Tag Travel

A year in review 2022

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This year I was fortunate to experience many different cruise lines and destinations. In 2023 I will begin a series of blog post with reviews on each of those ships.

January – 7 Night cruise. I was invited to sail on Symphony of The Seas. Ports of call included Costa Maya Mexico, Roatan Bay Islands Honduras, Cozumel Mexico and Perfect Day at Coco Cay

February – 4 Night cruise on Navigator of The Seas (One of my favorite ships). On this cruise we visited Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico

March – 3 Night cruise on Carnival Radiance Ports of call include Ensenada Mexico

May – 7 Night cruise on Discovery Princess, Ports of call included Ketchikan, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria British Columbia

June – 7 Night cruise on Holland America Eurodam, This was another invite cruise. Ports included Cruise Stephens Passage, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria British Columbia

August – 5 Night cruise on Adventure of The Seas. Ports of call include 2 nights in Bermuda

September – 10 Night cruise on the Norwegian Prima. Ports of call included Amsterdam Netherlands, Kiel Germany, Warnemunde (Berlin) Germany, Helsinki Finland, Tallinn Estonia, Stockholm Sweden, Visby Sweden, Copenhagen Denmark

September – 4 Night cruise on Virgin Scarlet Lady. This was another invited cruise. Ports of call included Key West Florida, The Beach Club Bimini Bahamas

When I set out my cruise plan for the year I only had 2 of these cruises booked! That being said my cruise planner for 2023 & 2024 is beyond packed with lots of great cruise adventures! I like to book thing’s far in advance (that is how you get the best deals). Of course my job as a travel agent is to try new places and new things that way I can tell YOU all about them. I have lots of plans for the blog in the new year and I hope you’ll like them too!

#cruisetravtravel #cruiseships #travelreview #yearinreview #travelagent #familylesstraveled #wdadventures

The 7 Common Travel Scams that Will Ruin Your Vacation – and How to Avoid Them

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close up shot of dollar bills

We all want to get the most bang for our buck when planning our vacations, and we all want to find great deals while we’re traveling.

It’s wise to keep an eye out for potential savings or good deals when exploring other states, cultures, and countries, right?

The problem, of course, is that scammers know we’re distracted looking for deals…so the scammers are looking for us!

Some of the most common travel scams target tourists, and they can be found all over the world. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself the victim of a travel scam.

To help you avoid being scammed on your next vacation, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common travel scams.

Continue reading “The 7 Common Travel Scams that Will Ruin Your Vacation – and How to Avoid Them” →

7 Advantages of All Inclusive Stress-Free Vacations

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coconut trees around a swimming pool

When it comes to enjoying a stress-free vacation, all-inclusive resorts are a perfect choice.

With all-inclusive resorts, you can have all the benefits of a traditional vacation – all the accommodations, entertainment, and activities you could want – but in one convenient location – and for one price!

Whether it’s a week filled with sun and sand at the beach, or an adventure-filled safari tour and cenote swim in a remote jungle, all-inclusive vacations offer something for everyone at price points for every budget.

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The Top 5 Bucket List Trips You Need to Take in Your Lifetime

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We all have a bucket list. Whether it’s places we want to see, things we want to do, or experiences we want to have, we all have a list of things we want to do before we die. And while there are endless possibilities for amazing experiences out there, there are some that just stand out above the rest. Here are the top 5 bucket list trips you need to take in your lifetime.

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5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations for Your Next Adventure

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If you’re looking for a vacation that’s a little bit different from the usual tourist traps, then these five off-the-beaten-path destinations are definitely for you. From a small town in Italy to an isolated island in Thailand, these places are sure to give you an experience you’ll never forget.

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The Top 7 DIY Travel Planning Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Next Vacation

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anonymous tourists showing us passports on street on sunny day

Planning your own DIY vacation can be stressful and overwhelming for most people.

There are so many things to remember when planning a trip DIY style – from passports and visas, to insurance & documentation. It’s easy to make a mistake that can ruin your whole vacation.

We don’t want you to make the same mistakes that we’ve seen so many travelers make over the years.  From a bride who missed her honeymoon to a husband that got his wife’s birthday wrong, these mistakes will make you think twice before booking your next vacation without a travel agent.

