GET INSPIRED

Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

River Cruising with Family: The Ultimate Guide for Busy Parents

Dreaming of showing your children the magic of Europe, but the thought of planning a multi-city family vacation makes your to-do list anxiety flare up? River cruising might be the solution you never considered. Imagine unpacking just once while visiting multiple European destinations, no dragging suitcases between hotels or navigating train schedules with tired kids. As a fellow working mom, I've researched which river cruise experiences truly deliver for families—from kid-friendly activities to accommodations that work for multiple generations. Discover how this increasingly popular travel style can transform your family's European adventure from logistical nightmare to memory-making magic...

Read More
Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

Sailing the Danube with AmaWaterways: Danube River Cruise Review

Wondering if an AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise is worth your precious vacation time? As a travel advisor who just experienced this journey firsthand, I'm sharing my honest review of the spacious staterooms, flexible dining options, and unique excursions. Discover why the Upper Danube might be perfect for your first European river cruise and how AmaWaterways' flat-bottomed ships offer advantages when water levels are low. From Vienna's horse-drawn carriages to dedicated wellness hosts, find out if this premium river cruise experience is right for your travel style.

Read More
Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

River Cruising: The Stress-Free Way to Experience Europe

Forget what you know about traditional European vacations. Picture this instead: waking up each morning in the heart of a new European city, your floating boutique hotel having navigated silently through the night while you slept. No bags to pack and unpack, no trains to catch, no getting lost finding your hotel – just stepping right off your ship into the center of Europe's most charming cities and towns. Discover why river cruising offers the perfect blend of convenience and immersion for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Read More
Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

Science Says: Take a Vacation, But Do It Right!

We all crave that feeling of stepping off the plane and leaving our worries behind. However, research suggests that not all vacations are created equal. A 2013 study by happiness researcher Michelle Gielan reveals that poorly planned trips can actually leave you feeling more stressed than before you left!

Read More
Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

Destination Guide: Dublin

Imagine this: cobbled streets lined with charming pubs, laughter echoing in a charming Irish lilt, and the comforting knowledge that everything is within easy walking distance. That's the classic Dublin experience.

Read More
Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

Cruise Vacation Guide: Choosing Between River, Small Ship, and Ocean Experiences

Discover the perfect cruise experience for your travel style. From meandering down the romantic Rhine past medieval castles to exploring Antarctica's pristine wilderness on small expedition ships to enjoying the boundless entertainment options of ocean voyages, this guide compares the unique benefits of river, small ship, and ocean cruising. As your time-saving travel planner, I'll help you navigate these options to find the perfect cruise vacation that matches your preferences and dreams.

Read More
Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

Discover Italy's Magic: Your Guide to Shoulder Season Bliss

If you are craving a slice of La Dolce Vita without the summer crowds Italy is calling your name. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on its off-peak charm. Join me as I uncover the hidden gems, cultural delights, and family-friendly fun that make Italy shine during the shoulder and low seasons.

Read More
Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

Destination Guide: Alaska

Alaska is one of the world's special places, full of exotic wildlife, magnificent mountains, glacier-carved valleys and steep, rocky coastlines.

Read More
Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

Unveiling the Magic: Debunking Myths About Working with a Travel Advisor

Are you dreaming of the perfect vacation but bogged down by the daunting task of planning every detail? It's time to let the travel advisor myth-busting commence! Working with a travel advisor might just be the key to unlocking unforgettable travel experiences. Today, we're here to dispel some common misconceptions and reveal the real magic behind their services.

Read More
Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

Virgin Voyages Review: 13 Things to Know About This Adults-Only Cruise Experience

Curious about what makes Virgin Voyages different from traditional cruises? From the adults-only atmosphere that creates a sophisticated environment to the tech-forward approach with their handy app, I've experienced it all on the Scarlet Lady. Discover my 13 key insights about this unique cruise line, including the memorable Scarlet Night festivities, diverse dining options without a traditional main dining room, and the serene Beach Club experience on Bimini Island. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser looking for something fresh or considering your first adults-only voyage, this firsthand account will help you decide if Virgin Voyages is the right fit for your next vacation at sea.

Read More
A Wiser Website A Wiser Website

New Travel Authorization for EU Visitors

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is coming in 2024. The European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. However, the EU is wanting to strengthen its border security as well as digitally screen and track travelers entering and leaving EU countries. ETIAS is not a visa, and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Read More
A Wiser Website A Wiser Website

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems: A Journey through Greece, Cyprus, and Beyond

With a small group of fellow Travel Advisors, I recently embarked on a remarkable adventure through off-the-beaten-path destinations in Greece and Cyprus. From the tranquil beauty of Halkidiki's Ekies Resort to the luxurious paradise of Limassol's Parklane Cyprus and the chic allure of Porto Heli's Nikki Beach, each stop on this journey offered unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Join me as I share the highlights of this extraordinary trip.

Read More
A Wiser Website A Wiser Website

Top 3 Cities to Visit in Italy

When planning a trip to Italy, it's important to consider timing. The travel year in Italy is three different seasons – Peak Season (mid-June through August), Off-Season (November through March), and Shoulder Season (April through mid-June and September through October). Traveling in the summer is beneficial because it is the driest time of the year and the longer days allow for maximum sightseeing. However, August is the most humid and hot month of the year, and many locals leave for two to four weeks, leaving some restaurants and services closed.

Read More