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Unique Journeys – Travel Insights

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Unique Journeys - Travel Insights
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CRUISING THE BEAUTIFUL WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on May 28, 2018 by nancyMay 28, 2018

Does that word Bordeaux conjure up mental pictures of France and acres and acres of grape vines?    Or does it remind you of great evenings by the fire with a glass of wine – sharing a glass of wine with dinner and friends or just relaxing after a long day.

Well, taking a river cruise to the Wine Region of Bordeaux will surpass anything you can imagine.

View of the vineyards at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and Winery

View of the vineyards at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and Winery

I am the first to admit that before this wine-themed cruise I knew very little about grapes, terroir and the making of wine, but I learned a great deal on this cruise even though I was having a wonderful  time doing it.  All of our guides were so engaging and enthusiastic, you couldn’t help but soak up some of their great knowledge.  For instance, when we visited a vineyard specializing in Sauterne grapes, we learned about the “noble rot” which sounds awful, but is the fungus which produces the great sauternes from that region.  I will say that several in our group walked out of there with bottles of wine to enjoy later.

Without being conscious of it, I learned that wines from Bordeaux are a mix of different types of grapes and that each year the mix is different depending on the weather and how it affects the different grape varieties. I found out that all the grapes are hand-picked and that to be an organic wine, they can’t even water the grapes.  Mother Nature rules in the vineyards of Bordeaux.

Who Doesn’t Love a Farmers Market?

Cadillac Market

Cadillac Market

Almost all cities and towns in France have market days and we were lucky enough to be in Cadillac on theirs.  We were able to stroll around and buy bread, fruit and cheeses direct from the people who grow and produce them.  The people are so friendly and willing to answer any questions you have and the variety of goods is wonderful.  I bought some great cheese and fruit to snack on later.  A great way to remember Cadillac.

 

 Did you know they use eggs in wine?

There is a tradition in Bordeaux of using egg whites in the wine casks to help remove sediment during the wine-making process.  As you can imagine, this leaves you with lots of egg yolks.  The French have solved this problem by creating caneles, which are small pastries made only with egg yolks.  I applaud their ingenuity.  The cruise director brought several boxes back to the ship and put them out for everyone to try.  I had several caneles. Okay, I probably had more than a few.

Not all highlights of a cruise have to be about activity

Here’s a question – how many of us have free time in our everyday lives to just sit back and totally relax. Onboard a river cruise, when you are cruising between ports, you have that opportunity. You can sit in the lounge and just watch the countryside go by, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine from the bar.  Maybe you are a card player; there are tables in the lounge set up for whatever card game you would like to indulge in. If you love to read, bring your own book or enjoy one from the library.

Sitting on the sun deck is also an option if the weather cooperates.  You could also enjoy that glass of wine in the hot tub or pool.  I love early mornings, especially if there is a fog hanging over the river, isolating you from the rest of the world.  I shot this picture while standing at the bow of the ship watching a crew member communicating with the Captain by walkie talkie as they steered us safely through this and several other bridges.  Our captain was very young, but as you can see, very experienced.  What an exhilarating experience to see the bridge emerge out of the fog and to sail gently through.   So quiet and ethereal-it was one of the highlights of the cruise.

There are lots of possibilities, but they all have one overriding theme – this is your time to sit back, relax and let someone else steer the boat.

Now is the time to make your dreams a reality.  Contact me at www.unique-journeys.com to set up an appointment to book your unforgettable river cruise

Posted in Bordeaux, Cruises, Europe, River Cruises, Uncategorized | Tagged bordeaux, chateau, farmers market, fresh produce, grapes, loire valley, market days, noble rot, river cruise, sauterne, tastings, Unique-Journeys, wine, wine making, wine region

CUBA – THE EXOTIC DESTINATION CLOSE TO HOME

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on May 24, 2018 by nancyMay 24, 2018

RAISE YOUR HAND if you have been thinking about visiting CUBA – THE EXOTIC DESTINATION CLOSE TO HOME. In February of this year, I was lucky enough to join the ranks of Americans visiting Cuba for the first time. Until recently Cuba was this exotic and mysterious neighbor we weren’t allowed to see in person. Oh, the really adventurous could go there by flying to Mexico or Canada and flying to Cuba from there. I was not among that contingent.

