Hawaii Says You Deserve a Vacation

 

 

The islands are open and would love to get to know you this year. If you've been considering a getaway, the six different islands of Hawaii that you can visit each have their own unique personality and would make for a fantastic getaway.  Reach out and let's have a conversation about it. I'd be honored to help you find your Aloha. 

The Galapagos Islands Are Back!

This summer you can discover one of the world's most awe-inspiring places as The Galapagos Islands is opening up for visitors once again. Starting July 4, 2021, Celebrity's newest all-suite expedition ship, Celebrity Flora will be returning to the islands for discovery, following by Celebrity Xpedition starting on July 24, and then Celebrity Xploration on September 18. These amazing ships are already small ships with a small capacity, so the assorted health and safety protocols are easily implemented. Fabulous voyages of discovery lie ahead...will you be part of them? Reach out and let's get you booked. clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Golf With a View

  

How about some golf and incredible views this summer along with complimentary golf, greens fees, and transfers? There are some terrific inclusions available at Sandals in both The Bahamas and St Lucia. Check it out, and then let's chat to get you booked! https://tinyurl.com/GolfwithaView

BIG NEWS for Land Lovers & Cruise Lovers Alike!

EUROPE IS SET TO REOPEN!  
CRUISING FROM US PORTS LOOKS LIKELY THIS SUMMER! 

This week has brought some wonderful news for the travel industry and economies the world over, to be sure.  In this pair of exciting articles, we find that Europe is set to reopen to vaccinated Americans this summer, AND the CDC has now said that cruising could most likely resume from US ports this July.  Both of these are wonderful and long overdue announcements!  Stay tuned for more as the news gets shared. I'm so excited to see travel ramping up as more and more countries begin to reopen or announce their pending reopenings. And it's been exciting to watch the cruise lines find ways to resume cruising worldwide, but even better to see that the US is finally coming around to allowing it from our ports as well. 

OPA! Greece is Now Reopen!

MORE EXCITING NEWS!  Greece has reopened!

Here are the basics:
-Starting April 19, Greece began allowing entries for residents of the US & several other countries.
-Travelers must present a negative PCR test for entry OR show proof of vaccination (must be 14+ days since the last dose of a vaccine from the approved list).
-Due to the successful control of the first wave in 2020, Greece reopened tourism last summer so our partners are well-prepared to provide a safe, healthy experience for guests!
-As of May 3, restaurants in Greece will open for outdoor seating.
-There are more details to know other than what we listed above, and this is subject to change. It is important to review all entry requirements at https://travel.gov.gr prior to travel.

If Greece is on your list or you'd really like to make a visit this summer, please reach out. I'd love to help you. 317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com | www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations

Open for US Visitors - KENYA!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Kenya is the birthplace of the safari. Home to the African BIG FIVE, the abundance of wildlife is comparable to nowhere else on Earth... and not just the big animals either - Kenya is home to 11% of the world’s bird population, with over 1100 different species of birds spotted there!

• Kenya boasts 51 National Parks/Game Reserves, and 10 Marine Parks/Reserves, plus 64 National Protected Areas as well!

• Kenya is a year-round destination. With average temperatures ranging between 62 – 82 F year-round inland, and a little warmer with some humidity along the coast, it makes for a fantastic travel experience any time of the year you choose to visit! Yes, there are two rainy seasons, but showers are often short-lived and make for dramatic game drives.

• Kenya is home to the world’s only snow-capped mountain on the equator – Mt. Kenya.

• Being situated along the equator, Kenya maintains a little more than 12 hours of daylight year-round, with the sun rising daily at 6:30 am and setting at 6:45 pm.

• Kenya offers 21 hyper-luxury lodges/camps and 77 luxury lodges/camps.

• Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi is the home of the world’s only urban National Park, located just 20 minutes from the city center.

• In the north part of Kenya, you’ll find the world’s largest desert lake, Lake Turkana, or the Jade Sea.

Kenya is open to US travelers and would make for a truly memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Having been to Kenya personally already, I can say that there's nothing quite like it in the world, and you won't find any friendlier people than you will in this East African jewel of a destination. When you're ready to start planning the adventure of a lifetime, please think of me to help you make it become reality. There are a few covid-related things to be aware of and know when planning a trip, but like every country, they can change between now and when you actually travel, so when you're ready to start planning, be sure to ask about them. You can learn more about this amazing place on my dedicated Kenya page on my website. There you can also submit your request to start the planning!

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

Also...check out this video about some of the wonderful experiences that await you when you visit Kenya.

