Hawaii is one of those must-see destinations. But the price of a week on the islands can give some serious sticker shock! One great way to save some money and see many of the different islands that make up our 50th state is on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. This US flagged ship is one of the only ways to cruise the Hawaiian Islands, offering round trip options from Honolulu, and has just gone through a 30 million dollar renovation. The upgrades are pretty substantial, too. Read more...

If I’d said it once, I must have said it a dozen times during my first short stay at Walt Disney World. This is a whole different culture than I was expecting. I’ve traveled a lot of different places, experienced a lot of different things – but the culture shock in the Magic Kingdom was intense! I don’t think that I’ve ever been in a place before where everyone just seemed so happy before. Read more...

Victorian style digs and the antique cars in front of the lobby transport you to the gilded age at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort. This Deluxe resort rests just moments away from the Magic Kingdom, along the Monorail and is designed to evoke the roaring 20’s, and provide a Great Gatsby feel to a Disney vacation. Read more...

Mickey Mouse Ears. A ubiquitous sight at any Disney Park, but Disney has even found a way to innovate Mouse Ears at Disney’s California Adventure. The new “Glow with the Show” ears light up… and although that isn’t terribly common, its not particularly new or innovative. But once you go see the World of Color show with these hats on, the innovation is clear. The lights are syncopated to the show, and that’s no easy feat to accomplish! Read more...

There was a palpable feeling of energy, excitement and a little fear in the van as we pulled up to the parking lot. The chance to hike a glacier was another bucket list moment the ten of us were eager to all cross off, but the back seat full of extra and intimidating looking equipment definitely sobered up the group a little bit. This was real, and the glacier was waiting. Read more...

What if there was a way to take a vacation without ever reaching for your wallet, or even a room key? What if you could visit a theme park and never have to get tickets, or wait in line for a ride? What if you could plan your day with just a smartphone handy? Fewer lines, less fumbling. Seems like a pipe dream for most, but at Walt Disney World, they’ve found a way to make that happen with the new “My Magic+” program. Read more...

Memphis – Now I know why Elvis loved them so much. I also know why he packed on so many pounds.

With the American Queen riverboat now based in Memphis, Tennessee, I have another good reason for visiting one of my favorite cities. I also make it a point to drop by Graceland whenever I’m in town. Read more...

Walt Disney World is not known for standing still. Since the park and its original resort, the Contemporary opened 42 years, the park complex has been continually innovating and growing. Parks open beyond the Magic Kingdom – like Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Resort after resort, each with its own identity popped up within the Walt Disney World grounds. Their newest resort, Art of Animation opened last year, and its quickly become one of our favorites. Read more...

Miami has always been known for its warm weather, with summer like temperatures all year long. Norwegian Cruise Line is set to change that perception however, with its newest cruise ship, the Norwegian Getaway, set to sail from the Magic City this February. Like its sister, the Norwegian Breakaway, and fleet mate, Norwegian Epic, the Getaway will be outfitted with a bar that’s made entirely out of ice. Read more...

Not a lot of cruises start or end in Reykjavik, although a growing number of itineraries make this exciting little city a port of call on transatlantic and Northern Europe cruises. Nonetheless, Reykjavik can be an exciting stop over point for many European cruisers via Icelandair. In an effort to increase tourism, the airline which hubs in the island nation offers guests a chance to stopover for up to 7 days at no additional charge. Read more...