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Recapping 2014: An Amazing Year in Travel

12/29/2014

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By John Roberts

Another year is in the books, and it's been a busy one. We've been to so many new places here at In The Loop Travel, but I am also realizing that the more places I go and the more adventurers I meet during these trips that we will never have enough time to experience all there is in this wonderful world.

So, it makes no sense fretting about some list (because the list will always grow; every new traveler I meet offers fantastic "must-see" spots I might not have ever considered). What I do instead is embrace every day as a chance for adventure and try to keep on moving and keep on planning what to try next.

I look forward to another busy year in 2015. In The Loop Travel will turn 2, and I thank you all for making it as successful as you have. Please spread the word if you like what you see here. Also, always email, subscribe and comment on my pictures and stories to let me know what you want to see or any specific travel-related questions you want answers to.

OK Loopers, let's take a look back at 2014 and the places we have been.

Strictly chronologically, here are the wonderful places we've been:

New York City (multiple times because we live so close): The most fun adventures were with our great friend Matt, who came down from Rochester for a visit, and the day at Ellis Island and elsewhere with McMom.

Belize, Honduras and Cozumel on a Royal Caribbean cruise on Navigator of the Seas out of Galveston, Texas. This was a trip with my brother Bart, which shall forever live in infamy. I worked; he played. It was a blast.

Dublin, Ireland, was a perfect spot to go for a long weekend to celebrate my birthday and my wife's Irish heritage. Slainte!

London overwhelmed me, with so much to do and see, all packed within a vibrant, walkable area. We went twice, will return again -- and it will always be fantastic.

Cooperstown, N.Y., home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. I got a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic destination -- a must-see spot for sports fans.

Key West, Florida, a stop on our Carnival Cruise sailing on Carnival Ecstasy. We popped in for a tour at a butterfly conservatory that was especially interesting.

Turkey, Greece and Croatia on the brand-new Regal Princess. This just might be my favorite ocean cruise ship of the dozens I have been on so far. This voyage also marked our first time in Turkey and Greece, great new destinations to explore.

Orlando, Florida. This is a fairly regular occasional trip we make to see my family, which lives in the area. Still kids at heart, we also like to hit the theme park rides (like those at Islands of Adventure and Disney) to get a thrill.

The Rhine River, on a Viking River Cruise, to Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. This was a spectacular first experience with the Viking Cruises line, which offers included tours at all port stops. We learned an lot about historic sites while putting in plenty of steps, too.

Cancun, Mexico, for two sunny weeks. This long getaway consisted of two parts: a relaxing week with CMac at the Westin Lagunamar resort followed by a three amigos bash with Bart and Matt at the Royal Islander resort (three guys crammed in a studio unit makes for hilarity).

Tahiti and other islands in French Polynesia on Paul Gauguin Cruises. The scenery and service is indescribable on this cruise itinerary. When not onboard being spoiled with great meals and drinks, we spent days on private coconut-tree lined beaches in quiet lagoons gazing up at mountains that rise into the clouds. We also got in some nice hiking.

Austria, Hungary and back to Germany on another Viking River Cruise. The first trip with Viking was so great, I went back. Well, they had me back -- for the line's second #VikingSocial sailing. A group of social media and blogger types gathered to experience what a Viking River Cruise is all about (during the delightful European Christmas Market season) and convey the details to readers and followers like you. In short: It's great! You'll want to enjoy the holidays this way every year.

It's been a great year, and I can't say often enough how much I appreciate all your support. Please follow along as we continue to try to give you the info you need to have your best adventures ever.

Cheers and travel happy!

JR

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Gingerbread and Gluhwein: Bringing Home a Taste of Europe for the Holidays

12/25/2014

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PictureA bounty of presents. I have received more than I deserve this year.
By John Roberts

After an especially busy final month of travel, it has been a treat to settle in for the week with family in Wisconsin for the holidays.

Speaking of treats, CMac and I gathered all sorts of unique regional treats and one new recipe to share with the family during our Christmas celebrations.

Let's unwrap just what items made their way back to the States to nudge in among all the other fantastic foods and drinks at the bountiful table of Mom and Dad McD.



Look closely at the plate below filled with sugar madness, and you can pick out our offerings from just a handful of our adventures this fall.

On our Paul Gauguin cruise to French Polynesia, we picked up chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.

In Germany, on my Viking River Cruise along the romantic Danube, I grabbed a gingerbread bear from the Nuremberg Christmas market and a gingerbread star ornament from Cafe Simon in Passau.


