
The Travitude Travel Group Blog!
Explore the World, One Story at a Time
Avalon River Cruise Across the Netherlands & Belgium
On May 3rd, 2024, Mom and I boarded our 11-hour flight to Amsterdam. Here we would spend the night before boarding a 7-day Avalon River Cruise…



Heading out on a cruise?
See what our consultants did in port, all in one place in our Cruise Port Guides.
Explore our travel stories
Showing 41 stories
Sri Lanka: Ancient Ruins, Tea Country, Wild Elephants and One Very Big Spider
Eight days around Sri Lanka with a private driver: climbing Sigiriya, monkeys in the ruins, tea country, an elephant safari and one very big spider.
Discovering the Magic of Disney’s Aulani: Our August 2023 Family Adventure
A mom-and-daughter stay at Disney’s Aulani on Oahu: a room tour, hunting for the Menehune, Rainbow Reef, the lazy river and Barbara’s luau tips.
My First Trip to Europe: A Rhine River Cruise, the Swiss Alps and Italy
16 days with my mom: an Avalon Rhine river cruise past castles to Strasbourg and Colmar, then Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, the Bernina Express, Verona and Venice.
Planet Hollywood Cancun Review: Our Week in Star Class on the Adult Scene
A week in a Star Class Adult Scene Junior Suite: check-in, the restaurants, the beach and the seaweed question, Star Class perks and Mexican Night.
Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Cancun: Ferry, Playa Norte and a Golf Cart Adventure
The ferry over, lunch at Mocambo, Playa Norte, the Mercado Municipal and a golf cart drive along the South Shore, plus what Barbara would do next time.
Portugal’s Alentejo Region: Évora, Monsaraz, Marvão, Wine, Cork and Marble
Évora’s Bones Chapel, hilltop Monsaraz and Marvão, a cowbell workshop, a winery lunch in a 16th-century chapel, a marble quarry, olive oil and Comporta beach.
Mediterranean Cruise on Harmony of the Seas: Barcelona, Rome, Cinque Terre and More
A family Mediterranean cruise, port by port: Barcelona and Sitges, Palma, Marseille, Cinque Terre, Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with videos and tips from each stop.
Our Best of Ensenada Day: Margaritas, La Bufadora and Wine
The birthplace of the margarita, the La Bufadora blowhole, churros and tacos, and a wine tasting at Santo Tomás, all on the Best of Ensenada tour.
Carnival Mardi Gras Review: Our March Break Family Cruise to San Juan, Amber Cove and Grand Turk
Our balcony cabin, BOLT, Big Chicken and barbecue at Pig & Anchor, zip lining at Amber Cove, and beach days in San Juan and Grand Turk with my boys.
Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Our Experience and Is It Worth It?
Rope bridges over crocodiles, a private safari drive, a snack stop with all the Jambo juice you can drink and the lion! Plus price, requirements and tips.
3 Nights on MSC Meraviglia: My Quick Bahamas Cruise to Nassau and Ocean Cay
A quaint interior cabin, water slides and pools, what’s extra in the Sportplex, and an early-morning beach day at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay.
Our Team’s Day in Bimini, Bahamas
The full story of four consultants’ Bimini cruise days: golf carts, Radio Beach, stingrays, Alice Town and the Virgin Voyages Beach Club.
A Split Stay in the Riviera Maya: Barceló Maya Beach and Iberostar Paraíso Lindo
Two big resort complexes, one trip and one very picky son: Barceló Premium Level perks, Iberostar’s waterpark and what to know about each.
Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites, Jamaica: Our Site Inspection and Honest Review
Now the only family resort at Rose Hall: a huge oceanfront pool, a lazy river, a kids water park and junior suites that sleep 4.
Ocean Coral Spring & Ocean Eden Bay, Jamaica: Our Site Inspection of Two Resorts Side by Side
A family resort and an adults only resort side by side: huge pools, a lazy river, a kids water park and a two-storey rooftop jacuzzi suite.
Chichén Itzá: Ancient Ruins, Sacred Rituals and a Pyramid That Chirps
The Great Ball Court, the truth about Mayan sacrifice and El Castillo’s chirping echo, plus Cenote Chichikan and Valladolid: Barbara’s full-day tour from Costa Mujeres.
Exploring Miami with the Miami Tourism Board: Little Havana, Wynwood and South Beach
Bayside Marketplace, the Museum of Ice Cream, Art Deco and South Beach, a Little Havana food tour, and a graffiti class in Wynwood: Amy’s favourite pre- and post-cruise Miami picks.
Castaway Cay: Disney’s Private Island
Ships dock right at the island! The Family Beach, snorkelling with stingrays, Scuttle’s Cove and Serenity Bay, plus Barbara’s tips for Disney’s private island.
