Ocean Breeze World Travel Feed

The Best Way to Experience Alaska is with Norwegian

There's something about cruising Alaska that fills travelers with awe and exhilaration. Perhaps it is sailing past expansive glaciers glistening in the sunlight. Maybe it's witnessing The Last Frontier's dramatic terrain that transforms from wildflower-studded fields to immense old-growth forests that bow before snowcapped mountains stretching up toward the glow of the Northern Lights, all from the deck of your cruise ship. Or perhaps it's the opportunity to come closer to the diverse range of wildlife claiming the surrounding waterways and storied landscapes as their home. No matter what aspect of Alaska you connect with, one thing is certain — you'll want to soak in as much of the natural beauty and stunning vistas as possible during your cruise vacation.

That's why Norwegian has carefully selected five of its award-winning cruise ships to do just that on a variety of unique and specially-curated itineraries — for you to enjoy immersive Alaska experiences from ship to shore. Our ships are custom-built for the best way to discover Alaska while our extended sailing season allows for unique experiences like viewing the Northern Lights. If you're ready to Break Free and start planning your Alaska cruise, read on to find your ideal ship to explore The Last Frontier.

Feel Free to Let the Outside In

Our larger cruise ships offer some pretty remarkable onboard experiences. Imagine zooming around a two-story race track as a bald eagle soars overhead. Imagine playing nighttime laser tag beneath the shimmering Milky Way or savoring a romantic dinner al fresco as the sun sinks behind jagged peaks. You can do all this and so much more aboard two of Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore — custom-built for the spectacular.

After an incredible hike to Mendenhall Glacier, return on board and unwind in the revolutionary 180-degree Observation Lounge with your favorite cocktail or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The Observation Lounge is located at the front of the ship and features floor-to-ceiling windows, plush chairs, and a full-service bar — the ideal space to watch Alaska’s dramatic landscape unfold before you.

Feel Free to Let the Moment In

Our smaller ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun — are ideal for those seeking a more intimate cruising experience in The Last Frontier. Embark on a longer cruise itinerary set to a slower pace, allowing you more time to be immersed in authentic Alaska experiences.

Want to hang with adorable pups at a dog sled camp? You got it. Daydreaming of the Inside Passage’s extraordinary vistas and wildlife? Bring your camera! Care to explore some of Glacier Bay’s legendary terrain? Lace up those hiking boots and bring the wonder of the surrounding nature back on board with you. Refresh and recharge in the Thermal Spa Suite where your worries will melt away as mountainous vistas fill the floor-to-ceiling windows. Count the nearby glaciers from the comfort of a hot tub. Watch a whale splash in the sea before you take a dip in the top-deck pool. Take walking or jogging to new heights on the top-deck jogging/walking track where The Last Frontier provides an unforgettable backdrop for your workout. Then toast incredible panoramic views from the vibrant Spinnaker Lounge. Along the way, delight in a variety of delicious dining options, from upscale French, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine to casual dishes served poolside. Start your morning with room service breakfast served on your private balcony with a side of breathtaking vistas. Then after returning from unforgettable shore excursions, make each night incredible with live entertainment and music or by rolling into good times at the casino.

Feel Free to Experience Authentic Alaska

Alaska experiences are as seemingly vast as the state’s untouched wilderness. And whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, wildlife enthusiast or history buff, finding the ideal Alaska cruise ship to get you there is a breeze with Norwegian. Our shore excursions will immerse you in unforgettable authentic experiences while our five incredible cruise ships ensure that you won’t miss a moment of the spectacular natural beauty of The Last Frontier during your Alaska cruise.

Which Alaska cruise ship do you want to experience? Let us know in the comments! Ready to book your vacation? Explore our cruise deals and sign up for emails to get the latest offers right to your inbox.

Europe’s Best-Kept Travel Secret: Off-Season

Mon, 15 Jun 26 21:01:47 +0000

Off-Season Europe with Air Canada Vacations

Skip the crowds and discover a more relaxed, authentic side of Europe with Air Canada Vacations. Travel during the quieter season and enjoy iconic destinations with fewer lines, more space, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.

From charming cobblestone streets to world-renowned landmarks, off-season travel lets you experience Europe at your own pace—without the peak-season rush. Whether you're strolling through historic cities, enjoying local cafés, or exploring cultural treasures, every moment feels more personal.

