Normandy

Normandy: A Place of Remembrance

Most of us think of World War II when we hear the name Normandy, and with good reason. Home to the largest amphibious assault in history, the invasion of Normandy will forever be a large part of history. But this region in Northern France offers more than just a rich history; it offers a magnificent present that respects its past. Travelweekly.com sums up why Normandy is the perfect vacation destination for history buffs and modern day travelers alike.

With Normandy’s extensive history, it is no wonder there are so many museums. The Archbishop’s Palace in Rouen is best known for the palace in which Joan of Arc was sentenced to death. Today, it pays tribute to the saint with tours that include audio guides, prearranged tours, film clips, and actor portrayals of the trial. In addition, art work can be appreciated as visitors tour the palace.

For those who like more recent history, two museums offer visitors history and experience of D-Day at Normandy. Dead Man’s Corner Museum opened in 2015 in a hanger to house the artillery, aircraft, and machinery used in the campaign. Visitors can get a first-hand feel of the aircraft, as “rides” mocking paratroopers on a C-47 are available.

The Civilians in Wartime Memorial in Falaise opened in 2016 and displays scenery of the war from a civilian’s point of view of WWII. Ruins of houses that were bombed by allied forces are open for touring.  

Besides the historical sites, Normandy offers visitors modern day activities as well. The Lawn Tennis Club of Deauville opened in June of 2016, and is home to the first grass court tennis club in France. Deauville also offers the 1912 Normandy Hotel, which reopened in 2016. This luxury hotel now accommodates 271 guests after its renovation.

Fishing boats in the harbor give visitors of Normandy a modern day feel and the nostalgia of years past. Be it history or outdoor activities, this coastal area in Northern France may provide a vacation to be remembered.

Slovenia

Slovenia: You don’t want to miss this.

When considering European vacation destinations, we don’t usually think of Slovenia. But don’t overlook it-- we believe there may be plenty of reasons to put Slovenia on your must-see list.

Slovenia is the hidden treasure of Europe; and by hidden, we mean both geographically and metaphorically. It is bordered by Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Austria. While it is on the far north of the Adriatic Sea, very little of Slovenia’s land is on the shore, giving very little coastline. But don’t be fooled; Slovenia is as impressive as its neighbors.

Travelpulse.com mentions several reasons to go to Slovenia, and several things to see and do. Among them are the topography, and the diversity of it. From mountainous regions to rolling hills, there is plenty of beautiful landscape to admire. The Karst region has caves for exploring, including Postojna Cave Park and Skocjan Caves, which have a river that runs through the cavernous rooms. In the northern part of the country, tourists can view the Austrian Alps, and maybe even try their famous ski jumping activities.

When it’s time to eat, you will have plenty of varieties to choose from. With Slovenia being so close to Italy, you can expect plenty of Italian food, including pizza, risotto, and pasta. Despite that Slovenia has very little coastline, it still offers plenty of seafood such as sardines, clams, octopus, and even sea urchins, for curious foodies. What to drink with these delicious meals? Slovenia has its share of small wineries for your refreshment. You can even take tours of the wineries, and converse with their owners.

For your physical activities, Slovenia won’t let you down. There are many trails between villages, and even some that run alongside the shores, that allow for enjoyable hiking. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are various scenic drives to take. And to relax, there are several hot springs within the country.

Still need to be convinced that Slovenia is a great vacation destination? It might help to know that because it is still a relatively unknown tourist spot, prices on car rentals, hotels, activities, and food are quite affordable.  Your travel agent can get quotes and prices for you.

It is clear that there are many reasons to visit Slovenia. From the scenery to the activities, the food to the wine, Slovenia could be the affordable, comfortable vacation you have yet to discover.

Olympics

Where will you travel to see The Olympics: Paris or Los Angeles?

Every four years, the world gets together to see The Summer Olympics. Participants and spectators travel to the city that hosts the event to compete and cheer on their country’s team. The Olympics have become more than just the event’s destination; it is a way to travel to other lands in the spirit of competition. During these events, patriotism and sportsmanship go hand-in-hand with travel and tourism.

Every four years a new city hosts the event. These host cities are determined well in advance by the International Olympic Committee. But the 2024 and 2028 Olympics are still in question as to where they will be held. Both Paris and Los Angeles have been chosen for one of these two years, and the two cities have been asked to decide amongst themselves to determine which city will host which year. The International Olympic Committee will then ratify the decision.

It is anyone’s guess which city will host which year, but according to TravelMarketReport.com, insiders predict that Paris will get to host the Olympics first, in 2024. Many believe this will help tourism in Paris, who is dealing with a slumping industry in light of terrorist issues in recent months.

