Travel Planning

Category: Blog

  • Up and Coming Luxury Destinations

    Looking for the new up and coming luxury destinations?  No matter what  destination you desire, working with us will save you time – lots of time especially on the loose-ends that make up a complete trip.  Here’s the latest on up and coming luxury destinations from my Signature Travel Network seminar.  None of these on your list just yet?  Let me know what is on your radar screen so I can be on the lookout – OK?

    South America: Argentina (Mendoza), Brazil, Chile, and Peru

    Argentina

    Mendozoa is a large wine producing region in Western Argentina.  This is just one area where you can sample a Malbec.  Tours to Mendoza may start in Buenos Aires and finish in Santiago.  You’ve  traveled so far west in Argentina might as well taste some wine in Chile and go home from Santiago.

    Mendoza Hotels

    • Park Hyatt Mendoza – www. mendoza.park.hyatt.com
    • Las Cavas – www.cavaswinelodge.com
    • Entre Cielos – www.entrecielos.com

    Brazil

    Been to the various “Riviera’s” in the Med and ready for something in a comparable time zone?  (Remember, while traveling to South  America is a long trip, you will wind up in similar time zones of the US.)  Buzios , Brazil has a Mediterranean resort atmosphere as a new luxury destination.  Also up to try is Paraty, Brazil.

    Rio de Janeiro Hotels

    • Caesar Park Rio – www.caesarpark-rio.com
    • Copacabana Palace

      The Copacabana Palace hotel
      The Copacabana Palace hotel

     

    • Hotel Fasano Rio – www.fasano.com.br
    • Hotel Santa Teresa – www.santa-teresa-hotel.com/en

    Chile

    Cruise: Cruceros Australis – www.australis.com

    A cruise like no other that the big ships can’t even dream of doing.  Explore the Ushuaia Route on your Chile travel to enjoy the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

    Preferred Hotels

    Punta Arenas/Patagonia region:

    • Explora en Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico – www.explora.com/explora-patagonia/hotel-salto-chico
    • The Singular – www. thesingular.com

    Ushuaia: Los Cauquenes – www.loscauquenes.com/en

    Peru

    Preferred Hotels:

    • Country Club Hotel (Lima) – www.hotelcountry.com
    • Hotel Monasterio (Cusco) – www.monasteriohotel.com
    • Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Machu Picchu) – www.sanctuarylodgehotel.com
    • Miraflores Park (Lima) – www.miraflorespark.com
    • Palacio Nazarenas (Cusco) – www.palacionazarenas.com

    Europe: Sicily, Iceland, and Ukraine

    Sicily has the culture along with food and wine and some of the most beautiful Greek Temples.  Going to Rome? So are Five Million others!  Want to get into the Vatican museums after hours?  You will have a much better expereince wihtout the huge crowds.

    Preferred Hotels

    • Gran Hotel Timeo (Taormina) – www.grandhoteltimeo.com
    • Rocco Forte Verdura (Sciacca region, Western Sicily) – www.verduraresort.com
    • Villa Sant’Andrea (Taormina Mare) – www.hotelvillasantandrea.com

    Ukraine – Kiev is a real up and comer now!

    Preferred Tour Operators (US based)

    • Exeter International – www.exeterinternational.com

    Iceland –  Land of the Midnight Sun.  Since Iceland’s currency collapse, it’s more affordable then ever and a shorter flight from New York City Los Angeles.  YES, Iceland is really that close.

    • Iceland Travel – www.icelandtravel.is

    Africa

    Madagascar – think of as the “Galapagos of Africa.  This island is about the same length as the distance from New York city to Miami.  90% of the species on the island are endemic.  Did you know that there are 100 types of Lemurs on the island?

    Zanzibar – this island is close to the coast

    How about Rovos?  A railway that runs along Victoria Falls (in between Zambia and Zimbabwe).

    Zimbabwe

    Preferred Hotels In The Region

    The Royal Livingstone (Livingstone, Zambia) – www.royal-livingstone-hotel.com

    Asia: Myanmar and Mekon Delta

    Myanmar – – another destination not yet overrun with crowds.

