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Christmas Cruising on the Danube River

Posted in Europe, Family Travel, River Cruising, Unique Getaways, on 9 March 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

There’s nothing quite as special as traveling at Christmas. Well, that is until now. Adventures by Disney has two very special upcoming cruises on the Danube River that offer you and your family a holiday experience you won’t soon forget. One cruise is scheduled to set sail in December 2018, and the other in December 2019. These exclusive sailings will sell out. In fact, the 2018 cruise already has limited availability and wait lists for some of the cabins. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to take the plunge and cruise the Danube for Christmas:

Overview:

You’ll travel to seven destinations in three countries on an 8-day/7-night Adventures by Disney vacation on the Danube River. If you choose the 2018 cruise, you’ll depart on December 23 and return December 30. The 2019 sailing dates are December 22 through December 29.

Cruise departure: You’ll fly into Munich Airport where you’ll be transported to Vilshofen, Germany – the city the cruise will depart from. Be sure to ask Ingenious Travel about early arrival activities and accommodations, attractions and dining reservations should you decide you would like to explore Germany before your cruise.
On-board cruise experience: You’ll enjoy 8 days and 7 nights aboard the stunning AmaLea river cruise boat. This boat was inspired by luxury yachts and provides spacious staterooms, elegant decor, a heated pool, a massage and hair salon, a gift shop and a specialty coffee station.

Taking Kids Out of School | Ingenious Travel

Pros and Cons of Taking Kids Out of School for Travel

Posted in Family Travel, Travel, on 2 March 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Today, going on a vacation at least once a year has become the norm in many families. Not just in the U.S., but around the world. The unfortunate reality is though, that during winter and summer breaks traveling is generally more expensive than it is during other times of the year. Because of this, some families are opting to go on vacation during slower seasons. The question then becomes – Should your kids miss school for a family vacation? Below are the pros and cons of taking kids out of school for travel.

The PROS

As much as working hard is important, taking time to rest is also very important. The brain too needs some time to recover and rest, and taking your child out of school for a vacation is a good way to help them relax. Chances of them performing even better in school after the vacation are very high.
Knowledge is not limited to the classroom alone. During vacations, children are exposed to a lot of things that simply can’t be taught in school. In the “real world” they get to learn many things practically and with a hands on approach, unlike in school where most of the things students are taught are theoretical. In addition, children will get exposed to other languages, culture and ways of living outside of their own.

New Zealand Journeys by Rail or Car

Posted in Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, New Zealand, Travel, Unique Getaways, Wine, on 16 February 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

What makes New Zealand so popular to visit by way of rail or road trip? Perhaps it’s the fact that while riding along in a train on a railway or on the road in your own vehicle you can view the spectacular scenery. Or maybe it’s the fact that you’ll see more of the countryside because you’ll be constantly moving from place to place. Visiting this destination and touring it in this fashion is certainly something you’ll never forget.

By Rail

When touring by rail, you have several options for where you’ll visit. Just three of the options available to you include:

Northern Explorer: This is the longest running passenger service between Auckland and Wellington. You’ll enjoy views of fertile farmland, volcanic peaks, and the sparkling waters of the Kapiti coast.
TranzAlpine: This route is considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, and will take you 139 miles through 16 tunnels and viaducts from Christchurch to Greymouth and back.
Coastal Pacific: This rail journey will take you up the Kaikoura Coastline, which are famous for views of the marine mammals, and whale watching. Bring your camera and a zoom lens for awesome shots of dolphins, seals and penguins.

Cruise Company Spotlight on MSC Cruise Line

Posted in Cruises, Europe, Family Travel, on 9 February 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

One of the most frequent concerns for cruise goers is what to expect when traveling with a cruise line they’ve not yet cruised with before. With that in mind, I thought it might be a good idea to do a spotlight on some of my favorite cruise lines, and I am starting with MSC Cruise Line. Continue reading to learn more about MSC Cruises.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is considered to be the leader in Mediterranean cruises, but they also have voyages in to Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North America, South America and South Africa. MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line. Their fleet is comprised of 12 ships that cruise year-round in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and seasonally in other locations.

Our 2018 Sports Travel Bucket List

Posted in Sports, Theme Vacations, on 26 January 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

You’ve heard of a bucket list, but what about a themed bucket list? Specifically one for your must see sporting events. Below you’ll find our personal bucket list of the top sporting events we’d like to see live in 2018 (or any year for that matter!). And, if you feel the way we do and want to attend some or all of these, we hope you’ll think of us when booking your getaway.

In alphabetical order, here are the top events we want to see:

Belmont Stakes – Held June 8-10 at Belmont Park in New York, the Belmont Stakes is the final and most demanding race of thoroughbred racing’s prestigious Triple Crown.
Canadian Grand Prix – Also held in June, this is one of Formula 1’s most anticipated races annually at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Sightseeing in Quebec plus racing? Count us in! Event dates are June 8-11.
Champions League Final – Slated for May 25-21 in Ukraine, the top two football (read soccer) teams in Europe will go head to head for the European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Daytona 500 – This race occurs on the Daytona International Speedway in Florida February 17-19. We’re certainly okay with flying south for the winter!

