Aloha! How is your winter going? If you are in the Cincinnati area, I'm sure you are missing the sun as much as I am right now! So now you may enjoy dreaming about Hawaii or even seeking out your own adventure to the islands.

This Central Pacific archipelago includes hundreds of islands and a diverse range of activities to partake in. With huge waves, volcanoes, and interesting culture, Hawaii will keep you busy and entertained. These are eight top things to enjoy while visiting the beautiful atoll.
 
Whale Watching – The 'Big Island' is the most popular destination for whale watching in Hawaii. The peak season to catch a glimpse of Humpback whales is from January to March. You have the option to view via a cruise or private boat tour.

Luaus – These traditional ceremonies are a major source of entertainment on all islands within Hawaii. Take the opportunity to enjoy live dancing, learn about Hawaiian as well as Polynesian culture, and enjoy a delectable cuisine.
See a Lava Show – Hop aboard a World-class catamaran to get up and close to the volcano fingers as they enter the sea. You will have thoroughly trained staff aboard, and safety is paramount. You can select from a tour in the morning, sunset, day, or twilight tour.

Helicopter Tours – Various tour lines offer unique aerial journeys that allow you to view the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery. From volcanoes and waterfalls to hidden valleys and majestic coastlines. A helicopter tour is truly an ideal way to sightsee.

SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding) – This activity originated in Hawaii and is a derivative of surfing. SUP is soothing and allows you to explore the waterways on your terms. An excellent paddle path to take is from the Lanikai Beach to the Mokulua Islands.

Horseback Riding Tours – Explore the coastline or venture to hidden trails on an exploratory horseback tour. Most companies offer private as well as group tours. Some countless ranches and stables accommodate tourists. Paniolo Adventures is one of the largest, with an 11,000-acre cattle ranch located in Waimea.

Mauna Kea – This dormant volcano is a unique wonder to explore and erupted over 4,000 years ago. You can hike the summit, but be sure to stop by the VIS (Visitor Information Station) to check for weather and safety tips.

​Kona Coffee Farm Tour – Kona coffee is some of the best gourmet coffee that you can find and is world-renowned. Kailua Kona, which is located on the 'Big Island,' is the heart of Kona coffee. When taking a tour, you will get to see processing facilities as well as the coffee fields. Don't forget to take some time to indulge in the popular beverage.
 
Grab your gear and take charge of your getaway with these great suggestions that will be sure to make your experience fascinating.

Hello everyone! Is Greece on your bucket list? What attracts you to the Isles? Personally, it is very high on my travel list! With the beautiful architecture, the ancient history galore, the food (fresh olives everywhere!), and the Mediterranean sunshine, it is a place to make you fall in love!
​
Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first. Hopefully, these eight guidelines will assist with your decision.

Best traditional village life: The island, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and has a little over 6,500 inhabitants and a bit over 20 small villages. Naxos has ancient towers, paved streets, and has maintained its unique Venetian architecture.

Best nightlife: Mykonos, also known as 'The Island of the Winds,' is world-renowned for their vibrant nightlife. Little Venice and Paradise Beach are popular party destinations where clothing is optional, and the LGBT scene is major. There are male go-go dancers everywhere, and parties typically last all night. July and August are the primary months for tourism and the wildest parties.

Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: With gusty winds that can be seen from a mile away, Paros Island is best known for kiteboarding and windsurfing sports goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the main beaches where the sport is practiced. The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular hub for the sport.

Best beaches: Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is a beautiful volcanic island that is rich in minerals as well as rich history. Firopotamos, Kastanas, and Paliorema are some top beach destinations in Milos. The white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands are picturesque backdrops. Although some may be only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches throughout Milos that you can explore.

Best for nature lovers: Ikaria has some of the World's most pristine and untouched nature territories. It has been identified as a place that promotes life longevity and better overall health.

Best Robinson Crusoe destination: Koufonisia is comprised of two islands, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). The preferred way to navigate the area is by foot or cycling, as everything is within walking distance. The island has a museum and many sightseeing options.

​Best couples getaway: Folegandros does not get the crowded tourist scene as most Greek towns do. They have a broad selection of restaurants and cafes. Chora is the main village and has been preserved well, noting open landscapes and clifftop housing.

Best food: Cretan cuisine focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands. Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita, and Apaki.

Now you're all set! With a myriad of beautiful architecture, scenic waterfronts, and rich history. There is much to enjoy.

Which island is highest on your list?

