We have had a great visit to the emerald isle. Here are a few of the places we visited:
Irish National Stud. Beautiful green Ireland. The Killarney Lakes on a foggy day.
The airlines are starting to publish the new rules under which they must refund passengers for things that are the airlines’ fault. The reimbursement is to be automatic and the funds returned to the passenger within 7 days of a problem. You will want to get on a particular airline’s site to read their statements.
This summer Uber will launch its Uber Shuttle service to airports in the US. We don’t yet know which airports will be included but when the service becomes available, customers will be able to see the shuttle option in the Uber app. Customers will be able to book up to 5 seats from 7 days in advance. They’ll be able to pay for and track their shuttle within 25 minutes of their departure.
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Venice was instituting a daily for visitors just coming for the day. Venice has an army of workers trying to help visitors navigate this. When approaching Venice you will see many, many workers trying to help visitors navigate the free process and helping them accomplish this online. There are no gates or turnstiles. People are expected to have taken care of the online before arrival. At this point, the fee is just a pilot program but I think we will see this become the norm for cities that are experiencing overcrowding and affecting the way that the locals must live.
A fifth US tourist has been arrested in the Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition. Hard to feel much sympathy for someone who doesn’t check the rules for a particular country before travel.
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Get out of the cold and join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841 Collette
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out. Uniworld River Cruise
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Ready for deposit now.
October 2025Colors of New England. We should get dates very soon.
April , 2026 Tulips and Windmills River Cruise Not quite ready for dates.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
After a wonderful time investigating Rome, we took the high speed train to Milan for a few days and then we made our way to Venice and enjoyed an 8 day cruise around the Venetian Lagoon. We saw glass being blown, saw the ancient art of lace making, viewed the steps that are taken to fashion a Gondolier’s Oar, took a gondola ride, enjoyed a luncheon at a very old Italian estate, complete with horses, and much more.(see below). Our ship, the S.S. LaVenezia was our home away from home with great accommodations, wonderful food and wine and great travel companions.
If you are planning to take a cruise, book early. The cruise lines are experiencing a major increase in the number of bookings and are now booking into 2025 and even 2026.
Gondolas- Perfect Day. Luncheon at Italian Estate. ]]
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Get out of the cold and join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841 Collette
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out. Uniworld River Cruise
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Ready for deposit now.
October 2025Colors of New England. We should get dates very soon.
April , 2026 France, Belgium and Paris. This tour is on our radar screen but we are too far out to contract with Collette quite yet.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
Hi Everyone, This is a very short blog this week as we are traveling. We have had a whirlwind few days. more pics next week.
Train from Rome to Milan. Duomo in Milan Vatican
Trevi Fountain
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Get out of the cold and join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841 Collette
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out. Uniworld River Cruise
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Ready for deposit now.
October 2025Colors of New England. We should get dates very soon.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
Smarter Travel published an article this week about Passports. Here are the key takeaways: that I found interesting:
In 1996, the US Government issued5.5 million passports. Every year since then the number of passports issued has risen, with the exception of 2020, when we had a pandemic related shutdown of the passport office. Last year the US issued 24 million passports! Even factoring in population increase, that’s a log of passports.
When it’s time for renewal and you have to send in your old passport, the Department of State recommends a trackable shipping method like Priority Mail Express. Use a strong Tyek envelope.
Don’t wait too long to renew your passport. Many counties require six months remaining on your passport to allow entry.
If your passport was issued after August 2007, you most likely have a chip in the back cover that stores your passport info and a biometric identifier based on your photograph. There are also metallic elements embedded in the cover making it impossible for the passport to be read until it is open.
If your appearance has changed, you may need a new passport. If you’ve gained or lost a great deal of weight you may need a new passport. The same is true if you’ve undergone significant facial surgery or trauma or if you have added or removed large facial tattoos or piercings.
When you apply for a passport it is important to know the rules: You must take your photo within 6 months of your application date and the photo must reflect your current appearance. You must look straight into the camera with a neutral expression on your face. Applications with exaggerated expressions are forbidden as well as any type of uniform.