Exclusive Offer

Take advantage of special savings on select Europe tour packages, plus enjoy added value designed to make your journey even smoother:

50% off CareFlex travel protection
1 checked bag and 1 carry-on included
Access to curated itineraries and seamless travel experiences

Travel Details

Booking Window: Now through July 5, 2026
Travel Window: September 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Destinations: Select European cities and multi-country itineraries

Why Book Off-Season?

Fewer crowds at top attractions
More availability at popular hotels and tours
A more relaxed, immersive travel experience
Great value compared to peak travel periods

Start Planning

Now is the perfect time to experience Europe differently—with more freedom, more comfort, and more value. Let Air Canada Vacations help you create a seamless journey from departure to return.

Europe Without the Lines, the Crowds, or the Chaos

Mon, 15 Jun 26 20:38:15 +0000

Europe, Before Everyone Else Remembers

There’s a version of Europe most travelers never meet—not because it’s hidden, but because they go at the wrong time. By the time summer arrives, it’s already disappeared into crowds, noise, and the quiet competition of too many people chasing the same moments.

But just outside that window, something shifts. The same cities feel calmer, more personal, almost as if they’ve exhaled. You still get the landmarks, the history, the atmosphere—but without having to work for it.

And that changes everything.

A Different Pace, A Different Experience

In peak season, Europe moves quickly. Days are structured around reservations, timing, and navigating crowds. It’s exciting, but it’s also demanding.

Off-season travel softens that edge. You can walk into places instead of waiting your turn. You can sit a little longer, wander a little farther, and let the day unfold without constantly checking the time.

It’s not that there’s less to do. It’s that you finally have the space to do it well.

What You Start to Notice

When you’re not rushing, your attention shifts.

You notice the quiet of a morning street before it fills. The rhythm of a neighborhood that isn’t performing for visitors. The kind of moments that don’t make itineraries, but stay with you long after the trip ends.

You stop thinking in highlights and start experiencing places as they are—layered, lived-in, and far more interesting than what fits into a checklist.

Why Timing Quietly Changes Everything

Ask anyone where to go in Europe, and you’ll get endless suggestions. Ask when to go, and the conversation becomes more meaningful.

Because timing reshapes the entire experience.

The same café feels different when you’re not waiting. The same street feels different when it’s not crowded. Even the pace of your own day begins to shift when you’re not adjusting to demand at every step.

It’s a subtle change—until you realize how much more of the destination you’re actually taking in.

The Version Most People Miss

Most travelers don’t choose when they go—they choose when they can go. School calendars, work schedules, привычная travel seasons.

And that’s how this version of Europe gets overlooked.

Not because it isn’t worth experiencing, but because it sits just outside the obvious window. Quietly better, without demanding attention.

Once you’ve seen it this way, though, it’s hard to go back.

Start the Conversation

The best trips don’t begin with booking dates or destinations. They begin with a different question entirely: what kind of experience do you actually want?

Let your travel expert unlock the Europe trip you didn’t know you needed.

Because sometimes the biggest shift isn’t where you go—but choosing to go when everything finally feels just right.

The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:53:04 +0000

The private island for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is at the forefront of a cruise-industry-wide drive to support and sustain the world’s oceans. World Oceans Day is the perfect time to share some of those stories as we reflect that nearly three-quarters of our Earth is covered in oceans. Whether you live on one of the world’s coastlines or cruise, oceans affect us all.

The water dominating the surface of our “Blue Planet,” helps regulate the entire world’s climate and weather by absorbing heat and storing carbon dioxide.

Did you know oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe, through microscopic marine plants - phytoplankton? The heat and movement of oceans also affect weather patterns, rainfall, and temperatures that affect farming and freshwater supplies far beyond coastal regions.

As a cruise lover, I’m proud that cruising stands up for oceans and our Blue Planet.

The cruise industry has a collective goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), every new generation of cruise ship is 20% more energy-efficient than the previous class of ships. So new cruise ships are about more than new design, dining, and entertainment experiences!

If, like me, the more you cruise, the more you fall in love with and want to protect the oceans.

On World Oceans Day, we can learn more about how cruise lines are being part of the solution, the projects they are supporting and spearheading - some of which you, as a cruise guest, can participate in! - and what we as individuals can do to make a difference.

MSC Cruises / Explora Journeys / MSC Foundation

Super Coral Program – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Meet the marine biologist helping develop ‘Super Coral.’