​Hello everyone! Is Alaska on your bucket list? Alaska is one of my favorite places to send my clients. It is a trip of a lifetime with so much to see and explore!

Do you have dreams of going to Alaska? Well, make those dreams come true and jump aboard one of Alaska's most popular cruise lines. You won't regret it. I want to tell you of the six most significant reasons you should cruise to The Last Frontier sooner rather than later.

1. You decide which cruise line to take. Sailing in Alaska extends from the middle of May to mid-September. During these months, you won't likely see a shortage of cruise line options. Choose to go on a luxury or expedition-style cruise or maybe something a little more unique. I can help you decide which line may be best for you. 
2. Alaska is desirable to people of all ages and tends to be high up on many bucket lists. Many families come here each year to enjoy the beauty of the great state and the broad scope of activities and events.
3. The wildlife is absolutely out of this world. When traveling to Alaska by cruise ship, don't be surprised to spot bear hunting for fish, whales, eagles, and several other beautiful creatures.
4. Dare to go dog sledding? You may have to take a helicopter ride to get into the mountains first. This could be one thrilling adventure. Best of all, you get to hang with sweet huskies all day.
5. Go on a land tour before or after your cruise. Hike through the Denali National Park or the Kenai River Valley.
6. Sadly, Alaska won't be as charming as it is now, forever. Right now, you can see the nation in all of its iconic glory. From lush forests to enormous glaciers, there is so much to admire before global warming takes it away.

Alaska truly is one of the most magical places on Earth, and it's right here in the United States. If you, like almost everyone else, have "visit Alaska" on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? There's no better way to visit the state than by ship, so contact us now to start learning of all the cruise line options. Before you know it, you'll have a one-of-a-kind vacation planned that will undoubtedly bring you memories that last a lifetime.
​
Contact me here or give me a call. Many options are available for 2020 and 2021. Let’s get you to Alaska to see it in all its glory!

​My family and I just returned from an epic road trip! We went down to the North Carolina/South Carolina border, through Virginia, drove through New York to Niagara Falls in Canada, to Vaughn, Ontario, around to Sandusky, Ohio, before finally heading home. In all, we drove a little over 2,200 miles. Why? Roller coasters!!

Last year was our first year to get Kings Island Gold Passes as a family. As it turns out, our kids love roller coasters (and rides in general) as much as we do! So at the end of the season last year, we upgraded to Platinum. This allows you to visit all/any of the 13 Cedar Fair amusement/water parks as much as you'd like. 

Earlier this year we made two separate trips, one to Cedar Point and one to Dorney Park in Pennsylvania, which we combined with a trip to Harrisburg, Hershey, and Gettysburg to learn more about the Civil War and for chocolate. The kids said it was the most delicious trip we've ever taken...ha!

However, this time we managed to hit 5 Cedar Fair parks in 10 days!

First we went to Kings Island on Thursday. This is only 30 minutes from our house, so we go to Kings Island at least 10 times a year. We had cousins in town and met up with them to ride some rides, including a couple of our favorites, Mystic Timbers and Diamondback. It was a great way to kick off our adventure!
​

Our family collects magnets from our travels. It's fun to add to our Cedar Point collection!

Jon (my husband) and I went on a Riviera Cruise on the Rhone River at the beginning of April. What an amazing experience!
First thing to understand…there are several amazing river cruise companies. I would love to talk to you and qualify you for the experience that is best for you.

The Rhone cruise was on board the MS William Shakespeare. All of Riviera’s boats are named after British authors. I thought this was a fun theme. The ship is very nice with dark wood finishes. It is well maintained.

The sun deck is very nice and has lots of space for passengers to enjoy while in dock as well as while cruising. Jon and I enjoyed the giant chess set (even though he won every game we played). However, it was very windy and a bit chilly while we were cruising, which meant that the sun deck did not see a lot of use on our cruise.

​The following morning we took a train back to Paris, where we spent one night. We were able to see the Notre Dame Cathedral just a couple hours prior to it catching fire. We went back down to stand with the Parisians while fire fighters worked tirelessly to put out the flames. It was a moving experience with so many praying and singing. While in Paris, we also were able to tour the Pantheon and stop over at the Eiffel Tower.

As for the experience on board our cruise, here are my thoughts.