So this past February I walked onto the Holland America Veendam to see for myself what the real Cuba is like. We sailed into Havana early the next morning to start our 18 hour odyssey. As we stood on the deck waiting to disembark, one of the first things you think is “It looks like a normal morning in any tropical city.”  Going through customs to enter the city is quite strict. Not only do they take your picture and do x-rays, but they take your temperature. If you have any fever at all, you are not allowed entrance. Once through all the entrance lines and getting your Cuban money, you go downstairs to board your designated bus for your day out.

Trip down memory lane

I chose to ride in one of the “classic” cars of my past. These cars are being maintained and used as taxis in the city. I scored a hot pink convertible and a driver who spoke some English. The first thing you notice is there are no seat belts. After they start the car, the second thing you notice is they use leaded gas, so the fumes bring back memories.

Make no mistake this is a Communist country and all around you there buildings in various states of disrepair because there simply are no resources to fix them up. That is really a sad sight.  However, all the Cuban people we met, were extremely friendly and outgoing.  Our guide for the day in Havana invited us to ask her any questions about the government, the country or even their religion Santaria.  We took her up on that as we rode around to various sites and learned a great deal about the culture and lives of the people of Cuba.

 

What would a trip to Cuba be without Cigars!

After lunch we went back to the heart of Havana and walked through the three major squares and an indoor flea market. In one of the squares we went into a shop for a little retail therapy. Since all pricing is government controlled, it doesn’t matter which shop you buy from. I got the requisite cigars and rum and also picked up some Cuban coffee.

Happily toting my purchases I climbed the gangway to the ship so that I could take a shower, eat a little dinner and get ready to head out again for my night at one of the nightclubs that were available for shore excursions. I picked the show at the Hotel Nationale de Cuba since I was interested in seeing the hotel. It was the hotel of choice for lots of American gangsters and mobsters. There is an entire room with pictures dedicated the various personalities who have stayed there.

The show itself was very colorful with lots of music and dancing and costume changes. It was very interesting and I’m glad I went, even though it started at 10pm and ended just shy of midnight. We had to hurry back to the ship since it was departing at 1:30am. For me, beginning my day at 6:00am to view our arrival into Havana and getting to bed around 12:30am after a full day of touring, was exhausting, but exhilarating just the same.

AT-SEA DAY – BUT KEEPING BUSY

The next day at sea, I attended two Microsoft workshops, an America’s Test Kitchen demonstration, a BBC show and had afternoon tea. I got my exercise jogging between the different venues as they were on different decks and in the front and back of the ship. While I was taking advantage of the activities onboard, we were steaming toward Cienfuegos, our next and last stop in Cuba.

Next stop – Cienfuegos

We arrived there early on Saturday morning, which was a market day. My pick for the shore excursion here was to a graphic arts studio and a concert of all flautists. (I’ve always wanted to use that word). They are an example of the emphasis on art and creativity of all kinds in this society. All of the graphic artists at the studio and the musicians are young people with great enthusiasm for their medium of choice.

After lunch at a very modern hotel, we went back to downtown Cienfuegos for a walk through the market and a visit to a lovely theater. Once again, you could see signs of deterioration in this beautiful building and you wish you could do something to bring it back to its glory days.

Now that the door has been opened, I hope to go back and be able to see more of this exotic neighbor of ours.  The more Americans that take advantage of this opportunity, the better both cultures will be.  Why don’t you join me in considering a vacation to CUBA. Contact me to schedule your next adventure.

 

 

Posted in Cruises, Ocean Cruises, Uncategorized | Tagged artists, black beans, cabaret, chicken, cigars, classic cars, coffee, Cruise, cuba, exotic, gangsters, graphic arts, Holland America, mobsters, rice, rum, Unique-Journeys

THE MAGIC AND WONDER OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS BY RIVER CRUISE

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on May 16, 2018 by nancyMay 16, 2018

Do you Believe in Magic?

I believe in magic and you will too when you board your river cruise and see it decked out for the holidays.  The magic and wonder of a Christmas Markets cruise in Europe is one way to re-capture the Christmas magical feelings of your youth and give it as a gift to your children.   Take a river cruise to the Christmas Markets of Europe and you can introduce your children to cultures and traditions different than your own.  You can expand their horizons and help them understand other societies.   You can watch their eyes light up as you wander the various markets with their array of hand-crafted toys, ornaments and delectable treats.  This is the true magic of Christmas.

