Such Amazing Beauty When You Come to Anchorage in Winter

Not my pictures since I flew overnight, but these are from one of my FAM colleagues who arrived in Anchorage this morning. Such amazing beauty when you come to Anchorage in winter. And the Iditarod is a great reason to come in winter!

#anchorage #Alaska #visitanchorage #iditarod #takethetrip #makememories #useatravelagent #icanshowyoutheworld

Just How Big is Alaska?

How well do you know Alaska? It's pretty big! The state itself is huge. The city of Anchorage alone is 1,961 sq miles...or about the size of the state of Delaware!

#alaska #adventure #explore #seetheworld #takethetrip #tomorrowisnotguatanteed #icanhelpyouplan

It's Adventure Time!

It's ADVENTURE time! I'm heading out to make another bucket list dream item come true, and enhance my knowledge of the destination for my guests. Always be learning. And having fun. I'm headed to Anchorage and the start of the Iditarod. I'll be sure to share some of my adventures along the way.

Discover Viking Cruises - Cruise Night Event In April

 Join us to discover why Viking has been voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler readers, and rated Best for River Cruises by Cruise Critic members.

 

Traveling by river, beyond the reach of roadways, you will discover the true nature of fascinating lands and the people who call them home. You will travel with ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks as you are gently carried on board an elegant, intimate ship to your next destination. Here is just a small sample of where a Viking river cruise will take you:

• Vienna’s elegant boulevards and Hapsburg treasures
• Budapest’s historic Castle District
• The lush vineyards of France
• Storybook villages and hilltop castles of Germany
• The charming windmills of The Netherlands
• Glittering palaces of St. Petersburg, Russia
• Germany’s spectacular Saxon Switzerland region
• Portugal’s rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley
• Ancient temples along Egypt’s timeless Nile River
• China’s breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze
• Cambodia’s sprawling Angkor Wat complex
• Vietnam’s lush and fertile Mekong Delta

 

Enjoy some wine and lite refreshments while together we discover what makes Viking a great choice for you to journey into the heart of Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt, and beyond on a culturally immersive scenic cruise. 

Special promotional offers will be available for those who attend. 

 

RSVP REQUIRED.   Seats are limited.  

 

 

 

 

 

Who'd Like to Change their View?

Discover majestic St. Croix with its eternal summer caressed by cooling tradewinds. The average temperature is in the mid-80s, and there’s just enough rain to keep the flora in bloom.

#adventure #islandlife #noice #nosnow #takethetrip #icanhelpyou

Choose Your Own Adventure

You can choose your own adventure on land, ocean, or river with this week's Travel Deals. If you don't receive them directly, be sure to opt in and start receiving them directly to your inbox! #travel #vacation #adventure #explore #wanderlust #useyourvacationdays #planyouradventure

https://tinyurl.com/Feb4Deals

Sands of Adventure

My "Sands of Adventure" jar number two has finally been filled after a couple of years of collecting since number one was filled. Jar one features 17 different areas of sand, and jar two features 10 more. I did make these layers thicker than the first jar to better show off the differences, so I still have six locations unused waiting to start in on number three. I'm looking forward to new adventures in 2020 to help fill the next jar. I love seeing and feeling the color and textural differences of sand from all around this beautiful world.

Lego Fun from Down Under

As the snow falls outside, I'm having fun inside thinking back on my outback adventure during 2019, while building my Sydney Lego set, and pondering 2020 adventures to come.

Expedition cruising is an absolutely incredible way to truly experience a destination!

If you are intrigued by expedition-style cruising, ask me about Hurtigruten's Black Friday Sale! Once this sale starts tomorrow, cabins will sell out quickly! 35%-50% off on select 2020 voyages to Antarctica, Svalbard, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and more. Expedition cruising is an absolutely incredible way to truly experience these destinations.

Send me a message, call, or visit my Hurtigruten page to submit your request.

Australia is the #1 Apirational Destination for 2020

This was an incredible adventure that I got to enjoy while Down Under last month. I'd love to help you enjoy it as well. Australia is the #1 aspirational destination for 2020 according to Travel + Leisure. If you haven't been Down Under yet, as an Aussie Specialist, let me help make your Aussie Holiday dreams come true. Reach out and let's chat.

Suggested Itinerary: HOLY LAND

Anyone interested in joining me on a faith-based adventure to the Holy Land starting December 1, 2020?

Day 1 - Depart USA Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on an overnight flight.

Day 2- You will be welcomed at the Tel Aviv airport by our representative and transferred to your Bethlehem hotel to enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 3 - Begin your touring in the Holy Land by visiting the Herodion, the fortified palace, and the final resting place of Herod the Great. In Bethlehem, gaze out over Shepherds’ Field and visit the Church of the Nativity, where the cave revered as Jesus’ birthplace resides in the world’s oldest functioning church (Luke 2). Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 4 - Visit the Jordan River Baptismal site of Qasr el Yahud, the traditional site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Those who wish may be baptized. Stop in Jericho, the oldest known inhabited city in the world. Visit the ruins of the ancient city, which was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 6: 1,2,20), and see parts of the ancient city walls that have been uncovered. From Jericho, you can see the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus (Matt.4: 1-11) and the Judean wilderness. Visit Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scroll discovery, to discuss the mysterious community of Essenes who once lived on the shores of the Dead Sea. Stop briefly at the Shores of the Dead Sea for a quick dip in the salt and mineral-laden waters. Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day 5 - Explore the Church of the Fish and the Loaves at Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17). On the Mount of Beatitudes, contemplate the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7). Visit Capernaum, the center of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and visit the synagogue built on the site where Jesus taught (Matt. 4:13, 23). Cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee on a very special boat ride, complete with an onboard worship service. In Magdala, once home to Mary Magdalene, visit a recently discovered first-century synagogue. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6 - Visit Mt. Zion and stand in the Upper Room (John 13), near the traditional site of the Last Supper (Mark 14). You'll walk through some of the ancient rooms of Caiaphas the High Priest’s house beneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Here Jesus was held overnight before His crucifixion (Luke 22). Visit the Temple Mount, once the site of the Temple of Solomon. Take time to pray at the Western Wall. Sit on the Teaching Steps where Jesus once taught. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7 - Stand atop the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy a remarkable view of the “Golden City” of Jerusalem. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1: 9-12). Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26) among olive trees in the Kidron Valley across from the walls of Jerusalem. View the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus performed the Sabbath miracle (John 5: 1-31). Sing a hymn in the Church of St. Anne, known for its amazing acoustics. Visit Herod’s Antonia Fortress where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate (Luke 23: 1-11). Walk the Via Dolorosa, “the Way of the Cross,” and stand in reverence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Your final destination allows time for reflection at the Garden Tomb. Enjoy dinner tonight before transferring to the airport for your return flight.