Lopesan Costa Bávaro, Punta Cana: My 3-Night Stay and Resort Review
A massive infinity pool on Bávaro Beach, no limit on à la carte dinners, and a huge waterpark at The Boulevard. Great for families and couples!
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres: Our 3-Night Stay and Honest Review
Huge suites, Preferred Club butler service on WhatsApp, incredible food and a gorgeous beach at this adults-only Costa Mujeres resort.
Breathless Los Cabos: My Site Inspection at a Gem on the Cabo Marina
Marina view suites, à la carte dining, two infinity pools, one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches and a sunset cruise you can’t miss.
Barbados With Allison: Our South Coast Stay, an Island Tour and Harbour Lights
A pink beachfront stay on Dover Beach, an island tour, a catamaran day with sea turtles, Harbour Lights, Mango Bay and the best beach for cruisers.
Planet Hollywood Cancun by Royalton: Our Site Inspection in Playa Mujeres
Amy and Barbara toured every corner: rooms that sleep four adults, Star Class, the pools, kids’ areas, dining and the adults-only Adult Scene.
Breathless Punta Cana: My Site Inspection of This Adults-Only Resort
Amy toured the adults-only resort next to Dreams Onyx: gorgeous pools, great food (real bacon!), the glow party and the Xhale Club.
Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa, Punta Cana: My Review After Two Stays
Amy’s been twice! Rooms, the waterpark and lazy river, the beach, the best taco truck ever and 18+ access to Breathless next door.
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa: Our Site Inspection of a Family-Friendly Riviera Maya Resort
Amy and Barbara toured Dreams Natura: a great family resort with a water park, lazy river and cenote-style spa, and why the Preferred Club is a must!
Caring for Giants: An Unforgettable Elephant Encounter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A behind-the-scenes elephant tour at Animal Kingdom: what it costs, how close you get, a lightning delay and why it’s worth it.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun: My Site Inspection and What’s New After the 2026 Renovation
An adults-only 5-star in the Cancun Hotel Zone with ocean views from every suite, an incredible spa and a secret lagoon pool, plus everything new after its 2026 renovation!
Cozumel Site Inspections: Sunscape Sabor, Dreams Cozumel Cape & Secrets Aura
Three small resorts side by side on the beach in Cozumel: Dreams Cozumel Cape for families, adults-only Secrets Aura, and an update on Sunscape Sabor. Here’s what I saw on my site inspections!
Sirenis Punta Cana: My Site Inspection of a Fun Family Resort
Family rooms for up to 5, the included Aquagames waterpark, 7 speciality restaurants and so many food options. Here’s what I saw on my site inspection!
Riu Ocho Rios Review: The Jamaica Resort That Surprised Me Most
A family-friendly beachfront all-inclusive with Splash Water World, Family Suites for up to 6, a modern Kids Club and great value for Jamaica. Here’s what Barbara and I saw on our site inspection!
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort: My Site Inspection in St. Maarten
One of the few all-inclusives on St. Maarten, with a family side, the adults-only Ocean Point section and breathtaking views. Here’s what I saw on my site inspection!
Hyatt Ziva Cancun: My Site Inspection at a 5-Star Family Resort
270-degree ocean views, an adults-only tower, reservation-free dining and so much more. Here’s why Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of my top family picks!
Universal Orlando During the Holidays: A Festive Planning Guide
2026 holiday dates, Grinchmas, the Macy’s parade, Christmas at Hogwarts, Epic Universe décor and smart tips for a merry Universal getaway.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando: A First-Timer’s Guide
Dates, haunted houses, scare zones, tickets, Express and age advice, plus tips from a Universal specialist for your first Halloween Horror Nights.
Alaska by Sea: Our Cruise Aboard the Emerald Princess
Glaciers, gold-rush history, a train ride through the mountains and a wildlife sighting we never saw coming, sailing to Alaska from Vancouver.
Let’s Talk Alaska: Celebrating 50 Years on Royal Caribbean®’s Serenade of the Seas
Celebrating my parents’ 50th anniversary on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver: Dawes Glacier, the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, Skagway’s train and Sitka’s totem poles.
Your First Cruise: Tips for a Smooth Sailing Experience
Planning your very first cruise? How exciting! To make sure your trip goes off without a hitch, here are a few tried-and-true tips from seasoned cruisers.
Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia
There’s nothing quite like exploring the Greek Isles and Adriatic coast by sea — waking up surrounded by breathtaking scenery, world-class cuisine, and rich history.
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras: A Guide to the Park’s Most Colorful Celebration
The best time to visit Universal Orlando Resort is during Mardi Gras season. Each year, the park transforms into a vibrant celebration…
Nunavut Canada, the High Arctic and Greenland
When I was awarded a spot on an Arctic Circle cruise to explore the High Arctic and Greenland, my first thought was, “This isn’t my typical scene”…
Understanding Travel Insurance
Protecting your trip should be a priority. Learn about the different options available to you.