NOW OPEN...Iceland! Welcoming Visitors Once Again in 2021

I'm pleased to say that ICELAND is once again open for travel! A place where you can descend into a dormant volcano one day, and snowmobile on a glacier the next. Where you can walk behind the plummeting waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, and witness the blast of a mighty geyser from just a few feet away. In the winter, you could enjoy a private excursion into the darkness to search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, dancing luminously in the sky above. And year-round, delight with a dip in the warm, misty-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is welcoming both vaccinated US travelers and those with proof of antibodies. Reach out and speak with me by phone, email, or through my website to make your Iceland travel wishes a reality for your own independent travels in 2021 – or if you’d like to be part of a shared group travel experience, why not register to join my group in March 2022 to experience the wonders of the Aurora Borealis for yourself March 19-25, 2022.

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/group/Iceland2022

clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Private Beaches & Luxury Villas

Let's talk about luxury villas...which could make for the perfect multi-generational family vacation, but also for a corporate sales incentive, board retreat, or other team gatherings where a traditional hotel might not be the best choice.

When looking for a luxury villa rental we know that ultimate privacy, seclusion, and peace and quiet are top of mind. Each villa featured here is located in lush and hidden landscapes, many of which even have their own private beach, far away from prying eyes and the hustle and bustle compared to a hotel or resort.

Antigua | Barbados | Belize | Cayman Islands | Costa Rica | Fiji | Mexico - Punta Mita and Riviera Maya | Saint Martin | Turks & Caicos | US Virgin Islands | and many other locales are available!

When you're tired of the same old thing, looking for a more unique experience, reach out and let me know. We have a plethora of luxury vacation packages and rentals like these available.

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

#MoreThanJustCruises #luxurylife #luxuryvillas #landvacations #multigenerationaltravel #corporateevents #corporateincentives #BeachHouse #islandliving

Discover the USA... Christopher's GET OUT & EXPLORE Suggestions

Suggested Itinerary: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

(This one is SPECIFICALLY for adventurous ones in the 18-35 set. Similar yet different opportunities are available for those beyond that range)

This trip (and others like it across the US) is exclusively for young travelers 18-35, and while you get to enjoy cool accommodations, tasty and authentic meals, and incredible experiences, you'll also create something very special that money can’t buy: friendship. It’s something you often miss out on if you travel independently. Call it a cliché, but it’s the truth, and the equation isn’t complicated. You + a coach of other young travelers + shared experiences + a new part of the world = lifelong friendships and memories.

HIGHLIGHTS:

San Francisco | Sonoma Valley | Muir Woods | Bass Lake | Yosemite National Park | Palm Springs | Santa Monica

INCLUDED EXPERIENCES

• Picnic lunch in Muir Woods

• Wine tasting in the Sonoma Valley

• Entry to Yosemite National Park

• Yosemite base camp orientation

• Yosemite park shuttle

• Yoga by the pool in Palm Springs

• Afternoon pool party with DJ (seasonal)

• Brunch at a local café

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Hot Air Ballooning in Sonoma

• Bike rental in Sonoma

• Forest Flight Tour Ziplining in Sonoma

• Food & wine pairing dinner in Sonoma

• Parasailing in Santa Monica

• Surf Lesson in Santa Monica

6 Nights/5 Days • 5 Breakfasts & 1 Lunch

This itinerary has MULTIPLE Departures available May 24 - August 30

From $1,607 pp. You can join us as a 'solo' traveler, with a partner, or in a group.

Interested? Ask me, and let's get you booked! Know someone who might be? Share it! I love helping people of all ages get out and explore on land vacations!

NEW for 2022! ZERO Supplement Solo Suites on Crystal River Cruises

Calling all solo travelers! Crystal Mozart, Europe’s most spacious river ship invites you to cruise the Danube in 2022 in one of 38 newly dedicated Solo Suites with zero single supplements on all voyages – an industry first. Beginning in Spring 2022, the all-suite, butler-serviced ship will cruise weekly from Vienna roundtrip on a 7-night Danube Dreams & Discoveries itinerary featuring overnights in the Austrian capital and Budapest trip to Salzburg from Linz, daytime cruising through the Wachau Valley and more.

From Michelin-inspired cuisine to unparalleled enrichment both aboard and     ashore, the Crystal River Experience is unrivaled among European river lines as shown here. Crystal Mozart will cruise at a reduced capacity with the highest crew-to-guest ratio of any ship on Europe’s waterways, further elevating Crystal’s genuine hospitality. At 219 square feet, Crystal Mozart’s Solo Suites are up to 56% larger than comparable guest rooms on the rivers of Europe, a tempting opportunity for you to relax and discover the joys of cruising with Crystal. 