Want to Attend the Kids Choice Awards? Read This!

Posted in Family Travel, on 19 January 2018, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Picture this – You and your best pals or gals in Los Angeles, California just feet away from the biggest celebrities in Hollywood getting slimed. Wait, what? This isn’t a dream – it’s the Kids Choice Awards, and you could be one of the lucky few at the show.

For more than two decades, Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards has been the event where celebrities can let it all hang out. Unlike those hoity toity Oscars and pesky Grammys – this is where they can get wild and crazy while watching their fellow celebs nab awards for the most popular television shows, films, music and video games of the year.

It’s not who you know, it’s what you know, and now you know that it IS possible to attend the show. Check out this exciting sample itinerary that you could enjoy:

Cruise The Northwest Passage In 2018

Posted in Unique Getaways, on 29 December 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Looking for a unique travel idea for 2018? Why not travel The Northwest Passage? There is an exciting cruise the runs the full extent of the Northwest Passage for 21 nights, voyaging from Greenland to the Canadian Arctic to the Bering Sea and ending in Alaska.

About the Journey

This unique 24-day adventure will begin in August 2018. After a short time on land in Montreal, you’ll travel by charter flight to Greenland where you’ll hop aboard the luxurious expedition ship ‘Le Boreal’ for your 21-night cruise across The Northwest Passage. While aboard you’ll enjoy:

A private balcony with every stateroom and suite
shore excursions led by an expert team
all-inclusive amenities such as house drinks, meals and gratuities, port charges and taxes.

You’ll also enjoy complimentary room service, complimentary gear and equipment for your excursions, airport meet and greet with private transfers and pre-cruise hotel stays and sightseeing. And, if you’re staying in a suite, butler services are also included.

What You Can Expect

Just as some of the world’s greatest polar explorers did long ago, you’ll discover the most historic and remote islands, fjords and harbors of this elusive passage. Your cruise stops may include Beechey Island, Franklin Camp, Fort Ross and Gjoa Haven.
If the conditions permit, you’ll get a chance to see the stunning northern lights.

Traveling with Food Allergies

Posted in General Travel Information, on 22 December 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

When you’re a frequent flyer who is on a diet because you are allergic to certain foods, it can be difficult dining out while away from home. It may be a bit of a challenge, but it’s not impossible to find the foods you can eat starting in the airport, on the airplane, and at your destination.

Researching Your Options

The good thing is that most restaurants, and nearly all commercially available food products now label their foods to alert diners of the ingredients. People who are allergic to nuts or wheat, for instance, should be able to see at a glance whether or not the foods they buy in a store contain ingredients to which they are allergic.

If you travel with a smartphone (and who doesn’t these days?), there are plenty of apps both free and paid that typically list restaurants and the nutritional details of their most popular dishes.

Best Kid-Friendly Ski Resorts in the US

Posted in Family Travel, Holiday, Resort Travel, skiing, on 15 December 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Searching for a family-accommodating ski resort that won’t bore your younger downhill racers? You’re in luck because we’ve found some of the best kid-friendly ski resorts in the United States. Without further adieu, here they are in no particular order:

Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado

Just under two hours from Denver, Keystone is Vail Resorts’ budget and family-friendly mountain with some of North America’s best “backcountry” skiing. They’ve got a kids ski free program that allows kids 12 and under to ski completely free, and they’ve given away more than a hundred thousand complimentary lift tickets to families who book a two-night or longer stay in one of the resort’s three auto-free villages. The activities for children in these areas are virtually endless including snow play, adventure walks, pottery classes, cooking classes, skating and more. The best part? Most of the activities are also included with your stay!

Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah

Only a 35-minute drive out from Salt Lake City, Utah, sits Park City – a small town with Western flair. Not only does this spot host the Sundance Film Festival every year, it’s a ski-family favorite. Teens particularly like the area. Just a few of the features you’ll find here include Olympic-class slopes, fabulous ski lessons, a plethora of restaurants and shops, snowboarding, snowmobile tours and more.

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life

Posted in Travel, on 8 December 2017, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for friends or family members this year? It can sometimes be difficult finding a present for everyone on your list, but if you are shopping for someone who enjoys traveling – you’re in luck. I’ve compiled a list of holiday gift ideas for the traveler in your life. Check them out below, and perhaps you’ll be inspired!

Backup portable battery charger for phones and tablets – Let’s face it, in this digital age everyone wants to stay connected. But, there’s nothing worse than getting to a destination and wanting to share pictures of it online only to find that your battery is dead! An external battery charger could be just what your recipient needs to stay connected until they can plug in their device at their hotel. Speaking of plugs…

Travel adapter for electrical outlets – Get a travel adapter that can help your recipient use their US devices in another country. Note – it’s a good idea to either get a worldwide adapter than can be modified depending on the country they’re in, or to at least find out what types of outlets exist in the countries they would like to visit. Do your homework on the one you purchase, however. Cheaper devices may sound like a good idea, but you want to check the reviews of the one you’re buying so you don’t risk frying your devices!

Travel Blog

The PROS

About MSC Cruises

About the Journey

What You Can Expect