The Super Coral Program is one of the cruise industry's most ambitious coral-restoration initiatives. Scientists are identifying and propagating heat-resistant strains of endangered coral to help reefs survive warming oceans. Guests visiting Ocean Cay can see coral nurseries and learn about ongoing restoration efforts.

Mission Blue Partnership

The Mission Blue Partnership is a multi-year collaboration supporting marine protected areas ("Hope Spots"), ocean literacy programs and seagrass restoration projects in the Mediterranean.

“Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.”

To celebrate World Oceans Day this year, it has launched “Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.” It’s a new onboard program for children and families combining learning, creativity and participation and helping nurture the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

The onboard program is designed around three pillars – celebrating the ocean on every cruise, placing children and families at the center of the experience, and fostering ocean literacy. It draws on the MSC Foundation’s years of collaboration with conservation and education partners, combining lessons from its restoration work at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas with the expertise of organizations such as Mission Blue and Marevivo to create immersive experiences.

Viking Expeditions

Science Lab Program

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris were designed as working research vessels with onboard wet and dry laboratories. Scientists sail alongside guests conducting research in polar regions, the Great Lakes and other sensitive ecosystems.

Genomics at Sea Program (GASP)

In partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the J. Craig Venter Institute, Viking supports onboard environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing to study marine biodiversity and monitor ecosystem health through its Genomics at Sea Program.

Fjord Phyto Citizen Science Program

Guests help collect phytoplankton samples for NASA-supported research. Phytoplankton produce roughly half of Earth's oxygen and are critical indicators of ocean health.

Great Lakes Research Partnerships

Viking's expedition ships support freshwater science, biodiversity monitoring and water-quality research throughout the Great Lakes—an important reminder that protecting waterways extends far beyond oceans.

WATCH VIDEO: Highlights of a Great Lakes Cruise on Viking with Scientists and Guest-included Research

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Citizen Science Program

Widely considered the gold standard in expedition cruise citizen science. Guests can participate in collecting water samples, recording wildlife sightings, monitoring marine debris and supporting climate research.

HX Foundation

Supports projects focused on marine biodiversity, plastic pollution reduction, conservation education and community initiatives in destinations visited by expedition ships.

Ponant

Ponant Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and biodiversity studies and brings researchers on board the fleet in remote marine environments including Antarctica, the Arctic and Pacific islands.

Ponant and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently unveiled new initiatives to protect polar environments. Their enhanced partnership introduces:

The Polar Ocean Image Collection: A collaboration with WHOI and The Ocean Agency, this open-access bank provides non-commercial, media-quality images to scientists, educators, and journalists to raise awareness about rapidly changing cryospheric regions.
AI-enabled Whale Spotter Cameras and autonomous sensors on board ships to study remote sea ice and protect marine wildlife from vessel strikes.

Adelie Penguins, Antarctica image: Alexandre Herbrecht, Studio PONANT / Ocean Image Bank

Royal Caribbean Group

WWF Global Ocean Conservation Partnership

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, has a partnership with the renowned World Wildlife Fund supporting sustainable tourism, destination stewardship, responsible seafood sourcing, ocean conservation projects and environmental education.

World Wildlife at Sea

An onboard ocean education program, developed with WWF, helps guests better understand marine ecosystems and conservation challenges.

Celebrity Cruises

Galápagos Conservation Projects

Celebrity's Galápagos operations support a variety of conservation initiatives in partnership with the local community and the Galápagos National Park. Efforts have included giant tortoise restoration, invasive species management and habitat protection.

Cunard

ORCA Marine Mammal Monitoring Program

Passengers and trained volunteers help collect whale, dolphin and porpoise sighting data for the UK marine conservation charity ORCA. Decades of observations have contributed to marine mammal research and protection efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions/ Nat Geo

National Geographic-Lindblad Conservation Fund

Supports marine conservation, scientific research and habitat protection in destinations including Antarctica, Alaska and the Galápagos.

Research and Scientist-in-Residence Programs

Scientists frequently travel aboard Lindblad ships, conducting field research and engaging guests in ongoing conservation projects.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

This program gives pre-K–12 educators the opportunity to sail on board ships to participate in field-based exploration, providing a transformative, real-world experience that teachers can bring back to their classrooms, schools, and communities, improving geographic literacy and awareness.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Coral Reef and Mangrove Restoration Projects

Through destination partnerships and sustainability programs, Norwegian's brands—including Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—have participated in coral reef, mangrove and coastal restoration initiatives in destinations throughout the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Cruise travel is a choice and a privilege, and we hope cruise travelers will support cruise lines and projects that make a difference to preserve, sustain, and protect the vast oceans that inspire us to travel and sustain the planet.