    Preferred hotels

    • The Governor’s Mansion (Yangon) – www.governorsresidence.com

    River cruises in Myanmar are also growing in popularity

    Vietnam-Cambodia Mekong Cruise

    Preferred Hotels

    • Hotel de la Paix (closed from June 30th, 2012 and reopening 1st quarter 2013 as Park Hyatt Siem Reap) – www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com
    • Park Hyatt Siem Reap (Opens 1st quarter 2013) – www.park.hyatt.com
    • Park Hyatt Saigon – www.saigon.park.hyatt.com
    • Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (Siem Reap) – www.raffles.com/siem-reap
    • Raffles Hotel Le Royal (Phnom Penh) – www.raffles.com/phnom-penh

     


     

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  • Costa Rica – Ten Essential places to visit

    Ready for ten essential places to visit in Costa Rica?  Last week, we featured an introduction to Costa Rica’s geography and how to get around.  Now we will review what you can do and where whether you want to experience anything from active adventure to just relaxation.  Once again, actual travel guest photos are provided.

    1) San Jose is the capital of Cost Rica where most flights arrive. Due to the early departure from San Jose of many flights, you will notice that lots of itineraries will have either a pre or post night in San Jose. What do you do there? How about a city tour and visits to the museums or visiting a nearby spa or coffee plantation?  Some of my travel guests visited the convenient mall to pick up last minute souvenirs.

    2) Caribbean Coast – Puerto Limon is the big port of call for many Panama Canal cruises.  The big draw in Puerto Limon is the Tortugerro canals to see the wildlife.  Tortugerro has kayaking and turtle nesting from July through February.  Some land tours include a trip to Tortugerro and depart from San Jose  (around 7am with a stop for breakfast.)  You’ll normally stay in a small Eco-resort/lodge for a couple of nights and return back to San Jose to pick-up the rest of your tour.

    3) Central Valley cloud forest is around a one-hour ride  from San Jose.  This area has an elevation of 4-5,000 feet.  The El Silencio Lodge & Spa offers a resort for yoga and healthy dining.  You can also visit the Poas Volcano or enjoy river rafting.

    4) Arenal Volcano is near the town of La Fortuna.

    Arenal Sky Tram
    Arenal Sky Tram

    Arenal is the one of the biggest attractions in the country.  This is the place for Zip lines, thermal springs, waterfalls, horseback riding, and most of the things you’ve heard about  in Costa Rica.

     

    Do not forget about Lake Arenal for boating and more.  This area is about a three hour ride whether coming from Liberia or San Jose.  La Fortuna is good for local cuisine and shopping while about a ten minute taxi ride from most hotels.

     

    Monteverde Trapp Family Lodge
    Monteverde Trapp Family Lodge

     

    5) Monteverde, the big cloud forest.

    The area  features the largest zip line in Costa Rica which is ¾ mile long in Selvatura Park.  There is also a great canopy tour.  For those who want to stay on the ground level of the cloud forest, there is a butterfly garden and hummingbird exhibit. Please note: Monteverde will have some of the country’s more basic/rustic hotels (read in-between the lines if you want luxury and AC.)

     

    6) Quepos/Manual Antonio features beautiful beaches and a national park.  This area is about 3-4 hours from San Jose.   Manuel Antonio National Parkwas established in 1972 by Costa Rica to preserve the biodiversity of one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

    Manuel Antonio Park
    Manuel Antonio Park

    This area features several luxury boutique hotels.  The nearby forest features lots of wildlife including little crabs.  Visit the trail around Punta Catedral for some spectacular views.

    Further, you can experience a wide variety of tours and activities with canopies and waterfalls  Visit Quepos for some  nightlife.

     

     

     

    7) Punta Arenas is a  popular cruise stop on Panama Canal transit itineraries.  This area has the closest beach from San Jose, about 1.5 hours.  Punta Arenas is about 2.5 hours from Liberia in the Northwest.  This area has a good combination of beach hotels with activities.

    8 ) Nicoya peninsula is a peaceful/eco-location with small villages, fishing, snorkeling ,and “turtle beaches.”  There are resorts along the beach and opportunities for eco-tourism.  This area is popular with ex-pats and has some of the best surfing in the world.  This area has some of the most rustic highway systems, so patience is the word when traveling in this region.  Tamarindo in the extreme Northwestern edge of Nicoya Peninsula, is where you will find many hotels in Guanacaste Provence.

