The Galapagos islands, about 600 miles off coast of Ecuador, are truly special! Penguins, dolphins, sea lions, iguanas, tropical birds, and giant tortoises all live together in this destination on the equator. Their remoteness and the absence of human settlements…

Traveling by train is BIG right now! More and more travelers are discovering just how incredibly scenic train travel can be. You can see cities, mountains, rivers, and wildlife from the seat of a train. Train travel is just a…

Have you every dreamed of savoring authentic Parisian cuisine or touring a Chateau in the Bordeaux region of France, or perhaps enjoying a private cooking lesson and market tour in Rome? 

If you love these kinds of culinary experiences, we…

The European Union has dropped the U.S. from its list of Covid-safe countries.  What does that mean for you? 

While this is not very happy news, it's important to understand that each country will decide how to handle incoming travelers…

Iceland, the most sparsely populated country in Europe, is a great place to travel! The dramatic landscape is full of vibrant colors, stunning rivers that flow through glacial valleys, and volcanic eruptions that send floods of lava and melted ice…

COVID-19 is once again creating havoc with travel plans, but this time it's the Delta Variant that's causing the problems. Some travelers who have had reservations for months are now seeing cancellations or threats of cancellations. Others simply don't feel…

Most of Europe is still open to Americans. But the requirements to get in are different for each country - and they're constantly changing. These are our top tips for booking a trip to Europe right now through 2022. 

Research…

With so many travel myths out there, it can be confusing to figure out what's actually true or not. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or have many trips under your belt, knowing the difference between fact and fiction…

If you have been following Vacations256 for a while, then you know river cruising is one of our favorite types of vacation and the clients we send absolutely love them! In my opinion, it's one of the best vacations that…

When you book a flight, you have to make a lot of decisions. Do you want to book an basic economy ticket to save money? Do you want a seat that will give you a little extra legroom? Is it…

Now that the world is opening again and emerging from Covid, one thing has become clear- it's time for the bucket-list vacation!  After a year and a half of cancelled plans, travelers are anxious to fulfill their biggest, over-the-top travel…

Believe it or not, you can have a great trip to the Caribbean even during hurricane season. Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30 and normally peaks in August…

Geneology has long been a reason to choose where to travel. Recently, an exciting announcement was made that pairs two great styles of travel: River Cruising and Family Heritage Travel. 

AmaWaterways (my personal favorite river cruise line) has partnered with …

This last year has shown us—more than ever before—why we all need a bucket list. In 2020, vacations were cancelled, families and friends were unable to visit one another, and weddings and other social events were postponed. But, more than…

Hawaii is a HOT destination right now, and we aren't talking about lava flow or the weather.  U.S. travelers are rushing to the islands because domestic travel just feels safer right now. Hawaii makes a great destination because of its…

Cruising is back and many of you may be anxious to get your next cruise vacation scheduled! Cruises are fun for all ages, but for adults looking for relaxation and convenience, some cruise lines are better than others. Here are…

One of the questions I am frequently asked is regarding the timing for planning a trip. The answer is…. It depends. And in the crazy times we are in, it is even more challenging to assess when to do what…

I am a big fan of America's National Parks and each one I visit becomes a new favorite.This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel times ever due to the pent up desire for travel caused…

Get Vaccinated for the Most Travel Options 

Many international destinations (including most of Europe) will open to vaccinated travelers this summer. If you want plenty of destinations to choose from and compare, getting vaccinated will make price shopping much easier…

Over the years, European river cruises have gained popularity and have now become a favorite of many American travelers. River cruising offers an intimate experience because they can only accommodate around 150 guests and are an excellent way to see…

Everyone knows about the fabulous beaches in Hawaii, but there are plenty of other things to keep you busy! Here are four attractions that are "must dos" on each of the major islands. 

Hawaii Island (Big Island) 

Hawaii Island is…

If we've learned anything after a year of staying home, it's how much we like to get away. With the CDC restrictions easing and more people being vaccinated by the day, travel is surging! If you’re looking to get away…

Since the world turned upside down, planning a vacation to Hawaii has proven to be a challenge. For several months, the only way to enter Hawaii was with a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Then, a reopening date with an option to…

Reserving a rental car is not usually at the top of your trip planning, but this year the tables have turned dramatically. Many factors have led to a world in which renting a car may be the hardest and most…