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Seven Top Travel Hot Spots for 2018 -- and One to Avoid

12/1/2017

7 Comments

 
Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Slovenia is one of our top spots to visit in 2018. And why not, when you can play in the stunning outdoors of places like Lake Bohinj in the alpine region of the country.
By John Roberts 

In my home, it's never too early to be looking ahead when it comes to travel planning. And as the end of the year approaches, that means we are eagerly looking at where we want to go in 2018. 

Let's take a look at In The Loop Travel's top travel hot spots for 2018, as well as one spot I think you should consider avoiding. 

Our seven top travel destinations . . .
 
Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal 

Why: With a flight time of under seven hours from the Northeast, you can reach Lisbon with little hassle. The capital city and the rest of Portugal offer an amazing array of things to explore, from historical sites to getting outdoors for active adventures. The country has more than 1,100 miles of coastline, with diverse geography. There are five major rivers. The north features mountains, and the south is warmer and drier. Overall, prices are extremely affordable for meals and lodging when compared with the United States or the rest of Europe. 

We recommend: Visit the historic village of Sintra, take a cruise on the Douro River or hike and bike in Peneda-Geres National Park in the northern region. Also, check out Cascais, Madeira Island, Porto and Funchal.    
Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia 

Why: This former Communist bloc nation now stands alone and shines. It has a bounty of beautiful natural attractions and makes for an affordable and uncrowded destination to enjoy. 
 
We recommend: The capital city of Ljubljana, which is surrounded by natural parks and is full of buildings featuring interesting and well-preserved examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Also, consider Piran, a seaside town known as the Slovenian Venice. Be sure to visit Lake Bled, a stunningly picturesque destination with Bled Castle and a host of spa resorts. 
Iceland

Iceland

Why: Iceland has been on our minds for a couple years and also apparently those of many others, too. I'm sure you have a friend who has been to Iceland in recent years and raves about it. Get there while flights are still cheap. The island nation is a surprisingly short flight away from the U.S. East Coast (less than 6 hours). You're going to love the chances to commune with nature and to see the Northern Lights. 

We recommend: Rent a car and see as much as possible. Try a Golden Circle route. Iceland is a rugged land of black sand beaches, hot springs, lagoons and waterfalls. Bring your hiking gear and get outside for all-day activities. Make sure to see Gullfoss Falls, the Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park. 
Old Town, Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro 

Why: We love this spot for the mountain hiking opportunities and its charming UNESCO Heritage site village of Kotor, which sits like a fairytale spot at the end of Europe's southernmost fjord.  

We recommend: Hike up to St. John's Fortress, which looms over Kotor. Enjoy the views of the long fjord and surrounding hills. Then, return to the tiny Old Town below for a meal and refreshing beer. Montenegro is filled with rugged mountains and Medieval villages. Here are the best spots for a good hike: Prokletije National Park, Lovcen National Park and Durmitor National Park (around the village of Zabljak). Also, check out the unusual cliffside Ostrog Monastery, which is carved out of a cave in the side of the giant rock Ostroska Greda.  
St. Maarten beach

The Caribbean 

Why: This has been our favorite destination for many years because we savor the sunshine, watersports and so many other things to enjoy in the outdoors among the laid-back vibe and cultural experiences. This is on our hot spot list for 2018 because we expect travelers to make an effort to get to this region to give a boost to the islands that were devastated by a series of horrific hurricanes in 2017.

We recommend: 
Book a cruise that visits Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rica, the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Antigua. Tourism dollars are vital to helping life return to normal for people in the affected areas. The islands that have been hit hardest have begun reopening for visitors, and we can help accelerate the pace of recovery by planning to go back ASAP. 
Vietnam fishing in the Mekong River

Vietnam

Why: This jewel of Southeast Asia is cheap and offers a wide variety of incredible travel experiences, from cultural interaction, coffee, street food, museums and historical war sites. 
 
We recommend: Visit Ho Chi Minh City to discover the buzzing streets and its museums and food. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay and the thousands of limestone islets that poke from its waters. Book a cruise on the Mekong River to fully immerse yourself into the culture and farming and fishing lifestyles of the villages along this vital natural resource.  
Antartica penguins

Arctic Zones

Why: The Arctic and Antarctica are as fascinating as they are difficult to reach. With the polar regions increasingly melting, now is the time to go to see pristine wilderness and wildlife, such as polar bears, penguins and seals in their natural habitats.  

We recommend: The best way to see these destinations is with expert guides on an expedition cruise. These remote places cover more than 10 percent of the Earth's surface and are a delight for true adventurers. Only 35,000 people a year travel to these regions, but that number is on the rise. So, go soon to see them is their most peaceful state. 
Cairo, Egypt at the Sphinx

Avoid Egypt

Why: It's complicated. I loved my trip to Egypt, and I would like for everyone to get to experience the cradle of civilization and land of the pyramids and pharaohs at least once. 

