One of my early childhood memories is visiting my grandparents as they left for an around the world cruise on a Holland America Line cruise ship - this must have been sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's. I remember being allowed to board the ship with my family and running through all the hallways and eventually ending up in a room where they told children to go. I remember what felt like thousands of people (probably just hundreds) … [Read more...]
Upcoming Cruise, Holland America Line Caribbean & Sweepstakes Offer
Holland America Line recently reached out to me to join them on their first Caribbean cruise of the season. For whatever reason, the Caribbean is one of the last parts of the world I have not spent much time in. That will change after this trip as I am taking much of October to explore some additional islands with my brother who is flying in from Verona Italy (where he lives). I went on a River Cruise in Europe earlier this year but this will … [Read more...]
Eating My Way Through San Juan
When I first started exploring Puerto Rico, I found what I was seeking: Caribbean beaches, stylish hotel rooms by the sea, a capital city with a pulsating beat and genuinely warm locals. What I never expected to find was a mouth-watering culinary scene. Contemporary Cocina Criolla is a fusion that mirrors Puerto Rico’s diversity and is a powerful lens into its history. Its predominate influences are indigenous Taíno blended with an ample measure … [Read more...]
Buy the Right Travel Insurance
With such a wide variety of insurance options available these days for travel, it can be a dizzying process just to think about coverage when planning a trip. Travel insurance can range from single trip, to yearly, to add-ons to age specific. For active and adventure travelers, especially for boomer travelers - having trip insurance is just one less thing to worry about while on a trip. Travel insurance for people over 65 is becoming more … [Read more...]
This Holiday, Send Your Loved Ones Away
As a huge fan of traveling, I think there’s never a wrong time for travel-themed gifts. But the circle I buy for at this time of year falls into two distinct groups: those who always travel, and those who never do. And this presents a problem. The ones who do it a lot have such a practiced routine that they’re reluctant to disrupt it by trying something new. And the ones who never leave their own zip code are often baffled by the process of … [Read more...]
Culebra Island, Puerto Rico – October 2013
Culebra Island is 18 miles off shore from mainland Puerto Rico and only 12 miles from St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands. Flamenco Beach has been voted one of the top beaches in the Caribbean by several publications. Usually its pure white sand beaches are relatively isolated but this time in the middle of Semana Santa its sand was covered with hip young college students partying. Its about an hour catamaran ride here from Marina Puerto Del … [Read more...]
7 Souvenirs You’ll See at Every Single Caribbean Port
Caribbean cruise passengers spend twice as much money on souvenirs compared to people who take land vacations. Unfortunately, it's not because the wares you find at each port are so unique. In fact, here's a few seemingly original Caribbean treasures that you're sure to see over and over each time you leave the ship. #1 Caribbean Rum Whether you're a Pirates of the Caribbean fan or not, a bottle of Caribbean rum seems like a must-have … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico Offers Postcard Perfect Getaway
The vibrant music, cultural and culinary scene in Puerto Rico offers vacationers of all ages a stunning array of activities. This was my third visit to this colorful and congenial island and I jumped right into the mix at the legendary El San Juan Resort and Casino located on a two-mile beach in San Juan’s Isla Verde district. At the El San Juan, I encountered the locals dancing to the beat of sassy salsa rhythms. This happening occurs on … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico Travel Promotion offers Free Adventure Tours with Four Nights’ Stay
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, August 3, 2012 – Luis Rivera-Marín, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), today invited summer and fall travelers to see how “Puerto Rico Does It Better” with a free adventure promotion. The offer, a first for the Island, seeks to entice visitors to experience Puerto Rico outside of their hotels with some of the best and most unique adventures and attractions the destination has to offer – from … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest in New Seven Wonders of the World Campaign
October 27, 2011 -- Puerto Rico's Department of Economic Development and Commerce is urging Puerto Ricans to spread the word and vote for El Yunque to become one of the seven most impressive and unique natural attractions in the world. Voting ends November 11th at 11:11 am. On that same day the New7Wonders organization will announce the preliminary results of the contest. More than 600,000 visitors enjoy the waterfalls, flora and natural … [Read more...]