40,000 steps and a million memories — NYC in December
There is just something so magical about the dazzling lights, energetic buzz, and iconic backdrop of NYC at Christmas…
Is Royal Caribbean®’s Deluxe Beverage Package Worth It?
Every time we sail with Royal Caribbean®, hubby and I purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package — but is it worth it for every cruiser? Let me break it down so you can decide for yourself!
Portugal: From Lisbon to Algarve
If you’ve ever thought about traveling to Portugal—do it. After spending five glorious weeks exploring this charming, sun-drenched country, I can wholeheartedly say: I am in love.
Glorious Galapagos
From Jungle to Ocean: My Life-Changing Journey Through Ecuador …
Why We Charge a Professional Travel Planning Fee
Today’s travel includes tons of forms, entry requirements, fluctuating policies, and a sea of fine print. Our team stays current on all of it, so you don’t have to!
Broadway Up Close: Our July 2023 Visit to the Museum of Broadway
Join me as I recap my exciting NYC adventure with the spotlight on BROADWAY!
All About Perfect Day at CocoCay®
Welcome to Royal Caribbean®’s private port of call in the Bahamas – Perfect Day CocoCay®! This is a day unlike any other…
Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World: Pros & Cons
The pros and cons, and one of the biggest questions facing modern park-goers is whether to purchase Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections…
Farah’s Journey to Jordan
From floating in the ocean, to sleeping under star lit skies after a desert adventure, to exploring a bustling city, Jordan should be on your bucket list.
Why You Should Book With a Travitude Travel Group Agent
Did you know you can save money by working with a travel agent to plan your trips? Learn how our experts deliver stress-free, affordable travel!
Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center
No trip to Hawaii is complete without discovering authentic Island Traditions at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Yacht Sailing Croatia– August 2024
Croatia, a crescent-shaped country, boasts a stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful historic towns…
How to Spend the Best Day at Epcot
Welcome to Epcot, where you can literally travel the world and blast into the future—all before dinner! This isn’t your typical theme park experience.
My Adventure in Zambia with The Bushcamp Company
If someone came up to me and asked if I’d like to take a trip where I have to be in a room by nightfall and wake up at 5 am every day, travel on 3 planes and 24 hours to get to my destination, my answer would be ABSOLUTELY NOT.
How to Have a Successful Friend-cation!
From besties who want to hit the road to a multigenerational get-together, here are some questions to get the ball rolling…
Sip Happens — Osoyoos, British Columbia
Did you know British Columbia has a semi-arid desert region, the Okanagan Valley, that is fantastic for wineries?
Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your First Voyage
With numerous cruise lines and experiences selecting the right one can be a challenge…
A Perfect Day at Magic Kingdom
Only have one day? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney veteran, this comprehensive guide…
Dive In and Make a Difference!
Thinking about scuba diving? Join us as we explore seven dynamic ways scuba divers can protect reefs, species, and the future of our oceans.
7 Day Alaska Cruise with Royal Caribbean® on Radiance of the Seas
An Alaskan Cruise was always on our bucket list. So, when we decided to book it, finally…
How to Spend the Best Day at Hollywood Studios
Lights, camera, action! Where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age collide with cutting-edge immersive experiences that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into your favourite movies.
Renting vs. Buying Scuba Gear: Learn the Pros and Cons
Before you take the plunge, you’ll need to decide whether to rent scuba equipment from a resort or invest in your own gear. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.
My cruise on the Celebrity Summit!
I travelled with my husband on a 5-night cruise to the Bahamas, with stops in Key West, Bimini, and Nassau. It was our first time travelling without the kids for that long!
Pick a Pearl, Epcot’s Best Kept Secret
Discover the hidden Epcot experience where a simple oyster pick turns into a magical, memory-making ceremony—complete with rare pearls, joyful surprises, and a tradition worth adding.
Planning Your First Scuba Vacation: A Beginner’s Guide
As a newly certified diver, planning your first scuba vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming. …
Top 5 Best Places for Scuba Diving in The Caribbean
With sugar-fine white sandy beaches embraced by translucent turquoise waters, …
The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, offering an incredibly diverse range of marine life…
Rima’s Adventure to Africa
From History to the Heart of the Wild, Rima recaps her time spent in South Africa.
My Unforgettable Dive Liveaboard Adventure in Thailand
My journey through the Similan Islands was an experience that I will never forget. Join me as I recap my exploration beneath the surface!
No stories match that yet. Try another topic, consultant or search word.
Read something that sparked an idea? Tell us how you like to travel and a Travitude Travel Group travel consultant will take it from there.
Talk to a travel consultantWhere will you go next?
Talk to a travel consultant who's been there.
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll take it from there.







































































