The city of Juneau in Alaska just announced that they will be implementing restrictions on the numbers of cruise ship passengers that can disembark in their city. The requirement will not go into effort until 2026 bur Juneau is trying to strike a balance between hosting people in their city and the effect that thousands of people have on the quality of life of its residents. Cruisers will still be welcome but with restrictions.
I frequently get asked how much time must remain on a passport for it to be valid for travel. I usually tell people 6 months as that is the safe thing to have, but each country has a different timetable for passport validity. Some may only require three months while others require 6 months or more. It is really important that travelers understand the rules for their destination country. and also the fact that there may be more requirements than just the passport. You may also need a visa or an electronic entry ticket. For instance, the Dominican Republic requires an entrance e-ticket. It doesn’t cost anything but you must go online to apply for it before travel.
Brightline West broke ground this week on a high-speed rail that will connect Vegas and Southern California. It is expected to open in 4 years. The train will span 218 miles. The train will be fully electric and capable of reaching speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Brightline already has trains in Florida so good to see they are expanding to another area of our country. The high speed train I rode last month in Italy reminds me that have a long way to go to provide good, fast rail travel in this country.
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
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.My deadline for booking will close in just a few weeks. 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. 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.
September 2025.Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Postcard-perfect vistas and storybook villages. Rolling hills and the crisp scent of fresh mountain air. There is nothing in this world quite like the Alps. You’re on your way to explore Europe’s iconic peaks and valleys on an invigorating journey through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. , 2025. We d0 not have a definite date yet but have asked for the second or third week of September. This trip will be limited to 24 participants.