EXPLORING AFRICA WITH AMA WATERWAYS

Jul 20, 2023

Now is the time for exploring Africa with AMA Waterways. Chobe National Park is in the northern part of beautiful Botswana and is home to Africa’s largest elephant population and one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in the world. Embark on a safari of Chobe National Park on the ZAMBEZI QUEEN.

Explore Africa with AMA Waterways on the Zambezi Queen

Your luxury home on the Chobe River

An All-Day Safari

After a full day of exploring the park through the Chobe River, AmaWaterways takes guests along other parts of the park via open-top 4×4 vehicles (the open-tops offering a chance for optimal, unobstructed photographs).

Each method of safari will give you a distinctive perspective and all-around feel for the park. Naturally, driving through the park allows the safari to search a wider span and more easily follow game in motion. It also gives closer consideration to the flora and fauna. The park is so massive it is usually categorized into four subdivisions. The Serondola area of the park, also known as the Chobe Riverfront, is flush with a dense woodland of mahogany, teak and other hardwoods – along with the lush floodplains near the Chobe River.

Another fun feature of this trip is enjoying a delicious picnic-lunch served up under the trees. And you never know, perhaps a few small local guests may be seen nearby or overhead!

Exploring Africa with AMA Waterways on a land safari

Imagine yourself being this close to the magnificent animals of Africa

While Exploring Africa on AMA Waterways discover A Rich Culture

AMA Waterways is well-known for providing it’s passengers with the cultures and traditions of the country they are cruising through. This is especially true on your Africa cruise, where you will get to know and interact with a crew that has a rich culture and is eager to share it with you. With a ship that only holds 28 passengers, you will have the opportunity to interact with every member of this remarkable crew.

Exploring Africa with AMA Waterways and the rich culture thee

Your friendly and knowledgeable crew is waiting for you.

Exploring Africa with AMA Waterways through Food

So much of how we experience a destination comes through culinary experiences and some of
the best engagement with clients comes from sharing recipes from the regions we sail. The culinary staff on the AMA Zambezi Queen will astound you with their knowledge of the regional cuisine.

• Plenty of Potjie for Everyone – Potjiekos – this traditional South African stew cooked
over an open fire – connects family and friends with savory comfort food. The literal
translation to potjie is simply “small-pot food” and it can be prepared in numerous
ways.

Exploring Africa with AMA Waterways and enjoying native cuisine

After a full day of adventures-how can you resist?

Marvelous Malva Pudding – This traditional South African delicacy forever
remains a local favorite as one bite of this pudding summons fond memories from
childhood for many in the region. When sailing on one of our Africa Safari and Wildlife
cruises, our expert chefs prepare this scrumptious treat on board.

What a great way to end a traditional meal.

Your Bucket List is Calling

As a river cruise specialist, I will put together the best itinerary and the best date for you to realize the dream of exploring Africa with AMA Waterways. You can find all the exceptional itineraries on my website: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys/

If Covid taught us anything, it’s not to put off important things in our life. Being with family and friends is precious and the connections need to be preserved. Travel is another important piece as shown in my previous article: https://unique-journeys.com/travel-is-important-for-your-mindset/

Now is the time to start making plans because we have all learned the lesson that putting things off doesn’t work. Call me and we can get started.

Reasons Why to Use a Travel Agent

Apr 5, 2023

Reasons below on why to use a travel Agent. Booking your vacations through a travel agent has many advantages. It is like having a best friend plan your vacation.

Here are some potential benefits of using a travel agent to book your vacation:

Expertise and Knowledge:

Travel agents have extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, including destinations, accommodations, transportation, and activities. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience and expertise.

Personalized Service:

Travel agents can provide personalized service, taking into account your specific needs, preferences, and budget. They can tailor your itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Many times they can get you into places the public doesn’t typically have access to.

Time-saving:

Planning a vacation can be time-consuming and overwhelming, but travel agents can handle all the details, from flights and accommodations to activities and tours. This can save you time and reduce the stress of planning a trip. Remember they know things behind the scenes to enhance your trip.

Exclusive Access and Discounts:

Travel agents have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions that may not be available to the general public. They can also help you find the best value for your money.

Support and Assistance:

If any issues arise before or during your trip, travel agents can provide support and assistance, such as rebooking flights or finding alternative accommodations. They can also provide guidance on travel insurance and visa requirements.

Peace of Mind:

Booking through a travel agent can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have a professional handling all the details of your vacation. This can be especially valuable for complex or multi-destination trips.

Tips for working with a Travel Agent:

When you are planning to work with a travel agent, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience:

Be clear about your needs and preferences: To ensure your travel agent can provide personalized service, be clear about your needs, preferences, and budget. This will help them tailor your itinerary to your specific requirements.

