensively throughout Ireland and Britain. 

The images above are being shared solely for the promotion of CIE Tours and may not be used or distributed for any other purpose.