• Europe

    Why Spring Might Be the Best Time to Visit Europe

    Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience Europe. As the continent transitions out of winter, cities begin to feel lively again, parks and gardens come into bloom, and destinations offer a more relaxed atmosphere before peak summer travel begins. Temperatures are usually comfortable for exploring, making it an ideal season for sightseeing. Whether it is walking through historic old towns, enjoying café terraces, visiting museums, or taking scenic train rides between cities, spring allows you to experience Europe at a comfortable pace without the intense summer heat. Another advantage is the overall travel experience. Popular landmarks, attractions, and restaurants are often easier to enjoy with fewer crowds…

  • Culture&History

    Why is it Called ‘Easter’ Island?

    You likely already know that’s a trick question.  This tiny dot in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, but technically a territory of Chile, is actually properly called Rapa Nui.  The world over, Easter Island has been synonymous with exotic mysteries of an impossibly distant, long-lost civilization and mind-boggling human endeavor.  It may be the most remote inhabited island on the planet.  Only a few thousand people live on this remnant of oceanic volcanoes sticking out of the sea, and that’s the first miracle itself.  The closest inhabited island is 1300 miles away (Pitcairn Island with only 50 people), and the nearest continental point is Chile, over 2000 miles away.  Local…

  • France,  Nice,  Sports

    Winter Olympics in the South of France? Mais Oui!

    The next 2030 Winter Olympics will be the only Games where you can watch skiing in the morning and sip local Provencal rosé by the Mediterranean in the afternoon. Inspired by the images coming from the Winter Games, and wondering why you aren’t in Europe in the stands? It’s not too early to plan ahead for the next Games – especially with the charm and the contrast of peak winter sports and the French Riviera lifestyle.  The French Alps, including the Côte d’Azur, centered around Nice, will host the 2030 Winter Olympics from February 1–17, 2030. Paralympics follow from March 1–10, 2030.  Wait – How Can This Work? Hosting the Winter…

  • Europe,  River or Ocean Cruises

    Explore Europe Differently with AmaWaterways City Escapes

    If you enjoy taking your time in a destination instead of rushing through it, AmaWaterways City Escapes river cruises offer a different way to experience Europe. These specially curated itineraries focus on longer stays in some of Europe’s most fascinating cities, allowing you to explore at a slower pace during the quieter travel months when destinations feel more relaxed and less crowded. It is an ideal option for both first time river cruisers and returning guests looking for a new perspective. City Escapes itineraries include unique local experiences designed to bring each destination to life. Depending on the journey, this could mean exploring Paris through its artistic and historical stories,…

  • Outdoor Activities

    Equine Travel Experiences to Celebrate Year of the Horse

    Whether you are a devotee of the Chinese/ Lunar calendar, for many of us, horses are our spirit animals, and the Year of the Horse reminds us why. Since the earliest civilizations – is any other creature so well-represented on the world’s cave walls, ancient scripts, wall carvings? – Humans around the world have fallen in love with the majesty, power, elegance, intelligence and awe-inspiring beauty of horses. Not to mention utility. Horses became invaluable companions in agriculture, early industry, war and transportation. In connection with what may be human’s / history changing relationship with a single animal. As technology advanced, our relationship with horses everywhere has changed… but in many…

  • Local Events

    From Samba to Snow! Carnival Around the World

    When you start to see Easter candy on the shelves, you know it’s time for… Carnival! It’s one of the biggest celebrations – that looks wildly different! – in countries around the world.  While always colorful, Carnival is celebrated with such intensely localized traditions that it’s easy to forget that all the Carnivals have the same medieval roots. Christians prepared themselves for the most solemn holy day of Easter by spending the preceding 40 days – called “Lent” – fasting, praying, giving alms and in contemplation of the upcoming miraculous holiday. That meant that the last couple of days before the beginning of Lent, households rid themselves of anything tempting…

  • River or Ocean Cruises

    AmaWaterways Makes Solo River Cruising More Affordable Than Ever

    AmaWaterways has long been a favourite for solo travellers who want meaningful experiences without feeling alone. From shared dining tables to immersive shore excursions, solo guests naturally connect with fellow travellers while enjoying the comfort and elegance of river cruising. To make solo travel even more accessible, AmaWaterways has introduced multiple ways to save on select itineraries across Europe and Southeast Asia. Three Smart Ways to Save as a Solo Traveller10% Single SupplementOn select 2026 Europe sailings, solo travellers can reserve any stateroom category excluding suites and pay only a 10% single supplement when booking by March 31, 2026. This offer applies across a wide range of itineraries and offers…

  • Transportation

    World’s Best Airports for Smart Tech – Where Does Yours Rank?

    Technology is “no longer a luxury, but the very pulse of global aviation.” Many lists have ranked airports by wait times, missing luggage, and even wellness experiences. Still, a new one evaluates the world’s airports by how they incorporate artificial intelligence, biometrics, digitalization, automation, sustainability-driven smart systems and more as core operational infrastructure – transforming and improving your journeys.  The 50 Best Airports in the World for 2026 from travel trade publication Travel and Tour World traces how aviation hubs are “meeting the high-performance demands” of today’s travelers, from digital nomads to occasional travelers who expect all the efficiencies of Gen Z technology.  “Crucially, sustainability is no longer a parallel initiative but…

  • Travel

    Top Travel Resolutions That May Actually Get You Packing Your Bags This Year

    Every year, “travel more” is in the mix of resolutions. But what travel resolutions can get you from dreaming of a trip… into the beauty and benefits of real travel experiences?  Surveys consistently show that nearly two-thirds of Americans leave a third of their vacation time unused, and a quarter of workers don’t take any time off at all! That’s despite mounting evidence that travel is a boon for our physical and mental health, relationships, and more.  Here are some additional travel resolutions that may help you on your journey towards making travel a genuine and enriching part of your life in the coming year… and make you feel better about yourself and…

  • Europe,  River or Ocean Cruises

    Why Christmas Market River Cruises Are the Most Magical Way to Celebrate the Season

    There’s something undeniably enchanting about Europe during the holiday season. Twinkling lights line cobblestone streets, the scent of mulled wine fills the air, and centuries-old town squares transform into storybook Christmas markets. Now imagine experiencing all of this while gliding along Europe’s most iconic rivers aboard a cozy, elegantly decorated river ship. That’s the magic of a Christmas market river cruise. What Is a Christmas Market River Cruise? A Christmas market river cruise is a seasonal voyage—typically running from late November through December—that sails along rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Main, or Seine. These cruises are timed to coincide with Europe’s famous Christmas markets, allowing travelers to step off the…