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10 Ways To Make Your Next Long Plane Ride More Bearable

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gray plane wing

Air travel can be long, uncomfortable and boring no matter how long your flight is.

Did you know the average flight is over 4 hours long? That’s a lot of time to spend in a small space with limited options for entertainment.

And you’re not alone if you find the whole experience to be less than pleasant. According to a study by Expedia, 61% of people find flying stressful, and only 38% actually enjoy it.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

We’ve put together a list of 10 tips to make your next long flight more bearable below – follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to having a comfortable and relaxing journey!

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The 5 Simple Ways to Add to Your Vacation Fund without Feeling Deprived

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person putting coin in a piggy bank

Vacation is a time to relax and recharge, but can be quite an investment for many people.  You work hard for your money and you deserve the best value for your budget. Today, I want to help you grow your vacation fund so that you can the break you need!

Did you know the average cost of a summer vacation for a family of four is over $4,000. Yikes! Even a romantic 7-day honeymoon for 2 can cost upwards of $3,000 when all is said and done – and that’s just with a basic one!

Most people decide to save for vacation by cutting back on spending in other areas, but that can be hard to do and often leads to feeling deprived or like you’re missing out on life.

But what if there were a way to make saving for vacation fun, easy and something you actually looked forward to?

Continue reading “The 5 Simple Ways to Add to Your Vacation Fund without Feeling Deprived” →

Multiple Ships Debut Delayed

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Nobody wants to hear about delays but it has been reported over the last few weeks that multiple cruise lines are facing severe delays in the construction of their new ships. The most recent of which is the Carnival Jubilee set to be the largest ship in their lineup, will unfortunately be seeing its maiden voyage slip from an October, 2023 sailing to a merrier Christmas, 2023 debut.

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The Best Small Towns to Visit in America

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There’s something special about small towns. They have a charm and a character that you just can’t find in big cities. Maybe it’s the slower pace of life, or the close-knit community feel. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that small towns have a lot to offer visitors.

If you’re looking for a unique travel destination, then look no further than these five small towns in America. From the historic streets of Boston to the quaint fishing villages of Maine, there’s something for everyone in these charming places.

Boston, Massachusetts

As the capital of Massachusetts, Boston is steeped in history. From the iconic Freedom Trail to the iconic Fenway Park, there are plenty of things to see and do in this small town. If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’ll definitely want to check out the famous Quincy Market district, where you’ll find some of the best seafood in the country.

Portland, Maine

Situated on the majestic Casco Bay, Portland is a popular tourist destination for its stunning coastal scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy whale-watching tours, hiking trails, and even take a ferry ride to one of the many nearby islands. For those who enjoy fresh seafood, Portland is definitely the place to be. With its numerous seafood restaurants and markets, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to eat.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a small town with a big reputation. This historic town is home to some of America’s most prestigious universities, as well as renowned museums and art galleries. If you’re looking for a cultural experience, then Newport is definitely worth a visit. And if you love being outdoors, then you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities like sailing, golfing, and hiking.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a beautiful small town located on the coast of South Carolina. This historic town is known for its antebellum architecture and stately mansions which line the streets. If you’re a fan of southern food, then you’ll definitely want to check out Charleston’s famous restaurants which serve up some of the best cuisine in the country. And if you love shopping, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with all of the boutique shops that line King Street.

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis is another small town located on America’s east coast. This charming town is known for its maritime history and abundance of 18th-century buildings. Visitors can enjoy exploring the US Naval Academy Museum or take a boat tour around Chesapeake Bay. And if you love seafood, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of Annapolis’ many seafood restaurants which serve up some of the best crab cakes in Maryland. 

Small towns offer visitors a unique travel experience that you can’t find in big cities. From historic sites to picturesque coastline views, there’s something for everyone in these charming places. So if you’re looking for somewhere different to travel this year, why not consider one of these five small towns in America? You won’t be disappointed!

Here at Love of The Magic Vacations, we specialize in bringing your vacation dreams to life while providing outstanding service and peace of mind every step of the way.

Contact me “Windy Dockum” for a free vacation quote