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Videos and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of respective cruise lines or as noted

Scotland's Greatest Summer Spectacle: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:50:02 +0000

Every August, something remarkable happens on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The ancient fortress, perched atop the craggy remnants of a volcano in the center of Scotland’s capital city, becomes the backdrop for one of the world's most moving and evocative live performances: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Not ‘That’ Kind of Tattoo

Don’t let the name fool you. There’s no ink involved! The word "tattoo" comes from a 17th-century Dutch military phrase “doe den tap toe,” meaning "turn off the taps"—a specific theme played by drummers in towns near barracks, signalling bartenders to stop serving and soldiers to abide by curfew. Scottish mercenaries took the term home, morphing it into referring tomilitary evening ceremonies with displays of music, marching, and pageantry of massed bands of bagpipes and drums played by Scots in full Highland military regalia.

Edinburgh turned the historic tradition of tattoos into an international phenomenon and spectacle that still today takes your breath away – and transports you to ancient Highland Scots culture.

I’ve always been moved by bagpipes and loved how the sight of a kilt or tartan reminded me of my Scottish ancestry.

But you don’t need even one drop of Scottish blood in your family tree to be pulled into another time, life and place at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Goosebumps

It’s the setting as much as the pipes and drums.

As the sun sets over Scotland's capital, the floodlit walls of Edinburgh Castle tower above tiered grandstands on the castle’s ramped esplanade, built specifically for the event. Massive torches flicker in the wind.

The castle isn't merely a backdrop; it's a character in the show, and a virtual time machine for everyone in attendance. Pipes echo off the stone ramparts, and kilts snap around knees. If you know your tartans, in your head, you start naming the clans and regiments represented.

Precision Scottish military bands aren’t the only ones marching across the parade ground. Every year, dancers, drummers, singers, and cultural performers from around the world are invited to Edinburgh to complement Scottish culture with dramatic international color. Think equestrian regiments from North Africa galloping in formation. Or precision rifle drill teams from elite American military units.

Alongside storied projection mapping, lighting effects, lasers, and fireworks that add contemporary showmanship without diminishing the Tattoo’s historic roots.

And just when you think there’s nothing more majestic than massed pipes and drums making the earth vibrate under your feet ….

The Tattoo draws to an end with a lone piper appearing on the battlements next to a single torch that extinguishes as the last note fades into the wind and the hair on the back of your neck rises.

Tattoo Tips for Travelers

The three-week Tattoo is perfectly timed for summer visitors to Scotland. It takes place during Edinburgh's famed August festival season, sharing the city with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, and a host of other cultural events.

By day, explore the medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, museums, whisky bars, and literary landmarks. By night, join thousands of spectators climbing Castle Hill for the Tattoo.

Travel tips:

Book early. The best seats often sell months in advance. We were lucky to be cruising in Scotland, and the Tattoo was an included shore experience with VIP seating, so our seats had already been secured. A cruise line or a tour operator books blocks of often the best seats in advance; another reason to let someone else take care of your travel details!
Dress for Scottish weather, which can change dramatically even during a single performance! The Tattoo is famously a rain-or-shine event.

In a world overflowing with festivals, the Edinburgh Tattoo remains genuinely unique. Part concert, part military tradition, part deeply meaningful Scottish cultural touchstone, and part theatrical spectacle, it is one of those rare travel experiences that moves you to the point of goosebumps and remains at the top of your memory for years to come.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

The Natural Thrills of Costa Rica

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:49:22 +0000

If you want the focus of your vacation to be an authentic immersion into raw nature, put Costa Rica on your list of outdoor adventure destinations. This Central American country is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In a territory roughly the size of the state of Vermont, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s known species!

Even more amazing is that over 25% of Costa Rica – from its cloud forests and rainforests to volcanoes, mangroves, and coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea – is protected through a network of national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation areas. A global model for conservation and sustainable tourism through decades of early vision and environmental leadership, including large-scale reforestation and ecotourism initiatives.

Embrace Your Wild Side

Immerse yourself in nature and push your physical limits in adrenaline-fueled expeditions like these:

White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River:

Often ranked among the world’s best rafting rivers, the Pacuare delivers 18 miles of heart-pounding rapids (Class III–IV) in just one day, through a lush, untouched rainforest. Also, with 52 rapids in a single day trip and sights like the towering Huacas waterfall, this is an unforgettable ride packed with natural beauty and pure excitement.