Once the International Olympic Committee has decided which city will host first, it is important to book travels plans quickly. Both cities state that they currently have about 90% of the travel facilities needed to host the event, according to TravelMarketReport.com, but those facilities will fill up soon after the announcement of the dates.

New Zealand

New Zealand: 3 Million Tourists Can’t Be Wrong

New Zealand is out to capture the hearts of tourists around the world, and with all that it has to offer, that shouldn’t be too hard to achieve. New Zealand is stepping up their game with a new tourism campaign that shows how diverse and breathtaking their beautiful landscape really is. Their new message, “Where one journey leads to another,” becomes apparent when we discover the majestic countryside of New Zealand.  From waterfalls to diving to historic sights, this country has the scenic journeys that will make tourists fall in love with this land of splendor.

Many people from all over the world have started to take notice of the awe of New Zealand. Travelpulse.com notes that there has been an increase in tourism to the country. In fact, they state that over 3 million tourists visited New Zealand in 2016, which is impressive as the population of New Zealand is only 4.5 million. The country’s tourism council expects the number of visitors to grow, perhaps exceeding the number of its country’s own citizens.

The many guests of this beautiful country can’t be wrong. The vast and expansive landscape and various activities give these tourists much to discover. Find out for yourself why so many people are flocking to New Zealand. With so much to see and do, you won’t have a hard time.

Ireland

2017 Tourism Trends: Ireland

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing Irish culture firsthand? If so, you’re in good company. In a recent Travel Pulse article, Donald Wood reports that tourism in Ireland has grown this year. Wood cites an Irish Times article in which statistics from the Central Statistics Office of Ireland show that the country welcomed 943,300 visitors this May, as well as a 3% increase in visitors from January to May compared to those months in 2016. Markets of growing interest to the Irish tourism industry are North America, Europe, and Australia.

2017 has seen a 23% rise in visitor numbers from North America—a priority market for holiday travelers and tourist spending—per Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland. On the other hand, Tourism Ireland shares that visits from British tourists have decreased by 6.8%, which is partially attributed to Britain’s choice to leave the European Union. According to its CEO, Tourism Ireland is aiming current marketing efforts toward tourists wishing to learn more about Irish culture. Wherever visitors come from, tourism is vital to Ireland’s economy—as about 281,000 residents of the Republic of Ireland make their living from tourist spending. So if visiting Ireland is on your wish list, now may be the time to make that wish come true.

Calling All Walking Dead Fans: The 2018 Walker Stalker Cruise

Are you looking for a way to work your favorite TV show into your travel plans? Do you want to take a cruise next year? If so, we may have the dream vacation for you! In a Travel Pulse article, Donald Wood shares news worth celebrating for viewers of The Walking Dead. Per the Walker Stalker Cruise website, the zombie show-themed cruise, aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl, starts out from New Orleans on January 26, 2018; thus begins a 4-night journey including a visit to Cozumel, Mexico, before the ship’s January 30 return to the U.S.

While passengers enjoy the cruise ship’s features, they will also be treated to a fantastic lineup of special Walking Dead-themed events, like the chance to meet the actors playing fan favorites like Daryl and Maggie, along with the creator of the original comic book series and other behind-the-scenes contributors. This cruise also offers activities for zombie apocalypse aficionados, as well as live musical performances. For $895 per passenger (when booking for 2 guests) plus taxes and fees, you could be one of the estimated 2500 fans aboard the 3^rd annual Walker Stalker Cruise.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam at a Glance

Will you be on board one of the 300+ ships sailing out of Amsterdam’s port between July and October this year? If so, you’ll want to spend a couple days before or after your cruise checking out the city’s offerings. Even during a short visit, you can experience Amsterdam (famous for its canals and architecture) by planning your activities wisely. In a Travel Pulse article, Eric Bowman recommends starting with 5 goals for your stay as well as choosing your best mode of transportation. One option is the I Amsterdam City Card, available for purchase online. The purchase price includes access to public transit, a city map, and special offers (like a scenic canal cruise). Other options include catching available buses or taking a bicycle tour.

However you choose to get around the city and surrounding neighborhoods, there’s so much to see and do. From street vendors and outdoor cafes to fancy restaurants, Amsterdam offers visitors several opportunities to enjoy Dutch dining. Other notable tourist attractions in the city centre include the Anne Frank House—tickets are available for purchase online and photography is prohibited inside the house—and the “I amsterdam” sign (a very popular photo op). Outside the city centre, you’ll find diverse local attractions like the Heineken Experience in De Pijp and art museums in Oud-Zuid. For those who wish to visit the famous Red-Light District, it offers new tourist attractions among older establishments. Whatever you decide, enjoy Amsterdam!