Tag Archives: Travel

New ETA Requirement for Travellers to the UK- shared by Queen of Clubs

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Elevated view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Starting on 8th January 2025, travellers (including children and infants) from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK.
The application process will open at different times depending on your country of origin. Check the full list of nationalities that require the visa to enter.
WHO MUST APPLY
Application Process
CostThe ETA application fee is £10
ValidityEach ETA is valid for multiple entries overtwo years or until the holder’s passport expires
How to ApplyTravellers can apply through the officialgovernment website
GOV.UK
What You Can Do with an ETAStay in the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term studyEngage in certain permitted paid engagements or eventsTransit through the UK, including cases where you do not pass through UK border control
Action Steps for Travellers
Check EligibilityDetermine if you need an ETA based onyour nationality and travel plans
Prepare Necessary DocumentsEnsure you have a valid passport and a paymentmethod for the application fee
Submit ApplicationApply for the ETA well in advance of your traveldates to allow for processing time

Iceland with Windstar Cruises

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Circumnavigating Iceland on Windstar’s Star Pride offers an intimate and luxurious way to explore the Land of Fire and Ice. Here are the key details of this unique cruise experience:

Itinerary

The 7-day cruise departs round-trip from Reykjavik, allowing passengers to circumnavigate the entire island of Iceland13. Key ports of call include:

  • Heimaey Island
  • Seydisfjordur
  • Akureyri
  • Isafjordur
  • Grundarfjordur

Ship Details

The Star Pride is a small luxury yacht that can access ports larger ships cannot reach2. Some key features include:

  • Capacity for 312 guests
  • Recently renovated in 2022
  • All-suite accommodations
  • Open bridge policy allowing guests to visit the captain
  • Watersports platform for activities in warmer climates

Excursions and Activities

Windstar offers over 40 shore excursions across the 5 ports, catering to different interests and activity levels2. Popular options include:

  • Puffin watching tours
  • Glacier hikes
  • 4×4 safaris
  • Whale watching
  • Scenic flights over glaciers and waterfalls

Special onboard events include crossing the Arctic Circle ceremony and an optional polar plunge into the Greenland Sea2.

Onboard Experience

The Star Pride provides an intimate, relaxed luxury experience4. Highlights include:

  • Multiple dining venues including specialty restaurants
  • Heated whirlpools and a plunge pool
  • Spa and fitness center
  • Lounge and entertainment areas

With its small size and curated itinerary, this Windstar cruise offers an ideal way to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and unique culture in comfort and style.

Spectacular Taormina

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Just returned from Taormina is a fantastic destination. ! This red hot Sicilian gem offers a stunning blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture. Here’s a guide to getting the most out of a trip to Taormina:

1. Must-See Sights

• Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre): An ancient amphitheater with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. This is a perfect spot for sunset photos and a must-see for history enthusiasts.

• Isola Bella: This small, scenic island connected by a sandbar is ideal for a beach day. You can snorkel in the crystal-clear water and explore the surrounding marine reserve.

• Corso Umberto: The main street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Strolling here lets you soak in Taormina’s charm, with plenty of spots for gelato breaks!

2. Experiences Unique to Taormina

• Cable Car to Mazzarò Beach: Take the cable car down to Mazzarò Beach. It’s a quick ride and gives you panoramic views as you descend.

• Mount Etna Excursion: Just an hour away, Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Guided tours take you through lava fields and offer insights into the region’s geology.

• Cooking Class: Sicilian cuisine is incredible, and Taormina offers many cooking classes. You could learn to make arancini, pasta alla Norma, or cannoli—dishes you can recreate at home!

3. Food and Wine

• Local Dishes: Don’t miss pasta con le sarde (sardines pasta), caponata (Sicilian eggplant dish), and cannoli. For seafood, restaurants along the coast serve freshly caught fish and seafood platters.

• Wineries: Sicily has a rich wine culture, especially with wines made from grapes grown on Mount Etna. Consider visiting a local vineyard for a wine-tasting tour.

4. Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April – June) and Fall (September – October): These months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists than in peak summer.

• Summer (July – August): This is peak season, but festivals like Taormina Film Fest in June attract visitors. It’s busy, yet there’s an incredible buzz and energy.

