Lisa Garber

Portugal offers a rich mix of historic cities, dramatic coastline, and world-class wine all within short travel distances. It is a country that offers variety without constant travel fatigue. Portugal is authentic while offering high-end luxury, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.

Explora Journeys isn’t just a cruise line; it’s a new way to experience the ocean. Designed for curious, cosmopolitan travelers who value space, style, and meaningful journeys, Explora vacations blend the intimacy of a private yacht with the refinement of a world-class resort. Think slow travel, immersive destinations, and living well at sea. Let’s dive in.

This 15-day Honolulu to Sydney cruise is, without doubt, one of the world’s most remarkable itineraries. So much so that I have crossed with this itinerary three times because it is so special. This itinerary only happens once a year in each direction, so being a part of it is a special experience not many will experience. The voyage offers a perfect balance of breathtaking destinations and serene days at sea, creating a rhythm that is both adventurous and relaxing. My vacation is as much about relaxation as it is about the destinations. I spend my days lounging by the pool, indulging in spa treatments, and enjoying gourmet dining and specialty restaurants (more than I should). The ship offers a calendar each day of enrichment lectures, fitness classes, and entertainment, while quiet corners and ocean-view decks are perfect for reading, journaling, or simply soaking in the endless Pacific horizon.

When I think about Rocky Mountaineer train vacations, I think about how special, effortless, and magical everything happens.

Sitting back in a glass-domed seat, sipping a glass of wine, and watching mountains, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife unfold right outside the window, I can appreciate how special this part of the world is.

The hosts tell stories that make the Rockies come alive, and the meals are so beautifully prepared it feels like dining in a fine restaurant that just happens to be moving through the wilderness. It isn’t just a train ride—it’s the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and romance all in one unforgettable journey.

Each stop along the route has its own beauty and charm. Guests can canoe on serene lakes, hike to hidden tea houses, and discover quiet spots most people never see.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip where luxury, adventure, and incredible scenery all come together perfectly.

Tahiti is paradise. Turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches, lush volcanic peaks, and the iconic overwater bungalows. From Bora Bora’s dreamy lagoon and Moorea’s emerald mountains, to Taha’a’s vanilla-scented air and world-class diving, Tahiti is alive with Polynesian culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable adventures on land and sea. It’s a luxury destination where romance and natural beauty come together like nowhere else on earth.

Iceland is an impressive destination. It is a nature lover’s paradise with soothing hot springs, majestic glaciers, impressive lava fields and massive waterfalls.

With its miles of scenic roadway around the island and endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, this is a dream destination. Whether you’re a leisure traveler, want family-friendly activities or are searching for thrills, Iceland has it all and will not disappoint.

In the summer, the days are long, with the midnight sun shining and rising around 3 am. In the winter, the nights are long with only 4–5 hours of daylight each day.

Keep your camera ready, because at every turn in Iceland there is something incredible to witness.

Combining a visit to Japan and Thailand in the same vacation offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes. By combining both countries into one vacation, you can maximize your time and minimize travel logistics, allowing for a seamless and stress-free travel experience.

Visiting Provence is truly a fairytale. It is the ideal destination for multi-gen families, girls' trips, honeymooners and solo travelers. You can spend a morning and early afternoon immersed in the local markets and exploring tiny villages. In the afternoon, relax and enjoy the slow pace of life with lazy lunches and dinners around an extended table of tasty local food. Take cooking classes and wine tours. Provence has something for everyone.

There’s no other place like Australia. It is a beautiful country that allows you explore magnificent beaches, the stunning Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Aboriginal culture, rolling wine country, delicious food and tropical lush rainforests. Extension to New Zealand can be arranged with any Australia itinerary.

Australia and Fiji have some the most pristine and private beaches in the world. Besides white sand and crystal clear waters, the marine life comes alive as you enter the water. The Whitsundays off the coast of Australia offers spectacular views from above as well. Immerse yourself in the life of the locals in Fiji with a visit to villages and connect to the real meaning of island life.

Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of upscale, state-of-the-art ships with cruises to every continent. The Edge is one of those ships with 7-17 day itineraries. Guests can book back-to-back cruises for longer journeys. Cruising is an incredible way to see the world. Whether a short cruise or an ocean crossing, cruising is the easiest and most relaxing way to get from one country to another. Some destinations are better to visit to by sea, some are better by land. Why not combine the two? Cruising offers so many benefits to travel. Imagine waking up in a new city, village or island each day with ample time to explore and immerse yourself into the region without having to pack your bags, catch a flight or train or worry about where to eat your next meal. The Edge is offering sails in the Mediterranean until September 2023 when she will be heading to Australia and New Zealand for their summer season. In May 2024 she will set sail for Alaska. Stops in Fiji on select sails.