Catching Waves:

Witch’s Rock, located in Santa Rosa National Park, is famous for its powerful A-frame wave that breaks both left and right. Best accessed by boat, this remote surf spot offers consistent conditions, especially when southwest swells meet northeast winds. For those chasing one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, Pavones is also a must. Tucked along the southern Pacific coast, it delivers legendary rides during Green Season swells.

Mountain Biking:

Explore the rugged beauty of Arenal’s rainforest on two wheels through trails deep within the jungle, zooming through farmlands, river crossings, and mud roads, while even getting to witness epic volcano views and the beautiful Lake Arenal. Whether you're up for short slope casual riding or tackling Arenal 1968's high-intensity downhill tracks with dramatic curves, this region offers challenging terrain and excitement.

Volcano and Cave Exploration:

Costa Rica's most active volcanic region offers a different kind of adrenaline. Hike through steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and volcanic landscapes before descending into lesser-known lava tube formations and caves created by past eruptions. The terrain combines geology, wildlife, and adventure, with opportunities for rugged backcountry trekking far from the country's more visited attractions.

Extreme Canyoning:

Canyoneering just outside La Fortuna is a full-body adventure through Costa Rica’s wild rainforest terrain. Rappel down waterfalls up to 200 feet in height, scramble up and down rocky cliffs, and leap into pristine deep canyon pools—some cliffs from as high as 40 feet. Prepare for a packed itinerary full of adrenaline-fueled experiences that blend challenges with panoramic scenic views.

Sea Kayaking and Bioluminescence Paddling:

For an adventure that unfolds after dark, paddle through mangrove channels and protected coastal waters in the Gulf of Nicoya, where microscopic organisms create glowing blue trails in the water with every stroke of your paddle. Night kayaking trips combine wildlife spotting, navigation by starlight, and the rare chance to witness one of nature's most remarkable phenomena.

TIP:

Look for reputable, accredited operators for the best advice and experienced guides that ensure you optimize the timing and safety of your adventure for the thrill of a lifetime.

As you’ll hear time and time again in Costa Rica: “Pura Vida!” or “Pure Life!” The unofficial national motto and mindset: the value of spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, prioritizing family and community, simplicity and a positive outlook.

It’s the perfect call to an adventure in the extraordinary embrace of Costa Rica.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Visit Costa Rica

Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:41:22 +0000

One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona.

The Catalan architect died on June 10, 1926, one of the most defining architects of any era, tragically struck down by a tram. A century later, his extraordinary buildings are not only the city's most recognizable landmarks, but they have also become symbols of Barcelona itself. For most travelers, a first visit to the Catalan regional capital is as much about discovering Gaudí as it is about experiencing Spain.

Celebrating the Centenary: Momentous Milestone for Sagrada Familia

Throughout 2026, Barcelona is hosting a year-long program of events commemorating the architect's life and legacy with exhibitions, concerts, cultural programs, special tours, and commemorative events across the city.

The centrepiece of the anniversary is a milestone in the long story of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece towering over Barcelona.

The basilica that is the greatest legacy of the architect is still being built. Construction on Sagrada Familia began in 1882. And although Sagrada Familia will not be fully completed until well into the next decade, it has already achieved UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In death, Gaudí remains with his life’s work. He is buried beneath the nave.

The 100th anniversary of his passing was commemorated on June 10, 2026, by the inauguration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ, now the tallest church tower in the world.

It was a celebration for the ages, with Pope Leo XIV traveling to Barcelona, joining the King and Queen of Spain and other dignitaries for a commemorative Mass celebrating Antoni Gaudí, and inaugurating the Tower of Jesus Christ.

A cross that reaches the sky above Barcelona

The completion of the 172.5-meter (568-foot) tower fulfills one of Gaudí's most ambitious visions.

The Tower of Jesus Christ is the central tower of the Sagrada Família tower grouping, and the last one to be completed. It is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists and the tower of the Virgin Mary. It has 12 faces. The tower is topped with a three-dimensional four-armed cross, which itself is 17 meters (55 feet) tall and 13.5 meters (44 feet) wide.

Gaudí wanted the cross to shine both day and night. So it features white enameled ceramic and glass, two shiny materials that reflect the vivid Barcelona sun (and can also stand up to exposure to the elements). Spotlights will ensure the cross continues to be a beacon throughout the nights.

