Travel

Beauty, it is said, lies in the eye of the beholder. And therefore, we choose to see it only in certain places. For instance, when it comes to monuments, we find beauty in palaces and temples, but rarely in tombs, cemeteries, or burial grounds. The artistry of burial grounds is often overlooked owing to the taboo attached to death. One of India’s most visited monument, the Taj Mahal, is, in fact, a tomb. This detail is regularly overshadowed by its magnificence and popularity as a symbol of love. Though not as magnificent, many Indian cities are also dotted with intricately designed tombs that echo tales of love, respect, sacrifice, and reverence. Here are six burial grounds in Inda that you can visit and soak in their haunting beauty. British & Dutch Cemetery, Surat...

Carnival Cancellation Update January 1, 2021: Carnival Cruise Line sends three ships into dry dock.  The cruise line doesn’t mention dates for when these ships will actually return to service, only how long they are canceled.  Ships affected include Carnival Magic with cruises canceled through September 24, 2021, Carnival Paradise through May 31 and Carnival Valor canceled through Sept 11, 2021. Guests on the Carnival Magic relax in the Magic Atrium. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise LinesAs you might expect, Carnival is offering those who rebook a 100 percent future cruise credit plus an onboard credit, or a full refund. Carnival Cruise Line reached out to guests and travel agents with another list of cruise cancellations.  This time it included select itineraries for specific depart...

None of us can forget, 2020. It was unique in so many ways. Never ever has humanity seen a ‘Pause’ like this, collectively. Even with a sudden house arrest kind of situation, most of us quickly adjusted. Thanks to global connectivity, we never really felt isolated. We discovered our hidden talents and we rediscovered the hidden treasures in our own wardrobes. In a way, a lot of what we always wished for, suddenly fell in our laps. It just took us some time to realize that it was always there, we just never looked at it. At Chandigarh MuseumAs a traveler, I gathered a lot of sympathy for not being able to travel. People felt sorry for me, some of them even thought it would be a trauma for me. I, on the other hand, discovered that I am perfectly fine with not travelin...

For most people, getting to Bucharest, Romania for a Danube river cruise is easy.  Fly to Bucharest, collect your luggage and you’re there.  Done. But because I don’t fly, the Dacia Express overnight train to Bucharest from Vienna was my only option. Carpathian mountain range still snow-capped in May.Across Europe by train to Bucharest for a Danube River cruise. My 24-day Danube cruise aboard Uniworld’s River Duchess began in Rousse, Romania, but Bucharest was our meeting point.  I just completed an MSC Splendida Mediterranean cruise but needed to leave the ship one day early in Marseille.  With my hectic and over-stuffed itinerary, I had only two nights had to reach Bucharest.  There was no time to spare and no margin for error. Reality check – too many trains to reach Bucharest! Here’s ...

I took this photo aboard the California Zephyr as we traveled alongside the Colorado River.Whether you want to book a cross-country trip on Amtrak or simply ride the train from Orlando, Florida to Charleston, NC, the process to buy an Amtrak ticket is easy.  There are three different ways you can purchase your train ticket.  Three Easy Ways to Buy an Amtrak Ticket  There are really three ways to reserve and buy an Amtrak ticket.  It all depends on your comfort level and patience.  Personally, I do a combination of the first two ways listed below.  After checking online, I’m fairly knowledgeable to know what to ask Amtrak’s reservation agent to do.  1.  Buy Your Amtrak Ticket Online This is probably the easiest and quickest way to buy your ticket.   Go to Amtrak.com.  Then type in the two ...

In Sofia, you realize that every stone indeed tells a story and my introduction to the Bulgarian capital starts with them. The first set of stones are the ruins, which give you a glimpse of the ancient Roman City of Serdica, which is over 1000 years old and has been unearthed recently. The second is, however, a little more than a century old and is a symbol of the present city of Sofia and they give the city a golden identity. Sofia has a 7000-year-old chequered history from prehistoric times to the socialist era, from the Thracians to the Romans, from the Ottomans to the Slavs, from Bulgars to Russians and there are many narratives over this period that tell a tale of conflict and strife. You can experience Bulgaria’s heritage in th...

After a disappointing year, 2021 travel is hopefully going to be full of incredible journeys! If you’re excited to make up for lost time, it’s worth thinking less about the “where” and more about the “how”. How will you right those canceled dreams? How are you going to travel safely? How can you travel in a way that makes you feel that you truly experienced a country instead of simply visiting?Allow our destination experts to inspire you with our curated experiences for 2021. Between outdoor adventures, stunning journeys closer to home, responsible travel experiences, and lingering connections, these are all journeys of a lifetime.OUTDOOR EXPERIENCESIf you’ve grown tired of being cooped up indoors, make 2021 a year to explore some awe-inspiring landscapes! Step out into the open air and ti...

Whether you’re searching for the best luxury destinations in Europe or hoping to go somewhere a little off the beaten path, there are dozens of locations where you can indulge in a fabulous luxury experience. We’re experts when it comes to high-end vacations and have plenty of inspiring ideas for your next getaway! Consider booking a stay at one of the following fantastic destinations, all of which are more than just your average deluxe resort…1 &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania Make your childhood dreams of sleeping in a treehouse come true at &Beyond’s Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Located in northern Tanzania and just minutes from a flamingo-filled soda lake, it’s the ideal destination for a luxury couple’s safari escape. Animal lovers will be in their element and can spend t...

Earlier this week, Viking announced the float out of its first expedition ship, the 378-passenger Viking Octantis.  An important milestone in shipbuilding, the float out is the first time that a new ship actually touches water.  Viking Octantis Float Out Event The float out is also an important event because from there, the next step is the transition into the final construction phase.  Following the float out, Viking Octantis was moved to a nearby outfitting dock where further construction and interior build-out will take place.  When completed, Viking Octantis will be delivered at the shipyard in Norway in 2021. Ceremonial godmothers at the Viking Octantis float out were respected explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft.  Both women will act as godmothers to Viking’s second expedition s...

Carnival Cruise Line finally took delivery of its highly anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras during a live virtual signing ceremony at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland. Carnival Mardi Gras iin Turku, Finland. Photo: Carnival Cruise LineNew Mardi Gras officially joins the Carnival fleet.  When Mardi Gras begins cruising in April 2021, the 180,000-gross-ton vessel will be the most innovative ship in North America.  Not only will it be powered by  liquefied natural gas (LNG), the new ship will also feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.  Mardi Gras will accommodate more than 5,200 guests and a crew of 2,000.  Guests will have the choice of more than 2,600 staterooms and 180 suites across 11 categories.  Dining onboard Mardi Gras The ship’s venues, dining and entertainment are ...