 

Discover the USA... Christopher's RIDING THE RAILS Adventure Suggestions

Suggested Itinerary: NORTHERN RAIL EXPERIENCE

Venture from the breathtaking great plains of the Midwest to the serene waters of the Pacific Coast on this scenic rail journey from Chicago to San Francisco, with a stop in Seattle. Enjoy the landscape as you travel along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Explore Seattle on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Discover the sights of San Francisco. Spend some quality time in two majestic parts of Northern California: Muir Woods and Sausalito. And, then you'll head back to the “Windy City” onboard one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Seattle

- Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco

- Sightseeing tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito

- Sightseeing cruise in San Francisco

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

- One-way Amtrak® from Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder®; Seattle to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®; San Francisco to Chicago on the California Zephyr® in Coach accommodations

- 4 nights' accommodations; 5 nights onboard Amtrak

- 1 meal included (1 dinner)

Departures available most Thursdays March through November. Reverse itineraries also available.

You can absolutely upgrade the experience with sleeping accommodations, pre and/or post hotel stays in the departure city.

Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and rail vacations!

Did You Know We Can Book That? SNOW SKI ADVENTURES

Spring is here for many parts of the country...hurray! But for my SKI LOVING FRIENDS... did you realize that I can help with your next ski vacation? I'll bet you didn't, because too many people see the name Cruise Planners and think all we do are cruise vacations!  

 

But sure enough...we can, and do!  Across the US & Canada, South America, and Europe, the choices are plentiful. We can book more than 120 mountain resorts worldwide, and about 4,000 properties...so your options are seemingly endless!

When you're ready to start planning that big ski trip for next winter, I would love to have a chat with you and help make your downhill dreams

come true.  

You can learn more about the possibilities on our dedicated snow ski adventures page.  And please be sure to like our FB page, too! Cruise Planners - Christopher Lingren & Associates

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking   #exploremore   #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #getbacktonature #skivacation #skitrip #skiing #snow #WinterGetaway 

images © ski.com

Destination Universal Orlando!

Home of some amazing attractions, experiences, and themed adventures, Universal Orlando is a fabulous vacation option. Check out the attached video to see how they're doing things in the current environment as the covid pandemic hits the one-year mark.

 

 

 

 

There's so much to see and enjoy while maintaining the social distancing stuff too. I love helping guests discover the worlds of Harry Potter and so much more at Universal Orlando! 

 

 

Want to talk about booking your family's Universal vacation? Call, email, or message today!  

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #experiences #florida #universalorlando #universalspecialist

Group Travel Experience - Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - AVAILABLE NOW!

 

 

Up, up and away! This is an experience not to be missed! The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta has grown into one of the world’s most photographed events. Set in New Mexico, a place diverse in culture and scenic beauty, the Fiesta is simply one of the most spectacular displays of sound and color you are ever to witness.  Check out these amazing TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:  Balloon Fiesta, Old Town Albuquerque, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Turquoise Trail, Santa Fe, Open-Air Tram Tour, Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe School of Cooking

 

We have limited availability for this incredible annual event, taking place this October, with an escorted tour of the surrounding area as well. Package pricing includes air from IND (but can be changed to a different gateway if desired...just ask!)

 

Learn more and register here

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #experiences #balloonfiesta #seeitforyourself

Did You Know We Can Book That For You? HAWAII LAND-BASED ADVENTURES

RELAX IN THE ISLANDS! HAWAII!

Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S., and the welcoming aloha spirit - Hawaii is like no place on Earth! Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys, and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complements the islands’ perfect temperatures. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences. Aloha.

 

 

There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii! Each island has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, and sights. We invite you to explore the Islands of Aloha to find your own heavenly Hawaii experiences.

 

Whether for your first visit, or one of numerous returns, as a Hawaii Destination Expert, I'd be thrilled to help you discover the wonderful island life that is Hawaii. The islands are open for visitors, though the covid restrictions differ by island, so when you trust me to plan your Hawaiian getaway, I'll be sure to let you know the important details you'll need to enjoy your experience!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might be interested? I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and Hawaii is one of my favorite destinations to send guests to discover!  For more about Hawaii, visit my dedicated Hawaii page on the website. 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #beachgetaway #beachvacation #hawaii

Travel is Coming Back!

I shared this as a FacebookLive today, but also want to add it here.  Travel is coming back, and our agency is booking once again!  Woo hoo!  

For some reason that I'm not sure about the video cut off, so I started again which is why there are two parts to it. Check out the two-part video to learn more, and about a special ask for a specialized travel experience...the Holy Land!  At this point, Israel is the fastest nation on earth to be vaccinated its citizens with about 30% of their entire population having been inoculated, and plans to have the entire nation taken care of by the end of May.  

 

Travel is Coming Back... Part 1

Travel is Coming Back... Part 2

Did You Know We Can Book That? ALASKAN RV RENTALS

IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF ALASKAN CRUISE...EXPLORE BY RV!