Communicate regularly:

Regular communication is essential when working with a travel agent. Keep them informed of any changes in your travel plans, and make sure you understand all the details of your itinerary before you depart.

Ask questions:

Don’t be afraid to ask your travel agent questions about your itinerary or any concerns you may have. They are there to help you, and they will be happy to provide guidance and advice.

Be open to suggestions:

Travel agents have extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, so be open to their suggestions and recommendations. They may be able to offer insights and options you haven’t considered. Even suggestions your friends didn’t experience because they were not aware of some of the local things.

Be realistic:

While travel agents can provide a lot of value, they can’t work miracles. Be realistic about your budget and expectations and understand that there may be limitations to what your travel agent can do.

Confirm all details:

Before you depart, confirm all the details of your itinerary, including flight times, hotel reservations, and transportation arrangements. This will help ensure everything goes smoothly during your trip.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a positive experience when working with a travel agent and get the most out of your next vacation.

We would love to help you plan your next vacation. Our passion for travel is River Cruises.
You may be considering taking a cruise; here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

Host a Virtual Travel Party

Mar 9, 2023

Here are two options how for hosting a virtual travel party.

Planning a River Cruise with friends? A great way to have a virtual travel party as you count down the days until your adventure begins.

Virtual on Zoom or in-person works if you live close enough.

As you and your friends are waiting to embark on your cruise, you can still have a fun travel-themed party to get excited about your upcoming trip virtually. You can do this monthly until the day arrives for your great adventure.

Here are some ideas:

Choose a cruise theme: Select a theme that reflects the cruise you will be taking, such as a tropical island or Caribbean cruise.
Set the scene: Decorate your space to fit the theme. You can use nautical decorations like anchors, fishnets, and shells, or create a tropical atmosphere with palm leaves, flowers, and bright colors.
Dress up: Encourage your traveling friends to dress up in cruise-inspired outfits, such as beachwear.
Serve cruise-inspired snacks: Serve snacks and drinks that fit the theme of your party. You can serve tropical cocktails, seafood appetizers, and desserts with a beachy twist.
Talk about activities: Each of you shares choices of what you have found you can do while on your cruise. (Ask others what they did for ideas or go to Google).
Play music: Create a playlist of music that fits the theme of your party. You can also include songs that you will hear on your cruise.
Make a countdown: Create a countdown to your cruise by making a calendar with the number of days left until your departure. Text your friends with a gif that lets them know you can’t wait for the trip and spending time with them.
Send each other items you can use on your cruises, such as suntan lotion, water bottle, power bank, or sunglasses.

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your friends as you get excited about your upcoming cruise.

2nd option for those who like to travel but have not determined their next destination is a virtual travel-themed party can be a fun way to bring people together and explore the world from the comfort of your home. Cultivating relationships is one of the most important things in life.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose a location you would all like to travel to in the future. It is always nice to talk with a travel agent.
Choose a theme: Select a specific location or type of travel, such as a beach vacation, a safari adventure, or a European tour.
Send invitations: Send virtual invitations to your guests, including the theme and any dress code suggestions.
Decorate: Set up a background that fits the theme of your party. You can also encourage your guests to decorate their backgrounds or wear costumes.
Plan activities: Come up with some activities that fit the theme of your party, such as trivia games, virtual tours, or photo sharing. You can also have a virtual scavenger hunt, where guests search for items related to the theme in their homes.
Serve themed snacks: Serve snacks and drinks that fit the theme of your party. For example, if your theme is a beach vacation, you could serve tropical cocktails and beachy snacks like fruit skewers or shrimp cocktail.
Play music: Create a playlist of music that fits the theme of your party. You can also ask your guests to suggest songs that remind them of the location or type of travel you are celebrating.
Share memories: Encourage your guests to share their own travel memories or stories during the party. You can also create a virtual photo album of your past trips and share it with your guests.

Remember, the most important part of hosting a virtual travel-themed party is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, even if, more important if you can’t physically be in the same location.

You may be considering taking a cruise; here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

BEEN THERE – DONE THAT?

Feb 15, 2023

“Been There – Done That?” – How many times have you said that when family or friends have suggested a trip or destination. Sometimes it seems as if you are out of options. I’m here to show you a great river cruise that will absolutely not fit into the “Been There-Done that” category.

What do you see when you picture Egypt? The Pyramids which are the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Sphynx; men in colorful robes from a culture so different from our own? This culture and people go back centuries and it’s all on display when you take an AMA River Cruise.

EGYPT

Iconic Egypt with an AMA River Cruise

IMAGINE yourself standing at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. You are looking up at a man-made structure almost 500 feet tall which has dominated this spot since the 26th century BC.

