Karen 
If you’ve been researching New Zealand, you’ve probably already noticed that Auckland is where most international flights land. And for many first-time visitors from the US, that’s where the trip begins — exploring the North Island, ticking off Rotorua and maybe Wellington, and then wondering: should I cross to the South Island? Is it very … Read more
What cruise lines don’t tell you about the document in your wallet If you’re heading on a cruise and wondering whether your passport card is enough — the short answer is yes, for boarding. But there’s a critical gap that cruise lines rarely mention, and it only shows up in a passport card cruise emergency. … Read more
A Group tour can be wonderful. They take the guesswork out of planning, introduce you to fellow travelers, and often provide excellent value. But they’re not the right fit for everyone or every trip. Before you click “book now” on that group tour to Portugal, New Zealand, or anywhere else on your bucket list, pause … Read more
We want to provide flight options and tips for USA travelers thinking about visiting Australia. Most Americans tell me they have Australia on their bucket list. Some say they want to visit but it is too far to travel. Let’s break down that myth by looking at just how far it is to travel from … Read more
If you’ve been researching a Douro River cruise, you’ve probably seen those gorgeous photos: a ship docked right in the heart of a medieval town, cobblestone streets just steps from your cabin, the ability to hop off for a coffee or evening stroll whenever you want. That’s what most European river cruises look like – … Read more
The honest answer — and why it might surprise you Often travelers from the USA have New Zealand on their bucket list but wonder what the cost of a trip to New Zealand is really going to be. And in some ways, it is. New Zealand has a reputation for being expensive. But American travelers … Read more
If you love Art Deco architecture, there is one place on earth that does it better than anywhere else. Not Miami, New York or even Paris. It’s a small seaside city in New Zealand called Napier — and every February, it hosts what has become one of the world’s most extraordinary heritage festivals. Here’s why … Read more
Planning a trip to Fiji from Los Angeles? One of the first questions travelers ask is how long the flight actually takes. Here’s what you need to know about the flight time from LAX to Fiji’s main international airport. Direct Flight Time: LAX to Nadi The direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to … Read more
You probably realize by now that not all ocean cruise lines operating out of the USA are the same. Some are party-oriented with buffets catering to vast numbers of passengers. Others are more upmarket and formal, requiring you to “dress” for dinner at allotted dining times, often seated with strangers. Life onboard is more regimented. … Read more
I was in Spain recently, attending the Tourism Spain Marketplace, when a phrase stopped me mid-conversation. Slow travel. Now, I’d heard versions of this idea before. But hearing it in Spain — a country where dinner doesn’t start until 9pm, where the evening paseo (stroll) is practically a national institution, and where “slow” isn’t a … Read more