Christmas is still very much a religious and family-oriented holiday in the countries you will visit. While shopping is a theme of your shore excursions, intertwined with every market are Christmas concerts at the beautiful churches and areas for the children to play and have fun.

You and your children will be exposed to traditions that have been handed down in families for hundreds of years and you will be learning about different cultures while you are having the time of your life.

Caroling

When you board your river cruise ship, you are surrounded by energetic crew members excited to help you enjoy and get the most out of your cruise, a ship that has been transformed into a Christmas fantasy, and the promise of a great experience in some of the most iconic European cities and towns. However, there is one element that is waiting for your special touch – the passengers get to decorate the tree.

WHAT’S A PICKLE GOT TO DO WITH IT?   

Another fun activity onboard the ship is the hunt for the pickle. The Legend of the Pickle is hundreds of years old in Germany and your family will learn the legend and will get a chance to “hunt for the pickle”.  Will you be the one to find the pickle?  Even if you aren’t, it’s a great family activity, that you can take home with you and start your own tradition.

 

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE INTRIGING CITIES YOU CAN VISIT

Your floating hotel will enable you to see many of the cities you have always heard about at a magical time of year when they are decked out for the Holidays.  Some of the greatest cities in Europe are on the rivers, such as Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Amsterdam and many others.

 

FEAR NOT FOODIES AND PICKY EATERS – YOU ALL CAN “HAVE IT YOUR WAY”

Breakfast and lunch can both be buffets or you can order off the menu. At lunch, you just want something quick so you can make that afternoon shore excursion? There is a shortened lunch menu in the lounge. Tired from all that shopping, exploring and absorbing history, how about a small assortment of sandwiches and desserts to keep your strength up until dinner. While you have been enjoying family time, your chef and his group of talented cooks has been creating food almost too good to eat. I managed and I’m sure you will too. Now, go rest up for dinner – where you have lots of menu choices.

While every city and town is celebrating Christmas, there will be regional specialties in each destination which are steeped in the history of the area. You and your family will learn the traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years and handed down from generation to generation.  Take Regensburg for example.  It is the oldest town on the Danube and home to one of the oldest sausage shops, Wurstkuchl.  This is a must stop before you start to explore this town which has over 1,000 historic buildings.

DO YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH?

Along with the wonderful treats created onboard your ship, you will find great regional specialties in each city. Take Nuremberg for example. Along with one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, they are famous for their gingerbread. Smelling it is almost as much fun as tasting it, but not quite. And, you will get to taste it everywhere.

The One-The Original Sacher TorteWhile in Vienna, you can taste Sacher Torte.   While not a Christmas specialty, you can learn how it originated at the Sacher Hotel. Pull up a chair and you can enjoy it where it was first served. You should also order one of my favorites while there, hot chocolate MIT SCHLAG. This is one of my special treats. In German, Mit Schlag means with cream and in Austria, you get a lot of Schlag when you ask for it.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AND WONDER OF A CHRISTMAS CRUISE

If you want your family to experience the magic and wonder of a Christmas Market cruise this year, you need to call me. The earlier the better to insure your family get the perfect accommodations on your first choice of dates.   Many times the early you book the better the price.  The first step is up to you. I’ll await your phone call.

Posted in Christmas, River Cruises | Tagged christmas markets, christmas pickle, danube, Danube river, europe, rhine, river cruise, river cruises, salzburg, The Famous Sacher Torte, vienna

WHY I LOVE RIVER CRUISES-AND YOU WILL TOO

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on April 5, 2018 by nancyApril 5, 2018

SIZE DOES MATTER: Most river cruise ships only hold around 160 people. Just enough fellow passengers to give you an opportunity to get to know them over the course of the cruise, but not overwhelming. THIS IS WHY I LOVE … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, River Cruises | Tagged amsterdam, cruises, danube, europe, history, moselle, rhine, river cruise, riverboat cruises, travel

Paris: A City packed with fine art, architecture, shopping & sightseeing

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on November 30, 2016 by Debbie TolstoiMarch 21, 2018

Two days in Paris, the city of lights, is not enough time!