Can you spot the imperfection? An error made during construction caused the west side of the pyramid to be slightly longer than the east side. This error was not discovered until 2016 when researchers were studying the original dimensions.

This is just the start of your amazing journey through time. As each day unfolds, you have the opportunity to explore even more of the ancient wonders that encompass Egypt and the Nile.

On arrival at Luxor, you arrive at the Valley of The Kings. Here, marvel at the tombs cut into solid rock, including King Tut. His mummified remains are still there.

All throughout your journey, you will marvel at one spectacular site after another. The Temple of Horus, Abu Simbel and the Great Temple of Kom Ombo are all there for you to explore with your experienced guides. You have the chance to sail on a traditional Feluca, just as Egyptians have been doing for centuries.

The felluca is the traditional boat on the Nile

Enjoying the Nile from a traditional feluca

ENJOY a visit to a traditional Nubian village. As with the other delightful excursions, this is typical of the exclusive and thoughtful ways AMA Waterways brings a destination to life.

SAVOR the prospect of seeing new things. You have time to delve into the destinations, familiarize yourself with the regions you will be cruising through and get to know your luxury ship. What fun to spend time thinking abut and planning your adventure.

ANTICIPATE being onboard a luxury cruise ship where all your needs are taken care of; even the ones you don’t know you have.

This itinerary has been so successful that AMA Waterways will launch another ship in 2024 to join the AMADahlia in transporting passengers through the fascinating history of the Nile River. Now is the time to secure your spot on one of these two exceptional ships for the trip of a lifetime.

As a river cruise specialist, I can create the perfect cruise experience for you, including the pre and/or post adventures you have always dreamed about. I can make them a reality for the best travel experience of your life. You can also read this informative article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes.

Visit my website to see this and all the other extraordinary cruises with the premier river cruise company AMA Waterways. https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Jan 14, 2023

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

After years of staying home in isolation, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals ready to travel. If there is one thing that the last 2 years have taught us, that is the importance of staying healthy while traveling. Regardless of if you are planning a short road trip or flying internationally, there are several important elements to keep in mind before heading on your dream vacation to ensure a healthy and smooth travel experience. Keep reading to learn our 5 top tips on staying healthy while traveling!

Stay Hydrated

The amount of water that you drink is one of the main ways to stay healthy while traveling. It is suggested that when you are on the road, you should consume 8 ounces of water per hour! If you are flying or planning on enjoying some alcoholic beverages, the intake should increase by another 1 – 2 ounces. Make sure to bring your own water bottle everywhere you go – yes, even when going to the beach! If you have trouble keeping track, a good idea is to also add a reminder notification on your phone to drink water every hour! You would be surprised how well it works!

Get Enough Sleep

The second reason why our immune system tends to weaken when traveling is the lack of enough sleep. Many of us get anxious and nervous a few days before leaving for a trip worrying if we have planned it all. Once you have reached your dream destination, on the other hand, it is highly likely for individuals to get hyperactive and overly excited to do as much as possible. All of this results in skimping on sleep and slowly starting to feel rundown. Do not forget to take rest and breaks and plan to sleep at least 7 hours per night. If you are crossing multiple time zones, try to adjust your body a few days before leaving too!

Bring Your Own Medications

Many travelers tend to create packing lists with all the essential clothes and shoes they will need. Oftentimes, however, medications are forgotten and left behind! Do not make the same mistake, though! From a first-aid kit to some basic multivitamins, having your own medications is a crucial element for staying healthy while traveling. Make sure to add Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen as fever and pain relievers. Herbal supplements rich in minerals and vitamins will also help keep your immune system intact.

Wash Your Hands

We bet that you have heard this too many enough times already! The pandemic from the past 2 years, however, has proven the importance of practicing good hygiene. Traveling exposes our bodies to thousands of bacteria and germs per hour. The best way to fight these is to wash our hands regularly. Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and some wet wipes as well. Make sure to use these before eating and avoid touching your face as much as possible. Wearing a mask might be a thing of the past now; however, if you want to ensure staying healthy while traveling, we strongly suggest having a mask on, especially at highly crowded places such as airports, buses, trains, etc.

Check Your Immunization Record

Last but definitely not least, we would like to stress the importance of your immunization record. Often, individuals do not consider either the vaccines required for their travels or how up-to-date their immunization passport is. Start by researching the requirements of your destination. Especially if you are traveling to a tropical region – check for any potential diseases. Countries are still dynamically changing their entry conditions – so make sure also to check if you need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or not. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor and check your immunization record with them. There is no better way to stay healthy while traveling than through prevention!

You should no longer be wondering how to stay healthy while traveling. As long as you follow this relatively simple but extremely vital sequence of steps to prepare for your trip, you should have a healthy and smooth holiday. If you still have concerns, though, you should definitely consult with your primary care provider.