5. Practical Tips

• Getting Around: Taormina’s main sites are walkable, though a good pair of walking shoes is essential due to the hilly terrain. Buses are available if you want to explore nearby villages.

• Language: English is widely understood in tourist areas, but knowing a few Italian phrases can make interactions even more enjoyable.

Highlights of Virtuoso Week

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A record 3900 consultants and suppliers from all over the world attended Virtuoso Week in Las Vegas. 312,000, 4 minute appointments were accomplished, bring the travel world together for their annual meeting.
Always fun and absorbing, one departs with complete brain overload.
For me, it brings new and wonderful resorts, tour companies, travel ideas, and reinforces ones I already know about.
Some of the new properties I discovered were Upper House (a spectacular hotel in Hong Kong), the fabulous new hotel Siam from Bangkok, Ballyfin, a stunning new manor house hotel in Ireland. A very pleasant surprise was hearing about a hotel thy has been right under my nose, the St.Regis Washington DC. Right across from the White House, it is a gorgeous property.
Starwood hotels have unveiled some new properties and reopened some new renovations like the Gritti Palace in Venice, St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico, St.Regis Bal Harbor.
I always return home completely invigorated and ready to share my new destination ideas and activities. The energy and passion during Virtuoso Week is highly contagious.

Fabulous new hotel in Bangkok – The Siam

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The Siam, a spectacular luxury hotel that has just opened in Bangkok in June, lives up to all it’s abundant  hype.  A Bill Bensley design, it is a feast for the eyes. Owned by a prominent family in Bangkok, I heard Mr. Bensley was given carte blanche to do whatever he felt was appropriate. I have to say it is one of his best efforts. 
Mr. Bensley incorporated four of Jim Thompson’s houses with contemporary elements ( Jim Thompson – fascinating American character that single  handedly started the Thai Silk industry after World War 2 and disappeared in the 60’s after walking into the Malaysian jungle- http://www.jimthompson.com. A whole subject unto himself.) 
 One of the owners is a prolific antique collector; a popular actor and singer, his collection is seen everywhere.  As a former antique dealer, I was blown away with his enthusiastic , eclectic collection. The hotel even has a screening room.  On either side of the screen is a collage of old movie tickets on a pair of panels.  One of the restaurants, with highly regarded Thai cuisine, utilizes one of the  antique Thai houses. Food was excellent and the setting was delightful. Located on the Chao Praya, in the elegant Dusit neighborhood one is in a more peaceful part of the city.  The hotel is planning to take clients sightseeing by boat- the Grand Temple is nearby. Another interesting aspect of activities offered at the Siam is kickboxing. The hotel has a ring and lessons for guests in their ample, enormous gym.  As a  guest, one can take lessons, and if you stay long enough , you will become a proficient kick boxer!  Hmmm… 

Burmese Monasteries and their revered Monks

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Monasteries and Monks have a tremendous influence in the predominately Buddhist country of Burma.   We were privileged to visit the Mahagandahyon Monastery in Mandalay- one of the most important and holy monasteries in Burma.   It houses 1000 monks from age 12- 90. 
Every Burmese man must become a monk for at least one week; there are 500,000 monks in Burma. Highly revered, they take their vows seriously and spend most of their time studying and living Buddhism. Buddhist Monks only eat twice a day at around 8AM and again at 11AM and that is the last meal of the day for them

Traveling through Burma

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We have landed in the Inle Lake area of Burma. It is like traveling back to a very simple time. We see farmers plowing their fields with cows, horse and buggies used for transport. Inle lake is in the center eastern part of the country. A very fertile area, Inle lake is a shallow lake that is the agricultural heart of Burma. Hundred of floating islands of tomatoes and other vegetables. We flew to Heho, and then took a bus and boat to our hotel, the Inle Princess. Beautiful and very peaceful. Right out of George Orwell’s “Burmese Days”.
Today we are taking the longboats to a tribal market.

ULTIMATE e-Weekly Specials

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Looking for the PERFECT summer get-a-way?  Check out these amazing specials:  ULTIMATE e-Weekly Specials -Week of April 26 cs print