Family vacations are a great opportunity for kids, parents and even grandparents to spend quality time together while exploring a new destination. Here are a few ideas for your next trip. While they get less attention than their national counterparts, state parks are terrific vacation spots, too. South Dakota’s Custer State Park, in the Black Hills, is an outdoor lover’s dream, with hiking, biking, swimming, … Continue reading Family Vacation Ideas

Exploring is part of the fun when you’re visiting a city on vacation. Sometimes it’s nice to wander on your own, but a walking tour led by a guide is a great way to deepen your experience. Here are some examples of tours you can take that cover everything from food and history to architecture and the arts. Your Travel Leaders travel advisor will have … Continue reading Guided City Walks

Food halls and markets are more than just great places to eat. As you travel, they’re also a great way to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions and history of your destination. Here are a few examples. Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market opened on Feb. 22, 1893, and did a booming business before going into a period of decline in the mid 20th century. It was … Continue reading Food Markets

Whether you have a green thumb, or just want the experience of enjoying nature in full bloom, here are some ideas for planning a vacation around a flower show or botanical garden. Established in 1891, the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is the largest in any U.S. city. Themed spaces include a Victorian-style greenhouse, a garden with plants native to the Northeast, a Home Gardening … Continue reading Flower & Garden Shows

In October 2023 Lynn sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line on the Norwegian Viva from Rome to Venice. The ship was just three months old and she was gorgeous. A few quick specs on Viva: 142,500 Gross register tonnage3,099 Guest capacity, double occupancy1,506 Crew capacity965ft Overall length133ft Max width beam2023 Year built Below is Lynn’s review of her time onboard Norwegian Viva. First ImpressionsWow, just, wow. … Continue reading Lynn’s Review of Norwegian Viva

If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe this year but you want an experience that’s out of the ordinary, consider visiting one of the three communities being celebrated as a European Capital of Culture for 2024. While Europe’s biggest cities get lots of attention, the continent is home to smaller cities and towns whose charms, cuisine and attractions make them as worthy of exploration … Continue reading 2024 European Capitals of Culture

A new year means new rides and attractions at theme parks. So, if you want to start planning your vacation, here’s a sample of what’s in store. If you love roller coasters, you’ll want to check out a new one at SeaWorld in Orlando — Penguin Trek. This indoor/outdoor ride is designed for families. You’ll board your snowmobile for an exciting trip through the breathtaking … Continue reading Theme Park Thrills

If Valentine’s Day has you thinking about a romantic getaway, here are some destinations that can serve as inspiration in February and beyond. For many people Paris, known as the City of Love, is synonymous with romance. You can spend hours wandering through one of the city’s beautiful parks, like the Luxembourg Gardens, a vast green space that includes an orchard, woodland and pond, as … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Inspired Trips

Studies have shown that taking a vacation can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Time off reduces stress, improves family relationships and makes you more productive when you return home or go back to your job. But according to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, more than 4 in 10 workers say they take less time off than their … Continue reading National Plan a Vacation Day

If you’re in the right place at the right time on Monday, April 8, you can catch a glimpse of something rare — a total solar eclipse. But many people will have the same idea, so the sooner you make your travel plans the better. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking … Continue reading Total Eclipse Travel