    9) Guanacaste Province is the place for the larger beach resorts both All-Inclusive or European Plan (no included meals).  If All-Inclusive is mandatory, then base your trip at a beach resort in Guanacaste.  As mentioned above, part of the Nicoya Peninsula lies in the Guanacaste Province  The weather is warm and dry (Tropical dry forest) through the North American Winter making this area a great choice for your Costa Rica vacation.  This area is very close to Liberia Airport but also accessible from San Jose.  You can also do day excursions to experience volcanoes and river rafting.

    10) Jaco, I have two things to say about Jaco: surfing and fishing.  Jaco is a great place for surfing and there are lots of fishing boats/charters right there.  Jaco is also due west of San Jose which makes it quite accessible.  If you crave a familiar US brand, Jaco  is home to a Marriott resort and golf facility. Note that the The beaches are not the best in the Country.  For the best beaches, go up to the towns of Guanacaste Province or further South down the West Coast.

    So, there you have it.  What are the places that you want to experience?  Start filling out your planning survey to get a better idea and we’ll get your custom Costa Rica trip ready.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Costa Rica – How to Navigate the natural wonders

    Arenal Volcano
    Arenal Volcano

    Dreaming about Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity and rich nature activities?

    • Looking for a compact-sized country offering beaches for relaxing or surfing, and mountains/volcanoes for exploring?
    • Would you like to mingle with nature in a cloud forest, or a rainforest?
    • Want to raft, zip-line or do a tree-top canopy walk?

    You can experience all of this and more in Cost Rica, a country the size of West Virginia.  This post features pictures from actual travel guests; they have enjoyed their own unique custom planned itineraries to Cost Rica.  They experienced the natural wonders Costa Rica on their own terms with just as much action or relaxation as desired.  Hotels range from small boutique hotels in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde to large US based chains in San Jose.

    See more Costa Rica guest pictures

     

    Hanging Bridges Costa Rica
    Hanging Bridges Costa Rica

     

    Problem, Costa Rica does not have super highways like the US.  Not sure how to get around Costa Rica’s different regions, or how many regions you can explore within your time in Costa Rica?  You just need a custom crafted itinerary.

    Getting to the different regions takes advance planning. Let’s start with flights. Most flights from the US will go into the Capital, San Jose (airport code SJO), in the center of the country with some flights going into Liberia (airport code LIR) in the Northwest.  If you’re wondering which airport to go to, here’s the inside information.

    San Jose has the most flights and is a great starting/stopping point to tour multiple regions of Costa Rica. If you want to have a single home-base at an All-Inclusive resort or North American style hotel near the beach, then Liberia in Guanacaste Province is the right call. From Liberia airport you can transfer to most hotels in under an hour and have the option for day trips for rafting, volcanoes, zip-lines, etc. directly from your resort or hotel.

    Three ways to get around:

    1. With a pre-planned multi-region tour, you may be met at airport by local representative/ground operator.  Shared shuttles are economical way to get around the different regions of Costa Rica; shuttles leave 1-2 times per day (not including more frequent airport shuttles).
    2. Private transfers are also available for the convenience of 2-4 people. Private transfers are especially good if arriving in-country in the afternoon when scheduled shared transfers are not available.
    3. Rental cars are available but use a GPS. Note: roads may not be paved or clearly marked and renting a car to tour Cost Rica is not recommended.

    Things to do and facts (just a taste, we’ll explore in more depth in a future issue):

    • Rafting and canopy tours from SJO, Arenal, Guanacaste, Jaco, and Quepos
    • Whale watching from Dominical Area and Manuel Antonio
    • Zip Lining
    • Thermal Springs
    • May to November is green or rainy season which may be dry in the morning and rainy in afternoon
    • December to April is the dry season

     

     

     

     

  • Third Party Travel Insurance – 9 Questions to Ask

    Thinking about travel insurance?  It is better to purchase from the tour operator/cruise line or obtain  third party travel insurance?

