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Christine MacMillan Christine MacMillan

River Cruising: A Fresh Way to Experience Europe

Imagine 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 – just stepping right off your ship into the center of Europe's most charming cities and towns. Discover why river cruising might be the stress-free European vacation you've been dreaming of...

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cruising Christine MacMillan Cruising Christine MacMillan

Cruising in Style with Virgin Voyages: A Journey to Remember

Set Sail into Luxury: Discover the Virgin Voyages Experience – All You Need to Know! Uncover the secrets of cruising with Virgin Voyages – an adults-only adventure filled with tantalizing cuisine, thrilling entertainment, and serene beach bonfires. Get insider tips on reservations, tech tools, and unforgettable excursions. Don't miss our candid review – embark on a voyage like never before!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A Wiser Website A Wiser Website

4 Trips to Inspire Why Your Next Vacation Should Be By Train

Traveling by train may feel restrictive to most North Americans. You’re limited in your destinations, you do not control the stops, and it’s not as private as a personal vehicle. But trains are also more liberating. While a car driver must multitask, everyone gets to relax and enjoy the beautiful views on the train. You also remove the main reasons for stops: restroom breaks, food stops, and getting out to stretch. On a train, you get to do all those things while staying in motion. In addition, train travel is about the journey rather than a race to the destination. If you’re looking for a unique way to travel on your next vacation, here are some handpicked train trips to consider.

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A Wiser Website A Wiser Website

Four Nights in Paris + Disneyland

In April of 2020, we had planned to take our son to Disneyland (Anaheim) for the first time but had to cancel that trip (you know, COVID-19). So, at the end of our year living abroad in Valencia, Spain, we thought it would be fun to cap the year off with a trip to Paris. Lucas had finished a year of school abroad, and we wanted to celebrate it and make up for the missed Disney trip. For us, it was a chance to revisit one of the world's best cities.

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