Ireland truly earns its reputation as the Emerald Isle, dazzling visitors with unbelievable scenery, warm hospitality, and layers of history and culture at every turn. Whether travellers want wild landscapes or vibrant city life, Ireland delivers endless adventure and charm.
Cliffs of Moher: These dramatic sea cliffs on the Atlantic coast are among the country’s most photographed sights, with walking trails and panoramic views that never disappoint.
Dublin & Galway: Ireland’s cities are lively, packed with music, traditional pubs, literary legends, and historic architecture. Don’t miss Dublin’s Temple Bar or Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter.
The Wild Atlantic Way: This iconic coastal drive reveals ever-changing scenery — rugged headlands, hidden beaches, colorful villages, and centuries-old castles.
Giant’s Causeway: These fascinating basalt columns in Northern Ireland form a UNESCO site steeped in myth and geology.
New for 2025: Ireland’s first marine national park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara in Kerry, adds even more nature and wildlife to explore.
Traditional Music & Craic: Experience the authentic Irish spirit through nightly music sessions in local pubs, vibrant festivals, and everyday warmth from locals.
Food Adventures: Indulge in Irish stew, fresh seafood in coastal villages, and a pint of Guinness at the Storehouse Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin.
Sports & Events: Whether it’s catching an exhilarating rugby match or joining a countryside hiking tour, Ireland’s energy and variety guarantee memorable days.
The big travel trends for Ireland in 2025 focus on meaningful connection to nature, wellness escapes, and special anniversaries in literature, heritage, and hospitality. New flights and improved routes make it simpler than ever to reach every corner of the island.
Ireland truly offers something for every traveler — from must-see landmarks and cozy villages to fresh outdoor adventures. Let your travel agent craft the ideal Irish journey, ensuring you make the most of this remarkable destination.
Dream big, book early, and experience Ireland in 2025!
by Sue Lamb on 10/15/2025
If you’ve been holding off on booking your winter escape, now’s the time to act! Prices are not likely to go down — in fact, they’re already trending upward.
Given the current economic and political climate, getting away from winter will feel more essential than ever. Travellers are booking early, and prices are fluctuating wildly. I recently had two families planning to travel together to a popular resort: the first locked in a great rate, and just two weeks later the second family faced a 25% increase for the same trip.
If you have a favourite resort or destination, don’t wait — secure your spot with a deposit now to lock in pricing and availability.
Another smart move: Purchase the Tour Operator’s Protection Plan. It works almost like a price drop guarantee, allowing you to cancel or change your booking once and rebook at a lower price if it drops. The cost is usually around $100–$125 per person, but it’s well worth the peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
And don’t forget to check your travel insurance, make sure you are covered!
Bottom line: Don’t let rising prices or limited space ruin your winter getaway. Book early, protect your investment, and look forward to your warm-weather escape!
by Sue Lamb on 10/07/2025
In today’s fast-paced world, stepping away from constant demands is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. Wellness retreats provide the perfect opportunity to recharge, reconnect with yourself, and return to daily life with renewed clarity and vitality. Whether nestled in the heart of the Alps, immersed in the timeless glamour of Paris, or surrounded by the rugged beauty of Whistler, these destinations invite you to pause, breathe, and invest in your well-being.
Tucked away in the heart of the Alps, Alpin Royal Wellness Refugium offers an extraordinary blend of luxury and nature. This 4-star Superior retreat features:
Breathtaking views of alpine woodlands and streams
A 1,000 m² spa with serene relaxation spaces
A heated outdoor panorama whirlpool overlooking the mountains
Inviting saunas to soothe both body and mind
Regional cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients
Whether you spend your time unwinding in the spa or exploring the endless outdoor beauty, this retreat is designed to restore balance while connecting you to the natural rhythm of the Alps.
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of The Peninsula Paris, affectionately called “little Versailles.” Just steps away from the city’s most iconic landmarks, this retreat offers:
200 spacious rooms blending historic charm with modern refinement
Three distinguished restaurants showcasing Parisian cuisine
Rooftop dining paired with breathtaking views of the city
A chic array of bars perfect for evening indulgences
An expansive 1,800 m² spa featuring a 20-metre indoor pool
Whether for fine dining, relaxation, or celebratory escapes, The Peninsula Paris creates an atmosphere of heritage, luxury, and sophistication in the heart of this dazzling city.
At the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler brings alpine adventure and wellness together in one unforgettable escape. Guests are treated to:
Ski-in/ski-out access to world-class slopes
A Robert Trent Jones Jr.–designed championship golf course
Elevated dining experiences alongside authentic slope-side après-ski at the Mallard Lounge
Renewal and rejuvenation at the Vida Wellness Spa
An extra touch of value with their 5th Night Free offer
Perfect for both thrill-seekers and those seeking tranquility, Fairmont Chateau Whistler ensures a getaway that blends mountain energy with restorative wellness.
