WHERE IN THE WORLD SHOULD WE GO NOW?

It really is tough - so many places, so little time! That may be pretty obvious, but when faced with the decision, many people default to the well trodden path. We return to Maui (or substitute another fave destination) because- well, it's wonderful, we know what to expect, and price aside, it's pretty darn close to heaven.....

But then the nagging thoughts return. If not Maui, why not Phuket, or Tahiti, or the Maldives? Ah, but they cost even more, are a lot further away, and are they really that much better, if at all. So we go wild, and try out Kauai!

Nothing wrong with any of this. Leisure travel, after shelter, local transportation, and food, constitutes the next largest investment for most middle class people. More than clothes, more than appliances, or insurance for that matter. The decisions about how often and where to take a vacation should be made carefully, and be well informed.

This blog is about a mental checklist that may help in your decision making.

• Match your dreams to your budget. The sunset itself is free! In simple terms, the first thing to do is visualize your holiday, and then make it affordable. There is always a way. If you want luxury, maybe go for a shorter time. Or go off-season, if you can. Travel business class on a long overnight to Europe, coach on return chasing the afternoon sun. Think outside of the box. Perhaps bang nails with Habitat for Humanity- http://www.habitat.org/getinv/volunteer_programs.aspx Make the travel itself be the dream.
• Bucket list? What bucket list? Sure- we all have places that we want to visit. But imagine traveling just to tick off entries in 'A thousand Places to go Before you Die'. Use filters. Think in terms of what is age and time appropriate. If you are fit now, take that trek. Your kids are more likely to enjoy Disneyland as preteens than mid-teens. So plan out the decades, and don't forego what is best to do now, or the converse. If you're young, there is plenty of time for that sedate river cruise. If not, why wait until next year?
• Do your homework. It is just SO easy to go online to read up on an area. Pick up magazines, talk to your friends. Nobody knows everything, but there are mavens out there who know a lot about certain things.
• Ask the experts. This flows from the last statement, and by expert I mean those with local current knowledge. The situation in Egypt 2012 is way different from 2011. Prices are cheap. Look into it.
• Truly learn to differentiate value and cost. We all want a deal, but know that an Audi costs more than a Ford, regardless. In travel, that equates not only to class of ship or hotel, but more importantly, to the quality of the experience. If you are time limited, the extra money for better flights is well worth it. The cheaper tours might have more people, and be 'dumbed down'. Look for the balance, and keep focused on what is really important to you.
• Be picky! After all it is your decision, your money. Don't settle for average. As you narrow down the options, carefully go through the inclusions, the extras, the location, the quality. Take your time on this. Sleep on any final decision.
• Expand your boundaries. (ie push the envelope) One of the great things about travel is discovery and exploration. It makes us richer. Consider mixing it up. Do something 'daring', but allow for a rest up period on the way out or coming back. For example, take a several day side trip, then retreat to that inclusive on the beach. Or, book a pre and post stay to that cruise.
• Don't be gullible! All brochures make what they are selling look gorgeous. Make sure what you are going to get is what you want.
• Dot your i's! Just reading about the horror stories that can and do happen (though pretty infrequently), should make you careful about choices. No need to head into danger, but in addition, make sure you give yourself enough time to make good connections. Buy proper insurance, and don't lie about any pre-existing conditions. Check and double check the small print, and go through recognized channels. Again, use the services of experts, where warranted.
• Just do it! This is not contrary to everything I have just written. In the end, make the decision. Make sure everything is in order before you go. And then, go! You'll love it, you deserve it, it'll make you a lot happier.... Enjoy!

CRUISING THE COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS

For anyone living in the Pacific Northwest, a typical one week cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers is both an easy getaway, and a remarkable experience. Departing either upstream from Portland, Oregon or downstream from Clarkston/Lewiston, one travels through desert to coastal rainforest or vice versa, following the route of Lewis and Clark.