But… it was all the time we had. Our journey to Paris was the first leg of the AMA Waterway wine cruise package. After the two day journey in Paris, we headed to Bordeaux for a seven day riverboat cruise through the wine region. The trip ended with three glorious days in the Loire Valley. Even though two days in Paris isn’t enough time to see everything that was on our list, we did manage to pack in much as we could!

To describe Paris, to a Paris “virgin,” one has to define the layout of the city. The city of Paris is divided into arrondissements (administrative districts, or neighborhoods) which are situated on either the Right Bank (northern side) or the Left Bank (southern side) of the Seine. There are 20 arrondissements with the 1st located at the center of the city, on the Right Bank. The following arrondissements spiral outwards in a clock-wise direction. Most of the famous tourist attractions can be found in one of the central eight arrondissements.

 

1-paris-republlique-plazaLocation, location, location!

Our hotel, the Crowne Plaza was located in the Republique Neighborhood, on the right bank, between the 3rd, 10th & 11th arrondissements. It is a lovely neighborhood that surrounds a central plaza, the Place de République. The plaza is lined with restaurants, pubs and pâtisseries, (bakeries) all within walking distance of our hotel.

A 31′ bronze statue of Marianne, the Goddess of Liberty sits in the center of the plaza. Marianne is surrounded by three statues representing Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (liberty, equality fraternity), the values of the French Republic.

Getting around Paris was easy. There were buses and cabs that stopped right outside the front door of our hotel, and a Metro station less than a half a block away. We either walked or took the Metro, which was an absolutely stellar transportation system. I found that people in France, don’t tell you how many miles or kilometers you are from your destination; they tell you how long it takes to walk there.

Day One in Paris

Dealing with jet lag is tough, but we still had a great first day in Paris. We opted to take a 30 minute walk to the Seine so we could purchase day passes for the Batobus; a hop-on-hop-off tour boat that cruises the river. The day passes allowed us to get on and off at as many stops as we wanted.

We hopped on at the Hôtel de Ville, did a half circle cruise around the city and then and hopped off at he Museum de Orsay. This converted train station/museum is smaller than the Louvre, but loaded with fabulous works of art. After returning to our stop at the Hôtel de Ville, we decided the Metro was a better choice for our return trip back to the Republique neighborhood, where we found a charming and affordable restaurant just off the main drag, full of local diners. After dinner we limped back to the hotel for a great night’s sleep!

View from the BatobusMuseum de OrsayMuseum of OrsayNotre Dame CathedralNotre Dame CathedralNotre Dame CathedralNotre Dame CathedralSainte ChapelleStatue of St. Louis, founder of Sainte ChapelleSainte ChapelleSainte Chapelle

Day Two – Our Final Day in Paris

We kicked the second day in Paris off at a lovely pâtisserie, where we dined on croissants, fresh squeezed orange juice and cappuccinos. On to the Metro station for day passes which cost only €14 each (around $15). The journey then led us to the fabulous Notre Dame Cathedral, on the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine. From Notre Dame, we headed to Sainte Chapelle, a royal chapel, known for it’s incredible stained glass windows, also located on the Île de la Cité. What amazed us is both — these Gothic structures were built without the equipment or technology that we have today, and they’re still standing!

What is a trip to Paris without a visit to Ladurée, the grande dame of Paris pâtisseries, where the Macaron Mania began? Of course we weren’t going to let this opportunity pass… Hunger set in after the cathedral visits, so we headed to the Champs Elysée, where we found our pâtisserie and cafe. We enjoyed lunch and a well deserved rest. The meal was topped off with cups of decadent hot chocolate, the best in the world!

After lunch we headed to the Arc de Triomphe, the iconic monument built as a tribute to French soldiers lost in all wars. We took an elevator to the observation deck to be able to experience some of the best views in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe was a sobering and beautiful memorial to fallen soldiers.

As if the Arc de Triomphe wasn’t high enough, we forged on to the Eiffel Tower and proceeded to travel to the top, via elevator (of course). The views from the top were nothing short of magnificent, even for someone terribly afraid of heights. Luckily, there was a sturdy fence enclosing the observation deck! The day turned into evening as we descended. We were delighted by the light show the Eiffel Tower provided us with. This was the perfect ending to a beautiful two day excursion to Paris.

