A few months back, I wrote about traveling to Ireland and how there was much more to it than an average traveler might think.  Amsterdam is very much the same, and while many experience this city as the beginning or ending point of a cruise, it is worth a visit on its own.  I think travelers should add this destination to their next European excursion – and here’s why:

Flowers

Although the crowds will be larger, the optimal time to visit Amsterdam is in the Spring/Summer, when its famous flowers will be in the height of bloom.  The days are longer, the temperatures milder and activities are plentiful.  March offers the opening of the Keukenhof Gardens; April is when the bulb fields are blooming (bike tours through the fields are a must); and the summer months offer many outdoor festivals that include alfresco dining, concerts, theatre and private garden open-houses.

Museums

Amsterdam is full of wonderful museums, but three top the list.  At the Rijksmuseum, visitors can see famous old-master paintings on display, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt.  This is the “must-see” museum of the city.  Another popular museum is the Van Gogh Museum, and is likely the most visited museum in Amsterdam.  Finally, no one should miss the Stedelijk Museum for modern masters such as Cezanne, Matisse, Rodan and Andy Warhol.

Canals

While the advent of the automobile caused Amsterdam to “fill in” many of their canals to accommodate the new transportation mode, there are still 165 canals to explore – more than any other Dutch city.  A canal tour is a great first impression excursion in Amsterdam and a way to see the city at its loveliest, via boats that loop around the historic city center.  Try the St. Nicholas Boat Club for an open-top tour or charter a private tour for something more intimate or catered with a meal.

Anne Frank House and WWII Experience

The Netherlands were very impacted by World War II, and memorials like the Dutch National Monument, the Homomonument and others commemorate the victims of this war.  The Anne Frank House is a highly visited museum, where visitors can explore the “secret annex” where Anne hid for years with her family and others as she composed her famous diary.   The Jewish Historical Museum, tells the story of how the Holocaust devastated Jewish communities in the Netherlands – and shows how these communities were rebuilt.

Cycling

For the active tourist, one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle.  Bicycles can be rented everywhere.  Cyclists can visit the many famous “squares” that make up the city, including Dam Square – often a first stop for tourists to take in monuments, souvenir shops and cafes.  As well, visit Museumplein, or Museum Square, named so because of the two major museums that line it…the  Van Gogh Museum and  Stedelijk.  And as mentioned earlier, bikes are a great way to take in the flowers – can you imagine riding through a blooming field of tulips on a bright, sunny day?!

Shopping and Dining

While often overshadowed by other European cities, Amsterdam has plenty of shopping delights for those who enjoy retail activities.  Fashion, home decor and especially culinary delicacies can be found in the many specialty stores and open-air markets.  Start by taking a stroll down Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, both just minutes from Central Station.

In terms of dining, travelers can find just about any cuisine of the world in this fine city.  Try a paper cone of french fries (vlaamse frites) served with mayonnaise or peanut-butter sate sauce. Dutch specialties, such as smoked eel and raw or pickled herring, reflect the city’s close relationship with the sea.  Other favorites are erwtensoep (split pea soup) and stamppot boerenkool, mashed potatoes streaked with curly kale, eaten year in and year out. Pancakes are treated like pizza, loaded with extras like ham and bacon or fruit and sweets to create a dessert.

Where to Stay

If you’re traveling on a 5-star budget, then you’ll want to stay at the Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht.  This Hyatt property is not large by American standards, but it is definitely luxurious.  One of its nice features is that it offers guest bicycles for touring around the city.  Other luxury options include the Banks Mansion and the Grand Hotel Amrath.  Travelers looking for a less expensive but quaint experience might try the Hotel de L’Europe, located right on the banks of the Amstel River.

Although it is the biggest island in the Caribbean and only 90 miles from US territory, Cuba is a place many people only dream of visiting.  Because of an almost 50 year old embargo, it is illegal for ordinary Americans to just hop on a plane for a vacation in Cuba. Whether you keep up with current music or not, you may recall that earlier this year Beyoncé and Jay Z received criticism for traveling to Cuba for their anniversary.

What many people do not realize, however, is that within recent years, the United States government reinstated the “person-to-person” travel program, which allows travel to Cuba as an educational experience.  Guests spend full days visiting and interacting with Cuban people in various settings.  This is a great way  to experience the day-to-day lives of residents and to learn more about the cultural, musical and historical aspects of Cuba.

These person-to-person programs make it easier for Americans to travel to this once forbidden  country, as long as they go through a properly licensed operator.  These trips do have limited dates available.  Because these trips are so popular, some of the available dates for 2014 have already sold out!  Each trip is around eight days filled with “arts, education, entrepreneurism, agriculture and the spiritual side of Cuba.”  While each agency will have their own itinerary, below is a sample of what you might expect during your stay in this beautiful country.

History and Education

Learn about Cuba’s history and culture from local experts with a tour through historic La Habana Vieja (Old Havana).   Talk with locals about the city’s restoration and preservation efforts and view the restoration and architectural design firsthand.  Examine Cuban religion with locals who practice Santería, which is a fusion of West African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs.