Travelling by river opens up a whole new perspective not found by driving. Sure the road follows the Columbia in its lower reaches, but past the Tri-Cities, it’s just you, the river, and the wilderness. Plus the pace, the gentle breezes, and of course, the luxury of hassle free travel.

Each day will bring varied scenery and new activites- from jetboating to winetasting at top boutique wineries, viewing the engineering marvels of the locks and dams, to visiting the great Maryhill Museum. Some itineraries head out to Astoria to visit Fort Clatsop and Cape Disappointment. There are strong First Nations, cowboy, Americana, and natural history components hard to find elsewhere.

I think the best time to visit is Spring or Fall- either to catch the early warm rays and greening up of April and May, or the golden harvest season of September and October. Count on varied weather- hot in September inland, wet and cool on the coast. But summer, which brings out the windsurfers at the Dalles and more clear viewing days, is not to be dismissed.

Three companies offer similar itineraries aboard very different ships. American Cruise Lines has a  dedicated paddlewheeler, Queen of the West, which plies the waters weekly from mid –April to late October. Carrying 136 passengers and with full facilities and onboard entertainment, ACL most closely resembles the service and comfort levels of typical Coastal or European river cruises. Starting at $3695 for an outside stateroom with opening windows, and the occasional unpublished discount (call us for details!), this is the most affordable, yet still pretty deluxe option. Shoreside tours tend to be pretty mainstream, but well priced and comprehensive.

National Geographic/ Lindblad utilise their twin 62 passenger expedition ships Sea Bird and Sea Lion.  With kayaks and zodiac landing craft, they attract a more active, somewhat younger clientele. They maintain an open bridge policy, and are a bit flexible in their itineraries. They also offer on board bikes- so one can take these along historic Highway 30. Unlike ACL, they do not offer a coach tour to Mt. St. Helen’s, or any other major side-trip destination. The focus is on ship accessible sites. Onboard are professional expedition leaders, including photo instructors, historians and naturalists. All is included in their price, so there is no extra charge for a jet boat ride or entrance to museums. Prices start at $3990 for the six night, seven day cruise.  They operate in the area only in the fall months.

Innerseas Discoveries calls themselves the ‘Uncruise Company’, and operate a single vessel, the Safari Spirit from September to November, on two distinct themed 7 night/8 daylcruises. Carrying only twelve passengers and priced from$5995, this is by definition a luxury product. Everything from transfers and taxes  to onboard premium beverages and all shore trips is included. Onboard are kayaks, paddleboards, trekking poles. They caution that itineraries may change, which is a good thing! They can make up time if needed, and alter what they do and for how long dpending on local conditions.

The first program is simply called Rivers of the West, and their alternating program is named Culinary and Wine Discovery. Each have identical start and end ports, but the latter focuses less on the natural environment, with more emphasis on wine, food and culture. There are three vineyard visits and tastings versus one, and a stop at Maryhill. A tough choice, indeed- whether it be the itinerary or the cruise company!

At CruisePlus, we know the area, the operators, and can get the deals. I have personally been aboard two of these ships, and can give you unbiased advice. So please- call the Specialty Crusie Coordinator directly at (800) 550-3622, or call the main office line at (800) 854-9664

PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT CRUISING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

For several years after Hurricane Katrina, cruises were discontinued on the ‘Big Muddy’, partly due to shoreside facilities damage, partly due to a dropoff in demand. As well, the last of the grand old river ships- the Delta, American, and Mississippi Queens, have been out of service due to insurance issues with wooden ships.

So, when not one, but two companies announced they were commissioning new riverboats, many past cruisers got very excited, and new cruisers ought to, as well.

After all, what could be more quintessential America than a leisurely cruise down the biggest river in the country, eating southern fried chicken and crawdads, listening to a calliope on the aft deck, and big band music at night? This to a backdrop of the American heartlands, from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers to New Orleans, with lots of cultural immersion, American style!