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We also were bold enough to attempt a batch of gluhwein -- the traditional hot mulled spiced wine that is a favorite at Europe's Christmas markets. We used the Viking Cruise recipe available on the line's website. It calls for red wine, white wine, three spices, lemon, orange, brandy and sugar. 

How did ours come out? Ahem … nailed it! Throw in a cinnamon stick, and it really warms you up with tasty holiday goodness.

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Mrs. In The Loop mixes up a delightful batch of gluhwein.
For me, it's been a wonderful year of travel and discovery. I've been fortunate to meet amazing new people, many whom I now call friends, as well as explore spectacular places I never imagined I would get to.

This all has been capped by a warm holiday celebrations among family, and it is so cool to be able to share some of our recent adventures through the food, pictures and stories I have learned about during our trips. 

I hope you also had a great year -- with family, love, friendship and travel.

Keep moving and travel happy!

Peace,

JR
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Five Cool Things to Do in Budapest 

12/22/2014

5 Comments

 
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A view of the Danube and Budapest from high up on Castle Hill.
By John Roberts

My Viking River Cruise exposed me to the wonders of the old towns, cities and beautiful sights along the Danube river.

Each stop during the weeklong voyage was fantastic. Christmas markets, cathedrals, museums and a mix of pleasant local people busying themselves with holiday merrymaking.

It all made for the perfect buildup to our final port: Budapest, Hungary.

The city has more than 1.7 million inhabitants and is one of the largest capitals in Europe.

On our visit on Viking Delling in early December 2014, one of the best parts was our arrival -- an early morning sail into the historic city center.

We tied up at the pier on the Pest side of the Danube, just steps away from a whole host of places to explore.  

As we arrived that morning, all of the wonderful centuries-old buildings came into view. It was a breathtaking start to our visit and a highlight of the entire week. The Budapest Parliament building, bridges and others structures make up one of the most interesting skylines in the world.

We spent a day and a half in Budapest and soon learned that this would be only enough to get a quick look at some of the highlights. There are limitless options to occupy your time.

I have plans to get back for a longer stay as soon as possible. But meanwhile I can tell you about some highlights.

Here are five things to try on your quick stop into Budapest.

5. Ride the funicular up to Castle Hill. A quick ride (about 45 seconds) takes you to the top of the hill of the Buda side of the river. We exited our river ship and walked across the Chain Bridge to the opposite side of the Danube and caught the funicular. Transport tickets in the city work to ride the funicular, trams, trolleys, trains and buses. My tour around the city used the tram and bus system, too, which was very efficient and easy to navigate.

Once atop Castle Hill, you find astounding views of the river and buildings. You'll want to click pics until your batteries die. Top sites in this area: the President's Office at Sandor Palace, National Dance Theatre, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion.

Yes, the president of Hungary heads to work at the palace. The Fisherman's Bastion is an ornate stone terrace and tower structure that gives even more fantastic views of the city and river below.

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It's a quick ride up the funicular to Castle Hill top.
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Matthias Church Square is filled with visitors, statues and colors.
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Peer through Fisherman's Bastion to see Budapest's Parliament building.
4. Shop at Central Market Hall. Mix with residents who are busily buying produce, meats and other items at the market, which is filled with craft stores and food stalls on the second level and more vendors and butcher/deli shops selling all manner of cheeses, garlic, meats and other goodies on the first level.
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The Budapest Central Market, or Great Market Hall, is filled with vendors and shoppers.
3. Go for a run at Margaret Island. The island in the middle of the Danube can be reached by a city trolley car that stops on Margaret Bridge. You can walk the length of the island in less than 30 minutes, and it also offers the Palatinus water park (with 11 outdoor swimming pools). Active Loopers will love the rubberized 3.5-mile running track that encircles the island. How cool is that? 

2. Walk across Chain Bridge. The stone and steel 1,250 foot Danube span is a gorgeous landmark of Budapest. It was rebuilt from 1947 to 1949 after being destroyed during WWII bombings. It's a pleasurable and picturesque stroll during which you can enjoy new views and capture some more snapshots. Bikers are supposed to dismount as they cross but most don't, so be aware of cycle traffic.
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The Chain Bridge in Budapest was the first permanent span linking Buda and Pest on the Danube. It was first built in 1840 and most recently reconstructed after WWII in 1949.
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1. Indulge with a thermal bath. Budapest is known as the City of Baths because of its thermal waters with reputed healing properties. The city sits on about 100 thermal springs that feed dozens of spas and bathhouses. Spend part of your day enjoying yourself with a soak, massage and steam -- a perfect cap to your quick visit to this great European city. 

More pics from In The Loop Travel's quick visit to Budapest on a Viking River Cruise:
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