Passports come with 28 pages. You can request one with 52pages at no additional charge. If you do use up all 52 pages you will have to apply for a new passport.
Normal wear and tear is okaybut if you have a damaged passport, water damage, or unofficial markings on the date page, you will need to get a new passport.
Finally, if you are running low on blank pages you may need a new passport. Some countries require that a certain number of empty pages remain. If you are planning a trip to multiple countries make sure you check to see what the rules are in the countries you’ll visit –Smarter Travel 4/16/24
The Department of Transportation issued new rules this week that actually spells out what airlines must do if they significantly change or cancel flights. Airlines must now tell passengers what refund is due them and the refunds must be made within a specified amount of time. It cannot be in the form of a voucher but must be an actual refund. These rules also include timeliness of bags
The Department of Transportation issued new rules for airlines. These rules address delayed or cancelled flights, delayed or missing baggage, and the way refunds must be handled. The full article can by seen on the website of the Department of Transportation: http://Transportation.gov
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Get out of the cold and join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841 Collette
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out. Uniworld River Cruise
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Ready for deposit now.
October 2025Colors of New England. We should get dates very soon.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
The National Parks offers free entry 5 times a year. They just had their first free entry day but there are four more this year:
Wednesday, June 19. Juneteenth National Independence Day
Sunday, August 4. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 28. National Public Lands Day
Monday, November 11. Veterans Day
Some of the more popular parks can change up to $20 per person to enter on a normal day. If you are planning to take advantage of one of these free days, it would be wise to arrive early and check for potential timed entries. -CNN
Amsterdam just passed tight restrictions on hotels. A new hotel cannot be built unless another closes and the new hotel must be more modern and sustainable than the one that closed. –Travel Weekly
If you are thinking of traveling to Canada, you will need to make sure you have nothing on your record. Having a DUI in your past may very well mean that you will be refused entry into Canada. Double-check your situation before you travel. -Travel Weekly
Walt Disney World and Disneyland recently updated their policies for guests with disabilities, and those who lie and misuse the program will be banned for life. The resorts announced changes to their Disability Access Service last week to keep up with the rapidly growing number of requests and continue to accommodate those who truly need the service. Requests for Disability Services have tripled over the past 5 years.-USA Today
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1250841 Collette
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out. Uniworld River Cruise
September 5-16, 2025 America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Collette is not quite ready for Fall of 2025 but we are in the system and I will publish the dates as soon as I have them. September 5-16, 2025
October 2025Colors of New England. We should get dates very soon.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
American Queen Voyages has been a mainstay for river cruising here in the States. Unfortunately, they recently declared bankruptcy and put their ships on the market. Luckily, American Cruise Line purchased all four of American Queen’s ships so you will still see those ships on the rivers.
Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral was severely damaged in April of 2019. The restoration will be complete and visitors will be welcomed back beginning December 16 of this year. it will be open from 7:45am-7:45pm daily. Notre Dame is now accepting bookings for pilgrimage groups and will accept bookings for cultural groups beginning in June. There is no admission charge to visit the cathedral.
Disney will invest 60 billion dollars in their parks in the next 10 years. As part of that expansion, they are currently researching a new expansion at Disney World in Florida. It will be approximately 14 acres and we don’t yet know what the expansion will be called. Stay tuned.
In other news, I was surprised to learn that hundreds of people try to bypass security each year. Last year, at least 300 people tried to bypass security. One of the methods used was that people tried to enter the secure area of the airport at the point where passengers exit. Very few of those people were successful but what are people thinking??-Travel Pulse
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
January 19-31,2025 Grand Hawaiian Adventure Join us for this magnificent tour of Oahu, Kona (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. This trip is a leisurely tour of four of Hawaii’s magnificent islands. We understand that you don’t want to spend all day on tour buses when you go to Hawaii so this tour has an easy pace with free time built in for a some beach time or individual exploration. Pricing available shortly
May 3-11, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I am taking deposits as this is a very popular cruise and I am concerned the cruise will sell out.
September, 2025. America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites. We will tour the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places. Collette is not quite ready for Fall of 2025 but we are in the system and I will publish the dates as soon as I have them.
