The economy might feel a bit shaky, and the finances may not be strong enough to jet away right this second, but its still a great day to start planning a vacation. We get the question in the office a lot, “when is the best time to plan our next trip?” The answer: “Today!” In most cases, locking down a trip early helps guarantee good rates, good availability and has very little downside. And in the last few months of the year, the time is especially right to plan ahead. With fewer people looking to travel, tour companies and cruise lines are giving some of their best prices of the year, coupled with amazing amenity offers. 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...

You may have heard the news in the last day that the FAA is seriously considering relaxing rules about whether that iPad or Kindle can be used during take-offs and landings. The New York Times, in fact, reports that an FAA review panel has basically said that passengers should be able to use the devices they want, whenever they want – which is good news for people with serious computer addictions. 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...

Any fan of the Real Housewives of Miami can tell you, there is plenty of drama in South Florida. Well, those girls need to make room for a new diva, because the MSC Divina is headed to Miami this fall, and she is something unlike what we’ve seen out of the Port of Miami before. The Divina, or “Diva” as she is affectionately referred to as, will be MSC’s first year round Caribbean dedicated ship, homeporting out of Miami beginning in November. 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...

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...