A wellness retreat is more than a holiday—it’s an opportunity to prioritize yourself. Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and luxury designed to help you disconnect from routine and return inspired, refreshed, and ready to embrace life with renewed energy.
by Sue Lamb on 09/30/2025
by Sue Lamb on 08/15/2025
Your Ultimate Guide to Europe’s Christmas Markets
by Sue Lamb on 07/18/2025
There’s something special about sharing unforgettable experiences with the people you love—whether it’s family, close friends, or a group bonded by shared interests. Small group travel offers a perfect blend of connection, discovery, and comfort.
Imagine exploring Italy’s rolling hills by bicycle, pausing at local vineyards for private tastings and farmhouse lunches. Or walking through Portugal’s cobbled villages, meeting winemakers and olive oil producers along the way. Small group food and wine tours deliver more than indulgent tastes—they create immersive, cultural journeys grounded in authenticity.
Active travel doesn't mean non-stop motion—it’s about balance. Morning kayaking through Croatia’s pristine waters can lead into a leisurely seaside lunch. A market-to-table cooking class in France might follow a scenic hike through lavender fields. Each day is thoughtfully paced to combine activity, relaxation, and genuine connection with place and people.
These curated experiences are ideal for families celebrating milestones, friends reuniting, or affinity groups looking to travel with purpose. With logistics handled by experts and group sizes small enough to keep things flexible, you can focus on savoring every moment—together.
Whether you’re sipping wine in the Douro Valley or cycling past châteaux in the Loire, small group immersive travel offers the perfect mix of activity, rest, and indulgence—wrapped in unforgettable memories.
Ready to plan your next shared adventure? Let’s create something truly memorable.
by Sue Lamb on 07/16/2025
As a travel advisor, one trend I’ve seen grow steadily over the past few years is the rise of solo travel—and for good reason. Traveling solo isn’t just about going it alone; it’s about freedom, self-discovery, and the chance to experience the world entirely on your terms. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, active adventure, or a moment of peace far from the crowds, there’s never been a better time to explore solo. And thanks to a growing number of travel companies, the experience is more enriching, safe, and accessible than ever.
Here are some standout options for solo travelers looking to make their next journey unforgettable:
gAdventures is a pioneer in small-group, responsible travel—and they make solo travel incredibly easy. With a “no single supplement” policy on many tours and the option to room with a same-gender traveler, you’ll feel welcome without the added cost. Their trips span the globe, from the peaks of Peru to the markets of Morocco, always with an emphasis on community, culture, and connection.
For active solo travelers, Exodus Travels is a dream. Whether you're hiking the Dolomites or cycling through Vietnam, their expertly guided tours bring together like-minded adventurers from around the world. Their trips are designed with solo travelers in mind—many participants travel alone—and their itineraries strike a perfect balance between activity and downtime, discovery and relaxation.
Cruising might not seem like the typical solo adventure, but Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is changing that narrative. Their innovative Studio staterooms are designed specifically for solo travelers and include access to a private Studio Lounge—a social space to connect with other solos on board. With flexible dining, entertainment, and a wide variety of destinations, NCL makes solo cruising comfortable and fun..
For those with a taste for adventure, expedition travel offers unparalleled experiences. Imagine standing at the edge of the Antarctic ice, zodiac cruising past glaciers, or watching wildlife in the Galápagos—these aren’t just vacations; they’re transformative journeys.
Companies like HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), Lindblad Expeditions, and Quark Expeditions specialize in small-ship, science-led voyages to some of the world’s most remote and pristine environments. HX, in particular, leads with sustainability and education, offering solo-friendly cabins on select voyages and fostering a strong sense of community onboard. Whether you’re exploring the Arctic Circle or hiking volcanic islands, expedition travel is where solitude meets wonder.
Ready to embrace the journey? There’s never been a better time to travel solo—your next adventure awaits!
by Sue Lamb on 06/24/2025
Puffins are a lot like penguins: among the most beloved, iconic and recognizable seabirds – yet occupying the opposite ends of the planet in some of the most remote regions of the Earth. So seeing either of them in the wild is a magical travel experience.
Unlike tuxedoed penguins with their mostly monochrome coloring, puffins are often called the “clowns of the sea” for their vivid, almost carnival mask-like countenance that livens up their pudgy, black-and-white bodies, not to mention their endearing facial expressions. That’s not all that makes these seabirds unique.