A final note on Paris

I can’t write about Paris without mentioning how impressed I was with the incredible architecture, the sculptures, gargoyles and the fine craftsmanship of the ironwork. If you are interested in fine art, architecture, shopping or sightseeing, Paris is the city to visit!

Ladurée, the grande dame of Paris pâtisseriesA look down the Champs ElyséeThe Arc de TriompheView from the Arc de TriomphThe Eiffel TowerView from the Eiffel TowerThe Eiffel Tower at DuskTypical Paris ArchitectureIntricate ironworkGargoyles protecting Sainte Chapple

Posted in Europe, France, Paris | Tagged arc de triomph, eiffel tower, europe, france, notre dame cathedral, paris

A Riverboat Cruise to the Bordeaux Region of France – The Sights, Sounds and Tastes

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on November 23, 2016 by Debbie TolstoiMarch 21, 2018

A Riverboat Cruise in Bordeaux – The Adventure of a Lifetime!

This is going to be an extra special holiday season. I will have the opportunity to share my lovely photos and incredible experiences I had in Bordeaux with family and friends. Of course… I will also share the details of the other regions in France I visited (with family and friends and in other blog posts). If you are one of those folks that would rather look at pictures and not read, scroll down and check out the slide show!

Barrel room at Sauternes WineryTraveling through the Bordeaux Region of France is a joy to the senses! When one thinks of Bordeaux, France, wine is the first thought that comes to mind. Of course it should as wine making in the region began 2,000 years ago! There are plenty of great wines to taste and wineries to visit, but wine is only one of the many enticements this fairy tale realm has to offer.

My recent travel to France included a seven-day AMA Waterways riverboat cruise along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Estuary, through the Bordeaux Region. We visited famous wineries, lovely medieval and renaissance châteaux, a famous citadel along with other UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was easy get swept away by the grandeur, beauty, history, food, and of course, the wines found in the area.

Chateau de Roquetaillade

Chateau de Roquetaillade, a castle in Mazères near Bordeaux

 

The Cruise

The cruise was a highlight of the journey. Riverboat cruises are smaller and far more intimate than the large ocean liners. We traveled with only 120 other passengers, far less than the thousands that travel on an ocean liner. It’s easy to recognize everyone on board and easy to find people to share the experiences of the day with. The food on board is regional cuisine that is beautifully presented, delightfully tasty and paired with the fabulous local wines. It is virtually impossible to go hungry on board. Aside from the three meals served in the dining room, you can always find tasty snacks and beverages in the lounge.

The track on the sun deck of the Ama Dolce in BordeauxMost people fear they will gain weight on a cruise, but the shore excursions offered on this wine cruise keep you moving. I can say in all honesty, I walked every one of those delicious calories off. I actually lost weight on this trip! There were two or more excursions to choose from daily. One of the daily excursions was to a winery. Other excursions included: a visit to a château, a stroll through a quaint village, or one of the UNESCO sites. Each of the villages has excellent bakeries and unique shops. If you are not in the mood for an excursion, you are always welcome to relax on the sundeck.

Every single person that worked on the ship was joyful, helpful and downright fun to be around. The staff  made sure that anything you needed or wanted on board was available. Our tour director, John Riley, an Englishman had an amazing sense of humor and the ability to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

My mission this holiday season is to convince my family and friends to join me on this trip next summer, as I can’t wait to do it all over again!