    1) Supplier insurance will generally cover 100% of trip interruption while most  third party travel insurance (type we will generally quote) will provide 150%.  What is “trip interruption” anyway?  Answer, having to leave a tour or cruise half-way through an itinerary and getting forced to buy airline tickets with no advance notice along with potential hotel  nights and incidental costs.  (Remember one of your key benefits of working with us  is to understand the entire cost of the trip.)   Third party trip insurers provide up to 150% of the value of the trip for trip interruption coverage.

    2) Bankruptcy protection – protect the value of your trip if your tour/cruise supplier goes bankrupt…NEED to get this from third party travel insurance.  If the supplier goes out of business, who are you going to call?

    3) Cancel for any reason coverage included? (If so you may be overpaying especially if provided by a tour operator!)  Think about it, if not for covered medical, work, etc. reasons, would you suddenly cancel your trip?  Think about it!  Although cancel for any reason coverage is increasing in popularity, oftentimes it adds a lot of expense especially from escorted tour operators.

    4) If you cancel your trip for a covered reason, will you get your money back or a future travel voucher?  With a tour operator or cruise line , you may get money back or a future travel voucher depending on your plan.  Questions: would you rather have a voucher or the money?

    PLEASE ask if these coverages are included when evaluating your travel insurance.

    1. Hurricane Warning Coverage for Trip Cancellation or Interruption
    2. Medical Evacuation Home or to Hospital of Choice (YOUR choice)
    3. Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation –  Due to formal recommendation from the appropriate local authorities, or the U.S. State Department, to leave a country
    4. Baggage Delay-12 hour waiting period vs. 24 hour waiting period
    5. Coverage for Mental and Nervous Condition which requires hospitalization
    6. Pre-Existing Conditions waived – policy purchased within 21 days of initial deposit, all trip costs subject to cancellation penalties or restrictions covered as long as customer is not disabled from travel at the time premium paid. Look back period is only 60 days.
    7. Coverage for Common Carrier delays resulting from mechanical breakdown, weather, and strike (12 hours min)
    8. Coverage for Airline Cancellation Fees when a travel supplier cancels your arrangements.
    9. Coverage for Frequent Flyer Rebanking Fees – up to $150 for the cost of airline-imposed fees to rebank frequent flyer miles.

    Please Review Description of Coverage for all Terms and Details.  PLUS,  call or email with your questions.

  • Travel Insurance – Medical Coverage Answers

    Last week, we featured 10 questions to ask about travel insurance.  While, this week, you get ten answers about travel insurance, specifically medical coverage which may be included in various policies.  Why do I write so much about this topic?  The answer is simple, I don’t want you to lose money if you have to cancel your trip.   If you need medical assistance, I want it to be as hassle free as possible and show you what you really receive with different travel insurance options.

    Let’s get to the ten answers about the medical coverage component in travel insurance.  (Note: please review your travel insurance quote/policy carefully to understand which coverages are included).

    Medical coverage is actually a family of coverages:

    1) Medical assistance to provide help, advice and referrals for medical emergencies.
    2) Medical consultation and  monitoring contacts your treating physician to monitor your condition to assure you are receiving appropriate care and assess the need for further assistance.
    3) Medical evacuation  when medically necessary, arrange and pay for appropriate transportation, including an escort, if required, to a suitable hospital, treatment facility or home.
    4) Emergency medical payments assist the traveler in the advancement of funds or guarantee payments (up to the policy limit) to a hospital or other medical provider, if required, to secure their admission, treatment or discharge.
    5) Prescription assistance to assist the traveler with replacing medications that are lost, stolen or spoiled during their Covered Trip, either locally or by special courier.
    6) Dependent transportation & family visits for when a minor (age 18 or younger) is left unattended on a covered trip due
    to hospitalization or death of the accompanying adult, arranges for their return home, including escort expenses.
    7) Repatriation of remains in the event of death while on a Covered Trip, arrange for the preparation and transportation required to return the travelers remains to their home.
    8 ) 24 hour nurse help line provide the traveler with clinical assessment, education and general health information. This
    service shall be performed by a registered Nurse counselor
    9) Medical coverage from the time you leave your house until your return.  Please understand that not all policies include door to door medical coverage.
    10) Coverage for continuing medical needs after you return home (for a medical issue sustained during the trip).

    Please note these are merely examples of medical coverage which may or may not be included in your specific policy.  Please consult with your travel planner or insurance company.  Ask if your travel planner/agent is licensed to sell travel insurance.

