Kristel Finns

We homeschooled our kids and love to be intentional with travel. This trip was a great way to introduce them to the Northeast. Traveling outside the US is amazing, but it also really helps to experience various areas within the US to have a well-rounded education. This trip included scenic coastal views, numerous historical sites, government buildings, and the ever-famous Big Apple.

Exotic is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Cairo. It is a feast for the eyes of the Western traveler. There are the famous Pyramids of Giza and remnants of ancient civilization, but also a new modern city that rivals any major city. Zamalek is an area within Cairo that is an incredible place to spend a couple of days exploring, with amazing street food, shopping, and locals out enjoying life until late at night. Zamalek is a great base for tourists and business travelers.

I absolutely love cruising with Royal Caribbean in Europe, and believe it is the best way to see multiple destinations in a limited amount of time with a family. One of our favorite perks of cruising in Europe is not having to unpack our bags at each location. Royal Caribbean provides a consistent experience over and over again. The atmosphere is fun and there are plenty of options to keep a family busy, even with older teenagers. We sailed on Brilliance of the Seas. It is a great value—it has limited onboard experiences compared to some of the larger ships, so expectations have to shift a bit, but it comes at a great price point. It includes a pickleball court and putt-putt course. We like the value of this type of cruise because we intend to spend most our time in port.

In May 2023, our family took a dream trip to Europe, with Italy as our main destination. Royal Caribbean provided a top-notch experience as we toured Venice, Sicily, Rome and Florence, among other destinations. The staff worked diligently to make sure our experience was one to remember and I would highly recommend it!

I can’t stress enough how otherworldly Utah really is. It is one of the most varied places in the US. From Zion National Park with its gorgeous walls of stunning rock, to Bryce National Park’s hoodoos, it’s unbelievably jaw-dropping. The sites are so varied, even a few hours apart, it feels as if you’ve stepped into another planet. It’s a trip that is not easily forgotten.

Our visit to Santo Domingo was a senior trip for our son, who enjoys both history and culture, and who wanted an adventure a bit off the beaten path. Santo Domingo is not only the capital city of the Dominican Republic, but it was also founded in 1496 as the capital of the first Spanish colony of the New World. The Zona Colonial is the historic district and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can walk along the cobblestone streets admiring the colorful buildings and historical sites. Musicians abound, filling the air with the sounds of the Caribbean! In the Zona Colonial you will also find numerous workers from the Ministry of Tourism happy to assist you as you find your way around the city. It is a perfect day trip on a cruise or a visit from Punta Cana or another nearby city.

Some of the most beautiful places on the planet are often overlooked by adventure travelers because they are right here in the United States. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are two of the most scenic and diverse destinations imaginable. Covering nearly 4,000 miles, it is impossible to see everything there is to see in these two locations in one visit. The incredible topography differs immensely within each park, and the diversity of wildlife will leave you speechless! Rugged mountains, incredible waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and calderas are just a few of the beautiful land formations awaiting you on this National Park adventure!