The AMA DolceThe sun deck on the AMA DolceSeating are on the bow of the AMA DolceA great view of the river from one of the decks of the AMA DolceThe comfortable lounge on boardThere were always pastries in the loungeCadillac MarketCadillac MarketProduce stand at the market in CadillacBreads at the market in CadillacArtistic Cross at the Cadillac ChurchCharming doorway & flowers in CadillacInteresting door knocker in CadillacWinery and estate in SauternesA view of a vineyard in SauternesGrapes with the "Noble Rot" in SauternesThe barrel room at a winery in SauternesA magnificent bottle of SauternesThe medieval, Roquetaillade ChateauRoquetaillade ChateauInner courtyard at Roquetaillade chateau400 year old trees at RoquetailladeSculpture of CatAsian influenced chateauBaron von Rothschild estate in PauillacOne of the many chateaux in PauillacOne of the many chateaux in PauillacLeoville Poyferre Estate and Winery in the Medoc regionVinification tanks at the Leoville Poyferre wineryBarrel room at the Leoville Poyferre wineryBlaye CitadelBlaye CitadelStreet at Blaye CitadelBlaye Citadel castle ruinsRuins at the Blaye CitadelView of the river from the Blaye CitadelBath house in the village of BourgStreet in the village of BourgStreet in the village of BourgFlowers in BourgCat showing offBourg community centerBourg community centerBourg community centerFlowers growing out of a crack in a wallMedieval home in St. EmilionNarrow street in St. EmilionView of the village of St. EmilionChateau de Pressac Winery and EstateView of the vineyards at the Chateau de Pressac Winery and EstateVinification tanks at the Chateau de Pressac Winery and EstateChateau de VayresSculptureView of the river from Chateau de VayresChateau de Varyes16th century addition to the original fortress at Chateau de VayresUpdated venue at the Chateau de VayresChateau de la Riviere Estate and WineryChateau de la Riviere Estate and WineryView of the vineyards at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and WineryEntrance to quarry at Chateau de la Riviere Estate and WineryBottles age in the old quarry at Chateau de la RiviereKnights table and chairs carved from stone in the old quarry at Chateau de la RiviereChateau de MontaigneChateau de MontaigneChateau de MontaigneFog on the riverFog on the riverRemnants of Nazi U Boat pens on the Garonne RiverBordeaux water parkBordeaux opera houseBordeaux Vin de BarBordeaux Vin de BarRue de Catherine in BordeauxWine museum in BordeauxVertical lift bridge in BordeauxBordeaux lit up at nightBordeaux lit up at night

Posted in Bordeaux, France, River Cruises | Tagged bordeaux, france, riverboat cruises, wine

A London & Paris Tour for the Chocolate Lover

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on October 5, 2015 by Debbie TolstoiNovember 24, 2016

Love Chocolate and Visit Europe

Make Your Chocolate Dreams Come True

As a chocolate lover you will really enjoy this reason for visiting London and Paris with a tour that visits local patisseries and chocolate shops in the 2 capital cities.  Every October, London’s Chocolate Week and the Salon du Chocolat in Paris have become the must-attend events for Europe’s chocoholics with an array of workshops, receptions and tasting experiences and a gathering of Europe’s finest chocolatiers

This sweet 6 night confection can run at any time of the year but you might want to time it to coincide with the London Chocolate Festival from 4th – 6th December 2015. They stage a second Festival 25th – 27th March 2016 which can also include a side trip to York for their Chocolate Festival.  The Salon du Chocolat in Paris runs at the end of October 2016.  Highlights include:

    • A Chocolate Walk in London, visiting the capital’s best chocolatiers.
    • An afternoon hands-on Chocolate Workshop with one of London’s best chocolatiers
    • A Eurostar train ride to Paris
    • A Chocolate Walk in Paris, visiting the capital’s best chocolatiers and patisseries
    • A Day at the 2016 Salon du Chocolat including demonstrations and talks about chocolate

Paris and London are sweet to begin with – let’s sweeten the pot by adding in chocolate tasting.  Now is the time to call or email Unique Journeys and start dreaming in chocolate.

314/644-8691
nancy@unique-journeys.com

Posted in Chocolate, England, Europe, France, London, Paris

My Christmas on the Rhine

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on April 10, 2015 by nancyNovember 24, 2016

My friend Frankie and I depart on the 13th of December for our next adventure.  We are taking an AMA Waterways cruise from Amsterdam to Basel.   Last time I missed seeing Budapest because our flight was delayed, so this time … Continue reading →

Posted in Cruises, Germany, River Cruises, The Rhine

New Travel Apps

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on April 1, 2015 by nancyNovember 24, 2016

I am not as good with the computer or my phone as my six-year-old grandson, but I am always looking at the newest apps for them, hoping against hope, that one of them will finally make me a part of the 21st century.

One of the websites I subscribe to is www.travelresearchonline.com where I find articles on all things travel and how to cope with modern-day conveniences.  They gather information from lots of sites and this one on the newest and best apps comes from the Huffington Post.

I am seriously going to give some of these apps a go and see how I do.  Let me know if you have experience with any of these or have discovered a favorite app on your own.  I need all the help I can get.