     

  • Travel Insurance – Ask these Ten Questions

    Ready to book your next trip?  Your travel planner, be they human or electronic, asks you about travel insurance or trip protection. Is travel insurance a wise purchase?  This week, we are asking questions for you to consider.  We’ll be back with more information in a future issue.  But first , let’s share some stories.

    My doctor, quite the photographer, left his camera in a cab  while on a trip in the Baltics and could not recover it.  Travel insurance reimbursed him for his loss.  More recently,  a husband and wife were packed and ready to leave for a ten day Birthday cruise leaving on the wife’s birthday; she woke up around 5am with a bloody nose that would not stop bleeding.  She had to cancel the trip and called me at 9:15 on a Sunday morning.  I immediately started the travel insurance claims process and the couple  were reimbursed in record time for the full amount of the money they lost from the cruise line.  These are just two of many stories of my travel guests’ using their travel insurance benefits.

    Ten Questions to ask:

    1) What does the travel insurance/trip protection cover?

    2) Is your trip subject to cancellation fees?  Will the fees reach 100% of the trip value? and when?

    2) Is your trip your deposit is refundable? (If not, I have some suggestions for you.)

    3) Do you have medical insurance if traveling outside of the country?

    4) Does your credit card provide  travel insurance for trip cancellation? Read that fine print very carefully…chance are incredibly high that the credit card  does not cover trip cancellation.

    5) How much will it cost to get back to the US on an emergency basis? And where will you go? The closest hospital to the US border? A hospital of your choosing near your home?

    6) What does it take to be admitted to a hospital in another country?  Do you need cash? credit card?

    7) Is your local/primary physician contacted if need be?

    8 ) Will your prescription medications be replaced if lost or stolen?

    9) Will the travel insurance cover continuing medical needs after you return (for a medical issue sustained during the trip)?

    10) Is cancel for work reasons coverage included in the travel insurance?

     

     

     

     

  • Interview with Daydream Excursions

    Why should I plan my trip with Daydream Excursions?

    While the industry standard may consist of immediately throwing quotes around, we work with you to survey and identify your unique vacation needs and  past “travel personality.”  Why? Your preferences are important to assist in planning a memorable vacation experience.  You will feel secure knowing we understand the purpose of your trip and the memories you want to bring home to replay again and again.

    Why do you call yourself a Travel Advisor or Travel Concierge?

    The Concierge concept applies understanding what you’d like to see and experience, and in what style.   We match these factors with your budget, schedule, and our knowledge and connections.  Concierge service helps you plan and experience the right vacation with attention to detail by offering to arrange comprehensive trip elements like air, transfers, sightseeing, insurance, restaurant recommendations, etc.  (As opposed to a  “Travel Agent” which implies “order taker” and certainly not a passionate provider of advice, care, and support!)

    How do you support your clients?

    • We ARE with you before, during and after your trip if need be.  We work with you as your advocate to support your unique needs for your trip.
    • We will help you process insurance claims and assist you with vendor issues as we are YOUR advocate.
    • We use our inside knowledge and connections to bring you extra amenities and services when available.
    • We seek a long-term relationship with you and WILL stick with you throughout the travel planning process.

    (“Long-Term” implies that the advice we give is in your best interest and NOT guided by the latest vendor promotions!)

    Why not just use an online booking engine?

    Ready to self-book online?  Daydream Excursions has questions for you:

    • Did you find the right resort, cruise line/ship, or tour company? The right accommodations?  Are you sure?
    • Whom will you contact for the inevitable questions that will arise?  Who cares about you and your trip?
    • How much will the trip cost, really cost, in TOTAL? Daydream Excursions focuses on your total cost to come home!
    • What will you do in your destination(s)?  Can you get in the “must-see” sites/experiences without long lines?
    • Will you have to pay for the whole trip upfront or just do a deposit?

    With online booking engines, expect to submit 100% of the cost right then and there.  If you have any issues with changes and/or cancellations, what would you do?  We may be able to offer options for a custom installment plan to meet YOUR needs and budget.  In addition, should you need to change or cancel your plans, we are in YOUR corner to advise you on all ramifications.

    Just Book your trip directly on a supplier website?