Inside, the church remains one of Europe's most phenomenal interiors. Gaudí designed the soaring columns to resemble a forest canopy, with stained glass creating an ever-changing play of light throughout the day.

The ceremonies were an exceptional tribute to the architect and his dream of building a temple conceived as a ‘great stone Bible,’ where art and architecture share with the world the values that inspired the basilica: faith, culture, nature, spirituality and the pursuit of beauty.

The Architect Who Became Barcelona

Gaudí's significance extends far beyond architecture. His work helped shape modern Catalan identity and became one of the defining expressions of Catalonia's artistic and cultural confidence at the turn of the twentieth century.

Inspired by nature, religion, geometry, and local craftsmanship, he rejected conventional architectural rules and created a style that remains instantly recognizable and completely unique today. Sagrada Familia is just one of seven of his works that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Many cities are known for their architecture. Barcelona is unusual because one architect's vision became inseparable from the city's identity. Gaudí buildings are often the first images travelers associate with Barcelona.

The Essential Gaudí Sites

For first-time visitors to Barcelona, four landmarks form the core of any Gaudí itinerary:

Sagrada Família — Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most visited attraction.
Park Güell — A whimsical landscape of colorful mosaics, organic forms, and panoramic city views.
Casa Batlló — The architect's fantasy-like reinterpretation of an urban townhouse.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — Famous for its flowing stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys.

Together, they showcase the architect's mature style and his extraordinary ability to blur the boundaries between architecture, art, fantasy and nature.

Why Gaudí Still Matters

The anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate Gaudí's greatest achievement - the extraordinary, unparalleled Sagrada Familia - AND that his legacy was not that single building. Many destinations have famous architects and landmark structures.

Gaudí created a visual language so distinctive and even other-worldly that it became the visual and cultural identity of an entire city.

Just one hundred years after his death, a 2000-year-old city can’t be imagined without the vision and cultural signature Gaudí imprinted on this Mediterranean coastal city.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images from video courtesy of Sagrada Familia

Bottom Image and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Last Minute Deals with Trafalgar

Mon, 15 Jun 26 17:33:20 +0000

Save on Last Minute Deals with Trafalgar!

Featured Itineraries:

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Contact our travel agency for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31

Save On Last Minute Deals with Insight Vacations

Mon, 15 Jun 26 17:28:24 +0000

DISCOVER OUR CANADA TOURS

Visit the majestic Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, Vancouver Island and more.

Featured Tours:

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Contact our travel agency for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31

Travel by Sea Refreshingly Free with Holland America

Mon, 15 Jun 26 17:25:04 +0000

Now is the perfect time to book your Fall 2026–Spring 2027 cruise vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, and beyond with Holland America! Unwind on Holland America’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas — refreshingly free of overcrowded beaches.

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This offer is valid for booking through 7/23/2026

Save an extra $150 per person with Globus

Mon, 15 Jun 26 17:23:03 +0000

Explore your own backyard with Globus! From Canada’s extraordinary Eastern Provinces where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged shorelines to the sky-piercing peaks of Alberta to the stunning sights of British Columbia—Canada shines from coast to coast and everywhere in between!

Featured Tours:

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton - departing August 29, September 15, September 30
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Contact our travel agency for more details!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31

Save an extra $150 per person

Fri, 12 Jun 26 16:45:44 +0000

Your Neighbors Are Knocking. The Really Cool Ones.

From the Atlantic shores of the Eastern Provinces to the heights of Alberta and the beauty of British Columbia, you’ll find unforgettable sights across Canada’s rich landscapes, seascapes, and escapes. Go big in Banff and gaze at the grandeur of Lake Louise. Travel by rail across the wide-open plains to find adventures waiting to be discovered in breathtaking national parks and beautiful native traditions. A Cosmos tour of Canada is spectacular from coast to coast and everywhere in between!

Featured Tours:

The Canadian Rockies - departing August, 7, August 14, August 21
Heart of the Canadian Rockies - departing August 3, August 10, August 24, September 7
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Contact our travel agency for more details!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31

Solo Travellers Save up to $600* per person

Fri, 12 Jun 26 16:42:23 +0000

Solo Travellers save up to CA $600* per person on Collette's expertly planned and guided tours within Canada.

