One of the must-see destinations in Italy is the Vatican. The world’s smallest sovereign state, it is home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and countless priceless treasures worth a day in the Vatican Museums. But as of December 31, access is cash-only. Read more...

Blog contributor Jackie Sheckler Finch loves river cruising, and recently spent some extra time in Memphis before her American Queen river sailing.

Since Memphis is the American Queen’s new homeport and Priscilla Presley is the boat’s godmother, I thought I’d visit the home of the city’s most famous son when I arrived a day early for my cruise. Read more...

That red-eye finally got into JFK. Somehow that coach seat was actually comfortable, and here it is 7 AM, and there’s a full day to kill before the cruise and no need for a nap. But having such a short time to spend in such a huge city is a little overwhelming. Need to know the major things to hit in the city that never sleeps? Here’s our best 24 hour schedule for New York City. Read more...

It’s the big open secret in US travel these days. Not enough people know about it, but they should. American travelers can see Cuba again, despite the general embargo on our neighbor to the south. Now, there is a catch – this isn’t going to be the normal “fun in the sun” beach holiday that most Caribbean travel becomes. Cuba is open for US citizens to see, but only in person-to-person cultural exchange programs. Read more...

We’re going to admit this, and it isn’t easy. When we were in the office compiling the list of travel destinations that would be on our lists for 2013, the movies had an affect on us. Well one movie, at least… The Hobbit. Filmed in New Zealand, it ended up putting a wonderful focus on the small, oft-forgotten cousin as an exciting, exotic destination that isn’t so far as you might think. Read more...

An early morning sun sweeps off a shroud of wispy fog as the American Queen paddles her way along the Mississippi River. In the J.M. White Dining Room, I’m savoring a big Southern breakfast while a friendly dining staff delivers coffee, tea and cheerfulness. Read more...

Let’s be honest, Disney offers magical experiences for every age and every person. They do this through a number of different venues, Disneyland in California – the original Disney destination, Aulani resort in Hawaii, a state which is also on our must-see list for 2013 to name just a couple. But it’s Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida that is really the item that every Disney fan needs to see. And for those who have been there before, so much has changed in the last twelve months that a new visit would be like visiting a brand new destination. Read more...

It’s a taste of the South Pacific without needing to bring the passport along. Hawaii easily makes our list of top destinations for 2013. Frankly, there’s so much to see and do that it would arguably make our list year after year. But this year in particular, there are so many great ways to see our 50th state, and birthplace of President Obama that it only makes sense to visit. Read more...

London’s isn’t a well kept secret. Of course, how can one of the world’s most important cities ever be a secret? Hidden treasure or not, there is plenty to see and love in London. And with the 2012 Olympics out of the way, the coming year is a great time to visit the city! Read more...

This week and next, we’ll be featuring some of the best travel destinations for you to visit in the next twelve months. These are bucket list destinations, and places that are popular because they are worth it. Also, we’ve got a few not so well known destinations that are worth a look. One of our best kept secrets in Mexico is Ixtapa, and that’s where we start our series. Read more...