The Great American Steamboat Company’s 2012 inaugral season aboard the American Queen, features themed voyages ranging from ‘Music of the 50’s’ to ‘Epic Civil War’ and ‘Southern Culture’. You will enjoy blues music, Cajun cuisine, notable speakers and great shore excursions, and much more. The ship is absolutely deluxe, with inclusions usually found only at a ‘fly and flop’ beach resort. But the similarities end there. This is a vacation for the history minded, curious traveler, who appreciates great service, food and comfort. Prices start from $2295 for a week long cruise, plus an added one night hotel stay.

Not to be outdone, American Cruise Lines is launching the brand new Queen of the Mississippi this year, featuring the largest cabins on the river, of which 85% will have  balconies. With perhaps not quite the traditional focus of its competitor, there will still be a strong regional emphasis, with onboard experts, shore excursions to the likes of an Audubon State Historic site, to the first Coca-Cola bottling plant, to antebellum homes in Natchez, MS. There will be complimentary wine at lunch and dinner plus pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A nice touch. Their earlybird pricing starts at $3495, with port fees and taxes waived. ACL also operates on the Eastern Seaboard, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, so the company has a broad presence in the market, with resources to back up their offerings. They are also rolling out a boutique luxury ocean cruise product- Pearl Seas Cruises.

It’s nice to know that high quality river cruising has returned to the Mississippi. Do give CruisePlus a call to find out more about these and other ‘close to home’ calm water options.

Peter Frinton- Niche Cruise Specialist

CruisePlus Management Services

Direct line: (800) 550-3622

Website: http://www.unique-cruise.com

ANTARCTICA

A visit to Antarctica is on many a traveler’s “bucket list”. You simply can’t claim to have visited all continents without crossing the notorious Drake Passage and setting foot on the Frozen Continent.

Yes, you can do a ‘drive by’ on a larger cruise ship, but if it carries more than 500 people, it cannot land ashore. You can also fly down there and join a ship, but that is sort of cheating!

So- the best choice is to board a smaller expedition ship with an ice-hardened hull in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, equipped with zodiacs or other landing craft, and simply sail there and back.

A good place to start gathering information is to go to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators website:

http://iaato.org/

There you will find some good information and tips. As well, pick up a book on Antarctica- the Lonely Planet Guide and Cool Antarctica are good:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0958291632?tag=coolantarctic-20&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=0958291632&creative=373489&camp=211189

The tourist season is from November to March. Almost all the trips are to the Antarctic Peninsula, which has absolutely spectacular scenery and wildlife, but there icebreakers that head further south into the Ross and Weddell Seas. As well,one can combine a visit to Antarcitca with the subpolar regions- South Georgia in particular, to see nesting Albatrosses, King Penguins, and many seal species.

You can expect temperatures slightly above freezing, huge icebergs and glaciers, majestic mountains, more penguins than you thought possible, whales, research stations, both current and abandoned, plus the southernmost post office/museum in the world!

Ships vary from converted old research boats and icebreakers to purpose built luxury expedition vessels. Generally, they will carry a maximum of 200 passengers, as only 100 are allowed to land at any one time. Typically, a voyage lasts 11 to 19 days, allowing up to two days each way to cross the Drake, and about 6 days with at least one landing daily.

Whether you take the Hurtigruten Fram, or Le Ponant’s Austral, Silversea’s Silver Explorer, the Clipper Adventurer, Ocean Nova, Sergei Vavilov, Polar Star or some other exotic sounding ship, you are bound to have the experience of a lifetime.

Early in the season you will see penguin nesting, including Chinstraps, Gentoos, Rockhoppers, Adelies but not Emperors, along with pristine snow and ice. Come later and there will be  chicks hatched out, more whales, and slightly warmer weather- which means a hefty penguin guano aroma and more mud. Seals, flying birds such as Skuas and Petrels, Albatross and Tern are there all summer long.

CruisePlus works with the best operators in the area. We’ve been there, know the options, get really good price breaks, whether you are going deluxe or steerage. We’ll suggest pre/post cruise land extensions that will enhance your overall trip.

Please feel free to ask questions about this remarkable destination, or add your own comments.