Featured Tours and Departures:

Aurora Adventure: Winter in the Canadian Rockies & The Yukon

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Charms of Quebec

6/26/2026 - Save $600
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Enjoy an additional $50 in savings on small-group Explorations tour when you book through your travel advisor. Plus, save $50 more when you add Air, Collette's industry-leading Travel Protection Plan, Extensions, or Pre/Post night stays.

Contact our travel agency for more details!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-15

Up to 20% Off + Up to $400 Instant Savings

Fri, 12 Jun 26 16:36:21 +0000

Enjoy Canada’s great outdoors at Club Med Québec Charlevoix. Immersed in the unspoiled natural landscape of Charlevoix, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers guests of all ages an invitation to explore the colors and the magic of the region. From dazzling views and family activities to all-inclusive mountain biking and hiking experiences designed to enjoy the great outdoors, the resort is guaranteed to enchant all of its guests with the magic of Québec.

Contact our travel agency for more details and booking!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-08-31

One Night on Us in Toronto

Fri, 12 Jun 26 16:33:14 +0000

3rd Night Free and Exclusive Amenities at BISHA, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Toronto, defining urban sophistication in the heart of the Entertainment District. This boutique luxury hotel offers an immersive experience with 96 exquisitely designed rooms, including exclusive Kravitz Design suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking skyline views, creating an atmosphere of refined indulgence. With a rooftop infinity pool, a sleek cocktail lounge, and personalized service, Bisha is Toronto’s premier destination for luxury, culture, and style.

Affluent Traveler Collection Exclusive Amenities:

Complimentary daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
Priority for complimentary room upgrade on arrival
Priority for special room requests
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Priority for early check-in / late check-out
Bespoke Welcome Amenity
One $100 USD-equivalent Property Credit per stay

Available for travel dates through May 31, 2027.

To reserve your stay, contact our travel agency.

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-12-31

Journeys Close to Home

Fri, 12 Jun 26 16:29:41 +0000

There is a lot to work with. You can make the getaway about a favourite city, a lake stay, a mountain resort, a coastal escape, a national park, a rail journey, a wine region, or a few days built around restaurants, galleries, markets, and neighborhood walks. Think of Vancouver and Victoria for coastal fun, Toronto and Montréal for food, museums, and big-city stays, Québec City for history, Calgary as a gateway to the Rockies, or Halifax and St. John’s for Atlantic Canada and waterfront days.

The outdoors adds even more choice. Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Pacific Rim, Gros Morne, Fundy, Cape Breton Highlands, and Prince Edward Island National Park all give travellers different ways to build a memorable Canadian escape, from mountains and lakes to beaches, forests, cliffs, trails, and wildlife.

For some travellers, a closer trip may mean returning to a place they already know and doing it better this time, with the right hotel, better timing, and a few experiences planned in advance. For others, it may mean finally visiting a destination that has been sitting on the list for years because it seemed too close to count as a real vacation.

That is the mistake. Canada is too wide, varied, and surprising to treat as a backup plan. A closer getaway can still bring the best parts of travel – a good meal in a new neighborhood, a morning on the water, a scenic drive, a museum you did not expect to love, or an extra day to slow down without spending half the trip in transit.

Close-to-home travel can also work for many kinds of plans. Couples can choose a spa stay, boutique hotel, or food-focused city break. Families can look for resorts, outdoor activities, and destinations with enough variety for different ages. Friends can plan around festivals, live music, shopping, sports, or a long weekend that does not require complicated logistics.

Working with a travel advisor can make a closer trip even better. The destination may be nearby, but the choices still matter. The right advisor can help narrow the options, recommend a hotel that fits the occasion, suggest activities worth booking, and arrange the timing so the trip runs smoothly from the start.

See you at the airport!

Why Wait For Sunshine When You Can Save On It Now?

Fri, 05 Jun 26 15:22:33 +0000

Plan ahead and save on next winter's escape

Save $1,000 per family of 4* or $250 per person* on select packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America & more. Offer ends June 28 for departures between November 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027.

Contact your travel advisor for details.

Book this offer by June 28, 2026.

Escape The Ordinary With A Voyage That Gives Back

Fri, 05 Jun 26 15:11:12 +0000

From Mexico’s vibrant ports to the Caribbean’s laid-back charm, our award-winning, kid-free voyages promise elevated dining, unforgettable entertainment, and adults-only indulgence—all included, always extraordinary.

Plus, travellers can receive up to $200 in Sailor Loot to spend onboard—perfect for cocktails, spa treatments, shopping, and more while you sail.