    In general, expect our prices to be the SAME (Really!) or sometimes even BETTER (SURPRISE!) or we may offer extra amenities in many instances.  And is booking your cruise, resort, etc, the whole thing?  More importantly, a specific cruise or resort supplier’s website will simply NOT offer options from different suppliers that may be better suited for you and/or a better value. You simply cannot evaluate multiple trip options once you are on a specific supplier’s website.

    Which cruise line, resort or tour company is the best for your trip?  WE will find the answer by working together and discovering the best trip for your needs and budget.

    Do you charge for your services?

    Each situation is different and upfront planning fees are sometimes charged.  (You will be happy!)  Further, you will not get surprise fees at time of booking.   We provide comprehensive quotes with taxes and things you may not have thought of like transfers.  I despise hidden charges just like you!

    Do you have industry certifications?

    • ARC Verified Travel Consultant (VTC)…what does this mean to you?  You are dealing with a thoroughly vetted professional travel planner not a hobbyist.
    • CLIA Master Cruise Counselor (MCC) Accreditation and multiple cruise line certifications
    • Licensed to sell travel insurance – How many travel agents or online websites have this…ASK!  I was fingerprinted and had to pass a criminal background check!
    • All-Inclusive Advisor training for El Dorado and Azul Resorts, Real, Palace along with Secrets and Dreams Resorts
    • Escorted Tour training from Globus/Cosmos, Trafalgar, and Insight
    • River cruise training from Avalon Waterways and Uniworld.

    CALL or email today to discuss your next dream trip!

     

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  • Questions to ask when planning Your Dream Trip

    Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in Jena, Th...

    This week, I have a list of questions for you.

    Why and There?

    1. Where have you always wanted to go? and why?
    2. Where have you traveled in the past?  What did you like most and least?
    3. What do you enjoy most about traveling?
    4. What are your hobbies?
    5. Have you done any research into your dream trip?
    6. First time to the destination?  (For Italy, Rome, Florence and Venice are great for your first time.  While in China, Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai are great for your first time there.)

    Activity

    1. How active do you want to be?
    2. Do you prefer a fast pace with many things to do and see or a slower place to allow for more relaxation/spa time?
    3. What are the top three experiences you want guaranteed on your trip?
    4. Want to take in museums and highlights? Want to take your time with the culture and people of the destination(s)?
    5. Do you want private tours?  “Skip-the-line” tours? Reserved seats at shows?

    Groups large and small or not?

    1. Do you enjoy the camaraderie and shared experience of a group?
    2. Do you look for time to explore on your own?
    3. Want to travel in what size group? or privately with how many people?
    4. Do you want to dine with a group at highlight restaurants or wander around and make your own culinary discoveries? (NOTE: It is not necessary to choose.)

    Seasonality

    victoria falls
    1. When would you like to travel? Food for thought – October/November is a great time for China as sites are much less crowded but a very bad time for a Southern Africa Safari as October and November are among the hottest months of the year and Victoria Falls has much less water.
    2. Want to experience Alaska?  Peak travel months are July and August but there are advantages to visiting at other times during the brief tourist season of May to September.
    3. Want to go to Europe?  How about a Christmas markets tour in December?  Can you travel in March?  While you’ll need a jacket, the airfares are better and you won’t be there with the maximum crowds of peak tourist season

    Please contact me today to discuss your answers.

     

  • River Cruises: Did you know?

    We’ve looked at both cruising and touring in the Mediterranean.  Is there a way to combine the best of both?  River cruises combine the best of an ocean cruise with the best of a land tour. Further, river cruises especially apply to European trips as the original means of transportation were rivers like the Danube, Moselle, Rhine, and Main.  Do you want to visit Europe and see the sites, in comfort with plenty of time to explore?

    River Cruises Budapest, Parliament
    River Cruises Budapest

    Many people choose to visit Europe on a cruise for their first time but comment they don’t have enough time to see all of the sites.  While people on panoramic land tours have lots of sightseeing but travel time and multiple packing and unpacking may dampen the vacation “feel” of their trip.  What a dilemma!  River Cruises make it easy to really take in the sites of Europe in comfort and with more time to explore.