What I loved about my Riviera experience:

• Floating hotel right in town! Everywhere we stopped we could explore and then return to our room for the week. We were able to explore 6 different cities without having to move any of our belongings.
• The service. All the servers go out of their way to take great care of you at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With my gluten-free diet, this even meant special desserts and breads. Our regular servers remembered this and were always ready when we were in the dining room.
• All the excursions are planned. This was both something I loved and didn’t love (more on that below). What I loved about it was not having to make any decisions. We were told the time of the excursion and then we had the choice to go or not go…that simple! It is great to be able to let someone else be in charge of what to see.
• The food. All the dinners were absolutely delicious! I tried a few new foods and liked them, too.
• Other passengers. You have the opportunity to meet people from many places and we met some amazing new friends.
• Service for those less mobile. There were several seniors on the cruise, a few of which had mobility issues. The crew went out of their way to accommodate these passengers and seemed happy to do so.

​What I did not love about my experience:

• Ours was the first cruise of the year, which resulted in a less-organized-than-desired team. It seemed that everyone was getting acclimated and there was some definite confusion, especially at the reception area.
• Self-serve coffee machine. The machine was not operational for most of our cruise. However, there was coffee served at all meals and then at tea and coffee hour in the lounge. Plus there is a lot of opportunity to get a coffee in the towns, so it wasn’t too big of a deal.
• Internet service. The internet service was not good. At all. Luckily I spoke with my representative for Riviera before going. He recommended Sky Roam for reliable internet while on our cruise. It was perfect! The only times we had spotty service was in the river locks (no one has service in the locks) and while cruising in more remote areas.
  (For more information about Sky Roam, please click here. Enter code SATRAVEL at checkout for 10% off!)
  
• All excursions are planned. There was not much detail revealed about the excursions prior to time. This meant it was hard to decide to go or not to go. Also, the tours are either walking tours (for those right in town) or by motor coach (for those away from the river). I loved the walking tours. However, I did not enjoy being in the motor coach as much.

Are you ready to take your own European river cruise? Contact me to set sail on the one that is right for you!

​Knowing which documents you need when traveling internationally is essential to having a stress-free vacation. Prepare yourself by learning about the latest travel requirements and important information you need to know before traveling.
What documents are required when traveling internationally?
You are required to have a U.S. Passport Book when traveling by air to any international location.
If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean Region (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos), you are required to have a U.S. Passport Book or Card.
Please note: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Contact us before your cruise to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
What is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, customers are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 10 weeks.
How long is a passport valid and when should I renew my passport?

• If you were over age 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
• If you were age 15 or younger when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.

The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail.
How do I purchase or renew my passport?
Detailed information about passports and international travel requirements, along with instructions for applying for a passport can be found at travel.state.gov.
*For more information about passport requirements, please contact the U.S. Department of State.
Visas
Do I need a visa if I am a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad they may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. When planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Travel Information.
*Find out more about both the immigrant and non-immigrant visa process at the State Department’s visa main page. U.S. Passports and International Travel.

Expert Guidance
With years of travel experience, I have both the knowledge and firsthand experience to help you decide which destination or resort is best for you. Something Adventured Travel can provide you with a wide variety of travel options from a number of different travel suppliers to countless popular destinations. Plus, I have all the travel information you need – from the best attractions to see, the most exciting activities to do, and the most affordable way to get there…I’ve got it covered!
Value
It’s understandable that you may feel limited by your vacation budget. That’s why Something Adventured Travel is dedicated to helping you receive the best possible value. Best of all, you’ll receive all of the professional guidance at no extra cost!
Personalized Service
As your personal Travel Agent, I’ll devote time and effort to making sure you’re happy with your travel options. If you need any assistance, I’m just a phone call or e-mail away, so you’ll receive the immediate attention you not only need, but also deserve.
Customer Advocate
In the rare case that something on your trip doesn’t go as planned, I’ll be here to resolve the problem, so you can relax and enjoy.
Time Savings
I know exactly where to go to get the information that you need and can find your travel options quickly. Planning a vacation with Something Adventured Travel will save you both time and money because with some effort and organization, I’ll handle all your travel arrangements.
Unbiased Information
You can be assured that I’ll do our best to make your travel experience as wonderful as possible. When you book travel through Something Adventured Travel, I work for you – not the travel supplier, so my main concern is always you and your unique needs.
Prior to booking online, you may want to contact me to utilize my professional advice and firsthand experience with many of the most popular destinations, resorts and cruise lines. I’m dedicated to offering you the best prices and advice, while maintaining an emphasis on customer service, so don’t hesitate to contact Something Adventured Travel so we can start planning your next travel adventure!