 

 

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the cruise industry with Canada banning large ships in their waters until February 2022. But that doesn't mean that the people in the great state of Alaska need to suffer through another year of economic turmoil. Land vacation opportunities in Alaska are open and plentiful! Getting out and discovering this amazing destination by RV is your opportunity to really cruise in a different manner, at your own pace! Here the top five reasons you should consider an Alaskan land-based RV vacation...

 

1. 1. Plenty of wide-open spaces that only Alaska can provide. Alaska has open spaces like no other. Within its half a million square miles, there are 33,904 miles of shoreline; three major mountain ranges; 12,000 rivers, and a state population of just over 731,000 people. That equates to 1.3 persons per square mile!
2. Peace and relaxation. When was the last time you took a vacation? In the US, only about 45% of people actually use their well-earned vacation days. And this is way better than any quarantine at home could ever be!
3. Safety among the wild. Of its geographic makeup, 60% of Alaska is devoted to national parks, wildlife refuges, and protected lands. Within these boundaries, habitats and wildlife are able to grow and thrive with little impact from humans.
4. Time with family. Build family memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska is unique in that it brings the adventurer out in all of us – 1 to 99!
5. Privacy - away from it all. When you RV Alaska, you have the option to get away from it all. See birds instead of tweets. Enjoy handmade items instead of headlines. And there’s no instant replay, so be ready to view a different type of live stream in real-time.

Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and definitely ALASKA vacations!

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking

#seeamerica #alaska #rvalaska #rvtravel #getoutontheopenroad #wildlife

Did You Know We Can Book That? SCUBA VACATIONS

Few trips or experiences can compete with the underwater adventure and beauty of a scuba vacation!  Check out this experience in Hawaii, just one of many that we can help you book around the world in some of the best dive locations. 

 

 

SCUBA DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS & MORE IN HAWAII

 

The Big Island's volcanic underwater topography filled with lava tubes, arches, and craters is a diver's wonderland.

Kona is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Offering a week of liveaboard scuba diving along the western coast of the island at favorite sites. The yacht ventures far from the reach of day operators to beautiful South Point, the southernmost tip of Hawaii.

 

 

The Kona liveaboard experience operates out of downtown Kailua-Kona. Kona liveaboard scuba diving in Hawaii begins Sunday morning and ends Friday afternoon when the yacht returns to port.

- Average of up to 27 dives on 7-night charters (multiple day and night dives)

- Average water temperature: 72 – 80F, 22 – 27C with thermoclines

- 3-5mm wetsuit and hood is recommended year-round

- All dives are from the yacht. 

Dive tours available year-round.

 

Love Scuba diving but have already been to Hawaii? Check out these other incredible international dive tours available:

 

The Bahamas | Belize | Cayman Islands | Costa Rica | Galapagos | Indonesia | Maldives | Palau | Philippines | Red Sea | Roatan | Sri Lanka | Thailand | Turks & Caicos and more   

 

There's a video for each one of these locations on my Scuba page within my website. 

 

Interested? Let me know your travel dates and number of travelers and let’s get you booked! I love helping people get out & explore with all types of adventurous experiences!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #gounderwater #scuba #scubadiving #diving #oceans #discoverhawaii #hawaiiunderwaterlife #konahawaii

Time for a Land Vacation?

After a year of covid, if you're ready to get out and explore once again, I'm ready to help you plan your next adventure. Now booking, land trips all across the USA (including theme parks, cabins, beach vacations & condos, Alaska, Hawaii, & much more), along with cruises for when they start sailing again. Caribbean & Mexico getaways and all-inclusive resorts too!

PLUS! We have a number of exciting curated shared group travel itineraries that you could join including US National Parks, Colorado Rockies, America's Music Cities, New York City Holidays, and others.

Don't delay, reach out today by email, phone, or through the website.

Did You Know We Can Book That? BEACH VACATIONS & RENTALS

SAND AND WATER!

 

If your dream vacation includes plenty of sun, sand, and water…we’ve got a wide range of great options for you across the country! How does overlooking the water sound? Or being just down the road from the saltwater with your own freshwater pool or hot tub to enjoy when not at the beach. Whether a condo, vacation home, bungalow, or luxury villa at or near the beach is your idea of the perfect vacation, then reach out and give us the opportunity to help you plan it this year. From simple to complete luxury we’ve got connections for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 bedrooms, and depending on location, even more!

 

You might only think of us as just a cruise agency because of the name, but we truly are SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CRUISES!

 

 

Here's just a sampling of where we can find a beach vacation rental for you:

 

Hawaii | Myrtle Beach | Naples | Cape Cod | Santa Barbara | Destin | Holden Beach | Gulf Shores | Pismo Beach | Sanibel | Port Aransas | Clearwater | Hilton Head | Panama City | Newport Beach | Marco Island and many more

 

Intrigued? Ask us! We love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and vacation rentals!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #beachgetaway #beachvacation