    River Cruises are an ideal way to take in the sites:

    • Quintessential European destinations, like Budapest, Vienna, and Lyon are located right on the great rivers of Europe.
    • Sail historic waterways to experience an up close view of ever changing scenery, like castles, small villages, steep gorges, and vineyards as you sail by in your own quaint floating hotel.
    • River cruises often dock right in the heart of town close to charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, and bustling market places.

    River cruises provide unmatched comfort to experience multiple cities without the stress.

    • Unpack once with the comfort of knowing where you’ll spend each night with a familiar venue for dinner and plenty of time to explore ashore.
    • Intimate ships (most average well below 200 guests)
    • All cabins have a window at minimum. Virtually any ship in any line in Europe has three decks.  The two higher decks will have French balconies (you lean on the rail from inside the cabin) and some ships have “ocean ship” style balconies.  The bottom deck is partially underwater with windows.

    River Cruises give you more time to explore:

    • You’ll spend less time getting to the sites you want to explore and more time being there!  (Did you know that river cruises are the fastest growing segment in the travel industry?)
    • Enjoy breathtaking, constantly changing scenery with no “sea days” or “tendering” into port
    • Enjoy dinner ashore along with free time to explore after sundown on many itineraries
    • Many itineraries offer a first or last night aboard in ports like Amsterdam or Budapest to allow time for sightseeing in your “docked” hotel room.

    River cruises have a higher upfront cost than ocean cruises but offer a far more inclusive experience.  At Daydream Excursions we focus on the “cost to come home!”  River cruises include many land tours along with beer and wine at dinner and perhaps lunch.  When you add the price for an ocean cruise plus your shore excursions, tours, optional meals and drinks, the river cruise may be an intriguing option to literally cover much more ground at a very comfortable pace with lots of inclusions.

    Questions?  We’ve got answers – just an email or phone call away!

  • Mediterranean Travel: Cruise vs. tour throw-down Part 2.

    Map of Italian "Mare Nostrum" (Itali...
    Map of Italian “Mare Nostrum” (Italian Mediterranean),… Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Welcome to part 2 of  our cruise versus tour throw-down.  This week we’ll take a more in depth look at touring  Mediterranean countries as opposed to cruising.  Want more than a taste of a country?  Touring gets you on the ground in countries like Italy, Spain, France, or Greece, as opposed to just cruising to a port for six to twelve hours.

    Key experiences of a land tour in the Mediterranean:

    • plenty of time to explore as you wish during unscheduled free time
    • taste the local cuisine each day
    • INCLUDED visits to key tourist sites with minimal time waiting in lines
    • exposure to local culture
    • convenience of unpacking only once or twice on regional tours.

    Concerned about frequent unpacking and long coach rides?  That may be an issue in a multi-city tour of Italy.  For an easier pace, consider a  a regional tour  focused on Tuscany, the South of France, or southern Spain which will provide plenty of time to settle in to explore one or two destinations.

    Questions you need to ask:

    • Which costs more, the tour or the cruise?
    • Better question, What’s the total cost to come home from a European Vacation?
    • Best question, What would you like to experience?

    Answers, at first blush the cruise looks less expensive, but is that really the case?  The cruise gets you to from port to port, but then what?  Let’s look at what is normally included in most tours:

    • the per day cost of an escorted tour may be less than the price of individually booking just a hotel room
    • breakfast each day and some featured dinners – in local restaurants perhaps with a host and wine
    • all transportation from start to end of tour (airport transfers may be included)
    • many must-see sites are included AND you will have a guide/host to interpret these sites with minimal waiting
    • check-in/check-out of hotels and most baggage handling is also included..no lugging your bags from here to there!
    • TIME to linger at a side walk café and take it all in AFTER the sun goes down and the cruise people have left.

    In closing, some more considerations about the experience you may have on a tour:

    • English speaking and knowledgeable tour directors remove any language barriers to ensure you don’t miss any highlights of your tour
    • achieve your own personal growth from a destination’s traditions, customs, or historical significance that you share with others.
    • travel with like minded individuals to share in the local culture with the chance to make new friends.
    • simplified travel arrangements for you as the big pieces are already included and planned out for you (hotels, logistics, baggage handling, many meals, and key sightseeing.)

    This concludes our cruise versus tour throw-down.  What do you think?