Some trips are so good that you start planning the next one before the first is even over. That’s exactly what happened on our 2026 Croatia yacht charter. We spent a week cruising the Adriatic aboard our privately chartered luxury yacht, swimming in unbelievably clear water, exploring centuries-old towns, enjoying delicious Croatian food and wine, […]

There are two ways to plan a vacation. I often think the second approach leads to some of the most interesting trips. Timing affects far more than the temperature. It can determine what you’ll eat, what you’ll see, how crowded a destination feels, whether you’ll spend your days outside or enjoy a slow lunch, and […]

Mention a river cruise, and most travelers immediately think of Europe. The Rhine. The Danube. Medieval towns, castles, wine regions, and a different port nearly every day. European river cruising has plenty of reasons to be popular, and I still recommend it. This year’s low water levels have caused some cruises to change their routes […]

Scotland has been calling me back since 2013, when my former life as a film producer took me there to scout locations for a romantic comedy. I was taken with its misty Highlands, ancient castles, proud character, and slightly cheeky sense of humor. Perhaps my Scottish heritage played a part, but from the moment I […]

Every once in a while, someone I know will casually say, “Oh, by the way, we just booked a cruise.” And I’m thinking: You did what? These are often people who know I own a travel agency (my sister, I’m talking to you!). Some read my weekly e-zine faithfully. They ask where I’ve been, what I […]

There are some destinations that are beautiful. And then there are destinations that make you slow down, look around, and wonder why you waited so long to visit. Scotland has been on my mind for a while now. Imagine beginning our journey in Glasgow before making our way into the Highlands, where winding roads lead […]

This year, I’ve seen more people waiting until the last minute to plan their vacations. Sadly, this often leads to higher prices, fewer options, or missing out on the hotels and experiences they really wanted. The best trips usually aren’t booked on a whim. They’re carefully planned, letting you pick where you want to stay, […]

When I took my first cruise back in 1990, it was a belated honeymoon aboard Premier Cruise Lines’ Big Red Boat (remember them?). More than three years after our wedding, we finally had the chance to celebrate, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, […]

I use artificial intelligence every day. I use it to draft, research, organize, and brainstorm. It saves me real time. I’m not going to pretend otherwise, and I’m not threatened by it. But I’m not going to let it design my clients’ vacations, either. Here’s why AI is useful and where it falls short of […]

I get the question a lot, usually from the same kind of client. They’ve heard me talk about expedition cruising for years. They’ve seen photos from Antarctica. And then they say some version of: “Shannon, I want that. But I get seasick just reading about the ocean.” Fair enough. The Drake Passage has earned its […]