October 2025Colors of New England. This is the same situation as American’s National Parks. I will publish dates and pricing as soon as I have them.
Fuller Travel Service hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-6pm, Closed on Sunday.
The United States is in the midst of a very dangerous heat wave. We are not alone. If you are planning travel to Europe yet this summer make sure you take precautions. Italy just issued an “extreme” heatwave alert expected to bring record temperatures. In Greece, the Acropolis was closed for the second straight day due to heat. Spain and Portugal are also experiencing record temps. In some locales, temps will rise to about 118 degrees F.
For those of you traveling to Mexico in the near future and worried about safety, the Mexico military is guaranteeing your safety in the areas of Cancun. Not sure how you guarantee anything like this but Mexico has invested in securing the region with new equipment and tools to keep residents and visitors protected. There have also been legal battles fought between taxis, buses, and Uber. Uber just won the right to operate in Mexico but there have been blockades and stoppages of Uber vehicles. I would strongly suggest that you pre-arrange transfers with existing transfer companies so that you don’t encounter an unpleasant situation. –adapted from Travel Pulse
In a sign of continued strength for cruise travel, Holland America Line bookings on July 11 were higher than on any day in the brand’s 150 year history. Booking revenues also achieved the line’s single day record. Most of the bookings were for 2024 and 2025. I can tell you that I don’t doubt this for a minute. have been trying to book people into Alaskan cruises and the ships are already very full for next year. It appears that cruising is back in a big way. If you are anticipating a cruise, I would not wait too long.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
New July 10,20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour. This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise. Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Princess
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.-Collette
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
NewDecember 1-9, 2024Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise! Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where Christmas has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries baked over an open fire. In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies and figurines made from corn husks. We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable. I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld
Spring 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. Dates will be announced soon.
One of the first questions people ask me when planning a trip is “How many suitcases can I bring?” Unless you are going on a round the world tour, one checked bag and one small carry on is usually my answer. Here are some hints to help you stay under that airline 50lbs:
Use packing cubes. They come in a variety of sizes and I swear by them as your clothes stay put and I can tell at a glance if I’m missing something in my suitcase. You can purchase packing cubes from a variety of sources. I happen to like Ebags.com but there are others as well.
Compression bags are also useful. You can get all the air out of your bag which increases the amount of room in your suitcase.
Roll your clothes. You can’t roll everything but you can save some space if you roll some things. I don’t find that I need to do that since I use cubes but other people tell me that rolling works well.
Cut down on the amount of shoes you take. You just don’t need a lot of different shoes. One pair to wear, another in case your shoes get wet, and possibly one pair of nicer shoes.
You can roll your socks and put them right in your extra shoes. I think putting them as a base between the ribs of the suitcase makes sense.
Color Coordinate your outfits and try to stay in the same color palette so you can mix and match.
A friend once told me she lays everything out that she wants to take and then removes half of it. It’s not a bad idea.
If you are going on a tour, your tour operator will limit the amount of luggage you can take. If you are cruising, there usually isn’t a limit but who wants to be tripping over luggage for a week. Once you are unpacked, open your luggage and put it under the bed. Great place for dirty clothes. If you are traveling independently, the last thing you want to do is lug a lot of weight around. Some of the above was adapted from the Points Guy!
Whatever you do, keep traveling!
Have a wonderful Fourth of July!
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
New July 10,20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour. This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise. Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Princess
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.-Collette
NewDecember 1-9, 2024 Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise! Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where Christmas has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries baked over an open fire. In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies and figurines made from corn husks. We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable. I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld
Spring 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. Dates will be announced soon.
The Department of State issues travel advisories for countries around the world. There are 4 levels of advisories:
Level 1 Exercise normal precautions
Level 2 Exercise increased caution
Level 3 Reconsider travel
Level 4 Do not travel
Last week a couple of very popular destinations was in the news. Jamaica was moved to a Level 3 due to crime. Punta Cana remained at Level 2 but with a warning to be vigilant regarding increased crime and sexual assault although it noted that the resort areas are safer. It is very easy to check the travel advisories at travel.state.gov. Look for international travel or travel advisories.