But recent violence and new governmental campaigns make it impossible for me to recommend going any time soon. The U.S. State Department has updated its travel warnings for the country because of threats from terrorists and violent political opposition groups.  

These threats are part of the equation for this region of the world nowadays. That is understood. Much of the recent violence in Egypt has occurred in the Western Desert and Sinai Peninsula, and the main tourist areas have tight security, especially in tourist zones.  

But the more troubling thing to me is the movement in the country to crack down on protections for members of the nation's LGBT community. The climate has become increasingly hostile. Egypt has seen an overall erosion of personal freedoms, as well as hostile hate campaigns and rhetoric coming from members of government and religious institutions. 

This makes the country a highly unattractive place to want to spend your time and precious tourist dollars.  
                                   ----------------------------------------------- 
Now it's your turn. Please comment below with some of the places you want to go to in 2018.  
What other countries should make the Hot Spot List?

Thanks 
for reading, and happy travels!  
JR
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Follow My Caribbean Winter Getaway and Win a Free Cruise

11/30/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Carnival Vista will be my home for the week as I sail in the Caribbean during the national conference for Cruise One and Dream Vacations.
By John Roberts 

Win a Free Cruise!  

That's right, you can win a free cruise for two on Harmony of the Seas. Just by making a quick and easy post to your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.  

I knew that would get your attention, so I figured there was no sense in delaying the most important news in this post. The full details follow, but first, let me tell you how this whole contest came to be and why I am the first one telling you about it.   

This weekend, I'll be boarding one of the best new cruise ships to come along in years. Sailing on Carnival Vista, with all of its amazing restaurants, bars and activities, will be awesome enough. So will the fact that I'm cruising down to the Caribbean, which is one of my favorite destinations -- especially because it's December, and I live in New Jersey. 

But what makes this cruise special is that I will be sailing with hundreds of cruise professionals onboard Carnival Vista for the Cruise One, Cruises Inc and Dream Vacations national conference. This means I'll have access to the people who know the most about cruise travel.

They have
 years of expertise and all sorts of good tips. I am going to be roaming the ship all week and sharing our cruise experiences so you can see why I love this type of travel so much.  

As you know, I'm a big cruising fan, and I share a lot about what I learn about cruising on this website every day. But I'm always amazed by how much more I can learn just by being around fellow travelers.  

I'll be seeking out new advice, money-saving tips and ways to have a better cruise as I hang out with the pros from Dream Vacations. If you have never cruised and are interested in knowing exactly what these trips can offer or if you are a veteran cruiser, I urge you to follow along and join in during the week. 

Ask your burning questions about cruising, and I'll work to get you answers. Mainly, though, I'll just be enjoying the cruise and showing you what it's all about.  

Go ahead, fire away! Post questions in the comments below this post or on any of my homes on social media -- where you also can see what we're up to on Carnival Vista from December 3 to 11 as we sail out of Miami and stop at cruise ports in Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic, Curacao and Aruba.  

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to look for daily posts, photos and info about this cruise and cruising in general. Look for the hashtag #MyDreamVacation. 

As I said, this is a unique opportunity. I'll be cruising with cruise experts.  

What do they know that can help you enjoy a dream vacation?

Spe
ak up: What do you want me to ask? Are you considering your first cruise and want to know what to expect? Are you a veteran cruiser looking for new ways to have fun, save money or pack? 
 
Picture
The best part! Dream Vacations is giving away a free cruise for two. And the winners will sail away for a vacation on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's brand-new Harmony of the Seas.

It's extremely easy to enter.  

Now, here come all those sweepstakes details you've been looking for. 

Just tell the world all about your idea of a dream vacation by posting to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and using the hashtag #MyDreamVacation. The contest runs from December 3 to December 9, and the winner gets a 7-night cruise for two on Harmony of the Seas.  

Check out all the info here -- you know, the rules, ways to enter, legal stuff and most importantly the details of your prize. 
 
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you join in the cruise conversation all week.  

Remember, look for #MyDreamVacation posts each day to see what I'm up to onboard and ashore in the Caribbean on Carnival Vista. To learn more about the travel pros I'll be hanging with, check out DreamVacations.com.  

Happy travels, always! 

JR
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Seven Shore Excursions Designed to Thrill on a Caribbean Cruise

11/30/2015

 
Aruba coastline
Along Aruba's stunning coastline. Try an off-road adventure on this desert island. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)
A special treat for you, dear readers. Just in time for the holidays, too!
 
Today, I am pleased to have a guest post from a fellow cruise and adventure lover. Don Bucolo, my friend over at EatSleepCruise.com, shares the Seven Best Shore Excursions to Give You a Thrill on a Caribbean Cruise. 
Enjoy,
JR


While many people dream of relaxing vacations (which is never a bad idea), others seek out a little excitement on their trips.
 