Next to a suitcase, the most indispensable travel accessory these days is a smart phone. Whether you embark on a business trip, a weekend getaway or an exotic overseas vacation, phone apps exist to help make virtually every element of the experience far easier and more enjoyable. Travel apps have only been so robust in the last couple of years, but it already seems hard to remember how we managed to get anywhere without them.

In some instances, though, there are almost too many choices available. Dozens of apps exist for getting around, say, Europe, and many others are at the ready to help make a packing list. Want to monitor the status of a flight? You’ll need to select from a host of frustratingly similar apps first. Sifting through everything can feel more onerous that navigating the security maze at LAX.

Finding the right apps shouldn’t add stress to travel, so we identified ten that are intended to aid every stage of a trip. Before departing, Dcovery enables you to put together a personalized travel guide based on what interests you the most at your destination. ExpertFlyer.com’s Seat Alerts ensures that you get the seat you want on the way there. Once you arrive, LocalEats can point out the best dining options. And Travel App Box provides information on everything from public transportation to appropriate tipping.

These apps cover practically any travel situation, making your journey safer, smoother and more fun. Just remember not to leave your phone at home.

Postagram

Remember postcards? Postagram brings back the old snail-mail staple, but with a high-tech twist. Take a photo with your smart phone camera (or choose one from your Instagram or Facebook account), type in a short message and enter the recipients’ address. A personalized postcard will appear in their (actual) mailbox within a few days. For IOS and Android; app is free, postcards 99 cents each for U.S. delivery, $1.99 for international addresses.

Dcovery

Organizing pre-trip research can be a challenge. Dcovery’s Place Finder browser extension pulls out the points of interest mentioned in articles and other relevant pages you find online, lets you categorize them and then adds pictures, maps and directions. Sync your phone with your computer and the app puts all the information together into a handy travel guide tailored to your specific interests. For IOS; $3.99.

GateGuru

Airports aren’t exactly known as fine-dining destinations, but GateGuru helps find the hidden gems in your arrival and departure locations. Upload your itinerary and the app lists food options—as well as shops and other services like ATMs—along with where to find them and ratings from other fliers. The app also provides estimated wait times for security lines and last-minute deals on rental cars. For IOS, Android and Windows; free.

Scout

Lots of GPS apps offer traffic updates and voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation to help you get to your destination. Scout, however, helps find things to do once you get there. Choose local sights and attractions from an extensive catalog on its website and then sync your selections with the app for when you arrive. It also keeps up-to-date listings of recommended concerts, sporting events and other timely entertainment options so you’ll always know what’s happening. For IOS and Android; free.

ICE: In Case of Emergency

Although it is probably the last thing you want to think about while traveling, having current and correct medical information is crucial if something goes wrong on a trip. ICE keeps your doctors’ phone numbers, details on specific medical conditions and insurance information all in one place, where it can be accessed even when the phone is locked. The app can also translate the stored information into ten different languages. For Android; $3.99.

iStone Travel Translation

iStone has just one function—translation—and it performs it extremely well. The app comes equipped with a list of more than 300 useful phrases—“How much does it cost?” or “I’d love a room on a higher floor”—that it can say aloud in any of 12 languages. Flip through categories, such as dining or directions, to quickly find the correct expression. And if you come across a new foreign phrase, you can record it to use later. For IOS; free for basic version, full versions of languages require in-app purchases.

LocalEats

A Google search will turn up plenty of restaurants in any given destination. But to narrow your culinary quest to those frequented by in-the-know foodies, you will need LocalEats. The app culls choices from dozens of cities in the United States and abroad to the essentials, all based on media reviews and diners’ recommendations. Browse by categories, such as cuisine type and price range. LocalEats will find what is best near your current location, provide directions and even let you book a taxi to get there. For IOS; 99 cents.

Travel App Box

You could download a dozen similar apps and still not match the functionality that Travel App Box offers. Billed as the Swiss Army knife of travel apps, it is a flight tracker, currency converter, tip calculator and many other useful tools rolled into one package. It also features offline maps—including public transportation layouts in 40 cities worldwide—for when you are stuck somewhere without cellular or WiFi service. For IOS; $1.99.

Posted in Travel Apps

Rivers and Canals of Europe

Unique Journeys - Travel Insights Posted on October 30, 2014 by nancyDecember 2, 2016

See Europe Up Close and Personal The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cruises, Germany, River Cruises

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