Three Species of Puffins: We think of puffins as being residents of the North Atlantic, and the Atlantic puffin is the standard-bearer of the species. It can be found as far north as the Arctic Circle. But other types, including the tufted puffin and horned puffin, are found in the North Pacific.
*** Of course, if we are fortunate enough to get to see puffins in the wild, we want to make sure our travel experience doesn’t harm the puffins, especially since our best chances of seeing puffins are when the birds come ashore during the critical breeding season.
Best Time for Puffin-Viewing: Late spring to early summer (May–August) during the breeding season when they come ashore.
Where to Find Atlantic Puffins
Where to Find Pacific Puffins (Tufted and Horned Puffins)
By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/travel journalist and expert.
Images: Getty
All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be copied, re-published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
by Lynn on 06/11/2025
It’s time to go ‘off’ travel. Yes, you read that right. Two of the smartest trends in travel are about visiting bucket list destinations when everyone else isn’t, and finding new destinations other people have yet to discover.
Here’s why.
Your choice of travel season can make a big difference to your experience and travel budget. And the good news is that there’s more flexibility and options than ever.
‘High’ season is the historically most popular time to visit a particular destination. Or just the most popular time to travel, due to ‘non-negotiable’ travel events like school breaks and holidays. Whether or not you want to fight the crowds, risk delays caused by disruptive snowstorms, and pay through the nose, you’ll be gathered round the family table in time for turkey.
There’s not much you can do about non-negotiable high-season travel except opt out and plan your extended family Christmas in July.
But other high-season travel is increasingly avoidable. And more and more people are discovering that the so-called ‘off’ season might be the best time to visit.
Off-season used to be a write-off. The perfect weather or main attractions, or signature local experiences may be missing. There’s no snow on the slopes in June. In some cases, hotels are closed, the locals have all gone on their own vacations, and it’s a ghost town.
But that’s changing fast. Many destinations are transforming themselves into year-round vacation spots, a boon to the local economy as well as visitors.
Highlights of Low-Season Travel:
More people than ever are traveling, and it’s making some of the world’s top destinations victims of their own success. When prices are driven up, when housing gets diverted to vacation rentals, when places become so crowded that daily life becomes stressful and difficult, noisy and polluted, the people who live there suffer. If it drives locals away, the very culture and lifestyle we are seeking when we travel to popular destinations are eroded. Natural wonders also suffer from their popularity.
Overtourism is a tragedy for both the destination and visitors. More and more of us are concerned about the impacts of overtourism on the destination and on our own travel experience.
Like off-season travel, off-the-beaten-path travel provides a solution that’s better for everyone.
Savvy travelers are looking for the places where everyone else isn’t going. And travel companies are providing more and more options to help you discover the hidden towns, natural charms,
PRO TIP: Ask your travel advisor to help you plan a trip to new and upcoming destinations. Sometimes they are just down the road from the ‘big name’ destinations you’ve heard about, whether it’s a wine tour, an alpine outdoor adventure, or an immersion into Mediterranean lifestyle and cuisine.
There you’ll likely find, if less tourism infrastructure, a more relaxed and authentic local experience, often at better prices. With a warm welcome from residents who aren’t overwhelmed by visitors and are happy their local treasures are getting interest from outsiders. And you’re supporting a small local economy.
As destinations and travel companies change with the times, your travel advisor has the key to unlocking the secrets of successful off-season and off-the-beaten-path travel.
By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert.
Images: Getty
All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be copied, re-published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
by Lynn on 06/12/2025
“Bigger and bolder than anything” Royal Caribbean has done yet. That’s how the cruise line is describing Perfect Day Mexico, with never-seen-before attractions. Plus, Royal Caribbean has revealed more destination experiences on the way as it doubles down on Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club private island and beach resort cruise destinations.
They’ll let cruise vacationers experience the best of Royal Caribbean's newest ships alongside shoreside adventures in Mexico, the Bahamas and the South Pacific.
The mega-ship family cruise line debuts the latest in its ‘Perfect Day’ lineup. Perfect Day Mexico occupies 200 acres on the country’s Caribbean coast – the feature of upcoming Western Caribbean and Mexican cruise itineraries sailing from Galveston, New Orleans and all Florida homeports beginning in fall, 2027.
Here are just 3 of the record-breaking resort attractions:
Like Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, Perfect Day Mexico’s fun spans several neighborhoods.
Also in the Works:
Royal Caribbean's also launching a new concept over the next couple of years, with Royal Beach Clubs delivering ultimate beach days to cruise line guests:
Images courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be copied, re-published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
by Lynn on 06/11/2025
Sue Lamb
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