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.
You may have seen this in the paper but I’m always amazed at people. This week, a tourist decided to pick up a baby bison in Yellowstone this past week “to help it”. The herd rejected the baby after the individual picked it up and the bison had to euthanized. I don’t know how many signs and pamphlets I’ve seen in the park telling people keep a distance from the wild animals. They are not at a petting zoo!
If you are going to France, please know that a ban on short domestic flights for journeys that can be completed in two-and-a-half hours by train was signed into law in France on Tuesday. For the ban to apply, the EU insisted the air route in question must have a high-speed rail alternative that makes it possible to travel between the two cities in less than two-and-a-half hours. There must also be enough early and late-running trains to enable travelers to spend at least eight hours at the destination.-CNN
The Transportation and Security Administration just announced that teenagers from 13 to 17 may accompany parents or guardians who are enrolled in PreCheck through security screening when they are traveling on the same reservation and when PreCheck is shown on the teen’s boarding pass.-CNN Travel
Please remember to pause sometime during this holiday weekend to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
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
June 17-23, 2023 Viking Cruise on the Mississippi Join us as we cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on a cruise called Heart of the Delta. I was only able to get 10 cabins as Viking usually does not do groups on this cruise as it is too popular. I have very few cabins remaining. We will begin our journey in Memphis, and sail to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow, Louisiana before arriving in New Orleans. The cabins that I have are balcony cabins. Viking
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
By the way, Uniworld has a great booking incentive for people booking in 2023 for 2024.. Pay in full and get 10% off your 2024 cruise or just deposit and take 7% off your cruise. Call for more info. Our Milan-Veneto cruise qualifies for this promo.
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.
Possible Paris and Normandy River Cruise. I’m trying to determine interest for a Paris and Normandy river cruise for spring of 2025. Shoot me an email if you have any interest.
One of the most popular cultural sites in Paris, the Centre Pompidou, will close for 5 years to undergo repairs and construction that officials say are needed to ensure the building’s future. While that may be disappointing if you are planning a trip to Paris, the good news is that Notre-Dame will reopen to the public in December, 2024.
Walt Disney World in Orlando announced on Thursday that its Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will close its doors permanently on September 30. This attraction was an immersive experience. However the price tag was high for this venue. The package entitles guests to a 2 night stay in onboard cabins, inclusive dining, endless exploration on the Starcruise, side quests and more but the price of admission was approximately $4800 for 2 guests and $6000 for a cabin of four.
This week the U.S. State Department issued Level Three “reconsider travel alerts” for two countries: Jamaica and Columbia due to crime, and in Columbia’s case, terrorism. The department regularly assesses risks for Americans abroad. You can find all of the advisories at http://travel.state.gov
Most of us get excited for our upcoming trips and want to let friends know they are on their way. Some people post their boarding passes online! This can be a dangerous thing to do. The boarding pass has your flight information on it but the barcode may also have contact info, passport details, frequent flier number, and other sensitive data. Don’t share or throw away. Hang on to it until you get back home. You may need it if you have a problem with frequent flier miles being posted. Once you are finished with it, shred it.-Fodors
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
June 17-23, 2023 Viking Cruise on the Mississippi Join us as we cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on a cruise called Heart of the Delta. I was only able to get 10 cabins as Viking usually does not do groups on this cruise as it is too popular. I have very few cabins remaining. We will begin our journey in Memphis, and sail to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow, Louisiana before arriving in New Orleans. The cabins that I have are balcony cabins. Viking
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
By the way, Uniworld has a great booking incentive for people booking in 2023 for 2024.. Pay in full and get 10% off your 2024 cruise or just deposit and take 7% off your cruise. Call for more info. Our Milan-Veneto cruise qualifies for this promo.
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.
Possible Paris and Normandy River Cruise. I’m trying to determine interest for a Paris and Normandy river cruise for spring of 2025. Shoot me an email if you have any interest.
Disney made several announcements this past week. During the pandemic, Disney made several changes at Disney World to manage crowds and deal with the types of shortages that we all encountered. Now many of those changes will soon be gone. Resort reservations for 2024 will be available on May 31. During the pandemic, it was necessary to see which parks were available before booking. Starting with park visits on January 9, 2024, that will no longer be necessary.Also, beginning January 9, the long awaited dining plan will return.-Disney Travel Agents
Delta Air Lines became the first major U.S. airline to introduce fast, free Wi-Fi for all in a partnership with T-Mobile. The experience was available on most domestic mainline aircraft as of Feb. 1 with full availability on international; and regional aircraft by the end of 2024. Jet Blue is the only other carrier offering free Internet at this point.-Insider Travel Report
If you are traveling, be aware that many venues no longer accept cash as payment. Those of us who fly frequently know that you cannot pay with cash for inflight purchases. Some airlines even require you to pay through the airline’s app. More and more venues are going cashless including sports stadiums and concert venues. From national parks to theme parks, the list of places that will not accept cash continues to grow. If you intend to pay with cash, call ahead to see if that’s even possible.-The Points Guy
Have a great week.
Fuller Travel Tours, 2023
June 17-23, 2023 Viking Cruise on the Mississippi Join us as we cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on a cruise called Heart of the Delta. I was only able to get 10 cabins as Viking usually does not do groups on this cruise as it is too popular. I have very few cabins remaining. We will begin our journey in Memphis, and sail to Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, and Darrow, Louisiana before arriving in New Orleans. The cabins that I have are balcony cabins. Viking
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
By the way, Uniworld has a great booking incentive for people booking in 2023 for 2024.. Pay in full and get 10% off your 2024 cruise or just deposit and take 7% off your cruise. Call for more info. Our Milan-Veneto cruise qualifies for this promo.
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
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.
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.
Possible Paris and Normandy River Cruise. I’m trying to determine interest for a Paris and Normandy river cruise for spring of 2025. Shoot me an email if you have any interest.
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