Always bringing fresh ingredients and made-to-order cooking to the table, our foodie-approved eateries offer everything from food truck faves to ten-course feasts — perfect for crushing any craving.

Contact your travel advisor for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 12/31/2026.

Sail Into Savings and Perks at Sea

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:35:25 +0000

Make your next cruise even more rewarding with added value at every step.

For a limited time, enjoy exclusive savings and extra perks designed to elevate your experience from the moment you book to the moment you board.

Offer Includes:

Up to $500 Instant Savings
Up to $500 Onboard Credit
Free Location Upgrade (up to $400 per stateroom)
Early Access to Dining Reservations
Early Access to Arrival Groups
Reduced $100 Deposit

Plus, Captain’s Circle members receive additional Instant Savings.

Important Details:

This offer is valid for Guests 1 & 2 only.
Single occupancy guests will receive per person savings and onboard credit ranging from $25 to $250, along with Captain’s Circle savings from $50 to $200.

Booking Window:

June 2, 2026 – October 12, 2026

Contact us today to learn more.

Iberostar: Earn up to $800 in Resort Credits!

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:12:34 +0000

We're prepared to unveil an unforgettable, and fully customizable experience for you and your guests. We're daring to do things differently, all for your benefit. We can tell you about our stunning locations and exquisite venues. We can boast about our luxurious accommodations and world-renowned dining options too. How we have verdant gardens, elegant ballrooms, and beautiful beaches from which you can choose. But this is your day, and we'd rather talk about you. We want you to feel the relief that comes with knowing our talented team of wedding experts will tend to your every need. From start to finish. We want you to experience the excited rush in having us curate something specific to your style, unique to you and your love. The confidence to know we'll go above and beyond to make this day everything you dreamed of. And then some.

Contact your travel advisor for details.

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-12-31.

Explora Journeys: Up to 300 Journey Experience Credit

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:11:35 +0000

Step aboard your ultra-elegant home at sea, where spacious oceanfront suites, world-class dining, and ocean-inspired wellness set the stage for discovery.

Savour exceptional cuisine, unwind in serene lounges and by tranquil pools, and Journey to both celebrated destinations and hidden treasures, all while discovering your Ocean State of Mind.

Book now and enjoy up to 300 Journey Experience Credit per suite!

Contact your travel advisor for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31.

The Palace Company: Kids and Teens Stay Free at Moon Palace Resorts

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:09:56 +0000

Kids and teens stay free at Moon Palace Resorts, where all-inclusive luxury meets endless family fun in Cancun, Punta Cana and Jamaica. From thrilling water parks and arcades to world-class dining, entertainment, golf, and relaxing spa experiences, every generation finds something to love. Spacious accommodations for up to five guests offer the perfect setting to reconnect, celebrate, and dive into a summer filled with excitement, adventure, and unforgettable moments together in paradise.

Contact your travel advisor for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31.

Canyon Spirit: Travel with Us Again and Save Up to $2,950 per Couple

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:08:58 +0000

ANOTHER ADVENTURE AWAITS.

Travelled with Rocky Mountaineer? As a past valued guest, enjoy exclusive savings on Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route. Journey through the unforgettable landscapes of the American Southwest.

Contact your travel advisor more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 11/8/2026.

Scenic: Free Economy Airfare + Save Up to $3,000 OR Save from $3,200 – $6,200 per Couple

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:05:36 +0000

SCENIC’S 2027 EUROPE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION UNVEILS A NEW SEASON OF ULTRA-LUXURY TRAVEL.

Journey through the historic waterways of the Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhône and Douro, where grand capitals, charming villages and celebrated wine regions reveal Europe’s cultural and culinary heart. Their 2027 Full Launch offer provides the best opportunity to plan your next river cruise and tour.

Book by July 31, 2026 and enjoy an additional $150 per person in savings.

Contact your travel advisor for details.

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31.

Holland America: $50 per Person Onboard Credit + Have it All

Thu, 04 Jun 26 21:03:06 +0000

THE HAVE IT ALL PROMOTION BUNDLES SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR CRUISE EXTRAS INTO ONE EASY FARE, giving you more value and fewer decisions to make while planning your vacation. With one simple price, you get four major perks that would normally cost significantly more if purchased separately.

Here’s what’s included: Shore Excursion Credit, Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining and Wi-Fi package.

Contact your travel advisor for details.

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-31.