When contemplating your next adventure, you may not be thinking of a Caribbean cruise. Many travelers don't realize that cruises can offer exhilarating experiences. Today's cruise ships feature plenty of invigorating attractions -- from surfing and indoor skydiving simulators to ropes courses and full-fledged water parks.
 
But, the ships are not the only places that can provide a rush of adrenaline on your cruise vacation. Various ports of call throughout the Caribbean also give thrill-seekers great opportunities for heart-pumping, one-of-a-kind fun.
 
If you are looking for ports of call that offer more than beaches and shopping, check out our list of the most thrilling shore excursions to experience on a Caribbean cruise.

Climb a Waterfall. Yup, you read that correctly! When visiting Jamaica (either Ocho Rios or Falmouth), you are not far from Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot-long and 180-foot-high terraced waterfall area. Brave souls can either go it alone or join a human chain to ascend this natural wonder, climbing over 180 feet from the base to the apex. Cruisers of all ages and abilities can safely make the climb; but it is not for the faint of heart. During our last trip up the falls, several would-be climbers bowed out at various stages along the path.

Go Off Road in the Desert. Not exactly your idea of a tropical paradise, the arid island of Aruba looks more like Arizona than a tropical island. A variety of cactuses and incredible limestone coasts are all part of the journey. The desert is home to gorgeous natural rock formations and pools. You'll find no better way to get up close than to tour the island on an ATV. Get your camera ready as you travel through the most picturesque parts of Aruba on this high-octane ride through the desert. 

Compete in a Yacht Race. One of the most highly rated shore excursions in the Caribbean is found in one of the most frequently visited islands, St. Maarten. On the Dutch side of the island, become part of the crew on a working America's Cup yacht and get ready to compete. The "12 Metre Challenge" is unlike any other tour. Race alongside seasoned captains as you man previous America's Cup-winning yachts in a race around the island. It is a race to the finish, so be prepared to man the masts and work hard to earn that victory.  

Fly Down the Longest Zip Line Over Water. Royal Caribbean sails cruises to its private beach resort on Haiti. At the port of Labadee, you have the opportunity to take a ride down the Dragon's Breath Flight Line. This half-mile long zip line is the longest over water, and the close to two-minute ride can reach speeds close to 50 mph. While getting set to soar, you get breathtaking views from the 500-foot high hillside. Your wearable video cameras were invented to capture experiences like this!  
Dragon's Breath zip line in Labadee, Haiti
Soar above the surf on the 2,600-foot-long zip line in Labadee, Haiti. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)
Explore Ancient Caves. Heading to Belize on your itinerary? Not only can you dive deep into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, but you can grab your gear and descend into the island's intricate caves. You can view the caves from the leisure of a river rafting trip or enjoy one of the rigorous tours that include exploring a 2,000-year-old Mayan ritual site buried within the earth. You can also plunge over 300 feet into the black abyss and then climb back out. Be prepared to work up a sweat on this adventure. 

Hike a Tropical Rain Forest. You do not need to travel to South America to experience the amazing flora and fauna of a rain forest. When you visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, either during a cruise or ahead of your embarkation, you can take the 45-minute ride east to the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque National Forest. Several hikes and walks are available, from well-paved paths of less than a mile long to several difficult hikes lasting hours on unpaved terrain. So, you can find opportunities for cruisers of all abilities and fitness levels to journey through the rain forest.
El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico
The rain forest at El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. (Photo by EatSleepCruise.com)
Amuse Yourself at an Adventure Park. If you are taking a Western Caribbean cruise that has a long stop in Cozumel, consider getting a day pass to Xplor Adventure Park. Taking the ferry to the mainland to experience this attraction is well worth it. Admission to the park includes five activities. So, if one adrenaline-filled attraction is not enough, get your fill of zip lines, amphibious vehicles rides and rafting through underground rivers during this nonstop day of discovery. 

Get Up and Get Cruising
So if you thought that a Caribbean cruise had to be spent lying on a beach, I hope now you realize there can be much more to one of these vacations than just lounging around. Your next cruise can be filled with plenty of adventurous tours that will keep you active and have you hanging by the edge of your seat, sometimes quite literally. 

Of course, after you experience one of these thrilling shore excursions, you will have earned a little down time. So, go ahead and reward yourself with a frozen drink (or two) and maybe even some time on a beach chair. After all, it is still a vacation. 


About the author ...

Don Bucolo is one half of the husband and wife travel writing team at EatSleepCruise.com. Don and his wife, Heidi, love to explore the world via cruise ship and share their stories and adventures with other liked-minded cruisers. With cruise reviews, shore excursion reviews, travel tips, and their own unique sense of humor, they help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."
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