Agriculture &  Ecology

Visit a sustainable community, where you’ll hear an in-depth presentation on the community’s history and reforestation project.  Learn about managing Cuba’s land, water and other natural resources more effectively through agrarian reform and conservation.  Talk to independent farmers about their crops.  Travel to rural areas for a demonstration of and discussion about producing Cuba’s most famous product, Cuban cigars.

Arts

Participate in a cultural exchange session with members of a community art project.  Learn about the role of the arts in the community, as well as the influences of  Cuban art and dance. Take dance lessons from dancers who explain the significance of one of Cuba’s most important musical styles.   Visit with community groups and other local organizations that are working to enhance the role of music and the arts in rural areas.  Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba – explore his strong connections to Cuba and participate in a discussion about his life and work there.

I feel that one of the most interesting aspects of travel to Cuba is getting a local perspective on the country’s tumultuous history, as well as the  relations between its government and that of the United States. Reading up on these topics beforehand will only enhance your travel experience.

Keep in mind that this is not your typical vacation.  With the U.S. government regulations, itineraries may vary, but the travel schedule is designed to help facilitate  interaction with locals and to gain an understanding of Cuba’s culture. Organized activities are intended for the whole group (which can vary in size from 10-30) and  include many activities such as visits to local medical facilities, orphanages, recording studios, tobacco farms, and community arts projects. While free time is somewhat limited, travelers tend to love the experience.  As one traveler put it “Everything was fantastic in Cuba. It was certainly one of the best trips I have ever taken and I’ve traveled almost everywhere around the world.”

If Cuba is a travel destination that has been on your bucket list, I would love to help you achieve this goal! Please contact me for more information on this wonderful experience and to learn the 2014 travel dates currently available.

It’s that time of year again….and no, I’m not talking about the leaves changing (although that is awesome too)!

I’m talking about the time of year when the cruise lines offer GREAT sales, and my clients book their trips for the following year!  National Cruise Vacation Week is October 20-27.  This is one of the best times to book a cruise and save money.  I’ve written about cruises many times – so if you’d like to read more about why cruising is a great vacation, check out some of my past blogs here.

Pretty much all of the cruise lines will have special offers this month.  Here is an example of what you can expect:

• Discounted cruise fares
• Onboard credits per stateroom
• Reduced deposits for booking

To take advantage of the deals, you’ll need to book a cruise through a Cruise Lines International Association agent – of which I am one.  I’ve booked so many cruises in my years as a travel agent that I can help you identify what aspects of the vacation are important to you and which cruise lines will meet your needs.  Doing this is one of the best parts of my job – I just love it!

Here’s a quick overview of some cruise lines I really like:

Oceania

The elegant, Oceania Regatta cruise ship

Formed in 2002 by two luxury cruise industry experts, Oceania is one of the few cruise lines that caters to adults-only.    Their luxury, mid-size ships are sailing the world to more than 330 ports in the mediterranean, Alaska, South Pacific and so much more.  This is a great option for travelers who want to cruise in style and comfort and are interested in not only the larger ports but the “boutique”, off-the-beaten-path ports that can make a vacation really memorable.  I recommend this line for my sophisticated travelers that have cruised before and are looking for world-class cuisine, outstanding service and, of course, the unique port experience.

Cruise line in a word (or two):  Casually elegant

Holland America

Holland America cruise, sailing to Alaska

If experience is what you’re looking for, look no further than Holland America.  This cruise line has been around for 140 years (seriously!), currently taking travelers to all seven continents through over 500 sailings a year.  Holland America is known for its spacious and comfortable ships with award-winning service and extensive activities.  It’s definitely the combination of service, amenities, activities and destinations that makes Holland America able to deliver the “entire package” of luxury cruising.  This is one of my favorite cruise lines for sailing to Alaska, which many of you know is I place close to my heart, as I have a sister who lives there.

Cruise line in a word (or two): Complete package

Seaborn

A Seabourn cruise through London

So if the larger ships are daunting and not up your alley, a Seabourn cruise may fit the bill.  The smaller ships allow this cruise line to go to destinations the larger ships cannot.  The company is all about creating an intimate, customized experience for its travelers.  Its fleet of six ships is staffed by a hand-picked crew that almost numbers the travelers.  The company’s website states:

Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

Cruise line in a word (or two):  Intimate adventure

Royal Caribbean

And finally, I couldn’t wrap up this article without mentioning one of the most popular cruise lines for the masses – Royal Caribbean.  Hands-down, Royal Caribbean is one of the best values for the price.  I have a lot of clients from various places in life who choose this cruise line again and again.  If you want lots of destination options – from 3-nights in the Caribbean to 14 in the Mediterranean – Royal Caribbean has many options on twenty-two different ships.  There is never a shortage of things to do on a Royal Caribbean ship, making it a great choice for families or family reunion-type trips.

So if a cruise has been on your list of possible vacations for 2014, take advantage of the deals by booking during the sale week!  The sale is not until the end of the month, but we can start evaluating options NOW to find the best cruise vacation for you.  Ya’ll know where to find me!