Las Vegas continues to evolve. They will host a Formula One race in November, the Super Bowl in January, and a new entertainment venue called the Sphere. It will be an immersive experience costing $2.2 billion and capable of holding 20,000 people. At 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide it will be the world’s larges spherical structure.
Select national parks, including Glacier, Yosemite, and Arches, require advance reservations to enter as well as permits for popular hikes. Even parks that do not require advance registrations may still limit capacity during the Sumer months so if you are planning a trip to the National Parks, check whether you will need advance reservation and if not, get there early in the day.
Day Trip Opportunity
Before the pandemic, we used to take people on bus trips to Shipshewana for what became known as the brown bag tour. We will take this trip on Thursday, August 24. We will visit several small cottage businesses, have lunch at an Amish home, and learn a bit of Amish culture. This tour has always been popular so if you are interested, let me know.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. I just have a couple of rooms left for this cruise. Check out the video about this cruise: Uniworld https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.-Collette
December 1-9, 2024 Budapest to Passau Christmas Markets River Cruise! Join us as we embark our ship in Budapest, where Christmas has been celebrated for a 1000 years. Wander through the market on Vorosmarty Square, admiring the porcelain, and the pastries baked over an open fire. In Bratislava, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as spiced ginger cookies and figurines made from corn husks. We will enjoy a special “Taste of Christmas” in Vienna. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and amazing scenery will make the Christmas season unforgettable. I only have 10 rooms on a “soft” hold which means if the cruise line needs the rooms, they will take them back so if you are interested please let me know asap.-Uniworld
Spring 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. Dates will be announced soon.
You may remember when the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris burnt to the ground in 2019. France is on schedule to finish the rebuilding of this landmark by the end of next year. The intent is to finish the inside in the same manner as the original medieval construction using the same type of hand tools that were used originally. Power tools would certainly finish the job much quicker but the aim is to pay tribute to the craftsmanship of the original builders and to ensure that the centuries-old art of hand-fashioning wood lives on.-adapted fromTravel Weekly
This past week the largest airport in Hawaii had to shut several gates down. The reason: a bed bug infestation! The gates were deep cleaned and have now reopened but worrying about bedbugs in an airport had not been on my list of worries.
I read an interesting article this week about insurance for rental cars. A couple rented a car and while the car was in their possession it was vandalized to the tune of $5400. They weren’t too worried as the credit card they used had coverage for that type of thing. However, when they turned in their claim, they were denied. The reason: the card was not jointly owned and the rental car had the spouse as the primary driver. He was not on the credit card. When you rent a car, it is really important to look at the rental agreement and make sure who the primary driver is and if that person is the credit card holder.-Fodor’s
Thoughts and prayers this week for the people of India who lost hundreds of people and injured many more in the horrible rail crash.
Day Trip Opportunity
Before the pandemic, we used to take people on bus trips to Shipshewana for what became known as the brown bag tour. We will take this trip on Thursday, August 24. We will visit several small cottage businesses, have lunch at an Amish home, and learn a bit of Amish culture. This tour has always been popular so if you are interested, let me know.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
September. 10-18, 2023 Painted Canyons of the West Highlights… Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1131375 Collette Vacations. Call for availability.
September 30- October 14, 2023 Spain’s Classics and Portugal Highlights include Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, the Alhambra, Seville,Cordoba, Madrid, Prada Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Belem Obidos and much more. Call me for availability! Collette Vacations https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103746
2024
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. I just have a couple of rooms left for this cruise. Uniworld
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 22- October 1,2024:Lourdes and Fatima with Barcelona. Travel to two of the world’s most revered pilgrimage centers and experience the wonderful cultures and beauty of Portugal, France, and Spain. Stay a leisurely 2 nights in Fatima and spend time reflecting and exploring the famous Basilica and the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta. Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. During a 2-night stay in Burgos, visit the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes and a 2-night stay there. Visit the moving Grotto where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. End in vibrant Barcelona, and view Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spring 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. Dates will be announced soon.
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