Day 8 - Arrive home with a new understanding of the Bible, the land, and the life of Jesus!

What’s Included?

> All-Inclusive Pricing

> First Class Hotels

> Breakfast and Dinner Daily

> Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches

> Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes

> Entrance and Program Fees

> International Airfare from NY (getting to NYC is additional)

> Guided Sightseeing with Top Guides

Alaska's 2021 Cruise Season is NOW OPEN!

The Alaska 2021 season has now opened with a few cruise lines and will be opening and others will follow suit very soon. If Alaska is high on your bucket list, let's talk. There's still availability for 2020, but now is the best time to get the best room locations on ships, and lock in the best pricing for 2021. Put your deposit down, and then have many months to take care of the balance. Plus if you'd like to lead a group to Alaska, now's the best time to lock in group space as well. Adventuring together with friends and family is a fantastic way to travel!

Ready to Plan a Ski Adventure?

Ski season is just about here. There are some great offers on some great resorts ready for you to book before December 15th. Who wants to get their ski vacation on the calendar? A ski vacation is a great choice, and we would love to help you plan it. Learn more on our Snow Ski Adventures page.

Give the Gift of Experiences Instead of Stuff

There is no better gift to share that I can think of than giving the gift of travel. With the holidays approaching us, why not consider getting your loved ones an EXPERIENCE where the memories will never fade away. Toys, gadgets, electronics, and "stuff" go out of style, but travel memories are timeless treasures! I have many ideas to share for various vacation options on LAND, RIVERS, and on the OCEAN. Each adventure is unique and will create a lifetime of memories for those you love!

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations | 317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com

#givethegiftoftravel #takethetrip #makememories #travelisthebestgift #planfor2020 #planfor2021 #travelin2020 #familytime #familymemories

Suggested Itinerary: IRISH ADVENTURE - October 2020

Be inspired and join in an Irish Adventure next October. Only 12 seats remain available. Secure your spot today.

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/group/Ireland2020 

Ready to Plan a Down Under Adventure?

Sydney's laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world's top cities to visit and live in. The stunning harbour provides a dramatic backdrop for the city's famous icons - the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydneysiders are a friendly, energetic bunch with a positive approach to life. It's a city with a genuine sense of style, a love of sport and celebrations including New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, the Sydney Festival, and the Sydney International Art Series. You'll find plenty of things to see and do in Sydney. Sydney Harbour is a natural playground, and the views are world-class. There's a wide-ranging cultural life, a dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches - most notably Bondi and Manly - and five major national parks deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Are you ready to plan a Down Under holiday? As an Aussie Specialist, I'm ready to help you make your Down Under dreams come true. Click the link to be further inspired! Then visit my Australian Adventures page to submit your request to start planning the adventure!

Suggested Itinerary: Western Australia's THE KIMBERLEY Region

The Kimberley awaits!

Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia's entire north-western corner – is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. Here you'll find prolific wildlife, majestic canyons, freshwater swimming holes, and several outback stations, as well as one of Australia's greatest 4WD road trips. Despite the area's remoteness, it's also a place of great food, luxury accommodation, friendly locals, and one of the most romantic beach towns on Earth.

Who's ready to explore this amazing destination? I'm ready to help you do it. Let's chat about your dream Aussie holiday.

I'm exhausted. Take Two Will Hopefully Work

Take two! Hopefully, this one actually works this time. It's been eventful, to be sure. After last night's fun, the flight pair I was moved to that would have taken me to Tampa, and then to Indy, changed this morning. The Tampa to IND flight was canceled at about 5:30 this morning! Sigh. Back to the counter. Sweet and polite once more, and the nice lady found me a canceled seat on the 10:50 am flight which is nonstop and was not there last night! But then the flight was delayed due to weather in Houston, causing the plane to arrive late in Denver. But I'm on the plane now waiting to leave. Pray, I get home with no more issues. I love Southwest, but again...none of us control the weather! Gotta roll with the punches, and just smile. Blessed are the flexible, for they won't get bent out of shape... but I don't want to set foot in an airport for a little bit. The overnight in Denver did more of a number on my body than the flights to/from Sydney. I'm exhausted. Going to sleep well tonight.

All Good Adventures Must End - Returning to the US from Down Under

I had a window seat on the way back from Australia and enjoyed watching the view. As we worked our way to LAX, I snapped a photo and grabbed a screenshot of the map as I found it fun to see how after flying into total darkness, somewhere east and north of New Zealand, the light began to creep in somewhere east and south of Hawaii until the city lights of LA began to really illuminate the morning sky.

  

   

Time to Say Farewell...for Now!

Our chariot is here, ready for the nice, long flight home. See you all tomorrow (though for us it'll be a repeat of today! ). ADVENTURE!