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"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond This is part of our continuing series where we give a voice to different people (real and imagined) and give our take on what they might say when asked, "Why should we all travel and explore the world?" Greetings, fellow seekers of wisdom and knowledge! Today, I, the humble traveler known as Grasshopper, shall impart upon you the wisdom of traversing this vast world we inhabit. Just as the master once called me "grasshopper," I now extend my wisdom to you, urging you to embark on a journey that will forever ......

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond Planning a vacation is similar to baking that perfect pie. Knowledge, wisdom, and experience make all the difference, as you’ll learn below. So how is a professional baker similar to a professional travel advisor? ……

Malta isn’t on most travelers’ radar, but it should be. This small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Italy and north of Africa, is rich in history that dates back to prehistoric times and has been ruled by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and the British. ……

Lisbon’s “Golden Gate Bridge,” officially the Ponte 25 de Abril Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. The Portuguese capital is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, and with its rich history, unique cuisine, and beautiful architecture, it’s no wonder why so many adults are drawn to visit Lisbon. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a pre- or post-cruise stay-overt, or a solo adventure, Lisbon is the perfect destination. ……

Global Entry versus Mobile Passport (we recommend Global Entry) Anyone who has traveled internationally has experienced long lines at US Immigration checkpoints (US Customs and Border Protection – CBP) after returning home from overseas travel. Global Entry is a US government program that lets you whisk through the immigration process bypassing the long lines. I’ve been using Global Entry for years and over time have watched the process move faster and faster. At many entry points, facial recognition has been implemented so the process is a couple of seconds to a few minutes long. As a free alternative to ......

We’ve been to Rome before and explored the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, and the Pantheon. This time we wanted to explore further out and see the Roman countryside. We chose a day excursion to Frascati, Italy, nestled in the mountains at the end of the train line. We started the morning at the Termini train station where we purchased our round-trip train ticket to Frascati. The 12-mile trip lasted about 30-minutes as we travel through Rome and started the long but steady climb to the Frascati train station. There we were met by our drivers ......

From the snow-capped mountains to the salty sea breeze, British Columbia sets the scene for love, no matter your interests. Spend the morning on the slopes, and the afternoon beachcombing - or skip the outdoor adventures in favor of a gastronomic one instead! Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon with stars in your eyes or have a lifetime of love under your belt - British Columbia offers something for lovebirds of all ages, stages, and activity levels. Luxury and Urban Exploration Steamclock, Vancouver Vancouver leaves you wanting for nothing, and if your idea of romance is stunning ......

The summer travel season is upon us. From foot-kicking neighbors to an overly-talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times. Here are a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable! Prioritize Comfort Sure, you may want to step off the plane in New York looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit for an extended period in them. Think comfort and ease, ......

Record sales days The cruise industry is rapidly recovering from nearly two years of Covid travel closures and restrictions. This doesn't mean smooth sailing yet, but it does point to a strong recovery for the industry. Royal Caribbean experienced two record sale days during end of March and early April, when it achieved the highest number of bookings in a single day, as well the highest booking volume in a single week.  In another positive sign for the industry, during the 1st quarter of 2022, Royal Caribbean's ships held 1.5 million passengers. Ruther, Carnival Cruise Line had its busiest ......